Patent Description:
This description relates, in general, to hinge mechanisms for foldable devices, and, in particular, to hinge mechanisms supporting foldable display systems.

Modern computing devices often attempt to achieve a balance between portability and functionality. Users desire a device that provides for a rich display of information on a single larger surface as well as a conflicting desire for a device that is small enough to be easily carried. A device with a flexible, or foldable, display component may have a relatively small form factor in a folded configuration and yet provide a relatively large display area in an unfolded configuration. In some situations, mechanisms guiding and supporting the folding and unfolding of such a display component may be relatively complex and susceptible to failure. These complex mechanisms may introduce stress on the display component of a foldable device, thus damaging components of the display component of the foldable device. <CIT> describes a foldable device that includes a first and a second body connected to each other by a hinge unit forming a bent part when being folded; and a flexible display device supported in the first and the second body while crossing the hinge unit. The hinge unit includes: a plurality of segment members each of which has a connection pin and among which two positioned at outermost edges are coupled to the first and the second body respectively; and a plurality of connection members arranged in the segment members, respectively and having a central hole into which the connection pin of a corresponding reference segment member is inserted and a first and a second guide slot with an arc shape into which the connection pins of rotating segment member adjacent to the reference segment member are inserted respectively and whose centers are positioned on a neutral line of the thickness of the flexible display device. <CIT> describes a hinge for a flexible display device, which allows the flexible display device to be bent in a protective manner and comprises: multiple hinge bodies including planar support units in which a part of the flexible display device is placed on the front surfaces and link support units which are extended in the inner sides of the support units and bent into square forms; and multiple links coupled to one another by a rod-shaped shaft so that the hinge bodies are able to rotate. Since the flexible display device is not in contact with the hinge except for a portion thereof in contact with the hinge when the flexible display device is situated, the hinge can prevent damage caused by external force, thereby helping a lifespan of the flexible display device be prolonged. In addition, the hinge can support the flexible display device safely by supporting the flexible display device with a wide surface. Moreover, the hinge shows improved performance in preventing the flexible display device from easily warping by countervailing against less than specific strength of the external force with springs and slide cams. <CIT> describes an electronic device that includes a case. The case includes a plurality of first components and a plurality of second components. The first components and the second components are arranged alternately and pivotally each other. Each of the first components includes an accommodating slot. Each of the second components includes a connecting part, one or more curved parts, and one or more protrusions. The curved part is connected to the connecting part and received in the accommodating slot of the adjacent first component. The protrusion is arranged at a side of the curved part. When the case is bent, the first component and the second component could correspondingly pivot. The first component is capable of moving relative to the second component between the connecting part and the protrusion so that the curved part leaves the accommodating slot or receives in the accommodating slot.

A hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, provides flexible support in a bending area of a foldable display portion of a foldable device. A hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, maintains a desired contour or curvature of the foldable display portion in the folded configuration, and maintains a desired flatness of the foldable display portion in the unfolded configuration. A hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, prevents damage due to excessive compression and/or tension exerted on components of the foldable display portion in response to folding and unfolding of the foldable device.

A hinge mechanism includes a plurality of hinge beams each extending longitudinally, arranged in a row, and at least one hinge track module, each hinge track module movably coupling an adjacent pair of hinge beams of the plurality of hinge beams. The at least one hinge track module includes a track member including an arcuate slot formed therein, the arcuate slot having a first end and a second end, the track member being coupled to a first hinge beam of an adjacent pair of hinge beams such that track member moves together with the first hinge beam, and a first hinge shaft member positioned at a first side of the track member, the first hinge shaft member being coupled to a second hinge beam of the adjacent pair of hinge beams such that the first hinge shaft member moves with the second hinge beam. The first hinge shaft member includes a first body portion with a first end portion, and a first hinge shaft extending outward from the first end portion of the first body portion, the first hinge shaft being inserted into and movably received into the arcuate slot from the first side of the track member to movably couple the first hinge shaft member and the track member.

In some implementations, in a folded configuration of the hinge mechanism, the first hinge shaft abuts the first end of the arcuate slot formed in the track member, so as to restrict further sliding of the first hinge shaft in a first direction in the arcuate slot and a corresponding further folding motion of the hinge mechanism. In some implementations, in an unfolded configuration of the hinge mechanism, the first hinge shaft abuts the second end of the arcuate slot formed in the track member so as to restrict further sliding of the first hinge shaft in a second direction in the arcuate slot and a corresponding further unfolding motion of the hinge mechanism.

In some implementations, a contour of the arcuate slot in the track member guides a sliding movement of the first hinge shaft from a position at the first end of the slot in which the hinge mechanism is in a folded configuration, and a position at the second end of the slot in which the hinge mechanism is in an unfolded configuration. In some implementations, any pair of adjacent hinge beams is coupled by at least one hinge track module.

The hinge track module also includes a second hinge shaft member positioned at a second side of the track member, the second hinge shaft member being coupled to the second hinge beam of the adjacent pair of hinge beams such that the second hinge shaft member moves with the second hinge beam. In some implementations, the second hinge shaft member includes a second body portion having a first end, and a second hinge shaft extending outward from the first end portion of the second body portion, the second hinge shaft being movably received into the arcuate slot from the second side of the track member to movably couple the second hinge shaft member and the track member. In some implementations, a pin formed on a protrusion extending outward from a second end portion of the body portion of the first hinge shaft member, and an opening is formed in a second end portion of the body portion of the second hinge shaft member, wherein the pin formed on the protrusion is received in the opening.

In some implementations, the hinge mechanism is configured to be coupled in a computing device including a foldable display, at a portion of the computing device corresponding to a bendable section of the foldable display, with the at least one hinge track module comprising a plurality of hinge track modules. In some implementations,, the hinge mechanism also includes a first hinge beam bracket at a first end of the plurality of hinge beams and configured to be coupled to a first housing of a computing device, and a second hinge beam bracket at a second end of the plurality of hinge beams and configured to be coupled to a second housing of the computing device. In some implementations, the first hinge beam bracket and a hinge beam at a first end of the arrangement of the plurality of hinge beams are movably coupled by one of the plurality of hinge track modules, and the second hinge beam bracket and a hinge beam at a second end of the arrangement of the plurality of hinge beams are movably coupled by another of the plurality of hinge track modules. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism is configured to rotate the first housing and the second housing between an unfolded configuration of the computing device and a folded configuration of the computing device. In some implementations, in a folded configuration, the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft each abut the first end of the arcuate slot formed in the track member so as to restrict further folding motion of the hinge mechanism beyond a minimum bending radius of the foldable display and, in an unfolded configuration, the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft each abut a second end of the arcuate slot formed in the track member, opposite the first end thereof, so as to restrict further unfolding motion of the hinge mechanism. In some implementations, a contour of the arcuate slot defined in the track member guides a sliding movement of the first hinge shaft between the first end of the slot and the second end of the slot to guide a folding and unfolding motion of the foldable display within allowable bending limits of the foldable display.

In some implementations, at least one of the plurality of hinge beams includes a body extending longitudinally along a length of the hinge beam, and a first wing extending outward from a first side of the body. In some implementations, the at least one of the plurality of hinge beams includes a second wing extending outward from a second side of the body, opposite the first side of the body, and the first and second wings have an arcuate contour corresponding to a contour of the first hinge shaft and a contour of the arcuate slot in the track. In some implementations, in a folded configuration of the hinge mechanism, the first wing extends across a gap formed between the hinge beam and an adjacent hinge beam positioned at the first side of the hinge beam, and the second wing extends across a gap formed between the hinge beam and an adjacent hinge beam positioned at the second side of the hinge beam and, in an unfolded configuration of the hinge mechanism, the first wing is received in a space formed between the body of the hinge beam and the body of the adjacent hinge beam positioned at the first side of the hinge beam, and the second wing is received in a space formed between the body of the hinge beam and the body of the adjacent hinge beam positioned at the second side of the hinge beam.

In another general aspect, a foldable device includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion, a foldable display coupled to the first and second portions of the housing, the foldable display including a bendable section, and a hinge mechanism positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the housing, at a position corresponding to the bendable section of the foldable display. The hinge mechanism includes a plurality of hinge beams each extending longitudinally, arranged in a row, and a plurality of hinge track modules movably coupling adjacent pairs of hinge beams of the plurality of hinge beams. Each of the plurality of hinge track modules includes a track member coupled to a first hinge beam of the respective pair of hinge beams, the track member including an arcuate slot, the arcuate slot having a first end and a second end, and at least one hinge shaft member positioned at a side of the track member and coupled to a second hinge beam of the respective pair of hinge beams. At least one hinge shaft member includes a body having a first end portion, and a hinge shaft extending outward from the first end portion of the body, the hinge shaft having an outer peripheral contour corresponding to an inner peripheral contour of the arcuate slot, the hinge shaft being inserted into and slidably received in the arcuate slot formed in the track member to movably couple the at least one hinge shaft member to the track member.

The at least one hinge shaft member includes a first hinge shaft member positioned at a first side of the track member and coupled to the first hinge beam of the pair of adjacent hinge beams, and movably coupled to the track member at the first side of the track member, and a second hinge shaft member positioned at a second side of the track member and coupled to the first hinge beam of the pair of adjacent hinge beams, and movably coupled to the track member at the second side of the track member. In some implementations, in a folded configuration of the foldable device, the first hinge shaft abuts the first end of the arcuate slot of the track member and the second hinge shaft abuts the first end of the arcuate slot of the track member so as to restrict further sliding of the first and second hinge shafts in a first direction in the arcuate slot and, in an unfolded configuration of the foldable device, the first hinge shaft abuts the second end of the arcuate slot of the track member and the second hinge shaft abuts the second end of the arcuate slot of the track member so as to restrict further sliding of the first and second hinge shafts in a second direction in the arcuate slot.

In some implementations, the foldable device also includes an opening formed in a second end portion of the body of the first hinge shaft member, and a pin extending outward from the second end portion of the body of the second hinge shaft member and received in the opening formed in the second end portion of the body of the first hinge shaft member to couple the first hinge shaft member such that the first hinge shaft member, the second hinge shaft member and the first hinge beam of the pair of adjacent hinge beams move together, and the first and second hinge shaft members are slidably coupled to the track member.

A computing device including a hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, may provide a relatively simple and reliable mechanism to support and guide the folding and the unfolding of a foldable display of the computing device. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism maintains the foldable display within allowable bending radius limits, both in the folded configuration and in the unfolded configuration of the computing device. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism maintains a desired degree of planarity of the foldable display in the unfolded configuration of the computing device. The relatively simple and reliable hinge mechanism guides and supports folding and unfolding of the computing device including the foldable display, while still providing support to the foldable display and while still maintaining the foldable display within allowable bending radius limits.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary computing device <NUM> that includes a foldable layer <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> shows a front view of the exemplary computing device <NUM> in an unfolded configuration. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the exemplary computing device <NUM> in a partially folded configuration. <FIG> shows a side view of the exemplary computing device <NUM> in a fully folded configuration. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the exemplary computing device <NUM> in a partially folded configuration. In the exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the foldable layer <NUM> is a foldable display <NUM> that is mounted so that a display surface <NUM> faces inward in the folded configuration. In the exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the foldable layer <NUM> is a foldable display <NUM> that is mounted so that a display surface <NUM> faces outward in the folded configuration. The foldable display <NUM> can include a variety of different types of flexible displays, including, for example, a flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer, an organic liquid crystal display (OLCD) layer, etc..

In some implementations, the foldable display <NUM> includes a first relatively flat, relatively rigid, or-semi-rigid, section <NUM>, a second relatively flat, relatively rigid, or semi-rigid, section <NUM>, and a foldable portion or bendable section <NUM>. In some implementations, the foldable display <NUM> includes more than two flat, rigid sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or more than one bendable section <NUM>. In some implementations, the foldable display <NUM> includes zero, or only one, flat rigid section <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, when a foldable display <NUM> includes zero flat rigid sections, the foldable display <NUM> may be substantially continuously bendable, and may be rolled up, as in a scroll. The exemplary foldable display <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes an exemplary bendable section <NUM> that allows the foldable display <NUM> to bend about an axis. In some implementations, the foldable display <NUM> includes more than one bendable section that allows the flexible display <NUM> to bend about more than one axis.

In the exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the bendable section <NUM> may allow the foldable display <NUM> to bend, or fold, for example, in an arcuate shape, that has a bending radius, and/or radius of curvature. In some implementations, a hinge mechanism supports and guides a folding and an unfolding of the foldable display <NUM> at the bendable section <NUM>. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism is installed in the computing device <NUM> at a position corresponding to the bendable section <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM>. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism limits or restricts folding or bending of the foldable display <NUM> to within allowable bending parameters to prevent damage to fragile components of the foldable display <NUM>. For example, in the folded configuration shown in <FIG>, the hinge mechanism may prevent the foldable display <NUM> from bending beyond a minimum bending radius (e.g., less than <NUM> millimeters, less than <NUM> millimeters, or less than <NUM> millimeters). In the unfolded configuration shown in <FIG>, the hinge mechanism may prevent the foldable display from bending beyond a maximum bending radius.

<FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views of an exemplary computing device <NUM> including a foldable layer <NUM>, such as, for example, a foldable display <NUM>. The exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be supported by an exemplary hinge mechanism, which is described in more detail below. In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hinge mechanism <NUM> is received in a housing of the computing device <NUM> and positioned within the housing at a position corresponding to a foldable, or bendable, portion <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM>, for example, between a first housing 240A and a second housing 240B of the computing device <NUM>. In <FIG>, the exemplary computing device <NUM> is shown in the folded configuration. In <FIG>, the exemplary computing device <NUM> is shown in the unfolded configuration. In the exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the foldable display <NUM> is mounted on the computing device <NUM> so that a display surface <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> faces inward when the device <NUM> is in the folded configuration. However, in some implementations, the foldable display <NUM> may be mounted so that the display surface <NUM> faces outward when the device <NUM> is in the folded configuration.

In the exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bendable section <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> is located at a central portion of the computing device <NUM>. In some implementations, the bendable section <NUM> is located at positions other than the central portion of the computing device <NUM>, and/or the foldable display <NUM> can include more bendable sections. In some implementations, the foldable display <NUM> is continuously bendable. In the exemplary foldable display <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bendable section <NUM> allows the foldable display <NUM> to bend about an axis.

The hinge mechanism <NUM>, in accordance with implementations described herein, is located in the computing device <NUM>, at a position corresponding to the bendable section <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM>. The hinge mechanism <NUM> supports and guides the folding and the unfolding of the foldable display <NUM>. That is, the hinge mechanism <NUM> supports and guides the folding and unfolding motion between the folded configuration shown in <FIG> and the unfolded configuration shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism <NUM> limits, or restricts, an amount of bending or folding in the folded configuration, to prevent the foldable display <NUM> from bending outside of allowable bending limits. For example, in some implementations, the hinge mechanism <NUM> limits, or restricts, an amount of bending or folding beyond a minimum bending radius of the foldable display <NUM>. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism <NUM> limits, or restricts, an amount of bending or folding beyond a maximum bending radius of the foldable display <NUM>.

A computing device including a hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, supports and guides a folding and unfolding of a foldable display of the computing device, while also maintaining the foldable display within allowable bending limits, and providing for planarity in a bendable section of the foldable display in the unfolded configuration. The hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, utilizes a no-torque design, that provides for a smooth folding and unfolding motion of the computing device including the foldable display. In developing a hinge mechanism to accomplish this, particularly without the use of complex gearing and/or sliding mechanisms, a center of rotation of the foldable display, a minimum bending radius of the foldable display, and other such factors may be taken into consideration.

For example, <FIG> provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary computing device <NUM> including a foldable display <NUM> in which a first body 324A and a second body 324B of the computing device <NUM> are slidably coupled to the foldable display <NUM>. In contrast, <FIG> provides a schematic illustration of the exemplary computing device <NUM> in which the first body 324A and the second body 324B are adhered to the foldable display <NUM>. To move from the unfolded configuration (shown in dotted lines) to the folded configuration (shown in solid lines), the foldable display <NUM> is rotated about a center of rotation C of the foldable display <NUM>. A minimum, and a maximum, bending radius of the foldable display <NUM> may be measured about the center of rotation C of the foldable display <NUM>. In moving from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration in the arrangement shown in <FIG>, the center of rotation of the first body 324A and the center of rotation of the second body 324B is not the same as the center of rotation C of the foldable display <NUM>. This causes movement, for example, a sliding movement, of the first and second bodies 324A, 324B, in order to accommodate curvature at the bendable section of the foldable display <NUM> due to the folding and unfolding of the foldable display <NUM>. This results in a stroke distance D, compared to the arrangement shown in <FIG>, in which the first and second bodies 324A, 324B are adhered to the foldable display <NUM>. To reduce, or minimize, or substantially eliminate this stroke distance D, a center of rotation of the first and second bodies 324A, 324B of the computing device <NUM> may be determined separately from the center of rotation C of the foldable display <NUM>. A hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, allows the first and second bodies 324A, 324B to rotate about their respective centers of rotation, while the foldable display <NUM> rotates about its center of rotation C. In some implementations, a hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, accomplishes this with a no torque force design that supports and guides the folding and unfolding motion, while still maintaining the foldable display within allowable bending limits. Determination of the individual center(s) of rotation to accommodate the folding and unfolding of the foldable display <NUM> to account for this difference is described in more detail with respect to the schematic illustrations shown in <FIG>.

A hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, includes multiple segments, or joints, or beams. Each of the multiple beams is rotatable about its own individual axis to provide for rotation between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration of the hinge mechanism. For example, in some implementations, the hinge mechanism, provides for rotation from a folded configuration at approximately <NUM> degrees to an unfolded configuration at approximately <NUM> degrees. <FIG> schematically illustrate operation of an exemplary <NUM>-axis design, which relies on five beams, with rotation of four of the beams about four respective, individual axes. Thus, in the exemplary arrangement shown in <FIG>, each of the four beams rotating about a respective center of rotation provides for approximately <NUM> degrees of rotation (totaling approximately <NUM> degrees of rotation). In some implementations, a multi-axis hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, includes more, or fewer, beams, and rotates about more, or fewer, axes.

In the example shown in <FIG>, five exemplary beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned corresponding to the bendable section of the foldable layer <NUM> having a center of rotation C. A respective center Y (Y1 through Y5) of each of the exemplary beams <NUM>-<NUM> is denoted by a respective dotted line, with the center beam <NUM> being substantially aligned with the center of rotation C of the foldable layer <NUM>. Rotation of the five beams <NUM>-<NUM> forming the multi-axis (<NUM>-axis in this example arrangement) hinge mechanism may be sized, and positioned to account for the stroke distance D described above with respect to <FIG>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the beams <NUM>-<NUM> are symmetrically arranged relative to the center of rotation C of the foldable layer, to account for the stroke distance D to be covered by, for example, the first body 324A shown in <FIG>, and also for the stroke distance D to be covered by, for example, the second body 324B shown in <FIG>. Thus, in some implementations, the total stroke distance 2D is be divided by the number of beams/number of axes to determine positioning, sizing and the like of the beams. As the exemplary device (for example, the exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>) moves from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration, each of the beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> rotates about an individual, respective center of rotation X, to support and guide the bending movement of the foldable layer <NUM>. Determination of a center of rotation of the second beam <NUM> will be described in more detail with respect to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, reference points A and B may be designated on the beam <NUM>, for example, at opposite end/corner portions of a rotating end of the beam <NUM>. In rotating the beam <NUM> from an initial position (shown in dotted lines), through an angle θ (in this example, approximately <NUM> degrees, based on the number of beams and number of rotational axes, as described above) to a final position (shown in solid lines), the first reference point moves from an initial position A1 to a final position A2. Similarly, the second reference point moves from an initial position B1 to a final position B2. As shown in <FIG>, a line A1-A2 is drawn connecting the points A1 and A2, and a first line L1, bisecting the line A1-A2, is drawn. As shown in <FIG>, a line B1-B2 is drawn connecting the points B1 and B2, and a second line L2, bisecting the line B1-B2, is drawn. The point X at which the first line L1 and the second line L2 intersect defines the center of rotation X of the beam <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As noted above, the process described above with respect to <FIG> may be applied similarly to the remaining beams <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, to determine a respective center of rotation for each of the individual beams, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. As noted above, in this example, the multi-axis hinge mechanism divides the bending area of the computing device, corresponding to the bendable section of the foldable layer, into <NUM> beams, defining four individual centers/axes of rotation, each rotating approximately <NUM> degrees. A hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, may include more, or fewer beams, and more, or fewer, axes of rotation.

In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the exemplary reference points A and B are positioned at corners of beam, simply for ease of discussion and illustration. However, in some implementations, other reference points may be selected, and the process described above may be used to determine the center of rotation X of the respective beam.

<FIG> shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary hinge mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> shows an assembled top view of the exemplary hinge mechanism <NUM> of <FIG>, without a hinge cover <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the exemplary hinge mechanism <NUM> includes a hinge beam module <NUM> including a plurality of hinge segments <NUM>, or hinge beams <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the exemplary hinge mechanism <NUM> includes five exemplary hinge beams 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D and 530E, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The hinge mechanism <NUM>, in accordance with implementations described herein, may include more, or fewer, hinge beams <NUM>. In some implementations, hinge beam brackets <NUM> couple the arrangement of hinge beams <NUM> to corresponding portions of a housing, such as, for example, the housing of the exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first hinge beam bracket 540A is coupled to the hinge beam 530A at a first end of the arrangement of hinge beams <NUM>, to couple the arrangement of hinge beams <NUM> to, for example, the first body 240A of the exemplary computing device <NUM>. Similarly, in the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a second hinge beam bracket 540B is coupled to the hinge beam 530E at a second end of the arrangement of hinge beams <NUM> to couple the arrangement of hinge beams <NUM> to, for example, the second body 240B of the exemplary computing device <NUM>.

A plurality of hinge track modules <NUM> may be coupled to the hinge beams <NUM> by, for example, a plurality of fasteners <NUM>. In some implementations, the fasteners <NUM> are, for example, threaded fasteners <NUM> such as, for example, screws <NUM>. In some implementations, other types of fasteners couple the hinge track modules <NUM> to the hinge beams <NUM>. In some implementations, each hinge track module <NUM> couples an adjacent pair of hinge beams <NUM>. For example, each hinge track module may provide for the movable coupling of an adjacent pair of hinge beams <NUM>. In the exemplary arrangement shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first hinge track module 520AA has a first portion thereof coupled to the first hinge beam bracket 540A and a second portion thereof coupled to the first hinge beam 530A to couple the first hinge beam bracket 540A and the first hinge beam 530A. Similarly, a second hinge track module 520AB has a first portion thereof coupled to the first hinge beam 530A and a second portion thereof coupled to the second hinge beam 530B to couple the first hinge beam 530A and the second hinge beam 530B; a third hinge track module 520BC has a first portion thereof coupled to the second hinge beam 530B and a second portion thereof coupled to the third hinge beam 530C to couple the second hinge beam 530B and the third hinge beam 530C; a fourth hinge track module 520CD has a first portion thereof coupled to the third hinge beam 530C and a second portion thereof coupled to the fourth hinge beam 530D to couple the third hinge beam 530C and the fourth hinge beam 530D; a fifth hinge track module 520DE has a first portion thereof coupled to the fourth hinge beam 530D and a second portion thereof coupled to the fifth hinge beam 530E to couple the fourth hinge beam 530D and the fifth hinge beam 530E; and a sixth hinge track module 520EB has a first portion thereof coupled to the fifth hinge beam 530E and a second portion thereof coupled to the second hinge beam bracket 540B to couple the fifth hinge beam 530E and the second hinge beam bracket 540B.

In some implementations, a hinge cover <NUM> is be coupled to the arrangement of hinge beams <NUM>. In some implementations, the hinge cover <NUM> includes a plurality of hinge cover segments <NUM> corresponding to the hinge brackets <NUM> and the hinge beams <NUM>. In some implementations, fasteners <NUM>, such as, for example, threaded fasteners, couple the hinge cover <NUM> to the hinge beams <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exploded perspective view of one of the hinge track modules <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side view of the hinge track module <NUM> in the unfolded configuration, with a first hinge shaft member removed, so that interaction between the remaining hinge shaft member and a hinge track member is visible. <FIG> shows a side view of the hinge track module in the folded configuration, with the first hinge shaft member removed, so that interaction between the remaining hinge shaft member and a hinge track member is visible.

Each hinge track module <NUM> may include a pair of hinge shaft members <NUM> coupled to a hinge track member <NUM>. In particular, the hinge track member <NUM> is positioned between a first hinge shaft member 621A and a second hinge shaft member 621B. A track <NUM> is defined in a body <NUM> of the hinge track member <NUM>. The track <NUM> is defined by a slot that extends partially through, or fully through, the body <NUM> of the hinge track member <NUM>. One or more fasteners <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) extend through one or more corresponding openings <NUM> in the hinge track member <NUM>, to couple, for example, fixedly couple, the hinge track member <NUM> to a corresponding hinge bracket <NUM>, or a corresponding hinge beam <NUM>, of the hinge beam module <NUM>.

The first hinge shaft member 621A includes a hinge shaft 625A extending outward from a first end portion of a body 622A of the first hinge shaft member 621A. The hinge shaft 625A of the first hinge shaft member 621A may be received in the track <NUM> formed in the hinge track member <NUM>. The hinge shaft 625A may be movably, for example, slidably, received in the track <NUM>, to movably couple the first hinge shaft member 621A to the hinge track member <NUM>. A protrusion 624A may extend outward from a second end portion of the body 622A of the first hinge shaft member 621A. A fastener <NUM> may extend through an opening 626A formed in the second end portion of the body 622A, to couple, for example, fixedly couple the first hinge shaft member 621A to a corresponding hinge bracket <NUM>, or a corresponding hinge beam <NUM>, of the hinge beam module <NUM>.

Similarly, the second hinge shaft member 621B may include a hinge shaft 625B extending outward from a first end portion of a body 622B of the second hinge shaft member 621B. The hinge shaft 625B of the second hinge shaft member 621B may be received in the track <NUM> formed in the hinge track member <NUM>. In particular, the hinge shaft 625B of the second hinge shaft member 621B may be inserted into the track <NUM> from a second side of the track <NUM>, opposite the first side of the track <NUM> into which the hinge shaft 625A of the first hinge shaft member 621A is inserted. The hinge shaft 625B of the second hinge shaft member 621B may be movably, for example, slidably, received in the track <NUM>, to movably couple the second hinge shaft member 621B to the hinge track member <NUM>. One or more fasteners <NUM> may extend through one or more corresponding openings 626B formed in the second end portion of the body 622B, to couple, for example, fixedly, couple the second hinge shaft member 621B to a corresponding hinge bracket <NUM>, or a corresponding hinge beam <NUM>, of the hinge beam module <NUM>.

In some implementations, a pin 624AA formed on the protrusion 624A of the first hinge shaft member 621A is inserted into an opening 624BB formed in the protrusion 624B of the second hinge shaft member 621B, to couple the respective second end portions of the first hinge shaft member 621A and the second hinge shaft member 621B, such that the first hinge shaft member 621A and the second hinge shaft member 621B are fixed to each other and move together. In some implementations, the pin 624AA may be formed on protrusion 624B of the second hinge shaft member 621B, and the opening 624BB may be formed in the protrusion 624A of the first hinge shaft member 621A.

In the unfolded configuration shown in <FIG>, the hinge shaft 625A of the first hinge shaft module 621A (and the hinge shaft 625B of the second hinge shaft module 621B, not shown in <FIG>) is positioned at a first end portion 629A of the track <NUM>. In the exemplary arrangement shown in <FIG>, the hinge shaft 625A (and the hinge shaft 625B) abuts the first end portion 629A of the track <NUM>. The positioning of the hinge shafts <NUM> of the hinge shaft modules <NUM> against the first end portion 629A of the track <NUM> defines a first stopping mechanism that restricts further sliding movement of the hinge shafts <NUM> in the unfolding direction. For example, this first stopping mechanism prevents further unfolding of the hinge mechanism <NUM> (and the computing device <NUM> including the foldable display <NUM>) beyond a maximum bending radius, such as, for example, beyond approximately <NUM> degrees.

In the folded configuration shown in <FIG>, the hinge shaft 625A of the first hinge shaft module 621A (and the hinge shaft 625B of the second hinge shaft module 621B, not shown in <FIG>) is positioned at a second end portion 629B of the track <NUM>. In the exemplary arrangement shown in <FIG>, the first hinge shaft module 621A (and the second hinge shaft module 621B, not shown in <FIG>) has rotated by an angle θ relative to the hinge track module <NUM>, guided by the sliding movement of the hinge shaft 625A (and the hinge shaft 625B, not shown in <FIG>) in the track <NUM>. In this exemplary implementation of a <NUM>-axis hinge mechanism (including five exemplary hinge beams <NUM>), each of the four axes may provide for approximately one fourth of the rotation, or, in this example, approximately <NUM> degrees.

In some implementations, an outer peripheral shape of the hinge shafts <NUM> may correspond to an inner peripheral shape of the track <NUM>, to allow the hinge shafts 625A, 625B to slide within the track <NUM>. For example, an arcuate outer contour, or a circular outer contour, corresponding to the inner contour of the track <NUM>, may allow the hinge shafts 625A, 625B to slide easily within the track <NUM>, between the first and second ends 629A, 629B of the track <NUM>. In some situations, hinge shafts <NUM> having a circular cross section, or a circular outer contour, or a circular outer peripheral shape, would allow for unwanted rotation of the hinge shaft modules 625A, 625B within the track <NUM>, even when abutting, or stopped against the first or second end 629A, 629B of the track <NUM>. In the examples shown in <FIG>, the hinge shafts 625A, 625B are elongated, or oblong, but with a circular, or arcuate, outer peripheral contour. In this arrangement, an outer peripheral contour of the elongated/oblong hinge shafts <NUM> corresponds to an inner peripheral contour of the track <NUM> formed in the track member <NUM>, so that the track <NUM> guides the sliding movement of the hinge shafts <NUM> between the first and second ends 629A, 629B of the track <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The elongated, or oblong, arcuate cross-sectional shape of the hinge shafts 625A, 625B received in the track <NUM> defines an anti-rotation mechanism, which restricts rotation of the hinge shafts 625A, 625B in the track <NUM>, and which prevents unintentional rotation, and in particular, over-rotation, of the hinge shaft modules <NUM> with respect to the track module <NUM>, and resulting over-rotation of the adjacent hinge beams <NUM>.

As noted above, in the exemplary arrangement shown in <FIG>, the hinge shaft 625A (and the hinge shaft 625B) abuts the second end portion 629B of the track <NUM>. The positioning of the hinge shafts <NUM> of the hinge shaft modules <NUM> against the second end portion 629B of the track <NUM> defines a second stopping mechanism that restricts further sliding movement of the hinge shafts <NUM> in the folding direction. For example, this second stopping mechanism prevents further folding of the hinge mechanism <NUM> (and the computing device <NUM> including the foldable display <NUM>), preventing a folding of the foldable display <NUM> to a bending radius that is less than the allowable bending radius of the foldable display <NUM>.

In some implementations, the contour of the track <NUM> corresponds to a desired folding and an unfolding motion of the adjacent hinge beams <NUM>/hinge beam brackets <NUM> to which the hinge track module <NUM> is coupled. Characteristics such as, for example, a size, a shape, a length and the like of the track <NUM> may guide the relative movement of the adjacent hinge beams <NUM>/hinge beam brackets <NUM> to which the hinge track module <NUM> is coupled, and restrict the folding and unfolding motion of the hinge mechanism <NUM> (and the computing device <NUM>/foldable display <NUM>), to maintain the foldable display <NUM> within allowable bending limits.

<FIG> illustrates installation of one of the plurality of hinge track modules <NUM> to an adjacent pair of hinge beams <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> illustrates the coupling of the third hinge track module 520BC to the second hinge beam 530B and the third hinge beam 530C, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. Each of the remaining hinge track modules <NUM> may be coupled to the respective pairs of adjacent hinge beams <NUM>/hinge beam brackets <NUM> as noted above, in a similar manner.

As shown in <FIG>, a first fastener 590A is inserted through the opening 626A in the first hinge shaft member 621A and into the second hinge beam 530B, and a second fastener 590B is inserted through the opening 626B in the second hinge shaft member 621B and into the second hinge beam 530B, to couple the first and second hinge members 621A/621B of the hinge track module 520BC to the hinge beam 520B. A third fastener 590C may be inserted through the opening <NUM> in the hinge track member <NUM> and into the third hinge beam 530C, to couple the hinge track member <NUM> to the hinge beam 520C. In this manner, with the first and second hinge shaft members 621A, 621B are fixed to the hinge beam 530B and move together with the hinge beam 530B. With the hinge shaft members <NUM> of the hinge shaft module 520BC coupled to the (second) hinge beam 530B, and the hinge track member <NUM> coupled to the (third) hinge beam 530C, the adjacent (second and third) hinge beams 530B, 530C are movably coupled. The hinge shafts 625A, 625B slide in the track <NUM> as described above, to guide a folding and an unfolding motion of the (second and third) hinge beams 530B, 530C. The second and third hinge beams 530B, 530C, coupled by the third hinge track module 520BC, are shown in the rotated, or folded, configuration in <FIG>.

In a similar manner, the remaining hinge track modules <NUM> may be coupled to the respective adjacent pairs of hinge beam brackets <NUM>/hinge beams <NUM>. For example, in a similar manner, the first hinge track module 520AA couples the first hinge beam bracket 540A and the first hinge beam 530A, the second hinge track module 520AB couples the first and second hinge beams 530A, 530B; the fourth hinge track module 520CD couples the third and fourth hinge beams 530C, 530D; the fifth hinge track module 520DE couples the fourth and fifth hinge beams 530D, 530E; and the sixth hinge track module 520EB couples the fifth hinge beam 530E and the second hinge beam bracket 540B. The plurality of hinge track modules <NUM> coupled to the arrangement of hinge beams <NUM> forming the hinge beam module <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

With the plurality of hinge track modules <NUM> coupled to the arrangement of hinge beams <NUM> as described above, the hinge cover <NUM>, including the plurality of hinge cover segments <NUM>, may be coupled to the assembled hinge beam module <NUM>, as illustrated in the exploded perspective view of the exemplary hinge mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and in the assembled top view of the exemplary hinge mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The hinge cover <NUM> including the plurality of hinge cover segments <NUM> may provide a relatively planar surface, in the unfolded configuration, to provide support for the bendable section <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> in the unfolded configuration. That is, the relatively planar surface defined by the plurality of cover segments <NUM> of the hinge cover <NUM> extends across gaps which would otherwise be formed between supporting structure provided by the (uncovered) hinge beam module <NUM> (<FIG>). The hinge cover <NUM> provides relatively rigid, planar support for the bendable section <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> in the unfolded configuration.

The hinge shafts <NUM> of the hinge shaft members <NUM> of each of the plurality of hinge track modules <NUM> slide within the track <NUM> of the respective hinge track member <NUM>, to guide the folding and unfolding motion of respective pairs of adjacent hinge brackets <NUM>/hinge beams <NUM> to which they are coupled.

<FIG> shows a side view of the assembled hinge mechanism <NUM> in the folded configuration, with the plurality of hinge beams <NUM> coupled by the plurality of hinge track modules <NUM> in this manner.

In some implementations, one or more of the hinge beams <NUM> include wings 734A, 734B, 734C, 734D, 732E that extend outward from opposite sides of respective bodies 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E of the respective hinge beam 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E. The wings 734A, 734B, 734C, 734D, 732E extend between adjacent hinge beams 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E in the unfolded configuration, to cover gaps between the adjacent hinge beams 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E in the folded configuration. The wings 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E provide a finished external appearance in the folded configuration. The wings 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E also prevent debris from entering gaps G between adjacent hinge beams 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E in the folded configuration. The wings 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E are nested within the bodies 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E of the adjacent hinge beam 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E in the unfolded configuration.

The gaps G are illustrated schematically in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross sectional view of the hinge mechanism <NUM>, illustrating the wings 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E in the folded configuration, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the hinge mechanism <NUM>, illustrating the wings 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E in the unfolded configuration. As shown in <FIG>, the wings 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E have an arcuate contour that follows the rotation of the hinge beam <NUM>. That is, the contour of each wing 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E (or, set of wings) of a particular hinge beam 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E follow a concentric circle centered on the center of rotation X for that particular hinge beam 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E. Similarly, the slots <NUM> in the hinge track members <NUM> of the hinge track modules <NUM> have an arcuate contour, such that the contour of each track <NUM> follows a concentric circle centered on the center of rotation X for the particular hinge beam 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E to which it is attached, to guide the folding and unfolding motion of the plurality of hinge beams 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E. In this manner, the movement of the hinge shafts <NUM> in the tracks <NUM>, that guides the folding and unfolding motion of the hinge mechanism <NUM>, is coordinated with the extension and retraction of the cover wings 732A, 732B, 732C, 732D, 732E relative to the adjacent hinge beams 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E.

As noted above, the hinge mechanism <NUM> assembled as described above may be coupled to the housing of a computing device such as the exemplary computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the first housing 240A of the computing device <NUM> is attached to the first hinge beam bracket 540A by, for example, fasteners <NUM>, to couple the first housing 240A to the hinge mechanism <NUM>. Similarly, the second housing 240B of the computing device <NUM> is attached to the second hinge beam bracket 540B by, for example, fasteners <NUM>, to couple the second housing 240B to the hinge mechanism <NUM>.

In this arrangement, the hinge mechanism <NUM> provides for a fluid, torque-free motion between the unfolded and folded configurations, while maintaining the foldable display <NUM> within allowable bending limits. In some implementations, magnets are included in the computing device <NUM> to, for example, maintain the computing device <NUM> in the unfolded configuration and/or in the unfolded configuration. That is, due to the lack of mechanical torque mechanisms (which would, for example, hold the first and second housings 240A, 240B in interim positions), magnets provide a mechanism for maintaining the computing device <NUM> including the foldable display <NUM> in a desired configuration. For example, as shown in <FIG>, in some implementations, one or more magnets <NUM> are provided at corresponding positions along an outer edge portion of the first housing 240A and an outer edge portion of the second housing 240B of the computing device <NUM>. In the folded configuration shown in <FIG>, the magnets <NUM> can be aligned and exert an attractive force that draws and holds the first and second housings 240A, 240B together in the folded configuration.

In a computing device including a hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations as described herein, a relatively simple, and relatively reliable hinge mechanism may support the folding and unfolding of a foldable display, with a relatively natural motion, while also providing for planarity of the foldable display in the unfolded configuration, particularly in the bendable section of the foldable display. The hinge mechanism may accomplish this without the use of complicated gearing which add cost and complexity, which produce a relatively unnatural, restrictive folding and unfolding motion, and which may detract from the utility and reliability of the computing device. This relatively simple and reliable hinge mechanism may guide and support the folding and unfolding of the computing device including the foldable display, while still providing support to the foldable display, and while still maintaining the foldable display within allowable bending radius limits.

The devices and apparatuses described herein can be included as part of a computing device, that includes, for example, a processor for executing instructions and a memory for storing the executable instructions. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments.

It is understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being connected or coupled to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly connected or directly coupled to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.).

As used herein, the singular forms a, and an, are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising, includes and/or including, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Claim 1:
A hinge mechanism (<NUM>), comprising:
a plurality of hinge beams (530A-E) each extending longitudinally, arranged in a row; and
at least one hinge track module (<NUM>), each hinge track module movably coupling an adjacent pair of hinge beams of the plurality of hinge beams, the at least one hinge track module including:
a track member (<NUM>) including an arcuate slot (<NUM>) formed therein, the arcuate slot having a first end and a second end, the track member being coupled to a first hinge beam of an adjacent pair of hinge beams such that track member moves together with the first hinge beam; and
a first hinge shaft member (621A) positioned at a first side of the track member, the first hinge shaft member being coupled to a second hinge beam of the adjacent pair of hinge beams such that the first hinge shaft member moves with the second hinge beam, the first hinge shaft member including:
a first body portion with a first end portion; and
a first hinge shaft (625A) extending outward from the first end portion of the first body portion, the first hinge shaft being inserted into and movably received into the arcuate slot from the first side of the track member to movably couple the first hinge shaft member and the track member;
a second hinge shaft member (621B) positioned at a second side of the track member (<NUM>), the second hinge shaft member being coupled to the second hinge beam (530A-D) of the adjacent pair of hinge beams (530A-E) such that the second hinge shaft member moves with the second hinge beam, the second hinge shaft member including:
a second body portion having a first end; and
a second hinge shaft (625B) extending outward from the first end portion of the second body portion, the second hinge shaft being movably received into the arcuate slot from the second side of the track member to movably couple the second hinge shaft member and the track member.