Patent Application
20250004508
Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a hinge structure, in which at least a portion of a folding area of a display is received, and a foldable electronic device including the same.
Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, may provide various functions as well as call functions based on various types of applications. In a process of providing various functions, portable electronic devices may output images (e.g., screens) corresponding to the functions. When using the various functions described above, a user of the electronic device may wish to employ a wider screen.
When a portable electronic display device is enlarged to provide a larger size screen (e.g., a display screen), the overall size of the electronic display device increases, which may deteriorate portability thereof. Accordingly, foldable portable electronic display devices are developed so that the screen size may be increased while maintaining portability of the devices.
A foldable electronic device (or a portable electronic device, a portable communication device, a foldable electronic device, or a foldable electronic device with a communication function) according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure includes a display, a first housing and a second housing, in which at least a portion of the display is received, a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge housing, in which the hinge structure is seated, the hinge structure includes a fixing bracket fixed to the hinge housing and including a first rail and a second rail, a first rotation member including a first rail structure fastened to the first rail and being rotated about a first axis, and a second rail structure extending from the first rail structure and being rotated about a second axis, a second rotation member including a third structure fastened to the second rail and being rotated about a third axis, and a fourth rail structure extending from the third rail structure and being rotated about a fourth axis, a first link member including a third rail fastened the arc-shaped second rail structure and including a first slide holding part disposed adjacent to the third rail, a second link member including a fourth rail fastened the arc-shaped fourth rail structure and including a second slide holding part disposed adjacent to the fourth rail, a first arm member including a first slide structure held on the first slide holding part, and a second arm member including a second slide structure held on the second slide holding part.
A hinge structure employed in a portable communication device according to various embodiments includes a fixing bracket including an arc-shaped first rail and an arc-shaped second rail, a first rotation member including a first rail structure fastened to the first rail and rotated about a first axis, and a second rail structure extending from the first rail structure and rotated about a second axis, a second rotation member including a third rail structure fastened to the second rail and rotated about a third axis, and a fourth rail structure extending from the third rail structure and rotated about a fourth axis, a first link member including a first slide holding part including a third rail fastened to the arc-shaped second rail structure and disposed adjacent to the third rail, a second link member including a second slide holding part including a fourth rail fastened to the arc-shaped fourth rail structure and disposed adjacent to the fourth rail, a first arm member including a first slide structure, in which the first slide holding part is held, and a second arm member including a second slide structure, in which the second slide holding part is held.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
One or more embodiment of the disclosure described below provides a hinge structure in which at least a portion of a folding area of a display is received, and which maintains a folding area at which a display is folded. The folding area is maintained in a water drop shape, thereby reducing (or dispersing) stresses occurring in the folding area and decreasing deformation or damage to the display, and a foldable electronic device including the same.
Additionally, one or more embodiment of the disclosure also provides a hinge structure in which at least a portion of a folding area of display is received, and which may protect the folding area of the display using a smaller space compared to previous structures of foldable electronic devices and adhering housings which surround the display (or reducing ae space between the housings) to reduce introduction of foreign substances into a foldable electronic device, and a foldable electronic device including the same.
One or more embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a hinge structure at least a portion of a folding area of a display is received, and which may adjust a folding or unfolding structure of the foldable electronic device which receives the folding area of the display to ensure a robust feature to an external impact, and a foldable electronic device including the same.
At least a portion of the foldable electronic device providing the above-described effects may be achieved by at least one embodiment or at least a part of one embodiment described below.
A hinge structure which accommodates at least a portion of a folding area of a display and a foldable electronic device including the same according to an embodiment support folding the foldable electronic device into a parallel gap.
Furthermore, an embodiment may reduce stresses acting on the folding area of the display.
In addition, an embodiment may reduce introduction of foreign substances and provide robust characteristics to an external impact by tightly adhering an area which surrounds the display of the foldable electronic device.
In addition, various purposes and effects provided by the hinge structure and the electronic device including the same according to various embodiments may be mentioned according to the embodiments of the detailed description.
The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being related to another element such as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being related to another element such as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.
It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or “section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, “a”, “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, reference to “an” element in a claim followed by reference to “the” element is inclusive of one element and a plurality of the elements. For example, “an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The term “lower,” can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.
Referring to
When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, a folded area (or a folding area) of the display 160 is formed in a water drop shape (or a dumbbell shape), to which gravity is applied. That is, the foldable electronic device which is folded includes portions of the third area 163 facing each other together with the first area 161 and second area 162 facing each other and being closer to each other than the portions of the third area 163, to form the dumbbell shape. Thus, a folding radius (curvature) that prevents cracks or buckling from occurring in the folded area of the display 160 may be secured. Furthermore, a dumbbell-shaped display folded area is disposed in specific spaces of the housings 110 and 120. Thus, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the housings 110 and 120 may be disposed to face each other such that a gap therebetween having a ┌┐-shaped disposition state may be reduced. Through this, according to the electronic device 100, an overall size of the electronic device 100 may be reduced by decreasing the gap between the housings 110 and 120 in the folded state, and foreign substances may be prevented from being introduced between the housings 110 and 120.
The first housing 110 may be hingedly connected to the second housing 120 by using at least one hinge structure 200a, 200b, and 200c. The first housing 110 may include a bottom area on which the display 160 is seated, and a side wall or a separately provided frame which surrounds a periphery of the display 160 or a periphery of an area on which the display 160 is seated. Additionally, a rear cover may be disposed on a rear surface of the first housing 110. Here, the rear cover may be omitted.
At least a portion of the first housing 110 may be adhered to at least a portion of a first area 161 of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a portion of a periphery of the front surface (a surface facing the z-axis direction) of the first housing 110 may be adhered to at least a portion of a periphery of the first area 161 of the display 160. In this regard, an adhesion layer may be disposed between the front surface of the first housing 110 and the first area 161 of the display 160.
At least a portion of an inside of the first housing 110 may be hollow. At least one of at least one circuit board, at least one battery, and at least one camera module may be disposed in an interior of first housing 110. The circuit board and the battery disposed in the first housing 110 may be electrically connected to electronic elements (e.g., at least one circuit board and at least one battery) disposed in an interior of second housing 120 through a flexible board (not illustrated). For example, the flexible board (not illustrated) may extend from a partial area of the first housing 110 across the hinge housing 150 to a partial area of the second housing 120. A partial area of the flexible board (not illustrated) may be located in an interior of hinge housing 150. For example, a processor and a memory may be disposed on a circuit board disposed in the first housing 110.
At least a portion of the first housing 110 may be formed of a metallic material, or at least a portion thereof may be formed of a nonmetallic material. The first housing 110 may be formed of a material having a specific level of strength to support at least a portion of the display 160. In an embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state, a portion of the first housing 110, which faces the second housing 120 (or a portion which is adjacent to the second housing 120) may include a recessed part, at least a portion of which is recessed so that the hinge housing 150 may be disposed therein.
The first housing 110 may be connected to the at least one hinge structure 200a, 200b, and 200c, and may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to a rotation axis extended along the y-axis (e.g., a direction when the electronic device 100 is folded) or may be rotated in a clockwise direction (e.g., a direction when the electronic device 100 is unfolded) from an arbitrary point other than 0 between the −x-axis and the x-axis to an arbitrary point between the z-axis to the −z-axis due to an external pressure (e.g., a force applied by the user who holds the first housing 110), applied from the outside. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the first housing 110 may be disposed in parallel to the z-axis or may be disposed in parallel to the second housing 120. While the first housing 110 is disposed in parallel to the second housing 120, at least portions of three peripheries (the remaining peripheries other than a periphery which is adjacent to the second housing 120 when the electronic device is in the unfolded state) of the first housing 110 may be disposed to contact three peripheries (the remaining peripheries except for a periphery which is adjacent to the first housing 110 when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state) of the second housing 120.
The second housing 120 may be hingedly connected to the first housing 110 through the at least one hinge structure 200a, 200b, and 200c. The second housing 120 may include a front surface (or a bottom surface), on which at least a portion (at least a portion of a second area 162) of the display 160 is seated, and a side wall or a separately provided frame which surrounds a periphery of at least a portion of the front surface or the second area 162 of the display 160. At least a portion of the second housing 120 may be adhered to at least a portion of the second area 162 of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a portion of a periphery of the front surface of the second housing 120 may be adhered to a periphery of the second area 162 of the display 160. In this regard, an adhesion layer may be disposed between the front surface of the second housing 120 and the second area 162 of the display 160.
Similar to the first housing 110, the second housing 120 may have a hollow at at least a portion of an inside thereof. At least one of the at least one circuit board and the at least one battery may be disposed in an interior of second housing 120. Alternatively, at least one battery may be disposed in any one or both of the first housing 110 or the second housing 120. At least one of the printed circuit board or the battery disposed in the second housing 120 may be electrically connected to a component (e.g., at least one of the printed circuit board or the battery) disposed in the first housing 110 through a flexible board.
Similar to the first housing 110, at least a portion of the second housing 120 may be formed of a metallic material, or at least a portion thereof may be formed of a nonmetallic material. The second housing 120 may be formed of a material having a specific level of strength to support at least a portion of the display 160. In an embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, a portion of the second housing 120, which faces the first housing 110 (or a portion which is adjacent to the first housing 110) may include a recessed part, at least a portion of which is recessed so that the hinge housing may be disposed therein. The recessed part of the second housing 120 may be disposed adjacent to the recessed part of the first housing 110. A rear cover may be disposed on the rear surface of the second housing 120. Here, the rear cover may be omitted.
At least a portion of the hinge housing 150 may be disposed in recessed parts which are formed at a portion which the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 faces or that is adjacent to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state. The hinge housing 150 may be provided in form which extends longer in the y-axis direction than the x-axis direction as a whole, where a plane may be defined by the y-axis and the x-axis direction crossing each other. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and depending on a type of electronic device 100, a length in the x-axis direction may be greater than a length in the y-axis direction. A structure (e.g., a boss or a hook) for fixing the at least one hinge structure 200a, 200b, and 200c may be disposed in a partial area of an inner surface of the hinge housing 150.
At least a portion of the display 160 may have flexibility. For example, the display 160 may include a first area 161 at least a portion of which is disposed on the first housing 110, a second area 162 at least a portion of which is disposed on the second housing 120, and a third area 163 (or a folded area or a folding area) which is located between the first area 161 and the second area 162 and at which the display 160 is foldable.
When the electronic device 100 is in the folded or unfolded state, at least portions of the first area 161 and the second area 162 may be disposed flat (e.g., non-folded area or non-folding area), and when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, at least a portion of the third area 163 may be curved. For example, the first area 161 and the second area 162 may be maintained on a plane (a disposition location of the plane is changed) regardless of the folded state of the electronic device 100, and the third area 163 may be deformed into a curved state or a flat state in correspondence to the state of the electronic device 100. For example, the third area 163 may be in a planar state (or a flat state) when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, and at least a portion thereof may be in a curved state when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state.
The display 160 may include various layers. For example, the display 160 may include an external protective layer (or a glass layer or a polymer layer) having a specific transparency and a specified size, a display panel layer (or a panel layer, a panel, or a display panel) which is disposed under the external protective layer to display the screen (e.g., provide an image on a display screen), and at least one first rear surface layer (or a rear surface panel or a rear surface portion) which is disposed under the display panel layer. The first rear surface layer may include at least one of a shock absorbing layer (or emboss) and a heat dissipating layer (or metal sheet layer). Additionally or alternatively, the first rear surface layer may further include an electromagnetic induction panel (e.g., digitizer). The display 160 may further include a second rear surface layer disposed on a lower side of the first rear surface layer. Additionally or alternatively, the first rear surface layer may further include an electromagnetic induction panel (e.g., a digitizer). The display 160 may further include a second rear surface layer which is disposed under the first rear surface layer. The second rear surface layer (or the rear surface panel or the rear surface portion) may include at least one metal layer (or a metal sheet), at least portion of which is formed of a metallic material. It may include a designated pattern (e.g., a lattice pattern or a slit pattern) so that at least a portion of the second rear surface layer may be bent. Alternatively, at least a portion of the second rear surface layer may be formed of another bendable material (e.g., a polymer material, plastic, rubber, a leather material). At least one of the first rear surface layer and the second rear surface layer may be omitted.
At least a portion of the at least one hinge structure among a plurality of hinge structures 200a, 200b, and 200c may be disposed in the hinge housing 150, and at least some (e.g., 200a and 200b) of the plurality of hinge structures 200a, 200b, and 200c may have similar structures and shapes. In
The center plates 171 and 172 may be disposed between the display 160 and the hinge structures 200a, 200b, and 200c. As an example, among the center plates 171 and 172, the first center plate 171 may be disposed to cover at least a portion of a central area of the first hinge structure 200a. Alternatively, the first center plate 171 may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the third hinge structure 200c while covering at least a portion of the first hinge structure 200a. Among the center plates 171 and 172, the second center plate 172 may be disposed to cover at least a portion of a central area of the second hinge structure 200b. Alternatively, the second center plate 172 may be disposed to cover at least the remaining of at least portion of the third hinge structure 200c together with at least a portion of the central area of the second hinge structure 200b. The center plates 171 and 172 may be fastened and fixed to at least one of the hinge housing 150 and the hinge structures 200a, 200b, and 200c.
The wing plates 131 and 132 are coupled to at least one hinge structure 200a, 200b, and 200c, and are disposed to cover at least portion of a surface of the at least one hinge structure 200a, 200b, and 200c in the z-axis direction when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state. The wing plates 131 and 132 are provided separately from the housings 110 and 120. Accordingly, a gap may be formed between the wing plates 131 and 132 and the housings 110 and 120. The wing plates 131 and 132 may be disposed on opposite sides with the center plates 171 and 172 interposed therebetween. For example, the first wing plate 131 may be located in the x-axis direction of the center plates 171 and 172, and the second wing plate 132 is located in the −x-axis direction of the center plates 171 and 172. When the wing plates 131 and 132 are coupled to the hinge structures 200a, 200b and 200c, they may be disposed at the same height or at the same xy plane as those of the center plates 171 and 172 with respect to the z-axis.
The wing plates 131 and 132 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about a rotation axis extended along the y-axis direction depending on the hinge operation of the at least one hinge structure 200a, 200b, and 200c. For example, while the first wing plate 131 is rotated counterclockwise, the second wing plate 132 may be rotated clockwise, and while the first wing plate 131 is rotated clockwise, the second wing plate 132 may be rotated counterclockwise. The first wing plate 131 may support the flat first surface of the third area 163 of the display 160, which is folded into a dumbbell shape (or a water drop shape, to which the gravity is applied), and the second wing plate 132 may support the flat second surface (a surface which is symmetrical to the first surface with respect to the z-axis) of the third area 163 of the foldable display 160, which is folded into a dumbbell shape.
Referring to
In the first to fourth types of displays 160a, 160b, 160c, and 160d, at least a portion of the front surface protecting layer 160_1 is formed to be transparent, and is disposed on an upper surface of the panel layer 160_2 to restrain or prevent the panel layer 160_2 from being damaged by an external pressure or a force. This front surface protecting layer 160_1 may be formed of at least one of various materials, such as glass, tempered glass, transparent plastic, and polymer. A plurality of pixels are disposed in the panel layer 160_2, at least some of the plurality of pixels are disposed in a matrix form, and an image is implemented by using electric power which is supplied from a power supply source (e.g., a battery). The panel layer 160_2 may further include a touch layer which may recognize an external input from outside the display 160, such as the touch by the user. The panel protecting layer 160_3 is disposed on a lower side of the panel layer 160_2 to protect the panel layer 160_2.
The panel protecting layer 160_3, for example, may include at least one layer selected from the group consisting of a shock absorbing layer (or embossing) and at least one heat dissipating layer (or at least one metal sheet layer). As an example, when the panel protecting layer 160_3 includes a metal layer, at least a portion of the metal layer may be formed of at least one of a stainless steel (SUS) and copper. At least a portion of the panel protecting layer 160_3 may include a lattice pattern. Alternatively, a portion of the panel protecting layer 160_3, which is disposed under the third area 163 of the display 160, may include a lattice pattern. The second type display 160b and the third type display 160c illustrate forms, in which a disposition sequence of the pen input layer 160_4 (or an integrated digitizer) and the panel protecting layer 160_3 are different. Additionally, when the panel protecting layer 160_3 includes an impact absorbing layer and at least one metal layer, the pen input layer 160_4 may be disposed between the impact absorbing layer and the metal layer.
The illustrated fourth type display 160d corresponds to a form, in which the pen input layer is separated. For example, the fourth type display 160d may include a first pen input layer 160_41 and a second pen input layer 160_42 which is separated from the first pen input layer 160_41, and a gap 160_40 may be formed between the first pen input layer 160_4 and the second pen input layer 160_4. The gap 160_40 may be disposed under the third area 163 of the display 160. In the above-described first to fourth type displays 160a, 160b, 160c, and 160d, the remaining layers except for the panel layer 160_2 may be selectively omitted.
The display 160 of the electronic device 100 may include a first area 161 (or a first part or a first position), a second area 162 (or a second part or a second position), and a third area 163 (or a third part, a third position, a folding area). The first to third areas 161, 162, and 163 may be connected to each other. The third area 163 is disposed between the first area 161 and the second area 162. Accordingly, one side (e.g., a left periphery with respect to the illustrated drawing) of the third area 163 is connected to a right periphery of the first area 161, and an opposite side (e.g., a right periphery with respect to the illustrated drawing) of the third area 163 is connected to a left periphery of the second area 162. That is, a boundary may be defined between the third area 163 and each of the first and second areas 161 and 162, respectively.
With respect to a longitudinal direction of the illustrated drawing (e.g., along the y-axis direction), the first area 161, the second area 162, and the third area 163 may have the same length. With respect to a transverse direction of the illustrated drawing (e.g., along the x-axis direction), widths of the first area 161 and the second area 162 may be the same or similar. The third area 163 may have the same or similar width to that of the first area 161 or the second area 162, or may have a smaller width. The division into the first to third areas 161, 162, and 163 may be applied to each or at least one of the various types of displays previously described in
The third area 163 may be an area which is folded when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, that is, to be foldable with respect to the rotation axis. An entirety or a portion (or at least one rear surface layer disposed under the panel protecting layer) of the panel protecting layer (e.g., the panel protecting layer 160_2) disposed under the third area 163 may include a lattice pattern. Referring to the side view in
A length UBL of the folded part (or the third area 163 or the folding area) of the display 160 may range from the curved areas 163a and 163b to an end point (a lowest point of the convex area 163c) of the convex area 163c, and the length UBL of the folded part may influence positions and a thicknesses of the center plates 171 and 172 described in
A curving direction of the lattice pattern corresponding to the convex area 163c may be different from a curving direction of the lattice pattern corresponding to the curved areas 163a and 163b. For example, the convex area 163c may be curved convexly from a direction in which a screen of the display 160 is displayed, toward a rear surface, and the curved areas 163a and 163b may be curved convexly from the rear surface of the display 160 toward the direction, in which the screen is displayed. The lattice pattern may be omitted in the panel protecting layer (e.g., the panel protecting layer 160_2 corresponding to the flat areas 163f1 and 163f2).
The lattice pattern formed in the curved areas 163a and 163b and the lattice pattern formed in the convex area 163c may have the same or similar shape. For example, the lattice pattern formed (or provided) in the curved areas 163a and 163b may include at least one of a half-etching type (e.g., a type, in which grooves or recesses of a specific pattern are formed from a surface of the metal layer and partially penetrating a thickness of the metal layer) or an etching hole type (e.g., a type, in which a plurality of holes or an empty space which passes through front and rear surfaces of the metal layer to completely penetrate a thickness thereof is disposed in a specific pattern). Alternatively, some of the lattice patterns of the curved areas 163a and 163b may be formed as a half-etching type and others may be formed as an etching hole type.
As another example, when the panel protecting layer 160_3 includes a material (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)) having a ductility of a specific level or more, the etched shape may be omitted. Since the lattice pattern of the convex area 163c has a relatively higher curvature as compared to those of the curved areas 163a and 163b, a lattice pattern which is different from those of the curved areas 163a, 163b may be formed to take a more flexible form. For example, at least one of an etching size and an etching depth of the lattice pattern of the convex area 163c may be greater than those of the curved areas 163a and 163b, and an interval between the patterns (e.g., grooves or holes) may be smaller than those of the curved areas 163a and 163b.
Referring to
Referring to the drawing, a first rotation member 211 and a second rotation member 212 may be disposed in the first hinge structure 200a, and a third rotation member 213 and a fourth rotation member 214 may be disposed in the second hinge structure 200b, and a fifth rotation member 215 and a sixth rotation member 216 may be disposed in the third hinge structure 200c. The first to sixth rotation members 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 may be fixedly coupled to the wing plates 131 and 132, respectively. For example, the first rotation member 211, the third rotation member 213, and the fifth rotation member 215 may be fastened to the first wing plate 131, and the second rotation member 212, the fourth rotation member 214, and the sixth rotation member 216 may be fastened to the second wing plate 132. The first wing plate 131 and the second wing plate 132 may be disposed to be spaced apart at a specific interval. For example, the first wing plate 131 and the second wing plate 132 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by an x-axis width of the first center plate 171 or the second center plate 172.
The first center plate 171 may be disposed between the first hinge structure 200a and the third hinge structure 200c, and the second center plate 172 may be disposed between the second hinge structure 200b and the third hinge structure 200c. Here, one side (e.g., a −y-axis periphery) of the first center plate 171 may vertically overlaps one side of the first hinge structure 200a when viewed in the z-axis direction, and one side (e.g., a y-axis periphery) of the second center plate 172 may vertically overlap one side of the second hinge structure 200b when viewed in the z-axis direction.
The first rotation member 211, for example, may include a first rotation body 211a, a first rail structure 211b, and a second rail structure 211c, and the second rotation member 212, for example, may include a second rotation body 212a, a third rail structure 212b, and a fourth rail structure 212c. At least one through-hole (e.g., a hole which passes in the z-axis direction) which may fastened to the first wing plate 131 and the second wing plate 132 may be disposed in the first rotation body 211a and the second rotation body 212a. One side (e.g., a −x-axis periphery) of the first rail structure 211b which is disposed to extend in the −x-axis direction from the first rotation member 211 and one side (e.g., an x-axis periphery) of the third rail structure 212b which is disposed to extend in the x-axis direction from the second rotation member 212 may be disposed to overlap each other when viewed in the −y-axis direction. In this regard, grooves may be formed such that one periphery of the first rail structure 211b and one periphery of the third rail structure 212b are hingedly engaged with each other.
Pairs among the third to sixth rotation members 213, 214, 215, and 216 also have the same shape and structure as those of the pair of the first rotation member 211 and the second rotation member, and may be disposed in the same form as those of the first rotation member 211 and the second rotation member 212.
Referring to
The fixing bracket 210 may include a bracket body 210a, a first rail 210b1, and a second rail 210b2. The bracket body 210a may include at least one hole which is used for coupling with the bracket cover 280 and passes upward and downward (e.g., from the z-axis to −z-axis). On one side (e.g., a side wall which faces the y-axis direction) of the bracket body 210a, grooves, in which peripheries (e.g., −y-axis peripheries) of the first shaft 241 and the second shaft 242 may be held, may be formed. Grooves, in which the at least one idle gears 233a and 233b may be held, may be formed on one side (e.g., a side wall which faces the y-axis direction) of the bracket body 210a.
At least a portion of the fixing bracket 210 may be seated on and fixed to one side of the hinge housing 150. For example, the fixing bracket 210 may be fixed to the a −y-axis periphery or a y-axis periphery of the hinge housing 150. The fixing bracket 210 may include a structure (e.g., the first rail 210b1 and the second rail 210b2) which may be fastened such which a portion (e.g., the first rail structure 211b or the first rail structure of the first rotation member) of the first rotation member 211 and a portion (e.g., the third rail structure 212b or the first rail structure of the second rotation member) of the second rotation member 212 are rotatable.
The first rail 210b1 of the fixing bracket 210 may define an imaginary axis (e.g., a first axis 11, a first imaginary axis or a first fixed axis) which may be rotated in place while the first rail structure 211b is rotated. The first rail 210b1 may be formed in a structure corresponding to the first rail structure 211b. For example, the first rail 210b1 may include two arc-shaped or half-moon shaped rails. A portion (e.g., a second rail structure 211c or a second rail structure of the first rotation member) of an opposite side of the first rotation member 211 may be rotated or slid in a curved way with respect to a second axis 12 (or a second imaginary axis or a first movement axis) which is different from the first axis 11. The second rail 210b2 defines an imaginary axis (e.g., a third axis 13, a third imaginary axis, or a second fixed axis) which may be rotated in place while the second rail structure 211c is rotated. A portion (e.g., a fourth rail structure 212c or a second rail structure of the second rotation member) of an opposite side of the second rotation member 212 may be rotated or slid in a curved way with respect to a fourth axis 14 (or a fourth imaginary axis or a first movement axis) which is different from the third axis 13.
The first axis 11 and the third axis 13 may be located on the same first xy plane, and the second axis 12 and the fourth axis 14 may be located on a second xy plane which is different from which of the first axis 11 and the third axis 13. Accordingly, a distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the first axis 11 and the display 160 may be the same as a distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the third axis 13 and the display 160. A distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the second axis 12 and the display 160 may be the same as a distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the fourth axis 14 and the display 160. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, a distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the first axis 11 and the third axis 13, and the rear surface of the display 160 may be different from a distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the second axis 12 and the fourth axis 14, and the rear surface of the display 160. Alternatively, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, a distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance between the first axis 11 and the third axis 13), and the rear surface of the display 160 may be shorter than a distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the second axis 12 and the fourth axis 14, and the rear surface of the display 160.
The fixing bracket 210 may be formed of a material (e.g., a metallic material or reinforced plastic of a specific strength) having a specific strength to support the movement of the first rotation member 211 and the second rotation member 212 in a hinge operation process (an operation, in which an angle between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is changed from 0 degrees to 180 degrees or they are held at a specific angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees). In the above description, it has been described as an example that the fixing bracket 210 is a structure which is fixed to the hinge housing 150, but the hinge housing 150 may be provided in a shape of the fixing bracket 210.
The first rotation member 211 may include a first rotation body 211a, a first rail structure 211b disposed in the first direction (e.g., the −x-axis direction) of the first rotation body 211a, and a second rail structure 211c disposed in the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) of the first rotation body 211a. Alternatively, the first rotation member 211 may include a portion (e.g., the first rail structure 211b) which is fastened to one side (e.g., a first rail 210b1) of the fixing bracket 210 and then fastened to enable a hinge operation, and a portion (e.g., the second rail structure 211c) which is fastened to one side (e.g., the third rail 221b or the first rail of the first link member) of the first link member 220a. While the first link member 220a coupled to the first housing 110 performs a hinge operation (or counterclockwise or clockwise rotation), the first rail structure 211b of the first rotation member 211, which is fastened to the fixing bracket 210 may be rotated in place (e.g., rotated counterclockwise or clockwise), and the second rail structure 211c coupled to the first link member 220a may be rotated (or slid) in the first link member 220a (e.g., the third rail 221b) while being moved in one direction (counterclockwise while the electronic device 100 is folded from the unfolded state or clockwise while the electronic device 100 is unfolded from the folded state).
The first rotation body 211a may include a structure (e.g., at least one hole which passes upward and downward) which may be coupled to the first wing plate 131. The first rotation member 211 may experience friction with the fixing bracket 210 and the first link member 220a while the hinge operation is repeated, and may be formed of a material (e.g., a metallic material) having a specific strength or higher to withstand this. A portion of the first wing plate 131, among the wing plates 131 and 132, may be fixed to the first rotation member 211. At least one of the center plates 171 and 172 may be disposed or fixed on a central portion of the first rotation member 211. For example, the first center plate 171 may be disposed at a center of the first rotation member disposed in the first hinge structure 200a, and the second center plate 172 may be disposed at a center of the first rotation member disposed in the second hinge structure 200b.
The second rotation member 212 may include a second rotation body 212a, a third rail structure 212b which is disposed in the second direction (e.g., the −x-axis direction) of the second rotation body 212a, and a fourth rail structure 212c which is disposed in the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) of the second rotation body 212a. Alternatively, the second rotation member 212 may include a portion (e.g., the third rail structure 212b) which is fastened to an opposite side (e.g., the second rail 210b2) of the fixing bracket 210 and then fastened to enable a hinge operation, and a portion (e.g., the fourth rail structure 212c) which is coupled to one side (e.g., the fourth rail 222b or the first rail of the second link member) of the second link member 220b. The second rotation member 212 is rotated (or slid) in the second link member 220b (e.g., the fourth rail 222b) while the third rail structure 212b fastened to the fixing bracket 210 is rotated in place and the fourth rail structure 212c coupled to the second link member 220b is moved in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise while the electronic device is folded from the unfolded state or clockwise the electronic device 100 is unfolded from the folded state) while the second link member 220b coupled to the second housing 120 performs a hinge operation (clockwise or counterclockwise rotation).
The second rotation body 212a may include a structure (e.g., at least one hole which passes upward and downward) which may be coupled to the second wing plate 132. Similar to the first rotation member 211, the second rotation member 212 may experience friction with the fixing bracket 210 and the second link member 220b while the hinge operation is repeated, and may be formed of a material (e.g., a metallic material) having a specific strength or higher to withstand this. For example, the second rotation member 212 may be formed of the same material as that of the first rotation member 211. A portion of the second wing plate 132, among the wing plates 131 and 132, may be fixed to the second rotation member 212. At least one of the center plates 171 and 172 may be disposed or fixed on a central portion of the second rotation member 212. For example, the first center plate 171 may be disposed at a center of the second rotation member 212 disposed in the first hinge structure 200a, and the second center plate 172 may be disposed at a center of the second rotation member 212 disposed in the second hinge structure 200b.
The second rotation member 212 may be moved in a direction which is opposite to the first rotation member 211. For example, while the first rail structure 211b of the first rotation member 211 is rotated counterclockwise in place, the third rail structure 212b of the second rotation member 212 may be rotated clockwise in place. While the second rail structure 211c is slid (the sliding is relative, and thus, the third rail 221b of the first link member 220a is slid clockwise with respect to the second rail structure 211c) counterclockwise in the third rail 221b of the first link member 220a while the second rail structure 211c of the first rotation member 211 is rotated counterclockwise, the fourth rail structure 212c of the second rotation member 212 may be slid (the sliding motion is relative, and thus, the fourth rail 222b of the second link member 220b is slid clockwise with respect to the fourth rail structure 212c) counterclockwise in the fourth rail 222b of the second link member 220b while the fourth rail structure 212c of the second rotation member 212 is rotated counterclockwise.
The first axis 11 (an imaginary axis which is formed as the first rail structure 211b is rotated along the first rail 210b1 of the fixing bracket 210) corresponding to a reference, about which the first rail structure 211b of the first rotation member 211 is rotated, and the third axis 13 (an imaginary axis which is formed as the third rail structure 212b is rotated along the second rail 210b2 of the fixing bracket 210) corresponding to a reference, about which the third rail structure 212b of the second rotation member 212 is rotated, may be fixed axes, about which the rail structures (the first rail structure 211b and the third rail structure 212b) are rotated in place. The second axis 12 (an imaginary axis which is formed as the second rail structure 211c is slid or rotated in the third rail 221b while the first link member 220a is moved) corresponding to a reference, about which the second rail structure 211c of the first rotation member 211 is rotated, and the fourth axis 14 (an imaginary axis which is formed as the fourth rail structure 212c is slid or rotated in the fourth rail 222b while the second link member 220b is moved) corresponding to a reference, about which the fourth rail structure 212c of the second rotation member 212 is rotated, may be movement axes which are formed as the rail structures (the second rail structure 211c and the fourth rail structure 212c) are moved.
The first link member 220a includes a structure (e.g., a first link fixing part 221c) which is coupled and fixed to one side of the first housing 110. In this regard, the first link member 220a includes a first rail member 221 (e.g., the first rail member 221, to which the third rail 221b or the first rail of the first link member 220a is fastened), on which a portion (e.g., the second rail structure 211c) of the first rotation member 211 is seated. The first link member 220a includes a structure (e.g., the first slide holding part 223), on which a portion (e.g., the first slide structure 231b: 231b1 and 231b2) of the first arm member 231 is seated. The first link member 220a may be formed to be longer in the y-axis or −y-axis direction than in the x-axis direction to accommodate a structure (e.g., the first rail member 221 including the third rail 221b), on which the second rail structure 211c is seated, and a structure (e.g., the first slide holding part 223), on which the first slide structure 231b: 231b1 and 231b2 is seated. In this regard, the first link member 220a may include a first rail member 221 including a third rail 221b (or the first rail of the first link member 220a) which is disposed in one direction (e.g., the −y-axis direction) of the first link body 221a fixed to the first housing 110, and a first slide holding part 223 which is disposed in an opposite direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) of the first link body 221a. Additionally or alternatively, a structure (e.g., a through-hole) which is used for coupling with the first link cover 225 may be formed adjacent to the first slide holding part 223. A fastening member (e.g., a screw or a bolt) may be inserted into the through-hole aligned with the first link cover 225, and the fastening member may be disposed such that the first link cover 225 and the first slide holding part 223 are fastened to the first housing 110. As another example, the first link cover 225 may be coupled to at least a portion of the first wing plate 131.
The first link member 220a may move (rotate counterclockwise or clockwise) the first rotation member 211 and the first arm member 231 while the coupled first housing 110 is rotated in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise). In this regard, positions of the axis (e.g., the second axis 12) related to the third rail 221b and the first slide holding part 223 may be changed (e.g., moved counterclockwise or clockwise) in correspondence to the movement of the first housing 110. When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the second axis 12 may be formed over an upper surface of the fixing bracket 210 with respect to the upper surface (e.g., a surface which faces the z-axis) of the fixing bracket 210. The first slide holding part 223 may vary depending on the number of slides formed on the first arm member 231. For example, in the illustrated drawing, it is illustrated that the first slide holding part 223 has a structure, in which two rail grooves (or at least one rail groove) formed along the x-axis are disposed adjacent to each other, but the first slide holding part 223 may include one rail groove when one slide is provided in the first arm member 231. The at least one rail groove may be formed along an extension direction (or a prolongation direction or a protrusion direction) of the first slide structure 231b (or formed in parallel to the extension direction). While the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state (or while changed from the folded state to the unfolded state), the first slide structure 231b seated on the first slide holding part 223 may be linearly moved in a first direction (e.g., a direction from the −x-axis to the x-axis, or an outward direction from the center of the hinge structure, or a direction collected in the direction, in which the display 160 is folded) along the at least one rail groove.
The first link cover 225 may be disposed to cover the first slide holding part 223. In this regard, the first link cover 225 may include a first cover body 225a, and coupling holes 225d which are formed on one side of the first cover body 225a. The first cover body 225a may be disposed to cover the first slide holding part 223 after the first slide structure 231b of the first arm member 231 is seated on the first slide holding part 223, and may be disposed such that the first slide structure 231b may be moved (or slid) in one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction or the −x-axis direction) in the first slide holding part 223. In this regard, one surface (e.g., a surface which faces the −z-axis) of the first cover body 225a, which covers the first slide holding part 223, may be formed flat. The coupling holes 225d may include at least one hole 225d1 which is used to couple the first link cover 225 to the first slide holding part 223, and at least one hole 225d2 which is used to couple the first link cover 225 to the first housing 110. The hole 225d1 used to couple the first link cover 225 and the first slide holding part 223 and the hole 225d2 used to couple the first slide holding part 223 to the first housing 110 may be disposed in a stepped structure. As another example, the second link cover 226 may be coupled to the second wing plate 132.
The second link member 220b includes a structure (e.g., a second link fixing part 222c) which is coupled and fixed to one side of the second housing 120. The second link member 220b includes a structure (e.g., the fourth rail 222b or the second rail member 222 including the first rail of the second link member 220b), on which a portion (e.g., the fourth rail structure 212c) of the second rotation member 212 is seated. The second link member 220b includes a structure (e.g., the second slide holding part 224 or the second rail of the second link member 220b), on which a portion (e.g., the second slide structure 232b: 232b1 and 232b2) of the second arm member 232 is seated. The second link member 220a may be formed to be longer in the y-axis or −y-axis direction than in the x-axis direction to accommodate a structure (e.g., the second rail member 222 including the fourth rail 222b), on which the fourth rail structure 212c is seated, and a structure (e.g., the second slide holding part 224), on which the second slide structure 232b: 232b1 and 232b2 is seated. In this regard, the second link member 220b may include a second link body 222a which is fixed to the second housing 120, a second rail member 222 including a fourth rail 222b (or the second rail of the second link member 220b) which is formed on one side (e.g., the −y-axis direction) of the second link body 222a, and a second slide holding part 224 (or the second rail of the second link member 220b) which is disposed on an opposite side (e.g., the y-axis direction) of the second link body 222a.
The second link member 220b moves (rotates clockwise or counterclockwise) the second rotation member 212 and the second arm member 232 while the coupled second housing 120 is rotated in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). In this regard, a position of an axis (e.g., the fourth axis 14) related to the fourth rail 222b may be changed (e.g. moved counterclockwise or clockwise) in correspondence to movement of the second housing 120. When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the fourth axis 14 may be formed over an upper surface (e.g., a surface which faces the z-axis) of the fixing bracket 210 with respect to the upper surface of the fixing bracket 210. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the fourth axis 14 may be located inside the housings 110 and 120 of the electronic device 100 in the folded state. Additionally or alternatively, a structure (e.g., a through-hole) which is used for coupling with the second link cover 226 may be formed adjacent to the second slide holding part 224. A fastening member (e.g., a screw or a bolt) may be inserted into the through-hole aligned with the second link cover 226, and the fastening member may be disposed such that the second link cover 226 and the second slide holding part 224 are fastened to the second housing 120. The second slide holding part 224 may include at least one rail groove. The at least one rail groove formed in the second slide holding part 224 may be formed along an extension direction (or a prolongation direction or a protrusion direction) of the second slide structure 232b (or formed in parallel to the extension direction). While the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state (or while changed from the folded state to the unfolded state), the second slide structure 232b seated on the second slide holding part 224 may be linearly moved in a second direction (e.g., a direction from the x-axis to the −x-axis, or an outward direction from the center of the hinge structure, or a direction collected in the direction, in which the display 160 is folded) along the at least one rail groove.
The second link member 220b may move (rotate clockwise or counterclockwise) the second rotation member 212 and the second arm member 232 while the coupled second housing 120 is rotated in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). In this regard, a position of the axis (e.g., the fourth axis 14) related to the fourth rail 222b and the second slide holding part 224 may be changed (e.g., moved clockwise or counterclockwise) in correspondence to the movement of the second housing 120. When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the fourth axis 14 may be formed over an upper surface of the fixing bracket 210 with respect to the upper surface (e.g., a surface which faces the z-axis) of the fixing bracket 210. The second slide holding part 224 may vary depending on the number of slides formed on the second arm member 232. For example, in the illustrated drawing, it is illustrated that the second slide holding part 224 has a structure, in which two rail grooves formed along the −x-axis are disposed adjacent to each other, but the second slide holding part 224 may include one rail groove when one slide is provided in the second arm member 232. Alternatively, the second slide holding part 224 (or the first slide holding part 223) may be configured to include three or more rail grooves.
The second link cover 226 may be disposed to cover the second slide holding part 224. In this regard, the second link cover 226 may include a second cover body 226a, and coupling holes 226d1 and 226d2 which are formed on one side of the second cover body 226a. The second cover body 226a may be disposed to cover the second slide holding part 224 after the second slide structure 232b of the second arm member 232 is seated on the second slide holding part 224, and may be disposed such that the second slide structure 232b may be moved (or slid) in one direction (e.g., the −x-axis direction or the x-axis direction) in the second slide holding part 224. In this regard, one surface (e.g., a surface which faces the −z-axis) of the second cover body 226a, which covers the second slide holding part 224, may be formed flat. The coupling holes 226d1 and 226d2 may include at least one hole 226d1 which is used to couple the second link cover 226 to the second slide holding part 224, and at least one hole 226d2 which is used to couple the second link cover 226 to the second housing 120. The hole 226d1 used to couple the second link cover 226 and the second slide holding part 224 and the hole 226d2 used to couple the second slide holding part 224 to the second housing 120 may be disposed in a stepped structure.
The first arm member 231 may include a structure (e.g., the first slide structure 231b: 231b1 and 231b2 or the rail structure of the first arm member 231) which is fastened to the first link member 220a coupled to the first housing 110. The first slide structure 231b: 231b1 and 231b2 may be linearly moved (e.g., slid) along the −x-axis or x-axis in the first slide holding part 223 formed in the first link member 220a. The first arm member 231 may include a first arm body 231a, and a first shaft holding part 231c1 (or the first shaft holding part of the first arm member 231) and a second shaft holding part 231c2 (or the second shaft holding part of the first arm member 231) which extend in the −x-axis direction from the first arm body 231a and may be fastened to the first shaft 241. The first shaft holding part 231c1 and the second shaft holding part 231c2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the y-axis direction. A first gear 231d may be disposed on one side of the first shaft holding part 231c1. A hole which passes in the y-axis or −y-axis direction may be formed in the first shaft holding part 231c1 and the second shaft holding part 231c2 so that the first shaft 241 may be held therein. The first shaft holding part 231c1 may include a first cam structure 231f which is engaged with a cam member (e.g., one side cam of the first cam member 251). The second shaft holding part 231c2 may include a second cam structure 231g which is engaged with a cam member (e.g., one side cam of the second cam member 252). A first stopper 231e which limits a rotation angle of the first arm member 231 may be disposed on a side wall of the first shaft holding part 231c1 in the −y-axis direction. Accordingly, the first cam structure 231f may be disposed on a side wall of the first shaft holding part 231c1 in the y-axis direction. In the illustrated drawing, it is illustrated that the second shaft holding part 231c2 has a structure, in which the second cam structure 231g is disposed on a side surface thereof in the −y-axis direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a cam structure may be disposed on a side wall of the second shaft holding part 231c2 in the y-axis direction. The first arm member 231 may be rotated counterclockwise and clockwise about a real axis of the first shaft 241.
The second arm member 232 includes a structure (e.g., the second slide structure 232b: 232b1 and 232b2 or the slide structure of the second arm member 232) which is fastened to the second link member 220b coupled to the second housing 120. The second slide structure 232b: 232b1 and 232b2 may be linearly moved (e.g., slid) along the −x-axis or x-axis in the second slide holding part 224 formed in the second link member 220b. The second arm member 232 may include a second arm body 232a, and a third shaft holding part 232c1 (or the first shaft holding part of the second arm member 232) and a fourth shaft holding part 232c2 (or the second shaft holding part of the second arm member 232) which extend in the x-axis direction from the second arm body 232a and may be fastened to the second shaft 242. The third shaft holding part 232c1 and the fourth shaft holding part 232c2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the y-axis direction. The third shaft holding part 232c1 and the fourth shaft holding part 232c2 may be spaced apart from each other by a spacing distance which is the same as a spacing distance between the first shaft holding part 231c1 and the second shaft holding part 231c2. A second gear 232d may be disposed on one side of the third shaft holding part 232c1. A hole which passes in the y-axis or −y-axis direction may be formed in the third shaft holding part 232c1 and the fourth shaft holding part 232c2 so that the second shaft 242 may be held therein. The third shaft holding part 232c1 may include a third cam structure 232f which is engaged with a cam member (e.g., an opposite side cam of the first cam member). The fourth shaft holding part 232c2 may include a fourth cam structure 232g which is engaged with a cam member (e.g., an opposite side cam of the second cam member 252. A second stopper 232e which limits a rotation angle of the second arm member 232 may be disposed on a side wall of the third shaft holding part 232c1 in the −y-axis direction. The third cam structure 232f may be disposed on a side wall of the third shaft holding part 232c1 in the y-axis direction. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the fourth shaft holding part 232c2 has a structure, in which the fourth cam structure 232g is disposed on a side surface thereof in the −y-axis direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a cam structure may be disposed on a side wall of the fourth shaft holding part 232c2 in the y-axis direction. The second arm member 232 may be rotated counterclockwise and clockwise about a real axis of the second shaft 242.
The first cam member 251 may include a first cam 251a which is engaged with the first cam structure 231f of the first arm member 231, a second cam 251b which is engaged with the third cam structure 232f of the second arm member 232, and a support member 251c which connects the first cam 251a and the second cam 251b. A through-hole, through which the first shaft 241 may pass, may be formed at a center of the first cam 251a, and a through-hole, through which the second shaft 242 may pass, may be formed at a center of the second cam 251b. A first elastic member 281 and a second elastic member 282 may be disposed on a rear surface of the first cam member 251 to provide an elastic force which pushes the first cam member 251 toward the first cam structure 231f and the third cam structure 232f.
The second cam member 251 may include a third cam 252a which is engaged with the second cam structure 231g of the first arm member 231, a fourth cam 252b which is engaged with the fourth cam structure 232g of the second arm member 232, and a support member 251c which connects the third cam 252a and the fourth cam 252b. A through-hole, through which the first shaft 241 may pass, may be formed at a center of the third cam 252a, and a through-hole, through which the second shaft 242 may pass, may be formed at a center of the fourth cam 252b. A third elastic member 283 and a fourth elastic member 284 may be disposed on a rear surface of the second cam member 252 to provide an elastic force which pushes the second cam member 252 toward the second cam structure 231g and the fourth cam structure 232g.
The third cam member 253 may include a first part which faces a side wall of the second shaft holding part 231c2 of the first arm member 231 in the y-axis direction, a second part which faces a side wall of the fourth shaft holding part 232c2 of the second arm member 232 in the y-axis direction, and a support part which connects the first part and the second part. In the drawing, a structure, in which separate mountains and valleys are not formed in the third cam member 253, is illustrated, and correspondingly, a structure, in which separate mountains and valleys are not formed on a side wall of the second shaft holding part 231c2 in the y-axis direction and a side wall of the fourth shaft holding part 232c2 in the y-axis direction either, is illustrated, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, cams having mountains and valleys may be disposed on side walls of the first part and the second part of the third cam member 253 in the −y-axis direction, and correspondingly, cam structures having mountains and valleys corresponding to the first part and the second part of the third cam member 253 may be disposed on side walls of the second shaft holding part 231c2 and the fourth shaft holding part 232c2 in the y-axis direction. Additionally, a fifth elastic member 285 and a sixth elastic member 286 may be disposed of the third cam member 253 in the y-axis direction to provide an elastic force which pushes the third cam member 253 in the −y-axis direction. Meanwhile, in the above description, it is illustrated that the electronic device 100 has a structure including the first to third cam members 251, 252, and 253, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the electronic device 100 of the disclosure, at least one of the first to third cam members 251, 252, and 253 may be omitted.
The shaft fixing part 261 may be disposed at one periphery (e.g., a y-axis periphery) of the hinge structure 200. The shaft fixing part 261 may include a fixing structure 261a (e.g., a through-hole in the z-axis direction) which may fix the hinge structure 200 to the hinge housing 150. Furthermore, the shaft fixing part 261 may include shaft holding holes 261b and 261c, into which the first shaft 241 and the second shaft 242 disposed in the y-axis direction may be inserted. Sizes of the shaft holding holes 261b and 261c of the shaft fixing part 261 may be greater than those of the first shaft 241 and the second shaft 242. The first shaft 241 may be inserted into and disposed in the first shaft holding hole 261b, and the second shaft 242 may be inserted into and disposed in the second shaft holding hole 261c.
The shaft holder 262 may be disposed between the first cam member 251 and the second cam member 252. The shaft holder 262 may include at least one coupling hole, and shaft holding holes which may support the coupling holes. It is illustrated that the shaft holder 262 has two coupling holes which pass in the z-axis direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number thereof may be one or three or more. The shaft holding holes disposed in the shaft holder 262 may have a structure which is substantially the same as or similar to those of the shaft holding holes 261b and 261c previously described in the shaft fixing part 261, and at least portions of the first shaft 241 and the second shaft 242 may pass therethrough and be held therein. The shaft holding holes formed in the shaft holder 262 may serve to support the first to fourth elastic members 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, and 286.
The gear bracket 270 may be disposed between the first cam member 251 and at least one idle gear 233a and 233b. For example, the gear bracket 270 may include holes, through which the first shaft 241 and the second shaft 242 may pass to be held, and holding holes, through which one side of at least one idle gear 233a and 233b is held.
The first gear 231d may be disposed in a gear pattern on one side of the first shaft holding part 231c1 of the first arm member 231. For example, the first gear 231d may be gear-coupled to the first idle gear 233a. The second gear 232d may be disposed in a gear pattern on one side of the third shaft holding part 232c1 of the second arm member 232. The second gear 232d may be gear-coupled to the second idle gear 233b. The first idle gear 233a and the second idle gear 233b may be gear-coupled to each other. As the above-described first gear 231d, first idle gear 233a, second idle gear 233b, and second gear 232d are gear-connected to each other, the first arm member 231 and the second arm member 232 may interlock with each other.
The bracket cover 280 may be disposed to cover an upper side of the fixing bracket 210. The bracket cover 280 may prevent the first rotation member 211 and the second rotation member 212 coupled to the fixing bracket 210 from being separated from the fixing bracket 210 during a hinge operation. In this regard, the bracket cover 280 may include a cover part which is configured to cover at least an upper portion of the fixing bracket 210, and at least one coupling hole which is used to couple the bracket cover 280 to the hinge housing 150.
At least one coupling member 291, 292, 293, and 294 may include a first coupling member 291 which passes the gear bracket 270 and fixes a −y-axis periphery of the first shaft 241 disposed to pass through a y-axis periphery of the fixing bracket 210, and a second coupling member 292 which passes through the gear bracket 270 and fixes a −y-axis periphery of the second shaft 242 disposed to pass one side of a y-axis periphery of the fixing bracket 210. Furthermore, the at least one coupling member 291, 292, 293, and 294 may include a third coupling member 293 for fixing one side of the first shaft 241 which protrudes in the y-axis direction via the first shaft holding hole 261b, and a fourth coupling member 294 for fixing one side of the second shaft 242 which protrudes in the y-axis direction via the second shaft holding hole 261c. The at least one coupling members 291, 292, 293, and 294 described above, for example, may include a form of an E-ring.
Prior to a description, a relationship of formations of the axes of the electronic device described in
Referring to
The first rail structure 211b of the first rotation member 211 may be fastened to one side (e.g., the first rail 210b1) of the fixing bracket 210, and the third rail structure 212b of the second rotation member 212 may be fastened to an opposite side (e.g., the second rail 210b2) thereof. The first rail 210b1 and the second rail 210b2 of the fixing bracket 210 may be disposed such that at least portions thereof overlap each other when viewed in the x-axis direction from a point on the y-axis. Accordingly, when cross-section A1-A1′ is viewed in the −y-axis direction, one periphery (e.g., a −x-axis periphery) of the first rail structure 211b and one periphery (e.g., an x-axis periphery) of the third rail structure 212b may be disposed to partially overlap each other. The first rail structure 211b may be rotated about the first axis 11 (or a first imaginary axis) while being rotated counterclockwise or clockwise in the first rail 210b1. Here, the first axis 11 is fixed rotation axis regardless of a change in the folded state or unfolded (open) state of the electronic device 100, and thus, may become the first fixing axis of the fixing bracket 210.
The second rail structure 211c of the first rotation member 211 may be rotated (or slid) with respect to the second axis 12 (or the second imaginary axis) in the third rail 221b of the first link member 220a. Then, the second rail structure 211c and the third rail 221b may be rotated counterclockwise while the first link member 220a is rotated (e.g., while the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded (open) state to the folded state, and may be moved counterclockwise or clockwise in correspondence to the clockwise direction while the electronic device 100 is changed from the folded state to the unfolded (open) state. Accordingly, the second axis 12 may be a movement rotation axis which is moved counterclockwise or clockwise as the first link member 220a is moved.
Similarly, the third rail structure 212b of the second rotation member 212 may be rotated about the third axis 13 (or the third imaginary axis) while being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in the second rail 210b2. Here, the third axis 13 is fixed regardless of a change in the folded state or unfolded (open) state of the electronic device 100, and thus may become a second fixing axis of the fixing bracket 210.
The fourth rail structure 212c of the second rotation member 212 may be rotated (or slid) with respect to the fourth axis 14 (or the fourth imaginary axis) in the fourth rail 222b of the second link member 220b. Then, the fourth rail structure 212c and the fourth rail 222b may be rotated clockwise while the second link member 220b is rotated (e.g., while the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded (open) state to the folded state, and may be moved clockwise or counterclockwise in correspondence to the counterclockwise direction while the electronic device 100 is changed from the folded state to the unfolded (open) state. Accordingly, the fourth axis 14 may be a movement axis which is moved counterclockwise or clockwise as the second link member 220b is moved.
The first axis 11 and the third axis 13 may be located together on a first xy plane, and the second axis 12 and the fourth axis 14 are located together on a second xy plane which is different from the first xy plane. Accordingly, when viewed based on the z-axis, the first axis 11 and the third axis 13 may be formed in positions which is different from the second axis 12 and the fourth axis 14. A distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the first axis 11 and the third axis 13 may be formed to be smaller than a distance (or a shortest distance or a minimum straight line distance) between the first axis 11 and the second axis 12.
When cutting surface B1-B1′ is viewed, the first shaft 241 fixed to one side (e.g., an x-axis periphery of the side wall in the y-axis direction) of the fixing bracket 210 may be fastened to the first arm member 231, and the second shaft 242 fixed to an opposite side (e.g., a −x-axis periphery of the side wall in the y-axis direction) of the fixing bracket 210 may be fastened to the second arm member 232. The first slide structure 231b of the first arm member 231 may be seated on the first slide holding part 223, and a z-axis direction thereof may be covered by the first link cover 225. The second slide structure 232b of the second arm member 232 may be seated on the second slide holding part 224, and a z-axis direction thereof may be covered by the second link cover 226. A portion of the first shaft 241 may be disposed on one side (e.g., a through-hole of the first shaft holding part 231c1) of the first arm member 231, and a portion of the second shaft 242 may be disposed on one side (e.g., a through-hole of the second shaft holding part 231c2) of the second arm member 232. Here, the first shaft 241 may serve as a fifth axis 15 (or a first real axis), about which the first arm member 231 is rotated, and the second shaft 242 may serve as a sixth axis 16 (or a second actual axis), about which the second arm member 232 is rotated.
A shortest distance from the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16 to the rear surface of the display 160 may be formed to be greater than a shortest distance from the first axis 11 and the third axis 13 to the rear surface of the display 160. A shortest distance from the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16 to the rear surface of the display 160 may be formed to be greater than a shortest distance from the second axis 12 and the fourth axis 14 of the display 160 to the rear surface of the display 160. For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the shortest distance between the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16 may be different from the shortest distance between the first axis 11 and the third axis 13. For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the shortest distance between the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16 may be greater than the shortest distance between the first axis 11 and the third axis 13.
While the first arm member 231 is rotated counterclockwise or clockwise, the first slide structure 231b may be linearly moved in the first slide holding part 223. That is, these elements may be moveable together with each other. As an example, while the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded (open) state to the folded state, the first arm member 231 may be rotated counterclockwise, and an interval between one end of the first slide structure 231b and one end of the first slide holding part 223 may be changed. For example, while the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded (open) state to the folded state, an interval between one end of the first slide structure 231b and one end of the first slide holding part 223 increases to a specific angle (e.g., an angle which is greater than 0 degrees and less than about 45 degrees) and then decreases to a specific angle (e.g., an angle which is greater than about 45 degrees and less than about 90 degrees) so that the interval between the ends (e.g., one end of the first slide structure 231b and one end of the first slide holding part 223) in the unfolded (open) state (e.g., 0 degrees or about 180 degrees) and the folded state (e.g., about 90 degrees) may be formed to be the same.
Similarly, while the second arm member 232 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the second slide structure 232b may be linearly moved in the second slide holding part 224. As an example, while the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded (open) state to the folded state, the second arm member 232 may be rotated clockwise, and an interval between one end of the second slide structure 232b and one end of the second slide holding part 224 may be changed. For example, while the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded (open) state to the folded state, a distance between the ends increases until a certain angle (e.g., 45 degrees) in a state, in which there is no initial interval between one end of the second slide structure 232b and one end of the second slide holding part 224, and the distance between the ends becomes smaller after a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) so that there may become no gap between the ends in the folded state.
Meanwhile, the first wing plate 131 may be disposed on the first link cover 225, and the second wing plate 132 may be disposed on the second link cover 226. The second center plate 172 (or the first center plate 171) may be disposed at a central portion (e.g., a central area, in which the link covers 225 and 226 do not overlap each other) of the hinge structure 200.
Prior to a description, a relationship of formations of the axes of the electronic device described in
Referring to
As the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are disposed in a 11 shape, at least portions of the first link member 220a coupled to the first housing 110 and the second link member 220b coupled to the second housing 120 may be disposed in parallel in the z-axis direction. The second rail structure 211c coupled to the first link member 220a and the fourth rail structure 212c coupled to the second link member 220b may be disposed adjacent to each other while the display 160 being interposed therebetween in correspondence to movement (counterclockwise and clockwise movements when the unfolded (open) state is changed to the folded (closed) state) of the first link member 220a and the second link member 220b. Here, the first rotation member 211 including the second rail structure 211c and the second rotation member 212 including the fourth rail structure 212c may define an included angle which is smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the z-axis. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded (closed) state, a spacing distance in the −z-axis direction between the first rotation member 211 and the second rotation member 212 may be formed to be greater than a spacing distance in the z-axis direction. The first axis 11 defined by the first rail structure 211b and the first rail 210b1 of the fixing bracket 210, and the third axis 13 defined by the second rail structure 211c and the second rail 210b2 of the fixing bracket 210 are fixed axes, and the positions thereof in the unfolded (open) state and the folded (closed) state may be the same. The second axis 12 related to the second rail structure 211c and the fourth axis 14 related to the fourth rail structure 212c may be disposed at a point, at which a constant curvature is formed in the third area 163 of the display 160. For example, the second axis 12 may be formed at a point, at which a curvature which is in an opposite direction to a curvature of the convex area which is formed in the −z-axis direction of the third area at a boundary between the third area 163 and the first area 161, and the fourth axis 14 may be formed at a point, at which a curvature which is in an opposite direction to a curvature of the convex area which is formed in the −z-axis direction of the third area at a boundary between the third area 163 and the second area 162. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded (closed) state, a distance between the second axis 12 and the fourth axis 14 may be smaller than a distance between the first axis 11 and the third axis 13
When the electronic device 100 is in the folded (closed) state, at least portions of the first arm member 231 coupled to the first link member 220a and the second arm member 232 coupled to the second link member 220b, as illustrated, may be disposed in parallel to face the z-axis direction. In correspondence to the movement of the link members 220a and 220b, the positions of the first slide holding part 223 and the second slide holding part 224 may be moved, and correspondingly, the first slide structure 231b and the second slide holding part 224 also may be disposed to face the z-axis direction.
When the electronic device 100 is in the folded (closed) stated, the portions of the first wing plate 131 and the second wing plate 132 coupled to the first rotation member 211 and the second rotation member 212 may support one side and an opposite side (e.g., a portion in the x-axis direction and a portion in the −x-axis direction) of the third area 163 of the display 160 in correspondence to the rotations of the rotation members 211 and 212, respectively. Similarly, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded (closed) state, the first link cover 225 and the second link cover 226 may support parts of the first wing plate 131 and the second wing plate 132. While the first link cover 225 and the second link cover 226 are rotated in correspondence to rotation of the link members 220a and 220b, the first slide structure 231b and the second slide structure 232b of the first arm member 231 also may be disposed such that the first link cover 225 and the second link cover 226 support parts of the third areas 163 of the wing plates 131 and 132, while being moved and also being linearly moved in the slide holding parts 223 and 224. Then, the first slide structure 231b and the second slide structure 232b may be rotated about real axes (e.g., the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16) defined by the first shaft 241 and the second shaft 242, respectively. The fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16 may be located below the first axis 11 and the third axis 13 in the −z-axis direction. A distance between the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16 may be greater than a distance between the first axis 11 and the third axis 13.
Here, the display 160 includes a periphery at each of opposing sides of the display 160 along the direction crossing the rotation axis (e.g., along the x-axis direction), the display 160 being adhered to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 at the peripheries, respectively. Then, the foldable electronic device which is folded slides the first slide holding part and the second holding part along the first slide structure and the second slide structure to decrease a distance of the first slide holding part and the second holding part from the peripheries of the display, respectively. That is, the foldable electronic device which is folded slides the first slide holding part 223 and the second holding part 224 along the first slide structure 231b and the second slide structure 232b to increase distances of the first slide holding part 223 and the second holding part 224 from the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16, respectively.
Referring to
When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded (open) state, among at least portions of the hinge structures 200, the first gear 231d disposed on the first arm member 231, the second gear 232d disposed in the second arm member 232, and at least one idle gear 233a and 233b may be aligned in the x-axis direction. The first gear 231d may be disposed in a pattern on one side of the shaft holding part of the first arm member 231, and similar to the first gear 231d, and the second gear 232d also may be disposed in a pattern on one side of the shaft holding part of the second arm member 232. Correspondingly, the shaft holding part (e.g., the first shaft holding part 231c1) of the first arm member 231 and the shaft holding part (e.g., the third shaft holding part 232c1) of the second arm member 232 may include a partially formed gear pattern.
Here, the first shaft 241 inserted into the first arm member 231 and the second shaft 242 inserted into the second arm member 232 may define the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16, as described above, and at least one idle gear 233a and 233b may be rotated about separate real axes (e.g., a seventh axis 17 and an eighth axis 18). The fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16 may be disposed in positions which are different from those of the seventh axis 17 and the eighth axis 18 with respect to the z-axis direction. For example, the fifth axis 15 and the sixth axis 16 may be disposed above the seventh axis 17 and the eighth axis 18 with respect to the z-axis direction.
When the electronic device 100 is changed from the unfolded (open) state to the folded (closed) state, the first gear 231d may be rotated counterclockwise while the first arm member 231 is rotated by the first link member 220a, and the second gear 232d may be rotated clockwise while the second arm member 232 is rotated by the second link member 220b. Correspondingly, the first idle gear 233a connected to the first gear 231d may be rotated clockwise, and the second idle gear 233b connected to the second gear 232d may be rotated counterclockwise. Through the above-described rotation, the first arm member 231 may be interlocked with the second arm member 232 through at least one idle gear 233a and 233b.
A portion of the first link member 220a and a portion of the first link cover 225 which covers the first link member 220a may be disposed on one periphery, for example, an x-axis periphery of the first arm member 231. A portion of the second link member 220b and a portion of the second link cover 226, which covers the second link member 220b, may be disposed at one periphery of the second arm member 232, for example, a −x-axis periphery.
Referring to
For example, the first cam 251a may include a mountain which protrudes in the −y-axis direction and a valley which is formed adjacent to the mountain. The mountain of the first cam 251a may include a protruding first apex part 251_2, a first left part 251_1, and a first right part 251_3 which define left and right sides of the first apex part 251_2, and. Here, a slope (or inclination) of the first left part 251_1 may be different from a slope (or inclination) of the first right part 251_3. For example, the slope (or inclination) of the first left part 251_1 may be gentler (or lower) than the slope (or inclination) of the first right part 251_3. Furthermore, the first apex part 251_2 may be formed to have a constant inclination with respect to the −y-axis. For example, the first apex part 251_2 may have a shape, in which the slope gradually decreases from the boundary part connected to the first left part 251_1 to the boundary part connected to the first right part 251_3. Alternatively, a height of a boundary part of the first apex part 251_2, which is connected to the first left part 251_1, may be higher than a height of a boundary part connected to the first right part 251_3.
The first cam structure 231f may include a valley which is formed in the y-axis direction and a mountain which is formed adjacent to the valley. The mountain of the first cam structure 231f may include a protruding second apex part 231f2, and a second left part 231f1 and a second right part 231f3 which define the left and right sides of the second apex part 231f2. Here, a slope (or inclination) of the second left part 231f1 may be different from a slope (or inclination) of the second right part 231f3. For example, the slope (or inclination) of the second left part 231f1 may be rapider (or higher) than the slope (or inclination) of the second right part 231f3. Furthermore, the second apex part 231f2 may be formed to have a constant inclination with respect to the y-axis. For example, the second apex part 231f2 may have a shape, in which the slope gradually increases from the boundary part connected to the second left part 231f1 to the boundary part connected to the second right part 231f3. Alternatively, a height of a boundary part of the second apex part 231f2, which is connected to the second left part 231f1, may be lower than a height of a boundary part which is connected to the second right part 231f3. Alternatively, the second apex part 231f2 may have an inclination shape which is opposite to that of the first apex part 251_2 of the first cam 251a.
According to the shape of the cam and cam structure described above, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded (closed) state at a specific angle (e.g., an angle which is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees), at least a portion of a repulsive force for unfolding the folded display 160 may be offset. Through this, the electronic device 100 may more stably provide a free-stop function for holding it at a specific angle.
Referring to
As an example, in the electronic device 1000, at least one of the center plates 1071 and 1072, the wing plates 1031 and 1032 (or the plates), the display 1060, and the at least one hinge structure 1000a, 1000b, and 1000c may be omitted. For example, the center plates 1071 and 1072 and the wing plates 1031 and 1032 may be omitted, and the electronic device 1000 may include only the at least one hinge structure 1100a, 1100b, and 1100c, the display 1060, and the housings 1010 and 1020. Alternatively, at least one of the center plates 1071 and 1072 and the wing plates 1031 and 1032 may be omitted, and the electronic device 1000 may include only the at least one hinge structure 1100a, 1100b, and 1100c, the display 1060, the housings 1010 and 1020, and the hinge housing 1050.
The display 1060 may have a length in the x-axis direction which is smaller than a length in the y-axis direction, and may have the folded (closed) state or the unfolded (open) state with respect to a point in the x-axis direction (e.g., a center point of an x-axis width). The display 1060 may include a first area 1061 which is supported by the first housing 1010, a second area 1062 which is supported by the second housing 1020, a third area 1063 (or a folding area) which is disposed between the first area 1061 and the second area 1062. At least one lattice pattern may be formed at at least a portion of a rear surface of the display 1060 in the third area 1063. The display 1060 may be formed as any one of the various types of displays previously described in
The wing plates 1031 and 1032 may include a first wing plate 1031 and a second wing plate 1032 which are disposed between the rear surface of the display 1060 and the hinge structures 1100a, 1100b, and 1100c, and are disposed long in the y-axis direction. Sides of the first wing plate 1031 and the second wing plate 1032 may be fixed to the first hinge structure 1100a, opposite sides thereof may be fixed to the second hinge structure 1100b, and a central portion thereof may be fixed to the third hinge structure 1100a. The wing plates 1031 and 1032 may support the folding area of the rear surface of the display 1060 when the state of the electronic device 1000 is changed.
The center plates 1071 and 1072 may include a first center plate 1071 which is disposed in the y-axis direction in a boundary area between the first housing 1010 and the second housing 1020, and a second center plate 1072 which is disposed in the −y-axis direction. When the electronic device 1000 is in the unfolded (open) state, the center plates 1071 and 1072 may be disposed between the wing plates 1031 and 1032. When the electronic device 1000 is in the folded (closed) stated, the center plates 1071 and 1072 which are maintained at fixed positions may be disposed to be spaced apart from the wing plates 1031 and 1032 which have been rotated.
The disposition state of the first housing 1010 and the second housing 1020 may vary depending on the folded (closed) state or the unfolded (open) state of the electronic device 1000. For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in the folded (closed) state, one surface (e.g., a surface, on which the first area 1061 of the display 1060, in which the screen is displayed, is disposed) of the first housing 1010 and one surface of the second housing 1020 (e.g., a surface, on which the second area 1062 of the display 1060, in which the screen is displayed, is disposed) may be disposed to face each other. When the electronic device 1000 is in the unfolded (open) state, an upper surface (e.g., a surface, on which the first area 1061 of the display 1060, in which the screen is displayed, is disposed) of the first housing 1010 and an upper surface (e.g., a surface, on which the first area 1061 of the display 1060, in which the screen is displayed, is disposed) of the second housing 1020 may be disposed to face the same direction (e.g., a direction which faces the z-axis). When the electronic device 1000 is in the unfolded (open) state, recessed parts may be formed in areas, in which the first housing 1010 and the second housing 1020 are disposed adjacent to each other, and at least portions of the hinge housing 1050 and the hinge structures 1100a, 1100b, and 1100c may be seated in the recessed parts.
Hinge structures 1100a, 1100b, and 1100c, for example, may include a first hinge structure 1100a, at least a portion of which is seated at a −y-axis periphery of the hinge housing 1050, a second hinge structure 1100b, at least a portion of which is seated at a y-axis periphery of the hinge housing 1050, and a third hinge structure 1100c which is disposed between the first hinge structure 1100a and the second hinge structure 1100b. The first hinge structure 1100a and the second hinge structure 1100b may have substantially the same shape and size, and may be disposed in different directions. The third hinge structure 1100c may include some configurations of the first hinge structure 1100a (or the second hinge structure 1100b). Meanwhile, the second type hinge structure 1100 illustrated in
The second type hinge structure 1100 may include a fixing bracket 1110, a first rotation member 1111, a second rotation member 1112, a first link member 1120a, a second link member 1120b, and a first arm member 1131, a second arm member 1132, and an interlocking member 1133.
The fixing bracket 1110 may have a similar shape to that of the fixing bracket 210 of the first type hinge structure 200 previously described in
The first rail 1110b1 includes a partial area which is opened from the x-axis in the −x-axis direction of the bracket body 1110a, and the first rail structure 1111b of the first rotation member 1111 may be fastened thereto. The first rail 1110b1 may include a structure (e.g., rail protrusions which protrude from the surfaces of opposite side walls) corresponding to the first rail structure 1111b. The second rail 1110b2 includes a partial area which is opened from the −x-axis in the x-axis direction of the bracket body 1110a, and the third rail structure 1112b of the second rotation member 1112 may be fastened thereto. The second rail 1110b2 may include a structure (e.g., rail protrusions which protrude from the surfaces of opposite side walls) corresponding to the third rail structure 1112b. The second rail 1110b2 may have substantially the same structure as that of the first rail 1110b1. The second rail 1110b2 is formed adjacent to the first rail 1110b1 and may be disposed not to meet each other with respect to the y-axis direction. At least one hole (e.g., a hole which passes in the z-axis direction) which is used to fix the fixing bracket 1110 to the hinge housing 1050 may be disposed in areas (e.g., an area of the first rail 1110b1 and an area in the −x-axis direction and an area of the second rail 1110b2 in the x-axis direction) which are adjacent to the first rail 1110b1 and the second rail 1110b2.
The interlocking/fastening part 1110d may extend in the y-axis direction from one periphery (e.g., a y-axis periphery) of the bracket body 1110a. The interlocking/fastening part 1110d is a bar-type and has a specific width and length, and may be formed to be longer than a y-axis width of the interlocking member 1133. For example, the interlocking/fastening part 1110d may have a shape, in which a length thereof in the y-axis direction is larger than a length in the x-axis direction to be inserted into and fastened to the interlocking member 1133. The interlocking/fastening part 1110d may be disposed between the shaft fixing holes 1110c1 and 1110c2.
The shaft fixing holes 1110c1 and 1110c2 may include a first shaft fixing groove 1110c1, in which the first shaft 1141 is held, and a second shaft fixing groove 1110c2, in which the second shaft 1142 is held. A groove or hole, into which coupling members 1191 and 1192 (e.g., E-rings) may be inserted, may be formed on at least one side of a column which defines the shaft fixing holes 1110c1 and 1110c2. Accordingly, after the first shaft 1141 and the second shaft 1142 are inserted into the shaft fixing holes 1110c1 and 1110c2, they may be fixed by the coupling members 1191 and 1192.
The first rotation member 1111 may include a first rotation body 1111a, a first rail structure 1111b which extends in the −x-axis direction from the first rotation body 1111a and is inserted into the first rail 1110b1 of the fixing bracket 1110, and a second rail structure 1111c which extends from the first rotation body 1111a in the x-axis direction. The upper surface (a surface which faces the z-axis) of the first rail structure 1111b, an upper surface of the first rotation body 1111a, and an upper surface of the second rail structure 1111c may have a flat shape as a whole. A through-hole which passes through upper and lower sides may be formed in the first rotation body 1111a. The through-hole formed in the first rotation body 1111a may be used to couple the wing plate (e.g., the first wing plate 1031) to the first rotation member 1111. The first rail structure 1111b and the second rail structure 1111c may include an arc-shaped rail groove (or rail protrusions which define the rail groove) which is convex in the −z-axis direction. The second rail structure 1111c may be fastened to the third rail 1121b of the first link member 1120a.
The second rotation member 1112 may include a second rotation body 1112a, a third rail structure 1112b which extends in the x-axis direction from the second rotation body 1112a and is inserted into the second rail 1110b2 of the fixing bracket 1110, and a fourth rail structure 1112c which extends from the second rotation body 1112a in the −x-axis direction. The second rotation body 1112a, the third rail structure 1112b, and the fourth rail structure 1112c described above may have the same or similar shape and size as that of the first rotation body 1111a of the first rotation member 1111, the first rail structure 1111b, and the second rail structure 1111c described above. For example, the upper surfaces of the second rotation body 1112a, the third rail structure 1112b, and the fourth rail structure 1112c may be formed to be flat as a whole, and a through-hole which is used for coupling to the wing plate (e.g., the second wing plate 1032) may be formed on one side of the second rotation body 1112a. The third rail structure 1112b and the fourth rail structure 1112c may include an arc-shaped rail groove (or rail protrusions which define the rail groove) which is convex in the same direction as that of the first rail structure 1111b and the second rail structure 1111c. The fourth rail structure 1112c may be fastened to a fourth rail 1122b of the second link member 1120b.
The first link member 1120a may have a structure which is similar to that of the first link member 220a of the first type hinge structure 200 previously described in
The first rail link 1121 may include a first link body 1121a, a first link connection part 1121d, and a third rail 1121b. At least one hole which is used to fix the first link member 1120a to the first housing 1010 may be disposed in the first link body 1121a. The third rail 1121b may be disposed in the −y-axis direction of the first link body 1121a. The second rail structure 1111c of the first rotation member 1111 may be fastened to the third rail 1121b. The first link connection part 1121d is provided in a shape which is stepped from the first link body 1121a and may be disposed to extend from the first link body 1121a in the y-axis direction. A first slide connection part 1123d may overlap an upper portion or a lower portion of the first link connection part 1121d with respect to the z-axis direction. At least one through-hole (or a groove) which is used for coupling to the first slide connection part 1123d may formed in the z-axis direction in the first link connection part 1121d. The first slide holding part 1123 may include a first slide body 1123a, a first slide connection part 1123d, and a first holding part 1123b. At least one hole for fixing the first slide holding part 1123 to the first housing 1010 may be disposed in one direction of the first slide body 1123a, for example, in the y-axis direction. A first slide structure 1131b formed on the first arm member 1131 may be fastened to the first holding part 1123b. The first holding part 1123b may be disposed in the −y-axis direction from the first slide body 1123a, and a straight rail protrusion for preventing the first slide structure 1131b from deviating in the z-axis direction after being seated, or for guiding the corresponding movement while the first slide structure 1131b is linearly moved may be disposed in the first holding part 1123b. The rail protrusions may be disposed to face each other on opposite side walls which define the first holding part 1123b. The first slide connection part 1123d may be formed to extend from the first holding part 1123b in the −y-axis direction. The first holding part 1123b and the first slide connection part 1123d may be disposed to be stepped. According to one example, the first slide connection part 1123d may include at least one through-hole which is disposed at an upper portion of the first link connection part 1121d and passes upward and downward. The through-hole formed in the first slide connection part 1123d may be aligned with the through-hole formed in the first link connection part 1121d in an upward/downward direction.
Meanwhile, in the above description, a form, in which the first link member 1120a includes a first link rail 1121 and a first slide holding part 1123 which are separated from each other, and is coupled to the first link connection part 1121d disposed in the first link rail 1121 by using the first slide connection part 1123d disposed in the first slide holding part 1123, has been illustrated, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The above-described separation structure is for convenience of assembly of the components, and the first link connection part 1121d and the first slide connection part 1123d may be provided integrally.
The second link member 1120b may have substantially the same or similar structure to the previously described first link member 1120a, except for the symmetrical portion. For example, the second link member 1120b may include a second rail link 1122 and a second slide holding part 1124.
The second rail link 1122 may include a second link body 1122a, a second link connection part 1122d, and a fourth rail 1122b. At least one hole which is used to fix the second link member 1120b to the second housing 1020 may be disposed in the second link body 1122a. The second link connection part 1122d is provided in a shape which is stepped from the second link body 1122a and may extend from the second link body 1122a in the y-axis direction. A second slide connection part 1124d may overlap an upper portion or a lower portion of the second link connection part 1122d with respect to the z-axis direction. At least one through-hole (or a groove) which is used for coupling to the second slide connection part 1124d may formed in the z-axis direction in the second link connection part 1122d. The second slide holding part 1124 may include a second slide body 1124a, a second slide connection part 1124d, and a second holding part 1124b. At least one hole for fixing the second slide holding part 1124 to the second housing 1020 may be disposed in one direction of the second slide body 1124a, for example, in the y-axis direction. A second slide structure 1132b formed on the second arm member 1132 may be fastened to the second holding part 1124b. The second holding part 1124b may be disposed in the −y-axis direction from the second slide body 1124a, and a straight rail protrusion for preventing the second slide structure 1132b from deviating in the z-axis direction after being seated, or for guiding the corresponding movement while the second slide structure 1132b is linearly moved may be disposed to face the opposite side walls. The second slide connection part 1124d may be formed to extend from the second holding part 1124b in the −y-axis direction. The second holding part 1124b and the second slide connection part 1124d may be disposed to be stepped. According to one example, the second slide connection part 1124d may include at least one through-hole which is disposed at an upper portion of the second link connection part 1122d and passes upward and downward. The through-hole formed in the second slide connection part 1124d may be aligned with the through-hole formed in the second link connection part 1122d in an upward/downward direction. In the second link member 1120b, the second rail link 1122 and the second slide holding part 1124 may be provided integrally.
The first arm member 1131 includes a structure (e.g., a first slide structure 1131b) which is fastened to a first link member 1120a coupled to the first housing 1010. The first slide structure 1131b may be linearly moved (e.g., slid) along the −x-axis or x-axis in the first slide holding part 1123 formed in the first link member 1120a. The first slide structure 1131b may include a first main body 1131b1 which extend in the x-axis direction from a first arm body 1131a, a first wing 1131b2 which protrudes in the −y-axis direction from a periphery of the first main body 1131b1, and a second wing 1131b3 which protrudes in the y-axis direction. The first wing 1131b2 and the second wing 1131b3 may be engaged with the rail protrusions formed in the first holding part 1123b to guide linear movement thereof while the first main body 1131b1 is linearly moved in the first holding part 1123b, and may prevent the first main body 1131b1 from deviating in the z-axis direction.
The first arm member 1131 may include a first arm body 1131a, and a first shaft holding part 1131c1 and a second shaft holding part 1131c2 which extend from the first arm body 1131a in the −x-axis direction and may be fastened to the first shaft 1141. The first shaft holding part 1131c1 and the second shaft holding part 1131c2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the y-axis direction. A first spiral structure 1131d (or a first spiral pattern, a first spiral protrusion, or a first spiral gear) may be disposed on one side of the first shaft holding part 1131c1. A hole which passes in the y-axis or −y-axis direction may be formed in the first shaft holding part 1131c1 and the second shaft holding part 1131c2 so that the first shaft 1141 may be held therein. The first shaft holding part 1131c1 may include a first cam structure 1131f which protrudes in the y-axis direction and is engaged with a cam member (e.g., one side cam of a first cam member 1151). For example, a first cam structure 1131f may be formed on one side of the first spiral structure 1131d. The first spiral structure 1131d may be fastened to a first spiral groove 1133b1 formed in the interlocking member 1133. The first spiral structure 1131d may be rotated according to the rotation of the first arm member 1131, and the interlocking member 1133, in which the first spiral groove 1133b1 is formed, may be moved linearly in the y-axis direction (or a direction which is parallel to a direction, in which the display 160 is folded, in correspondence to the rotation of the first spiral structure 1131d. The second shaft holding part 1131c2 may include a second cam structure 1131g which is engaged with one side cam of a second cam member 1152, and a third cam structure 1131h which is engaged with one side cam of a third cam member 1153. The first arm member 1131 may be rotated counterclockwise and clockwise about a real axis of the first shaft 1141.
The second arm member 1132 includes a structure (e.g., a second slide structure 1132b) which is fastened to a second link member 1120b coupled to the second housing 1020. The second slide structure 1132b may be linearly moved (e.g., slid) along the −x-axis or x-axis in the second slide holding part 1124 formed in the second link member 1120b. The second slide structure 1132b may have a structure which is substantially the same or similar to that of the first slide structure 1131b described above. For example, the second slide structure 1132b may include a second main body 1132b1, a third wing 1132b2, and a fourth wing 1132b3, the second main body 1132b1 may be moved linearly in the x-axis or the −x-axis direction in the second holding part 1124b, and the third wing 1132b2 and the fourth wing 1132b3 may guide the linear movement of the second main body 1132b1 along the rail protrusions formed in the second holding part 1124b.
The second arm member 1132 may include a second arm body 1132a, and a third shaft holding part 1132c1 and a fourth shaft holding part 1132c2 which extend from the second arm body 1132a in the x-axis direction and may be fastened to the second shaft 1142. The third shaft holding part 1132c1 and the fourth shaft holding part 1132c2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the y-axis direction. The third shaft holding part 1132c1 and the fourth shaft holding part 1132c2 may be spaced apart from each other by a spacing distance which is the same as a spacing distance between the first shaft holding part 1131c1 and the second shaft holding part 1131c2. A second spiral structure 1132d (or a second spiral protrusion or a second spiral gear) may be disposed on one side of the third shaft holding part 1132c1. The second spiral structure 1132d may be rotated according to the rotation of the second arm member 1132, and the interlocking member 1133, in which a second spiral groove 1133b2 is formed, may be moved linearly in the y-axis direction (or the −y-axis direction) in correspondence to the rotation of the second spiral structure 1132d.
A hole which passes in the y-axis or −y-axis direction may be formed in the third shaft holding part 1132c1 and the fourth shaft holding part 1132c2 so that the second shaft 1142 may be held therein. The third shaft holding part 1132c1 may include a fourth cam structure 1132f which is engaged with a cam member (e.g., an opposite cam of the first cam member 1151). For example, a fourth cam structure 1132f may be formed on one side of the second spiral structure 1132d. The fourth shaft holding part 1132c2 may include a fifth cam structure 1132g which is engaged with an opposite side cam of the second cam member 1152, and a sixth cam structure 1132h which is engaged with an opposite side cam of the third cam member 1153. The second arm member 1132 may be rotated counterclockwise and clockwise about a real axis of the second shaft 1142.
The first cam member 1151 may include a first cam 1151a which is engaged with the first cam structure 1131f of the first arm member 1131, a second cam 1151b which is engaged with the fourth cam structure 1132f of the second arm member 1132, and a support member 1151c which connects the first cam 1151a and the second cam 1151b. A through-hole, through which the first shaft 1141 may pass, may be formed at a center of the first cam 1151a, and a through-hole, through which the second shaft 1142 may pass, may be formed at a center of the second cam 1151b. A first elastic member 1181 and a second elastic member 1182 may be disposed on a rear surface of the first cam member 1151 to provide an elastic force which pushes the first cam member 1151 toward the first cam structure 1131f and the third cam structure 1131h. The second cam member 1152 and the third cam member 1153 may have the same or similar structure as that of the first cam member 1151. That is, it may include two spaced cams, and a support member which connects the cams. The third cam (not illustrated) of the second cam member 1152 may be fastened to the second cam structure 1131g of the second shaft holding part 1131c2, and the fourth cam (not illustrated) of the second cam member 1152 may be fastened to the third cam structure 1131h of the second shaft holding part 1131c2. The fifth cam (not illustrated) of the third cam member 1153 may be fastened to the fifth cam structure 1132g of the fourth shaft holding part 1132c2, and the sixth cam (not illustrated) of the third cam member 1153 may be fastened to the sixth cam structure 1132h of the fourth shaft holding part 1132c2. The third elastic member 1183 and the fourth elastic member 1184 may provide an elastic force to the second cam member 1152, and the fifth elastic member 1185 and sixth elastic member 1186 may exert an elastic force to the third cam member 1153.
The shaft fixing part 1161 and the shaft holder 1162 may have the same or similar configuration to those of the shaft fixing part 261 and the shaft holder 262 of the first type hinge structure 200 previously described in
At least one coupling member 1191, 1192, 1193, and 1194 may include ring members 1191 and 1192 which fix the −y-axis peripheries of the first shaft 1141 and the second shaft 1142, which are fixed to the shaft fixing holes 1110c1 and 1110c2 of the fixing bracket 1110, and ring members 1193 and 1194 which fix the y-axis peripheries of the first shaft 1141 and the second shaft 1142. The at least one coupling members 1191, 1192, 1193, and 1194 described above, for example, may include a form of an E-ring.
The interlocking member 1133b may include an interlocking body 1133a, in which a through-hole is formed in the y-axis direction (or the −y-axis direction), and a first spiral groove 1133b1 and a second spiral groove 1133b2 are engraved on side surfaces (e.g., side surfaces in the −x-axis and x-axis directions) of the interlocking body 1133a. The first spiral groove 1133b1 and the second spiral groove 1133b2 may be formed as diagonally engraved grooves in the z-axis direction and the −z-axis direction. The first spiral groove 1133b1 and the second spiral groove 1133b2 may be formed in opposite diagonal directions. For example, when the first spiral groove 1133b1 is formed in a direction from the −z-axis to the z-axis and diagonally upward to the right side, the second spiral groove 1133b2 may formed in a direction from the −z-axis to the z-axis and diagonally upward to the left side. The first spiral groove 1133b1 may be fastened to the first spiral structure 1131d formed in the first arm member 1131, and the second spiral groove 1133b2 may be fastened to the second spiral structure 1132d formed in the second arm member 1132. A portion of the interlocking/fastening part 1110d of the fixing bracket 1110 may be inserted into the through-hole formed at a central portion of the interlocking body 1133a. Accordingly, the interlocking member 1133 may move linearly in the y-axis direction or the −y-axis direction along the interlocking/fastening part 1110d of the fixing bracket 1110.
Referring to
The first arm member 1131 may include a first shaft holding part 1131c1, through which at least the first shaft 1141 passes and at least a portion thereof is disposed. A first spiral structure 1131d may be disposed on an outer surface of the first shaft holding part 1131c1. The first spiral structure 1131d may include an embossed protrusion which swirls around an outer surface of the cylindrical first shaft holding part 1131c1. Then, the first spiral structure 1131d may include protrusions which are disposed diagonally from an inside to an outside (or from the −x-axis in the x-axis direction) and from the −y-axis in the y-axis direction. The first spiral structure 1131d may be formed to be thicker as it approaches the outer surface of the first shaft holding part 1131c1 and thinner as it goes away from the outer surface of the first shaft holding part 1131c1. The above-described first spiral structure 1131d may be fastened to the first spiral groove 1133b1 formed in the interlocking member 1133. The first spiral groove 1133b1 may be provided in a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the first spiral structure 1131d. For example, the first spiral groove 1133b1 may be formed as an engraving on an x-axis side wall of the interlocking member 1133, and as the depth of the engraved part becomes deeper, a width of the groove may become smaller.
Meanwhile, a first cam structure 1131f formed on a side surface in the y-axis direction may be formed in the first shaft holding part 1131c1 formed in the first arm member 1131, and the first cam structure 1131f may be disposed to be engaged with the first cam member 1151a of the first cam member 1151. When the first arm member 1131 is rotated counterclockwise, the first cam structure 1131f may perform a cam operation while being rotated along the surfaces of the mountains and valleys of the fixed first cam 1151a. The first cam 1151a may be maintained in a close contact with the first cam structure 1131f by an elastic force which is transmitted from the first elastic member 1181.
The second arm member 1132 may include a third shaft holding part 1132c1, through which at least the second shaft 1142 passes and at least a portion thereof is disposed. A second spiral structure 1132d may be disposed on an outer surface of the third shaft holding part 1132c1. The second spiral structure 1132d may include an embossed protrusion which swirls around the outer surface of the cylindrical third shaft holding part 1132c1, similar to the first spiral structure 1131d. Then, the second spiral structure 1132d may include a protrusion which is disposed diagonally in a direction which is opposite to the first spiral structure 1131d, for example, from an outside to an inside (or from the x-axis in the −x-axis direction) and from the −y-axis in the y-axis direction. The second spiral structure 1131d may be formed to be thicker as it approaches the outer surface of the third shaft holding part 1132c1 and thinner as it goes away from the outer surface of the third shaft holding part 1132c1. The above-described second spiral structure 1132d may be fastened to the second spiral groove 1133b2 formed in the interlocking member 1133. The second spiral groove 1133b2 may be provided in a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the second spiral structure 1132d. For example, the second spiral groove 1133b2 may be formed as an engraving on a −x-axis side wall of the interlocking member 1133, and as the depth of the engraved part becomes deeper, a width of the groove may become smaller. The engraved direction of the second spiral groove 1133b2 may have a diagonal direction opposite to the direction in which the first spiral groove 1133b1 is formed.
Meanwhile, the third shaft holding part 1132c1 formed in the second arm member 1132 may have a fourth cam structure 1132f on a side surface in the y-axis direction, and the fourth cam structure 1132f may be disposed to be engaged with the second cam 1151b connected through the support member 1151c of 1151. When the second arm member 1132 is rotated clockwise, the fourth cam structure 1132f may perform a cam operation while being rotated along the surfaces of the mountains and valleys of the fixed second cam 1151b. The second cam 1151b may be maintained in a close contact with the fourth cam structure 1132f by an elastic force which is transmitted from the second elastic member 1182.
When the first arm member 1131 and the second arm member 1132 are rotated counterclockwise and clockwise (or clockwise and counterclockwise), respectively, the interlocking member 1133 which is fastened to the first spiral structure 1131d and the second spiral structure 1132d may be moved linearly in the −y-axis direction (or the y-axis direction). In this way, the first spiral structure 1131d and the second spiral structure 1132d may interlock the pressures applied to the first arm member 1131 and the second arm member 1132 while converting the rotation of the first arm member 1131 and the second arm member 1132 to a linear movement.
The first rotation member 1111, for example, may include a first rotation body 1111a, a first rail structure 1111b and a second rail structure 1111c which are disposed on the left and right sides with respect to the first rotation body 1111a. At least one through-hole (or a groove) which is used for coupling to the first wing plate 1031 may be formed in the first rotation body 1111a. Correspondingly, holes corresponding to the through-holes formed in the first rotation body 1111a also may be formed in the first wing plate 1031. After the hole formed in the first wing plate 1031 and the through-hole formed in the first rotation body 1111a are aligned, an additional structure (e.g., a fastening member, such as a screw) may be used to fasten the first wing plate 1031 and the first rotation body 1111a.
Similar to the first rotation member 1111, for example, the second rotation member 1112 may include a second rotation body 1112a, and a third rail structure 1112b and a fourth rail structure 1112c which are disposed on the left and right sides with respect to the second rotation body 1112a. The second rotation body 1112a may include at least one through-hole (or a groove) which is used for coupling to the second wing plate 1032, and may be aligned with the holes formed in the second wing plate 1032 in the z-axis direction. After the hole formed in the second wing plate 1032 and the through-hole formed in the second rotation body 1112a are aligned, an additional structure (e.g., a fastening member, such as a screw) may be used to fasten the second wing plate 1032 and the second rotation body 1112a.
Meanwhile, the first wing plate and the second wing plate 1032 may be coupled to the rotation members disposed in various positions. For example, referring to
Referring to
For example, the center plates 1071 and 1072 may be disposed long in the y-axis direction at a central portion (e.g., an area corresponding to a width of the hinge housing 1050) of the hinge structure 1100. For example, the center plates 1071 and 1072 may be fixed to one side of the hinge structure 1100. For example, the center plates 1071 and 1072 may be coupled to a hole structure which is opened in the z-axis direction in the shaft fixing part 1161 or the shaft holder 1162 described in
The wing plates 1031 and 1032, for example, may include a first wing plate 1031 which is disposed in the x-axis direction with respect to the center plates 1071 and 1072 or the hinge structure 1100, and a second wing plate 1032 which is disposed in the −x-axis direction. When the electronic device 1000 is in the unfolded (open) state, a −x-axis periphery of the first wing plate 1031 may be disposed adjacent to peripheries (e.g., x-axis peripheries) of the center plates 1071 and 1072. When the electronic device 1000 is in the unfolded (open) state, an x-axis periphery of the second wing plate 1032 may be disposed adjacent to the peripheries (e.g., the −x-axis peripheries) of the center plates 1071 and 1072. At least a portion of the first link member 1120a and at least a portion of the second link member 1120b may be disposed on a lower side of the wing plates 1031 and 1032.
Meanwhile, a spiral structure (e.g., the interlocking member 1133, the first spiral structure 1131d, and the second spiral structure 1132d) described above in
Referring to
As an example, in the electronic device 1800, at least one of the wing plates 1831 and 1832 (or plates), the display 1860, and at least one hinge structure 1900a, 1900b, and 1900c may be omitted. For example, in the electronic device 1000, the wing plates 1831 and 1832 may be omitted, and the electronic device 1000 may include only at least one hinge structure 1900a, 1900b, and 1900c, a display 1860, and housings 1810 and 1820.
The first housing, the second housing, the hinge housing 1850, the wing plates 1830, and the display 1860 have the same or similar configurations as the configurations of the electronic device 1800 described above with reference to
Referring to
The fixing bracket 1910 may include a bracket body 1910a, on which an interlocking member 1960 is positioned, and a shaft holder 1910b which is formed at a y-axis periphery of the bracket body 1910a and holds peripheries (e.g., −y-axis peripheries) of a first shaft 1941 and a second shaft 1942. The bracket body 1910a may have a length in the y-axis direction which is larger than the length in the x-axis direction, and may have a shape, in which at least a portion thereof corresponds to a surface of the interlocking member 1960 in the −z-axis direction so that the interlocking member 1960 may be positioned thereon. The shaft holder 1910b may include a groove or hole area, into which the first shaft 1941 is inserted, and a groove or hole area, into which the second shaft 1942 is inserted. On one side of the shaft holder 1910b, side grooves or holes, into which a fixing member (e.g., an E-ring) is inserted, may be formed so that the first shaft 1941 and the second shaft 1942, which are held, do not deviate from the corresponding grooves or holes.
The interlocking member 1960 may include an interlocking body 1960_1 which is disposed on an upper surface (e.g., one side in the z-axis direction) of the fixing bracket 1910, a first spiral groove 1960a (or a hole), and a second spiral groove 1960b (or a hole). For example, the interlocking body 1960_1 may have a size which is similar to the size of the upper surface of the fixing bracket 1910 or smaller than the size of the upper surface of the fixing bracket 1910 to be positioned on the fixing bracket 1910. The interlocking body 1960_1 of the interlocking member 1960 may be disposed to be moved linearly in the y-axis or −y-axis direction on the upper surface of the fixing bracket 1910. The interlocking body 1960_1 may interlock the first rotation member 1921 and the second rotation member 1922 while converting the rotation of the first rotation member 1921 and the second rotation member 1922 into a linear movement.
The first spiral groove 1960a may be formed in a shape of a groove or hole which is curved in a diagonal direction on one side of the interlocking body 1960_1, and may be fastened to the first spiral rail structure (e.g., a first lower spiral rail structure 1921_1c and a first upper spiral rail structure 1921_2c) of the first rotation member 1921. The second spiral groove 1960b may be formed in a shape of a groove or hole which is curved in a diagonal direction on an opposite side of the interlocking body 1960_1, and may be fastened to the second spiral rail structure (e.g., a second lower spiral rail structure 1922_1c and a second upper spiral rail structure 1922_2c) of the second rotation member 1922. While the first rotation member 1921 and the second rotation member 1922 are rotated counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively, the first spiral rail structures 1921_1c and 1921_2c may be rotated along the first spiral groove 1960a, and the second spiral rail structure 1922_1c and 1922_2c may be rotated along the second spiral groove 1960b. In correspondence to the rotation of the first spiral rail structures 1921_1c and 1921_2c and the second spiral rail structures 1922_1c and 1922_2c, the interlocking member 1960 may be moved linearly in the y-axis or −y-axis direction.
The first rotation member 1921 may include a first lower rotation member 1921a1 and a first upper rotation member 1921a2, and a first rotation elastic member 1921_3 which is disposed between the first lower rotation member 1921a1 and the first upper rotation member 1921a2. The first lower rotation member 1921a1 may include a first lower rotation body 1921_1a. of which a length in the y-axis direction is larger than that in the x-axis direction and of which an upper surface has a flat shape, a first lower spiral rail structure 1921_1c which is disposed in a −x-axis periphery (or a corner between the −x-axis and the y-axis) area of the first lower rotation body 1921_1a, protrudes in the −z-axis direction, and is formed in a diagonal shape in a diagonal direction of the xy plane, and an arc-shaped or half-moon-shaped first rail structure 1921b which protrudes in the −z-axis direction from an x-axis periphery of the first lower rotation body 1921_1a. The first upper rotation member 1921a2 may include a first upper rotation body 1921_2a, an upper surface of which is formed flat, a first upper spiral rail structure 1921_2c which is formed at a −x-axis periphery (or a corner in the −x-axis and −y-axis directions) of the first upper rotation body 1921_2a, protrudes in the −z-axis direction, and is formed in a diagonal direction of the xy plane, and a first plate coupling part 1921d which is used for coupling of the first upper rotation body 1921_2a to the housing or a separate support plate (e.g., the first wing plate 1831). The first lower spiral rail structure 1921_1c may be fastened to the first spiral groove 1960a formed on one side of the interlocking member 1960 after being coupled to the first upper spiral rail structure 1921_2c.
The second rotation member 1922 may include a second lower rotation member 1922a1 and a second upper rotation member 1922a2, and a second rotation elastic member 1922_3 which is disposed between the second lower rotation member 1922a1 and the second upper rotation member 1922a2. Similar to the first lower rotation member 1921a1, the second lower rotation member 1922a1 may include a second lower rotation body 1922_1a. of which a length in the y-axis direction is larger than that in the x-axis direction and of which an upper surface has a flat shape, a second lower spiral rail structure 1922_1c which is disposed in a x-axis periphery (or a corner between the x-axis and the y-axis) area of the second lower rotation body 1922_1a, protrudes in the −z-axis direction, and is formed in a diagonal shape in a diagonal direction of the xy plane, and an arc-shaped or half-moon-shaped second rail structure 1922b which protrudes in the −z-axis direction from a −x-axis periphery of the second lower rotation body 1922_1a. The second upper rotation member 1922a2 may include a second upper rotation body 1922_2a, an upper surface of which is formed flat, a second upper spiral rail structure 1922_2c which is formed at an x-axis periphery (or a corner in the x-axis and −y-axis directions) of the second upper rotation body 1922_2a, protrudes in the −z-axis direction, and is formed in a diagonal direction of the xy plane, and a second plate coupling part 1972d which is used for coupling of the second rotation member 1922 (or the second first upper rotation member 1922_2a) to the housing or a separate support plate (e.g., the second wing plate 1832). The second lower spiral rail structure 1922_1c may be coupled to the second upper spiral rail structure 1922_2c and may be seated in the second spiral groove 1960b.
The first link member 1911 may include a first link body 1911a, a first rail 1911b which is disposed on one side (e.g., a −y-axis periphery) of the first link body 1911a and is fastened to the first rail structure 1921b of the first rotation member 1921 (or the first lower rotation member 1921a1), and a first slide holding part 1911c which is disposed on an opposite side (e.g., a y-axis periphery) of the first link body 1911a and is fastened to the first arm member 1931. While the first rotation member 1921 having the first rail structure 1921b fastened to the first rail 1911b is rotated counterclockwise, the first link member 1911 may rotate the first slide structure 1931b of the first arm member 1931 while being rotated in the same counterclockwise direction. When the first slide structure 1931b is rotated, the first arm member 1931 may be rotated counterclockwise. As described above, the first link member 1911 may transmit a rotational force of the first rotation member 1921 to the first arm member 1931 to support the first rotation member 1921 and the first arm member 1931 while the first arm member 1931 is rotated in correspondence to the rotation of the first rotation member 1921.
The second link member 1912 may include a second link body 1912a, a second rail 1912b which is disposed on one side (e.g., a −y-axis periphery) of the second link body 1912a, and is fastened to the second rail structure 1922b of the second rotation member 1922 (or the second lower rotation member 1922a1) similar to the first link member 1911, and a second slide holding part 1912c which is disposed on an opposite side (e.g., a y-axis periphery) of the second link body 1912a and is fastened to the second arm member 1932. While the second rotation member 1922 having the second rail structure 1922b fastened to the second rail 1912b is rotated clockwise, the second link member 1912 may rotate the second slide structure 1932b of the second arm member 1932 while being rotated in the same clockwise direction. When the second slide structure 1932b is rotated, the second arm member 1932 may be rotated clockwise. As described above, the second link member 1912 may transmit a rotational force of the second rotation member 1922 to the second arm member 1932 to support the second rotation member 1922 and the second arm member 1932 while the second arm member 1932 is rotated in correspondence to the rotation of the second rotation member 1922.
The first arm member 1931 may be coupled to the first link member 1911 and may perform a cam operation while being moved in correspondence to the rotation of the first link member 1911. In this regard, the first arm member 1931 includes a first shaft holding part 1931c1, into which the first shaft 1941 is inserted and a second shaft holding part 1931c2, and a cam structure formed in at least one of the first shaft holding part 1931c1 and the second shaft holding part 1931c2 may be disposed in a coupled state to a first cam disposed on one side of the first cam member 1951 and a second cam disposed on one side of the second cam member 1952. The first shaft holding part 1931c1 and the second shaft holding part 1931c2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other at a specific interval.
The second arm member 1932 may be coupled to the second link member 1912, and may perform a cam operation while being moved in correspondence to the rotation of the second link member 1912. In this regard, the second arm member 1932 includes a third shaft holding part 1932c1, into which the second shaft 1942 is inserted, and a fourth shaft holding part 1932c2, and a cam structure formed in at least one of the third shaft holding part 1932c1 and the fourth shaft holding part 1932c2 may be disposed in a coupled state to a third cam disposed on an opposite side of the first cam member 1951 and a fourth cam disposed on an opposite side of the second cam member 1952. The third shaft holding part 1932c1 and the fourth shaft holding part 1932c2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other at a specific interval.
Referring to
The display 2060 may have a length in the x-axis direction which is smaller than a length in the y-axis direction, and may have the folded (closed) state or the unfolded (open) state with respect to a point in the x-axis direction (e.g., a center point of an x-axis width). The display 2060 may include a first area 2061 which is supported by the first housing 1010, a second area 2062 which is supported by the second housing 2020, a third area 2063 (or a folding area) which is disposed between the first area 2061 and the second area 2062. At least one lattice pattern may be formed at at least a portion of a rear surface of the display 2060 in the third area 2063. The display 2060 may be formed as any one of the various types of displays previously described in
The wing plates 2031 and 2032 may include a first wing plate 2031 and a second wing plate 2032 which are disposed on a lower side of the third area 2063 of the rear surface of the display 2060. The first wing plate 2031 and the second wing plate 2032 may be disposed adjacent to each other with respect to the x-axis. Alternatively, when the electronic device 2000 is in the unfolded (open) state, the first wing plate 2031 and the second wing plate 2032 may be maintained in a state, in which there is no separate structure or a state, in which they are closely adjacent to each other.
The first housing 2010 and the second housing 2020 may have the same or similar configuration to those of the housings previously described in
Hinge structures 2100a, 2100b, and 2100c, for example, may include a first hinge structure 2100a, at least a portion of which is seated at a −y-axis periphery of the hinge housing 2050, a second hinge structure 2100b, at least a portion of which is seated at a y-axis periphery of the hinge housing 2050, and a third hinge structure 2100c which is disposed between the first hinge structure 2100a and the second hinge structure 2100b. The first hinge structure 2100a and the second hinge structure 2100b may have substantially the same shape and size, and may be disposed in different directions. The third hinge structure 2100c may include some configurations of the first hinge structure 2100a (or the second hinge structure 2100b). Meanwhile, the fourth type hinge structure 2100 illustrated in
The fourth type hinge structure 2100 may include a fixing bracket 2110, a first rotation member 2131, a second rotation member 2132, a first link member 2120a, a second link member 2120b, a first arm member 2171, a second arm member 2172, an interlocking member 2133, cam members 2151, 2152, 2153, and 2154, and elastic members 2181, 2182, 2183, and 2184.
The fixing bracket 2110 may include a bracket body 2110a, on which the interlocking member 2160 is positioned, rotation/fastening parts 2110b1 and 2110b2, to which the rotation members 2131 and 2132 are fastened, and a bracket fixing part 2110d for fixing the fixing bracket 2110 to the hinge housing 2050. The bracket body 2110a may have a length in the y-axis direction which is larger than the length in the x-axis direction, and may have a shape, in which at least a portion thereof corresponds to a surface of the interlocking member 2160 in the −z-axis direction so that the interlocking member 2160 may be positioned thereon. The rotation/fastening parts 2110b1 and 2110b2 may be located in the −y-axis direction of the bracket body 2110a. The rotation/fastening parts 2110b1 and 2110b2 may include a first rotation/fastening part 2110b1, into which the first rotation member 2131 is inserted, and a second rotation/fastening part 2110b2, into which the second rotation member 2132 is inserted. The first rotation/fastening part 2110b1 may include a first opening which is formed in the x-axis or −x-axis direction so that one side of the first rotation member 2131 may be inserted thereinto and coupled thereto, and a first through-hole which passes in the y-axis or −y-axis direction so that the first shaft 2141 coupled to the first rotation member 2131 mounted in the opening of the side wall which defines the opening may be inserted thereinto. The first rotation member 2131 may be rotated about the first axis corresponding to a center point of the first shaft 2141. The second rotation/fastening part 2110b2 may have a structure which is substantially the same or similar to that of the first rotation/fastening part 2110b1. For example, the second rotation/fastening part 2110b2 may include a second opening formed in the −x-axis direction, and a second through-hole which is formed, among the side walls which define the second opening, in the side wall located in the −y-axis direction, and into which the second shaft 2142 which is used to fix the second rotation member 2132 coupled to the second opening is inserted. The second rotation member 2132 may be rotated about the second axis corresponding to a center point of the second shaft 2142.
The first rotation member 2131 may include a first rotation holding part 2131a which is fastened to a first rotation/fastening part 2110b1, and a first slide structure 2131b which extends in the x-axis direction from the first rotation holding part 2131a. The first rotation holding part 2131a, for example, may include a through-hole which passes in the y-axis direction, and may be inserted into the first rotation/fastening part 2110b1, aligned with the first through-hole, and then fixed by the first shaft 2141. Correspondingly, a size of the through-hole of the first rotation holding part 2131a may be a size corresponding to a size of the first through-hole of the first rotation/fastening part 2110b1 and a diameter of the first shaft 2141. The first slide structure 2131b may include a plurality of slide bars which are connected to the first rotation holding part 2131a and have a specific length in the x-axis direction. However, the electronic device 2000 of the disclosure is not limited to the number of the slide bars included in the first slide structure 2131b described above. For example, the first slide structure 2131b may include one slide bar or three or more slide bars. The first slide structure 2131b may be seated on the first slide holding part 2121 formed on the first link member 2120a, and may be moved linearly in the x-axis or the −x-axis direction in the first slide holding part 2121.
The second rotation member 2132 may include a second rotation holding part 2132a which is fastened to a second rotation/fastening part 2110b2, and a second slide structure 2132b which are disposed in the −x-axis direction from the second rotation holding part 2132a. The second rotation holding part 2132a, for example, may include a through-hole which passes in the y-axis direction, and may be inserted into the second rotation/fastening part 2110b2, aligned with the second through-hole of the second rotation/fastening part 2110b2, and then fixed by the second shaft 2142. Correspondingly, a size of the through-hole of the second rotation holding part 2132a may be a size corresponding to a size of the second through-hole of the second rotation/fastening part 2110b2 and a diameter of the second shaft 2142. Alternatively, the second rotation holding part 2132a may have the same or similar structure to that of the first rotation holding part 2131a. The second slide structure 2132b may include a plurality of slide bars which are connected to the second rotation holding part 2132a and have a specific length in the −x-axis direction. The number of slide bars of the second slide structure 2132b may vary. The second slide structure 2132b may be seated on the second slide holding part 2122 formed on the second link member 2120b, and may be moved linearly in the −x-axis or the x-axis direction in the second slide holding part 2122.
The first link member 2120a may include a first link body 2121a, a first slide holding part 2121 which is fastened to the first slide structure 2131b of the first rotation member 2131, and a first rail 2123 which is fastened to a rail structure provided on one side of the first arm member 2171. The first link body 2121a has a panel shape having a specific area and width and a flat top, and may include a through-hole which passes through upper and lower sides. The through-hole formed in the first link body 2121a may be used to couple the first link member 2120a to the first housing 2010. The first slide holding part 2121 may include rail grooves which extend in the −y-axis direction from the first link body 2121a, and in which at least a portion of the first slide structure 2131b may be seated. Additionally or alternatively, it may further include a first slide support part 2125 which guides a periphery of the first slide structure 2131b whereby, after the first slide structure 2131b is seated on the first slide holding part 2121, the first slide structure 2131b does not deviate from the first slide holding part 2121 in the z-axis direction. The first slide support part 2125 may be inserted through an opening which is formed on a rear surface (e.g., a surface in the −z-axis direction) of the first slide holding part 2121. The first rail 2123 may extend in the y-axis direction from the first link body 2121a, and the rail structure formed on the first arm member 2171 may be fastened thereto. Correspondingly, the first rail 2123 may include arc-shaped or half-moon-shaped rail protrusions (or a pair of arc-shaped rail protrusions which face each other). Additionally or alternatively, a first link fixing part including a vertically opened opening which is used to fix the first link member 2120a to the first housing 2010 may be disposed in the y-axis direction of the first rail 2123.
The second link member 2120b may include a second link body 2122a, a second slide holding part 2122 which is fastened to the second slide structure 2132b of the second rotation member 2132, and a second rail 2124 which is fastened to a rail structure provided on one side of the second arm member 2172. The second link body 2122a may have substantially the same structure as that of the first link body 2121a described above. For example, the second link body 2122a may include a through-hole which vertically passes through the panel shape and is used for coupling to the second housing 2020. The first slide holding part 2121 may include rail grooves which extend from the second link body 2122a in the −y-axis direction and, in which at least a portion of the second slide structure 2132b may be seated, similar to the second slide holding part 2122. Additionally or alternatively, the second link member 2120b may further include a second slide support part 2126 for preventing the first slide structure 2131b from deviating. The second rail 2124 may extend in the y-axis direction from the second link body 2122a, and the rail structure formed in the second arm member 2172 may be fastened thereto. Correspondingly, at least a portion of the second rail 2124 may have an arc shape or a half-moon shape. Additionally, a second link fixing part including a vertically opened opening which is used to fix the second link member 2120b to the second housing 2020 may be disposed in the y-axis direction of the second rail 2124.
The first arm member 2171 may include a first lower arm member 2171_1 and a first upper arm member 2171_2, and a first arm elastic member 2171_3 which is disposed between the first lower arm member 2171_1 and the first upper arm member 2171_2. The first lower arm member 2171_1 may include a first lower arm body 2171_1a. of which a length in the y-axis direction is larger than that in the x-axis direction and of which an upper surface has a flat shape, a first lower spiral rail structure 2171_1c which is disposed in a −x-axis periphery (or a corner between the −x-axis and the y-axis) area of the first lower arm body 2171_1a, protrudes in the −z-axis direction, and is formed in a diagonal shape in a diagonal direction of the xy plane, and an arc-shaped or half-moon-shaped first rail structure 2171_1b which protrudes in the −z-axis direction from an x-axis periphery of the first lower arm body 2171_1a. Additionally, the first lower arm member 2171_1 may further include a lower seating structure 2171_1d which is formed adjacent to the first rail structure 2171_1b at an x-axis periphery of the first lower arm body 2171_1a and supports the first arm elastic member 2171_3 while the first arm elastic member 2171_3 is seated thereon. The first upper arm member 2171_2 may include a first upper arm body 2171_2a having a flat upper surface, a first upper spiral rail structure 2171_2c which is formed at a −x-axis periphery (or a corner in the −x-axis and −y-axis directions) of the first upper arm body 2171_2a, protrudes in the −z-axis direction, and is formed in the diagonal direction of the xy plane, a first upper seating structure 2171_2d which is formed to correspond to the first lower seating structure 2171_1d and supports the first arm elastic member 2171_3, and a first plate coupling part 2171_2f which is used to couple the first wing plate 2031. The first lower spiral rail structure 2171_1c may be fastened to the first spiral groove 1960a formed on one side of the interlocking member 2160 after being coupled to the first upper spiral rail structure 2171_2c. A first cam structure 2171_1g may be formed on a −y-axis side wall of the first lower spiral rail structure 2171_1c. A second cam structure 2171_2g may be formed on a y-axis side wall of the first upper spiral rail structure 2171_2c.
The second arm member 2172 may include a second lower arm member 2172_1 and a second upper arm member 2172_2, and a second arm elastic member 2172_3 which is disposed between the second lower arm member 2172_1 and the second upper arm member 2172_2. Similar to the first lower arm member 2171_1, the second lower arm member 2171_1 may include a second lower arm body 2172_1a, of which a length in the y-axis direction is larger than that in the x-axis direction and of which an upper surface has a flat shape, a second lower spiral rail structure 2171_1c which is disposed in an x-axis periphery (or a corner between the x-axis and the y-axis) area of the second lower arm body 2172_1a, protrudes in the −z-axis direction, and is formed in a diagonal shape in a diagonal direction of the xy plane, and an arc-shaped or half-moon-shaped second rail structure 2172_1b which protrudes in the −z-axis direction from a −x-axis periphery of the second lower arm body 2172_1a. Additionally, the second lower arm member 2172_1 may further include a second lower seating structure 2172_1d which is formed adjacent to the second rail structure 2172_1b at a −x-axis periphery of the second lower arm body 2172_1a and supports the second arm elastic member 2172_3 while the second arm elastic member 2172_3 is seated thereon. The second upper arm member 2171_2 may include a second upper arm body 2172_2a having a flat upper surface, a second upper spiral rail structure 2171_2c which is formed at a x-axis periphery (or a corner in the x-axis and −y-axis directions) of the second upper arm body 2172_2a, protrudes in the −z-axis direction, and is formed in the diagonal direction of the xy plane, a second upper seating structure 2172_2d which is formed to correspond to the second lower seating structure 2172_1d and supports the second arm elastic member 2172_3, and a second plate coupling part 2172_2f which is used to couple the second wing plate 2032. A third cam structure 2172_1g may be formed on a −y-axis side wall of the second lower spiral rail structure 2172_1c. A fourth cam structure 2172_2g may be formed on a y-axis side wall of the second upper spiral rail structure 2172_2c.
The interlocking member 2160 may include an interlocking body 2160_1 which is disposed on an upper surface (e.g., one surface in the z-axis direction) of the fixing bracket 2110, a first spiral groove 2160a (or a hole), a second spiral groove 2160b (or a hole), and a plurality of cam holes 2161, 2162, 2163, and 2164 (or grooves). For example, the interlocking body 2160_1 may have a size which is smaller than the size of the upper surface of the fixing bracket 2110 to be positioned at an upper portion of the fixing bracket 2110, and may be linearly moved in the y-axis or −y-axis direction on the upper surface of the fixing bracket 2110. The interlocking body 2160_1 may interlock the first arm member 2171 and the second arm member 2172 while converting the rotation of the first arm member 2171 and the second arm member 2172 into a linear movement. The first spiral groove 2160 may be formed in a shape of a groove or hole which is curved in a diagonal direction on one side of the interlocking body 2160_1, and may be fastened to the first spiral rail structure (e.g., the first lower spiral rail structure 2171_1c and the first upper spiral rail structure 2171_2c) of the first arm member 2171. The second spiral groove 2160b may be formed in a shape of a groove or hole which is curved in a diagonal direction on an opposite side of the interlocking body 2160_1, and may be fastened to the second spiral rail structure (e.g., the second lower spiral rail structure 2172_1c and the second upper spiral rail structure 2172_2c) of the second arm member 2172. The cam holes 2161, 2162, 2163, and 2164, for example, may include a first cam hole 2161, in which the first cam member 2151 and the first elastic member 2181 are seated, a second cam hole 2162, in which the second cam member 2152 and the second elastic member 2182 are seated, a third cam hole 2163, in which the third cam member 2153 and the third elastic member 2183 are seated, and a fourth cam hole 2164, in which the fourth cam member 2154 and the fourth elastic member 2184 are seated. The first cam member 2151 may be disposed to be engaged with the first cam structure 2171_1g formed in the first lower spiral rail structure 2171_1c (or the cam structure of the first lower spiral rail structure), the second cam member 2152 may be disposed to be engaged with the third cam structure 2172_1g formed in the second lower spiral rail structure 2172_1c (or the cam structure of the second lower spiral rail structure), the third cam member 2153 may be disposed to be engaged with the second cam structure 2171_2g formed in the first upper spiral rail structure 2171_2c (or the cam structure of the first upper spiral rail structure), and the fourth cam member 2154 may be arranged to be engaged with the fourth cam structure 2172_2g formed in the second upper spiral rail structure 2172_2c (or the cam structure of the second upper spiral rail structure). While the first arm member 2171 and the second arm member 2172 are rotated counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively, the cam structures (e.g., the first cam structure 2171_1g and the second cam structure 2171_2g) disposed in the first spiral rail structures 2171_1c and 2171_2c may respectively perform a cam operation of the first cam member 2151 and the third cam member 2153, and the cam structures (e.g., the third cam structure 2172_1g and the fourth cam structure 2172_2g) disposed in the second spiral rail structures 2172_1c and 2172_2c may respectively perform a cam operation with the second cam member 2152 and the fourth cam member 2154. In this process, the elastic members 2181, 2182, 2183, and 2184 may provide an elastic force to the cam members 2151, 2152, 2153, and 2154, respectively, so that a friction force which allows the first arm member 2171 and the second arm member 2172 to be held at a specific angle may be generated.
The above-described electronic device 2000 may include a first axis 201 (or a first imaginary axis), about which the first spiral rail structure 2171_1c and 2171_2c) of the first arm member 2171 is rotated in place while the unfolded (open) state is changed to the folded (closed) state (or while the folded (closed) state is changed to the unfolded (open) state), a second axis 202 (or a second imaginary axis), about which the second spiral rail structure 2172_1c and 2172_2c of the second arm member 2172 is rotated in place, a third axis 203 (or a third imaginary axis), about which the first rail structure 2171_1b of the first arm member 2171 is rotated (or slid) in the first rail 2123 of the first link member 2120a, a fourth axis 204 (or a third imaginary axis), about which the second rail structure 2172_1b of the second arm member 2172 is rotated (or slid) in the second rail 2124 of the second link member 2120b, a fifth axis 205 (or a first real axis), about which the first rotation member 2131 is rotated about the first shaft 2141, and a sixth axis 206 (or a second real axis), about which the second rotation member 2132 is rotated about the second shaft 2142, and the first slide structure 2131b and the second slide structure 2132b may be linearly moved in the x-axis or the −x-axis through the first slide holding part 2121 of the first link member 2120a and the second slide holding part 2122 of the second link member 2120b, respectively.
Meanwhile, in the above description, the electronic devices have been described separately for the hinge structures thereof, but at least part of the structure included in each hinge structure may be similarly applied to the electronic devices described in other drawings. For example, different types of hinge structures may be disposed in one electronic device. For example, the first type hinge structure and the second type hinge structure may be disposed in one electronic device, the second type hinge structure and the third type hinge structure may be disposed in one electronic device, the first type hinge structure and the third type hinge structure may be disposed in one electronic device, or the first type hinge structure, the second type hinge structure, and the third type hinge structure may be disposed in one electronic device. Alternatively, at least two of the first to fourth types of hinge structures may be disposed in one electronic device. Additionally, in an electronic device including at least one of the first to fourth type hinge structures, at least one or a plurality of hinge structures (e.g., 200c) including only rotation members may be disposed, or may be omitted. When a plurality of hinge structures are disposed, the disposition positions of the various types of hinge structures described above may vary. For example, the first type hinge structures (or the second type hinge structures, the third type hinge structures, or the fourth type hinge structures) may be disposed at opposite peripheries (opposite peripheries in the folded part when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state) of the foldable electronic device, respectively, and at least one hinge structure of a different type or at least one hinge structure 200c may be disposed between specific types of hinge structures. Alternatively, when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, different types of hinge structures may be disposed on opposite peripheries of the folded portion of the foldable electronic device. Furthermore, at least one or a plurality of hinge structures and hinge structures 200c of the same or different types may be disposed between different types of hinge structures.
As described above, a foldable electronic device according to at least one of various embodiments may include a display, a first housing and a second housing, in which at least a portion of the display is received, a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge housing, in which the hinge structure is seated. The hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a fixing bracket fixed to the hinge housing and including a first rail and a second rail, a first rotation member including a first rail structure fastened to the first rail and being rotated about a first axis, and a second rail structure extending from the first rail structure and being rotated about a second axis, a second rotation member including a third rail structure fastened to the second rail and being rotated about a third axis, and a fourth rail structure extending from the third rail structure and being rotated about a fourth axis, a first link member including a third rail fastened the arc-shaped second rail structure and including a first slide holding part disposed adjacent to the third rail, a second link member including a fourth rail fastened the arc-shaped fourth rail structure and including a second slide holding part disposed adjacent to the fourth rail, a first arm member including a first slide structure held on the first slide holding part, and a second arm member including a second slide structure held on the second slide holding part.
According to various embodiments, when the electronic device is viewed in a direction of the first axis or the third axis in an unfolded state, at least portions of the first rail structure and the third rail structure are disposed to overlap each other.
According to various embodiments, one periphery of the first rail structure and one periphery of the third rail structure are disposed to be engaged with each other when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a first wing plate fastened to one side of the first rotation member and supporting a first area of a folded area of the display, and a second wing plate fastened to one side of the second rotation member and supporting a second area of the folded area of the display.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes at least one center plate disposed between the first wing plate and the second wing plate, an upper surface of which is formed flat, fastened to the hinge structure, and being maintained at a fixed position when the electronic device is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state.
According to various embodiments, the first slide holding part includes at least one rail groove formed in a direction, in which the first slide structure extends, and the first slide structure is linearly moved in a first direction along the at least one rail groove when the electronic device is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state.
According to various embodiments, the second slide holding part includes at least one rail groove formed in a direction, in which the second slide structure extends, and the second slide structure is linearly moved in a second direction being different from the first direction along the at least one rail groove when the electronic device is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes at least one of a first link cover covering the first slide holding part, and a second link cover covering the second slide holding part.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a first wing plate coupled to the first link cover and supporting a first area of a folded area of the display, and a second wing plate coupled to the second link cover and supporting a second area of the folded area of the display.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a bracket cover covering at least an upper portion of the fixing bracket, to which the first rotation member and the second rotation member are fastened.
According to various embodiments, the second slide holding part includes at least one rail groove formed in a direction, in which the second slide structure extends, and the second slide structure is linearly moved in a second direction being different from the first direction along the at least one rail groove when the electronic device is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state.
According to various embodiments, the first axis and the third axis are located on a first plane being parallel to the display, and the second axis and the fourth axis are located on a second plane being parallel to the display.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a first shaft inserted into one side of the first arm member and defining a fifth axis, about which the first arm member is rotated, a second shaft inserted into one side of the second arm member and defining a sixth axis, about which the second arm member is rotated, a shaft holding part of the first arm member, formed in the first arm member and into which the first shaft is inserted, and a shaft holding part of the second arm member, formed in the second arm member and into which the second shaft is inserted.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a first gear formed in the shaft holding part of the first arm member, a second gear formed in the shaft holding part of the second arm member, and at least one idle gear disposed between the first gear and the second gear.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a first spiral structure formed in the shaft holding part of the first arm member, a second spiral structure formed in the shaft holding part of the second arm member, and an interlocking member having a first spiral groove engaged with the first spiral structure and a second spiral groove engaged with the second spiral structure.
According to various embodiments, the interlocking member is linearly moved along an area being folded when the electronic device is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state.
According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a first cam structure formed on one side of the first spiral structure, a second cam structure formed on one side of the second spiral structure, a first cam member disposed on one side of the interlocking member and including a cam engaged with the first cam structure, a second cam member disposed on an opposite side of the interlocking member and including a cam engaged with the second cam structure, a first elastic member which provides an elastic force to the first cam member, and a second elastic member which provides an elastic force to the second cam member.
According to various embodiments, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, a shortest distance from the fifth axis and the sixth axis to a rear surface of the display is greater than a shortest distance from the first axis and the third axis to the rear surface of the display or a shortest distance between the second axis and the fourth axis to the rear surface of the display.
According to various embodiments, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, a shortest distance between the fifth axis and the sixth axis is greater than a shortest distance between the first axis and the third axis.
A hinge structure employed in a portable communication device according to an embodiment includes a fixing bracket including an arc-shaped first rail and an arc-shaped second rail, a first rotation member including a first rail structure fastened to the first rail and rotated about a first axis, and a second rail structure extending from the first rail structure and rotated about a second axis, a second rotation member including a third rail structure fastened to the second rail and rotated about a third axis, and a fourth rail structure extending from the third rail structure and rotated about a fourth axis, a first link member including a first slide holding part including a third rail fastened to the arc-shaped second rail structure and disposed adjacent to the third rail, a second link member including a second slide holding part including a fourth rail fastened to the arc-shaped fourth rail structure and disposed adjacent to the fourth rail, a first arm member including a first slide structure, in which the first slide holding part is held, and a second arm member including a second slide structure, in which the second slide holding part is held.
In addition, in the above description, the structure related to rotational movement has been described by naming it a rail or a rail structure, but the disclosure is not limited to these terms, and the term assigned to the structure may change depending on a viewpoint. For example, the rail may protrude in a direction which protrudes from a flat side wall surface (or a bottom surface) (or in a direction which rises from the bottom surface) and may include a protrusion, of which a cross-section is curved or arc-shaped. The rail structure may include a structure, in which arc-shaped protruding protrusions are disposed to be spaced apart at regular intervals so that an arc-shaped empty space is formed between the protrusions. Accordingly, when the rail structure is fastened to the rail and rotated by an external pressure, it may be rotated or slid along the rail. Meanwhile, the terms of the above-described rail or rail structure may be read differently depending on the view point, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the rail or rail structure may be disposed in different structures for an operation, and in this case, any one of the rail and the rail structure may be formed in the different structures, or at least a portion may be formed as a rail and the remaining portions may be formed as a rail structure.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0056655 | May 2022 | KR | national |
| 10-2022-0073275 | Jun 2022 | KR | national |
This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/KR2023/001778 designating the United States, filed on Feb. 8, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0056655, filed on May 9, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0073275, filed on Jun. 16, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR2023/001778 | Feb 2023 | WO |
| Child | 18828134 | US |
