JP2003295976A - Hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hinge of construction for detecting whether or not two linked members form a prescribed angle, without introducing restrictions on the construction and appearance of electronic equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The hinge is constructed such that it has a fixed cylinder 22 with a hole part shaped like a nearly circular cylinder and a hook 21 whose sectional form is nearly circular, and the hook 21 which is loosely inserted in the hole part turns. The hook 21 has: a push piece 23 which is electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and can move radially-outwardly with respect to the hook 21; and an elastic member 25 which biases the push piece 23 radially-outwardly with respect to the hook 21. The fixed cylinder 22 has a contact part 24 electrically connected to another end of the electric circuit on a wall face of the hole part. At the contact part 24, with the elastic member 25, the push piece 23 is pressed to make contact with the contact part 24, and thus the push piece 23 and the contact part 24 are forced into conduction, forming a route for supplying the electric circuit with a current. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hinge for rotatably connecting two members, and more particularly to a hinge for detecting whether or not the angle formed by the two members to be connected is a predetermined angle. Related to hinges with different structures.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electronic device (a mobile phone terminal, a notebook computer terminal, a word processor, a PDA, etc.), an input section having input keys, a CPU, etc. and a display section having a display means such as a liquid crystal display panel are provided. A “folding” housing connected via a hinge is often used.

In a foldable electronic device, it is preferable to stop the power supply to the display means at the time of folding for the purpose of reducing power consumption, preventing malfunction of the CPU due to heat, and preventing thermal deterioration of the liquid crystal. . For this reason,
Generally, the display unit and the input unit are provided with a combination of a ferromagnetic material and a reed switch, or a combination of a claw (projection) and a dome sheet, and whether or not it is in a folded state by detecting conduction. The power supplied was controlled by detecting the.

[0004]

However, there is a structural problem that the combination of the magnet and the reed switch cannot be applied to an electronic device having a component affected by magnetic force. In addition, the combination of the nail and the dome sheet requires a protrusion to be provided on the housing of the display unit or the input unit.
There are restrictions on the design, etc., which is not desirable for appearance.

The hinge applied to the "portable information device" disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-268971 and the "information processing device" disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-338575 is detected in the hollow portion of the hinge. By incorporating the function, it is possible to detect whether or not the folded state.
However, since the hollow portion of the hinge is a space for storing the cable for connecting the display unit and the input unit, the flexible printed board, etc., it is not possible to save space by providing a new detection mechanism here. Become. Therefore, providing the detection mechanism in the cavity of the hinge is not preferable in the structure of the electronic device.

The "foldable mobile phone" disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-320464 disposes metal plates on pieces provided in a main body case and a lid case, respectively. It is possible to detect whether or not it is in a folded state by contacting and separating with the rotation of the hinge. However, since the hinge used in this foldable mobile phone has a structure in which the metal plate is exposed to the outside of the housing, if liquid etc. adheres to the hinge,
There is a possibility that a short circuit will occur between the metal plates and a malfunction will occur, or that the metal plates will rust and cause poor contact. Therefore, it is not preferable in view of the structure of the electronic device to provide the detection mechanism (metal plate) exposed to the outside of the housing.

As described above, the conventional method of detecting whether or not it is in the folded state is not preferable in terms of structure or appearance of electronic equipment.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has a structure capable of detecting whether or not two members to be connected form a predetermined angle without being restricted by the structure or appearance of the electronic device. It is intended to provide a hinge.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, the present invention has, as a first aspect, a support member having a substantially cylindrical hole portion and a pin member having a substantially circular cross section, A hinge having a structure in which a pin member loosely inserted in a hole rotates.
The pin material has a conductive member that is electrically connected to one end of the electric circuit and is movable in the radial direction of the pin material, and an elastic member that biases the conductive member in the radial outer direction of the pin material. The support member has a contact portion electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit on the wall surface of the hole portion, and at the contact portion, the conductive member is pressed into contact with the contact portion by the elastic member and the conductive member is connected. The present invention provides a hinge characterized in that a path for supplying a current to an electric circuit is formed by electrical connection between the hinge and the contact portion.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has, as a second aspect, a support member having a substantially cylindrical hole portion and a pin member having a substantially circular cross section, and the hole portion is loose. A hinge having a structure in which the inserted pin material rotates, and the pin material is
The conductive member is electrically connected to one end of the electric circuit and is movable in the radial direction of the pin member, and the elastic member biases the conductive member outward in the radial direction of the pin member. At least one contact portion electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit is provided on the wall surface of the hole portion, and at each contact portion, the conductive member is pressed against the contact portion by the elastic member and the conductive member concerned. The present invention provides a hinge characterized in that a path for supplying a current to an electric circuit is formed by electrical connection between the hinge and the contact portion.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has, as a third aspect, a support member having a substantially cylindrical hole portion and a pin member having a substantially circular cross section, and the hole portion is loose. A hinge having a structure in which the inserted pin material rotates, and the pin material is
At least one conductive member that is electrically connected to one end of the electric circuit and is movable in the radial direction of the pin member, and an elastic member that urges each conductive member in the radial outer direction of the pin member, The support member has a contact portion electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit on the wall surface of the hole, and at the contact portion,
Provided is a hinge characterized in that any one of conductive members is pressed against the contact portion by an elastic member so that the conductive member and the contact portion are electrically connected to each other to form a path for supplying a current to an electric circuit. To do.

In the above-mentioned first, second or third aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one groove for fitting with the conductive member is formed on the inner wall surface of the hole.
Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one groove is formed in the contact portion.

In order to achieve the above object, as a fourth aspect of the present invention, a substantially cylindrical pin member formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit, and an insulating material are used. The formed substantially cylindrical support member is arranged with the same rotation axis as the rotation axis, and the first disk-shaped member formed of an insulating material is installed on the pin material about the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the pin material. The second disk-shaped member formed of an insulating material is installed on the support member with the rotation axis as the center so that the second disk-shaped member is orthogonal to the support material and faces the first disk-shaped member. A hinge having a structure in which a pin member urged in the direction of the second disk-shaped member by the elastic member and loosely inserted into the support member is rotated through the first and second disk-shaped members, First
The disk-shaped member has a first conductive part formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to the pin material at a predetermined position on the surface facing the second disk-shaped member. The member is the first
Has a second conductive portion formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit at a predetermined position on the surface facing the disk-shaped member, and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are provided. The present invention provides a hinge characterized in that a path for supplying a current to an electric circuit is formed when the part comes into contact with the part and becomes conductive. In the above configuration, a predetermined position on the surface of the first disk-shaped member facing the second disk-shaped member and a predetermined position on the surface of the second disk-shaped member facing the first disk-shaped member. In addition, it is preferable that irregularities having shapes that fit with each other are formed. For example, it is preferable that the unevenness is formed on each of the first disk-shaped member and the second disk-shaped member on substantially concentric circles having substantially the same radius about the rotation axis. In addition, it is preferable that the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion contact each other when the concave and convex portions respectively formed on the first disk-shaped member and the second disk-shaped member are fitted.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, as a fifth aspect of the present invention, a substantially cylindrical pin member formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit, and an insulating material are used. The formed substantially cylindrical support member is arranged with the same rotation axis as the rotation axis, and the first disk-shaped member formed of an insulating material is installed on the pin material about the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the pin material. And the second disk-shaped member formed of an insulating material is
The first disk-shaped member is installed on the support material around the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the support material and face the first disk-shaped member, and the first disk-shaped member is biased by the elastic member toward the second disk-shaped member. A hinge having a structure in which a pin member loosely inserted in a support member rotates via first and second disk-shaped members, the first disk-shaped member facing the second disk-shaped member Has at least one first conductive portion formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to the pin material, at a predetermined position of the surface to be formed, and the second disk-shaped member is the same as the first disk-shaped member. A second conductive portion formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit is provided at a predetermined position on the opposite surface, and one of the first conductive portions and the second conductive portion are provided. Provided is a hinge characterized by forming a path for supplying an electric current to an electric circuit when brought into contact and brought into conduction. In the above configuration, a predetermined position on the surface of the first disk-shaped member facing the second disk-shaped member and a predetermined position on the surface of the second disk-shaped member facing the first disk-shaped member. In addition, it is preferable that irregularities having shapes that fit with each other are formed. For example, it is preferable that the unevenness is formed on each of the first disk-shaped member and the second disk-shaped member on substantially concentric circles having substantially the same radius about the rotation axis. In addition, when the concavities and convexities formed on the first disk-shaped member and the second disk-shaped member respectively fit, it is preferable that any one of the first conductive parts and the second conductive part contact each other.

To achieve the above object, as a sixth aspect of the present invention, a substantially cylindrical pin member formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit, and an insulating material are used. The formed substantially cylindrical support member is arranged with the same rotation axis as the rotation axis, and the first disk-shaped member formed of an insulating material is installed on the pin material about the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the pin material. And the second disk-shaped member formed of an insulating material is
The first disk-shaped member is installed on the support material around the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the support material and face the first disk-shaped member, and the first disk-shaped member is urged by the elastic material toward the second disk-shaped member. A hinge having a structure in which a pin member loosely inserted in a support member rotates via first and second disk-shaped members, the first disk-shaped member facing the second disk-shaped member Has a first conductive portion formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to the pin member, and the second disk-shaped member is a surface facing the first disk-shaped member. Has at least one second conductive part formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit at a predetermined position of the first conductive part and the second conductive part. A hinge is provided which is characterized in that a path for supplying a current to an electric circuit is formed when the two come into contact with each other and become conductive. . In the above configuration, a predetermined position on the surface of the first disk-shaped member facing the second disk-shaped member and a predetermined position on the surface of the second disk-shaped member facing the first disk-shaped member. In addition, it is preferable that irregularities having shapes that fit with each other are formed. For example, it is preferable that the unevenness is formed on each of the first disk-shaped member and the second disk-shaped member on substantially concentric circles having substantially the same radius about the rotation axis. In addition, it is preferable that when the irregularities formed on the first disk-shaped member and the second disk-shaped member are fitted together, one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion makes contact with each other.

In order to achieve the above object, as a seventh aspect of the present invention, a support material having a substantially cylindrical hole portion and a pin material having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape are provided, and the hole portion is loose. A hinge having a structure in which the inserted pin material rotates, and the pin material is
The conductive member is electrically connected to one end of the electric circuit and is movable in the radial direction of the pin member, and the elastic member biases the conductive member outward in the radial direction of the pin member. On the wall of the hole, electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit,
A first groove portion having a shape into which the conductive member fits, and a second groove portion having a shape into which the conductive member fits are arranged at positions symmetrical to the first groove portion with respect to the pivot axis of the pin material as a symmetric center. Have,
In the first groove portion, the conductive member is pressed into contact with the first groove portion by the elastic member so that the conductive member and the first groove portion are electrically connected to each other, and a path for supplying a current to the electric circuit is formed. And a hinge characterized by:

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
As an eighth aspect, a substantially cylindrical pin member formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and a substantially cylindrical support member formed of an insulating material have the same rotation axis. And the first disk-shaped member made of an insulating material,
The rotation shaft is installed so that the second disk-shaped member, which is installed on the pin material centering on the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the pin material and is formed of an insulating material, is orthogonal to the support material and faces the first disk-shaped member The first disc-shaped member is urged toward the second disc-shaped member by the elastic material, and the pin member loosely inserted into the support member is attached to the first and second disc-shaped members. A hinge having a structure of rotating via a disk-shaped member, wherein the first disk-shaped member is formed of a conductive material at a predetermined position on a surface facing the second disk-shaped member, and is attached to a pin material. The second disk-shaped member, which has the first electrically conductive portion electrically connected thereto, is formed of a conductive material at a predetermined position on the surface facing the first disk-shaped member, and the second disk-shaped member is It has a second conductive portion electrically connected to one end, and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are provided with unevenness of a shape that fits with each other. Re respectively provided, when the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion is brought into conduction in contact, there is provided a hinge, characterized in that path for supplying current to the electric circuit is formed.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [First Embodiment] A preferred first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figure 1,
1 shows a structure of a hinge according to this embodiment. This hinge is
The groove portion 20, the hook 21, the fixed cylinder 22, the pusher 23, the contact portion 24, the elastic member 25, the terminal 26, and the flexible cable 27 are included. This hinge is a non-conductive hook 2
1 has a structure in which it is also inserted in a non-conductive fixed cylinder 22. The groove portion 20 (20a, 20b) is formed by the elastic member 2
It is formed on the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 so that the pusher 23 is fitted by the elastic force of 5. The groove portion 20a is formed at the position of the contact portion 24. On the other hand, the groove portion 20b is formed at a position directly facing the groove portion 20a. Hook 21
Is a member for fixing the hinge to the housing, and is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Fixed cylinder 2
Reference numeral 2 is a tubular member into which the hook 21 is inserted, and is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic as with the hook 21. The pusher 23 is made of a conductive material, and is installed so as to contact the inner surface of the fixed cylinder 22 by the elastic force of the spring 25. The contact portion 24 is formed on the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 using a conductive material.
The elastic member 25 presses the pusher 23 against the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 by its own elastic force. Although a coil-shaped spring is used as the elastic member 25 in the drawing, any member may be used as long as it can press the pusher 23 against the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 by elastic force, such as rubber or leaf spring. Alternatively, an air spring or the like may be used. The terminal 26 is a terminal provided on the hook 21 side of the interface between the hook 21 and the fixed cylinder 22, and is connected to the flexible cable 27b. Flexible cable 2
7 (27a, 27b) is a flexible conductive cable (for example, a lead wire). The flexible cable 27a is connected to the pusher 23 and a current detection circuit (not shown). On the other hand, the flexible cable 27b
Is connected to the terminal 26 and the current detection circuit.

In the state shown in FIG. 1, the pusher 23 is
The fixed cylinder 22 is pressed by the elastic force of the elastic member 25, and is fitted in the groove portion 20 a formed in the contact portion 24. Therefore, in this state, the flexible cable 2
A circuit for supplying current to the current detection circuit is formed via 7a, pusher 23, contact portion 24, terminal 26 and flexible cable 27b.

When the hinge is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 1, the pusher 23 is accommodated in the hook 21 according to the shape of the groove 20a and slides in contact with the inner wall surface of the fixed barrel 22.
FIG. 2 shows a state in which the hinge is rotated 180 ° from the state shown in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the pusher 23 is pressed against the fixed cylinder 22 by the elastic force of the elastic member 25, and is fitted in the groove 20b provided on the side opposite to the contact 24. At this time, since the contact portion 24 and the terminal 26 are not in contact with each other, no current flows in the current detection circuit.

FIG. 3 shows a portable information terminal to which the hinge structure according to this embodiment is applied. The mobile information terminal 10 has a display unit 11, an input unit 12, a hinge 13, and a hinge 14. The hinges 13 and 14 have the structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the flexible cable 27 extends inside the housing of the display unit 11 and is connected to a current detection circuit (not shown). The current detection circuit may be provided on the input unit 12 side. The portable information terminal 10 is in a state in which the housings of the display unit 11 and the input unit 12 are opened as shown in FIG. 5 or folded as shown in FIG. 6 by detecting whether the hinges 13 and 14 are on and off. Can be detected. That is, the open / closed state of the housing provided with the hinge can be detected based on whether or not the current detection circuit detects the current. by this,
For example, when the portable information terminal 10 is in the folded state as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit (not shown) included in the input unit 12 adjusts the current supplied to the display unit 11 to reduce the power consumption (in other words, the power consumption). , It is possible to shift to the standby state.) Further, the control unit (not shown) is the portable information terminal 1
When it is detected that 0 is folded, the reaction of the input key provided in the input unit 12 is limited (in other words, the dial lock state is entered) to prevent malfunction.

[Second Embodiment] A second embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented will be described. FIG. 7 shows the structure of the hinge structure according to the present embodiment. This hinge includes a catch 28, a disc 29, a movable shaft 30, a hook 31,
Elastic member 32, fixed tube 33 and flexible cable 3
Have 4. The catch 28 is a substantially disk-shaped member made of a non-conductive material, and a contact portion 28a made of a conductive material is provided in a part of the catch 28. Contact part 28a
Are electrically connected to the movable shaft 30. Further, the contact portion 28a is provided on the surface of the catch 28 that contacts the disc 29.
And a convex portion 28b and a convex portion 28c are formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the contact portion 28a as the center of the disk 28 and the center of the disk 28, respectively. The disk 29 is a substantially disk-shaped member made of a non-conductive material, and a contact portion 29a made of a conductive material is provided in a part of the disk 29. Also, disk 2
A concave portion 29b and a concave portion 29c are formed at positions corresponding to the convex portion 28b and the convex portion 28c, respectively, on the surface of the 9 that contacts the catch 28. The movable shaft 30 is a member that serves as a pivot of the hinge and is made of a conductive material. The hook 31 is a member for fixing the hinge to the housing, and is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. The elastic member 32 is a member that brings the catch 28 and the disk 29 into contact with each other by its own elastic force. In addition,
Although a coil-shaped spring is used as the elastic member 32 in the drawing, any material may be used as long as it can bring the catch 28 and the disk 29 into contact with each other, and for example, rubber, a leaf spring, an air spring, or the like may be used. Absent. The fixed cylinder 33 is a member into which the movable shaft 30 is inserted, and functions as a hinge when the movable shaft 30 inserted therein rotates. Flexible cable 34 (34a, 34
b) is a flexible conductive cable (for example, a lead wire). The flexible cable 34a is connected to the movable shaft 30 and a current detection circuit (not shown).
On the other hand, the flexible cable 34b is connected to the contact portion 29a formed on the disk 29 and the current detection circuit.

In FIG. 7, the catch 28 and the disc 2
9 are brought into contact with each other by the elastic force of the elastic member 32, and the convex portion 28b and the concave portion 29b are also in contact with each other.
And the recess 29c are fitted together. Therefore, in this state, the flexible cable 34a, the movable shaft 30,
A circuit for supplying a current to the current detection circuit is formed via the contact portion 28a, the contact portion 29a, and the flexible cable 34b.

In FIG. 8, the hinge is rotated 180 ° from the state of FIG.
The rotated state is shown. In this state, the catch 28 and the disc 29 are brought into contact with each other by the elastic force of the elastic member 32, and the convex portion 28b and the concave portion 29c are
Further, the convex portion 28c and the concave portion 29b are fitted together. Therefore, in this state, since the contact portion 28 and the contact portion 29 are in an insulated state, no current flows in the current detection circuit. Therefore, the open / closed state of the housing provided with the hinge can be detected based on whether or not the current detection circuit detects the current. By applying the hinge having the structure according to the present embodiment as a folding mechanism of an electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal, opening / closing of the device can be detected. As a result, in the folded state, it is possible to control the power supplied to the display means such as the liquid crystal and invalidate the key input.

[Third Embodiment] A third embodiment preferably implementing the present invention will be described. The structure of the hinge according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. The hinge according to the present embodiment differs from the hinge according to the first embodiment in that the contact portion 24 has the groove portion 20a.
It is located in a different position from. The other points are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the hinge according to the present embodiment, by arranging the contact portion 24 at an arbitrary position on the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22, it is possible to detect that the members connected via the hinge form a predetermined angle. For example, when the contact portion 24 and the groove portion 20a (or the groove portion 20b) are arranged at a position forming an angle of about 5 ° with the pivot axis of the hinge (the central axis of the hook 21) as the apex angle, the housing to which the hinge is applied is arranged. It is possible to detect a state where the body is not completely folded or a state where the body is not completely opened and alert the user. Similarly, the contact portion 24 and the groove portion 20a (or the groove portion 20b) are 20 °.
By arranging the contact portion 24 at a position that forms an angle, it is possible to control the power supplied to the display device such as a liquid crystal panel and disable the key operation even when the housing is not completely folded. Becomes

It is also possible to use a click mechanism that is a combination of a catch and a disc, as in the second embodiment. For example, even if the contact portion on the disk side is provided at a position different from the recess, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented will be described. The hinge according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 10 has a structure in which a non-conductive hook 21 is inserted into a non-conductive fixed cylinder 22 similarly to the first embodiment, and the groove portion 20, the hook 21, and the fixed cylinder. 22,
It has a pusher 23, a contact portion 24, an elastic member 25, a terminal 26, and a flexible cable 27. The hook 21, the fixed cylinder 22, the pusher 23, the elastic member 25, the terminal 26, and the flexible 27 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Groove 2
0 a and 20 b are respectively arranged on the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 so that the pusher 23 is fitted by the elastic force of the elastic member 25. Two contact portions 24a and 24b are formed on the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 using a conductive material. The contact portion 24a is provided at the position of the groove 20a. The contact portion 24b can be arranged at an arbitrary position on the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22, as in the third embodiment.
The groove 20b is pushed by the elastic force of the elastic member 25.
3 is formed on the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 so that the fitting 3 can fit therein.

In the state shown in FIG. 10, the pusher 23
Is pressed against the fixed cylinder 22 by the elastic force of the elastic member 25, and is fitted in the groove portion 20a formed in the contact portion 24a. Therefore, in this state, a circuit that supplies current to the current detection circuit via the flexible cable 27a, the pusher 23, the contact portion 24a, the terminal 26, and the flexible cable 27b is formed.

When the hinge is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 10,
The pusher 23 is housed in the hook 21 according to the shape of the groove 20 a and slides in a state of being in contact with the inner wall surface of the fixed barrel 22. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the hook 21 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 11, the pusher 23
Is pressed against the fixed cylinder 22 by the elastic force of the elastic member 25 and brought into contact with the contact portion 24b. In this state, the flexible cable 27a and the pusher 2
3, a current flows through the current detection circuit via the contact portion 24b, the terminal 26, and the flexible cable 27b, and the current is detected.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which the pusher 23 and the groove portion 20b are fitted together. In this state, the contact portion 24 and the terminal 2
Since there is no contact with 6, no current flows through the current detection circuit.

If the hinge having the structure according to the present embodiment is applied to an electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal as a folding mechanism,
In addition to being able to detect the opening and closing of the device, it is possible to detect the state where the members connected via the hinge form a predetermined angle. That is, if the contact portion 24b and the groove portion 20a (or the groove portion 20b) are arranged at a position where the contact portion 24b and the groove portion 20a (or the groove portion 20b) form an angle of about 30 ° with the pivot axis of the hinge (the central axis of the hook 21) as the apex angle, When the housing to which is applied is folded up to about 30 °, it is possible to cut off the power supplied to the display device such as the liquid crystal panel and to disable the key input when the housing is completely folded. Becomes It should be noted that which of the contact portions 24a and 24b is fitted with the pusher 23 is determined by detecting using the amount of current supplied to the current detection circuit, that is, the difference in electrical resistance of the contact portions 24a and 24b. do it. Further, a terminal different from the terminal 26 may be provided and connected to a current detection circuit (not shown) with a flexible cable or the like. In other words, a plurality of routes connecting the current detection circuit and the hinge may be provided, and which route the current is being supplied to the current detection circuit may be detected and determined.

In this case, two contact points (24a, 2
4b) has been described as an example, but a configuration including three or more contact portions may be used. Further, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to apply a click mechanism by combining a catch and a disc. For example, even if a plurality of contact portions are formed on the disk side, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented will be described. FIG. 13 shows the structure of the hinge according to the present embodiment. This hinge has a hook 21, a fixed cylinder 22, a pusher 23 (23 a, 23 b), a contact portion 24, an elastic member 25, a terminal 26 and a flexible cable 27. Similar to the first embodiment, the non-conducting hook 21 is also inserted into the non-conducting fixed cylinder 22. The hook 21, the fixed cylinder 22, the contact portion 24, the elastic member 25, and the terminal 26 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The groove 20 is similar to that of the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, only one groove is provided in the contact portion. The pusher 23 a is formed of a conductive member, and is installed so as to come into contact with the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 by the elastic force of the elastic member 25. The pusher 23b is made of a non-conductive material, and is installed so as to contact the inner wall surface of the fixed cylinder 22 by the elastic force of the elastic member 25, like the pusher 23a. The flexible cable 27 (27a, 27b) is
It is a conductive cable (for example, a lead wire) having flexibility. The flexible cable 27a is the pusher 2
3a and a current detection circuit (not shown). On the other hand, the flexible cable 27b is connected to the terminal 26 and a current detection circuit (not shown).

In the state shown in FIG. 13, the pusher 23a
Is pressed against the fixed cylinder 22 by the elastic force of the elastic member 25, and is fitted into the groove portion 20 formed in the contact portion 24. Therefore, in this state, a path for supplying a current to the current detection circuit is formed via the flexible cable 27a, the pusher 23a, the contact portion 24, the terminal 26, and the flexible cable 27b.

When the hinge is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 13,
The pusher 23a is housed in the hook 21 according to the shape of the groove 20 and slides in a state of being in contact with the inner wall surface of the fixed barrel 22. In FIG. 14, the hook 21 is rotated 180 ° from the state of FIG.
The rotated state is shown. In the state shown in FIG. 14, the pusher 23 b is fixed by the elastic force of the elastic member 25.
It is pressed against 2, and is fitted in the groove portion 20 formed in the contact portion 24. Since the pusher 23b is made of a non-conductive material, there is no conduction between the pusher 23b and the contact portion 24, and no current flows in the current detection circuit. Therefore,
Based on whether the current detection circuit is detecting current,
The open / closed state of the housing provided with the hinge can be detected.

In the electronic device to which the hinge having the structure according to each of the above-described embodiments is applied, the state of the housing (the connected members are connected to each other based on the movement of the members connected by the hinge (for example, the input unit and the display unit)). Angle can be detected. Therefore, the electronic device to which this hinge is applied can reduce power consumption by detecting the open / closed state of the terminal and switching the liquid crystal display ON / OFF. Moreover, malfunction can be prevented by limiting the operation of the input means (button or the like) according to the state of the terminal.

The above-described embodiments are merely examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The shape and number of each member forming the hinge are the shapes shown in the drawings. It is not limited to. For example, in the second embodiment, a concave portion may be provided on the catch side and a convex portion may be provided on the disc side. Further, in the fifth embodiment, three or more pushers may be provided. Alternatively, the groove may not be provided in the first, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, and the protrusion and the recess may not be provided in the second embodiment. However, if these grooves, protrusions, and recesses are provided, the user can obtain a click feeling, and the housing to which the hinge is applied can be held in an open state or a folded state. As described above, the present invention can be variously modified.

[0038]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect whether or not two members to be connected form a predetermined angle without being restricted by the structure or appearance of the electronic device. A hinge having such a structure can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a first embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an application example of a hinge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an application example of the hinge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the portable information terminal to which the hinge according to the first embodiment is applied is opened.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a folded state of a mobile phone terminal to which a hinge according to the first embodiment is applied.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a second exemplary embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a third embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a fourth exemplary embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a fifth embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a structure of a hinge according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 portable information terminal 11 display section 12 input section 13, 14 hinges 20, 20a, 20b groove section 21, 31 hook 22, 33 fixed cylinder 23, 23a, 23b pusher 24, 24a, 24b contact section 25, 32 elastic member 26 terminal 27a, 27b, 34a, 34b Flexible cable 28 Catch 28a, 29a Conductive part 28b, 28c Convex part 29 Disc 29b, 29c Concave part 30 Moving shaft

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A hinge having a structure in which a support member having a substantially cylindrical hole portion and a pin member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape are provided, and the pin member loosely inserted in the hole portion rotates. The pin member is electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and is movable in the radial direction of the pin member; and an elastic member for urging the conductive member in the radial outside direction of the pin member. The support member has a contact portion electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit on the wall surface of the hole portion, and in the contact portion, the conductive member is the elastic member. A hinge characterized in that the conductive member and the contact portion are brought into contact with each other by being pressed against the contact portion to form a path for supplying a current to the electric circuit. 2. A hinge having a structure in which a support member having a substantially cylindrical hole portion and a pin member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape are rotated, and the pin member loosely inserted into the hole portion rotates. The pin member is electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and is movable in the radial direction of the pin member; and an elastic member that urges the conductive member in a radial outward direction of the pin member. The support member has at least one contact portion electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit on the wall surface of the hole, and in each contact portion, the conductive member is A hinge characterized in that the elastic member is pressed into contact with the contact portion to electrically connect the conductive member and the contact portion, and a path for supplying a current to the electric circuit is formed. 3. A hinge having a structure having a support member having a substantially cylindrical hole portion and a pin member having a substantially circular cross-section, wherein the pin member loosely inserted in the hole portion rotates. The pin member is electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and is movable in the radial direction of the pin member, and each of the conductive members is attached to the outer side of the pin member in the radial direction. And an elastic member for biasing, the support member has a contact portion electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit on the wall surface of the hole portion, and in the contact portion, One of the hinges is characterized in that any one of the elastic members is brought into pressure contact with the contact portion to electrically connect the conductive member and the contact portion, and a path for supplying a current to the electric circuit is formed. 4. The hinge according to claim 1, wherein at least one groove portion that fits with the conductive member is formed on an inner wall surface of the hole portion. 5. The hinge according to claim 4, wherein at least one groove is formed in the contact portion. 6. A substantially cylindrical pin member formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and a substantially cylindrical support member formed of an insulating material have the same rotation axis. A second disc-shaped member formed of an insulating material, the first disc-shaped member being formed of an insulating material, the first disc-shaped member being formed of an insulating material, the first disc-shaped member being installed on the pin material about the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the pin material Is installed on the support member centering on the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the support member and face the first disk member, and the first disk member is made of an elastic member so that the second disk member is provided. A hinge having a structure in which the pin member, which is biased in the direction of a plate-shaped member and is loosely inserted into the support member, rotates via the first and second disk-shaped members, the first disk The conductive member is provided with a conductive material at a predetermined position on the surface facing the second disk-shaped member. And having a first conductive portion electrically connected to the pin member, the second disk-shaped member is electrically conductive at a predetermined position on a surface facing the first disk-shaped member. A second conductive portion formed of a material and electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit, and when the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion come into contact with each other to conduct electricity, the electric circuit is connected to the electric circuit. A hinge characterized in that a path for supplying an electric current is formed. 7. A substantially cylindrical pin member formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and a substantially cylindrical support member formed of an insulating material have the same rotation axis. A second disc-shaped member formed of an insulating material, the first disc-shaped member formed of an insulating material being installed on the pin material about the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the pin material Is installed on the support member centering on the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the support member and face the first disk member, and the first disk member is made of an elastic member so that the second disk member is provided. A hinge having a structure in which the pin member, which is biased in the direction of a plate-shaped member and is loosely inserted into the support member, rotates via the first and second disk-shaped members, the first disk The strip-shaped member is provided with a conductive material at a predetermined position on the surface facing the second disc-shaped member. Formed, having at least one first conductive portion electrically connected to the pin member, the second disk-shaped member, at a predetermined position of a surface facing the first disk-shaped member, A second conductive part formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit, and when any of the first conductive parts and the second conductive part are brought into contact with each other to conduct electricity, A hinge characterized in that a path for supplying an electric current to the electric circuit is formed. 8. A substantially cylindrical pin member formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and a substantially cylindrical support member formed of an insulating material have the same rotation axis. A second disc-shaped member formed of an insulating material, the first disc-shaped member formed of an insulating material being installed on the pin material about the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the pin material Is installed on the support member centering on the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the support member and face the first disk member, and the first disk member is made of an elastic material to form the second disk member. A hinge having a structure in which a pin member that is biased in the direction of a plate-shaped member and that is loosely inserted into the support member is rotated via the first and second disk-shaped members, the first disk-shaped member The member is formed of a conductive material at a predetermined position on the surface facing the second disk-shaped member. And a second conductive member electrically connected to the pin member, wherein the second disk-shaped member is made of a conductive material at a predetermined position on a surface facing the first disk-shaped member. At least one second conductive portion that is formed and is electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit is provided, and when the first conductive portion and any one of the second conductive portions are in contact with each other to conduct electricity, A hinge characterized in that a path for supplying an electric current to the electric circuit is formed. 9. A predetermined position of a surface of the first disk-shaped member facing the second disk-shaped member and a surface of the second disk-shaped member facing the first disk-shaped member. 7. The hinge according to claim 6, wherein irregularities having a shape fitting with each other are formed at predetermined positions. 10. The contact between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion when the irregularities formed on the first disk-shaped member and the second disk-shaped member are fitted together. The hinge according to claim 9, wherein the hinge is a hinge. 11. A predetermined position of a surface of the first disk-shaped member facing the second disk-shaped member and a surface of the second disk-shaped member facing the first disk-shaped member. The hinge according to claim 7, characterized in that concaves and convexes having a shape fitting with each other are formed at predetermined positions. 12. When one of the first conductive member and the second conductive member is fitted with the concavities and convexities formed on the first and second disk-shaped members, one of the first conductive portions and the second conductive portion are formed. The hinge according to claim 11, wherein the hinges are in contact with each other. 13. A predetermined position of a surface of the first disk-shaped member facing the second disk-shaped member and a surface of the second disk-shaped member facing the first disk-shaped member. 9. The hinge according to claim 8, wherein irregularities are formed at predetermined positions so as to be fitted to each other. 14. When one of the first conductive member and the second conductive member is engaged with the concave and convex portions formed on the first disk-shaped member and the second disk-shaped member, respectively. 14. The hinge according to claim 13, wherein the hinge contacts. 15. A hinge having a structure in which a support member having a substantially cylindrical hole portion and a pin member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape are provided, and the pin member loosely inserted in the hole portion rotates. The pin member is electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and is movable in the radial direction of the pin member; and an elastic member that urges the conductive member outward in the radial direction of the pin member. The support member is electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit on the wall surface of the hole, and the first groove portion having a shape into which the conductive member is fitted, and the pin member. And a second groove portion having a shape in which the conductive member is fitted, the second groove portion being arranged at a position symmetrical to the first groove portion with a pivot as a center of symmetry, and the conductive member in the first groove portion. The conductive member and the first groove portion are electrically connected to each other by being pressed into contact with the first groove portion by the elastic member. , Hinges, characterized in that path for supplying current to said electrical circuit is formed. 16. A substantially cylindrical pin member formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to one end of an electric circuit and a substantially cylindrical support member formed of an insulating material have the same rotation axis. A second disc-shaped member formed of an insulating material, the first disc-shaped member formed of an insulating material being installed on the pin material about the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the pin material Is installed on the support member centering on the rotation axis so as to be orthogonal to the support member and face the first disk member, and the first disk member is made of an elastic material to form the second disk member. A hinge having a structure in which a pin member that is biased in the direction of a plate-shaped member and that is loosely inserted into the support member is rotated via the first and second disk-shaped members, the first disk-shaped member The member is made of a conductive material at a predetermined position on the surface facing the second disk-shaped member. A first conductive portion electrically connected to the pin member, wherein the second disk-shaped member is formed of a conductive material at a predetermined position on a surface facing the first disk-shaped member. And a second conductive portion electrically connected to the other end of the electric circuit, wherein the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are provided with concavo-convex shapes that fit with each other. When the first conductive part and the second conductive part are brought into contact with each other to be electrically connected, a path for supplying a current to the electric circuit is formed.