Patent Publication Number: US-2012044620-A1

Title: Mobile device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of a Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0079383, filed on Aug. 17, 2010, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present invention relates to a mobile device. 
     2. Discussion of the Background 
     In recent years, as a demand for greater mobility increases, a variety of portable mobile devices, exemplified by, for example, a mobile phone, an MP 3  player, a portable media player (PMP), or the like, have been developed. Users of these devices may prefer wider display screens. 
     Although a wider display screen is desired, the overall size of an end product still needs to be compact in order to maintain the portability of a mobile device. In addition, reliability is also required to prevent an image on a display from being distorted. Display life of the display screen may also be a critical issue. 
     SUMMARY 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile device having a hinge portion to provide a display size while maintaining portability of the product. 
     Additional features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile device, comprising a first case comprising a slot, a first end, and a second end; a second case comprising a slot, a first end, and a second end, wherein the second case rotates from a first state to a second state, the first state being defined as the respective first ends and second ends of the first case and the second case being substantially adjacent to each other, the second state being defined as the respective second ends of the first case and the second case being substantially adjacent to each other, and the respective first ends of the first case and the second case extending away from each other; a display portion to wrap around an external surface of the first case and the second case; and a hinge portion coupled to the second end of the first case and the second end of the second case, the hinge portion comprising a first link comprising a first end fixed about the second end of the first case and a second end coupled to the slot of the first case; and a second link comprising a first end fixed about the second end of the second case and a second end coupled to the slot of the first case. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile device, comprising an electronic display, the electronic display being flexible; a support platform to rotate with at least one hinge portion from a compact state to a non-compact state, the support platform being coupled to the flexible electronic display, wherein the flexible electronic display is substantially folded in non-compact state, and and substantially level in the compact state. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the mobile device in a closed state according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the mobile device in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the mobile device in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the hinge of the mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the hinge of the mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is perspective view of a portion of the mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 10A ,  FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 12A , and  FIG. 13A  are cross-sectional views illustrating a transition of a hinge portion from a folded state to an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 10B ,  FIG. 11B ,  FIG. 12B , and  FIG. 13B  are perspective views illustrating a transition of a hinge portion from a folded state to an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention is described more fully hereinafter with references to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention 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 exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, if an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element, no intervening elements are present. Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals are understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative size and depiction of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience. 
     Hereinafter, a configuration of the mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 
     In the context of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that “wrapping” a display does not involve folding a display with sharp angles. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that “wrapping” refers to locating a sheet or device significantly around the contours of a curved surface. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the mobile device in a closed state according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the mobile device  10  includes a first case  100 , a second case  200 , a display portion  300  corresponding to the first case  100  and the second case  200 , and a hinge portion  400  located between the first case  100  and the second case  200 . 
     The first case  100  may construct a bar type mobile device together with the second case  200 . The first case  100  may have a shape of a substantially rectangular plane. The first case  100  may incorporate a driving circuit or operation circuit for driving the display portion  300 . 
     The first case  100  may have a curved surface at an end closer to an end of the second case  200  in an open position. The curved surface  100   a  of the first case  100  has a substantially quadrant section. Thus, the display portion  300  arranged along the curved surface  100   a  of the first case  100  may not be required to be folded. 
     In addition, the first case  100  includes a fixing groove  110  and a slot  120  formed lengthwise, both of which allow the first case  100  to be coupled to the hinge portion  400 . In addition, the first case  100  may be coupled with the second case  200  by the hinge portion  400 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the second case  200  may be coupled to a lower portion of the first case  100 . The second case  200  may also have a shape of a substantially rectangular plane. The second case  200  may also incorporate an operation circuit or driving circuit for performing signal processing. 
     The second case  100  may have a curved surface  200   a  corresponding to the curved surface  100   a  at one surface contiguous to the first case  100 . The curved surface  200   a  of the second case  200  if located opposite to the curved surface  100   a  of the first case  100 , forms a substantially semicircular section. In such a manner, the display portion  300  may be located along the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a  of the first case  100  and the second case  200 . Thus, because of the circular formation along the external face of the first case  100  and the second case  200 , the display portion  300  can be wrapped around external surfaces of the first case  100  and the second case  200  without being required to be folded. 
     In addition, the second case  200  is may be held at a closed state and is the second case is disposed opposite of the first case  100 . However, the second case  200  rotates around an area where the curved surface  200   a  is formed, and results in a position in which a surface not adjacent to the first case  100  during a closed state, of the second case  200  becomes level with a surface of the first case  100  not adjacent to the second case. Thus, the second case  200  may be level with the first case  100 , thereby allowing the display portion  300  to secure a display area. 
     Further, the second case  200  includes a fixing groove  210  and a slot  220  formed lengthwise, both of which allow the second case  200  to be coupled to the hinge portion  400 . Thus, the second case  200  may swing from a closed position to an open position relative to the first case  100 , while the hinge portion  400  moves. 
     The display portion  300  may have the capability to be wrapped around the first case  100  and the second case  200 . Specifically, the display portion  300  may have the capability to be wrapped around the non-adjacent surface during a closed state of the device of the first case  100 , the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a  of the first case  100  and the second case  200 , and non-adjacent surface during a closed state of the device of the second case  200 . Therefore, if the second case  200  rotates so that the curved surface  200   a  is level with the first case  100 , the display portion  300  may provide a substantially planar surface on a level with significantly few uneven parts on its surface. In this case, the display portion  300  may have a substantially level surface without a protruding part throughout the surfaces of the first case  100  and the second case  200  facilitated by the hinge portion  400 . This functionality provides a stability while using the device, and improves the reliability and life characteristics by avoiding folded portions from the display portion  300 . 
     If the second case  200  is opened, the display portion  300  provides for a display area corresponding to a sum of the area of the first case  100  and the area of the second case  200 . Therefore, the display portion  300  allows the user to control the mobile device  10 . 
     The display portion  300  may include an organic light emitting display (OLED) known as a flexible display, or a flexible liquid crystal display (LCD), but aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto. 
     The hinge portion  400  is arranged at an area where the first case  100  and the second case  200  are coupled with each other. If the second case  200  is rotated from the lower portion to the side portion (the portion with curved surface  100   a ) of the first case  100 , the hinge portion  400  allows the second case  200  to be separated from the side portion of the first case  100 . In addition, a distance between the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a  separated from each other by the hinge portion  400  is equal to a sum of perimeter lengths of the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a  of the first case  100  and the second case  200 . Therefore, the display portion  300  arranged along external surfaces of the first case  100  and the second case  200  may be level with the first case  100  and the second case  200  even if the second case  200  rotates to be significantly planar with the first case  100  in the open position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , if the second case  200  is in the closed position along with the first case  100 , the hinge portion  400  is positioned between outer edges of the first case  100  and the second case  200  while coupling the first case  100  and the second case  200  to each other. The hinge portion  400  may include a first link  410  and a second link  420 . In addition, the hinge portion  400  may further include a click hinge  430  at an intersection of the first link  410  and second link  420 . 
     The first link  410  includes a fixing portion  411  positioned in the fixing groove  110  of the first case  100 , an extending portion  412  extending from the fixing portion  411 , and a moving portion  413  connected to the extending portion  412  and positioned in the slot  220  of the second case  200 . The fixing portion  411  is position-fixed inside the first case  100 . However, if the hinge portion  400  rotates, the fixing portion  411  rotates within the first case  100  and maintains the rotation of the hinge portion  400 . The extending portion  412  connects the fixing portion  411  and the extending portion  413  to each other. The extending portion  412  keeps the fixing portion  411  and the extending portion  413  at a constant distance. Therefore, if the hinge portion  400  rotates, the moving portion  413  is able to move its position along the slot  220  of the second case  200 . 
     The second link  420  intersects the first link  410 . The second link  420  is connected to the first link  410  about an intersecting axis. If the second case  200  rotates, the first link  410  and the second link  420  may move while remaining linked with each other, thereby allowing the first case  100  and the second case  200  to rotate relative to each other. 
     The second link  420  includes a fixing portion  421  that fits into in the fixing groove  210  of the second case  200 , an extending portion  422  extending from the fixing portion  421 , and a moving portion  423  connected to the extending portion  422  and that fits into the slot  120  of the first case  100 . The fixing portion  421  is placed inside the second case  200 . However, if the hinge portion  400  rotates, the fixing portion  421  rotates within the second case  200  and maintains rotation of the hinge portion  400 . The extending portion  422  keeps the fixing portion  421  and the extending portion  423  at a constant distance, so that if the hinge portion  400  rotates, the moving portion  423  is able to move its position within and guided by the slot  120  of the first case  100 . 
     The click hinge  430  is formed at the intersecting axis of the first link  410  and the second link  420 . The click hinge  430  may provide for a semi-automatic operation as the first link  410  and the second link  420  move. Thus, if the second case  200  rotates, and if an angle formed by the first link  410  and the second link  420  exceeds a preset angle, the click hinge  430  may apply a force to the first link  410  and the second link  420  until the angle formed by the first link  410  and the second link  420  becomes approximately 180 degrees. In addition, if the second case  200  is rotated back into the direction of a closed state, and if the angle formed by the first link  410  and the second link  420  falls under the preset angle, the click hinge  430  may apply a force to the first link  410  and the second link  420  until the first link  410  and the second link  420  form a minimum angle, thereby allowing the second case  200  to be positioned in the closed state with the first case  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the mobile device in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the mobile device in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the second case  200  rotating to the open state is shown, thus allowing the second case  200  to be substantially level with the first case  100 . 
     The first link  410  of the hinge portion  400  rotates in a state while the fixing portion  411  is positioned in the fixing groove  110  of the first case  100 , so that the connecting portion  412  is positioned substantially in parallel with the first case  100 . In addition, the moving portion  413  of the first link  410  moves along the slot  220  (from a first end to a second end) of the second case  200 , thus being positioned closer to the end of the second case  200 . 
     In addition, the second link  420  rotates in a state in which the fixing portion  421  is positioned in the fixing groove  210  of the second case  200 , so that the connecting portion  422  is positioned substantially in parallel with the second case  200 . In addition, the moving portion  423  of the second link  420  moves along the slot  120  (from a first end to a second end) of the first case  100 , thus being positioned closer to the end of the first case  100 . 
     The hinge portion  400  allows the first case  100  and the second case  200  to separate from each other during a rotation to the open state. In this case, a distance  12  of eccentricity between the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a  is equal to or at least the combined perimeter lengths Il of the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a.  Therefore, at least due to the length  12 , the display portion  300  formed along the external surfaces of the first case  100  and the second case  200  may have a planar surface that is substantially level without an upwardly protruding portion in the open state. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the hinge of the mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the hinge of the mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the mobile device  10  according to is in the closed state. 
     The first link  410  is positioned such that the moving portion  413  is directed towards the first case  100 , along the slot  220  of the second case  200  by the extending portion  412  in a state in which the fixing portion  411  is fixed in the fixing groove  110  of the first case  100 . Likewise, the second link  420  is positioned such that the moving portion  423  is directed towards the second case  200  along the slot  120  of the first case  100  by the extending portion  422  in a state in which the fixing portion  421  is fixed in the fixing groove  210  of the second case  200 . The display portion  300  is formed to be wrapped around the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a,  so that it has a length equal to the combined perimeter lengths I 1  of the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the mobile device  10  is in the open state, as opposed to the closed state shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is perspective view of a portion of the mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the mobile device is in the closed state. Here, the first link  410  is positioned such that the moving portion  413  is directed toward the end of the second case  200  along the slot  220  of the second case  200  by the extending portion  412  in a state in which the fixing portion  411  is fixed in the fixing groove  110  of the first case  100 . Likewise, the second link  420  is positioned such that the moving portion  423  is directed toward the end of the first case  100  along the slot  120  of the first case  100  by the extending portion  422  in a state in which the fixing portion  421  is fixed in the fixing groove  210  of the second case  200 . 
     Therefore, since the display portion  300  may have a height equal to a sum of thicknesses of the first case  100  and the second case  200 , it is positioned to be higher than the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a  at a location corresponding to the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a.    
     Additionally, as described above, since a distance  12  of eccentricity between the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a  is equal to a sum of perimeter lengths of the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a,  the display portion  300  will have no protruding portions on the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   b.  Therefore, the display portion  300  may have a significantly planar surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the same portion as shown in  FIG. 7  is now shown in an open state of the mobile device  10 . 
       FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 10A ,  FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 12A , and  FIG. 13A  are cross-sectional views illustrating a transition of a hinge portion from a folded state to an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 10B ,  FIG. 11B ,  FIG. 12B , and  FIG. 13B  are perspective views illustrating a transition of a hinge portion from a folded state to an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B , when the mobile device  100  is in a closed state, the first link  410  has a fixing portion  411  fixed to the first case  100  and the moving portion  413  positioned inside the first link  410  along the slot  220  of the second case  200 . In addition, the second link  420  has a fixing portion  421  fixed to the second case  200  and the moving portion  423  positioned inside the second link  420  along the slot  120  of the first case  100 . 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B , in a state where the mobile device  100  is opening, the first link  410  and the second link  420  are linked with each other around the click hinge  430  to be moved, where the movement may be caused by rotational forces. If a rotational force is applied around fixing portions  411  and  421  of the first link  410  and the second link  420 , the moving portions  413  and  423  start to linearly move along the slots  120  and  220  through the connecting portions  412  and  422 , respectively. Therefore, the moving portions  413  and  423  of the first link  410  and the second link  420  start to move toward ends of the first and second cases  100  and  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B , if the mobile device  100  is further opened, the moving portions  413  and  423  move toward the ends of the first case  100  and the second case  200  along the slots  120  and  220  due to the fixing portions  411  and  421  Pivoting the respective attached cases. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B , if the mobile device  100  is opened by approximately 90 degrees, the moving portions  413  and  423  of the first link  410  and the second link  420  are positioned at the ends of the first and second cases  100  and  200  along the slots  120  and  220 . In addition, the click hinge  430  operates in a case where the mobile device  100  is opened by, for example, approximately 90 degrees, causing the moving portions  413  and  423  of the first link  410  and the second link  420  to move toward the ends of the first case  100  and the second case  200 . Eventually, as the moving portions  413  and  423  move, a force is applied to the first case  100  and the second case  200  having the slots  120  and  220 , so that the first case  100  and the second case  200  move in a horizontal direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 13B , if the mobile device  100  is opened by approximately 180 degrees, the moving portions  413  and  423  of the first link  410  and the second link  420  are positioned at the significantly at the ends of the slots  120  and  220 . Accordingly, the second case  200  is substantially level with the first case  100 . In addition, the display portion  300  formed on each of outer peripheries of the first case  100  and the second case  200  is separated from the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a.  In addition, as described above, the distance  12  of eccentricity between the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   b  is equal to the sum I 1  of the perimeter lengths of the curved surfaces  100   a  and  200   a.  In such a manner, the display portion  300  may have a planar surface on a level even if the second case  200  moves. Consequently, if the second case  200  may be extended away from the first case  100  by the user to spread out the display portion  300 , thus allowing the display portion  300  to form a substantially planar surface. Therefore, the user is allowed to stably manipulate the display portion  300 . In addition, the display portion  300  may offer an undistorted image without an uneven surface to the user. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.