US20200363842A1 - Electronic device hinges - Google Patents
Electronic device hinges Download PDFInfo
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- US20200363842A1 US20200363842A1 US16/414,560 US201916414560A US2020363842A1 US 20200363842 A1 US20200363842 A1 US 20200363842A1 US 201916414560 A US201916414560 A US 201916414560A US 2020363842 A1 US2020363842 A1 US 2020363842A1
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- housing member
- hinge
- centerline
- electronic device
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- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
- G06F1/1652—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being flexible, e.g. mimicking a sheet of paper, or rollable
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
- G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
- G06F1/1641—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being formed by a plurality of foldable display components
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1675—Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts
- G06F1/1681—Details related solely to hinges
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D3/00—Hinges with pins
- E05D3/06—Hinges with pins with two or more pins
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
- E05Y2800/20—Combinations of elements
- E05Y2800/205—Combinations of elements forming a unit
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
- E05Y2800/20—Combinations of elements
- E05Y2800/21—Combinations of elements of identical elements, e.g. of identical compression springs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
- E05Y2800/20—Combinations of elements
- E05Y2800/244—Combinations of elements arranged in serial relationship
-
- E05Y2900/606—
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2999/00—Subject-matter not otherwise provided for in this subclass
Definitions
- Electronic devices may incorporate flexible displays that can be deformed (e.g., bent, rolled, folded, etc.) without losing electric functionality and connectivity.
- Such flexible displays may be deformed to a minimum radius of curvature before the display sustains damage.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device including a flexible display and a hinge according to some examples
- FIG. 2 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 according to some examples, with the housing of the electronic device in an open position;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 according to some examples, with the housing of the electronic device in a closed position;
- FIG. 4 is a top enlarged partial view of the hinge of the electronic device of FIG. 1 according to some examples.
- the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .”
- the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to be broad enough to encompass both indirect and direct connections. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections.
- axial and axially generally refer to positions along or parallel to a central or longitudinal axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “lateral” and “laterally” generally refer to positions located or spaced to the side of the central or longitudinal axis.
- the word “or” is used in an inclusive manner.
- “A or B” means any of the following: “A” alone, “B” alone, or both “A” and “B.”
- the words “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,” or “about” mean within a range of plus or minus 10% of the stated value.
- the term “display” refers to an electronic display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, etc.) that is to display images generated by an associated computing device.
- LCD liquid crystal display
- plasma display etc.
- flexible display refers to a display that may be deformed (e.g., bent, rolled, folded, etc.) within a given parameter or specification (e.g., a minimum radius of curvature) without losing electrical function or connectivity.
- electronic device refers to a device that is to carry out machine readable instructions, and may include internal components, such as, processors, power sources, memory devices, etc.
- an electronic device may include, among other things, a personal computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, a wearable computer, etc.
- electronic devices may incorporate a flexible display.
- Such electronic devices are transitionable between open and closed positions (e.g., such as is the case for a laptop style electronic device) to facilitate transport and storage of the electronic device when not in use.
- the flexible display When the electronic device is placed in the closed (often folded) position, the flexible display may be rolled or deformed. While the flexible display is generally capable of such a deformation, there are limits to the deformation such a display may experience. For example, if the display is deformed excessively (such as when the associated electronic device is transitioned into a closed position), the display may be damaged.
- examples disclosed herein include electronic devices that employ hinges that are to support and accommodate a controlled deformation of a flexible display as the electronic device is transitioned to and between open and closed positions.
- Electronic device 10 includes a housing 12 and a flexible display 20 partially disposed within the housing 12 .
- Housing 12 includes a first housing member 14 and a second housing member 16 .
- the first and second housing members 14 , 16 are rotatably coupled to one another at a hinge 100 .
- first housing member 14 may rotate about the hinge 100 relative to second housing member 16
- second housing member 16 may rotate about hinge 100 relative to first housing member 14 .
- Flexible display 20 (or more simply “display 20 ”) is disposed within housing 12 , but is accessible for viewing and interaction by a user through an opening 13 formed by the first housing member 14 and second housing member 16 .
- display 20 is to display images for viewing by the user based on machine readable instructions carried out by electronic components (e.g., processor(s)) (not specifically shown) within electronic device 10 .
- electronic components e.g., processor(s)
- display 20 is a touch sensitive display that is to communicate with other electronic components (not shown) within electronic device 10 to detect touch inputs by a user on display 20 during operations. In other examples, display 20 may not be touch sensitive.
- Display 20 may utilize any suitable display technology such as, for example, LCD, plasma, light emitting diode (LED)-LCD, organic-LED-LCD, etc.
- display 20 is a flexible display, and thus, display 20 may be deformed, bent, rolled, etc., within acceptable parameters or specifications while maintaining electrical function and connectivity with other components (not shown) within electronic device 10 .
- display 20 is to deform (e.g., roll or bend) proximate to hinge 100 in order to accommodate the relative rotation between the housing members 14 , 16 .
- housing 12 of electronic device 10 may be transitioned between an open position as shown in FIG. 2 , and a closed position (or folded position) as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the closed position see FIG. 3
- the second housing member 16 is rotated about hinge 100 , toward first housing member 14 so that display 20 is concealed by housing members 14 , 16 .
- housing members 14 , 16 are in contact with one another (not specifically shown in FIG. 3 ) when housing 12 is in the closed position.
- the closed position is useful for when a user is transporting the electronic device 10 from one location to another or for when the electronic device 10 is being stored within a bag, pocket, or other compartment.
- the open position see FIG.
- the second housing member 16 is rotated about hinge 100 away from first housing member 14 , to thereby expose display 20 .
- the open position may be useful for operation of the electronic device 10 by a user.
- an angle between housing members 14 , 16 may be equal to approximately 180°, such that both housing members 14 , 16 may be disposed flat (or substantially flat along a planar support surface (not shown) (e.g., a desk, a counter-top, a table, etc.).
- a user may also operate the electronic device 10 when it is in a position between the fully open position of FIG. 2 and the closed position of FIG. 3 (e.g., when the angle between the housing members 14 , 16 is greater than 0° but less than) 180°, such as the position shown in FIG. 1 .
- display 20 When the electronic device 10 is in the closed position (see FIG. 3 ), display 20 is deformed proximate to hinge 100 . As previously described above, because display 20 is flexible, display 20 may generally deform without sustaining damage. However, the flexibility of display 20 has limits (e.g., a minimum radius of curvature) and any deformation of display 20 may be maintained within those limits to avoid damage thereto during operations. In particular, when housing 12 is transitioned to the closed position of FIG. 2 (e.g., from the open position of FIG. 3 or the position of FIG. 1 ), display 20 is deformed or rolled at or proximate to hinge 100 to a desired radius of curvature R.
- limits e.g., a minimum radius of curvature
- the radius R may be greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm in some examples; however, it should be appreciated that the value of R may be greater than 5 mm in other examples (and thus radius R may be referred to herein as a “non-zero radius”). In some examples, the radius R is set or determined by the minimum radius of curvature that display 20 may occupy without sustaining damage or losing electrical function or connectivity.
- hinge 100 is to facilitate and support the deformation of display 20 so as to avoid damage resulting from an excessive deformation thereof.
- the components and function of hinge 100 will now be described in more detail below.
- hinge 100 includes a first end 100 a , and a second end 100 b opposite first end 100 a .
- First end 100 a is coupled to first housing member 14 and second end 100 b is coupled to second housing member 16 .
- hinge 100 includes a total hinge length L 100 extending from first end 100 a to second end 100 b .
- the thickness of hinge 100 generally varies between ends 100 a , 100 b in some examples, hinge 100 includes a maximum thickness T 100 .
- the hinge length L 100 of hinge 100 increases. Conversely, as housing 12 of electronic device 10 is transitioned from the closed position ( FIG. 3 ) to the open position ( FIG. 2 ), the hinge length L 100 of hinge 100 decreases. In addition, as will also be described in more detail below, as electronic device 10 is transitioned from the open position ( FIG. 2 ) to the closed position ( FIG. 3 ) the maximum thickness T 100 of hinge 100 decreases. Conversely, as housing 12 of electronic device 10 is transitioned from the closed position ( FIG. 3 ) to the open position ( FIG. 2 ), the maximum thickness T 100 of hinge 100 increases. These increases and decreases of the hinge length L 100 and maximum thickness T 100 of hinge 100 may support and accommodate the deformation of display 20 as housing 12 is transitioned between the open and closed positions as described above.
- hinge 100 comprises a plurality of first links 110 and a plurality of second links 120 .
- First links 110 each include a corresponding rotational axis 115 (or more simply “axis 115 ”), and second links 120 each include a corresponding rotational axis 125 (or more simply “axis 125 ”).
- Links 110 , 120 are arranged within hinge 100 such that axes 115 , 125 are parallel and radially spaced from one another.
- first links 110 and second links 120 are generally cylindrical in cross-section; however, it should be appreciated that links 110 , 120 may have any other cross-section in other examples.
- first links 110 and/or second links 120 may have cross-sections that are square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, oval, irregular, etc.
- a centerline 105 extends along hinge 100 between ends 100 a , 100 b .
- Centerline 105 is positioned between axes 115 of first links 110 and axes 125 of second links 120 (note: line 105 is referred to herein as a “centerline” because it is generally centered between the axes 115 , 125 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ; however, centerline 105 may be offset from a true center of hinge 100 in various examples).
- axes 125 of second links 120 are disposed along a first or front side 101 of centerline 105
- axes 115 of first links 110 are disposed on a second or rear side 103 of centerline 105 . As is shown in FIGS.
- display 20 is disposed on front side 101 of centerline 105 .
- hinge length L 100 of hinge 100 is measured along centerline 105
- maximum thickness T 100 is measured in a direction that is perpendicular to centerline 105 .
- second links are interspersed between the first links 110 along centerline 105 (and thus also along hinge length L 100 ), such that each first link 110 is either immediately adjacent to one of the second links 120 along centerline 105 or is disposed between two of the second links 120 along centerline 105 .
- the first links 110 are pivotably coupled to the second links 120 with a plurality of arms 130 .
- each arm 130 is pivotably coupled at one end to a corresponding one of the first links 110 and is pivotably coupled at an opposite end to a corresponding one of the second links 120 .
- each arm 130 extends across centerline 105 (e.g., each arm 130 is disposed on both sides 101 , 103 of centerline 105 ).
- each arm 130 is to pivot about the axis 115 of a corresponding one of the first links 110 at one end, and is to pivot about the axis 125 of a corresponding one of the second links 120 at an opposite end.
- each first link 110 and adjacent second link 120 is pivotably coupled to one another with a plurality of arms 130 that are axially spaced from one another along the corresponding parallel axes 115 , 125 .
- hinge 100 may include an outer cover 140 that is disposed over first links 110 along second side 103 of centerline 105 .
- Outer cover 140 may comprise any suitable material, and in some examples may comprise a flexible material that may deform as housing 12 is transitioned between the open position ( FIG. 2 ) and the closed position ( FIG. 3 ) as previously described.
- outer cover 140 comprises an elastomeric and/or polymer material.
- outer cover 140 may prevent (or at least restrict) dust, particles, or other objects from entering into the spaces between first and second links 110 , 120 ). In some examples, outer cover 140 is omitted.
- the second links 120 are translated or moved toward first links 110 , such that axes 125 of second links 120 are moved toward centerline 105 and the maximum thickness T 100 of hinge 100 is decreased.
- first housing member 14 is rotated about hinge 100 toward second housing member 16 toward the closed position of FIG. 3
- the axis 125 of each second link 120 moves toward centerline 105 in a direction that is perpendicular to centerline 105 proximate the corresponding axis 125 .
- second links 120 and first links 110 also cause arms 130 to pivot about the axes 115 , 125 of the corresponding links 110 , 120 .
- each arm 130 pivots about its ends to decrease the angles between the arms 130 and centerline 105 and thereby push adjacent links 110 , 120 apart from one another along centerline 105 .
- the transition of housing 12 from the open position of FIG. 2 to the closed position of FIG. 3 causes the hinge length L 100 of hinge 100 to increase.
- each axis 125 moves away centerline 105 in a direction that is perpendicular to centerline 105 proximate the corresponding axis 125 .
- arms 130 pivot about the axes 115 , 125 of the corresponding links 110 , 120 to increase the angles between arms 130 and centerline 105 such that adjacent links 110 , 120 are pulled toward one another along centerline 105 .
- the transition of housing 12 from the closed position of FIG. 3 to the open position of FIG. 2 causes the hinge length L 100 of hinge 100 to decrease.
- the flexible display 20 is rolled or curved to the minimum radius of curvature R as previously described.
- the curvature of display 20 at hinge 100 progressively decreases (e.g., from the minimum radius of curvature R) until display 20 is substantially flat (e.g., when housing 12 reaches the fully open position of FIG. 2 ).
- the changes (increases and decreases) in the hinge length L 100 and maximum thickness T 100 of hinge 100 as housing 12 is transitioned between the open and closed positions may allow hinge 100 to support and accommodate the deformations and curvatures in display 20 during operations.
- the increase in hinge length L 100 and simultaneous decrease in maximum thickness T 100 as housing 12 is transitioned toward the closed position of FIG. 3 may allow hinge 100 (e.g., particularly second links 120 ) to deform so as to accommodate the desired deformation and curvature of flexible display 20 .
- the decrease in hinge length L 100 and simultaneous increase in maximum thickness T 100 as housing 12 is transitioned toward the open position of FIG. 2 may allow hinge 100 (e.g., particularly second links 120 ) to support and accommodate the flattening of display 20 at hinge 100 .
- second links 120 may engage with (e.g., directly or indirectly) display 20 .
- second links 120 may engage with display 20 (or a membrane and/or other layers or components that are engaged with display 20 ) when housing 12 is in the open position ( FIG. 2 ), the closed position ( FIG. 3 ), or any position therebetween.
- the above described movement of second links 120 may drive actuation or movement of display 20 (e.g., so as to form the curvature of radius R).
- first links 110 and/or second links 120 may translate or move relative to centerline 105 as housing 12 is transitioned between the open position ( FIG.
- pivoting connections between arms 130 and links 110 , 120 may resist some amount of torque such that hinge 100 may maintain a desired relative rotational positioning of first housing member 14 and second housing member 16 during operations (e.g., such that housing 12 main be maintained in the position shown in FIG. 1 ).
- connections between arms 130 and links 110 , 120 may include a sufficient amount of friction and/or a suitable torque resistance member or device (e.g., torsional spring, bearing, etc.) so that a relative rotational position between the arms 130 and links 110 , 120 may be maintained until additional external force (e.g., from a user's hand) is applied to rotate housing members 14 , 16 relative to one another about hinge 100 as described above.
- a suitable torque resistance member or device e.g., torsional spring, bearing, etc.
- examples disclosed herein include electronic devices that employ hinges (e.g., hinge 100 ) to support and accommodate a controlled deformation of a flexible display as the electronic device is transitioned to and between open and closed positions. Accordingly, through use of the example hinges disclosed herein (and electronic devices including such hinges), damage and wear to a flexible display caused by the transitioning of the electronic device between a closed (or folded) position and an open position may be reduced or eliminated.
- hinges e.g., hinge 100
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Abstract
Description
- Electronic devices may incorporate flexible displays that can be deformed (e.g., bent, rolled, folded, etc.) without losing electric functionality and connectivity. Such flexible displays may be deformed to a minimum radius of curvature before the display sustains damage.
- Various examples will be described below referring to the following figures:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device including a flexible display and a hinge according to some examples; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device ofFIG. 1 according to some examples, with the housing of the electronic device in an open position; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device ofFIG. 1 according to some examples, with the housing of the electronic device in a closed position; and -
FIG. 4 is a top enlarged partial view of the hinge of the electronic device ofFIG. 1 according to some examples. - In the figures, certain features and components disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of certain elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In some of the figures, in order to improve clarity and conciseness, a component or an aspect of a component may be omitted.
- In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to be broad enough to encompass both indirect and direct connections. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally refer to positions along or parallel to a central or longitudinal axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “lateral” and “laterally” generally refer to positions located or spaced to the side of the central or longitudinal axis.
- As used herein, including in the claims, the word “or” is used in an inclusive manner. For example, “A or B” means any of the following: “A” alone, “B” alone, or both “A” and “B.” In addition, when used herein including the claims, the words “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,” or “about” mean within a range of plus or minus 10% of the stated value. As used herein, the term “display” refers to an electronic display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, etc.) that is to display images generated by an associated computing device. The term “flexible display” refers to a display that may be deformed (e.g., bent, rolled, folded, etc.) within a given parameter or specification (e.g., a minimum radius of curvature) without losing electrical function or connectivity. As used herein, the term “electronic device,” refers to a device that is to carry out machine readable instructions, and may include internal components, such as, processors, power sources, memory devices, etc. For example, an electronic device may include, among other things, a personal computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, a wearable computer, etc.
- As previously described, electronic devices may incorporate a flexible display. Often such electronic devices are transitionable between open and closed positions (e.g., such as is the case for a laptop style electronic device) to facilitate transport and storage of the electronic device when not in use. When the electronic device is placed in the closed (often folded) position, the flexible display may be rolled or deformed. While the flexible display is generally capable of such a deformation, there are limits to the deformation such a display may experience. For example, if the display is deformed excessively (such as when the associated electronic device is transitioned into a closed position), the display may be damaged. Accordingly, examples disclosed herein include electronic devices that employ hinges that are to support and accommodate a controlled deformation of a flexible display as the electronic device is transitioned to and between open and closed positions.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , anelectronic device 10 according to some examples disclosed herein is shown.Electronic device 10 includes ahousing 12 and aflexible display 20 partially disposed within thehousing 12. -
Housing 12 includes afirst housing member 14 and asecond housing member 16. The first andsecond housing members hinge 100. Thus,first housing member 14 may rotate about thehinge 100 relative tosecond housing member 16, andsecond housing member 16 may rotate abouthinge 100 relative tofirst housing member 14. - Flexible display 20 (or more simply “
display 20”) is disposed withinhousing 12, but is accessible for viewing and interaction by a user through anopening 13 formed by thefirst housing member 14 andsecond housing member 16. Generally speaking,display 20 is to display images for viewing by the user based on machine readable instructions carried out by electronic components (e.g., processor(s)) (not specifically shown) withinelectronic device 10. In some examples,display 20 is a touch sensitive display that is to communicate with other electronic components (not shown) withinelectronic device 10 to detect touch inputs by a user ondisplay 20 during operations. In other examples,display 20 may not be touch sensitive.Display 20 may utilize any suitable display technology such as, for example, LCD, plasma, light emitting diode (LED)-LCD, organic-LED-LCD, etc. - In addition, as previously described,
display 20 is a flexible display, and thus,display 20 may be deformed, bent, rolled, etc., within acceptable parameters or specifications while maintaining electrical function and connectivity with other components (not shown) withinelectronic device 10. Thus, whenfirst housing member 14 andsecond housing member 16 are rotated abouthinge 100 relative to one another as previously described above,display 20 is to deform (e.g., roll or bend) proximate to hinge 100 in order to accommodate the relative rotation between thehousing members - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 ,housing 12 ofelectronic device 10 may be transitioned between an open position as shown inFIG. 2 , and a closed position (or folded position) as shown inFIG. 3 . In the closed position (seeFIG. 3 ), thesecond housing member 16 is rotated abouthinge 100, towardfirst housing member 14 so thatdisplay 20 is concealed byhousing members housing members FIG. 3 ) whenhousing 12 is in the closed position. In some examples, the closed position is useful for when a user is transporting theelectronic device 10 from one location to another or for when theelectronic device 10 is being stored within a bag, pocket, or other compartment. In the open position (seeFIG. 2 ), thesecond housing member 16 is rotated abouthinge 100 away fromfirst housing member 14, to thereby exposedisplay 20. In some examples, the open position may be useful for operation of theelectronic device 10 by a user. In some examples (e.g., the example ofFIG. 2 ), when thehousing 12 ofelectronic device 10 is in the open position, an angle betweenhousing members housing members electronic device 10 when it is in a position between the fully open position ofFIG. 2 and the closed position ofFIG. 3 (e.g., when the angle between thehousing members FIG. 1 . - When the
electronic device 10 is in the closed position (seeFIG. 3 ),display 20 is deformed proximate to hinge 100. As previously described above, becausedisplay 20 is flexible,display 20 may generally deform without sustaining damage. However, the flexibility ofdisplay 20 has limits (e.g., a minimum radius of curvature) and any deformation ofdisplay 20 may be maintained within those limits to avoid damage thereto during operations. In particular, whenhousing 12 is transitioned to the closed position ofFIG. 2 (e.g., from the open position ofFIG. 3 or the position ofFIG. 1 ),display 20 is deformed or rolled at or proximate to hinge 100 to a desired radius of curvature R. The radius R may be greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm in some examples; however, it should be appreciated that the value of R may be greater than 5 mm in other examples (and thus radius R may be referred to herein as a “non-zero radius”). In some examples, the radius R is set or determined by the minimum radius of curvature that display 20 may occupy without sustaining damage or losing electrical function or connectivity. - Thus, during operations as
housing 12 is transitioned to and between the open position (FIG. 2 ) and the closed position (FIG. 3 ),hinge 100 is to facilitate and support the deformation ofdisplay 20 so as to avoid damage resulting from an excessive deformation thereof. The components and function ofhinge 100 will now be described in more detail below. - Referring still to
FIGS. 1-3 ,hinge 100 includes afirst end 100 a, and asecond end 100 b oppositefirst end 100 a.First end 100 a is coupled tofirst housing member 14 andsecond end 100 b is coupled tosecond housing member 16. In addition,hinge 100 includes a total hinge length L100 extending fromfirst end 100 a tosecond end 100 b. Further, while the thickness ofhinge 100 generally varies betweenends hinge 100 includes a maximum thickness T100. - As will be described in more detail below, as
housing 12 ofelectronic device 10 is transitioned from the open position (FIG. 2 ) to the closed position (FIG. 3 ), the hinge length L100 ofhinge 100 increases. Conversely, ashousing 12 ofelectronic device 10 is transitioned from the closed position (FIG. 3 ) to the open position (FIG. 2 ), the hinge length L100 ofhinge 100 decreases. In addition, as will also be described in more detail below, aselectronic device 10 is transitioned from the open position (FIG. 2 ) to the closed position (FIG. 3 ) the maximum thickness T100 ofhinge 100 decreases. Conversely, ashousing 12 ofelectronic device 10 is transitioned from the closed position (FIG. 3 ) to the open position (FIG. 2 ), the maximum thickness T100 ofhinge 100 increases. These increases and decreases of the hinge length L100 and maximum thickness T100 ofhinge 100 may support and accommodate the deformation ofdisplay 20 ashousing 12 is transitioned between the open and closed positions as described above. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , hinge 100 comprises a plurality offirst links 110 and a plurality ofsecond links 120.First links 110 each include a corresponding rotational axis 115 (or more simply “axis 115”), andsecond links 120 each include a corresponding rotational axis 125 (or more simply “axis 125”).Links hinge 100 such that axes 115, 125 are parallel and radially spaced from one another. In some examples,axes housing members 14, 16 (e.g., the axis about whichhousing members housing 12 between the open and closed positions). In some examples,first links 110 andsecond links 120 are generally cylindrical in cross-section; however, it should be appreciated thatlinks first links 110 and/orsecond links 120 may have cross-sections that are square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, oval, irregular, etc. - A
centerline 105 extends alonghinge 100 betweenends Centerline 105 is positioned betweenaxes 115 offirst links 110 andaxes 125 of second links 120 (note:line 105 is referred to herein as a “centerline” because it is generally centered between theaxes FIGS. 2 and 3 ; however, centerline 105 may be offset from a true center ofhinge 100 in various examples). Thus, axes 125 ofsecond links 120 are disposed along a first orfront side 101 ofcenterline 105, and axes 115 offirst links 110 are disposed on a second orrear side 103 ofcenterline 105. As is shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ,display 20 is disposed onfront side 101 ofcenterline 105. In addition, in some examples the hinge length L100 ofhinge 100 is measured alongcenterline 105, and the maximum thickness T100 is measured in a direction that is perpendicular tocenterline 105. In some examples, second links are interspersed between thefirst links 110 along centerline 105 (and thus also along hinge length L100), such that eachfirst link 110 is either immediately adjacent to one of thesecond links 120 alongcenterline 105 or is disposed between two of thesecond links 120 alongcenterline 105. - Referring still to
FIGS. 2-4 , thefirst links 110 are pivotably coupled to thesecond links 120 with a plurality ofarms 130. In particular, eacharm 130 is pivotably coupled at one end to a corresponding one of thefirst links 110 and is pivotably coupled at an opposite end to a corresponding one of thesecond links 120. Accordingly, eacharm 130 extends across centerline 105 (e.g., eacharm 130 is disposed on bothsides arm 130 is to pivot about theaxis 115 of a corresponding one of thefirst links 110 at one end, and is to pivot about theaxis 125 of a corresponding one of thesecond links 120 at an opposite end. As is shown inFIG. 4 , in some examples eachfirst link 110 and adjacentsecond link 120 is pivotably coupled to one another with a plurality ofarms 130 that are axially spaced from one another along the correspondingparallel axes - Referring again to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , in some examples, hinge 100 may include anouter cover 140 that is disposed overfirst links 110 alongsecond side 103 ofcenterline 105.Outer cover 140 may comprise any suitable material, and in some examples may comprise a flexible material that may deform ashousing 12 is transitioned between the open position (FIG. 2 ) and the closed position (FIG. 3 ) as previously described. For instance, in some examplesouter cover 140 comprises an elastomeric and/or polymer material. Without being limited to this or any other theory,outer cover 140 may prevent (or at least restrict) dust, particles, or other objects from entering into the spaces between first andsecond links 110, 120). In some examples,outer cover 140 is omitted. - Referring still to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , during operations ashousing 12 is transitioned from the open position (FIG. 2 ) to the closed position (FIG. 3 ), thesecond links 120 are translated or moved towardfirst links 110, such thataxes 125 ofsecond links 120 are moved towardcenterline 105 and the maximum thickness T100 ofhinge 100 is decreased. In particular, asfirst housing member 14 is rotated abouthinge 100 towardsecond housing member 16 toward the closed position ofFIG. 3 , theaxis 125 of eachsecond link 120 moves towardcenterline 105 in a direction that is perpendicular to centerline 105 proximate thecorresponding axis 125. Simultaneously, the relative movement ofsecond links 120 andfirst links 110 also causearms 130 to pivot about theaxes links second links 120 move towardfirst links 110 as previously described, eacharm 130 pivots about its ends to decrease the angles between thearms 130 andcenterline 105 and thereby pushadjacent links centerline 105. As a result, the transition ofhousing 12 from the open position ofFIG. 2 to the closed position ofFIG. 3 causes the hinge length L100 ofhinge 100 to increase. - Conversely, as
housing 12 is transitioned from the closed position (FIG. 3 ) to the open position (FIG. 2 ), thesecond links 120 are translated or moved away fromfirst links 100 such that axes 125 ofsecond links 120 are moved away fromcenterline 105 and the maximum thickness T100 ofhinge 100 is increased. In particular, asfirst housing member 14 is rotated abouthinge 100 away fromsecond housing member 16 toward the open position ofFIG. 2 , eachaxis 125 moves awaycenterline 105 in a direction that is perpendicular to centerline 105 proximate thecorresponding axis 125. Simultaneously,arms 130 pivot about theaxes links arms 130 andcenterline 105 such thatadjacent links centerline 105. As a result, the transition ofhousing 12 from the closed position ofFIG. 3 to the open position ofFIG. 2 causes the hinge length L100 ofhinge 100 to decrease. - Referring still to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , ashousing 12 ofelectronic device 10 is transitioned from the open position ofFIG. 2 to the closed position ofFIG. 3 , theflexible display 20 is rolled or curved to the minimum radius of curvature R as previously described. Conversely, ashousing 12 ofelectronic device 10 is transitioned from the closed position ofFIG. 3 to the open position ofFIG. 2 , the curvature ofdisplay 20 athinge 100 progressively decreases (e.g., from the minimum radius of curvature R) untildisplay 20 is substantially flat (e.g., whenhousing 12 reaches the fully open position ofFIG. 2 ). Without being limited to this or any other theory, the changes (increases and decreases) in the hinge length L100 and maximum thickness T100 ofhinge 100 ashousing 12 is transitioned between the open and closed positions may allow hinge 100 to support and accommodate the deformations and curvatures indisplay 20 during operations. Specifically, the increase in hinge length L100 and simultaneous decrease in maximum thickness T100 ashousing 12 is transitioned toward the closed position ofFIG. 3 may allow hinge 100 (e.g., particularly second links 120) to deform so as to accommodate the desired deformation and curvature offlexible display 20. Conversely, the decrease in hinge length L100 and simultaneous increase in maximum thickness T100 ashousing 12 is transitioned toward the open position ofFIG. 2 may allow hinge 100 (e.g., particularly second links 120) to support and accommodate the flattening ofdisplay 20 athinge 100. - In some examples,
second links 120 may engage with (e.g., directly or indirectly)display 20. For instance, in some examples,second links 120 may engage with display 20 (or a membrane and/or other layers or components that are engaged with display 20) whenhousing 12 is in the open position (FIG. 2 ), the closed position (FIG. 3 ), or any position therebetween. Accordingly, in some of these examples, the above described movement ofsecond links 120 may drive actuation or movement of display 20 (e.g., so as to form the curvature of radius R). In addition, while thesecond links 120 translate or move relative tofirst links 110 in the above described examples, in other examples,first links 110 and/orsecond links 120 may translate or move relative tocenterline 105 ashousing 12 is transitioned between the open position (FIG. 2 ) and the closed position (FIG. 3 ). Further, in some examples, the pivoting connections betweenarms 130 andlinks hinge 100 may maintain a desired relative rotational positioning offirst housing member 14 andsecond housing member 16 during operations (e.g., such thathousing 12 main be maintained in the position shown inFIG. 1 ). For instance, in some examples, the connections betweenarms 130 andlinks arms 130 andlinks housing members hinge 100 as described above. - As described above, examples disclosed herein include electronic devices that employ hinges (e.g., hinge 100) to support and accommodate a controlled deformation of a flexible display as the electronic device is transitioned to and between open and closed positions. Accordingly, through use of the example hinges disclosed herein (and electronic devices including such hinges), damage and wear to a flexible display caused by the transitioning of the electronic device between a closed (or folded) position and an open position may be reduced or eliminated.
- The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various examples of the present disclosure. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.
Claims (20)
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US16/414,560 US10838467B1 (en) | 2019-05-16 | 2019-05-16 | Electronic device hinges |
TW109115605A TWI728806B (en) | 2019-05-16 | 2020-05-11 | Electronic device hinges |
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US16/414,560 US10838467B1 (en) | 2019-05-16 | 2019-05-16 | Electronic device hinges |
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US20200363842A1 true US20200363842A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
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CN110085129A (en) * | 2019-05-27 | 2019-08-02 | 武汉华星光电半导体显示技术有限公司 | Collapsible display device |
US11277929B2 (en) | 2019-11-19 | 2022-03-15 | Intel Corporation | Personal computing device covers having stands |
USD987622S1 (en) | 2020-03-25 | 2023-05-30 | Intel Corporation | Portable computer |
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GB9805198D0 (en) | 1998-03-11 | 1998-05-06 | Maddock Alan | Portable visual display device |
US6900981B2 (en) | 2003-04-23 | 2005-05-31 | Nokia Corporation | Mobile Terminal with synchronizing hinge |
US7414834B2 (en) | 2005-04-21 | 2008-08-19 | Nokia Corporation | Mobile communications device with synchronising hinge |
TWI314036B (en) | 2005-07-28 | 2009-08-21 | Sanyo Electric Co | Hinge mechanism of foldable machine and fordable machine with the same hinge mechanism |
JP2010218102A (en) * | 2009-03-16 | 2010-09-30 | Sony Corp | Electronic equipment |
US9176535B2 (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2015-11-03 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Flexible display flexure assembly |
US8971032B2 (en) * | 2012-11-02 | 2015-03-03 | Blackberry Limited | Support for a flexible display |
US9360896B2 (en) | 2014-03-28 | 2016-06-07 | Intel Corporation | Low-profile hinge for an electronic device |
US20150277506A1 (en) | 2014-03-29 | 2015-10-01 | Bok Eng Cheah | Micro-hinge for an electronic device |
KR102309411B1 (en) * | 2014-10-27 | 2021-10-06 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Protable electronic device |
CN104851365B (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2017-07-04 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | Folding display device |
TWM510038U (en) * | 2015-06-17 | 2015-10-01 | First Dome Corp | Pivot device applicable to flexible display screen |
CN107533341B (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2020-12-04 | 惠普发展公司有限责任合伙企业 | Hinge for foldable display unit |
US10459482B2 (en) * | 2016-01-15 | 2019-10-29 | William James McDermid | Projected neutral bend axis hinge |
EP3395051B1 (en) * | 2016-04-29 | 2020-10-07 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Flexible structures |
US10234907B2 (en) * | 2016-08-29 | 2019-03-19 | Dell Products L.P. | Link hinge with dynamic length adjustment for stress management |
CN108089636B (en) * | 2016-11-22 | 2021-04-06 | 仁宝电脑工业股份有限公司 | Flexible electronic device and connecting rod assembly |
US10082838B1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2018-09-25 | Dell Products L.P. | Flexible information handling system display external hinge structure |
US9946310B1 (en) * | 2017-08-24 | 2018-04-17 | Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd. | Hinge and electronic device using the same |
TWM568917U (en) * | 2018-07-31 | 2018-10-21 | 新日興股份有限公司 | Hinge and electronic device using the same |
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- 2019-05-16 US US16/414,560 patent/US10838467B1/en active Active
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2020
- 2020-05-11 TW TW109115605A patent/TWI728806B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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TWI728806B (en) | 2021-05-21 |
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