JP2005534237A - Automatic opening mechanism for electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a mechanism (300, 400) and method (500) for rotating at least a first housing element and a second housing element (120, 220) of a device (100) relative to each other. The first housing element and the second housing element (120, 240) have a common axis of rotation (190), which is substantially perpendicular to the front of the device (100). is there. The mechanism (300, 400) comprises a wheel (310, 410) having a rounded outer edge (312, 412), the rounded outer edge (312, 412) being at least of the first housing element (220). A portion engages a rounded surface (144) extending about the axis of rotation (190). The wheel (310, 410) is coupled to the second housing element (120) at a center point (316, 416) and is adapted to rotate the wheel (310, 410) about the center point (316, 416). Has been. The wheel (310, 410) further comprises a contact point (318, 418) that is offset from the center point (316, 416). The mechanism (300, 400) has a relatively fixed end (324, 424) and a relatively free end (322, 422) to supply force when preloaded. It is further equipped with a tensioning device (320, 420) adapted. In addition, the mechanism (300, 400) further biases the wheel (310, 410) in the rotational direction to rotate the first housing element and the second housing element (120, 220) relative to each other. 320, 420) and a linkage (330, 430) coupled between the free ends (322, 422) of the wheels (310, 410) and the offset contact points (318, 418) of the wheels (310, 410). .

Description

  The present invention relates generally to the field of portable electronic devices, and in particular to handheld electronic devices having a housing of at least two parts that rotate between an open position and a closed position for ease of handling.

  Portable electronic devices have many functions and have a variety of different form factors. For convenience, many types of portable electronic devices have a general trend toward miniaturization. Miniaturization generally makes it easier to carry the electronic device itself, for example, the device is placed in a pocket / wallet or the device is attached to a belt.

  In general, there is a motivation to make the device form factor as small as possible, but in some specific cases, the degree to which the size of the device can be reduced is limited by other canceling motivations. In some cases, the degree to which the size of the device can be reduced is limited by the minimum size requirements necessary for a person to conveniently use and / or interact with the device. The keypad can only be reduced to the point where it becomes difficult to operate. The keypad generally needs to accommodate the size of the user's hand and / or finger. Similarly, a telephone that supports two-way communication generally needs to accommodate a microphone close to the user's mouth and a speaker close to the user's ear.

  In order to satisfy these types of requirements, the two devices can be folded when they are used and opened when not in use because they are folded against each other while trying to minimize the overall size of the device in another way Many manufacturers have introduced devices having a housing of parts. This allows devices such as telephones to be stored more conveniently when not in use, and allows the device to be expanded to a convenient size to meet handling needs.

  Previous wireless communication devices incorporate a two-part housing that opens when in use and collapses when not in use. Such designs include flip-type or clamshell designs, which typically comprise two housing parts joined at one end of the device by a hinge. The two parts of the housing rotate with respect to each other along the axis of rotation, which is parallel to the front of the device or facing forward.

  In addition, previous wireless communication devices include two housing parts that rotate about an axis of rotation relative to each other and incorporate a two-part housing whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the front of the device. In at least one design, the housing portion can rotate in an open position in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Such a device is disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the disclosure of Patent Document 1 is incorporated herein by reference.

Many of these devices that are portable in nature are of the type used by people away from home or work. In many cases, an individual attempts to use the device while performing other actions, and usually has one or both hands full or occupied for other reasons. Without an automatic mechanism that accommodates the opening of the two-part housing, or in other words, the rotation of the two housing parts relative to each other, the device generally grips each housing part separately and positions the two housing parts relative to each other. Needs to be opened by changing / rotating. Therefore, it is generally necessary for the user to open both hands to release the device.

  At least for flip-type device designs, previous automated opening mechanisms have been developed that reduce the effort required to open the device. In some cases, this automated opening mechanism opens the device with one hand. However, many of these devices incorporate a spring-loaded mechanism that is held in a closed position by a latch. By releasing the latch, the spring action causes the two parts of the housing to rotate relative to each other into the open position. In general, one or more physical stops are additionally incorporated to limit the mutual rotational movement of the two parts in one or both of the open and closed positions.

One problem associated with the use of latches is that the latches can wear out or break. Moreover, the direction of rotation of the mechanism incorporating the latch is often limited to a single direction. Furthermore, when it is desired to support the operation of both left and right hands, it is more difficult to place the latch at a convenient position because the shape of the user's hand is asymmetric.
No. 09 / 826,180, “Rotational Mechanical for a Wireless Communication Device”, filed April 4, 2001

  As a result, handhelds, including devices incorporating two-part housings, where the two parts rotate relative to each other along the axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to the front of the device. There is a need for an automatic opening mechanism for portable electronic devices. In addition, such a desired mechanism should not compromise the stability and rigidity of the device in the open and closed positions. It would be more beneficial if the mechanism could be conveniently operated with one hand with either the right hand or the left hand, as well as if the mechanism could facilitate the relative rotation of the two parts in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Even more beneficial.

  The present invention provides that the first housing element and the second housing element have a common axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to the front of the device, at least the first and second housing elements of the device. A mechanism is provided for rotating the housing elements relative to each other. The first housing element has a rounded surface, and at least a part of the rounded surface extends about the rotation axis. The mechanism includes a wheel, a tension device, and a link device.

  The wheel has a rounded outer edge that engages at least a portion of the rounded surface of the first housing element extending about the axis of rotation. The wheel is coupled to the second housing element at a center point and is adapted to rotate about the center point. In addition, the wheel has a contact point that is offset from the center point, and when the wheel rotates, the contact point rotates about the center point.

  The tensioning device has a relatively fixed end and a relatively free end. When preloaded, the tensioning device is adapted to supply force via the pressure exerted by the free end against the fixed end.

  The link device is coupled between the free end of the tensioning device and the offset contact point of the wheel. As the force supplied by the tension device is applied to the contact point of the wheel via the link device, the wheel is biased in the direction of rotation.

In at least one embodiment, the tensioning device is a torsion spring, the wheel is a toothed gear, and the link device is a slider plate. The slider plate has a contact end surface that engages the contact point of the gear and an opposing end surface that engages the free end of the torsion spring. The contact end face has a “V” shaped shape consisting of a “V” shaped base point and a pair of arms lifted at a certain slope.

  In at least a further embodiment, the tensioning device is a torsion spring, the wheel is a toothed gear, and the linkage device is a crankshaft. The crankshaft has a first end coupled to the contact point of the gear and a second end coupled to the free end of the torsion spring. The second end of the crankshaft is provided with a pin that is adapted to engage and move along a groove located in the second housing element.

In at least one further embodiment, a rotation mechanism is incorporated as part of the wireless communication device.
The present invention further provides a method for opening a first housing element and a second housing element of a handheld device using an automatic opening mechanism. More specifically, the method manually moves one of the first housing element and the second housing element with respect to the other of the first housing element and the second housing element along a common axis of rotation. A step of rotating at a. The axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the front of the device. The rotation is manually initiated in at least one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element is then automated by a rotation mechanism incorporated as part of the handheld device between a substantially closed position and a substantially open position. Completed.

  In at least one embodiment, completing the rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element includes applying a force to the linkage by a pre-loaded tension device. The force is then transferred along the linkage to the eccentric contact point of the wheel, thereby causing the wheel to rotate. The wheel is coupled to the second housing element at the wheel center. The wheel is then rotated so that the wheel moves along the curved surface of the first housing element.

  In at least one further embodiment, after the first housing element and the second housing element have substantially completed their rotation to the open position, the first housing element and the second housing element are pre- In order to maintain a defined rotatable open position, an additional force supplied by the remaining preload of the tensioning device is applied to the wheel via the link device.

  These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of one or more preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  While the invention may be susceptible to various forms of embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. A preferred embodiment is shown in the drawings and is described below.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is a foldable radiotelephone 100 in a closed position 110. Since the radiotelephone 100 has radiocommunication capabilities, it can be used to communicate with a radio infrastructure, such as, for example, mobile phone base stations, regional and local radio transponders, and radio local area networks. The wireless telephone 100 described herein represents a type of wireless communication device that enjoys the benefits of the present invention. However, the present invention includes a wireless phone, a cordless phone, a paging device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a pen-type or keyboard-type handheld device, a remote control device, an audio player (for example, an MP3 player), and the like. It should be understood that it may be applied to any type of handheld or portable electronic device that is not so limited. Accordingly, references herein to the radiotelephone 100 are considered to apply to other handheld or portable electronic devices as well.

  For the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a radiotelephone 100 has at least two housing elements that include an upper housing 120 that is generally elongated and planar. The upper housing 120 has an upper circular portion 122 at one end and an upper extended portion 124 extending away from the upper circular portion. In the closed position 110, as shown, the upper circular portion 122 and the upper extension 124 are rotated adjacent to a similar mating element corresponding to the lower housing. The lower housing is shown more clearly in FIG. The radio telephone 100 further includes an external antenna 180 that can be provided to enhance the radio communication capability of the radio telephone 100.

  Near the upper circular portion 122, components of the radio telephone 100, such as a replaceable cover 130, a fixing piece 140, a display 150, and the like are arranged. The replaceable cover 130 has an annular shape and can be attached to and detached from the radio telephone 100. The replaceable cover 130 may include a cover selection button 132 and / or an indicator light (not shown) to provide additional functionality to the radiotelephone 100. For example, the preferred embodiment provides three cover selection keys 132: a left selection key, a right selection key, and a menu key between them. Display 150 may be any type of output device that provides a convenient display of text and / or graphics to the user. Desirably, the display 150 is a liquid crystal display having a backlight system for illuminating the display when the lighting conditions are insufficient for a user to see properly. The fixed piece 140 simultaneously allows relative rotational movement of the upper housing relative to the lower housing while fixing certain components of the radiotelephone 100 together. The fixed piece 140 also functions as a display lens that protects the display 150 from unwanted foreign matter.

  The elongated portion 124 of the upper housing 120 may include an upper housing selection button 160 and a speaker opening 170. A number of different selection buttons may be provided on the upper housing 120, but as an example, only one upper housing selection button 160 is shown in FIG. In this particular embodiment, the select button is similar to a rocker button with a two-way “scroll” function. The upper housing 120 of the present invention has volume control, menu control, call answering, call termination, caller identification, phone book control, voicemail control, email / message transmission control, network browsing, power on / off. One or more selection buttons (eg, selection buttons 132 and 160) of various types of features may be provided, including but not limited to. The speaker opening 170 directs sound generated from a speaker or other type of audio output device to the user.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the upper housing 120 primarily functions as a cover and may include several functional electronic components, such as selection buttons 132 and 160, speakers, indicator lights, etc. as described above. Is possible. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the majority of functional electronic components are included as part of the lower housing, which is also referred to as the body.

With reference to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the radiotelephone 100 is shown in an open position 210. The portion of the radiotelephone 100 that becomes visible in the open position 210 has a lower housing 220, a keypad 230, and a microphone opening 240. When viewed from the front, the lower housing of the preferred embodiment is substantially similar in shape to the upper housing 120. Correspondingly, the lower housing includes a lower circular portion 222 and a lower extension 224. In the open position 210, the upper circular portion 122 of the upper housing 120 is moved to the lower housing 22.
Located adjacent to and above the zero lower circular portion 222. On the other hand, the upper extension portion 124 is disposed away from the lower housing 220. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper extension 124 faces away from the lower extension 124 on the opposite side of the upper circular portion 122 and the lower circular portion 222. The keypad 230 may include any layout of keys that provides convenient operation of the radiotelephone 100 by the user. The microphone opening 240 directs sounds received from the user or other local sounds to the microphone or other type of audio input device.

  The preferred embodiment includes a standard layout for alphanumeric and menu control for operation of the radiotelephone 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the keypad 230 includes 12 standard keys 232 (in other words, 0-9, #, *) and three lower housing selection buttons 234. However, if a device with a large form factor or small individual keys is desired, the radiotelephone 100 may include a large grouping key, such as a QWERTY keyboard. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the keypad 230 may further comprise a cursor or a graphical pointing device such as a joystick, touchpad, trackball or the like. Again, similar to the selection buttons 132 and 160 described above, the lower housing selection button 234 provides volume control, menu control, call answering, call termination, caller identification, phone book control, voicemail control, email / It may be used for a variety of features, including but not limited to message transfer control, network browsing, power on / off, etc.

  The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has at least two functional positions, in other words, an open position 210 and a closed position 110. In general, the open position 210 and the closed position 110 activate the functions of the radiotelephone 100, for example, answering an incoming call and / or starting a new call or ending an existing call. Other relative rotational positions may define alternative functions, and in some cases, functions that are not specific to a radiotelephone may be selected or defined. The relative rotational position of the housing may further affect the function of the cover selection button 132, the upper housing selection button 160, and the lower housing selection button 234. For example, depending on the position of the upper housing 120 relative to the lower housing 220, the selection buttons 132, 160, 234, 236 activate different functions, respectively.

  In order to facilitate movement between the open position 210 and the closed position 110, the radiotelephone 100 includes an automatic opening mechanism that rotates the upper housing 120 relative to the lower housing 220. FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of at least a part of an opening mechanism 300 according to at least one embodiment of the radiotelephone 100 of FIG. 1 as seen from a direction coinciding with the radiophone 100 facing the back side. The release mechanism 300 includes a wheel 310, a tension device 320, and a link device 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening mechanism 300 further includes a holding plate 340.

  The holding plate 340 is coupled to the upper housing 120 through four posts 126 extending from the inner surface of the upper housing 120. Each of the four posts 126 is received in a corresponding one of the four holes 342 installed in the holding plate 340. When coupled, the holding plate 340 and the upper housing 120 form a space therebetween, and the wheel 310, the tension device 320, and the link device 330 are accommodated therein.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel 310 is a gear having a rounded outer edge 312 with gear teeth 314. The gear teeth 314 are adapted to engage corresponding gear teeth located along the curved surface of the lower housing 220. At least a part of the curved surface extends about the rotation axis. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the corresponding gear teeth 142 of the lower housing 220 are formed as part of the fixed piece 140.

  The wheel 310 is rotatably coupled to the upper housing 120 via a protrusion (not shown) extending downward from the holding plate 340. The protrusion engages with a hole 316 provided at the center point of the wheel 310 and is adapted to rotate the wheel 310 about the center point. The wheel 310 further includes a contact point 318 that is offset from the center point.

  In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the tensioning device 320 is a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a relatively free end 322 and a relatively fixed end 324 coupled together via a coil spring 326. The coil spring 326 comprises one or more coiled loops and rests on a post 127 extending from the upper housing 120. When the coil spring 326 is coupled to the post 127, the relatively fixed end 324 is directed against the wall 128 extending from the outer edge of the upper housing 120.

  The relatively free end 322 of the tensioning device 320 engages the first end 332 of the linkage device 330, the first end 332 has a protrusion 334, and the protrusion 334 runs along the inner surface of the upper housing 120. It is placed inside the formed slot 129. The link device 330 has a second protrusion 336 installed at the second end 338 of the link device 330, and the second protrusion 336 engages the contact point 318 of the wheel 310. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the link device 330 is a crankshaft.

  4 and 5 show respective perspective front plan views of the radiotelephone 100 of FIG. 3 in the closed position 110 (FIG. 4) and the open position 210 (FIG. 5). In the closed position 110, force is applied to the first end 332 of the linkage device 330 by pre-compression or preloading of the tensioning device 320, which is located at the first end of the slot 129. In the closed position 110, both the first end 332 and the second end 338 of the linkage 330 are on the same line 350 as the center point 316 of the wheel 310, so that the tension device 320 passes through the linkage 330. The force exerted on the wheel 310 is similarly directed to the center point 316 of the wheel 310. In fact, the applied force does not act to cause the rotational movement of the wheel 310 because it is just perpendicular to the allowed direction of movement of the contact point 318 relative to the rotation of the wheel 310.

  The upper housing 120, ie the cover of the radiotelephone 100, is initially manually rotated in either clockwise 250 or counterclockwise 260 direction so that the contact point 318 of the wheel 310 is connected to the end points 332 and 338 of the linkage 330 and the wheel 310. Only when the tensioning device 320 no longer aligns with the center 316 and / or no further rotational movement of the wheel 310 requires further compression of the tensioning device 320 is it applied to the wheel 310 at the contact point 318. Since the force includes a vector component in the allowed direction of the travel of the contact point 318, this serves to cause a rotational movement of the wheel 310 and consequently a rotational movement of the upper housing 120.

After the upper housing 120 is rotated by an amount such that further rotation of the upper housing 120 does not require further compression of the tensioning device 320, the force applied by the tensioning device 320 causes rotation of the upper housing 120 to the open position 210. Work to complete. As the rotation of the upper housing 120 approaches the open position 210, the contact point 318 of the wheel 310 that is in contact with the second end 338 of the linkage 330 again becomes the center 316 of the wheel 310 and the first end of the linkage 330. 332 along with line 332. The protrusion 334 at the first end 332 of the link device 330 further reaches the end of the slot 129 on the inner surface of the upper housing 120. All further rotations of the wheel 310 require the tensioning device 320 to begin to contract against the force of the pre-applied load, thereby continuing to apply force to further expand the tensioning device 320.

  The continuous force applied by the tensioning device 320 keeps the housing in the open position 210 when or until an external large counteracting closing force is applied. In order to close the device, the user typically physically rotates the two housing parts 120 and 220 against each other against the force exerted by the tensioning device 320. During the closure of the device 100, the compression of the tensioning device 320 further serves to preload the tensioning device 320, thereby providing the necessary opening force during the next opening of the device 100.

  6 and 7 show exploded perspective views of at least a portion of an opening mechanism 400 according to at least one further embodiment of the wireless telephone of FIG. FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view as seen from the direction coinciding with the back-facing radiotelephone 100. FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view as seen from a direction coinciding with the front-facing radiotelephone 100.

  Similar to the embodiment of the release mechanism 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the release mechanism 400 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 also includes a wheel 410, a tension device 420, and a link device 430. ing. The opening mechanism 400 further includes a holding plate 440.

  The holding plate 440 is coupled to the upper housing 120 via a pair of posts 126 extending from the inner surface of the upper housing 120. Each post 126 is aligned with a corresponding one of the two holes 442 installed in the retaining plate 440. Screw and other fasteners 450 are received through each of the holes 442 and into one corresponding aligned hole in the post 126. When combined, the holding plate 440 and the upper housing 120 form a space therebetween, and the wheel 410, the tension device 420, and the link device 430 are accommodated therein. The holding plate 440 further includes a pair of rails 444 (FIG. 7), and the link device 430 moves along the rails 444.

  In a further illustrated embodiment 400, the wheel 410 is a gear having a rounded outer edge 412 with gear teeth 414. The gear teeth 414 are adapted to engage corresponding gear teeth 142 located along the curved surface 144 of the lower housing 220. At least a part of the curved surface 144 extends around the rotation shaft 190. Corresponding gear teeth 142 on the lower housing 220 are formed as part of the fixed piece 140. The fixed piece 140 is attached to the lower housing 220 via a pair of fasteners 452.

  The wheel 410 is rotatably coupled to the upper housing 220 through a protrusion 125 extending from the inner surface of the upper housing 220. The protrusion engages with a hole 416 provided at the center point of the wheel 410 and is adapted to rotate the wheel 410 about this center point. The wheel 410 further includes a contact point 418, which corresponds to a protrusion that is offset from the center point in this embodiment.

  In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the tensioning device 420 is a torsion spring, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. The torsion spring has a relatively free end 422 and a relatively fixed end 424 coupled together via a coil spring 426. The coil spring 426 comprises one or more coiled loops and rests on one of the posts 126 used in connection with the attachment of the retaining plate 440 to the upper housing 120. When the coil spring 426 is coupled to the post 126, the relatively fixed end 424 of the recess 123 formed in the inner surface of the upper housing instead of leaning against the wall 128 extending from the outer edge of the upper housing 120. It can be stored inside. The recess has a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the torsion spring.

  A relatively free end 422 of the tension device 420 engages a first end of the link device 430. The first end corresponds to the rear end surface 432 of the slider plate. The link device 430 has a contact end surface 436 disposed at the second end of the slider plate, which engages a contact point 418 of the wheel 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear end surface 432 is on the opposite side of the contact end surface 436.

  8 and 9 show perspective front plan views of the radiotelephone 100 of FIGS. 6 and 7 in the closed position 110 (FIG. 8) and the open position 210 (FIG. 9), respectively. 10 and 11 show enlarged perspective front plan views of the upper housing portion of the radiotelephone 100, corresponding to the open and closed positions, respectively, as shown in FIGS.

  Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-11 also includes two of the radiotelephones 100 after the two housing portions have been manually rotated. Completing the mutual opening (ie rotation) of the two housing parts. In addition, both embodiments similarly remain fully open and fully closed, and the tensioning device continues to exert a force on the linkage.

  For the purpose of facilitating the initial rotation of the wheel 410 and the resulting rotation of the upper housing 120, at least a momentary further compression of the tensioning device 420 which has already been partially pre-loaded or compressed. By selecting the shape of the interacting elements of the opening mechanism 400 as required, the fully open 210 and fully closed 110 positions are maintained. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-11, this is achieved in large part by using a link device 430 or slider plate having a “V” -shaped contact end surface, and a “V” -shaped contact. The upwardly extending arm at the end face is beveled, which is very close to the “V” shaped base 438. While the housing portion of the radiotelephone 100 moves between a closed position and an open position, the upwardly extending arm inclination may be used to adjust the rotational speed of the two portions.

  Similar to the combination of tension device 320 and crankshaft 330 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the combination of tension device 420 and slider plate 430 illustrated in FIGS. Force is applied to the eccentric contact point 418, which generally biases the housing portions 120 and 220 to the open position. However, the large slope of the upwardly extending arm or the indentation of the “V” shaped base 438 of the contact end face 436 of the slider plate 430 may cause the combination of the tension device 420 and the slider plate 430 to be in a fully closed position. Energize first. This is because the tensioning device 420 must first be further compressed in order for the contact point 418 of the wheel 410 to rotate completely away from the closed position.

  8 to 11, a path 419 of the eccentric contact point 418 of the wheel 410 is illustrated. In the closed position 110, a portion of the contact end surface 436 immediately adjacent to the “V” shaped base extends into the circular path 419 of the contact point 418. The contact end face 436 extends into the circular path 419 until the wheel 410 rotates by an amount that approximates the angle α shown in FIGS. In FIG. 10, the angle α corresponds to the compression of the tension device when the path of the wheel contact point matches the contact end surface and the degree of compression of the tension device 420 is when the radiotelephone 100 is in the closed position 110. It can be seen that this is a point that matches.

However, in reality, after the inclination of the path 419 of the contact point 418 exceeds the inclination of the contact end surface 436 of the slider plate 430, the rotation mechanism 400 moves to the open position 210 of the housing parts 120 and 220 of the radio telephone 100. Let rotation complete automatically. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope of the path 419 at the contact point 418 exceeds the slope of the contact end face 436 at an angle less than α. In the illustrated embodiment, α is about 35 °, more precisely 34.2 °. At this point, the force exerted on the contact point 418 by the tensioning device 420 via the link device 430 causes a relative movement of the contact point 418 in a direction consistent with the applied force and further rotation of the wheel 410.

  In addition to requiring further compression of the tensioning device 420 to initially rotate the upper housing 120 and the lower housing 220 away from the fully closed position 110 and the open position 210, the fully closed position and In the open position, the force applied by the tension device 420 via the link device 430 is perpendicular to the allowed direction of movement of the contact point 418 relative to the rotation of the wheel 410. Contact points 418 are aligned on line 460 with the contacts of link device 430 at center 416 of wheel 410 as well as a “V” shaped base 438. As a result, the force applied by the tensioning device 420 to the contact point 418 has no effect on the rotational movement of the wheel 410.

  The rotation can be started in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. In addition, rotation can generally be initiated with one hand, and in one example, the radiotelephone 100 is held by the palm of the user's hand from the back and covered with the user's thumb extending around or in front of the radiotelephone 100. Rotate, etc.

  Moreover, since the degree of compression of the spring depends on the absolute position of the housing parts and not on the total amount or direction of movement, the number of times the upper housing 120 or cover can be rotated in the same direction is limited. (Closed operation always re-loads the spring regardless of direction)

  Both illustrated embodiments use torsion springs 320, 420 coupled to contact points 318, 418 via linkages 330, 430, although other types of tensioning devices may be used. Will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Moreover, the manner in which the tensioning device applies a force to the wheel may involve an alternative approach. For example, a spring-loaded pulley may be used to supply the necessary force, which gives more flexibility in the arrangement of the tensioning device. However, some alternative approaches may not be as flexible as the direction of rotation or the number of times the upper housing 120 or cover can rotate in the same direction.

  Still further, in the preferred embodiment described herein, the majority of the automatic opening mechanism has been described as being housed within the upper housing 120 or the cover of the radiotelephone 100, but the opening mechanism 300, A portion of 400 may alternatively be located in the lower housing 220 or in the body of the radiotelephone 100 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

12 and 13 illustrate a method 500 for opening a first housing element and a second housing element of a handheld device using an automatic opening mechanism consistent with at least a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In general, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the method 500 includes one of a first housing element and a second housing element, the other of a first housing element and a second housing element (ie, upper and lower). Manually starting 510 in at least one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction. The method includes rotating a first housing element and a second housing element between a substantially closed position and a substantially open position by a rotation mechanism that is incorporated as part of the handheld device. The method further includes a step 520 of automatically completing. In at least a preferred embodiment, the opening of the phone can be completed in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Typically, the rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element is completed in the same direction as the direction in which rotation was manually initiated.

  FIG. 13 shows a more detailed flowchart for completing the rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element. A more detailed description of the step 520 of completing the rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element includes the step 522 of applying a force to the linkage by a preloaded tension device. The force is then moved 524 along the linkage to the eccentric contact point of the wheel coupled to the second housing element. The force applied to the offset contact point causes the wheel to rotate. The wheel is then rotated 526 along the curved surface of the first housing element. This curved surface generally extends at least partially around a common axis of rotation. After the first housing element and the second housing element are positioned in the rotatable open position, an additional preload stored in the tensioning device is added to maintain the rotatable open position. A force is applied 528 to the contact point.

  In general, in a preferred embodiment, the open and closed positions differ from each other by approximately 180 °. However, depending on circumstances, the difference may be larger or smaller. For example, in some cases, if the difference is less than 180 °, one end of an open phone that produces audio output is in proximity to the user's ear and the other end of the open phone that receives audio input is in proximity to the user's mouth. Therefore, the radio telephone can trace the contour of the user's face more precisely.

  The above method further provides for returning the first housing element and the second housing element to the non-rotating position. At least in some cases, this requires the application of a manual force by the user, which counteracts the force generated by the tensioning device. In at least one embodiment, the step of returning the first housing element and the second housing element to the non-rotating position serves to preload the tensioning device.

  Although the automatic opening mechanism for handheld electronic devices described above is completely mechanical, alternative approaches may introduce electromechanical elements such as motors and linear actuators without departing from the scope of the present invention. . However, one of the advantages of all mechanical approaches is that all mechanical opening mechanisms can be removed from a built-in power source such as a battery when the opening mechanism is used to open or close the device. There is no need to get energy. This allows more of the energy stored in the power supply to be used for other operations of the device such as transmitting and receiving radio signals.

  While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. .

The front top view of the radio telephone in a closed position. FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the wireless telephone of FIG. 1 in an open position as well as two alternative intermediate positions. The exploded perspective view which looked at the rotation mechanism which concerns on at least 1 embodiment of the radio telephone of FIG. 1 from the back surface. FIG. 4 is a transparent front plan view of the wireless telephone of FIG. 3 in a closed position. FIG. 4 is a transparent front plan view of the wireless telephone of FIG. 3 in an open position. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the radio telephone provided with the rotation mechanism which concerns on the further at least 1 embodiment of the radio telephone of FIG. 1 from the back surface. The disassembled perspective view which looked at the radio telephone provided with the rotation mechanism which concerns on the further at least 1 embodiment of the radio telephone of FIG. 1 from the front. FIG. 8 is a transparent front plan view of the radiotelephone of FIGS. 6 and 7 in a closed position. FIG. 8 is a transparent front plan view of the wireless telephone of FIGS. 6 and 7 in an open position. FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective plan view showing the rotation mechanism of FIGS. 6 and 7 in a closed position. FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective plan view showing the rotation mechanism of FIGS. 6 and 7 in an open position. 6 is a flowchart of a method for opening a first housing element and a second housing element of a handheld device using an automatic opening mechanism according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a more detailed flowchart for completing rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element.

Claims (9)

A mechanism for rotating at least a first housing element and a second housing element of a device relative to each other, wherein the first housing element and the second housing element have a common axis of rotation, the common axis of rotation Is substantially perpendicular to the front of the device, the first housing element has a rounded surface, and at least a portion of the rounded surface extends about the axis of rotation; Mechanism
A wheel having a rounded outer edge that engages a rounded surface of the first housing element, the wheel being coupled to the second housing element at a center point adapted to rotate; A wheel further having a contact point offset from the point;
A tensioning device having a relatively fixed end and a relatively free end, wherein the tensioning device is adapted to provide a force when preloaded;
A mechanism comprising a link device coupled between the free end of the tensioning device and the offset contact point of the wheel to bias the wheel in a rotational direction.   2. The slider device according to claim 1, wherein the link device is a slider plate having a contact end surface that engages with the contact point of the wheel and an opposing end surface that engages with the free end of the tension device. mechanism.   2. The crankshaft according to claim 1, wherein the link device is a crankshaft having a first end coupled to the contact point of the wheel and a second end coupled to the free end of the tension device. mechanism.   The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the wheel is a flat gear.   The rounded outer edge of the flat gear is provided with teeth, the teeth adapted to engage corresponding teeth located along the rounded surface of the first housing element; The mechanism of claim 4.   The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the device is a wireless communication device. A method of opening a first housing element and a second housing element of a handheld device using an automatic opening mechanism comprising:
The rotation of one of the first housing element and the second housing element with respect to the other of the first housing element and the second housing element along a common axis of rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise. Manually starting in at least one of the surrounding directions, wherein the common axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the front of the device;
A rotation mechanism incorporated as part of the handheld device between the substantially closed position and the substantially open position for rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element; Automatically completing the method. Completing the rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element;
Applying a force to the link device with a pre-loaded tension device;
Moving the force along the linkage to an eccentric contact point of a wheel coupled to the second housing element, thereby causing rotation of the wheel;
Rotating the wheel along the curved surface of the first housing element. The step of completing the rotation of the first housing element and the second housing element to maintain the open position in which the first housing element and the second housing element can rotate. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying an additional force provided by the remaining preload.

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