JP2006064118A - Hinge device and electronic device using this - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hinge device giving stable turning and having excellent durability and strength and a cellular phone using this. <P>SOLUTION: The hinge device has a first disc 16, stored at an end part side in a cylinder member 8, which turns integrally with the cylinder member freely slidingly in the axial direction against energizing member 18, a second disc 14, stored in the cylinder member with a recessed surface and a projecting surface of the first disc and the second disc facing against and fitting with each other, which rotates independently from the cylinder member, a shaft body 12 inserted into an axial center part of the cylinder member and pivoted at an end part side of the cylinder member, a supporting member 10, fixed at the other end part of the cylinder member, for rotatably pivoting the shaft body and a hook 4, provided at outside of the cylinder body, for integrally rotating with the second disc via the shaft body. The hook 4 is fixed at a side of a main body part 74 and an open/close part of a casing and the cylinder member 8 is fixed at the other side and the main body part and the open/close parts are connected in an openable and closable manner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a hinge device and a foldable electronic apparatus using the hinge device.

  For example, a hinge device 80 shown in FIG. 9A is disclosed as a hinge device that rotatably connects a main body portion and an opening / closing portion of a foldable mobile phone (Patent Document 1). The hinge device 80 includes one hinge member 81 and another hinge member 83 (abutment member 85, support member 86) that is rotatably connected to the hinge member 81 via a connecting shaft 82. ing.

  The one hinge member 81 has a cylindrical shape, and a movable member 84 urged by a coil spring 87 is disposed therein, and a cam is formed between the hinge member 81 and the contact member 85 of the other hinge member 83 facing the hinge member 81. A mechanism is formed and both slide and move relative to each other. Usually, a lubricant is filled between the two to make the rotation smooth.

  In this case, the space between the one hinge member 81 and the other hinge member 83 is arranged so as to be exposed to the outside. Therefore, it is easily affected by the use environment of the electronic device, and dust or the like adheres to it. There is concern that the smoothness of the cam mechanism is lost and the durability is impaired.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a hinge device 90. As shown in FIG. 9B, the hinge device 90 is configured such that a disk member 94 and a cam member 96 are housed in a cylindrical case 92 through which a shaft body 91 is rotatably inserted. Intrusion of dust into the wall is prevented, and the smooth operation of the cam mechanism is maintained.

JP 2001-152728 A JP 2003-120655 A

  The hinge device 90 is provided with a stopper 98 and a hook 99 that rotate relative to the outside of the opening 93 side of the case 92 that rotates integrally with the cam member 96 via the shaft 91. is there. This structure has a problem that the shaft body 91 is not supported on the side of the opening 93 of the case 92 that is one end of the shaft body 91, so that the strength is not stable and accurate rotation of the shaft body 91 cannot be ensured. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hinge device that is stable and has excellent durability and strength, and a mobile phone using the hinge device.

  In order to solve the above technical problem, the hinge device according to the present invention is housed on one end side in the tubular member 8 and is provided inside the tubular member as shown in FIG. A first disk 16 that is slidable in the axial direction against 18 and rotates integrally with the cylindrical member, and the first disk and the concave and convex surfaces are abutted and housed in the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member rotates independently of the cylindrical member, and is inserted into the second disk 14 maintained in engagement with the first disk at a predetermined rotational position, and the axial center portion of the cylindrical member. The shaft member 12 that is pivotally supported on one end side of the cylindrical member, the support member 10 that is fixed to the other end portion side of the cylindrical member and pivotally supports the shaft member, and the cylindrical shape A hook 4 provided outside the member and rotating integrally with the second disk through the shaft body; The hook 4 is fixed to one side of the body part 74 and the opening / closing part 72 of the housing, and the cylindrical member 8 is fixed to the other side to connect the body part and the opening / closing part so as to be opened and closed. .

  In the hinge device according to the present invention, the cylindrical member 8 has a square cross section, and the periphery of the first disk is formed slightly smaller than the internal cross section of the cylindrical member. The periphery is formed in a circular shape.

  In the hinge device according to the present invention, a concave or convex portion having a smooth slope is provided on the first disk 16, while a convex or concave engagement structure having a smooth slope is provided on the second disk 14. As the opening / closing part rotates, the convex part escapes from the concave part against the biasing means, and the convex part engages with the concave part at the open and closed positions of the opening / closing part. Thus, the opening / closing part is held and fixed to the main body part.

  In the hinge device according to the present invention, a circular shaft hole portion 33 is provided on one end portion side of the cylindrical member, and the cylindrical shaft portion 43 is provided in the second disk in the shaft hole portion and through which the shaft body is inserted. It is the structure which made the rush enter freely.

  The electronic device according to the present invention fixes the hook 4 of the hinge device according to any one of the above to the one side of the main body portion 74 having a key operation portion or the opening / closing portion 72 having a display portion. The cylindrical member 8 is fixed to the main body portion, and the opening / closing portion is rotatably connected to the main body portion.

  As described above, according to the hinge device of the present invention, the first disk that rotates integrally with the cylindrical member, the second disk that maintains the engaged state with the first disk, and the cylindrical member A shaft that is pivotally supported at one end of the cylindrical member, a support member that is fixed to the other end of the cylindrical member and rotatably supports the shaft, and a second disk provided outside the cylindrical member. Since the shaft body is pivotally supported on both sides of the tubular member, the shaft body is pivoted accurately and stably, and is structurally strong. In addition, the intrusion of dust is prevented, the smooth operation of the cam mechanism is maintained, the leakage of the lubricant is prevented, and the durability is excellent.

  Further, according to the hinge device according to the present invention, since the cross section of the cylindrical member is formed in a square shape, the load caused by the rotation is applied to the casing in a well-balanced manner, the fixing to the casing is stable, and the durability is excellent. In addition, there is an effect that the member can be stored without waste and the hinge device can be miniaturized.

  Further, according to the hinge device according to the present invention, the first disk is provided with a concave portion or a convex portion having a smooth slope, while the second disk is provided with a convex portion or a concave portion having a smooth slope to provide an uneven engagement structure. Since the cam mechanism is formed, the cam mechanism can be smoothly engaged and an excellent operability can be obtained.

  In addition, according to the hinge device according to the present invention, the cylindrical shaft portion provided on the second disk is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole portion on the one end portion side of the cylindrical member. The rotation is stable and the shaft body is securely supported on both sides of the cylindrical member, so that accurate and stable rotation is performed with respect to the cylindrical shaft portion, and the diameter can be formed larger than the shaft body. It is also effective in that it is strong and durable.

  According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, the hook of any hinge device is fixed to one side of the main body portion having the key operation portion or the opening / closing portion having the display portion, while the cylindrical member is fixed to the other side. Since the structure in which the opening / closing part is rotatably connected to the main body part is adopted, the shaft body is pivotally supported on both sides of the cylindrical member, so that it can be accurately and stably rotated with respect to the cylindrical shaft part. In addition, it is structurally strong, in addition to preventing dust from entering, maintaining the smooth operation of the cam mechanism, enhancing durability, and preventing leakage of lubricants, There is an effect that it is not soiled.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge device 2 used in an electronic apparatus such as a foldable mobile phone according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the hinge device 2 includes a hook 4, a pin 6, a washer 7, a tubular member 8, a second disk 14, a first disk 16, a coil spring 18, a support member 10, a shaft body 12 and a cap 11. Composed. The appearance of the hinge device 2 is mainly composed of a hook 4, a cylindrical member 8, a support member 10, and a cap 11, and the second disk 14, the first disk 16, and a coil spring are arranged in this cylindrical member 8 in order from the back. 18 is stored.

  The hook 4 and the support member 10 are made of synthetic resin such as POM and ABS, the shaft body 12 is made of metal such as SPCC or aluminum, and the coil spring 18 is made of steel. The pin 6, the washer 7, and the cylindrical member 8 are made of metal such as SUS (stainless steel) or steel. The first disk 16 and the second disk 14 are made of a material such as SUS, SKD (metal tool steel), or SPCC.

  Here, each component will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the hook 4 has two hooking claws 26 projecting outwardly from the upper and lower parts of the base 24 having a rectangular cross section. An engagement hole 27 having an oval cross section is provided. An insertion hole 28 is provided in the base portion 24 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and an engagement convex portion 29 bulging in an arc shape is formed in the rear portion of the base portion 24. The pin 6 is cylindrical and can be inserted into the insertion hole 28. The washer 7 has a disc shape, and an oblong engagement hole 30 is provided at the center.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cylindrical member 8 has a container shape having a regular quadrangular cylindrical portion 31, and each corner portion of the cylindrical portion 31 is formed in an arc shape. A circular shaft hole 33 is provided at the center of the bottom 32 on one end side of the cylindrical member 8, and an opening 34 is formed on the other end. A concave portion 36 cut into a rectangular shape is formed at a centrally symmetrical position around the opening 34, and a similar concave portion 36 is provided at a position where the central angle is 90 ° from the concave portion 36.
By making this cylindrical part 31 into a regular square shape, each member is accommodated without waste and the hinge device is made compact. The cross section of the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member 8 can adopt an oval shape in addition to the regular square shape.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second disk 14 has a disk-shaped base portion 42 having a circular outer periphery, and an engagement hole 44 having an oval cross section is provided in the center of the base portion 42 in the axial direction. It has been. A cylindrical shaft portion 43 projects from the central portion of the hollow base portion 42, and the engagement hole 44 is formed continuously and in the same shape from the base portion 42 to the cylindrical shaft portion 43. Further, on one plate surface of the base portion 42, an engaging convex portion 46 is formed at each of the centrally symmetrical portions with the engaging hole 44 interposed therebetween. These engagement convex portions 46 are substantially trapezoidal in which left and right side surfaces 47 in the circumferential direction are inclined from the valley portion 45, and this cross section gradually expands in a fan shape toward the outer side in the radial direction. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first disk 16 has a regular rectangular plate-like base portion 49, and each corner portion of the base portion 49 is formed with an arcuate roundness. The outer shape of the base portion 49 is substantially the same as the inner cross section of the cylindrical portion 31 of the cylindrical member 8, and the outer shape of the base portion 49 is slightly smaller. A circular hole 48 is provided in the center of the base 49.

  Engagement recesses 50 are respectively formed on the plate surface on one side of the first disk 16 at the center symmetrical positions with the hole 48 interposed therebetween, and a flat guide path 52 is formed between the engagement recesses 50. Yes. Both side surfaces of the engaging recess 50 are formed with tapered surfaces 51 inclined in a mortar shape. Therefore, the engaging recess 50 has a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section in the circumferential direction, and the cross section is radially outward. It is a form that gradually spreads in a fan shape as it goes.

  Instead of the engaging convex portion 46 of the second disk 14, a spherical body is embedded in the second disk 14, and a part of the sphere is projected to form an engaging convex portion, while the engaging portion of the first disk 16 is engaged. A configuration in which the recess 50 is an engagement recess formed in a concave spherical shape having a radius larger than the radius of the sphere is also possible.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the coil spring 18 is a compression spring that presses the first disk 16 and biases it in a direction to abut against the second disk 14 facing it. The shaft body 12 includes a disk-shaped head portion 54 and a shaft portion 56. A cylindrical portion 59 having a circular cross section is formed in a portion of the shaft portion 56 near the head 54, and the tip portion of the shaft portion 56 is an arc portion having the same radius as the cylindrical portion 59, and the cross section is oval. An engaging shaft portion 58 is formed. Further, an insertion hole 60 is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the engagement shaft portion 58 in a direction orthogonal to the shaft.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the support member 10 has a regular square plate-like base 62, and the base 62 is formed with a protruding convex portion 65 whose outer shape is slightly reduced in diameter near the center. A circular shaft hole 64 is provided at the center of the base 62, and locking projections 66 are formed at positions symmetrical to the center of the periphery of the base 62. The central angle from the locking projection 66 is 90 °. A similar locking projection 66 is also provided at the position of °. The base portion 62 is formed with an annular convex portion 63 that has the same inner diameter as the shaft hole portion 64 and protrudes in an annular shape. The cap 11 has a disk shape and is formed with a groove 68 cut into a concave shape in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

  The hinge device 2 is assembled as shown in FIG. 7, and the second disk 14, the first disk 16, the coil spring 18, and the support member 10 fitted in the shaft body 12 are placed in the cylindrical member 8 with the second disk 14 at the head. Store. Then, the projecting protrusion 65 of the support member 10 is inserted into the opening 34 of the tubular member 8, and the locking protrusion 66 of the support member 10 is fitted into the recess 36 of the tubular member 8. On the other hand, the engagement hole 30 of the washer 7 and the engagement hole 27 of the hook 4 are fitted and engaged with the engagement shaft part 58 of the shaft body 12 protruding from the shaft hole part 33 of the cylindrical member 8.

  In this state, the second disk 14, the first disk 16 and the coil spring 18 are accommodated in the cylindrical member 8, and the opening 34 of the cylindrical member 8 is closed by the support member 10. Further, the support member 10 is pushed together with the shaft body 12 against the coil spring 18 in the direction of the cylindrical member 8, and the locking projection 66 of the support member 10 is engaged with the recess 36 of the cylindrical member 8 in the axial direction. Move to. Then, the pin 6 is inserted through the insertion hole 28 of the hook 4 and the insertion hole 60 of the shaft body 12 and fixed, and the respective members are assembled. As a result, the support member 10 is fixed in a state in which the protruding protrusion 65 is fitted into the opening 34 of the cylindrical member 8. Further, the pin 6 has a form in which both ends thereof slightly protrude from the hook 4, whereby the protruding portion of the pin 6 engages with a hole of the housing to restrict the movement of the hook 4.

  On the other hand, the cylindrical shaft portion 43 of the second disk 14 is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole portion 33 provided in the bottom portion 32 of the cylindrical member 8, and the shaft body 12 is pivotally supported. The shaft portion 56 near the head 54 of the shaft body 12 is pivotally supported by the shaft hole portion 64 of the support member 10 fixed to the opening 34 of the cylindrical member 8. Thereby, the shaft body 12 is pivotally supported on both sides of the cylindrical member 8.

  Thus, the shaft body 12 has a structure that is securely supported on both sides of the tubular member 8, and the shaft body 12 and the second disk 14 that rotates integrally with the shaft body 12 are in relation to the tubular shaft portion 43. Accurate and stable rotation is performed. Further, since the shaft body 12 is supported on both sides of the tubular member 8, it is structurally strong and has excellent durability. Therefore, the coil spring 18 having a strong elastic force can be used, and a sufficient rotational torque can be obtained even when only one hinge device 2 is used in the casing that opens and closes. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which a shaft hole is provided in the bottom 32 of the cylindrical member 8 and the shaft body 12 is directly supported by this shaft hole. In this case, the cylindrical shaft of the second disk 14 is used. The part 43 is not necessary.

  Then, the engagement shaft portion 58 having an oblong cross section of the shaft body 12 is engaged with the engagement hole 44 of the second disk 14, the engagement hole 30 of the washer 7, and the engagement hole 27 of the hook 4. The hook 4, the washer 7 and the second disk 14 rotate integrally with the shaft body 12. The base 42 of the second disk 14 has a circular outer periphery, and the second disk 14 is free to rotate within the cylindrical member 8.

  On the other hand, the shaft member 33, the first disk 16, and the support member 10 of the tubular member 8 are rotatably inserted into the shaft body 12. For this reason, the tubular member 8, the first disk 16, and the support member 10 are inserted. Is free from the rotation of the shaft 12. Further, since the first disk 16 is fitted in the cylindrical member 8 and is movable in the axial direction and cannot rotate, the first disk 16 and the cylindrical member 8 rotate integrally.

  Further, the first disk 16 is always urged in the direction of the second disk 14 by the coil spring 18, and the engaging convex part 46 of the second disk 14 and the engaging concave part 50 of the first disk 16 are abutted and engaged. Thus, a cam mechanism is formed. Therefore, the hinge device 2 constitutes a hinge mechanism in which the tubular member 8 and the hook 4 are relatively rotated via the cam mechanism. Further, the head portion 54 of the shaft body 12 is in contact with the annular convex portion 63 of the support member 10, and the outer diameter of the head portion 54 is smaller than the annular convex portion 63. The groove portion 68 of the cap 11 is inserted and attached to the portion 54 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the folding cellular phone 70 to which the hinge device 2 is attached has an opening / closing part 72 provided with a display screen 71 and the like, and a main body part 74 provided with operation keys 73 and the like. ing. One hinge device 2 can be used by strengthening the spring force of the coil spring 18. For this reason, the hinge device 2 is usually attached to one side of the left and right connecting portions of the main body 74 and the opening / closing portion 72 of the cellular phone. The other side is provided with a support mechanism comprising a shaft and a bearing.

  When the hinge device 2 is attached to the cellular phone 70, the hinge device 2 is inserted from the outside of the housing with the hook 4 first, and hooked into the hinge mounting hole 75 provided in the inner opening / closing portion 72. The four locking claws 26 are locked, and the hook 4 is fitted and fixed so as not to rotate. At this time, the engaging convex portion 29 of the hook 4 and the protruding portion of the pin 6 serve as a stopper. Two rectangular windows are formed in the hole 75, and the locking claw 26 of the hook 4 is locked in each window. On the other hand, the cylindrical part 31 of the hinge device 2 is fitted and fixed to a cylindrical part 76 having a square cross section provided in the main body part 74 so as not to rotate, and the main body part 74 and the opening / closing part 72 are connected to be freely opened and closed. At this time, since the cylindrical part 31 of the hinge device 2 has a square cross section, a load caused by the rotation is applied to the cylindrical part 76 in a well-balanced manner, the fixation is stable, and the durability is excellent.

  In the mobile phone 70 to which the hinge device 2 is attached, when the opening / closing part 72 is opened by hand, the cam mechanism is activated. At this time, the second disk 14 rotates together with the hook 4, and the engaging convex part 46 of the second disk 14 comes out of the engaging concave part 50 of the first disk 16, and slides and moves on the guide path 52 of the first disk 16. And move toward the other engaging recess 50. As the second disk 14 rotates, the engaging convex part 46 of the second disk 14 moves toward the other engaging concave part 50. Eventually, when the opening / closing part 72 ends at the position where the opening angle of the opening / closing part 72 is approximately 160 °, the engaging convex part 46 engages with the other engaging concave part 50. At this time, the engaging convex portion 46 is in a sucking state in the middle of entering the other engaging concave portion 50, and at the same time, the casings of the opening / closing portion 72 and the main body portion 74 come into contact with each other and the rotation is stopped.

  Such a cam operation between the first disk 16 and the second disk 14 is performed inside the cylindrical member 8, and the cam mechanism is further filled with a lubricant by filling the abutting portion of the cam mechanism. The operation becomes smooth. Further, at the time of engagement, due to the biasing force of the coil spring 18, the engaging convex portion 46 of the second disk 14 slides down the tapered surface 51 of the engaging concave portion 50, and the engaging convex portion 46 enters the engaging concave portion 50. Momentum is added, and a click feeling is obtained along with a suction feeling. This click feeling is obtained when the opening / closing of the opening / closing part 72 is completed, and gives a sharp feeling to the opening / closing of the opening / closing part 72.

  When the opening / closing part 72 is closed, the second disk 14 is rotated with the closing movement of the opening / closing part 72, and the engaging convex part 46 comes out of the engagement of the other engaging concave part 50 in the direction of the original engaging concave part 50. Moving. When the engaging convex portion 46 engages with the original engaging concave portion 50, the momentum increases as in the above-described opening, and the opening / closing portion 72 is closed together with a feeling of suction and a feeling of clicking. At this time, the engaging convex portion 46 is in a sucking state in the middle of entering the engaging concave portion 50, and in this state, the opening / closing portion 72 is closed and fixed.

  Therefore, according to the mobile phone using the hinge device 2 according to the above embodiment, since the shaft body is pivotally supported on both sides of the cylindrical member, accurate and stable rotation with respect to the cylindrical shaft portion is possible. In addition, since the second disk and the first disk as the cam mechanism are disposed in the inner part of the cylindrical member, the intrusion of dust is prevented and the cam mechanism operates smoothly. Is maintained, and the durability of the cam mechanism is enhanced. Further, since the cam mechanism is housed in the cylindrical member, the lubricant filled in the cam mechanism is satisfactorily held, the lubricant is prevented from leaking, and the mobile phone is not soiled.

It is a figure which shows the disassembled perspective view of the hinge apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a side view, (b) is a cross-sectional view along line AA, and (c) is a plan view of the hook of the hinge device. (A) is a front view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB, and (c) is a side view of the tubular member of the hinge device. (A) is a side view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC, (c) is a front view, (d) is a plane, and (e) is another side view of the second disk of the hinge device. It is. (A) is a side view and (b) is a figure which shows a plane about the 1st disk of a hinge apparatus. (A) is a side view, (b) is a front view, (c) is another side surface, and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD, with respect to the support member of the hinge device. (A) is a side view, (b) is a front view, (c) is another side view, and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of the hinge device according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electronic device using the hinge apparatus which concerns on embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the cross section of one hinge apparatus, (b) is a figure which shows the cross section of another hinge apparatus concerning a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

4 Hook 8 Tubular member 10 Support member 12 Shaft body 14 Second disk 16 First disk 18 Biasing means (coil spring)
33 Shaft hole 43 Cylindrical shaft 72 Opening / closing part 74 Body

Claims (5)

A first disk that is housed on one end side in the cylindrical member, and that is slidable in the axial direction against the biasing means provided in the cylindrical member and rotates integrally with the cylindrical member; ,
In the cylindrical member, the first disk and the concavo-convex surface are abutted and accommodated and rotate independently of the cylindrical member, and are engaged with the first disk at a predetermined rotational position. A second disk that is maintained,
A shaft body inserted through the axial center portion of the cylindrical member and pivotally supported on one end side of the cylindrical member;
A support member fixed to the other end side of the cylindrical member and rotatably supporting the shaft body;
A hook that is provided outside the cylindrical member and rotates integrally with the second disk via the shaft body;
A hinge device that fixes the hook to one side of a body part and an opening / closing part of a housing and fixes the cylindrical member to the other side so that the body part and the opening / closing part can be opened and closed. The cross section of the cylindrical member is formed in a square shape,
2. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the periphery of the first disk is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner cross section of the cylindrical member, while the periphery of the second disk is formed in a circular shape. The first disc is provided with a concave or convex portion having a smooth slope, while the second disc is provided with a convex or concave portion having a smooth slope to form an uneven engagement structure,
As the opening / closing portion rotates, the convex portion escapes from the concave portion against the biasing means,
3. The opening and closing positions of the opening / closing part, wherein the convex part engages with the recessed part and the opening / closing part is held and fixed to the main body part. Hinge device.   A circular shaft hole is provided on one end of the cylindrical member, and a cylindrical shaft that is provided in the second disk and through which the shaft is inserted is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole. The hinge device according to claim 1, 2 or 3.   The said hook of the hinge apparatus in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 is fixed to one side of the said opening-and-closing part which has the said main-body part which has a key operation part, or a display part, On the other side, the said cylindrical shape An electronic apparatus characterized in that a member is fixed and the opening / closing part is rotatably connected to the main body part.

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