JP2001251396A - Foldable mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a foldable mobile phone whose cover case can easily be open in one operation even when the weight of the cover case is comparative ly heavy. SOLUTION: The foldable mobile phone of this invention is configured by connecting the cover case 2 to a main body case 1 via a couple of hinges 10 and 10. Each hinge mechanism 10 consists of cylindrical block 13 and 22 (15 and 23) projected respectively from the main body case 1 and the cover case 2 and of a hinge assembly 4 placed while being penetrated through the stopper. The hinge assembly 4 is provided with a main body drive member that is engaged with the block 22 of the main body case 1 in a way that relative turning is disabled, a cover drive member that is engaged with block 22 of the cover case 2 in a way that relative turning is disabled, a drive spring that turns the cover drive member in an opening direction of the cover case 2, a hold device that holds the cover case 2 in a closing position, an operation button 41 that is to be operated when the cover case 2 is open, and a hold release mechanism that releases the holding state by the hold mechanism in response to the operation of the operation button 41.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a foldable portable telephone constructed by connecting a cover case to a main body case having a plurality of operation keys so as to be openable and closable. The present invention relates to a foldable mobile phone capable of opening a case.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a lid case (91) provided with a display (93) can be opened and closed in a main body case (9) provided with a plurality of operation keys (92). 2. Description of the Related Art A foldable mobile phone configured to be connected is known. A pair of left and right hinge mechanisms (90, 90 ') are provided at the connection between the main body case (9) and the lid case (91).
The lid case (91) can be opened and closed about the rotation axes of (90) and (90 '). One hinge mechanism (90) has a first piece (94) projecting from the main body case (9) and a first piece (96) projecting from the lid case (91) arranged coaxially. And both pieces (9
4) The hinge shaft (98) is fitted into the central hole of (96). Similarly, the other hinge mechanism (90 ')
A second piece (95) projecting from (9) and a second piece (97) projecting from the lid case (91) are arranged coaxially, and both pieces (95) (97)
The hinge shaft (99) is fitted into the central hole of the first embodiment.

In the above-mentioned foldable portable telephone, the size of the cover can be reduced by folding the cover case (91) when carrying the portable telephone. Since the case is covered with the case (91), there is no possibility that the operation key (92) is pressed down in a bag or the like, which is safe.

In the foldable portable telephone shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, recesses (9a), (9a), (91a) (91a) and (9a) are formed on both sides of a main body case (9) and a lid body case (91), respectively. 91a)
When the lid case (91) is opened as shown in FIG. 18 from the state where the lid case (91) is closed as shown in FIG. 17, a space is formed facing each other as shown in FIG. Insert your fingertip between the two recesses (9a) and (91a)
(91) can be opened. In this way, the body case
This is convenient because the lid body case (91) can be opened with only one hand holding the (9).

[0005]

However, FIG.
In the conventional foldable mobile phone as shown in FIG. 18, when the lid case (91) is opened, it is only necessary to insert a fingertip between the main body case (9) and the lid case (91). 91) is only opened halfway, and in order to open the lid case (91) to the fully open position shown in FIG. 18, it is necessary to further push open the lid case (91) which has been opened halfway. There was a problem that operation was difficult. In particular, when the weight of the lid case (91) is increased due to the provision of the large display (93), it becomes difficult to open the lid case (91) with a fingertip.

[0006] Assuming that the main body case (9) is a lid case.
(91) is spring-biased in the opening direction, and an engaging hook (101) is slidably attached to the side surface of the main body case (9) as shown in FIG. A hook (100) is protruded, and a spring (103) is connected to the engaging hook (101) of the main body case (9) via an operation piece (102), and the engaging hook (101) is moved in the engaging direction. If the configuration biased to is adopted, it is possible to automatically open the lid case (91) simply by operating the operation piece (102), but separately from the hinge mechanism (90), A pair of hooks (101) (100), operation piece (102), spring (10
Since it is necessary to equip 3) and the like, there is a problem that not only the size of the mobile phone becomes large, but also the assembly process becomes complicated.
When the lid (91) is closed, the spring biasing force for rotating the lid (91) in the opening direction is received by the hooks (101) (100) protruding from both cases (9) (91). Therefore, a force may be directly applied to both cases (9) and (91), and the cases may be deformed. Further, there is a problem that the pair of hooks (101) and (100) is dangerous because the hooks have sharp projections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable portable telephone which can easily open the lid case by one-touch operation even when the weight of the lid case is relatively large.

[0008]

A foldable portable telephone according to the present invention comprises a pair of hinge mechanisms (10) arranged coaxially on a main body case (1) provided with a plurality of operation keys (12). (1
0) through the lid case for covering the operation keys (12)
(2) is connected. The pair of hinge mechanisms
(10) (10) is a main body driving member (44) connected to the end of the main body case (1) and rotating integrally with the main body case (1).
And the lid case (2) connected to the end of the lid case (2).
The lid driving member (43) that rotates integrally with the main body driving member (4)
4) and the lid drive member (43) interposed between the lid case (2)
And a holding mechanism for holding the lid case (2) in the closed position with the lid case (2) closed with the driving mechanism exerting a force to rotate the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction of the lid. A mechanism, an operation button (41) to be operated when opening the lid case (2), and a holding release mechanism for releasing the holding state by the holding mechanism in accordance with the operation of the operation button (41). .

In the foldable portable telephone of the present invention, when the lid case (2) is closed, each hinge mechanism (1
The holding mechanism of (0) operates and the lid case (2) is held at the closed position. When the operation buttons (41) and (41) of both hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) are simultaneously operated to open the lid case (2), the holding state by each hinge mechanism (10) is released, and as a result, each hinge mechanism (10) is released. The driving mechanism of the mechanism (10) starts operating. As a result, the lid driving members (43) and (43) of the hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) rotate simultaneously, and the lid case (2) is opened to the fully open position. When closing the lid case (2), the lid case (2) is pressed in the closing direction against the force exerted by the driving mechanism of the hinge mechanisms (10) (10). As a result, the lid case (2) rotates to the closed position. In this process, the holding mechanism of both hinge mechanisms (10) (10) operates, and the lid case (2)
Will be held in the closed position.

In the specific structure of the foldable portable telephone according to the present invention, a cam mechanism is formed at an engaging portion between the main body driving member (44) and the lid driving member (43) of each hinge mechanism (10). An elastic member that exerts a force to rotate the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction of the lid case (2) is interposed between the main body driving member (44) and the lid driving member (43). I have. The cam mechanism has a first cam curve portion and a second cam curve portion to be operated in the first half and the second half of the process of rotating the lid case (2) from the closed position to the open position, respectively. Is formed into a cam curve that allows the lid driving member (43) to rotate in the closing direction of the lid case (2) by the force exerted by the elastic member, and the second cam curved portion is formed by the elastic member. The lid driving member (43) in the opening direction of the lid case (2) by the force of
Are formed in a cam curve that can be rotated.
Thus, the holding mechanism is constituted by the first cam curved portion and the elastic member, and the driving mechanism is constituted by the second cam curved portion and the elastic member.

In the above specific configuration, the lid case (2)
Is closed, the first of the cam mechanisms of each hinge mechanism (10) is closed.
The cam curved portion operates, and the lid case (2) is held in the closed position by the force exerted by the elastic members of the hinge mechanisms (10) (10). By simultaneously operating the operation buttons (41) and (41) of the hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) from this state, the cam mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms (10) are moved from the operation state of the first cam curve to the second cam Transition to the operating state of the curved part. When the second cam curved portion operates, the lid driving members (43) and (43) of the hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) are rotationally biased in the opening direction of the lid case (2), and the lid case (2) is rotated. (2) will open to the fully open position. When the lid case (2) is pressed in the closing direction from the fully open position, the cam mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms (10) drive the second cam curved portions in the opposite direction and shift to the operation state of the first cam curved portions. I do. As a result, the lid driving members (43) and (43) of the hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) are urged to rotate in the closing direction of the lid case (2), and the lid case (2) is closed to the fully closed position. Will be.

In a more specific configuration, the main body case
(1) has a cylindrical first piece (13) and a second piece (15) projecting therefrom, while the lid case (2) has a cylindrical first piece (22).
And a second piece (23) projecting therefrom, these pieces being coaxially arranged, and a main body driving member (44) and a lid driving member (43) constituting one hinge mechanism (10). , The cam mechanism, the elastic member, the operation button (41), and the operation force transmitting member are assembled into a hinge assembly having a round shaft shape.
The hinge assembly constituting (10) is the main body case.
(1) and fit into the first pieces (13) and (22) of the lid case (2),
The hinge assembly constituting the other hinge mechanism (10) is
The second piece (15) of the body case (1) and the lid case (2)
(23), the operation buttons (41) and (41) of both hinge mechanisms (10) and (10)
Are exposed on both sides of the main body case (1).

According to the above specific configuration, both hinge mechanisms (1
After assembling the hinge assemblies of (0) and (10) as a single body, these hinge assemblies are assembled into the first piece portions (13) (22) and the second piece portion (22) of the main body case (1) and the lid case (2). 15)
Since the main body case (1) and the lid body case (2) can be connected by being fitted into (23), the assembling process is simplified.

[0014]

According to the foldable portable telephone according to the present invention, the lid case (2) can be opened to the fully open position with one touch only by operating the pair of operation buttons (41) (41). Easy to operate. At this time, a pair of hinge mechanisms (1
0) Since the two driving mechanisms (elastic members) provided in (10) simultaneously exert the force to open the lid case (2), when the lid case (2) has a relatively large weight, However, the lid case (2) is opened by receiving a force that is sufficiently large and is not biased right and left.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A foldable portable telephone according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
The first to third embodiments described later are embodiments on which the present invention is based, and the fourth embodiment is an embodiment having the features of the present invention.

[0016]First embodiment  The foldable mobile phone according to the present embodiment is shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, a body case (1) having a plurality of operation keys (12)
Openable and closable lid case (2) with display (21)
It is composed by connecting the body case (1) and the lid case (2).
The connecting part has a hinge mechanism (10) according to the present invention on the right side,
Is equipped with a hinge mechanism (10 ') similar to the conventional one.
Lid case around the rotation axis of hinge mechanism (10) (10 ')
(2) can be opened and closed. Also, body case (1)
Is provided with a telescopic antenna (11). The following
In the description of the foldable mobile phone in normal use
The left and right directions shall be determined based on the posture of.

The right hinge mechanism (10) is a main body case (1).
The first piece (13) protruding from the cover case (2) and the first piece (22) protruding from the lid case (2) are arranged coaxially, and the center holes of both pieces (13) (22) are arranged. The hinge assembly (4) is configured to be fitted therein, and the hinge assembly (4) includes an operation button (41) exposed to the outside from the first piece (13). Left hinge mechanism
(10 ') has a second piece (15) projecting from the main body case (1) and a second piece (23) projecting from the lid case (2) arranged coaxially. The hinge shaft (3) is fitted into the center hole of the bridge (15) (23).

As shown in FIG. 4, the hinge assembly (4) has a round shaft shape as a whole, and a cylindrical lid driving member (43) and a main body driving member (44) are disposed coaxially. Are engaged with each other so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and relatively rotatable. Cam surfaces (6) and (61) that are in sliding contact with each other are formed on the facing portion of the lid driving member (43) and the main body driving member (44). A pair of projections (48) (48) are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lid driving member (43) at a predetermined angle difference, and these projections (48)
(48) is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the first piece portion (22) of the lid case (2). Thereby, the lid driving member (43) and the lid case
It rotates together with (2). A pair of projections (47) (47) are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body driving member (44) at a predetermined angle difference, and these projections (47) (47) are formed on the main body case (1). First
It is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the piece (13). Thereby, the main body drive member (44) and the main body case (1) rotate integrally.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lid driving member (43) includes a large-diameter first cylindrical portion (43a) and a small-diameter second cylindrical portion (43b) coaxially, and the first cylindrical portion (43a). The cam surface (6) is formed on the right end surface of (). The cam surface (6) on the lid side has a cam portion having inclined portions (63) and (64) before and after the top portion (62). On the other hand, the main body driving member (44) is the first of the lid driving member (43).
A cylindrical portion (44a) having the same diameter as the cylindrical portion (43a), and a disc-shaped flange (44b) protruding from the right end of the cylindrical portion (44a); The cam surface (61) is formed on the left end surface of the. The cam surface (61) on the main body side has a cam portion having inclined portions (66) and (67) before and after the top portion (65).

As shown in FIG. 4, a flange portion of the main body driving member (44) is provided.
On the left side of (44b), a shaft (45) protrudes leftward, and a disc-shaped flange (46) protrudes from the tip of the shaft (45). Then, a coil-shaped driving spring (5) is mounted around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (45), and the driving spring is
The left end of (5) is fixed to the flange (46) of the shaft (45), and the right end is fixed to the lid driving member (43). As a result, the driving spring (5) exerts an elastic biasing force in the axial direction, and the lid-side cam surface (6) and the main body-side cam surface.
(61) are pressed against each other in the axial direction, and the cover driving member (43) is rotationally biased in the opening direction of the cover case (2).

In addition, the flange (44b) of the main body driving member (44) includes:
The cylindrical member (42) penetrates, the operation button (41) is fixed to the right end of the cylindrical member (42), and the left end slides on the lid driving member (43). I have. A coil-shaped auxiliary spring (51) is mounted on the cylindrical member (42), and urges the operation button (41) in the protruding direction. Thereby, the operation button (41)
It is held in the protruding position in a free state.

In the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment, when the lid case (2) is closed, the lid-side cam surface (6) and the main body-side cam surface (61) as shown in FIG. Are in the state of being engaged most deeply, that is, the top part (62) of the lid-side cam surface (6) is lowered to the lowest position of the main body-side cam surface (61). Here, the driving spring (5) exerts an axial elastic urging force and a rotational elastic urging force. However, since the axial elastic urging force is dominant, the lid-side cam surface (6) and the main body-side elastic urging force are dominant. The engagement state of the cam surface (61) does not shift, so that the lid driving member (43) does not rotate. As a result, the lid case (2) is held in the closed position.

With the lid case (2) closed, the top (62) of the lid-side cam surface (6) is slightly shifted from the lowest position of the main body-side cam surface (61). If the relative position of each member is adjusted so as to be in sliding contact with the main body, when the lid case (2) is closed, the axial elastic biasing force exerted by the driving spring (5) and the main body side cam surface (61) The cam action of the slope (66) of
The lid driving member (43) receives the rotational urging force in the closing direction of the lid case (2), and the lid case (2) is closed while being pressed against the main body case (1). Therefore, a reliable closed state can be obtained.

When the operation button (41) is pressed against the urging forces of the driving spring (5) and the auxiliary spring (51) to open the lid case (2) as shown in FIG. Pressing force P
Is transmitted to the lid driving member (43), and the lid driving member (43) moves in a direction away from the main body driving member (44). Here, a driving spring (5) is provided on the lid driving member (43).
As a result, the lid driving member (43) rotates in the opening direction of the lid case (2) with the movement in the axial direction. As a result, the lid side cam surface
When the top part (62) of (6) goes up the slope part (66) of the main body side cam surface (61) and passes through the top part (65), as shown in FIG. Even when the hand is released from the hand, the lid driving member (43) is kept closed by the axial elastic biasing force of the driving spring (5) and the cam action of the inclined portion (67) of the main body side cam surface (61). It will receive the rotational force in the opening direction of the body case (2),
The lid case (2) is opened to the fully open position.

When closing the lid case (2), the lid case (2) is pressed in the closing direction against the elastic biasing force of the driving spring (5) in the rotating direction. Thus, the top portion (62) of the lid-side cam surface (6) rises on the slope portion (67) of the main body-side cam surface (61). After the top (62) of the lid-side cam surface (6) has passed through the top (65) of the main body-side cam surface (61), the lid case
Even if the hand is released from (2), the cover body driving member (43) is formed by the axial elastic biasing force of the driving spring (5) and the cam action of the slope (66) of the main body side cam surface (61). The lid case
The cover case (2) receives the rotational force in the closing direction of (2), and the cover case (2) is closed to the fully closed position.

According to the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment, the lid case (2) can be operated only by pressing the operation button (41) from the state where the lid case (2) is closed as shown in FIG. )
2 is opened to the fully open position as shown in FIG. 2, so that the operation is extremely simple. When the cover case (2) is opened, the cover case (2) can be opened without pressing the operation button (41) from the closed state in FIG.
(2) It is also possible to hold and open by hand.

Further, in the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment, even if the engagement positions of the respective members in the state where the cover case (2) is closed are slightly shifted due to a temperature change or the like,
Since the engagement state shown in FIG. 6A does not shift to the engagement state shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the lid case is
There is no fear that (2) will open. Also, the hinge assembly (4)
A driving spring for rotating the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction or the closing direction of the lid case (2) is provided as a hinge shaft composed of the main body driving member (44) and the lid driving member (43). In addition to (5) and the cam surfaces (6) and (61), the operation button (41) to be operated when opening the lid case (2) is compactly incorporated and unitized, so that it is foldable and portable. The size of the telephone is not increased, and as a matter of course, assembly is performed by a simple operation of merely fitting the hinge assembly (4) into the pieces (13) and (22) of the main body case (1) and the lid body case (2). Is possible.

When the cover case (2) is closed, the rotational force exerted by the driving spring (5) is controlled by the cover driving member (43).
Of the main body driving member (44) and the cam surface (61) of the main body driving member (44).
Since it does not act directly on (2), cases (1) and (2)
There is no danger of deformation occurring. Further, if the operation button (41) is disposed with its head slightly protruding from the case, the pressing operation can be easily performed. Of course, the operation buttons (4
The head of 1) is formed by a smooth curved surface and has no sharp projections, so it is safe.

[0029]Second embodiment  The foldable mobile phone of this embodiment is used in the first embodiment.
7 and 8 in place of the hinge assembly (4) of FIG.
The hinge assembly (7) shown in FIG.
7 and 8, the hinge assembly shown in FIG.
A member that basically performs the same function as the component (4)
Have the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 8, the hinge assembly (7)
Has a round shaft shape as a whole, and a cylindrical lid driving member (71) and a main body driving member (72) are coaxially disposed, respectively, are relatively movable in the axial direction, and are relatively rotatable. Is engaged. A cam groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the main body drive member (72).
While (8) is opened, a cam follower (78) protrudes from the lid driving member (71) and penetrates the cam groove (8) from inside to outside. The shape of the cam groove (8) will be described later.

A pair of projections (48) (48) are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lid driving member (71) at a predetermined angle difference, and, like the first embodiment, these projections (48). (48) is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the first piece portion (22) of the lid case (2). by this,
The lid driving member (71) and the lid case (2) rotate integrally. Further, a pair of projections (47) and (47) are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body driving member (72) at a predetermined angle difference, and as in the first embodiment, these projections (47) and (47). ) Is the first of the body case (1)
It is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the piece (13). Thereby, the main body drive member (72) and the main body case (1) rotate integrally.

As shown in FIG. 7, a disk portion (73) projects from the right end of the lid driving member (71), and the cam follower (78) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the disk portion (73). ) Is protruding. on the other hand,
The inner peripheral surface of the main body driving member (72) has a connecting portion (7
9), a flange (72b) is formed at the right end, and a protruding piece (77) is formed at the center, and a central part of the connecting part (79) is formed on the center axis of the main body driving member (72). A shaft body (45) extending to the left is fixed. Further, a disc-shaped flange (46) protrudes from the left end of the shaft (45). Then, a coil-shaped driving spring (5) is attached around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (45),
The left end of the driving spring (5) is connected to the flange (4) of the shaft (45).
6) and the right end is a lid driving member (71).
It is fixed to. By this, the driving spring (5)
Urges the lid driving member (71) to rotate in the opening direction of the lid case (2).

A cylindrical member (74) penetrates through the flange (72b) of the main body driving member (72), and an operation button (41) is fixed to the right end of the cylindrical member (74). In addition, a flange (75) protrudes from the left end. A convex portion is provided at the center of the left side surface of the flange portion (75).
(76) is formed, and the tip of the projection (76) is
(71) is in contact with the disk portion (73). A coil-shaped auxiliary spring (51) is mounted on the cylindrical member (74).
(41) is urged in the protruding direction. With this, the operation button
(41) is held in the protruding position in a free state. A second auxiliary spring (52) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the central portion of the lid driving member (71).
Is attached, and urges the disk portion (73) of the lid driving member (71) and the protruding piece (77) of the main body driving member (72) in the direction away from each other. As a result, the cam follower (78) is pressed against the right peripheral surface of the cam groove (8) in a free state.

A cam groove (8) opened in the main body driving member (72).
As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of cam grooves (81) to (86) having different inclinations with respect to the axial direction of the hinge assembly (7) are connected in a loop. The first cam portion groove (81) is substantially parallel to the axial direction, and the cam follower (78a) located at the start end of the first cam portion groove (81)
It receives the urging force F, which is the combined force of the axial force Fa and the rotational force Fr exerted by (5), and is pressed and held on the groove peripheral wall.
The second cam groove (82) following the first cam groove (81) is greatly inclined with respect to the axial direction, and the cam followers (78b) (78c) located in the second cam groove (82) In response to the force Fs of the biasing force F in the direction along the second cam groove (82), the second cam groove (8
2) will move forward. The third following the second cam groove (82)
The cam groove (83) is bent in an inverted U shape, and the third cam groove (83) is bent.
Is pressed and held by the peripheral wall of the groove by the urging force F. A fourth cam groove (84) following the third cam groove (83) is bent in an inverted U-shape, and the fourth cam groove (84) is bent.
The cam follower (78e) located at (84) has the urging force F
Thereby, it is pressed and held on the peripheral wall of the groove. The fifth cam groove (85) following the fourth cam groove (84) is bent in an inverted U-shape, and the cam follower (78f) located in the fifth cam groove (85) is moved by the urging force F into the groove peripheral wall. Pressed and held. Further, the sixth cam groove portion (86) is slightly inclined with respect to the axial direction, and the cam follower (78g) located in the sixth cam groove portion (86) is moved to the sixth cam groove portion (86) of the urging force. In response to the component force Fs' along the direction,
The sixth cam groove (86) is advanced, and finally the first cam groove (81)
Will return to.

When the lid case (2) is closed, the cam follower (78) is located at the beginning of the first cam groove (81). When the operation button (41) is pressed from this state, The lid driving member (71) moves leftward, and accordingly, the cam follower (78) moves forward in the first cam portion groove (81). In this process, the lid case (2) is hardly opened. When the cam follower (78) reaches the second cam groove (82), the operation button (4
Even if the hand is released from 1), the cam follower (78) advances in the second cam groove (82) by the action of the component force Fs and reaches the third cam groove (83). As the cam follower (78) advances, the lid driving member (71) rotates in the opening direction of the lid case (2), and finally the cam follower (78) is inserted into the third cam groove (83). By reaching, the lid case (2)
It is opened to the fully open position (2a) shown in FIG. 1 and held at this position.

Then, when the cover case (2) is pressed in the closing direction to close the cover case (2), the cam follower is closed.
(78) advances toward the fourth cam groove (84) of the cam groove (8), and when reaching the vicinity of the fourth cam groove (84), the urging force F
By the action of the cam follower (78), the fourth cam groove (8)
4) will be depressed. As a result, the lid case (2)
Are held in the first angular posture (2b) shown in FIG. When the lid case (2) is further pressed in the closing direction, the cam follower (78) escapes from the fourth cam groove (84), proceeds toward the fifth cam groove (85), and moves to the fifth cam groove (85). 85), the biasing force F causes the cam follower
(78) falls into the fifth cam groove (85). As a result, the lid case (2) is in the second angular posture (2c) shown in FIG.
Is held.

When the cover case (2) is further pressed in the closing direction to completely close the cover case (2), the cam follower (78) escapes from the fifth cam groove (85), and the sixth cam (78). Groove
Proceed toward (86). When the cam follower (78) reaches the sixth cam groove (86), even if the hand is released from the lid case (2), the cam follower (78) is moved by the action of the component force Fs'. (86) and finally the first cam groove
It will return to the starting end position (78a) of (81). Along with the movement of the cam follower (78), the lid driving member (71) rotates in the closing direction of the lid case (2), and the cam follower (78) moves to the start position of the first cam groove (81). Is reached, the lid case (2) is closed until it is fully closed, and is held at this position.

The sixth cam groove (86) of the cam groove (8) is the first cam groove (86).
As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a valve member (87) rotationally biased by a torsion spring (88) is provided at a position intersecting with the cam groove (81). , The outlet of the sixth cam groove (86) is closed. Therefore, when the lid button case (2) is opened by pressing the operation button (41), the cam follower (78a) moves forward from the start end position of the first cam portion groove (81) as shown in FIG. In the process, the cam follower (78a) is not hindered from moving forward by the valve member (87).
There is no fear that the cam follower (78a) enters the sixth cam groove (86). When closing the lid case (2), see FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0 (b), the cam follower (78) advancing through the sixth cam groove portion (86) pushes the valve member (87) open to open the first cam groove (8).
You can enter 1).

In this embodiment, with the lid case (2) closed, the cam follower (78) is installed at a position slightly advanced from the starting end of the first cam groove (81). If the relative positions of the members are adjusted, the lid driving member (71) is moved by the axial elastic biasing force exerted by the driving spring (5) when the lid case (2) is closed. It receives the rotation biasing force in the closing direction of 2), and the lid case (2)
Is closed while being pressed against the main body case (1). Therefore, a reliable closed state can be obtained.

According to the foldable portable telephone of the present embodiment, not only the same effects as in the above-described first embodiment can be obtained, but also, as shown in FIG. It is possible to adjust. Also, lid case
From the state where (2) is set to the middle opening angle, the operation button (41)
By pressing, the lid case (2) can be opened again to the fully open position. Furthermore, the lid (2) can be smoothly closed from the fully open position to the fully closed position by the shape of the cam groove (8) shown in FIG. Note that the shape of the cam groove (8) is not limited to a loop shape, but may be an arc shape including the first cam groove (81) and the second cam groove (82) shown in FIG. Between the fourth cam groove (84) and the fifth cam groove (8).
A shape in which the cam groove to perform the function of 5) is recessed can also be adopted.

[0041]Third embodiment  The foldable mobile phone according to the present embodiment is the second real phone shown in FIG.
The lid case (2) is opened to the hinge assembly (7) of the embodiment.
During the process, the opening speed of the lid case (2) is reduced
It is equipped with a damper mechanism.

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
On the right side surface of the disk portion (73) of the lid driving member (71), a pair of friction resistance portions (73a) (73a) are provided with a phase difference of 180 °,
On the left side surface of the flange portion (75) of the cylindrical member (74), a pair of disc-shaped convex portions (75a) to be brought into sliding contact with the pair of frictional resistance portions (73a) (73a) with a phase difference of 180 °. ) (75a). Friction resistance part
(73a) and (73a) can be formed by, for example, engraving fine irregularities on the disk portion (73) or attaching and fixing a felt member. Further, the lid driving member (71) has a semicircular cross-section in which the convex portions (75a) and (75a) are to be in sliding contact with the arc-shaped region between the pair of frictional resistance portions (73a) and (73a). A raised portion (73c) is formed. Here, with the opening operation of the lid case (2), the disk portion (73) of the lid driving member (71) rotates,
The flange (75) of the cylindrical member (74) remains stationary, and relative rotation occurs between the disc (73) and the flange (75). In addition, a pair of convex portions (75a) (75a) are formed on the disk portion (73) of the lid driving member (71), and a pair of frictional resistance portions are formed on the flange portion (75) of the cylindrical member (74). It is also possible to form (73a) and (73a).

As shown in FIG. 13, when the lid case (2) is opened from the fully closed position to the fully open position, the rotation angle θ1 in the first half is increased.
(About 90 °), the frictional resistance portion of the lid driving member (71)
(73a) (73a) does not come into contact with the convex portions (75a) (75a) of the cylindrical member (74), but slides on the raised portion (73c) to reduce frictional resistance. The lid body case (2) opens at a relatively high speed due to the rotational urging force. Thereafter, in the range of the rotation angle θ2 (about 75 °) in the latter half, the lid driving member (71)
The frictional resistance part (73a) (73a) of the cylindrical member (74) is a convex part (75a)
(75a) and exerts a braking force on the rotation of the lid case (2). As a result, the lid case (2) opens at a relatively slow speed to the fully opened position.

According to this embodiment, since the opening speed of the lid case (2) is reduced halfway, the lid case (2) is equipped with a large display (21) and has a large weight. The impact force when the lid case (2) reaches the fully open position is small. Therefore, the body case with relatively weak force
Even if (1) is gripped, there is no danger of the telephone being dropped by the impact force when the lid case (2) is opened.

The above-described damper mechanism can be provided in the hinge assembly (4) of the first embodiment.
As the damper mechanism, various well-known mechanisms such as a mechanism utilizing frictional resistance and a mechanism utilizing fluid flow resistance can be employed. Further, the mounting position of the damper mechanism is not limited to the above embodiment, and the cover case
(2) The member on the side of the lid case (2) that rotates or moves together with the member of the body case (1) that rotates or moves together with the body case (1) can be disposed at an arbitrary position facing the member. I can do it.

[0046]Fourth embodiment  The foldable mobile phone of this embodiment is shown in FIGS.
As shown, the connection between the body case (1) and the lid case (2)
With a pair of hinge mechanisms (10) (10) on the left and right sides
It is. However, the right hinge mechanism (10) has the
Deploy the hinge assembly (4) of the embodiment as it is
However, the left hinge mechanism (10) has a hinge assembly shown in FIG.
The assembly (4) is made with a symmetrical structure,
Deploy. Note that the hinge assembly (4) of the first embodiment is used instead.
In addition, the hinge assembly of the second embodiment or the third embodiment
It is also possible to employ (7).

The main body case (1) has a cylindrical first piece (13).
And a second piece (15) are protruded, while a cylindrical first piece (22) and a second piece (23) are protruded from the lid case (2),
These pieces are arranged coaxially. The hinge assembly (4) constituting the right hinge mechanism (10) includes a first piece (13) of the main body case (1) and a first piece (2) of the lid case (2).
2), and the main body drive member (44) is inserted into the first case (1) of the main body case (1).
Along with engaging with the inner peripheral surface of the piece (13), the lid driving member (43)
Are engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the first piece portion (22) of the lid case (2). Hinge assembly constituting left hinge mechanism (10)
(4) The second piece (15) of the body case (1) and the lid case
(2) is fitted into the second piece (23), the main body drive member (44) is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the second piece (15) of the main body case (1),
The lid driving member (43) is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the second piece (23) of the lid case (2). The operation buttons (41) and (41) of the hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) are exposed on both sides of the main body case (1).

In the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment, when the pair of left and right operation buttons (41) and (41) are simultaneously pressed, the two hinge assemblies (4) and (4) operate.
The lid case (2) is opened. Therefore, even if one of the operation buttons (41) is pressed while the mobile phone is carried in a bag or the like, the lid case (2) is not opened, which is safe.

The lid case (2) receives on both sides thereof a rotating force exerted by a pair of left and right hinge assemblies (4), (4). Even if the weight of the case (2) increases, sufficient torque required to open the lid case (2) can be obtained. When the lid case (2) is opened, the pair of left and right operation buttons (41) and (41) are pressed from both sides, so that the gripping force on the main body case (1) is necessarily large. ,
Therefore, there is no possibility that the telephone is dropped by the impact force when the lid case (2) is opened. Furthermore, when the lid case (2) is opened by operating the pair of operation buttons (41) and (41), the hand touches the antenna (11) protruding from the main body case (1) as shown in FIG. There is no risk of hindering antenna performance. In addition, it goes without saying that the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid case of a foldable mobile phone according to a first embodiment is closed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid case of the foldable mobile phone according to the first embodiment is opened.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where a hinge assembly is disassembled from the foldable mobile phone according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a partially broken enlarged front view of the hinge assembly of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a lid driving member and a main body driving member.

FIG. 6 is a series of front views illustrating the operation of the hinge assembly.

FIG. 7 is a partially broken enlarged front view of a hinge assembly according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of a cam groove opened in the hinge assembly.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a valve member provided in the cam groove.

FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining the operation of the opening angle adjusting mechanism employed in the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a damper mechanism provided in the foldable mobile phone according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an angle range in which the damper mechanism operates.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid case of the foldable mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment is closed.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid case of the foldable mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment is opened.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pair of hinge assemblies are disassembled from the foldable mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state where a lid case of a conventional foldable mobile phone is closed.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid case of a conventional foldable mobile phone is opened.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a foldable mobile phone devised by the applicant in the process of completing the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 (1) Main body case (12) Operation keys (2) Lid case (21) Display (10) Hinge mechanism (13) First piece (15) Second piece (22) First piece (23) No. 2 pieces (4) Hinge assembly (41) Operation button (43) Lid drive member (44) Main body drive member (5) Drive spring (6) Lid cam surface (61) Main cam surface (7) Hinge assembly (71) Lid drive member (72) Main body drive member (8) Cam groove (78) Cam follower

Claims (5)

[Claims] A pair of hinge mechanisms (10) coaxially arranged on a main body case (1) provided with a plurality of operation keys (12).
In a foldable mobile phone constructed by connecting a lid case (2) for covering the operation key (12) via (10), the pair of hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) are respectively A main body driving member (44) connected to an end of the main body case (1) and rotating integrally with the main body case (1); and a lid case (2) connected to an end of the main body case (2). A lid driving member (43) that rotates integrally, and a body driving member (44) and a lid driving member (43) interposed therebetween.
A driving mechanism for exerting a force to rotate the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction of the lid case (2); and a closing position of the lid case (2) in a state where the lid case (2) is closed. A holding mechanism for holding the cover case, an operation button (41) to be operated when opening the lid case (2), and a holding release for releasing the holding state by the holding mechanism in response to the operation of the operation button (41). A foldable mobile phone comprising a mechanism. 2. A pair of hinge mechanisms (10) arranged coaxially on a main body case (1) provided with a plurality of operation keys (12).
In a foldable mobile phone constructed by connecting a lid case (2) for covering the operation key (12) via (10), the pair of hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) are respectively A main body driving member (44) connected to an end of the main body case (1), a lid driving member (43) connected to an end of the lid case (2),
A cam mechanism formed at an engaging portion between the main body driving member (44) and the lid driving member (43); a main body driving member (44) and a lid driving member (43);
An elastic member which exerts a force for rotating the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction of the lid case (2) interposed therebetween, and an operation button to be operated when opening the lid case (2) 41) and operation button (41)
Operating force transmitting member for transmitting the operating force to the cam mechanism, wherein the cam mechanism operates in the first half and the second half of the process of rotating the lid case (2) from the closed position to the open position, respectively. It has a cam curved portion and a second cam curved portion, and the first cam curved portion can rotate the lid driving member (43) in the closing direction of the lid case (2) by the force exerted by the elastic member. The second cam curve portion is formed into a cam curve that can rotate the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction of the lid case (2) by the force exerted by the elastic member. The cam mechanism is set to the first by operating the operation button (41).
A foldable portable telephone characterized in that it is possible to shift from an operation state of a cam curve section to an operation state of a second cam curve section. 3. A cylindrical first piece (1) is provided in the main body case (1).
3) and the second piece (15) are protruded, while the lid case (2)
A first piece (22) and a second piece (23) having a cylindrical shape protrude from each other, and these pieces are coaxially arranged, and a main body driving mechanism constituting one hinge mechanism (10) is provided. The member (44), the lid driving member (43), the cam mechanism, the elastic member, the operation button (41), and the operation force transmitting member are assembled into a hinge assembly having a round shaft shape, and one hinge mechanism (10) The hinge assembly that constitutes the first case and the first case of the main body case (1) and the lid case (2).
The hinge assembly which fits into the pieces (13) and (22) and constitutes the other hinge mechanism (10) is a second piece (15) (23) of the body case (1) and the lid case (2). Into both hinge mechanisms (1
3. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the operation buttons (41) and (41) of (0) and (10) are exposed on both sides of the main body case (1). 4. A lid driving member (43) and a main body driving member (44) constituting one hinge assembly are each formed in a cylindrical shape and fitted to each other, and are capable of relative movement in the axial direction and relatively movable. Rotation is possible, and a driving spring (5) serving as the elastic member is interposed between the lid driving member (43) and the main body driving member (44), and the lid driving member (43) and the main body driving member (44) are interposed. )
The cam portions (6) and (61) which are in sliding contact with each other are formed on the opposed portion of the cam member, and constitute the cam mechanism. The first cam curved portion and the second cam portion are provided on both cam surfaces (6) and (61). A curved portion is formed, the two cam surfaces (6) and (61) are pressed against each other in the axial direction by the elastic force of the driving spring (5), and the cover driving member (43) is moved in the opening direction of the cover case (2). ) Is given a rotational force and the operation buttons
(41) is connected to the lid driving member (43) via an operation force transmitting member, and is operated by operating the operation button (41).
4. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the pressing force in the axial direction at the first cam curved portions of the two cam surfaces (6) and (61) can be reduced by pressing the axial direction (3). 5. A lid driving member (71) and a main body driving member (72) constituting one hinge assembly are formed in a cylindrical shape, respectively, are fitted to each other, are capable of relative movement in the axial direction, and are relatively movable. It is rotatable, and a driving spring (5) serving as the elastic member is interposed between the lid driving member (71) and the main body driving member (72), and the cam groove (8) is provided in the main body driving member (72). Is opened, and the cam groove (8) is provided in the lid driving member (71).
A cam follower (78) that engages with the cam groove constitutes the cam mechanism, and the first cam curved portion and the second cam curved portion are formed in the cam groove (8). ), The lid driving member (43) and the main body driving member (44)
A relative rotational force is given between the operation button (41) and the cover driving member (71) via the operation force transmission member,
By pressing the lid driving member (71) in the axial direction by operating the operation button (41), the cam follower (78) is moved to the cam groove (8).
4. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the foldable mobile phone can be advanced from the first cam curved portion to the second cam curved portion.