CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/913,490, filed on October 10, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This description relates, in general, to hinge mechanisms for foldable devices, and, in particular, to hinge mechanisms supporting foldable display systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Modem computing devices often attempt to achieve a balance between portability and functionality. The desire for a device that provides for a rich display of information on a single surface (suggesting a device having a relatively large form factor) may conflict with the desire to have a device that is small enough to be easily carried and easily accessible (suggesting a device having a relatively small form factor). A flexible, or foldable, display device enhances the capabilities of a computing device in that, in a folded configuration, the device has a relatively small form factor, and in an unfolded configuration, the device has a relatively large display area. In some situations, mechanisms guiding and supporting the folding and unfolding of such a device may be relatively complex, and susceptible to failure.

These complex mechanisms can introduce stress on the foldable device, thus damaging components of the display portion of the foldable device. Flexible support in a bending area of the display portion of the foldable device may maintain a desired contour, or curvature, of the display portion in the folded configuration, and may maintain a desired flatness in the unfolded configuration. Flexible support in the bending area of the display portion of the foldable device may prevent damage due to excessive compression and/or tension exerted on components of the display portion.

SUMMARY

[0004] In a general aspect, a hinge mechanism may include a plurality of hinge segments. Each of the plurality of hinge segments may be movably coupled to an adjacent hinge segment of the plurality of hinge segments. In some implementations, each hinge segment may include a hinge body, a first arcuate slot formed in a first portion of the hinge body, a second arcuate slot formed in the first portion of the hinge body, concentric with the first arcuate slot, a first pin formed at a second portion of the hinge body and configured to be slidably received in the first arcuate slot of an adjacent hinge segment, and a second pin formed at the second portion of the hinge body and configured to be slidably received in the second arcuate slot of the adjacent hinge segment. The hinge mechanism may also include a first hinge bracket movably coupled to a first end of the movably coupled plurality of hinge segments. The first hinge bracket may be fixedly coupled to a first housing portion of a housing body of a foldable device. The hinge mechanism may also include a second hinge bracket movably coupled to a second end of the movably coupled plurality of hinge segments. The second hinge bracket may be fixedly coupled to a second housing portion of the housing body of the foldable device.

[0005] In some implementations, the first hinge bracket may be configured to be coupled to the first housing portion of a computing device including a foldable display, and the second hinge bracket may be configured to be fixedly coupled to the second housing portion of the computing device including the foldable display. In some implementations, a virtual hinge axis may be defined between each pair of adjacent hinge segments. The virtual hinge axis may be positioned outside of the pair of hinge segments. The virtual hinge axis may define a center for the concentrically arranged first and second arcuate slots. In some implementations, each virtual hinge axis may be defined in a neutral layer that lies outside of the respective pair of hinge segment. In some implementations, the neutral layer may be defined in a portion of the foldable display in which an unfolded length is substantially equal to a folded length of the foldable display, such that during folding and unfolding of the display, the neutral layer experiences little no compressive or tensile strain due to the change of shaped of the foldable display. In some implementations, the neutral layer may be defined in a portion of an adhesive layer coupling the foldable display to the hinge mechanism, in which an unfolded length is substantially equal to a folded length of the adhesive layer.

[0006] As described herein, the neutral layer may be defined in the portion of the foldable display, such that components installed in the foldable display, at positions in the foldable display corresponding to the neutral layer, are in neither tension nor compression in a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration of the foldable display. That is, the neutral layer may coincide with an internal layer within the foldable display, in which components, such as fragile components, of the foldable display are positioned. The one or more virtual hinge axes may be configured to lie in the neutral layer.

[0007] In some implementations, in a fully folded configuration of the foldable computing device, the first pin may abut a first end portion of the first arcuate slot formed in the adjacent hinge segment, and the second pin may abut a first end portion of the second arcuate slot formed in the adjacent hinge segment. In some implementations, in a fully unfolded configuration of the foldable computing device, the first pin may abut a second end portion of the first arcuate slot formed in the adjacent hinge segment, and the second pin may abut a second end portion of the second arcuate slot formed in the adjacent hinge segment. In some implementations, in the fully folded configuration, the positioning of the first pin abutting the first end portion of the first arcuate slot and the second pin abutting the first end portion of the second arcuate slot may restrict further folding of the computing device and the foldable display beyond a minimum bending radius of the foldable display. In some implementations, in the fully unfolded configuration, the positioning of the first pin abutting the second end portion of the first arcuate slot and the second pin abutting the second end portion of the second arcuate slot may restrict further unfolding of the computing device and the foldable display beyond a maximum bending radius of the foldable display.

[0008] In another general aspect, an electronic device may include at least one housing body including a first housing portion and a second housing portion, a foldable display coupled to the at least one housing body, and a hinge mechanism coupled to the at least on housing body, at a bendable section of the foldable display, the hinge mechanism including a plurality of hinge segments being movably coupled to each other. Each of the plurality of hinge segments includes a housing, a foldable display coupled to the housing and a hinge mechanism installed in the housing, at a portion of the housing corresponding to a bendable section of the foldable display, the hinge mechanism including a plurality of movably coupled hinge segments. Each of the plurality of hinge segments may include a hinge body, a first arcuate slot formed in a first portion of the hinge body, a second arcuate slot formed in the first portion of the hinge body, concentric with the first arcuate slot, a first pin formed at a second portion of the hinge body and configured to be slidably received in the first arcuate slot of an adjacent hinge segment, and a second pin formed at the second portion of the hinge body, wherein the first pin is configured to be slidably received in the first arcuate slot of an adjacent hinge segment, and the second pin is configured to be slidably received in the second arcuate slot of the adjacent hinge segment, so as to movably couple the adjacent hinge segments.

[0009] The electronic device may further comprise a first hinge bracket movably coupled to a first end of the movably coupled plurality of hinge segments, and fixedly coupled to a first portion of the housing body and a second hinge bracket movably coupled to a second end of the movably coupled plurality of hinge segments, and fixedly coupled to a second portion of the housing body. The electronic device may further comprise a virtual hinge axis defined between each pair of adjacent hinge segments, wherein the virtual hinge axis is positioned outside of the pair of adjacent hinge segments, and wherein the virtual hinge axis defines a center for the concentrically arranged first and second arcuate slots in the respective hinge segment. Each virtual hinge axis may be defined in a neutral layer that lies outside of the respective pair of hinge segments, and wherein the neutral layer is defined in a portion of the foldable display in which an unfolded length of the portion of the foldable display is substantially equal to a folded length of the portion of the foldable display. In some implementations, components installed in the foldable display, at positions in the foldable display corresponding to the neutral layer, are in neither tension nor compression in a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration of the foldable display. In some implementations, in a fully folded configuration of the hinge mechanism and the foldable display, the first pin abuts a first end portion of the first arcuate slot formed in the adjacent hinge segment, and the second pin abuts a first end portion of the second arcuate slot formed in the adjacent hinge segment. In some implementations, in a fully unfolded configuration of the foldable device, the first pin abuts a second end portion of the first arcuate slot formed in the adjacent hinge segment, and the second pin abuts a second end portion of the second arcuate slot formed in the adjacent hinge segment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGs. 1 A- ID illustrate an exemplary computing device including an exemplary foldable display.

[0011] FIGs. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an exemplary hinge mechanism, in an unfolded configuration and in a folded configuration, respectively.

[0012] FIGs. 2C and 2D are side views of an exemplary hinge mechanism, in a folded configuration and in an unfolded configuration, respectively.

[0013] FIGs. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an exemplary computing device including an exemplary hinge mechanism, in a folded configuration and in an unfolded configuration, respectively, in accordance with implementations described herein.

[0014] FIGs. 3C and 3D are perspective views of an exemplary computing device including an exemplary hinge mechanism, in a folded configuration and in an unfolded configuration, respectively, in accordance with implementations described herein.

[0015] FIGs. 4A and 4B are side views of an exemplary hinge mechanism in a folded and an unfolded configuration, respectively, in accordance with implementations described herein.

[0016] FIG. 4C is a front view of hinge bracket coupled to a first hinge segment. FIG. 4D is a front perspective of a first hinge bracket 440 A. FIG. 4E is a rear perspective view of a first hinge segment.

[0017] FIG. 5 A is a side view of adjacent hinge segments of the exemplary hinge mechanism shown in FIGs. 4A-4E, and FIGs. 5B and 5C are side views of a neutral layer relative to the virtual hinge axis, in accordance with implementations described herein.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a length of segments relative to a radius of curvature of the exemplary hinge mechanism shown in FIGs. 4A-4E, in accordance with implementations described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A computing device including a hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations, as described herein, provides a relatively simple, and a relatively reliable, mechanism to support and guide the folding and the unfolding of a foldable display of the computing device. 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, in accordance with implementations described herein, guides and supports 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.

[0020] FIGs. 1A-1D illustrate an exemplary computing device 100 that includes a foldable layer 102. In particular, FIG. 1A is a front view of the exemplary computing device 100 in an unfolded configuration. FIG. IB is a perspective view of the exemplary computing device 100 in a partially folded configuration. FIG. 1C is a side view of the exemplary computing device 100 in a fully folded configuration.

FIG. ID is a perspective view of the exemplary computing device 100 in a partially folded configuration. In the exemplary computing device 100 shown in FIGs. IB and 1C, the foldable layer 102 is a foldable display 102 that is mounted so that a display surface 104 faces inward in the folded configuration. In the exemplary computing device 100 shown in FIG. ID, the foldable layer 102 is a foldable display 102 that is mounted so that a display surface 104 faces outward in the folded configuration. The foldable display 102 can include a flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer, a thin film transistor (TRT) layer, and other types of foldable display layers.

[0021] In some implementations, the foldable display 102 includes a first relatively flat, relatively rigid, or-semi-rigid, section 112, a second relatively flat, relatively rigid, or semi-rigid, section 114, and a foldable portion or bendable section 116. In some implementations, the foldable display 102 includes more than two flat, rigid sections 112, 114 and/or more than one bendable section 116. In some implementations, the foldable display 102 includes zero, or only one, flat rigid section 112, 114. For example, when a foldable display 102 includes zero flat rigid sections, the foldable display 102 cam be substantially continuously bendable, and can be rolled up, as in a scroll. The exemplary foldable display 102 shown in FIGs. 1A-1D includes an exemplary bendable section 116 that allows the foldable display 102 to bend about an axis. In some implementations, the foldable display 102 includes more than one bendable section that allows the flexible display 102 to bend about more than one axis.

[0022] In the exemplary computing device 100 shown in FIGs. 1 A-1D, the bendable section 116 allows the foldable display 102 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, in accordance with implementations described herein, supports and guides a folding and an unfolding of the foldable display 102 at the bendable section 116. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations described herein, can be installed in the computing device 100, at a position corresponding to the bendable section 116 of the foldable display 102. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism limits or restricts folding or bending of the foldable display 102 to within allowable bending parameters, to prevent damage to fragile components of the foldable display 102. For example, in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 1C, the hinge mechanism may prevent the foldable display 102 from bending beyond a minimum bending radius (e.g., less than 10 millimeters, less than 5 millimeters, or less than 2 millimeters). In the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 1 A, the hinge mechanism may prevent the foldable display from bending beyond a maximum bending radius.

[0023] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary barrel hinge 20A coupled to an exemplary foldable layer 28, in an unfolded configuration. FIG. 2B illustrates the exemplary barrel hinge 20A coupled to the exemplary foldable layer 28, in a folded configuration. The barrel hinge 20A may include a first flange 21A extending from a first barrel section 23 A, and a second flange 2 IB extending from a pair of second barrel sections 23B. The first and second barrel sections 23 A, 23B are rotatably coupled to, and surround, a hinge shaft 25 that defines a single axis of the exemplary barrel hinge 20A. The first and second flanges 21 A, 21B rotate about an axis A of the hinge shaft 25 that is substantially central to the hinge shaft 25. This type of hinge 20A provides for the folding and unfolding of a foldable layer 28 coupled thereto. However, as shown in FIG. 2B, as the foldable layer 28 is folded and unfolded in this manner, the foldable layer 28 is bent, or crimped, or creased, in the bendable section 26. In an example in which the foldable layer 28 is a foldable display, this can damage fragile components of the foldable layer 28, particularly in the bendable section 26 of the foldable layer 28. For example, components in the bendable section 26 of the foldable layer 28 may experience excessive compression and/or excessive tension, causing damage to the affected components, and potential failure of the foldable layer 28.

[0024] FIGs. 2C and 2D illustrate a folding, or bending, of the foldable layer 28, such as a foldable display, coupled to an exemplary 2-axis hinge20B. The exemplary 2-axis hinge 20B allows the foldable layer 28 to stay within allowable bending limits in the folded configuration and may preclude the crimping or creasing of the foldable layer 28 in the bendable section 26 in the folded configuration. The exemplary 2-axis hinge 20B includes a first section 24A, a second section 24B, and a central section 24C between the first and second sections 24A, 24B. A first hinge area 22A is defined between the first section 24A and the central section 24C. A second hinge area 22B is defined between the second section 24B and the central section 24C. The first and second hinge areas 22A, 22B allow the hinge 20B, and the foldable layer 28 coupled thereto, to bend or fold in a manner that maintains a desired shape or contour of the foldable layer 28, and that keeps the bendable section 26 of the foldable layer 28 from bending beyond the minimum bending radius, thus protecting fragile components of the foldable layer 28. In the example shown in FIGs. 2C and 2D, the foldable layer 28 is not adhered to the hinge 20B in the hinge areas 22A, 22B. This may help to avoid crimping or creasing of the foldable layer 28 in portions thereof corresponding to the first and second hinge areas 22A, 22B (for example, as described above with respect to FIG. 2B).

[0025] Points 29A and 29B in FIGs. 2C and 2D represent where the foldable display 28 transitions from a point at which the foldable display 28 is adhered to respective portions 24A, 24B of the hinge 20B. In the folded configuration shown in FIG. 2C, a distance D2 between points 29A and 29B at which the foldable layer 28 and the hinge 20B are adhered (for example, first and second end portions of the bendable section 26 of the foldable layer 28) is greater than the distance D1 between points 29A and 29B in the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 2D. In an arrangement in which the foldable layer 28 and the hinge 20B are not adhered at the hinge areas 22A, 22B in this manner, but there is movement (for example, sliding motion) of the first and second section s 24A, 24B of the hinge 20B relative to the foldable layer 28, the foldable layer 28 may experience warping, or irregularity, in the unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2D. That is, this arrangement may not provide the desired planarity, or flatness, of the foldable layer 28 in the unfolded configuration. In the example shown in FIGs. 2C and 2D, if the foldable layer 28 and the hinge 20B instead were adhered between the points 29A and 29B (i.e., to the central section 24C of the hinge 20B), the foldable layer 28 may be relatively flat, or planar in the unfolded configuration, but would compress components of the foldable layer 28 in the folded configuration.

[0026] FIGs. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an exemplary computing device 350 including a foldable layer 302, such as, for example, a foldable display 302, supported by an exemplary hinge mechanism 400A, to be described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4E. In FIG. 3A, the exemplary computing device 350 is in the folded configuration. In FIG. 3B, the exemplary computing device 350 is in the unfolded configuration. FIGs. 3C and 3D are perspective views of the exemplary computing device 350 including the foldable layer 302, in the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration, respectively, supported by an exemplary hinge mechanism 400B, to be described with respect to FIGs. 4A-4E.

[0027] The exemplary computing device 350 shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B includes the exemplary hinge mechanism 400A received in a portion of a housing body 340 of the computing device 350 corresponding to the bendable section 316 of the foldable layer 302, for example, in a space formed between a first housing portion 340A and a second housing portion 340B of the housing body 340. The exemplary hinge mechanism 400A includes elongated segments that extend essentially from a first end portion 316A of the bendable section 316 of the foldable layer 302 to a second end portion 316B of the bendable section 316 of the foldable layer 302. The exemplary computing device 350 shown in FIGs. 3C and 3D includes the exemplary hinge mechanism 400B received in the portion of the housing body 340 of the computing device 350 corresponding to the bendable section 316 of the foldable layer 302, for example, in the space formed between the first housing portion 340A and the second housing portion 340B of the housing body 340. The exemplary hinge mechanism 400B includes multiple hinge units 400BB arranged in the computing device 350, at positions corresponding to the bendable section 316 of the foldable display 302.

[0028] In the exemplary computing devices 350 shown in FIGs. 3A through 3D, the foldable display 302 is mounted on the computing device 350 so that a display surface 304 of the foldable display 302 faces inward when the device 350 is in the folded configuration. However, in some implementations, the foldable display 302 is mounted so that the display surface 304 faces outward when the device 350 is in the folded configuration (not shown).

[0029] In the exemplary computing devices 350 shown in FIGs. 3A through 3D, the foldable display 302 includes a foldable portion 316, or a bendable section 316 at a central portion of the computing device 350, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. In some implementations, the bendable section 316 is located at positions other than the central portion of the computing device 350, and/or the foldable display 302 can include more bendable sections. In some implementations, the foldable display 302 is substantially continuously bendable. In the exemplary foldable display 302 shown in FIGs. 3A through 3D, the bendable section 316 allows the foldable display 302 to bend about an axis.

[0030] The hinge mechanisms 400 A, 400B in accordance with implementations described herein, are located in the computing device 350, at a position corresponding to the bendable section 316 of the foldable display 302. The hinge mechanisms 400A, 400B support and guide the folding and the unfolding of the foldable display 302. That is, the hinge mechanisms 400 A, 400B support and guide the motion of the computing device 350 between the folded configuration shown in FIGs. 3A and 3C and the unfolded configuration shown in FIGs. 3B and 3D. In some implementations, the hinge mechanisms 400 A, 400B limit or restricts an amount of bending or folding in the folded configuration, to prevent the foldable display 302 from bending beyond a minimum bending radius of the foldable display 302, which may result in damage to fragile components of the foldable display 302. In some implementations, the hinge mechanisms 400 A, 400B limit or restrict an amount of bending or folding in the unfolded configuration, to prevent the foldable display from exceeding a maximum bending radius of the foldable display 302 (for example, bending beyond approximately 180 degrees in the unfolded configuration) which may result in damage to fragile components of the foldable display 302.

[0031] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary hinge mechanism 400, in accordance with implementations described herein. In particular, FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of the exemplary hinge mechanism 400 in the folded configuration, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the exemplary hinge mechanism 400 in the unfolded configuration, in accordance with implementations described herein. The exemplary hinge mechanism 400 can be received in a foldable device, such as the foldable computing device 350 shown in FIGs. 3A-3D, to support and guide the folding and unfolding of the foldable display 302.

[0032] The hinge mechanism 400 shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B includes a plurality of hinge segments 430, or links 430. The plurality of hinge segments 430, or links 430, are arranged side by side, and are movably linked or coupled, in a portion of the computing device 350 corresponding to the bendable section 316 of the foldable display 302, to support and guide the folding and the unfolding of the computing device 350.

[0033] In some implementations, each of the plurality of hinge segments 430 is an elongated hinge segment 430, arranged side by side, forming a row of elongated hinge segments 430. In this example implementation, the plurality of elongated hinge segments 430 extends substantially from a first end to a second end of the computing device 350 (corresponding to first end portion 316A and the second end portion 316B of the bendable section 316 of the foldable display 302), such that the hinge mechanism 400 is defined by a single hinge unit, as in the exemplary computing device 350 shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B. In some implementations, each of the plurality of hinge segments 430 has a length that is less, for example, substantially less, than the distance from the first end portion 316A to the second end portion 316B of the computing device 350. In this example implementation, the plurality of hinge segments 430 is assembled to form hinge units, such as the hinge units 400A shown in FIGs. 3C and 3D, with multiple hinge units 400A arranged in a portion of the computing device 350 corresponding to the bendable section 316 of the foldable display 302. The description hereinafter applies, whether operating as a single hinge unit forming the hinge mechanism 400, or operating as multiple hinge units forming the hinge mechanism 400, regarding the coupling, structure and operation of the elements of the hinge mechanism 400.

[0034] A plurality of hinge segments 430 may be movably coupled to each other to form a movable chain type structure, with brackets 440 at each end of the chain of hinge segments 430. In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B, the hinge mechanism 400 includes five hinge segments 430A, 400B, 400C, 400D and 430E, with a first hinge bracket 440A at a first end of the arrangement of hinge segments 430, and a second hinge bracket 440B at a second end of the arrangement of hinge segments 430, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. In some implementations, the hinge mechanism 400 includes more, or fewer, hinge segments 430, depending on, for example, an allowable bending radius of the foldable display 302, an overall size of the computing device 350, and other such factors.

[0035] In some implementations, the first hinge bracket 440A is coupled to a first body of the computing device 350 such as, for example, the first housing portion 340A of the housing body 340 of the computing device 350 (see FIG. 4B). In some implementations, the second hinge bracket 440B is coupled to a second body of the computing device 350 such as, for example, the second housing portion 340B of the housing body 340 of the computing device 350 (see FIG. 4B). FIG. 4C is a front view illustrating the coupling between the first hinge bracket 440A and the first hinge segment 430A in more detail. In some implementations, the second hinge bracket 440B is coupled to, or integrally formed with, the adjacent hinge segment 430/430E. FIG. 4D is a front perspective of the first hinge bracket 440A, and FIG. 4E is a rear perspective view of the first hinge segment 430 A.

[0036] As shown in the exemplary arrangement illustrated in FIGs. 4A-4E, the first hinge bracket 440A includes a coupling flange 449 extending from a first side portion of a bracket body 445 of the first hinge bracket 440A. The coupling flange 449 is coupled to a first body of the computing device 350 (not shown in FIGs. 4C- 4E). A first pin 441 and a second pin 443 are defined at a second side portion of the bracket body 445 of the first hinge bracket 440 A. A first elongated slot 432A and a second elongated slot 434A are formed in a first end portion of a hinge body 435 of the first hinge segment 430A. When coupled together, the first pin 441 of the first hinge bracket 440A is slidably received in the first slot 432A formed in the first hinge segment 430A, and the second pin 443 of the first hinge bracket 440A is slidably received in the second slot 434A formed the first hinge segment 430A. The coupling of the fifth hinge segment 430E with the second hinge bracket 440B may be similar to that of the first hinge segment 430A and the first hinge bracket 440A.

[0037] As described above, each hinge segment 430 may include one or more slots. In the exemplary implementation illustrated in FIGs. 4A through 4E, each hinge segment 430 includes a first arcuate slot 432 and a second arcuate slot 434 at a first end portion of the hinge body 435, and a first pin 431 and a second pin 433 formed at a second end portion of the hinge body 435, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The hinge segments 430 can include more, or fewer, slots, and more, or fewer corresponding pins. In this exemplary arrangement, each first arcuate slot 432 is configured to receive a first pin 431 of the adjacent hinge segment 430, and each second arcuate slot 434 is configured to receive a second pin 433 of the adjacent hinge segment 430. Each of the first pin(s) 431 are slidably received in the first arcuate slot(s) 432 of the adjacent hinge segment 430, and each of the second pin(s) 433 are slidably received in the second arcuate slot(s) 434 of the adjacent hinge segment 430, to movably couple the plurality of hinge segments 430. For example, the first pin 431 A of the first hinge segment 430A is slidably received in the first slot 432B of the second hinge segment 430B, and the second pin 433A of the first hinge segment 430A is slidably received in the second slot 434B of the second hinge segment 430B. Similarly, the first and second pins 43 IB, 433B of the second hinge segment 430B are slidably received in the first and second slots 432C, 434C of the third hinge segment 430C; the first and second pins 431C, 433C of the third hinge segment 430C are slidably received in the first and second slots 432D, 434D of the fourth hinge segment 430D; and the first and second pins 43 ID, 433D of the fourth hinge segment 430D are slidably received in the first and second slots 432E, 434E of the fifth hinge segment 430E.

[0038] In the folded configuration shown in FIG. 4A, each first pin 431 is positioned at a first end portion 432-1 (see FIGs. 4B, 4C and 5 A) of the respective first slot 432 of the adjacent hinge segment 430, and each second pin 433 is positioned at a first end portion 434-1 (see FIGs. 4B, 4C and 5 A) of the respective second slot 434 of the adjacent hinge segment 430. In some implementations, the positioning of each first pin 431 against the first end portion 432-1 of the respective first slot 432, and the positioning of each second pin 433 against the first end portion 434-1 of the respective second slot 434, defines a first stopping mechanism that restricts further relative movement of the hinge segments 430, thereby restricting further folding or bending of the foldable display 302 coupled thereto in the direction of the arrows A. Restricting the further folding of the foldable display 302 in this manner may maintain the foldable display 302 within allowable bending limits. For example, restricting the further folding of the foldable display 302 in the direction of the arrows A in this manner may prevent the foldable display 302 from being folded beyond the minimum bending radius of the foldable display 302, thus preventing damage to components of the foldable display 302.

[0039] In the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 4B, each first pin 431 is positioned at a second end portion 432-2 (see FIGs. 4B, 4C and 5A) of the respective first slot 432 of the adjacent hinge segment 430, and each second pin 433 is positioned at a second end portion 434-2 (see FIGs. 4B, 4C and 5A) of the respective second slot 434 of the adjacent hinge segment 430. The positioning of each first pin 431 against the second end portion 432-2 of the respective first slot 432, and the positioning of each second pin 433 against the second end portion 434-2 of the respective second slot 434, defines a second stopping mechanism that restricts further relative movement of the hinge segments 430, thereby restricting further unfolding or bending of the foldable display 302 coupled thereto in the direction of the arrows B. Restricting the further unfolding of the foldable display 302 in this manner may maintain the foldable display 302 within allowable bending limits. For example, restricting the further unfolding of the foldable display 302 in the direction of the arrows B in this manner may prevent the foldable display 302 from being unfolded beyond the maximum bending radius of the foldable display 302, for example, beyond approximately 180 degrees, thus preventing damage to components of the foldable display 302.

[0040] In a computing device including the hinge mechanism 400, in accordance with implementations described herein, the bendable section 316 of the foldable display 302 is coupled to a structural portion of the hinge mechanism 400.

For example, the bendable section 316 of the foldable display 302 may be adhered to a structural portion of the hinge mechanism 400. This may maintain the foldable display 302 within allowable bending limits (i.e., restricting rotation beyond the minimum bending radius, or beyond the maximum bending radius), while also achieving the desired planarity of the foldable display 302 in the unfolded configuration. In the hinge mechanism 400, in accordance with implementations described herein, a hinge joint, or a virtual rotational axis of the hinge mechanism 400, is positioned at an outside of the actual structure of the hinge mechanism 400.

For example, a hinge joint C, or virtual rotational axis C, or virtual hinge axis C, as shown in FIG. 5 A, may be determined for each of the plurality of hinge segments 430, based on a positioning of a virtual, or theoretical, neutral layer 550 that is outside the structure of the hinge mechanism 400, as shown in FIGs. 5B and 5C. [0041 ] As noted above, the neutral layer 550 is defined as a virtual layer that is outside of the physical structure of the hinge mechanism 400. For example, in some implementations, the neutral layer 550 is defined to coincide with a portion of the foldable display 302. For example, in some implementations, the neutral layer 550 coincides with an internal layer 570 within the foldable display 302, in which fragile components of the foldable display 302 are positioned. In this example, the neutral layer 550 is between a first portion 571 of the foldable display 302 that is in compression, and a second portion 572 of the foldable display 302 that is in tension, as shown in FIGs. 5B and 5C. In some implementations, the neutral layer 550 is positioned within the foldable display 302 such that the neutral layer 550 is neither in compression nor in tension when the foldable display 302 is folded or bent.

[0042] In some implementations, the neutral layer 550 is defined to be outside of the structure of both the hinge mechanism 400 and the foldable display 302. For example, in some implementations, the neutral layer 550 is defined to substantially coincide with an adhesive layer 580 positioned between the foldable display 302 and the hinge mechanism 400. In this example, the neutral layer 550 may be between a first portion 581 of the adhesive layer 580 that is in compression, and a second portion 582 of the adhesive layer 580 that is in tension, as shown in FIGs. 5B and 5C. In some implementations, the neutral layer 550 is positioned along a portion of the adhesive layer 580 that is neither in compression nor in tension when the adhesive layer 580 is folded or bent.

[0043] In the example described above with respect to FIGs. 4A through 4E, the hinge mechanism 400 includes six virtual hinge axes. For example, a first virtual axis Cl defining a rotation or pivot point between the first hinge bracket 440A and the first hinge segment 430A; a second virtual axis C2 defining a rotation or pivot point between the first and second hinge segments 430A, 430B; a third virtual axis C3 defining a rotation or pivot point between the second and third hinge segments 430B, 430C; a fourth virtual axis C4 defining a rotation or pivot point between the third and fourth hinge segments 430C, 430D; a fifth virtual axis C5 defining a rotation or pivot point between the fourth and fifth hinge segments 430D, 430E; and a sixth virtual axis C6 defining a rotation or pivot point between the fifth hinge segment 430E and the second hinge bracket 440B. Each hinge axis C is positioned within the neutral layer 550, and outside the physical structure of the hinge mechanism 400 itself. Each virtual hinge axis C defines a point about which an adjacent pair of hinge segments 430 rotates, to guide the folding and the unfolding of the foldable display 302. In this example, each hinge axis C accounts for approximately 30 degrees of a 180 degree total rotational movement of the hinge mechanism 400 (i.e., movement between the fully folded configuration and the fully unfolded configuration). In some implementations, the number of hinge segments 430, a length and/or size and/or contour of the slots 432, 434, and other such factors are determined so as to provide for the approximately 180 degrees of rotational movement of the hinge mechanism 400 between the fully folded and the fully unfolded configuration.

[0044] In a configuration in which two elongated slots (i.e., the first and second arcuate slots 432, 434 in this example) are to be formed in each hinge segment 430, two concentric circles, centered on the virtual hinge axis C, define a positioning of the arcuate slots 432, 434, as shown in FIG. 5A. These concentric circles define a contour of each of the arcuate slots 432, 434. As each hinge axis C, and each pair of adjacent hinge segments 430, in this example, is to account for approximately 30 degrees of rotation (based on, for example, the 180 degrees of total rotational movement divided by the six rotational axes), a length of each of the arcuate slots 432, 434 along its respective circle corresponds to approximately 30 degrees. In this manner, the positioning of the first pin 431 at the first end 432A of the first arcuate slot 432, and the positioning of the second pin 433 at the first end 434A of the second arcuate slot 434, provides a first stopping mechanism which will restrict further rotation beyond the allowable bending limit, as described above with respect to FIG. 4A. Similarly, in this manner, the positioning of the first pin 431 at the second end 432B of the first arcuate slot 432, and the positioning of the second pin 433 at the second end 434B of the second arcuate slot 434, provides a first stopping mechanism which will restrict further rotation beyond the allowable bending limit, as described above with respect to FIG. 4B.

[0045] FIG. 6 and Equations 1 through 6 below provide more detail in the determination of the position of the neutral layer 550, and the determination that the neutral layer defines a virtual layer which is in neither compression nor tension (i.e., the point at which the folded length is substantially equal to the unfolded length of the layer). As described above, a number of hinge segments n may be defined by the overall design/form factor of the computing device 350, allowable bending radius R of the foldable display 302, and other such factors. Given n is the number of hinge segments 430, θ is the hinge rotation angle (at each hinge axis C between pairs of adjacent hinge segments 430), L is the length of each hinge segment 430, and r is the allowable bending radius of the foldable layer, then

Equation 1 fully folded length of the neutral layer = p r

Equation 2 fully unfolded length of the neutral layer = n L

Equation 3 L = 2r · tan (Q/2)

Equation 4 unfolded length = 2n · r · tan (p/2h)

Equation 5 when n → ∞

Equation 6

[0046] Therefore, the fully folded length of the neutral layer is equal to the fully unfolded length of the neutral layer in the limit that n → ∞

[0047] In a computing device including a hinge mechanism, in accordance with implementations as described herein, a relatively simple, and relatively reliable hinge mechanism supports and guides the folding and unfolding of a foldable display, 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 restrictive folding and unfolding motion, and which detract from the utility and reliability of the computing device. This relatively simple and reliable hinge mechanism guides and supports 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.

[0048] 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. Example embodiments, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

[0049] 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. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. 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.

[0050] 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.).

[0051 ] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. 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.

[0052] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. 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.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0054] It should be home in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, or as is apparent from the discussion, terms such as processing or computing or calculating or determining of displaying or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical, electronic quantities within the computer system’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0055] Lastly, it should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features or embodiments herein disclosed irrespective of whether or not that particular combination has been specifically enumerated in the accompanying claims at this time.