JP3392801B2 - Foldable mobile phone - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a foldable portable telephone constructed by connecting a lid case to a main body case having a plurality of operation keys so that the lid case can be opened and closed, and particularly, the lid body can be easily operated by one-touch operation. The present invention relates to a foldable mobile phone capable of opening a case.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a main body case (9) having a plurality of operation keys (92) and a lid case (91) having a display (93) can be opened and closed. A foldable mobile phone configured by being connected is known. A pair of left and right hinge mechanisms (90) and (90 ') are provided at the connecting portion between the main body case (9) and the lid case (91).
It is possible to open and close the lid case (91) around the rotation axes of (90) and (90 ′). One hinge mechanism (90) has a first piece portion (94) protruding from the body case (9) and a first piece portion (96) protruding from the lid case (91) arranged coaxially. Both pieces (9
4) The hinge shaft (98) is fitted in the central hole of (96). Similarly, the other hinge mechanism (90 ')
The second piece portion (95) protruding from (9) and the second piece portion (97) protruding from the lid case (91) are arranged coaxially, and both piece portions (95) (97)
The hinge shaft (99) is fitted in the central hole of the.

In the foldable mobile phone as described above, it is possible to reduce the size by folding the lid case (91) when it is carried, so that it is convenient for carrying and the operation key (92) has a lid. Since it is covered with the case (91), there is no risk that the operation key (92) is pressed in a bag or the like, which is safe.

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

[0005]

However, as shown in FIG.
And in the conventional folding type mobile phone as shown in FIG. 18, when the lid case (91) is opened, the lid case (91) is simply inserted by inserting a fingertip between the lid case (91) and the lid case (91). (91) is only opened halfway, and in order to open the lid case (91) to the fully open position shown in FIG. 18, it is necessary to push open the lid case (91) that was halfway opened. There was a problem that it was difficult to operate. In particular, when the weight of the lid case (91) increases due to the equipment of the large display (93), it becomes difficult to open the lid case (91) with a fingertip.

Assuming that the main body case (9) is covered with the lid case.
The (91) is spring-biased in the opening direction, and the engagement hook (101) is slidably attached to the side surface of the main body case (9) as shown in FIG. 19, while the engaged case is engaged with the lid case (91). A hook (100) is provided in a protruding manner, and a spring (103) is connected to the engagement hook (101) of the main body case (9) via an operation piece (102) so that the engagement hook (101) is in the engagement direction. If the structure biased to is adopted, it is possible to automatically open the lid case (91) only by operating the operation piece (102), but separately from the hinge mechanism (90). A pair of hooks (101) (100), operating piece (102), spring (10
Since it is necessary to equip 3) etc., there is a problem that not only the size of the mobile phone becomes large, but also the assembly process becomes complicated.
Further, when the lid body (91) is closed, the spring biasing force that rotates the lid body (91) in the opening direction is received by the hooks (101) (100) protruding from both cases (9) (91). Therefore, a force may be directly applied to both cases (9) and (91), and the cases may be deformed. Further, since the pair of hooks (101) (100) have a projection with an acute angle, there is a problem that it is dangerous.

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

[0008]

A foldable mobile phone according to the present invention comprises a body case (1) having a plurality of operation keys (12), and a pair of hinge mechanisms (10) coaxially arranged. (1
Lid case for covering the operation keys (12) through (0)
It is configured by connecting (2). The pair of hinge mechanisms
(10) (10) are body drive members (44) that are connected to the ends of the body case (1) and rotate integrally with the body case (1).
And the lid case (2) connected to the end of the lid case (2).
The lid drive member (43) that rotates integrally with the main body drive member (4)
The lid case (2) is interposed between the lid driving member (43) and the lid driving member (43).
A driving mechanism that exerts a force for rotating the lid drive member (43) in the opening direction of the lid, and a holding mechanism for holding the lid case (2) in the closed position with the lid case (2) closed. It has a mechanism, an operation button (41) to be operated when opening the lid case (2), and a holding release mechanism that releases the holding state of the holding mechanism according to the operation of the operation button (41). .

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

In the specific construction of the folding type portable telephone of the present invention, a cam mechanism is formed at the engaging portion of the main body driving member (44) and the lid driving member (43) of each hinge mechanism (10). Between the main body drive member (44) and the lid drive member (43), an elastic member that exerts a force for rotating the lid drive member (43) in the opening direction of the lid case (2) is interposed. There is. The cam mechanism has a first cam curve portion and a second cam curve portion which are to be operated in the first half and the second half of the process in which the lid case (2) rotates from the closed position to the open position, respectively. Is formed into a cam curve capable of rotating the lid driving member (43) in the closing direction of the lid case (2) by the force exerted by the elastic member, and the second cam curved portion is exerted by the elastic member. Force to move the lid case (2) in the opening direction of the lid case (2)
Is formed in a cam curve that can rotate.
Thus, the first cam curved portion and the elastic member configure the holding mechanism, and the second cam curved portion and the elastic member configure the driving mechanism.

In the above specific structure, the lid case (2)
When the hinge is closed, the first cam mechanism of each hinge mechanism (10)
The lid case (2) is held in the closed position by the force exerted by the elastic members of the hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) when the cam curved portion operates. By operating the operation buttons (41) and (41) of both hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) simultaneously from this state, the cam mechanism of each hinge mechanism (10) moves from the operating state of the first cam curved portion to the second cam mechanism. Move to the operating state of the curved portion. When the second cam curve portion operates, the lid drive members (43) (43) of the hinge mechanisms (10) (10) are rotationally biased in the opening direction of the lid case (2), and the lid case is opened. (2) will open to the fully open position. When the lid case (2) is pressed from the fully open position to the closing direction, the cam mechanism of each hinge mechanism (10) is driven to move the second cam curve portion in the opposite direction and shifts to the operating state of the first cam curve portion. To do. As a result, the lid drive members (43) (43) of both hinge mechanisms (10) (10) are rotationally biased in the closing direction of the lid case (2), and the lid case (2) is closed to the fully closed position. It will be.

In a more specific structure, the main body case
A cylindrical first piece part (13) and a second piece part (15) are projected on (1), while a cylindrical first piece part (22) is formed on the lid case (2).
Also, a second piece portion (23) is provided so as to project, and these piece portions are arranged coaxially, and a main body drive member (44) and a lid body drive member (43) that constitute one hinge mechanism (10). The cam mechanism, the elastic member, the operation button (41), and the operation force transmission member are assembled into a hinge assembly having a round shaft shape.
The hinge assembly constituting (10) is the main body case.
(1) and the first case part (13) (22) of the lid case (2),
The hinge assembly that constitutes the other hinge mechanism (10) is
Second piece part (15) of the main body case (1) and the lid case (2)
Inserted in (23), operation buttons (41) (41) of both hinge mechanisms (10) (10)
Are exposed on both sides of the body case (1).

According to the above specific structure, both hinge mechanisms (1
After assembling the hinge assemblies (0) and (10) respectively as a single body, these hinge assemblies are assembled to the first case portion (13) (22) and the second piece portion (of the main body case (1) and the lid body case (2). 15)
The main body case (1) and the lid case (2) can be connected by being fitted into (23), so that the assembling process becomes simple.

[0014]

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

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a foldable mobile phone according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
It should be noted that first to third embodiments, which will be described later, are embodiments on which the present invention is based, and a fourth embodiment is an embodiment having the features of the present invention.

[0016]First embodiment The foldable mobile phone of this embodiment is shown in FIGS.
As described above, in the main body case (1) equipped with a plurality of operation keys (12),
Openable lid case (2) with display (21)
It is composed by connecting the main body case (1) and the lid case (2).
In the connecting part, the hinge mechanism (10) according to the present invention on the right side, the left side
A hinge mechanism (10 ') similar to the conventional one is deployed in
Lid case centering on the rotation axis of the hinge mechanism (10) (10 ')
It is possible to open and close (2). Also, the body case (1)
An extendable antenna (11) is projected on the. In addition, the following
In the explanation, in the normal use condition of the foldable mobile phone
The left and right directions shall be determined based on the posture of.

The hinge mechanism (10) on the right side is the main body case (1).
The first piece portion (13) protruding from the lid and the first piece portion (22) protruding from the lid case (2) are arranged coaxially, and the central holes of both piece portions (13) (22) are arranged. The hinge assembly (4) is fitted into the hinge assembly (4), and the hinge assembly (4) includes an operation button (41) exposed to the outside from the first piece portion (13). Left hinge mechanism
(10 ') is arranged by coaxially arranging the second piece portion (15) protruding from the main body case (1) and the second piece portion (23) protruding from the lid case (2). The hinge shafts (3) are fitted in the central holes of the bridge parts (15) (23).

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the lid driving member (43) is provided with a large-diameter first cylindrical portion (43a) and a small-diameter second cylindrical portion (43b) coaxially, and the first cylindrical portion (43a). ), The cam surface (6) is formed on the right end surface. The cam surface (6) on the side of the lid has a cam portion having slope portions (63) (64) in front of and behind the top portion (62). On the other hand, the main body driving member (44) is the first member of the lid driving member (43).
The cylindrical part (44a) comprises a cylindrical part (44a) having the same diameter as the cylindrical part (43a), and a disc-shaped brim part (44b) projectingly provided at the right end of the cylindrical part (44a). The cam surface (61) is formed on the left end surface of the. The cam surface (61) on the main body side has a cam portion having slope portions (66) (67) in front of and behind the top portion (65).

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

Further, in the collar portion (44b) of the main body drive member (44),
The cylindrical member (42) penetrates, the operation button (41) is fixed to the right end of the cylindrical member (42), and the left end slides on the lid drive member (43). There is. A coil-shaped auxiliary spring (51) is attached to the cylindrical member (42) to urge the operation button (41) in the protruding direction. As a result, the operation button (41)
It is held in the protruding position in the free state.

In the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment, when the cover case (2) is closed, the cover side cam surface (6) and the main body side cam surface (61) are formed as shown in FIG. 6 (a). Is in the deepest engaged state, that is, the top portion (62) of the lid-side cam surface (6) is in the lowest position of the main body-side cam surface (61). Here, the driving spring (5) exerts an elastic urging force in the axial direction and an elastic urging force in the rotating direction, but since the elastic urging force in the axial direction is dominant, the cam surface (6) on the lid side and the main body side The engagement state of the cam surface (61) does not shift, and therefore the lid driving member (43) does not rotate. As a result, the lid case (2) is held in the closed position.

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

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

When the lid case (2) is closed, the lid case (2) is pressed in the closing direction against the elastic biasing force of the driving spring (5) in the rotation direction. As a result, the top portion (62) of the lid-side cam surface (6) rises above the slope portion (67) of the main body-side cam surface (61). Then, after the top portion (62) of the lid side cam surface (6) has passed the top portion (65) of the main body side cam surface (61), the lid case
Even when the hand is released from (2), the lid driving member (43) is still driven by the elastic biasing force of the driving spring (5) in the axial direction and the cam action of the sloped surface (66) of the main body side cam surface (61). Is a lid case
By receiving the rotational force in the closing direction of (2), the lid case (2) is closed to the fully closed position.

According to the foldable mobile phone of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the lid case (2) can be operated by simply pressing the operation button (41) from the closed state. )
Since it opens to the fully open position as shown in FIG. 2, the operation is extremely simple. When opening the lid case (2), the lid case can be opened without pressing the operation button (41) from the closed state of FIG.
It is also possible to hold (2) by hand and open it.

Further, in the foldable portable telephone of the present embodiment, even if the engagement positions of the respective members in the closed state of the lid case (2) are slightly displaced due to temperature changes and the like,
Since the engagement state shown in FIG. 6 (a) does not shift to the engagement state shown in FIGS. 6 (b) and (c), the lid case is unintentionally
There is no risk of (2) opening. Also, the hinge assembly (4)
A drive spring for rotating the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction or the closing direction of the lid case (2) in the configuration of the hinge shaft composed of the main body driving member (44) and the lid driving member (43). In addition to (5) and cam surfaces (6) and (61), the operation buttons (41) that should be operated when opening the lid case (2), etc., are compactly incorporated and unitized, so it is a foldable mobile phone. The telephone does not increase in size, and is still assembled by a simple work of inserting the hinge assembly (4) into the pieces (13) (22) of the main body case (1) and the lid case (2). Is possible.

Further, when the lid case (2) is closed, the rotational force exerted by the driving spring (5) is the lid driving member (43).
It is received by the engagement of the cam surface (6) of the main body and the cam surface (61) of the main body drive member (44), and the main body case (1) and lid case
Since it does not act directly on (2), cases (1) and (2)
There is no risk of deformation. Furthermore, if the operation button (41) is arranged with its head slightly protruding from the case, the pressing operation can be easily performed. Of course, the operation button (4
The head of 1) is safe because it has a smooth curved surface and has no sharp protrusions.

[0029]Second embodiment The foldable mobile phone of this embodiment is used in the first embodiment.
7 and 8 in place of the hinge assembly (4) of FIG.
The hinge assembly (7) shown in FIG.
Incidentally, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the hinge assembly shown in FIG.
As a member that basically performs the same function as the constituent members of (4)
Are given the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 8, the hinge assembly (7)
Has a round shaft shape as a whole, and a cylindrical lid driving member (71) and a main body driving member (72) are coaxially arranged, and can be moved relative to each other in the axial direction and can be rotated relative to each other. Is engaged with. On the outer peripheral wall of the main body drive member (72), a cam groove
While (8) is opened, a cam follower (78) is provided on the lid driving member (71) so as to project from the inside to the outside of the cam groove (8). The shape of the cam groove (8) will be described later.

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

As shown in FIG. 7, a disc portion (73) is provided on the right end of the lid driving member (71) so as to project therefrom, and the cam follower (78) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the disc portion (73). ) Is projected. on the other hand,
On the inner peripheral surface of the main body drive member (72), a connecting portion (7
9), a flange (72b) is formed at the right end, and a projecting piece (77) is formed at the center.The center of the connecting part (79) is located on the central axis of the main body drive member (72). A shaft (45) extending to the left is fixed. Further, a disc-shaped collar portion (46) is provided in a protruding manner on the left end portion of the shaft body (45). Then, a coil-shaped driving spring (5) is attached to surround the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (45),
The left end of the driving spring (5) is connected to the collar portion (4) of the shaft body (45).
6) and the right end is the lid drive member (71).
It is fixed to. This allows the drive spring (5)
Urges the lid drive member (71) to rotate in the opening direction of the lid case (2).

A cylindrical member (74) penetrates the flange portion (72b) of the main body drive member (72), and an operation button (41) is fixed to the right end of the cylindrical member (74). A flange portion (75) is projected on the left end portion. A convex portion is formed in the center of the left side surface of the collar portion (75).
(76) is formed, and the tip of the convex portion (76) is a lid driving member.
It is in contact with the disc portion (73) of (71). A coil-shaped auxiliary spring (51) is attached to the cylindrical member (74), and the operation button
(41) is biased in the protruding direction. This allows the operation button
The (41) is held at the protruding position in the free state. Further, the second auxiliary spring (52) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the central portion of the lid driving member (71).
Is attached to urge the disc portion (73) of the lid drive member (71) and the projecting piece (77) of the main body drive member (72) in the direction away from each other. As a result, the cam follower 78 is pressed against the right peripheral surface of the cam groove 8 in the free state.

Cam groove (8) formed in the main body drive member (72)
As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of cam groove portions (81) to (86) having different inclinations with respect to the axial direction of the hinge assembly (7) are connected in a loop shape. The first cam groove (81) is substantially parallel to the axial direction, and the cam follower (78a) located at the starting end of the first cam groove (81) is a driving spring.
The urging force F, which is the resultant force of the axial force Fa and the rotational force Fr exerted by (5), is received and pressed against the groove peripheral wall.
The second cam groove portion (82) following the first cam portion groove (81) is largely inclined with respect to the axial direction, and the cam followers (78b) (78c) located in the second cam groove portion (82) are Upon receiving the component force Fs of the biasing force F in the direction along the second cam groove portion (82), the second cam groove portion (8
2) will move forward. The third following the second cam groove (82)
The cam groove (83) is bent in an inverted U shape, and the third cam groove (83)
The cam follower (78d) positioned at is pressed and held by the circumferential wall of the groove by the urging force F. The fourth cam groove portion (84) following the third cam groove portion (83) is bent in an inverted U shape,
The cam follower (78e) located at (84) is the urging force F.
It is pressed and held by the circumferential wall of the groove. The fifth cam groove (85) following the fourth cam groove (84) is bent in an inverted U shape, and the cam follower (78f) located in the fifth cam groove (85) is moved by the biasing force F to the groove peripheral wall. Pressed and held by. Further, the sixth cam groove portion (86) is slightly inclined with respect to the axial direction, and the cam follower (78g) located in the sixth cam groove portion (86) is in the sixth cam groove portion (86) of the biasing force. In response to the component force Fs' in the direction,
The 6th cam groove (86) is advanced, and finally the 1st cam groove (81)
Will return to.

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

Thereafter, when the lid case (2) is pressed in the closing direction to close the lid case (2), the cam follower is pressed.
(78) advances toward the fourth cam groove portion (84) of the cam groove (8), and when it reaches the vicinity of the fourth cam groove portion (84), the urging force F is applied.
By the action of the cam follower (78), the fourth cam groove (8
4) will be depressed. As a result, the lid case (2)
Are held in the first angular posture (2b) shown in FIG. When the lid case (2) is further pressed in the closing direction, the cam follower (78) escapes from the fourth cam groove portion (84) and then advances toward the fifth cam groove portion (85) to move to the fifth cam groove portion (85). 85), the cam follower is actuated by the action of the urging force F.
(78) will fall into the fifth cam groove (85). As a result, the lid case (2) has the second angular posture (2c) shown in FIG.
Held in.

When the lid case (2) is further pressed in the closing direction in order to completely close the lid case (2), the cam follower (78) escapes from the fifth cam groove (85) and the sixth cam. Groove
Continue toward (86). When the cam follower (78) reaches the sixth cam groove portion (86), even if the cam follower (78) is released from the lid case (2), the cam follower (78) is acted on by the action of the component force Fs'. Continue on (86), and finally the first cam groove
It will return to the starting position (78a) of (81). With the movement of the cam follower (78), the lid driving member (71) rotates in the closing direction of the lid case (2), and the cam follower (78) moves to the starting end position of the first cam groove (81). By reaching, the lid case (2) is completely closed and held at this position.

The sixth cam groove portion (86) of the cam groove (8) is the first
As shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), a valve member (87) rotationally biased by a torsion spring (88) is arranged at a position intersecting with the cam groove (81), and is usually , The outlet of the sixth cam groove portion (86) is blocked. Therefore, when pressing the operation button (41) to open the lid case (2), the cam follower (78a) moves forward from the starting end position of the first cam portion groove (81) as shown in FIG. 10 (a). In the process, the cam follower (78a) is not hindered from advancing by the valve member (87).
There is no possibility that the cam follower (78a) will enter the sixth cam groove (86). In addition, when closing the lid case (2),
As shown in 0 (b), the cam follower (78) that advances through the sixth cam groove portion (86) pushes the valve member (87) open and opens the first cam portion groove (8).
You can enter 1).

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

According to the foldable mobile phone of this embodiment, not only the same effects as the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained, but, as shown in FIG. 11, the opening angles of the lid case (2) are set in a plurality of steps. It can be adjusted to. Also, lid case
From the state that (2) is set to the opening angle in the middle, press the operation button (41)
By pressing the button, the lid case (2) can be opened again to the fully open position. Furthermore, the shape of the cam groove (8) shown in FIG. 9 allows the lid (2) to be smoothly closed from the fully open position to the fully closed position. The shape of the cam groove (8) is not limited to the loop shape, but may be an arc shape composed of the first cam groove (81) and the second cam groove (82) shown in FIG. In the middle of, the fourth cam groove (84) and the fifth cam groove (8
It is also possible to adopt a shape in which a cam groove portion that should perform the function of 5) is recessed.

[0041]Third embodiment The foldable mobile phone according to the present embodiment is the second actual device shown in FIG.
The lid case (2) opens to the hinge assembly (7) of the embodiment.
In the process, the opening speed of the lid case (2) was reduced from the middle.
It is equipped with a damper mechanism.

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

As shown in FIG. 13, in the process of opening the lid case (2) from the fully closed position to the fully open position, the rotation angle θ1 of the first half is increased.
In the range of (about 90 °), the friction resistance portion of the lid drive member (71)
(73a) (73a) does not come into contact with the convex portions (75a) (75a) of the cylindrical member (74), but comes into sliding contact with the raised portion (73c) to reduce frictional resistance, so that the driving spring (5) The lid case (2) opens at a relatively high speed by the rotational biasing force of. After that, in the latter half of the rotation angle θ2 (about 75 °) range, the lid drive member (71)
The friction resistance part (73a) (73a) of the convex part (75a) of the cylindrical member (74)
It comes into contact with (75a) and exerts a braking force on the rotation of the lid case (2). As a result, the lid case (2) opens to the fully open position at a relatively slow speed.

According to this embodiment, since the opening speed of the lid case (2) is reduced halfway, the lid case (2) is equipped with a large display (21) and has a large weight. Even when the lid case (2) reaches the fully open position, the impact force becomes small. Therefore, with a relatively weak force, the main body case
Even if the user holds (1), there is no risk of dropping the phone by the impact force when the lid case (2) is opened.

The damper mechanism described above can be mounted on the hinge assembly (4) of the first embodiment.
Further, as the damper mechanism, various known mechanisms such as a mechanism utilizing frictional resistance and a mechanism utilizing liquid flow resistance can be adopted. Further, the mounting position of the damper mechanism is not limited to the above embodiment, and the lid case
The member on the lid case (2) side that rotates or moves with (2) and the member on the main body case (1) side that rotates or moves with the main body case (1) face each other, and can be placed at any site. I can.

[0046]Fourth embodiment The foldable mobile phone of this embodiment is shown in FIGS.
As shown, the connection between the main case (1) and the lid case (2)
One with a pair of hinge mechanisms (10) (10) on both left and right sides
Is. However, the hinge mechanism (10) on the right side has the structure shown in FIG.
Deploy the hinge assembly (4) of one embodiment as is
However, the hinge mechanism (10) on the left side has a hinge assembly shown in FIG.
The one that has a bilaterally symmetrical structure with the assembly (4)
Deploy. The hinge assembly (4) of the first embodiment is replaced by
Therefore, the hinge assembly of the second embodiment or the third embodiment
It is also possible to adopt (7).

The body case (1) has a cylindrical first piece portion (13).
While the second piece portion (15) is provided in a protruding manner, the cylindrical first piece portion (22) and the second piece portion (23) are provided in a protruding manner in the lid case (2),
These bridge parts are arranged coaxially. The hinge assembly (4) constituting the right hinge mechanism (10) includes a first piece portion (13) of the main body case (1) and a first piece portion (2) of the lid case (2).
2) and the main body drive member (44) is attached to the first case of the main body case (1).
The lid driving member (43) is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the piece (13).
Engages with the inner peripheral surface of the first piece portion (22) of the lid case (2). Hinge assembly that makes up the left hinge mechanism (10)
(4) is a second case part (15) of the main body case (1) and a lid case
It is fitted in the second piece portion (23) of (2), the main body drive member (44) is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the second piece portion (15) of the main body case (1),
The lid driving member (43) is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the second piece portion (23) of the lid case (2). The operation buttons (41) (41) of both hinge mechanisms (10) (10) are exposed on both sides of the main body case (1).

In the foldable mobile phone of this embodiment, by operating the pair of left and right operation buttons (41) (41) at the same time, both hinge assemblies (4) (4) operate,
The lid case (2) will open. Therefore, even if one of the operation buttons (41) is pressed while the mobile phone is stored in a bag or the like and is carried, the lid case (2) is not opened, which is safe.

Further, since the lid case (2) receives the rotational force exerted by the pair of left and right hinge assemblies (4) and (4) on both sides of the lid case, the lid case is equipped with, for example, a large display (21). Even if the weight of the case (2) is increased, a sufficient torque required to open the lid case (2) can be obtained. Further, when opening the lid case (2), the pair of left and right operation buttons (41) (41) are pressed from both sides, so that the gripping force on the main body case (1) inevitably becomes large. ,
Therefore, there is no fear that the telephone will be dropped by the impact force when the lid case (2) is opened. Furthermore, when the lid case (2) is opened by operating the pair of operation buttons (41) (41), the operator touches the antenna (11) protruding from the body case (1) as shown in FIG. There is no fear of impairing the antenna performance. Needless to say, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the operation of the valve member provided in the cam groove.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Explanation of symbols]

(1) Body case (12) Operation key (2) Lid case (21) Display (10) Hinge mechanism (13) First piece part (15) Second piece (22) First piece (23) Second piece (4) Hinge assembly (41) Operation button (43) Lid body drive member (44) Main body drive member (5) Driving spring (6) Cam surface on lid side (61) Body side cam surface (7) Hinge assembly (71) Lid body drive member (72) Main body drive member (8) Cam groove (78) Cam follower

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A pair of hinge mechanisms (10) coaxially arranged on a body case (1) having a plurality of operation keys (12).
In a foldable mobile phone configured by connecting a lid case (2) for covering the operation keys (12) via (10), the pair of hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) respectively include A main body drive member (44) connected to an end of the main body case (1) and rotating integrally with the main body case (1), and a lid case (2) connected to an end of the lid case (2). A lid driving member (43) that rotates integrally, and is interposed between the main body driving member (44) and the lid driving member (43),
A driving mechanism that exerts a force to rotate the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction of the lid case (2), and a closed position of the lid case (2) with the lid case (2) closed. A holding mechanism for holding the lid case, an operation button (41) to be operated when opening the lid case (2), and a holding release for releasing the holding state by the holding mechanism according to the operation of the operation button (41). A foldable mobile phone characterized by including a mechanism. 2. A pair of hinge mechanisms (10) coaxially arranged on a main body case (1) provided with a plurality of operation keys (12).
In a foldable mobile phone configured by connecting a lid case (2) for covering the operation keys (12) via (10), the pair of hinge mechanisms (10) and (10) respectively include A main body drive member (44) connected to the end of the main body case (1), a lid drive member (43) connected to the end of the lid case (2),
A cam mechanism formed at an engaging portion between the main body drive member (44) and the lid body drive member (43), the main body drive member (44) and the lid body drive member (43)
An elastic member that is interposed between the elastic member and exerts a force to rotate the lid driving member (43) in the opening direction of the lid case (2), and an operation button (which is to be operated when opening the lid case (2) ( 41) and operation button (41)
An operating force transmitting member for transmitting the operating force of the above to the cam mechanism, said cam mechanism to operate in the first half and the latter half of the process of rotating the lid case (2) from the closed position to the open position, respectively. It has a cam curved portion and a second cam curved portion, and the first cam curved portion can rotate the lid driving member (43) in the closing direction of the lid case (2) by the force exerted by the elastic member. The second cam curve portion has a cam curve that allows the lid drive member (43) to rotate in the opening direction of the lid case (2) by the force exerted by the elastic member. , The cam mechanism is set to the first by operating the operation button (41).
A foldable mobile phone capable of shifting from an operating state of a cam curve portion to an operating state of a second cam curve portion. 3. The body case (1) has a cylindrical first piece (1
3) and the second piece part (15) are projected, while the lid case (2)
A cylindrical first piece part (22) and a second piece part (23) are projected on the cylindrical body, and these piece parts are coaxially arranged to drive the main body which constitutes one hinge mechanism (10). The member (44), the lid drive member (43), the cam mechanism, the elastic member, the operation button (41), and the operation force transmission member are assembled into a hinge assembly having a round shaft shape, and one hinge mechanism (10) The hinge assembly that constitutes the first case of the main body case (1) and the lid case (2) is
The hinge assembly, which is fitted into the piece portions (13) and (22) and constitutes the other hinge mechanism (10), includes the second piece portions (15) (23) of the main body case (1) and the lid case (2). The hinge mechanism (1
The foldable mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the operation buttons (41) (41) of the 0 (10) are exposed on both sides of the main body case (1). 4. The lid drive member (43) and the main body drive member (44) which form one hinge assembly are formed in a cylindrical shape and are fitted to each other, and are capable of relative movement in the axial direction and are relatively movable. It is rotatable, and the driving spring (5) serving as the elastic member is interposed between the lid drive member (43) and the main body drive member (44), and the lid drive member (43) and the main body drive member (44) )
Cam surfaces (6) and (61) which are in sliding contact with each other are formed in the facing portion of the first cam curved portion and the second cam surface on both cam surfaces (6) and (61). A curved portion is formed and both cam surfaces (6) and (61) are pressed against each other in the axial direction by the elastic force of the driving spring (5), and the lid driving member (43) is opened in the opening direction of the lid case (2). ) Is given a rotational force, and the operation button
The (41) is connected to the lid driving member (43) via an operating force transmission member, and the lid driving member (4) is operated by operating the operation button (41).
The foldable mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein it is possible to weaken the axial pressure contact force on the first cam curved portions of both cam surfaces (6) and (61) by pressing 3) in the axial direction. 5. The lid driving member (71) and the main body driving member (72) that form one hinge assembly are formed in a cylindrical shape and are fitted to each other, and are capable of relative movement in the axial direction and are relatively movable. A drive spring (5) serving as the elastic member is interposed between the lid drive member (71) and the main body drive member (72), and the main body drive member (72) has a cam groove (8). Is opened, and the cam groove (8) is formed in the lid driving member (71).
A cam follower (78) that engages with is formed to form the cam mechanism, and the first cam curve portion and the second cam curve portion are formed in the cam groove (8), and the driving spring (5 ), The lid drive member (43) and the main body drive member (44)
A relative rotational force is applied between the operation button (41) and the lid drive member (71) via the operation force transmission member,
By pressing the lid drive member (71) in the axial direction by operating the operation button (41), the cam follower (78) is moved into the cam groove (8).
The foldable mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the foldable mobile phone can be pushed from the first cam curve portion to the second cam curve portion.