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JP4241241B2 - Hinge structure and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Hinge structure and electronic equipment Download PDF

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JP4241241B2
JP4241241B2 JP2003272742A JP2003272742A JP4241241B2 JP 4241241 B2 JP4241241 B2 JP 4241241B2 JP 2003272742 A JP2003272742 A JP 2003272742A JP 2003272742 A JP2003272742 A JP 2003272742A JP 4241241 B2 JP4241241 B2 JP 4241241B2
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housing
group
recess
hinge structure
recessed part
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浩一 大塚
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Casio Computer Co Ltd
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  • Camera Bodies And Camera Details Or Accessories (AREA)
  • Structure And Mechanism Of Cameras (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
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Description

本発明は、ヒンジ構造及びこれを備えた電子機器に関する。   The present invention relates to a hinge structure and an electronic apparatus including the hinge structure.

従来より、ヒンジ構造を介して２筐体を回動可能に連結して構成した折畳式電子機器（例えば、携帯電話機、ＰＨＳ（Ｒ）、ＰＤＡ、ノート型ＰＣ、デジタルカメラ等）が提案され、実用化されている。   Conventionally, a folding electronic device (for example, a mobile phone, a PHS (R), a PDA, a notebook PC, a digital camera, etc.) constructed by connecting two housings through a hinge structure so as to be rotatable is proposed. Has been put to practical use.

従来のヒンジ構造としては、一の筐体と他の筐体とを１つの回動軸を介して回動可能に連結した構造が提案されている。また、近年においては、２つの回動軸を備えた２軸ヒンジ構造が提案されている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。かかる２軸ヒンジ構造を採用すると、一の筐体を第１の回動軸を中心に１８０°回動させるとともに、他の筐体を第２の回動軸を中心に反対方向に１８０°回動させることが可能となり、結果的に、一の筐体に対して他の筐体を３６０°回動させることができる。
特開２０００−９８４７０号公報（第３頁、第２図） As a conventional hinge structure, there has been proposed a structure in which one housing and another housing are connected to each other via a single rotation shaft. In recent years, a biaxial hinge structure having two rotational axes has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). When such a biaxial hinge structure is adopted, one casing is rotated 180 ° around the first rotation axis, and the other casing is rotated 180 ° in the opposite direction around the second rotation axis. As a result, the other casing can be rotated 360 ° with respect to the one casing.
JP 2000-98470 A (page 3, FIG. 2)

しかし、従来の２軸ヒンジ構造を採用すると、各回動軸を中心に各筐体を別々に回動させる構成を有していたので、各筐体の回動状態がユーザの操作態様によって変化する。このため、筐体の開閉動作が不安定になる場合があった。   However, when the conventional biaxial hinge structure is adopted, each casing is separately rotated around each rotation axis, so that the rotation state of each casing changes depending on the operation mode of the user. . For this reason, the opening / closing operation of the housing may become unstable.

本発明の課題は、筐体の開閉動作の安定化を実現させることができるヒンジ構造を提供することである。   The subject of this invention is providing the hinge structure which can implement | achieve stabilization of the opening / closing operation | movement of a housing | casing.

また、本発明の課題は、前記ヒンジ構造を備えた電子機器を提供することである。   Moreover, the subject of this invention is providing the electronic device provided with the said hinge structure.

以上の課題を解決するため、請求項１に記載の発明は、
例えば図１〜図３及び図７に示すように、
一の筐体（１０）を他の筐体（２０）に回動可能に連結するヒンジ構造において、
前記一の筐体（１０）と前記他の筐体（２０）との間に配置されたヒンジ用筐体（３０と、
前記ヒンジ用筐体（３０）に固定された第１回動軸（３１）及び第２回動軸（３２）と、
前記一の筐体（１０）に設けられて前記第１回動軸（３１）を回動自在に支持する第１支持部材（４１）と、
前記他の筐体（２０）に設けられて前記第２回動軸（３２）を回動自在に支持する第２支持部材（４２）と、
前記第１回動軸（３１）の外周に沿って所定の間隔で複数形成された凹部からなる第１凹部群（５１ａ〜５１ｃ）と、
前記第２回動軸（３２）の外周に沿って所定の間隔で複数形成された凹部からなる第２凹部群（５２ａ〜５２ｃ）と、
前記第１凹部群（５１ａ〜５１ｃ）及び前記第２凹部群（５２ａ〜５２ｃ）に各々嵌合するように配置された嵌合部材（６１、６２）と、
前記嵌合部材（６１、６２）を前記第１凹部群（５１ａ〜５１ｃ）又は前記第２凹部群（５２ａ〜５２ｃ）に押し付ける弾性部材（７１、７２）と、を備え、
前記第１凹部群（５１ａ〜５１ｃ）を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部（５１ａ）の形状と、前記第２凹部群（５２ａ〜５２ｃ）を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部（５２ａ）の形状と、に差が設けられていることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
For example, as shown in FIGS.
In a hinge structure that pivotally connects one housing (10) to another housing (20),
A hinge housing (30) disposed between the one housing (10) and the other housing (20);
A first rotation shaft (31) and a second rotation shaft (32) fixed to the hinge housing (30);
A first support member (41) provided on the one housing (10) and rotatably supporting the first rotation shaft (31);
A second support member (42) provided on the other casing (20) and rotatably supporting the second rotation shaft (32);
A first recess group (51a to 51c) composed of a plurality of recesses formed at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the first rotation shaft (31);
A second recess group (52a to 52c) comprising a plurality of recesses formed at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the second rotation shaft (32);
Fitting members (61, 62) arranged to fit in the first recess group (51a-51c) and the second recess group (52a-52c), respectively;
An elastic member (71, 72) for pressing the fitting member (61, 62) against the first recess group (51a-51c) or the second recess group (52a-52c),
Difference between the shape of at least one recess (51a) constituting the first recess group (51a to 51c) and the shape of at least one recess (52a) constituting the second recess group (52a to 52c). Is provided.

請求項１に記載の発明によれば、ヒンジ用筐体に配置・固定された第１回動軸及び第２回動軸が、一の筐体及び他の筐体に設けられた第１支持部及び第２支持部により各々支持される。そして、第１凹部群に嵌合するように配置された嵌合部材が、弾性部材により、ヒンジ用筐体の第１回動軸側に押し付けられて、第１回動軸の外周に沿って所定の間隔で複数形成された第１凹部群に嵌合する。   According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first support shaft and the second support shaft disposed and fixed to the hinge housing have the first support provided in one housing and the other housing. And the second support part. And the fitting member arrange | positioned so that it may fit in a 1st recessed part group is pressed by the 1st rotating shaft side of the housing | casing for hinges with an elastic member, and it follows the outer periphery of a 1st rotating shaft. The plurality of first recesses are formed at a predetermined interval.

このような嵌合部材と第１凹部群との嵌合作用により、一の筐体の回動を所定角度毎に一時的に規制することができる。また、同様に、第２凹部群に嵌合するように配置された嵌合部材が、弾性部材により、ヒンジ用筐体の第２回動軸側に押し付けられて、第２回動軸の外周に形成された第２凹部群に嵌合するので、他の筐体の回動を所定角度毎に一時的に規制することができる。   By such a fitting action between the fitting member and the first recess group, it is possible to temporarily restrict the rotation of one casing at every predetermined angle. Similarly, the fitting member disposed so as to be fitted into the second recess group is pressed against the second rotating shaft side of the hinge housing by the elastic member, and the outer periphery of the second rotating shaft. Since it fits in the 2nd recessed part group formed in this, rotation of another housing | casing can be temporarily controlled for every predetermined angle.

そして、第１凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部の形状と、第２凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部の形状と、に差が設けられているため、一の筐体を回動させるために必要な外力（トルク）と、他の筐体を回動させるために必要な外力（トルク）と、に差を設けることができる。この結果、一の筐体と他の筐体との回動の順番を規定することができ、筐体の開閉動作の安定化を実現させることができる。   And since the difference is provided in the shape of the at least 1 recessed part which comprises the 1st recessed part group, and the shape of the at least 1 recessed part which comprises the 2nd recessed part group, in order to rotate one housing | casing A difference can be provided between the external force (torque) necessary for the rotation and the external force (torque) necessary for rotating the other housing. As a result, the turn order of one housing and the other housing can be defined, and the opening / closing operation of the housing can be stabilized.

請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載のヒンジ構造であって、
例えば図７に示すように、
前記第１凹部群（５１ａ〜５１ｃ）を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部（５１ａ）の開口角度と、前記第２凹部群（５２ａ〜５２ｃ）を構成する少なくとも一つの前記凹部（５２ａ）の開口角度と、に差が設けられていることを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 2 is the hinge structure according to claim 1,
For example, as shown in FIG.
An opening angle of at least one recess (51a) constituting the first recess group (51a to 51c) and an opening angle of at least one recess (52a) constituting the second recess group (52a to 52c); Are provided with a difference.

請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１又は２に記載のヒンジ構造であって、
例えば図８（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、
前記第１凹部群（５１ｄ〜５１ｆ）を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部（５１ｅ）の断面形状と、前記第２凹部群（５２ｄ〜５２ｆ）を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部（５２ｅ）の断面形状と、に差が設けられていることを特徴とする。 Invention of Claim 3 is the hinge structure of Claim 1 or 2, Comprising:
For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,
A cross-sectional shape of at least one recess (51e) constituting the first recess group (51d to 51f), and a cross-sectional shape of at least one recess (52e) constituting the second recess group (52d to 52f); Is characterized in that a difference is provided.

請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１から３の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造であって、
例えば図８（ｃ）に示すように、
前記第１凹部群又は前記第２凹部群（５２ｇ〜５２ｉ）を各々構成する複数の凹部の一つ（５２ｈ）の形状は、他の一つの凹部（５２ｇ）の形状と異なっていることを特徴とする。 Invention of Claim 4 is the hinge structure as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3, Comprising:
For example, as shown in FIG.
The shape of one of the plurality of recesses (52h) constituting each of the first recess group or the second recess group (52g to 52i) is different from the shape of the other recess (52g). And

請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１から４の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造であって、
例えば図４及び図７に示すように、
前記第１凹部群（５１ａ〜５１ｃ）を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部（５１ａ）又は前記第２凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部は、これら凹部（５１ａ）に前記嵌合部材（６１）を嵌合させて前記一の筐体（１０）及び前記他の筐体（２０）を閉状態にした際に、前記一の筐体（１０）と前記他の筐体（２０）とを相互に近接させる方向に付勢するような位置に設けられていることを特徴とする。 Invention of Claim 5 is the hinge structure as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4, Comprising:
For example, as shown in FIGS.
At least one recess (51a) that constitutes the first recess group (51a to 51c) or at least one recess that constitutes the second recess group fits the fitting member (61) into the recess (51a). When the one casing (10) and the other casing (20) are closed, the one casing (10) and the other casing (20) are close to each other. It is provided in the position which is urged | biased in the direction to make.

請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項１から５の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造であって、
例えば図７に示すように、
前記嵌合部材（６１、６２）は、
球状の部材であることを特徴とする。 Invention of Claim 6 is the hinge structure as described in any one of Claim 1 to 5, Comprising:
For example, as shown in FIG.
The fitting members (61, 62) are
It is a spherical member.

請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項１から６の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造であって、
例えば図１〜図３に示すように、
前記第１回動軸（３１）及び前記第２回動軸（３２）は、
前記一の筐体（１０）と前記他の筐体（２０）との間に配線されるケーブル（８０）を通すための挿通孔（３１ａ、３２ａ）を有することを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 7 is the hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
For example, as shown in FIGS.
The first rotation axis (31) and the second rotation axis (32) are:
It has an insertion hole (31a, 32a) for passing a cable (80) wired between the one casing (10) and the other casing (20).

請求項７に記載の発明によれば、一の筐体と他の筐体との間に配線されるケーブルを、第１回動軸及び第２回動軸に設けられた挿入孔に通すことができる。この結果、一の筐体に対して他の筐体を回動させた際に、ケーブルが露出するのを阻止することができる。   According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the cable wired between the one housing and the other housing is passed through the insertion holes provided in the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. Can do. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cable from being exposed when the other casing is rotated with respect to the one casing.

請求項８に記載の発明は、電子機器（１）であって、
例えば図１に示すように、
撮像部（１１）を備える一の筐体（１０）と、表示部（２１）を備える他の筐体（２０）と、が請求項１から７の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造を介して回動可能に連結されてなることを特徴とする。 Invention of Claim 8 is an electronic device (1), Comprising:
For example, as shown in FIG.
The one housing (10) including the imaging unit (11) and the other housing (20) including the display unit (21) are arranged via the hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7. It is connected so that rotation is possible.

請求項８に記載の発明によれば、撮像部を備える一の筐体と、表示部を備える他の筐体と、が請求項１から７の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造を介して回動可能に連結されている。このため、ヒンジ構造を介して２筐体を回動させて一の筐体の一面と他の筐体の一面とを対向させることができるので、これら対向する一の筐体の一面に撮像部を設けるとともに、他の筐体の一面に表示部を設けることにより、撮像部及び表示部の損傷を防ぐことができる。また、前記したように撮像部と表示部とを対向させた状態から、ヒンジ構造を介して２筐体を相互に反対方向に１８０°回動させることにより、撮像部及び表示部を反対向きに露出させることができ、撮像部及び表示部を用いて撮像を行うことができる。   According to the invention described in claim 8, the one housing including the imaging unit and the other housing including the display unit are provided via the hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7. It is connected so that it can rotate. For this reason, two housings can be rotated via the hinge structure so that one surface of one housing and one surface of the other housing can face each other. In addition, by providing a display portion on one surface of another housing, it is possible to prevent damage to the imaging portion and the display portion. Further, as described above, from the state where the imaging unit and the display unit are opposed to each other, the imaging unit and the display unit are turned in opposite directions by rotating the two housings 180 degrees in opposite directions via the hinge structure. The image can be exposed and imaged using the imaging unit and the display unit.

本発明によれば、筐体の開閉動作の安定化を実現させることができるヒンジ構造を得ることができる。   ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hinge structure which can implement | achieve stabilization of the opening / closing operation | movement of a housing | casing can be obtained.

また、本発明によれば、前記ヒンジ構造を備えた電子機器を得ることができる。   Moreover, according to this invention, the electronic device provided with the said hinge structure can be obtained.

以下、図を参照して本発明の実施の形態について詳細に説明する。なお、本発明に係る電子機器の例として、実施形態１においては「デジタルカメラ」を、実施形態２においては「カメラ付携帯電話機」を、各々挙げて説明することとする。また、以下の各実施形態においては、本発明に係るヒンジ構造の例として「２軸ヒンジ構造」を採用している。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As examples of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, “digital camera” in the first embodiment and “camera-equipped mobile phone” in the second embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, a “biaxial hinge structure” is employed as an example of the hinge structure according to the present invention.

（実施形態１）
まず、本発明の実施形態１に係るデジタルカメラ１の全体構成について、図１〜図６を用いて説明する。図１は開かれた状態にあるデジタルカメラ１の平面図、図２は図１のII部分の拡大図、図３（ａ）は図１のＡ−Ａ部分の断面図、図３（ｂ）はＢ−Ｂ部分の断面図、図３（ｃ）はＣ−Ｃ部分の断面図である。 (Embodiment 1)
First, the overall configuration of the digital camera 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a plan view of the digital camera 1 in an opened state, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion II in FIG. 1, FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. Is a cross-sectional view of the BB portion, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the CC portion.

また、図４（ａ）は、デジタルカメラ１の第１筐体１０の内側面と第２筐体２０の内側面とを対向させた状態（以下、「携行状態」という）を示す正面図であり、図４（ｂ）はその側面図である。図５（ａ）は、図３の携行状態から第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０を回動させて開いた状態を示す正面図であり、図５（ｂ）はその側面図である。図６（ａ）は、第１筐体１０の外側面と第２筐体２０の外側面とを対向させた状態（以下、「撮像状態」という）を示す正面図であり、図６（ｂ）はその側面図である。   4A is a front view showing a state (hereinafter referred to as “carrying state”) in which the inner surface of the first housing 10 of the digital camera 1 and the inner surface of the second housing 20 are opposed to each other. FIG. 4B is a side view thereof. FIG. 5A is a front view showing a state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotated and opened from the carrying state of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5B is a side view thereof. . FIG. 6A is a front view showing a state where the outer surface of the first housing 10 and the outer surface of the second housing 20 are opposed to each other (hereinafter referred to as “imaging state”). ) Is a side view thereof.

デジタルカメラ１は、撮像部１１等を備えた第１筐体１０、表示部２１等を備えた第２筐体２０、これら第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを回動可能に連結する２軸ヒンジ構造、第１筐体１０内の電子部品と第２筐体２０内の電子部品とを電気的に接続するためのケーブル８０、等を備えて構成されている。なお、図１においては、第１筐体１０に設けられる撮像部１１と、第２筐体２０に設けられる表示部２１と、を点線で示している。   The digital camera 1 includes a first housing 10 including an imaging unit 11 and the like, a second housing 20 including a display unit 21 and the like, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotatably connected. A biaxial hinge structure, a cable 80 for electrically connecting the electronic components in the first housing 10 and the electronic components in the second housing 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, the imaging unit 11 provided in the first housing 10 and the display unit 21 provided in the second housing 20 are indicated by dotted lines.

第１筐体１０は、アルミニウムやステンレス等の金属材料で構成された薄型の筐体であり、略直方体形状を呈している。第１筐体１０には、レンズやＣＣＤ等で構成される撮像部１１、暗部撮像時に被写体に光を照射するストロボ発光部、自動撮像時に撮像のタイミングを報知するセルフタイマランプ、デジタルカメラ１全体を統合制御する制御部、等が搭載される。なお、ストロボ発光部、セルフタイマランプ及び制御部については、図示を省略している。   The first housing 10 is a thin housing made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first housing 10 includes an image pickup unit 11 composed of a lens, a CCD, and the like, a strobe light emitting unit that irradiates a subject with light during dark image pickup, a self-timer lamp that notifies the image pickup timing during automatic image pickup, and the entire digital camera 1 A control unit, etc. for integrated control is installed. The strobe light emitting unit, the self-timer lamp, and the control unit are not shown.

制御部は、デジタルカメラ１全体を統合制御するＣＰＵ、各種制御プログラム等を記録したＲＯＭ、画像情報を一時的に保存するとともに制御プログラムを一時的に展開させるためのワークエリアとして機能するＲＡＭ、等を備えている。制御部には、撮像部１１が電気的に接続されている。また、制御部は、ケーブル８０を介して第２筐体２０の表示部２１や操作部に電気的に接続されている。第２筐体２０の操作部の操作信号を受けた制御部は、撮像部１１を駆動制御して所定の撮像動作を実現させる。   The control unit includes a CPU that controls the entire digital camera 1, a ROM that records various control programs, a RAM that temporarily stores image information and functions as a work area for temporarily developing the control program, and the like. It has. The imaging unit 11 is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the display unit 21 and the operation unit of the second housing 20 via the cable 80. The control unit that has received the operation signal from the operation unit of the second casing 20 drives and controls the imaging unit 11 to realize a predetermined imaging operation.

第２筐体２０は、アルミニウムやステンレス等の金属材料で構成された薄型の筐体であり、略直方体形状を呈している。第２筐体２０には、被写体の静止画像情報や動画像情報を表示する表示部２１、モード選択等を行うための機能キー等から構成される操作部、ファインダ接眼部、等が搭載される。また、２軸ヒンジ構造を構成するヒンジ用筐体３０には、撮像時に用いるシャッタボタン９０（図５参照）が設けられている。表示部２１や操作部やシャッタボタン９０は、ケーブル８０を介して第１筐体１０内の制御部に電気的に接続されており、この制御部のＣＰＵによって制御される。なお、操作部及びファインダ接眼部については、図示を省略している。   The second casing 20 is a thin casing made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second housing 20 is equipped with a display unit 21 that displays still image information and moving image information of a subject, an operation unit including function keys for mode selection, a viewfinder eyepiece unit, and the like. The Further, a shutter button 90 (see FIG. 5) used at the time of imaging is provided on the hinge housing 30 constituting the biaxial hinge structure. The display unit 21, the operation unit, and the shutter button 90 are electrically connected to the control unit in the first housing 10 via the cable 80, and are controlled by the CPU of the control unit. The operation unit and the viewfinder eyepiece are not shown.

２軸ヒンジ構造は、ヒンジ用筐体３０、このヒンジ用筐体３０に固定された第１・第２回動軸３１、３２、第１・第２回動軸３１、３２を回動自在に支持する第１・第２支持部４１、４２、第１・第２回動軸３１、３２に形成された複数の凹部、これら凹部に嵌合するスチールボール６１、６２、スチールボール６１、６２を第１・第２回動軸３１、３２側に押し付ける板バネ７１、７２、等を備えて構成されている（図１〜図３参照）。   In the biaxial hinge structure, the hinge housing 30, the first and second rotating shafts 31 and 32 fixed to the hinge housing 30, and the first and second rotating shafts 31 and 32 are rotatable. A plurality of concave portions formed in the first and second support portions 41 and 42 to be supported, the first and second rotating shafts 31 and 32, steel balls 61 and 62, and steel balls 61 and 62 fitted in these concave portions. It comprises leaf springs 71, 72, etc. that are pressed against the first and second rotating shafts 31, 32 (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

第１筐体１０は、ヒンジ用筐体３０の第１回動軸３１を中心に回動可能とされている。そして、第１回動軸３１に形成された複数の凹部に、板バネ７１によって凹部側に押し付けられたスチールボール６１が嵌合することにより、第１筐体１０の回動が所定角度毎に一時的に規制される。また、第２筐体２０は、ヒンジ用筐体３０の第２回動軸３２を中心に回動可能とされている。そして、第２回動軸３２に形成された複数の凹部に、板バネ７２によって凹部側に押し付けられたスチールボール６２が嵌合することにより、第２筐体２０の回動が所定角度毎に一時的に規制される。なお、２軸ヒンジ構造の構成の詳細については、図１〜図３及び図７を用いて後述する。   The first housing 10 is rotatable about the first rotation shaft 31 of the hinge housing 30. Then, the steel balls 61 pressed against the recesses by the leaf springs 71 are fitted into the plurality of recesses formed in the first rotation shaft 31 so that the rotation of the first housing 10 is performed at predetermined angles. Temporarily regulated. Further, the second housing 20 is rotatable about the second rotation shaft 32 of the hinge housing 30. Then, the steel balls 62 pressed against the recesses by the leaf springs 72 are fitted into the plurality of recesses formed on the second rotation shaft 32, whereby the rotation of the second housing 20 is performed at predetermined angles. Temporarily regulated. The details of the configuration of the biaxial hinge structure will be described later with reference to FIGS.

携行状態（図４参照）にあるデジタルカメラ１に、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを離隔させるような外力を作用させると、その外力により、第１筐体１０が第１回動軸３１を中心に回動するとともに、第２筐体２０が第２回動軸３２を中心に第１筐体１０と反対方向に回動する。図５は、第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０が、図３の携行状態から矢印Ａ及び矢印Ｂの方向に各々９０°回動した状態を示している。図６は、第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０が、図３の携行状態から矢印Ａ及び矢印Ｂの方向に各々１８０°回動した状態を示している。   When an external force that separates the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is applied to the digital camera 1 in the carrying state (see FIG. 4), the first housing 10 is moved to the first time by the external force. The second casing 20 rotates about the moving shaft 31 in the opposite direction to the first casing 10 about the second rotating shaft 32. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are each turned by 90 ° in the directions of arrows A and B from the carrying state of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are each rotated 180 degrees in the directions of arrows A and B from the carrying state of FIG.

デジタルカメラ１の携行時においては、第１筐体１０の内側面と第２筐体２０の内側面とを対向させて、撮像部１１や表示部２１を内部に収納することができる（図４参照）。一方、デジタルカメラ１を用いて撮像を行う時には、第１筐体１０の外側面と第２筐体２０の外側面とを対向させて、撮像部１１や表示部２１を露出させることができる（図６参照）。   When the digital camera 1 is carried, the imaging unit 11 and the display unit 21 can be housed inside with the inner surface of the first housing 10 and the inner surface of the second housing 20 facing each other (FIG. 4). reference). On the other hand, when imaging is performed using the digital camera 1, the imaging unit 11 and the display unit 21 can be exposed with the outer surface of the first housing 10 and the outer surface of the second housing 20 facing each other ( (See FIG. 6).

次に、図１〜図３及び図７を用いて、デジタルカメラ１の２軸ヒンジ構造の構成について詳細に説明する。図７は、２軸ヒンジ構造の拡大断面図（図３（ｃ）の拡大図）である。   Next, the configuration of the biaxial hinge structure of the digital camera 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (enlarged view of FIG. 3C) of the biaxial hinge structure.

２軸ヒンジ構造のヒンジ用筐体３０は、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０との間に配置される長尺狭幅の略直方体形状の筐体であり、アルミニウムやステンレス等の金属材料で構成されている（図１参照）。   The hinge housing 30 having a biaxial hinge structure is a long, narrow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing disposed between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, and is made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. It is made of a material (see FIG. 1).

第１回動軸３１は、第１筐体１０側に配置された状態でヒンジ用筐体３０の長手方向両端部に固定された円筒体である。第２回動軸３２は、第２筐体２０側に配置された状態でヒンジ用筐体３０の長手方向両端部に固定された円筒体である。これら第１回動軸３１及び第２回動軸３２には、ケーブル８０を通すための挿通孔３１ａ、３２ａが設けられている（図１〜図３参照）。なお、第１回動軸３１及び第２回動軸３２は、ヒンジ用筐体３０に回り止めのピン３３で固定されている。   The first rotation shaft 31 is a cylindrical body fixed to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing 30 in a state of being disposed on the first housing 10 side. The second rotating shaft 32 is a cylindrical body fixed to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing 30 in a state of being arranged on the second housing 20 side. The first rotation shaft 31 and the second rotation shaft 32 are provided with insertion holes 31a and 32a for passing the cable 80 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The first rotation shaft 31 and the second rotation shaft 32 are fixed to the hinge housing 30 with a non-rotating pin 33.

第１回動軸３１の長手方向端部近傍の外周部分には、周方向に沿って略９０°毎に３つの凹部５１ａ〜５１ｃが形成されている。これら凹部５１ａ〜５１ｃの形状は略円錐形状とされている。そして、凹部５１ａ及び凹部５１ｃの開口角度は１２０°に設定されており、凹部５１ｂの開口角度は９０°に設定されている（図７参照）。これら凹部５１ａ〜５１ｃにより、本発明における第１凹部群が構成される。   Three concave portions 51a to 51c are formed in the outer peripheral portion in the vicinity of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the first rotation shaft 31 at intervals of approximately 90 ° along the circumferential direction. The recesses 51a to 51c have a substantially conical shape. And the opening angle of the recessed part 51a and the recessed part 51c is set to 120 degrees, and the opening angle of the recessed part 51b is set to 90 degrees (refer FIG. 7). These recesses 51a to 51c constitute a first recess group in the present invention.

一方、第２回動軸３２の長手方向端部近傍の外周部分には、周方向に沿って略９０°毎に３つの凹部５２ａ〜５２ｃが形成されている。これら凹部５２ａ〜５２ｃの形状は略円錐形状とされており、各々の開口角度は９０°に設定されている（図７参照）。これら凹部５２ａ〜５２ｃにより、本発明における第２凹部群が構成される。   On the other hand, three concave portions 52a to 52c are formed in the outer peripheral portion in the vicinity of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the second rotating shaft 32 at approximately every 90 ° along the circumferential direction. The recesses 52a to 52c have a substantially conical shape, and each opening angle is set to 90 ° (see FIG. 7). These recesses 52a to 52c constitute a second recess group in the present invention.

図４の携行状態は、第１凹部群の凹部５１ａにスチールボール６１を嵌合させるとともに、第２凹部群の凹部５２ａにスチールボール６２を嵌合させた状態である。また、図５の状態（携行状態から第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０を各々反対方向に９０°回動させた状態）は、第１凹部群の凹部５１ｂにスチールボール６１を嵌合させるとともに、第２凹部群の凹部５２ｂにスチールボール６２を嵌合させた状態である。また、図６の撮像状態は、第１凹部群の凹部５１ｃにスチールボール６１を嵌合させるとともに、第２凹部群の凹部５２ｃにスチールボール６２を嵌合させた状態である。   The carrying state of FIG. 4 is a state in which the steel ball 61 is fitted in the concave portion 51a of the first concave group and the steel ball 62 is fitted in the concave portion 52a of the second concave group. 5 (the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are each turned 90 ° in the opposite direction from the carrying state), the steel balls 61 are fitted into the recesses 51b of the first recess group. In addition, the steel ball 62 is fitted in the recess 52b of the second recess group. 6 is a state in which the steel ball 61 is fitted in the concave portion 51c of the first concave group and the steel ball 62 is fitted in the concave portion 52c of the second concave group.

第１凹部群の凹部５１ａは、やや第２凹部群寄り（第２筐体２０寄り）の位置に設けられているため、凹部５１ａの中心線Ｓ１は、第２凹部群の凹部５２ａの中心線Ｓ２と平行ではなく、やや第２凹部群側（第２筐体２０側）に傾斜している（図７参照）。このため、第１凹部群の凹部５１ａにスチールボール６１を嵌合させるとともに第２凹部群の凹部５２ａにスチールボール６２を嵌合させて、図４の携行状態（閉状態）にすると、第１筐体１０は第２筐体２０側に近接する方向に付勢されることとなる。 Recess 51a of the first depressions are somewhat because it is provided in the position of the second depressions closer (second housing 20 closer), the center lines S 1 of the recess 51a, the center of the recess 52a of the second depressions line S 2 and not parallel, inclined slightly second indents side (the second housing 20 side) (see FIG. 7). For this reason, when the steel ball 61 is fitted to the concave portion 51a of the first concave group and the steel ball 62 is fitted to the concave portion 52a of the second concave group, and the carrying state (closed state) of FIG. The housing 10 is biased in the direction approaching the second housing 20 side.

同様に、第１凹部群の凹部５１ｃは、やや第２凹部群寄り（第２筐体２０寄り）の位置に設けられているため、凹部５１ｃの中心線Ｓ１は、第２凹部群の凹部５２ａの中心線Ｓ２と平行ではなく、やや第２凹部群側（第２筐体２０側）に傾斜している（図７参照）。このため、第１凹部群の凹部５１ｃにスチールボール６１を嵌合させるとともに第２凹部群の凹部５２ｃにスチールボール６２を嵌合させて、図６の撮像状態（閉状態）にすると、第１筐体１０は第２筐体２０側に近接する方向に付勢されることとなる。 Similarly, the recess 51c of the first depressions are somewhat because it is provided in the position of the second depressions closer (second housing 20 closer), the center lines S 1 of the concave portion 51c, the recess of the second depressions 52a not parallel to the center line S 2 of inclines slightly second indents side (the second housing 20 side) (see FIG. 7). For this reason, when the steel ball 61 is fitted to the concave portion 51c of the first concave group and the steel ball 62 is fitted to the concave portion 52c of the second concave group, and the imaging state (closed state) in FIG. The housing 10 is biased in the direction approaching the second housing 20 side.

すなわち、第１凹部群の凹部５１ａ及び凹部５１ｃは、第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０を閉状態（図４の携行状態及び図６の撮像状態）にした際に第１筐体１０を第２筐体２０に近接させる方向に付勢するような位置に設けられている。   That is, the recesses 51a and 51c of the first recess group are formed when the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are closed (the carrying state in FIG. 4 and the imaging state in FIG. 6). Is provided in such a position as to be biased in the direction in which the second casing 20 is brought close to the second casing 20.

なお、第２凹部群の凹部５２ａ及び凹部５２ｃをやや第１凹部群寄り（第１筐体１０寄り）の位置に設けることもできる。かかる場合には、第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０を閉状態（図４の携行状態及び図６の撮像状態）にした際に第２筐体２０を第１筐体１０に近接させる方向に付勢することができる。   In addition, the recessed part 52a and the recessed part 52c of a 2nd recessed part group can also be provided in the position near the 1st recessed part group (closest to the 1st housing | casing 10). In such a case, the second casing 20 is brought close to the first casing 10 when the first casing 10 and the second casing 20 are closed (the carrying state in FIG. 4 and the imaging state in FIG. 6). Can be biased in the direction.

第１支持部材４１は、第１筐体１０のヒンジ用筐体３０側の端部にネジ４０で固定される長尺部材であり、第１回動軸３１を回動自在に支持する（図２参照）。第１支持部材４１の内側（第１筐体１０側）の面には、長手方向に沿って断面矩形状の長尺溝４１ａが設けられており、この長尺溝４１ａに板バネ７１が嵌め込まれている（図３及び図７参照）。   The first support member 41 is a long member fixed to the end of the first housing 10 on the hinge housing 30 side with a screw 40, and supports the first rotation shaft 31 in a freely rotatable manner (FIG. 2). A long groove 41a having a rectangular cross section is provided along the longitudinal direction on the inner side (first housing 10 side) of the first support member 41, and a leaf spring 71 is fitted into the long groove 41a. (See FIGS. 3 and 7).

板バネ７１は、本発明における弾性部材であり、その長手方向中央近傍部分の２箇所が第１支持部材４１にネジ７０で固定されている（図２参照）。また、板バネ７１の両端には、第１回動軸３１側に突出してスチールボール６１に当接する突出部７１ａが設けられている（図７参照）。第１支持部材４１の長尺溝４１ａの一部には、スチールボール６１と略同一径を有する貫通孔４１ｂが設けられている。   The leaf spring 71 is an elastic member according to the present invention, and two portions near the center in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the first support member 41 with screws 70 (see FIG. 2). Further, at both ends of the leaf spring 71, protruding portions 71a that protrude toward the first rotation shaft 31 and come into contact with the steel ball 61 are provided (see FIG. 7). A through hole 41 b having substantially the same diameter as the steel ball 61 is provided in a part of the long groove 41 a of the first support member 41.

スチールボール６１は、金属製の球体であり、第１支持部材４１の貫通孔４１ｃに摺動可能に嵌め込まれた状態で板バネ７１の突出部７１ａに当接し、板バネ７１の弾性力により第１回動軸３１側に押し付けられて、第１凹部群（凹部５１ａ〜５１ｃ）に嵌めこまれる（図７参照）。スチールボール６１は、本発明における嵌合部材である。嵌合部材としては、金属製の球体に限らず、合成樹脂等で調製した球体を採用することもできる。また、嵌合部材の形状は球状に限られるものではなく、凹部の形状に合わせて適宜決めることができる。   The steel ball 61 is a metal sphere, and abuts against the protrusion 71 a of the leaf spring 71 in a state in which the steel ball 61 is slidably fitted in the through hole 41 c of the first support member 41. It is pressed to the 1 rotation axis | shaft 31 side, and is fitted in the 1st recessed part group (recessed parts 51a-51c) (refer FIG. 7). The steel ball 61 is a fitting member in the present invention. The fitting member is not limited to a metal sphere but may be a sphere prepared with a synthetic resin or the like. In addition, the shape of the fitting member is not limited to a spherical shape, and can be appropriately determined according to the shape of the recess.

第２支持部材４２は、第２筐体２０のヒンジ用筐体３０側の端部にネジ４０で固定される長尺部材であり、第２回動軸３２を回動自在に支持する（図２参照）。第２支持部材４２の内側（第２筐体２０側）の面には、長手方向に沿って断面矩形状の長尺溝４２ａが設けられており、この長尺溝４２ａに板バネ７２が嵌め込まれている（図３及び図７参照）。   The second support member 42 is a long member fixed to the end of the second housing 20 on the hinge housing 30 side with a screw 40, and supports the second rotation shaft 32 in a freely rotatable manner (see FIG. 2). A long groove 42a having a rectangular cross section is provided along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface (second housing 20 side) of the second support member 42, and a leaf spring 72 is fitted into the long groove 42a. (See FIGS. 3 and 7).

板バネ７２は、本発明における弾性部材であり、その長手方向中央近傍部分の２箇所は、第２支持部材４２にネジ７０で固定されている（図２参照）。また、板バネ７２の両端には、第２回動軸３２側に突出してスチールボール６２に当接する突出部７２ａが設けられている（図７参照）。第２支持部材４２の長尺溝４２ａの一部には、スチールボール６２と略同一径を有する貫通孔４２ｂが設けられている。   The leaf spring 72 is an elastic member in the present invention, and two places near the center in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the second support member 42 with screws 70 (see FIG. 2). Further, at both ends of the leaf spring 72, protrusions 72a that protrude toward the second rotation shaft 32 and come into contact with the steel balls 62 are provided (see FIG. 7). A through hole 42 b having substantially the same diameter as the steel ball 62 is provided in a part of the long groove 42 a of the second support member 42.

スチールボール６２は、金属製の球体であり、第１支持部材４２の貫通孔４２ｂに摺動可能に嵌め込まれた状態で板バネ７２の突出部７２ａに当接し、板バネ７２の弾性力により第２回動軸３２側に押し付けられて、第２凹部群（凹部５２ａ〜５２ｃ）に嵌めこまれる（図７参照）。スチールボール６２は、スチールボール６１と同様に、本発明における嵌合部材である。   The steel ball 62 is a metal sphere, and abuts against the protrusion 72 a of the leaf spring 72 while being slidably fitted in the through hole 42 b of the first support member 42. It is pressed to the 2 rotation axis | shaft 32 side, and is fitted in the 2nd recessed part group (recessed parts 52a-52c) (refer FIG. 7). Similar to the steel ball 61, the steel ball 62 is a fitting member in the present invention.

以上説明した実施形態１に係るデジタルカメラ１の２軸ヒンジ構造においては、ヒンジ用筐体３０に配置・固定された第１回動軸３１及び第２回動軸３２が、第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０に設けられた第１支持部材４１及び第２支持部材４２により各々支持される。そして、第１筐体１０の第１支持部材４１内に配置されたスチールボール６１が、板バネ７１により第１回動軸３１側に押し付けられて、第１回動軸３１の外周に沿って所定の間隔で複数形成された第１凹部群（凹部５１ａ〜５１ｃ）に嵌合する。   In the two-axis hinge structure of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the first rotation shaft 31 and the second rotation shaft 32 arranged and fixed to the hinge housing 30 are the first housing 10. And a first support member 41 and a second support member 42 provided in the second housing 20, respectively. And the steel ball 61 arrange | positioned in the 1st support member 41 of the 1st housing | casing 10 is pressed on the 1st rotating shaft 31 side by the leaf | plate spring 71, and the outer periphery of the 1st rotating shaft 31 is followed. It fits into the 1st recessed part group (recessed parts 51a-51c) formed in multiple numbers with the predetermined space | interval.

このようなスチールボール６１と第１凹部群との嵌合作用により、第１筐体１０の回動を所定角度毎に一時的に規制することができる。また、同様に、第２筐体２０の第２支持部材４２内に配置されたスチールボール６２が、板バネ７２により第２回動軸３２側に押し付けられて、第２回動軸３２の外周に形成された第２凹部群（凹部５２ａ〜５２ｃ）に嵌合するので、第２筐体１０の回動を所定角度毎に一時的に規制することができる。   By such a fitting action between the steel ball 61 and the first recess group, the rotation of the first housing 10 can be temporarily restricted at every predetermined angle. Similarly, the steel ball 62 disposed in the second support member 42 of the second housing 20 is pressed against the second rotation shaft 32 side by the leaf spring 72, so that the outer periphery of the second rotation shaft 32. Since it fits in the 2nd recessed part group (concave part 52a-52c) formed in this, rotation of the 2nd housing | casing 10 can be temporarily controlled for every predetermined angle.

そして、第１凹部群を構成する凹部５１ａ、５１ｃの開口角度と、第２凹部群を構成する凹部５２ａ、５２ｃの開口角度と、に差が設けられているため、第１筐体１０を回動させるために必要な外力と、第２筐体２０を回動させるために必要な外力と、に差を設けることができる。   Since there is a difference between the opening angle of the recesses 51a and 51c constituting the first recess group and the opening angle of the recesses 52a and 52c constituting the second recess group, the first housing 10 is rotated. A difference can be provided between the external force required to move the external force and the external force required to rotate the second housing 20.

すなわち、第１凹部群を構成する凹部５１ａの開口角度（１２０°）は、第２凹部群を構成する凹部５２ａの開口角度（９０°）より広いため、第１筐体１０を回動させるために必要な外力は、第２筐体２０を回動させるために必要な外力より小さくなる。従って、図３の携行状態にあるデジタルカメラ１に、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを離隔させるような外力を作用させると、第１筐体１０が第２筐体２０よりも先に回動を開始することとなる。   That is, since the opening angle (120 °) of the recesses 51a constituting the first recess group is wider than the opening angle (90 °) of the recesses 52a constituting the second recess group, the first housing 10 is rotated. The external force necessary for the rotation is smaller than the external force necessary for rotating the second housing 20. Therefore, when an external force that separates the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is applied to the digital camera 1 in the carrying state of FIG. 3, the first housing 10 is more than the second housing 20. The rotation will be started first.

一方、第１凹部群を構成する凹部５１ｃの開口角度（１２０°）は、第２凹部群を構成する凹部５２ｃの開口角度（９０°）より広いため、図５の撮像状態にあるデジタルカメラ１に、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを離隔させるような外力を作用させた場合においても、第１筐体１０が第２筐体２０よりも先に回動を開始することとなる。   On the other hand, since the opening angle (120 °) of the concave portion 51c constituting the first concave group is wider than the opening angle (90 °) of the concave portion 52c constituting the second concave group, the digital camera 1 in the imaging state of FIG. Even when an external force is applied to separate the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, the first housing 10 starts rotating before the second housing 20. Become.

従って、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０との回動の順番を規定することができ、筐体の開閉動作の安定化を実現させることができる。   Therefore, the turn order of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be defined, and stabilization of the opening / closing operation of the housing can be realized.

また、第１凹部群及び第２凹部群を構成する凹部は略円錐形状とされているため、第１筐体１０（第２筐体２０）と一体的に第１支持部材４１（第２支持部材４２）及びスチールボール６１（６２）が回動して、スチールボール６１（６２）が凹部の近傍に達すると、スチールボール６１（６２）が凹部内に吸い込まれるようにスライドして嵌合する。   Moreover, since the recessed part which comprises a 1st recessed part group and a 2nd recessed part group is substantially conical shape, it is integrated with the 1st housing | casing 10 (2nd housing | casing 20), and the 1st support member 41 (2nd support). When the member 42) and the steel ball 61 (62) rotate and the steel ball 61 (62) reaches the vicinity of the recess, the steel ball 61 (62) is slid and fitted so as to be sucked into the recess. .

例えば、図５の状態から図４の携行状態（又は図６の撮像状態）に移行させるために、第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０を回動させて、スチールボール６１、６２を凹部５１ａ（５１ｃ）、５２ａ（５２ｃ）近傍に位置させると、これらスチールボール６１、６２が凹部５１ａ（５１ｃ）、５２ａ（５２ｃ）内に吸い込まれるようにスライドして嵌合する。この結果、図４の携行状態（又は図６の撮像状態）に迅速かつ確実に移行させることができる。   For example, in order to shift from the state of FIG. 5 to the carrying state of FIG. 4 (or the imaging state of FIG. 6), the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotated, and the steel balls 61 and 62 are recessed. When positioned in the vicinity of 51a (51c) and 52a (52c), these steel balls 61 and 62 are slid and fitted so as to be sucked into the recesses 51a (51c) and 52a (52c). As a result, it is possible to quickly and surely shift to the carrying state of FIG. 4 (or the imaging state of FIG. 6).

また、第１凹部群及び第２凹部群を構成する凹部は略円錐形状とされているため、凹部に嵌合されたスチールボール６１、６２は、一定の外力を加えない限り凹部から抜けることがない。このため、図４の携行状態や図６の撮像状態を安定的に保持することができる。   Moreover, since the recessed part which comprises a 1st recessed part group and a 2nd recessed part group is made into the substantially conical shape, the steel balls 61 and 62 fitted to the recessed part may come out of a recessed part, unless a fixed external force is applied. Absent. For this reason, the carrying state of FIG. 4 and the imaging state of FIG. 6 can be stably maintained.

さらに、第１凹部群の凹部５１ａ及び凹部５１ｃは、やや第２凹部群寄り（第２筐体２０寄り）の位置に設けられているので、第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０を閉状態（図４の携行状態及び図６の撮像状態）にした際に、第１筐体１０を第２筐体２０に近接させる方向に付勢することができる。   Furthermore, since the recesses 51a and 51c of the first recess group are provided at positions slightly closer to the second recess group (closer to the second casing 20), the first casing 10 and the second casing 20 are closed. When the state (the carrying state in FIG. 4 and the imaging state in FIG. 6) is set, the first housing 10 can be biased in the direction of approaching the second housing 20.

また、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０との間に配線されるケーブル８０を、第１回動軸３１及び第２回動軸３２に設けられた挿通孔３１ａ、３２ａに通すことができるので、第１筐体１０に対して第２筐体２０を３６０°回動させた際に、ケーブル８０が露出するのを阻止することができる（図１参照）。   Further, the cable 80 wired between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be passed through the insertion holes 31 a and 32 a provided in the first rotating shaft 31 and the second rotating shaft 32. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cable 80 from being exposed when the second housing 20 is rotated 360 ° with respect to the first housing 10 (see FIG. 1).

また、以上説明した実施形態１に係るデジタルカメラ１においては、撮像部１１を備える第１筐体１０と、表示部２１を備える第２筐体２０と、が２軸ヒンジ構造を介して回動可能に連結されている（図１参照）。このため、２軸ヒンジ構造を介して２筐体１０、２０を回動させて、撮像部１１が設けられた第１筐体１０の内側面と、表示部２１が設けられた第２筐体２０の内側面と、を対向させることができる（図４参照）。従って、撮像部１１及び表示部２１の損傷を防ぐことができる。また、図４に示した携行状態から、２軸ヒンジ構造３０を介して２筐体１０、２０を相互に反対方向に１８０°回動させることにより、撮像部１１及び表示部２１を反対向きに露出させることができる（図６参照）。そして、これら撮像部１１及び表示部２１を用いて撮像を行うことができる。   In the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the first casing 10 including the imaging unit 11 and the second casing 20 including the display unit 21 rotate via the biaxial hinge structure. They are connected to each other (see FIG. 1). For this reason, the two housings 10 and 20 are rotated via the biaxial hinge structure, and the inner surface of the first housing 10 provided with the imaging unit 11 and the second housing provided with the display unit 21. 20 can be made to oppose each other (see FIG. 4). Therefore, damage to the imaging unit 11 and the display unit 21 can be prevented. Further, from the carrying state shown in FIG. 4, the imaging units 11 and the display unit 21 are turned in opposite directions by rotating the two housings 10 and 20 through 180 degrees in opposite directions via the biaxial hinge structure 30. It can be exposed (see FIG. 6). Then, imaging can be performed using the imaging unit 11 and the display unit 21.

なお、以上の実施形態１においては、「略円錐形状」の凹部を採用した例を示したが、図８（ａ）に示すような「お椀型形状」の凹部５１ｄ〜５１ｆを採用することもできる。この際、図８（ａ）に示したように凹部５１ｄ及び５１ｆの深さと、凹部５１ｅの深さと、に差を設けてもよい。   In the above-described first embodiment, an example in which the “substantially conical shape” concave portion is employed has been described. However, “basket-shaped” concave portions 51d to 51f as illustrated in FIG. 8A may be employed. it can. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8A, a difference may be provided between the depths of the recesses 51d and 51f and the depth of the recess 51e.

また、以上の実施形態１においては、第１凹部群を構成する凹部の断面形状と、第２凹部群を構成する凹部の断面形状と、を略同一の形状（扇形状）にしたが、図８（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、第１凹部群を構成する一の凹部５１ｅの断面形状と、第２凹部群を構成する一の凹部５２ｅの断面形状と、に差を設けることもできる。   In Embodiment 1 described above, the cross-sectional shape of the concave portion constituting the first concave portion group and the cross-sectional shape of the concave portion constituting the second concave portion group are substantially the same shape (fan shape). As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a difference is provided between the cross-sectional shape of one concave portion 51e constituting the first concave portion group and the cross-sectional shape of one concave portion 52e constituting the second concave portion group. You can also.

また、以上の実施形態１においては、第１凹部群及び第２凹部群を各々構成する複数の凹部の形状を略同一の形状（略円錐形状）にしたが、図８（ｃ）に示すように、第１凹部群又は第２凹部群を各々構成する複数の凹部の一つ（５２ｈ）の形状を、他の凹部（５２ｇ、５２ｉ）の形状と異ならせることもできる。   Moreover, in the above Embodiment 1, although the shape of the several recessed part which each comprises a 1st recessed part group and a 2nd recessed part group was made into the substantially identical shape (substantially cone shape), as shown in FIG.8 (c). In addition, the shape of one of the plurality of recesses (52h) constituting each of the first recess group or the second recess group can be different from the shape of the other recesses (52g, 52i).

（実施形態２）
次に、本発明の実施形態２に係るカメラ付携帯電話機１Ａについて、図９を用いて説明する。図９は、開かれた状態にあるカメラ付携帯電話機１Ａの平面図である。 (Embodiment 2)
Next, a camera-equipped cellular phone 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1A in the opened state.

カメラ付携帯電話機１Ａは、表示部１０Ｂ等を備えた第１筐体１０Ａ、撮像部２０Ｂ及び操作部２０Ｃ等を備えた第２筐体２０Ａ、これら第１筐体１０Ａと第２筐体２０Ａとを回動可能に連結する２軸ヒンジ構造、第１筐体１０Ａ内の部品と第２筐体２０Ａ内の部品とを電気的に接続するための（図示されていない）ケーブル、等を備えて構成されている。なお、第１筐体１０Ａは本発明における「他の筐体」であり、第２筐体２０Ａは本発明における「一の筐体」である。   The camera-equipped cellular phone 1A includes a first housing 10A including a display unit 10B, a second housing 20A including an imaging unit 20B, an operation unit 20C, and the like, the first housing 10A and the second housing 20A. A biaxial hinge structure that connects the two in a rotatable manner, a cable (not shown) for electrically connecting the components in the first housing 10A and the components in the second housing 20A, and the like. It is configured. The first casing 10A is “another casing” in the present invention, and the second casing 20A is “one casing” in the present invention.

第１筐体１０Ａには、被写体の静止画像情報や動画像情報を表示する表示部１０Ｂ、スピーカ１０Ｃ等が搭載されている。第２筐体２０Ａには、レンズやＣＣＤ等で構成される撮像部２０Ｂ、十字キーやテンキー等から構成される操作部２０Ｃ、マイク２０Ｄ、携帯電話機１Ａ全体を統合制御する（図示されていない）制御部、等が搭載されている。制御部には、撮像部２０Ｂや操作部２０Ｃが電気的に接続されている。また、制御部は、ケーブルを介して第１筐体１０Ａの表示部１０Ｂに電気的に接続されている。   The first housing 10A is equipped with a display unit 10B for displaying still image information and moving image information of a subject, a speaker 10C, and the like. The second housing 20A integrally controls the imaging unit 20B configured with a lens, a CCD, the operation unit 20C configured with a cross key, a numeric keypad, and the like, the microphone 20D, and the entire mobile phone 1A (not shown). A control unit and the like are mounted. An imaging unit 20B and an operation unit 20C are electrically connected to the control unit. Further, the control unit is electrically connected to the display unit 10B of the first housing 10A via a cable.

２軸ヒンジ構造は、ヒンジ用筐体、第１・第２回動軸、第１・第２支持部、第１・第２凹部群、スチールボール、板バネ、等を備えており、その構成は、実施例１における２軸ヒンジ構造（図１〜図３及び図７参照）と実質的に同一である。このため、実施例１と同様の効果を得ることができる。   The biaxial hinge structure includes a hinge housing, first and second pivot shafts, first and second support portions, first and second recess groups, steel balls, leaf springs, and the like. These are substantially the same as the biaxial hinge structure in Embodiment 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7). For this reason, the same effect as Example 1 can be acquired.

なお、以上の実施形態においては、本発明をデジタルカメラ１及びカメラ付携帯電話機１Ａに適用した例を示したが、他の折畳式電子機器（例えば、折畳式のカメラ付ＰＨＳ（Ｒ）や折畳式のカメラ付ＰＤＡ等）に本発明を適用することもできる。   In the above embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the digital camera 1 and the camera-equipped mobile phone 1A has been described. However, other foldable electronic devices (for example, foldable camera-equipped PHS (R)) The present invention can also be applied to a foldable PDA with a camera).

本発明に係る電子機器の一例であるデジタルカメラの平面図である。It is a top view of the digital camera which is an example of the electronic device which concerns on this invention. 図１のII部分の拡大図である。It is an enlarged view of the II part of FIG. （ａ）は図１のA−A部分の断面図であり、（ｂ）は図１のB−B部分の断面図であり、（ｃ）は図１のC−C部分の断面図である。(A) is sectional drawing of the AA part of FIG. 1, (b) is sectional drawing of the BB part of FIG. 1, (c) is sectional drawing of the CC part of FIG. . （ａ）は図１に示したデジタルカメラの携行状態を示す正面図であり、（ｂ）はその側面図である。(A) is a front view which shows the carrying state of the digital camera shown in FIG. 1, (b) is the side view. （ａ）は図４の携行状態にあるデジタルカメラの第１筐体及び第２筐体を各々９０°回動させた状態を示す正面図であり、（ｂ）はその側面図である。(A) is the front view which shows the state which rotated the 1st housing | casing and 2nd housing | casing of the digital camera in the carrying state of FIG. 4 90 degrees, respectively, (b) is the side view. （ａ）は図１に示したデジタルカメラの撮像状態を示す正面図であり、（ｂ）はその側面図である。(A) is a front view which shows the imaging state of the digital camera shown in FIG. 1, (b) is the side view. 図１に示したデジタルカメラの２軸ヒンジ構造の拡大断面図である。It is an expanded sectional view of the biaxial hinge structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. 図１に示したデジタルカメラの２軸ヒンジ構造の凹部の変形例を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the recessed part of the biaxial hinge structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. 本発明に係る電子機器の他の例であるカメラ付携帯電話機の平面図である。It is a top view of the mobile phone with a camera which is another example of the electronic device which concerns on this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ デジタルカメラ（電子機器）
１Ａ カメラ付携帯電話機（電子機器）
１０ 第１筐体（一の筐体）
１１ 撮像部
１０Ａ 第１筐体（他の筐体）
１０Ｂ 表示部
２０ 第２筐体（他の筐体）
２１ 表示部
２０Ａ 第２筐体（一の筐体）
２０Ｂ 撮像部
３０ ヒンジ用筐体
３１ 第１回動軸
３１ａ 挿通孔
３２ 第２回動軸
３２ａ 挿通孔
４１ 第１支持部材
４２ 第２支持部材
５１ａ〜５１ｃ 第１凹部群
５２ａ〜５２ｃ 第２凹部群
６１、６２ スチールボール（嵌合部材）
７１、７２ 板バネ（弾性部材）
８０ ケーブル 1 Digital camera (electronic equipment)
1A Mobile phone with camera (electronic equipment)
10 First housing (one housing)
11 Imaging unit 10A First housing (other housing)
10B Display unit 20 Second housing (other housing)
21 Display unit 20A Second housing (one housing)
20B Image pickup unit 30 Housing for hinge 31 First rotation shaft 31a Insertion hole 32 Second rotation shaft 32a Insertion hole 41 First support member 42 Second support member 51a to 51c First recess group 52a to 52c Second recess group 61, 62 Steel ball (fitting member)
71, 72 Leaf spring (elastic member)
80 cables

Claims (8)

一の筐体を他の筐体に回動可能に連結するヒンジ構造において、
前記一の筐体と前記他の筐体との間に配置されたヒンジ用筐体と、
前記ヒンジ用筐体に固定された第１回動軸及び第２回動軸と、
前記一の筐体に設けられて前記第１回動軸を回動自在に支持する第１支持部材と、
前記他の筐体に設けられて前記第２回動軸を回動自在に支持する第２支持部材と、
前記第１回動軸の外周に沿って所定の間隔で複数形成された凹部からなる第１凹部群と、
前記第２回動軸の外周に沿って所定の間隔で複数形成された凹部からなる第２凹部群と、
前記第１凹部群及び前記第２凹部群に各々嵌合するように配置された嵌合部材と、
前記嵌合部材を前記第１凹部群又は前記第２凹部群に押し付ける弾性部材と、を備え、
前記第１凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部の形状と、前記第２凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部の形状と、に差が設けられていることを特徴とするヒンジ構造。 In a hinge structure that pivotally connects one housing to another housing,
A hinge housing disposed between the one housing and the other housing;
A first rotation shaft and a second rotation shaft fixed to the hinge housing;
A first support member provided in the one housing and rotatably supporting the first rotation shaft;
A second support member provided in the other casing and rotatably supporting the second rotation shaft;
A first recess group comprising a plurality of recesses formed at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the first rotation shaft;
A second recess group comprising a plurality of recesses formed at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the second rotation shaft;
A fitting member disposed so as to be fitted to each of the first recess group and the second recess group;
An elastic member that presses the fitting member against the first recess group or the second recess group,
A hinge structure characterized in that a difference is provided between the shape of at least one concave portion constituting the first concave portion group and the shape of at least one concave portion constituting the second concave portion group. 前記第１凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部の開口角度と、前記第２凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部の開口角度と、に差が設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載のヒンジ構造。   The difference is provided in the opening angle of the at least 1 recessed part which comprises the said 1st recessed part group, and the opening angle of the at least 1 recessed part which comprises the said 2nd recessed part group. The hinge structure described. 前記第１凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部の断面形状と、前記第２凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部の断面形状と、に差が設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載のヒンジ構造。   The difference is provided in the cross-sectional shape of the at least 1 recessed part which comprises the said 1st recessed part group, and the cross-sectional shape of the at least 1 recessed part which comprises the said 2nd recessed group. 2. The hinge structure according to 2. 前記第１凹部群又は前記第２凹部群を各々構成する複数の凹部の一つの形状は、他の一つの凹部の形状と異なっていることを特徴とする請求項１から３の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造。   4. The shape of one of the plurality of recesses constituting each of the first recess group or the second recess group is different from the shape of the other one recess. 5. The hinge structure described in 1. 前記第１凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部又は前記第２凹部群を構成する少なくとも一つの凹部は、これら凹部に前記嵌合部材を嵌合させて前記一の筐体及び前記他の筐体を閉状態にした際に、前記一の筐体と前記他の筐体とを相互に近接させる方向に付勢するような位置に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１から４の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造。   At least one recess constituting the first recess group or at least one recess constituting the second recess group is formed by fitting the fitting member into the recess and the one casing and the other casing. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first housing and the other housing are biased in a direction in which the one housing and the other housing are brought close to each other when the door is closed. The hinge structure according to claim 1. 前記嵌合部材は、
球状の部材であることを特徴とする請求項１から５の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造。 The fitting member is
It is a spherical member, The hinge structure as described in any one of Claim 1 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. 前記第１回動軸及び前記第２回動軸は、
前記一の筐体と前記他の筐体との間に配線されるケーブルを通すための挿通孔を有することを特徴とする請求項１から６の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造。 The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are:
The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an insertion hole for passing a cable wired between the one housing and the other housing. 撮像部を備える一の筐体と、表示部を備える他の筐体と、が請求項１から７の何れか一項に記載のヒンジ構造を介して回動可能に連結されてなることを特徴とする電子機器。   One housing provided with an imaging unit and another housing provided with a display unit are rotatably connected via the hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Electronic equipment.
JP2003272742A 2003-07-10 2003-07-10 Hinge structure and electronic equipment Expired - Fee Related JP4241241B2 (en)

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