JP2006177455A - Hinge device and electronic device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hinge device automatically rotated by quick operation and rotated at low speed to a maximum open position and locked to rotate at the maximum open position. <P>SOLUTION: In this hinge device, when a first member 1 is rotated so as to be openable relative to a second member 2 by a rotatingly energizing mechanism 4 by releasing a closing holding mechanism 3 from the overlappingly closed state of the first member 1 and the second member 2, the hinge device is rotated at low speed by the damping of the energizing force of the rotating energizing mechanism 4 by an increase in opening angle, rotating resistance by a friction surface 12, or a change in gravity applied to the first member 1 until at least the first member 1 or the second member 2 are brought into the maximum open state from the raised state from the second member 2 or the first member 1. A friction resistance force by the friction surface 12 is set so that the first member 1 and the second member 2 can be rotated so as to be openable to the maximum open state that an engagement recessed part 7A and an engagement recessed part 8A are brought into an engaged state by the energizing force of the rotatingly energizing mechanism 4 or the gravity applied to the first member 1 while the hinge device is in a stat of being rotated at low speed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  In the present invention, for example, the base end portions of the first member and the second member are pivotally attached, and either one of the first member and the second member is at a predetermined angle (for example, 180 degrees) from the closed state where both are superposed. The present invention relates to a hinge device that can be opened and closed in an open state rotated to a nearby position, and an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a notebook computer using the hinge device.

  As shown in International Publication WO 00/50780, the present applicant has developed a hinge device in which an opening / closing part (for example, a display part) is opened with respect to a main body part (for example, an operation part) with one touch.

  When this hinge device is applied to a folding-type mobile phone, it is urged to close by simply pressing the release operation part (push button) provided on this hinge device with a finger. It will turn.

WO 00/50780

  The hinge device that performs this automatic opening function realizes a structure that automatically opens with one touch while performing the closing biasing function. If the mobile phone is not supported by the mobile phone, that is, for example, if the operation unit is not firmly held, the mobile phone may fall from the hand.

  The present invention has been further improved in consideration of such circumstances, and is automatically opened and rotated by a one-touch operation. At least, for example, the opening / closing portion stands up with respect to the main body. A revolutionary hinge device and a hinge device that are extremely easy to use and that do not cause the above-mentioned conventional problems and worries that are rotated at a low speed and locked at the maximum open position from the open state to the maximum open state. An object is to provide an electronic device using the.

  The gist of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The ends of the first member 1 and the second member 2 are pivotally attached to each other so as to be opened from the closed state in which they are overlapped with each other to be in an open state in which the overlapping surface is exposed. 2 is a hinge device H that is configured to be opened and rotated by a rotation biasing mechanism 4 when the closure holding mechanism 3 is released, and is provided with a first attachment portion 5 that rotates together with the first member 1. A second attachment portion 6 that rotates together with the second member 2 is provided, and an engagement convex portion 7A is provided in a non-rotating state with respect to either the first attachment portion 5 or the second attachment portion 6, and this engagement An engaging concave portion 8A with which the convex portion 7A engages is provided in a non-rotating state with respect to the other of the first mounting portion 5 and the second mounting portion 6, and the engaging convex portion 7A and the engaging concave portion 8A are in an engaged state. The first member 1 and the second member 2 are configured to be rotationally locked, and the first member 1 is connected to the second member 2. When the maximum release state is reached, the rotation is locked, and at least one of the engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A is slidably movable in the engagement release direction. The engagement urging mechanism 9 that urges at least one of the mating convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A in the engagement direction, and the urging at least one of the engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A in the rotation direction. A rotation urging mechanism 4, and at least engage with the engaging convex portion 7A in the vicinity of the engaging convex portion 7A, engaging concave portion 8A, engaging convex portion 7A, or engaging concave portion 8A. A friction surface 12 that frictionally abuts by the urging force of the engagement urging mechanism 9 in the rotation region where the recess 8A is engaged and disengaged, and provides resistance to the relative rotation between the engagement protrusion 7A and the engagement recess 8A. Formed and closed from the overlapped state of the first member 1 and the second member 2 When the holding member 3 is released and the first member 1 is opened and rotated with respect to the second member 2 by the turning biasing mechanism 4, at least the first member 1, or the second member 2 is the second member 2, or From the state of rising to the first member 1 to the maximum open state, the urging force of the rotation urging mechanism 4 is attenuated by the expansion of the opening angle and the rotation resistance by the friction surface 12 or the first member 1. The engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion are rotated by a change in gravity applied to the first member 1 by the biasing force of the rotation biasing mechanism 4 or the gravity applied to the first member 1 while maintaining the low-speed rotation state. The frictional resistance force by the friction surface 12 is set so that the first member 1 and the second member 2 can be opened and rotated to the maximum opened state where the first member 1 and the second member 2 are locked. The present invention relates to a characteristic hinge device.

  Further, the first member 1 is opened and rotated with respect to the second member 2 by the rotation biasing mechanism 4 after the first member 1 and the second member 2 are overlapped with each other and the closing and holding mechanism 3 is released. When at least the first member 1 or the second member 2 rises from the second member 2 or the first member 1 to the maximum open state, the gravitational force on the first member 1 is rotated by this opening. However, the urging force of the rotation urging mechanism 4 is attenuated, and at least the first member 1 or the second member 2 is made the second member 2 by the frictional resistance force caused by the frictional contact of the friction surface 12. Alternatively, an increase in the opening rotation speed is suppressed from a state where the first member 1 stands up to a maximum open state, and the engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A are engaged by rotating in a low speed state. Friction resistance by the friction surface 12 so that the rotation lock state 2. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein force is set.

  The friction surface (12) is configured to generate a constant frictional resistance force in all rotation regions where the friction surface (12) is in frictional contact with the friction surface (12). This relates to the hinge device.

  Further, the first member 1 and the second member 2 are closed from the maximum open state where the engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A are engaged and rotated and locked. When moved, the distal end portion of the engaging convex portion 7A engaged / disengaged from the engaging concave portion 8A comes into contact with the sliding surface around the engaging concave portion 8A, and is engaged with the distal end portion of the engaging convex portion 7A. Either one or both of the sliding surfaces around the concave portion 8A is subjected to a treatment for increasing friction when the front end portion of the engaging convex portion 7A is in contact with the sliding surface, and the friction surface 12 is configured. It concerns on the hinge apparatus of any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by these.

  The second mounting portion 6 has a case shape, and the rotation biasing mechanism 4 and the engagement biasing mechanism 9 are accommodated in the case-shaped second mounting portion 6. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

  The second mounting portion 6 has a case shape. The first mounting portion 5 is inserted into the case-shaped second mounting portion 6, and the first mounting portion 5 is rotated around the second mounting portion 6. The first mounting portion 5 is provided with a cam portion 7 having the engaging convex portion 7A that rotates together with the first mounting portion 5, or a cam engaging portion 8 having the engaging concave portion 8A. The second mounting portion 6 is provided with a cam engaging portion 8 having an engaging concave portion 8A that rotates together with the second mounting portion 6, or a cam portion 7 having an engaging convex portion 7A. The cam portion 7 or the cam engaging portion 8 provided in 5 is accommodated in the case-like second mounting portion 6 so as to be slidable in the disengagement direction, and the slidable cam portion 7 or the cam engaging portion. The engagement biasing mechanism 9 that biases the joint portion 8 in the engagement direction is housed in the case-like second mounting portion 6. When the cam portion 7 and the cam engagement portion 8 are engaged with each other, the engagement biasing mechanism 9 holds the engagement state, and the first attachment portion 5 is provided. 6. The rotation urging mechanism 4 for urging the cam portion 7 or the cam engagement portion 8 in the rotation direction is housed in the case-like second attachment portion 6. The hinge device according to any one of the above items.

  The engagement biasing mechanism 9 formed of a spring 9 smaller than the spring 4 is housed in the spring 4 as the rotation biasing mechanism 4 housed in the case-like second mounting portion 6. The hinge device according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the hinge device is configured as described above.

  The cam portion 7 or the cam engagement portion 8 provided in the first attachment portion 5 is formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the coil spring 4 as the rotation urging mechanism 4. 7 or the cam engaging portion 8 is housed in the coil spring 4 together with the engagement biasing mechanism 9, and the small-diameter cam portion 7 or the cam engaging portion 8 has a single letter-like engaging convex portion 7A, Alternatively, the one-letter-shaped engaging recess 8A is formed, and the substantially entire area of the one-letter-shaped engaging protrusion 7A can be engaged, or substantially the entire area of the one-letter-shaped engaging recess 8A. 8. The hinge device according to claim 6, wherein a single character-like engagement convex portion 7 </ b> A that can be engaged is provided on the second attachment portion 6.

  Moreover, the main body part provided with the operation part 10 on the upper surface is referred to as the first member 1 or the second member 2, and the opening / closing part provided with the display part 11 on the lower surface is referred to as the second member 2 or the first member 1. The end portions of the main body portion and the opening / closing portion are connected to each other by the hinge device H according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and relate to an electronic apparatus using the hinge device. is there.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is opened and rotated with one touch, but at least the first member or the second member is the second member or the first member without causing a large inertial force by rotating all at once. Since it rotates at a low speed from the stand up state to the maximum open state with respect to one member, there is no need for troublesomeness and worry such as having to hold it firmly by hand, and the first member can be moved by automatic rotation. When the maximum open position is reached, the rotation lock state is automatically set. Therefore, the first member does not move with respect to the second member in the maximum open state. With a revolutionary hinge device and an electronic device using the hinge device, which are extremely practical, such as operating the camera, looking at the display, and very easy to use. That.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the hinge device has a configuration that is more practical and capable of reliably exhibiting the effect.

  According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the hinge device having a more excellent practicality can be realized by simply designing the configuration of the friction surface capable of reliably exhibiting the above-described effect.

  In the invention according to claim 5, since the engagement urging mechanism and the rotation urging mechanism are housed in the case-like second mounting portion, the apparatus can be made more compact. The hinge device has an excellent configuration.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an engagement urging mechanism that reliably exerts the above-described effect and urges the engagement convex portion or the engagement concave portion in the engagement direction; It is possible to easily design and realize a configuration that makes the device compact by storing both the rotation urging mechanism that urges the engaging recess in the rotation direction in the case-like second mounting portion, and is more practical. The hinge device having the above structure is obtained.

  In the invention according to claim 7, it is possible to easily design and realize a configuration in which both the rotation urging mechanism and the engagement urging mechanism are housed in the case-like second mounting portion to make the device compact. Thus, the hinge device has a configuration that is more practical.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the cam biasing portion or the cam engaging portion of the first mounting portion is made small in diameter so that the engagement biasing mechanism and the rotation attaching mechanism are provided in the case-like second mounting portion. It is possible to easily design and implement a structure that accommodates both the urging mechanism and the hinge device to be compact, and the one-letter-shaped engagement projection is formed over the entire width of the cam portion of the first attachment portion or the cam engagement portion. Part or engagement recess, and the one-letter-shaped engagement protrusion and engagement recess are configured to engage with the recesses and protrusions, so that the diameter of the cam portion or cam engagement portion of the first mounting portion is reduced. The hinge device has a configuration that is more practical, such as a lack of engagement force at the time of concave / convex engagement due to.

  Embodiments of the present invention that are considered suitable (how to carry out the invention) will be briefly described with reference to the drawings, illustrating the operation of the present invention.

  When the closure holding mechanism 3 is released in the closed state in which the first member 1 and the second member 2 are overlapped with each other, the first member 1 is opened and rotated with respect to the second member 2 by the rotation biasing mechanism 4. At this time, at least the first member 1 or the second member 2 is raised with respect to the second member 2 or the first member 1 to the maximum open state, and the rotation urging mechanism 4 by expanding the open angle. It is rotated in a low speed state due to the attenuation of the urging force and the rotational resistance due to the friction surface 12 or the change of gravity applied to the first member 1.

  More specifically, the gravitational force on the first member 1 is at least from the state in which the first member 1 or the second member 2 is raised with respect to the second member 2 or the first member 1 to the maximum open state. Although the opening rotation is urged, the urging force of the rotation urging mechanism 4 is attenuated, so that the increase in the rotation opening speed is suppressed by the frictional resistance force caused by the frictional contact of the friction surface 12, and as a result, the low speed It will rotate in the state.

  And even if it becomes this low-speed state, when the 1st member 1 continues opening rotation by the urging | biasing force of the rotation urging | biasing mechanism 4 or the gravity added to the 1st member 1 and reaches the maximum open position, it will engage. The urging mechanism 9 causes the engaging convex portion 7A and the engaging concave portion 8A to be engaged with each other, and the first member 1 and the second member 2 are held in a rotationally locked state (see FIG. 9).

  That is, when the closure holding mechanism 3 is released, the first member 1 is opened and rotated while being accelerated by the rotation biasing mechanism 4 as in the conventional one-touch open type, but the momentum (rotation speed) is maintained. Instead of rotating to the maximum open position, at least, for example, from the state in which the first member 1 stands up with respect to the second member 2 to the maximum open state, it rotates at a low speed and reaches the maximum open position. Therefore, a large inertial force due to the automatic rotation does not occur. Therefore, according to the electronic device (for example, a mobile phone) using the hinge device of the present invention, a large impact that falls from the hand carried when the automatic opening is performed. Does not occur.

  Further, when the first member 1 reaches the maximum open position by automatic rotation, the rotation lock state is automatically established. Therefore, the first member 1 does not move relative to the second member 2 in the maximum open state. For example, it is very easy to use, such as making a call after the automatic opening, operating the operation unit 10 or watching the display unit 11.

  The friction surface 12 does not employ a complicated structure in which the resistance varies depending on the rotation region, and is configured to generate a constant frictional resistance force in all the rotation regions where the friction surface 12 abuts. Just do it. That is, at the time of the initial opening of the rotation opening, even if the rotation biasing force of the rotation biasing mechanism 4 is significantly larger than the frictional resistance and the first member 1 is pivoted openly, the rotation biasing mechanism 4 Since the urging force gradually attenuates as the opening angle increases (opening rotation advances), the frictional resistance force of the friction surface 12 becomes effective over time, and the increase in the opening rotation speed is suppressed, as described above. It will rotate at low speed.

  In this way, it is easy in design to have a configuration that generates a constant frictional resistance in all the rotation regions where the friction surface 12 abuts, and in addition to this easy configuration, at least the first member 1, Alternatively, the urging force of the rotation urging mechanism 4 is such that the second member 2 rotates in a low speed state from the state where the second member 2 rises with respect to the second member 2 or the first member 1 to the maximum open state. Since it is possible to achieve a configuration that exhibits the above-described operation only by setting, this configuration is a configuration that can be easily designed and realized, and is excellent in mass productivity.

  Further, for example, the second mounting portion 6 is formed in a case shape, and the first mounting portion 5 is inserted and disposed in the case-shaped second mounting portion 6. The cam portion 7 having the engaging convex portion 7A that rotates together with the first attaching portion 5 or the cam engaging portion 8 having the engaging concave portion 8A. A cam engaging portion 8 having an engaging concave portion 8A that rotates together with the second mounting portion 6 or a cam portion 7 having an engaging convex portion 7A. The cam portion 7 or the cam engagement portion 8 provided in the attachment portion 5 is accommodated in the case-like second attachment portion 6 so as to be slidable in the engagement / disengagement direction, and the slidable cam portion 7 or The engagement biasing mechanism 9 for biasing the cam engagement portion 8 in the engagement direction is used as the case-like second mounting portion 6. When the cam portion 7 and the cam engagement portion 8 are engaged with each other, the engagement urging mechanism 9 holds the engagement state, and the first attachment portion 5 If the rotation urging mechanism 4 for urging the cam portion 7 or the cam engagement portion 8 provided in the rotation direction in the rotation direction is housed in the case-like second mounting portion 6, the cam portion 7 The engagement urging mechanism 9 that urges the (engagement convex portion 7A) or the cam engagement portion 8 (engagement concave portion 8A) in the engagement direction and the cam portion 7 or the cam engagement portion 8 are rotated. By accommodating both the rotation urging mechanism 4 that urges in the direction in the case-like second mounting portion 6, for example, one of the engagement urging mechanism 9 and the rotation urging mechanism 4. Compared to the hinge device having a configuration in which the outer side is provided outside the case-like second mounting portion 6, there is no biasing mechanism such as a spring disposed outside the case. Etc. it is possible to compact the body (short of) becomes more practical.

  Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a mobile phone as shown in FIG. 1 as an electronic device using a hinge device H. Electronic components such as a circuit board and a power source are housed in a case, and on the upper surface side. The plate-shaped main body provided with the operation unit 10 is used as the second member 2, and the plate-shaped opening / closing unit provided with the display unit 11 having substantially the same shape that overlaps the main body unit 2 to cover the operation unit 10 is the first member. 1, the opening / closing part 1 and the main body part 2 are connected to each other by a hinge device H so as to be able to swing up and down.

  Next, the hinge apparatus H of a present Example is demonstrated.

  A first attachment portion 5 that is fixed to the opening / closing portion (first member 1) is provided, and an engagement convex portion 7A is provided in a non-rotating state with respect to the first attachment portion 5.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first mounting portion 5 is provided with a head cam 5 </ b> A that protrudes and engages with a mounting hole 1 </ b> A formed at the end of the first member 1 at one end. Then, the other end is protruded with a diameter smaller than that of the head cam 5A, and a mounting groove 5B having a substantially cross-sectional shape in cross section is formed in the small diameter protrusion, and the middle portion has a diameter larger than that of the head cam 5A. It is set as the structure formed around the thrust 5C.

  In addition, the first mounting portion 5 is provided so that the cam portion 7 can be mounted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cam portion 7 has a substantially cross-shaped mounting hook portion 7 </ b> B that can be fitted and inserted into the mounting groove 5 </ b> B in a non-rotating state. It is formed in a cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than that of the mounting flange portion 7B, and further, a semicircular cutout portion is provided on the front end surface portion of the cylindrical portion so that the straight edge portion is opposed to each other with a gap therebetween. In addition, the one-letter-shaped convex strip portion existing (remaining) between the semicircular cutout portions is used as the engaging convex portion 7A. That is, the engaging convex portion 7A is formed over substantially the entire radial width excluding the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion of the cam portion 7.

  Further, the mounting flange portion 7B of the cam portion 7 and the mounting groove 5B of the first mounting portion 5B are formed so as to be slidable in the contact / separation direction by forming the mounting groove 5B deeply.

  On the other hand, a second attachment portion 6 that is fixed to the main body portion (second member 2) is provided, and an engagement recess 8A that engages with the engagement protrusion 7A is provided in the second attachment portion 6 in a non-rotating state. Yes.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second mounting portion 6 has a rectangular cylindrical case shape that engages with the mounting recess 2 </ b> A of the second member 2 to prevent rotation.

  The first attachment portion 5 is inserted and disposed in the case-like second attachment portion 6 so that the head cam 5A protrudes (exposes) from one end opening of the second attachment portion 6, and the protrusion 5C is The head cam 5 </ b> A is provided so as to be rotatably attached to the second mounting portion 6 by being engaged with one end of the second mounting portion 6 to prevent it from coming off.

  In addition, the mounting flange portion 7B of the cam portion 7 is slidably fitted into the other end portion where the mounting groove 5B of the first mounting portion 5 exists. An engagement biasing mechanism 9 employing a coil spring 9 having anti-contraction elasticity is disposed between the other end portion (mounting groove 5B) of the first mounting portion 5, the cam portion 7, and the engagement biasing mechanism 9. Is housed and disposed in the case-like second mounting portion 6, and the engaging biasing mechanism 9 biases the engaging convex portion 7 </ b> A of the cam portion 7 toward the other end of the second mounting portion 6. It is said.

  A cam engagement portion 8 is provided at the other end of the second attachment portion 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cam engaging portion 8 is formed with a cylindrical protrusion on the inner surface, and the diameter portion of the protrusion is notched into a single-character groove shape, and the concave groove portion is formed into the engaging protrusion. An engagement recess 8A with which the portion 7A is engaged is formed. The inner surface of the cam engagement portion 8 is directed into the case-like second attachment portion 6, and the other end opening portion is formed at the other end portion of the second attachment portion 6. When locked and fixed so as to be closed, the engaging recess 8A is configured to face the engaging protrusion 7A.

  Further, the cam portion 7 is urged in the engagement direction by the engagement urging mechanism 9 so that the engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A are always in contact with each other, and the first attachment portion 5 is rotated. Accordingly, when the position of the engaging convex portion 7A coincides with the engaging concave portion 8A, both of them engage with the concave and convex portions, and the first mounting portion 5 (first member 1) and the second mounting portion 6 (second member 2). Is configured to be in a rotationally locked state.

  Further, the engaging convex portion 7A has a substantially inverted V shape in which the protruding tip side gradually tapers, while the engaging concave portion 8A is a curve in which the concave groove width on the protruding tip side of the cylindrical projection gradually becomes wider toward the tip side. As the R surface (see FIG. 5), when the first member 1 is moved with respect to the second member 2 in the rotation locked state by the concave and convex engagement, the engaging convex portion 7A is engaged with the engaging concave portion 8A. It is configured to be easy to remove (easily release the rotation lock).

  Further, the cylindrical protrusion having the engaging recess 8A is formed such that the diameter of the protruding tip is smaller than the diameter of the base end, and the tip of the small diameter of the cylindrical protrusion is engaged with the engaging protrusion 7A. At the time of engagement with the joint recess 8A, the engagement force is improved by engaging with a semicircular cutout portion adjacent to the engagement protrusion 7A so that the rotation lock state can be maintained satisfactorily.

  In this embodiment, the rotation biasing mechanism 4 that employs the coil spring 4 (coil spring-like torsion spring) that biases at least one of the engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A in the rotation direction is formed in a case shape. The second mounting portion 6 is provided in a stored state.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, straight flanges 4 </ b> A are formed at both ends of the coil spring 4, and the straight flanges 4 </ b> A at one side end are engaged with the mounting grooves 5 </ b> B of the first mounting part 5. Then, the straight collar portion 4A at the other end is engaged with the engagement recess 8A of the cam engagement portion 8, and the rotation biasing mechanism 4 (coil spring) is engaged with the engagement projection 7A and the engagement recess. It is set as the structure which can give the urging | biasing force to a rotation direction to 8A.

  The straight flange 4A at the one end of the coil spring 4 is brought into engagement with the groove bottom of the mounting groove 5B so that the mounting flange 7B can slide from the straight flange 4A to the mounting groove 5B. The straight flange 4A at the other end is engaged and abutted with the groove bottom of the fitting recess 8A, and the engagement protrusion 7A is engaged with the engagement recess 8A from above the straight flange 4A. Are configured to engage with the concave and convex portions (see FIG. 7).

  The coil spring 9 as the engagement biasing mechanism 9 has a smaller diameter than the coil spring 4 as the rotation biasing mechanism 4, and the coil spring 9 having a small diameter is disposed in the coil spring 4 in a stored state. As described above, the rotation urging mechanism 4 and the engagement urging mechanism 9 are provided in the case-like second mounting portion 6 in a stored state.

  More specifically, the cam portion 7 provided in the first mounting portion 5 is also formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the coil spring 4 as the rotation urging mechanism 4, and the small cam portion 7 is engaged with the small diameter. The coil spring 4 and the urging mechanism 9 are internally provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the diameter of the cam portion 7 does not impair the engaging force of the engaging convex portion 7A with respect to the engaging concave portion 8A by reducing the diameter of the cam portion 7 in this way. The one-letter-shaped engaging convex portion 7A is formed over substantially the entire width, and the engaging convex portion 7A having a large engaging area by engaging with this single-letter shape engages with the single-letter-shaped engaging concave portion 8A. In this way, it is configured such that a good uneven engagement force can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the urging force of the engagement urging mechanism 9 is at least in the rotation region where the engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A are engaged with and disengaged from the cam portion 7 and the cam engagement portion 8. A friction surface 12 is formed which is in frictional contact with each other and imparts resistance to relative rotation between the engaging convex portion 7A and the engaging concave portion 8A.

  Specifically, the first member 1 and the second member 2 are closed from a maximum open state in which the engaging convex portion 7A and the engaging concave portion 8A are engaged and rotated and locked. The distal end portion of the engaging convex portion 7A engaged with and disengaged from the engaging concave portion 8A is brought into contact with the sliding surface around the engaging concave portion 8A. And the sliding surface around the engaging recess 8A, or both, the friction surface 12 is subjected to a treatment to increase friction when the tip of the engaging convex portion 7A contacts the sliding surface. It is composed.

  More specifically, the protruding tip surface (top surface) of the single-letter-shaped engaging convex portion 7A is a flat surface, and the flat surface is the friction surface 12. On the other hand, the friction surface 12 of the engaging convex portion 7A is the engaging concave portion. The flat surface of the cam engagement portion 8 is also defined by using the tip surface (top surface around the engagement recess 8A) of the small-diameter tip of the cylindrical protrusion of the cam engagement portion 8 that can slide when engaged / disengaged from 8A as a flat surface. The flat friction surfaces 12 are always brought into contact (friction) by the engagement biasing mechanism 9 in the rotation region other than the friction surface 12 where the engagement convex portion 7A and the engagement concave portion 8A are engaged with each other. Thus, resistance is imparted to the relative rotation between the engaging convex portion 7A (first member 1) and the engaging concave portion 8A (second member 2).

  That is, the friction surface 12 that has been treated so that the flat surfaces are always in frictional contact with each other in the rotation region other than the engagement projection 7A and the engagement recess 8A are unevenly fitted to generate a certain frictional resistance is formed on the cam portion. 7 and the cam engaging portion 8.

  The friction surface 12 may be configured so as to generate a better frictional resistance by making its surface, for example, a roughened surface, but adopting a configuration having a simple flat surface as in this embodiment. This makes it easy to produce and allows a simple design.

  In the present embodiment, when the closure holding mechanism 3 is released from the overlapped closure state of the first member 1 and the second member 2, the first member 1 is moved relative to the second member 2 by the rotation biasing mechanism 4. The opening rotation speed is caused by the rotation of the opening biasing mechanism, at least the attenuation of the biasing force of the rotation biasing mechanism 4 due to the expansion of the opening angle, the rotation resistance due to the friction surface 12, or the change of the gravity applied to the first member 1. The engaging convex portion 7A and the engaging concave portion 8A are engaged with each other by at least the urging force of the rotation urging mechanism 4 or the gravity applied to the first member 1 while being decelerated and being in this decelerated state. The frictional resistance force by the friction surface 12 and the rotational biasing force (spring) of the rotational biasing mechanism 4 so that the first member 1 and the second member 2 can be opened and rotated to the maximum open state where the first member 1 and the second member 2 are rotationally locked. Is set and configured (see FIG. 9).

  That is, in the present embodiment, as described above, a constant frictional resistance is generated by the friction surface 12, so that the above action is performed based on these factors in consideration of the frictional resistance and the weight of the first member 1. The structure employs a spring (rotation urging mechanism 4) having a strength that can be exerted, and this structure can be easily designed and realized.

  Further, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in more detail. In the overlapped state of the first member 1 and the second member 2, the friction surfaces 12 are in contact with each other by the engagement biasing mechanism 9 (FIG. 6, FIG. 6). (See FIG. 8 (a)).

  When the closing holding mechanism 3 is released, the first member 1 jumps up vigorously by the strong biasing force of the pivot biasing mechanism 4 against the frictional rotation resistance by the friction surface 12 and the gravity applied to the first member 1 at the beginning. Rotate to open. Also at this time, the friction surfaces 12 continue to contact each other (see FIG. 8B).

  As the opening angle of the first member 1 increases, the urging force of the rotation urging mechanism 4 decreases, and the increase in the rotation speed of the first member 1 is suppressed by the frictional rotation resistance caused by the friction surface 12. That is, the opening rotation speed of the first member 1 gradually decreases (decelerates).

  Gravity applied to the first member 1 is minimized when the first member 1 is raised by the opening rotation, and gravity is applied in the opening rotation direction from the standing state to the maximum opening position (the opening rotation is biased). For this reason, although it is considered that a slight speed increase is caused, the low speed state is maintained by the rotational frictional resistance, and either one of the gravity and the (weakened) rotational biasing force of the rotational biasing mechanism 4, Or both, the 1st member 1 continues rotating.

  Then, when the first member 1 reaches the maximum opening position while being in the decelerating rotation state, the positions of the engaging convex portion 7A and the engaging concave portion 8A coincide with each other and are engaged by the urging force of the engaging urging mechanism 9. The convex portion 7A and the engaging concave portion 8A engage with each other in a concave-convex manner, and are configured to be rotationally locked in this maximum open state (see FIGS. 7 and 8C).

  Further, in this rotation locked state, when the first member 1 is operated to be folded into the closed state by applying force, the engaging convex portion 7A is engaged with the surroundings of the engaging concave portion 8A via the R surface of the engaging concave portion 8A. And the concave / convex engagement state is released (the engagement convex portion 7A moves in the direction of disengagement against the engagement biasing mechanism 9).

  In the method of assembling the hinge device H of the present embodiment configured in this way into a mobile phone, first, the second mounting portion 6 is engaged with the mounting recess 2A at the end of the second member 2 and then locked. The head cam 5 </ b> A of the first attachment portion 5 is immersed in the second attachment portion 6 against the engagement biasing mechanism 9, and the end portion of the first member 1 is inserted into the end portion of the second member 2. When the positions of the head cam 5A and the mounting hole 1A are aligned, the head cam 5A protrudes into the mounting hole 1A by the engagement biasing mechanism 9 and engages with rotation (see FIGS. 1 and 10). ).

  Here, the occlusion holding mechanism 3 according to the present embodiment will be described. Instead of being provided in the hinge device H, it is provided in the first member 1 and the second member 2.

  Specifically, the hook portion 3A protrudes from the side portion of the overlapping surface of the first member 1, while an insertion port 3D into which the hook portion 3A can be inserted is provided at the side portion of the overlapping surface of the second member 2. A locking claw portion 3B capable of hooking and locking the hook portion 3A in the insertion port 3D is provided slidably inside the side portion of the second member 2, and the locking claw portion 3A is moved in the locking direction by a spring 3E. The structure is energized.

  Further, a slide type switch 3C is provided in an exposed state on the side surface near the hinge of the second member 2, and the switch 3C and the locking claw portion 3A are connected via a connecting member 3F. The latching claw portion 3A slides in the engagement / disengagement direction against the biasing force of the spring 3E in conjunction with (see FIGS. 1 and 9).

  Accordingly, when the first member 1 and the second member 2 are in a closed state in which the first member 1 and the second member 2 are overlapped with each other, the locking claw portion 3B is automatically locked to the hook portion 3A by urging the spring 3E, and this closed state is maintained. When the switch 3C is slid with a finger against the bias of the spring 3E, the locking claw portion 3B is disengaged from the hook portion 3A, and the first member 1 is automatically opened and rotated by the rotation biasing mechanism 4. The opening operation is performed.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the specific configuration of each component can be designed as appropriate.

It is explanatory perspective view which shows the use condition of a present Example, and the assembly structure of the hinge apparatus of a present Example. It is a perspective view which shows the hinge apparatus of a present Example. It is a disassembled perspective view of the hinge apparatus of a present Example. It is a description perspective view which shows the cam part and cam engaging part of a present Example. It is explanatory sectional drawing which shows the friction (contact) state of the friction surface of a present Example. It is explanatory sectional drawing which shows the hinge apparatus in the superposition | polymerization obstruction | occlusion state of the 1st member and 2nd member of a present Example. It is explanatory sectional drawing which shows the hinge apparatus in the maximum open state of the 1st member and 2nd member of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of the cam part (engagement convex part) and cam engagement part (engagement recessed part) of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which made the head cam part immerse in the 2nd attachment part at the time of the assembly of a present Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st member 2 2nd member 3 Closure holding mechanism 4 Rotation biasing mechanism (spring)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 1st attachment part 6 2nd attachment part 7 Cam part 7A Engagement convex part 8 Cam engagement part 8A Engagement recessed part 9 Engagement biasing mechanism (spring)
10 Operation unit
11 Display section
12 Friction surface H Hinge device

Claims (9)

  The ends of the first member and the second member are pivotally attached to each other so as to be opened from the closed state where they are overlapped with each other to be in an open state in which the overlapping surface is exposed, and the first member and the second member are closed. A hinge device that is configured to be opened and rotated by a rotation urging mechanism when the holding mechanism is released, and is provided with a first mounting portion that rotates together with the first member, and a second that rotates together with the second member. A mounting portion is provided, an engaging convex portion is provided in a non-rotating state with respect to either the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, and the engaging concave portion engaged with the engaging convex portion is defined as the first mounting portion. , Provided in a non-rotating state with respect to the other of the second mounting portion, and configured such that the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion are engaged to lock the first member and the second member. In addition, the first member is configured to be locked when the first member is fully opened with respect to the second member. In addition, at least one of the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion is slidably moved in the engagement release direction, and at least one of the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion is urged in the engagement direction. An urging mechanism and the rotation urging mechanism for urging at least one of the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion in the rotation direction, and the engagement convex portion, the engagement concave portion, or the vicinity of the engagement convex portion Or, in the vicinity of the engaging recess, at least in the rotation region where the engaging projection and the engaging recess are engaged and disengaged, the engaging projection and the engaging recess are brought into frictional contact by the biasing force of the engagement biasing mechanism. A friction surface that imparts resistance to relative rotation with the first member and the second member from the overlapped closed state of the first member, the closure holding mechanism is released, and the first member is moved by the rotation biasing mechanism. When the second member is opened and rotated, at least the first member or the second member is the second part. From the state of rising to the first member to the maximum open state, the urging force of the rotation urging mechanism is attenuated by the expansion of the opening angle, and the rotation resistance due to the friction surface is added to the first member. It rotates in a low speed state due to a change in gravity, and the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion are in an engaged state by the biasing force of the rotating biasing mechanism or the gravity applied to the first member while maintaining the low speed rotating state. The hinge device is characterized in that the frictional resistance force by the friction surface is set so that the first member and the second member can be opened and rotated to the maximum open state where the first member and the second member are locked.   From the overlapped closed state of the first member and the second member, when the first member is opened and rotated relative to the second member by releasing the closing holding mechanism and the turning biasing mechanism, at least the first member, Or, from the state where the second member rises with respect to the second member or the first member to the maximum open state, the gravity on the first member urges the opening rotation, but the rotation urging mechanism is attached. The force is attenuated, and at least the first member or the second member is lifted with respect to the second member or the first member by the frictional resistance force caused by the frictional contact of the friction surface to the maximum open state. The frictional resistance force by this friction surface is set so that the increase in the dynamic speed is suppressed and the rotation surface is rotated at a low speed to enter the rotation lock state where the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion are engaged. The hinge according to claim 1, wherein Location.   The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the friction surface is configured to generate a constant frictional resistance force in all rotation regions where the friction surface frictionally contacts.   When rotating the first member and the second member so as to close from the maximum open state where the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion are engaged and locked. The front end portion of the engaging convex portion engaged / disengaged from the engaging concave portion is in contact with the sliding surface around the engaging concave portion, and either the front end portion of the engaging convex portion or the sliding surface around the engaging concave portion 4. The friction surface according to claim 1, wherein the friction surface is configured by applying a treatment to increase friction when one or both of the front end portion of the engagement convex portion and the sliding surface are brought into contact with each other. The hinge device according to item.   The said 2nd attachment part is made into a case shape, The said rotation biasing mechanism and the said engagement biasing mechanism were accommodated and arrange | positioned in this case-like 2nd attachment part. The hinge apparatus of Claim 1.   The second mounting portion has a case shape, the first mounting portion is inserted and disposed in the case-shaped second mounting portion, and the first mounting portion is rotatably supported by the second mounting portion. A cam part having the engagement convex part rotating with the first attachment part or a cam engagement part having the engagement concave part is provided in one attachment part, and the engagement concave part rotating with the second attachment part is provided. A cam portion having a cam engagement portion or a cam portion having an engagement convex portion is provided in the second attachment portion, and the cam portion provided in the first attachment portion or the cam engagement portion is provided in the case-like second attachment portion. The slidably movable cam part or the urging mechanism for urging the slidably movable cam part in the engaging direction is housed in the case-like second mounting part. When the cam portion and the cam engagement portion are engaged with each other, the engagement biasing mechanism is stored. Further, the engagement state is maintained, and the rotation biasing mechanism that biases the cam portion provided in the first attachment portion or the cam engagement portion in the rotation direction is provided in the case-shaped first. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hinge device is housed in a second mounting portion.   In the spring as the rotation urging mechanism housed in the case-like second mounting portion, the engagement urging mechanism made of a spring smaller than this spring is disposed in the housed state. The hinge device according to claim 5, wherein the hinge device is characterized in that   The cam portion or the cam engagement portion provided in the first attachment portion is formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of a coil spring as the rotation biasing mechanism, and the cam portion or the cam engagement portion is formed. The coil spring is housed in the coil spring together with the engagement urging mechanism, and the one-letter engagement convex portion or the one-letter engagement recess is formed in the small-diameter cam portion or cam engagement portion. A single-letter-shaped engaging concave portion that can be engaged with substantially the entire region of the single-shaped engaging convex portion, or a single-letter-shaped engaging convex portion that can be engaged with substantially the entire region of the single-letter-shaped engaging concave portion. The hinge device according to claim 6, wherein the hinge device is provided. A main body portion having an operation portion on the upper surface is the first member or the second member, and an opening / closing portion having a display portion on the lower surface is the second member or the first member. Electronic equipment using a hinge device, wherein the ends are pivotally connected by the hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images