JP4212984B2 - Foldable mobile terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a foldable portable terminal configured by connecting a pair of flat cabinets so as to be openable and closable via a hinge mechanism, such as a foldable mobile phone.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a foldable mobile phone is configured by connecting a main body cabinet and a lid cabinet so as to be openable and closable via a hinge mechanism (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
In the foldable mobile phone shown in FIG. 11, a pair of left and right hinge mechanisms (3) and (3 ') are provided at the connecting portion between the main body cabinet (1) and the lid cabinet (2). 3) The lid cabinet (2) can be opened and closed about the rotation axis (3 '). The left hinge mechanism (3) has a first piece (13) projecting from the main body cabinet (1) and a second piece (23) projecting from the lid cabinet (2) arranged coaxially. Thus, the hinge assembly (30) is fitted into the central holes of both the pieces (13) and (23). Similarly, the hinge mechanism (3 ') on the right side is coaxially connected to the third piece part (14) protruding from the main body cabinet (1) and the fourth piece part (24) protruding from the lid cabinet (2). And the hinge assembly (30 ′) is fitted into the central holes of the two pieces (14) and (24).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the hinge assembly (30) of the left hinge mechanism (3) includes a cylindrical first rotating body (31) and a disk-shaped second rotating body (32). A round shaft-shaped core body (36) passes through the center of (31) and (32), so that both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable. In addition, a disc-shaped intermediate member (38) that engages with the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body (31) so as not to be relatively rotatable is disposed inside the first rotating body (31). Further, a spring (37) is provided between the intermediate member (38) and the bottom surface of the first rotating body (31), and the spring (37) is in the direction of the rotation axis of both rotating bodies (31) and (32). The intermediate member (38) is pressed against the second rotating body (32) by the elastic repulsive force.

The intermediate member (38) has a pair of protrusions (5) projecting toward the second rotating body (32) as shown in FIG. 3 (a) on the end surface facing the second rotating body (32). (5) is formed with a phase difference of 180 degrees, and each convex portion (5) has a tip surface (51) to be in contact with the second rotating body (32), and both ends of the tip surface (51). A pair of inclined surfaces (52) and (52) extending to both sides.
On the other hand, the second rotating body (32) is formed with a pair of recesses (53) and (53) that should accommodate the pair of protrusions (5) and (5) on the surface facing the intermediate member (38). Each recess (53) includes a bottom surface (54) to be in contact with the tip surface (51) of the projection (5), and a pair of inclined surfaces (55) (55) extending from both ends of the bottom surface (54) to both sides. And have.
As shown in FIG. 12, the surface of the flange (39) formed at the end of the core body (36) of the hinge assembly (30) is covered with a hinge cover (49).

In the left hinge mechanism (3), the first rotating body (31) of the hinge assembly (30) cannot rotate relative to the first piece (13) of the main body cabinet (1), and the direction of the rotation axis It is engaged with the main body cabinet (1) so that it cannot be moved relatively.
Further, the second rotating body (32) is engaged with the second frame portion (23) of the lid cabinet (2) so that it cannot be rotated relative to the rotating shaft direction. , Rotate integrally with the lid cabinet (2).

  In the foldable mobile phone, when the lid cabinet (2) is closed, the convex portions (5) of the intermediate member (38) of the hinge assembly (30) constituting the left hinge mechanism (3) are illustrated. It is in the state accommodated in the recessed part (53) of the 2nd rotary body (32) like 3 (a). When the lid cabinet (2) is opened, the inclined surface (52) of each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) is formed by the rotational force by the opening operation of the concave portion (53) of the second rotary body (32). As the slide slides on the inclined surface (54), the spring (37) is elastically contracted, and the end surface of the intermediate member (38) is separated from the end surface of the second rotating body (32). When the inclined surface (52) of each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) passes through the inclined surface (54) of the concave portion (53) of the second rotating body (32), each of the intermediate members (38) The front end surface (51) of the convex portion (5) abuts on the end surface of the second rotating body (32).

  When the lid cabinet (2) is further opened from this state, the front end surface (51) of each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) slides on the end surface of the second rotating body (32) and moves to the second end. It faces the recess (53) on the opposite side of the rotating body (32), and at the same time, the spring (37) rapidly expands. As a result, each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) engages with the concave portion (53) on the opposite side of the second rotating body (32), and the lid cabinet (2) as shown in FIG. The opening angle is defined.

At this time, the front end surface (51) of each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) shown in FIG. 3 (a) receives the elastic restoring force of the spring (37), and the concave portion of the second rotating body (32). Colliding with the bottom surface (55) of (53), the intermediate member (38) and the second rotating body (32) vibrate due to the collision. The vibration is transmitted to the first rotating body (31) and the first and second piece parts (13) and (23) of both cabinets (1) and (2) shown in FIG. Will occur. By the click sound, the user can recognize that the lid cabinet (2) has been opened to the fully open position.
On the other hand, the right hinge mechanism (3 ') does not include the click sound generation mechanism described above, and no click sound is generated from the right hinge mechanism (3').
JP 2000-253124 A [H04M1 / 02] JP 2001-298516 A [H04M1 / 02] JP 2001-320464 A [H04M1 / 02]

However, in the conventional foldable mobile phone shown in FIG. 11, when the two cabinets (1) and (2) are opened, the above-mentioned click sound is always generated. Even in situations where the three parties feel uncomfortable, there is a problem that the user cannot intentionally suppress the generation of a click sound.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to intentionally suppress the generation of a clicking sound that occurs when a cabinet is opened and closed in a foldable portable terminal configured by connecting a pair of cabinets to each other via a hinge mechanism. It is to provide a foldable portable terminal that can be used.

A foldable portable terminal according to the present invention is configured by connecting a main body cabinet (1) and a lid cabinet (2) through a hinge mechanism (3) so as to be openable and closable. The first and second pieces (13) and (23), which are projected at the ends of both cabinets (1) and (2) and are coaxially arranged, are arranged through both pieces (13) and (23). Hinged assembly (30). The hinge assembly (30) includes a first rotating body (31) and a second rotating body (32) that are coaxially arranged so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The first rotating body (31) is a first piece ( 13), the second rotating body (32) is engaged with the second piece (23) so as not to rotate relative to the hinge assembly (30). A click sound generation mechanism for generating a click sound by causing the two surfaces to collide with each other with the relative rotation of the rotating bodies (31) and (32) is incorporated.
The first rotating body (31) of the hinge assembly (30) constituting the hinge mechanism (3) is engaged with the first piece portion (13) so as to be capable of relative movement in the direction of the rotation axis, The rotating body (32) is engaged with the second piece portion (23) so as not to be able to move relative to the rotating shaft. The hinge mechanism (3) is provided with an operation unit that can be operated by the user, and the operation force of the user with respect to the operation unit is transmitted to the first rotating body (31) to cause the first rotating body (31) to move to the second position. An operating force transmission mechanism is provided for press-contacting the rotating body (32).

  In the foldable portable terminal according to the present invention, when the user does not operate the operation unit when setting both the cabinets (1) and (2) to the open state, the click sound generation mechanism operates. The two surfaces collide with each other, and the vibration generated by the collision is transmitted to both rotating bodies (31) and (32) and both pieces (13) and (23) of the hinge assembly (30). Click sound occurs.

  On the other hand, when the user operates the operation unit when setting both cabinets (1) and (2) to the open state, the user's operation force is transmitted to the first rotating body (30) of the hinge assembly (30) by the operation force transmission mechanism. 31), whereby the two rotating bodies (31) and (32) are pressed against each other in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, even if the click sound generating mechanism operates and the two surfaces collide with each other, and the vibration generated by the collision is transmitted to both the rotating bodies (31) and (32), both rotating bodies (31) and (32) Since the two are pressed against each other and free vibration is restricted, the vibrations of both the rotating bodies (31) and (32) and the two piece parts (13) and (23) are slight. As a result, the click sound generated when both cabinets (1) and (2) are opened is significantly smaller than the click sound when the user does not operate the operation unit.

  In a specific configuration, the operation unit is formed by a hinge cover (41) that covers an end of the first rotary body (31) opposite to the second rotary body (32), and the hinge cover (41) The operating force transmission mechanism is configured by connecting the back surface of the hinge cover (41) to the first rotating body (31), and is freely arranged along the rotation axis of the hinge mechanism (3). 41) is transmitted to the first rotating body (31).

In the specific configuration, when the user performs an operation of pressing the hinge cover (41) with a fingertip, the pressing operation force is transmitted to the first rotating body (31). As a result, both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are pressed against each other in the direction of the rotation axis, thereby restraining free vibration of both rotating bodies (31) and (32) and suppressing the generation of click sound. become.
When the user removes the fingertip from the hinge cover (41), the force that presses the first rotating body (31) toward the second rotating body (32) is released, and both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are free. Vibration is possible, and a click sound is generated by the vibration of both rotary bodies (31) and (32) and both pieces (13) and (23).

  In another specific configuration, the operation unit is formed by a hinge cover (43) that covers an end of the first rotating body (31) opposite to the second rotating body (32), and the hinge cover (43) is rotatably arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the hinge mechanism (3), and the operating force transmission mechanism is an external screw (43) formed on the hinge cover (43) with the rotation axis as a central axis. 44) and an inner screw (101) formed on the first piece (13) and screwed into the outer screw (44), and the screw thrust accompanying the rotation operation of the hinge cover (43) is It conveys to one rotating body (31).

In the specific configuration, when the user rotates the hinge cover (43) in the screwing direction, the external screw (44) of the hinge cover (43) is screwed into the internal screw (101) of the first piece part. Rarely, the first rotating body (31) is pressed toward the second rotating body (32) by the screw thrust generated thereby. As a result, both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are pressed against each other in the direction of the rotation axis, thereby restraining free vibrations of both rotating bodies (31) and (32) and suppressing the generation of click sound. become.
Conversely, when the user rotates the hinge cover (43) in the direction of twisting back, a screw thrust is generated in the reverse direction, and the force that pushes the first rotating body (31) toward the second rotating body (32). Is released, both rotors (31) and (32) can freely vibrate, and click sounds are generated by vibrations of both rotors (31) and (32) and both pieces (13) and (23). Become.

  In another specific configuration, the operating portion is formed by a hinge cover (45) that covers an end of the first rotating body (31) opposite to the second rotating body (32), and the hinge cover (45) is freely slidable in a direction crossing the rotation axis of the hinge mechanism (3), and the operating force transmission mechanism includes a cam surface (411) formed on the back surface of the hinge cover (45), A cam follower (410) that is freely reciprocated along the rotation axis and is in sliding contact with the cam surface (411), and the cam surface (411) of the hinge cover (45) is provided on the hinge cover (45). It has a cam curve that causes the cam follower (410) to approach and separate from the first rotating body (31) in accordance with the sliding operation, and the driving force of the cam follower (410) is transmitted to the first rotating body (31). .

  In the specific configuration, when the user slides the hinge cover (45) in one direction, the cam surface (411) of the hinge cover (45) is displaced accordingly, and the cam follower (411) causes the cam follower to move. (410) is driven in a direction approaching the first rotating body (31), and the driving force is transmitted to the first rotating body (31). As a result, both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are pressed against each other in the direction of the rotation axis, thereby restraining free vibrations of both rotating bodies (31) and (32) and suppressing the generation of click sound. become.

  When the user slides the hinge cover (45) in the reverse direction, the cam surface (411) of the hinge cover (45) is displaced in the reverse direction, the driving force for the cam follower (410) is released, and both rotating bodies ( 31) and 32) can freely vibrate, and a click sound is generated by the vibrations of both rotating bodies (31) and (32) and both pieces (13 and 23).

In a more specific configuration, the hinge mechanism (3) is provided with a switch (6) that is turned on in response to an operation force of the user with respect to the operation unit, and the switch (6) includes both cabinets (1) ( The electronic sound generating circuit is connected to an electronic sound generating circuit for emitting an electronic sound in conjunction with the opening operation of 2), and the electronic sound generating operation of the electronic sound generating circuit is forcibly stopped by turning on the switch (6).
In the specific configuration, when the operation unit is operated when both cabinets (1) and (2) are set in the open state, the generation of the click sound by the click sound generation mechanism as described above can be suppressed. When the switch (6) is turned on, the generation of electronic sound by the electronic sound generation circuit can be forcibly stopped.

  According to the foldable portable terminal according to the present invention, it is possible to intentionally suppress the generation of a click sound that accompanies opening and closing of both cabinets by the user operating the operation unit during the opening and closing operations of both cabinets.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention applied to a foldable mobile phone will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment In a foldable mobile phone according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a pair of left and right hinge mechanisms (3) (3 ') are connected to a connecting portion between a main body cabinet (1) and a lid cabinet (2). ), And the lid cabinet (2) can be opened and closed around the rotation axis of both hinge mechanisms (3) and (3 '). A plurality of operation keys (11) are provided on the surface of the main body cabinet (1), and a transmitter (12) is provided below the operation keys (11). In addition, a display (21) is provided on the surface of the lid cabinet (2), and a receiver (22) is provided above the display (21).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the left hinge mechanism (3) includes a first piece portion (13) projecting from the main body cabinet (1) and a second piece portion (23) projecting from the lid cabinet (2). Are arranged on the same axis, and the hinge assembly (30) is fitted into the center holes of the two pieces (13) and (23). Similarly, the hinge mechanism (3 ') on the right side is coaxially connected to the third piece part (14) protruding from the main body cabinet (1) and the fourth piece part (24) protruding from the lid cabinet (2). And the hinge assembly (30 ′) is fitted into the central holes of the two pieces (14) and (24). A pair of hinge covers (41) and (42) are attached to the ends of the pair of hinge assemblies (30) and (30 ') which are both ends of the rotating shaft.

The hinge assembly (30) of the left hinge mechanism (3) includes, as shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4, a cylindrical first rotating body (31) having an arc surface and a flat outer peripheral surface, And a disk-shaped second rotating body (32) having an outer peripheral surface composed of a plane and a flat surface. The second rotating body (32) abuts the end surface of the first rotating body (31) and closes the opening. It is out. In addition, a round shaft-shaped core body (36) passes through the center of the rotating bodies (31) and (32), so that the rotating bodies (31) and (32) are connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable. ing.
The end of the first rotating body (31) opposite to the second rotating body (32) faces the flange (39) formed at the end of the core body (36). A resin member (311) is interposed between the opposing surfaces. Further, a pair of hooks (310) (310) project from the end of the second rotating body (32) opposite to the first rotating body (31).

  As shown in FIG. 4, a disk-shaped intermediate member (38) that engages with the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body (31) so as not to be relatively rotatable is disposed inside the first rotating body (31). Yes. The core body (36) passes through the central portion of the intermediate member (38), whereby the intermediate member (38) can slide in the direction of the rotation axis of both rotary bodies (31) and (32). Is possible. A coil-shaped spring (37) is provided between the intermediate member (38) and the bottom surface of the first rotating body (31) so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the core body (36). The spring (37) exerts an elastic repulsive force in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating bodies (31) and (32), and the intermediate member (38) is pressed against the second rotating body (32) by the elastic repulsive force. Yes.

The intermediate member (38) has a pair of protrusions (5) projecting toward the second rotating body (32) as shown in FIG. 3 (a) on the end surface facing the second rotating body (32). (5) is formed with a phase difference of 180 degrees, and each convex portion (5) has a tip surface (51) to be in contact with the second rotating body (32), and both ends of the tip surface (51). A pair of inclined surfaces (52) and (52) extending to both sides.
On the other hand, the second rotating body (32) is formed with a pair of recesses (53) and (53) that should accommodate the pair of protrusions (5) and (5) on the surface facing the intermediate member (38). Each recess (53) includes a bottom surface (54) to be in contact with the tip surface (51) of the projection (5), and a pair of inclined surfaces (55) (55) extending from both ends of the bottom surface (54) to both sides. And have.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the left hinge mechanism (3), the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the central hole formed in the first piece (13) of the main body cabinet (1) is the hinge assembly (30). ) Of the first rotating body (31) is formed slightly larger than the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis, so that the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body (31) is formed on the main body cabinet (1). A slight gap is formed between the first piece portion (13) and the inner peripheral surface, and the first piece portion (13) is engaged with the inner peripheral surface. Here, since the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body (31) is formed by a pair of arcuate surfaces and planes as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the first rotating body (31) is the first piece as shown in FIG. It engages with the portion (13) so as not to rotate relative to it, and rotates integrally with the main body cabinet (1). Since a gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body (31) and the inner peripheral surface of the first piece portion (13), the first rotating body (31) is provided with the first piece portion (13). On the other hand, relative movement in the direction of the rotation axis is possible.

  A hinge cover (41) that covers the surface of the flange (39) of the core body (36) is accommodated in the first piece (13) of the main body cabinet (1), and the hinge cover (41). The surface of is protruded from the side of the main body cabinet (1). Further, a hook portion (41a) protrudes from the back surface of the hinge cover (41), and the hook portion (41a) is engaged with the end of the flange (39) with play, thereby The hinge cover (41) can be moved relative to the hinge assembly (30) in the rotational axis direction.

The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the rotational axis of the central hole established in the second piece (23) of the lid cabinet (2) is the same as that of the second rotational body (32) of the hinge assembly (30). It is the same as or slightly smaller than the vertical cross-sectional shape. The outer peripheral surface of the second rotating body (32) is formed by a pair of arc surfaces and a plane as shown in FIG. 3 (b), and the outer peripheral surface is the second piece portion (23) of the lid cabinet (2). The second rotating body (32) is engaged with the second piece (23) of the lid cabinet (2) so as not to rotate relative to the inner circumferential surface of the lid cabinet (2). ) And rotate together.
The pair of hooks (310) (310) of the second rotating body (32) engage with the pair of projecting pieces (28) (28) of the second piece (23) of the lid cabinet (2), respectively. Thus, the second rotating body (32) cannot be moved relative to the second frame portion (23) of the lid cabinet (2) in the direction of the rotation axis.

  The hinge assembly (30 ') of the right hinge mechanism (3') includes a cylindrical first rotating body (31) and a disk-shaped second rotating body (32) as shown in FIG. The round shaft-shaped core body (36) passes through the central part of the both rotating bodies (31) and (32), and thereby the both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable. . The end of the first rotating body (31) opposite to the second rotating body (32) faces the flange (39) formed at the end of the core body (36). A resin member (311) is interposed between the opposing surfaces. A pair of hooks (310) and (310) protrude from the end of the second rotating body (32) opposite to the first rotating body (31).

In the right hinge mechanism (3 '), the first rotating body (31) of the hinge assembly (30') cannot rotate relative to the third piece (14) of the main body cabinet (1), and Relative movement in the direction of the rotation axis is impossible, and it rotates integrally with the main body cabinet (1).
Similarly, the second rotating body (32) cannot be relatively rotated with respect to the fourth piece (24) of the lid cabinet (2) and cannot be relatively moved in the direction of the rotation axis. It rotates integrally with the lid cabinet (2).

  In the foldable mobile phone of this embodiment, when the lid cabinet (2) is closed, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the middle of the hinge assembly (30) constituting the left hinge mechanism (3). Each convex part (5) of the member (38) is in a state of being accommodated in the concave part (53) of the second rotating body (32). When the lid cabinet (2) is opened, the intermediate member (38) rotates integrally with the first rotating body (31) by the opening operation, and each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) is rotated by the rotational force. The inclined surface (52) slides on the inclined surface (54) of the recess (53) of the second rotating body (32), and the spring (37) is elastically contracted accordingly, and the intermediate member (38). Is separated from the end surface of the second rotating body (32). When the inclined surface (52) of each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) passes through the inclined surface (54) of the concave portion (53) of the second rotating body (32), each of the intermediate members (38) The front end surface (51) of the convex portion (5) abuts on the end surface of the second rotating body (32).

  When the lid cabinet (2) is further opened, the front end surface (51) of each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) slides on the end surface of the second rotary body (32), and the second rotary body. It faces the recess (53) on the opposite side of (32), and at the same time, the spring (37) rapidly expands. As a result, each convex part (5) of the intermediate member (38) engages with the concave part (53) on the opposite side of the second rotating body (32), and as a result, the lid cabinet (2) of FIG. The opening angle will be defined.

At this time, the front end surface (51) of each convex portion (5) of the intermediate member (38) shown in FIG. 3 (a) receives the elastic return force of the spring (37) and the second rotating body (32). It collides with the bottom surface (55) of the recess (53), and the intermediate member (38) and the second rotating body (32) vibrate due to the collision. The vibration is transmitted to the first rotating body (31) and the first and second piece parts (13) and (23) of both cabinets (1) and (2) shown in FIG. Will occur. By the click sound, the user can recognize that the lid cabinet (2) has been opened to the fully open position.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the right hinge mechanism (3 ') does not include the click sound generation mechanism described above, and no click sound is generated from the right hinge mechanism (3').

  In the foldable mobile phone of this embodiment, when the generation of a click sound is suppressed when both cabinets (1) and (2) are set to the open state, the user opens the lid cabinet (2) to the fully open position. Immediately before, the hinge cover (41) shown in FIG. 4 is pressed. The user's pressing operation force on the hinge cover (41) is transmitted to the first rotating body (31) via the hinge cover (41), the flange (39) and the resin member (311), thereby the first rotating body ( 31) is pressed against the second rotating body (32).

  The second rotating body (32) is immovably moved in the direction of the rotation axis by the engagement between each hook (310) and the projecting piece (28) of the second piece (23) of the lid cabinet (2). Since it is held by the two pieces (23), the pressing operation force of the user is received by the end face of the second rotating body (32) in contact with the first rotating body (31). As a result, both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are brought into pressure contact with each other in the rotation axis direction. Therefore, even if the vibration generated by the collision is transmitted to both rotating bodies (31) and (32), both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are pressed against each other, and free vibration is restrained. The vibrations of the bodies (31) and (32) and the two pieces (13) and (23) are slight. As a result, the click sound that occurs when both cabinets (1) and (2) are opened is significantly smaller than the click sound when the user does not press the hinge cover (41). Can't be heard by any third party.

  Similarly, when the lid cabinet (2) is closed from the fully open state, the hinge cover (41) is pressed immediately before the lid cabinet (2) is closed to the fully closed position. As a result, both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are pressed against each other in the direction of the rotation axis, thereby restraining free vibration of both rotating bodies (31) and (32) and suppressing the generation of click sound. become.

  In the foldable mobile phone of this embodiment, since the surface of the hinge cover (41) protrudes from the side of the main body cabinet (1), the hinge cover (41) faces the hinge assembly (30). The pressing operation can be easily performed.

  As described above, according to the foldable mobile phone of the present embodiment, the user presses the hinge cover (41) according to the surrounding conditions, so that the clicking sound when the cabinets (1) and (2) are opened and closed. Can be intentionally suppressed.

Second Embodiment The mobile phone of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the left hinge mechanism (3a) of the pair of hinge mechanisms (3a) (3 '). However, since other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment, only the structure of the left hinge mechanism (3a) will be described, and the other structures will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hinge mechanism (3a) on the left side of the present embodiment has a first piece (13) projecting from the main body cabinet (1) and a first projecting portion from the lid cabinet (2). The two pieces (23) are arranged coaxially, and the hinge assembly (30) is fitted into the central hole of both pieces (13) and (23). The core of the hinge assembly (30) The surface of the flange (39) of the body (36) is covered with a cylindrical slide cover (43).

  The slide cover (43) is arranged in the first piece (13) of the main body cabinet (1) coaxially with the rotating shaft of the hinge mechanism (3a), and is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the slide cover (43). Has an external screw (44). On the other hand, an inner screw (101) that engages with an outer screw (44) of the slide cover (43) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first piece portion (13). It can be screwed into the first piece (13).

  In the foldable mobile phone according to the present embodiment, in order to suppress the generation of click sound when opening both cabinets (1) and (2), the user hinges just before the lid cabinet (2) opens to the fully open position. The cover (43) is rotated in the screwing direction. As a result, the hinge cover (43) is screwed toward the inside of the first piece portion (13), and the inner screw (101) of the first piece portion (13) and the outer screw (44) of the hinge cover (43). ) Is transmitted to the first rotating body (31) through the flange (39) and the resin member (311) of the hinge assembly (30), thereby the first rotating body (31). Is pressed toward the second rotating body (32).

  The second rotating body (32) is immovably moved in the direction of the rotation axis by the engagement between each hook (310) and the projecting piece (28) of the second piece (23) of the lid cabinet (2). Since it is held by the two pieces (23), the force pressing the first rotating body (31) is received by the end surface of the second rotating body (32) in contact with the first rotating body (31). Will be. As a result, both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are brought into pressure contact with each other in the direction of the rotation axis, and are generated by the collision between the intermediate member (38) of the hinge assembly (30) and the second rotating body (32). Even if the vibrations to be transmitted are transmitted to both rotating bodies (31) and (32), both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are pressed against each other and free vibration is restrained. ) And the two pieces (13) and (23) have slight vibrations. Therefore, the click sound generated when the cabinets (1) and (2) are opened and closed becomes extremely small, and the click sound cannot be heard by surrounding third parties.

  When a click sound is generated in association with the subsequent opening / closing operation of both cabinets (1) and (2), the user rotates the hinge cover (43) in the unscrewing direction. As a result, a screw thrust in a direction opposite to the screw thrust when the hinge cover (43) is screwed is generated in the hinge cover (43), and the first rotating body (31) is changed to the second rotating body (32). The force that pushes toward is released, and both rotating bodies (31) and (32) can freely vibrate. As a result, the vibration caused by the collision between the intermediate member (38) and the second rotating body (32) is transmitted to both rotating bodies (31), (32) and both pieces (13), (23). A click sound is generated accordingly.

  According to the foldable mobile phone of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of click sound when the cabinets (1) and (2) are opened and closed by an easy operation of rotating the hinge cover (43).

Third Embodiment The cellular phone of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the left hinge mechanism (3b) of the pair of hinge mechanisms, but the other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. Since it is the same as that of the first embodiment, only the structure of the left hinge mechanism (3b) will be described, and the other structures will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hinge mechanism (3b) on the left side of the present embodiment has a first piece (13) projecting from the main body cabinet (1) and a first projecting portion from the lid cabinet (2). The two pieces (23) are arranged coaxially, and the hinge assembly (30) is fitted into the central hole of both pieces (13) and (23). The core of the hinge assembly (30) The surface of the flange (39) of the body (36) is covered with a hinge cover (45) slidably attached to the side surface of the first piece (13) of the main body cabinet (1).

The hinge cover (45) is housed in a hinge cover housing chamber (19) recessed in the side surface of the first piece (13) of the main body cabinet (1), and the side wall of the hinge cover housing chamber (19). The cam cover (411) is formed on the back surface of the hinge cover (45). A flat cam follower (412) is in sliding contact with the cam surface (411), and the cam follower (412) is capable of reciprocating in the direction of the rotation axis of the hinge mechanism (3b), and the rotation shaft Is held between the hinge cover (45) and the flange (39) so as to be unable to reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the hinge.
The cam surface (411) includes a first flat surface (411a) that is a lower portion of the cam curve, an inclined surface (411b) that drives the cam follower (412) in the direction of the rotation axis, and a higher portion of the cam curve. And the second flat surface (411c).

In the foldable mobile phone according to the present embodiment, in order to suppress the generation of click sound when opening both cabinets (1) and (2), the user hinges just before the lid cabinet (2) opens to the fully open position. The cover (45) is slid in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. Accordingly, the cam surface (411) of the hinge cover (45) shown in FIG. 9 is displaced, and the cam follower (412) passes through the inclined surface (411b) from the first flat surface (411a) of the cam surface (411). The state shifts to the slidable contact state with the second flat surface (411c), and is driven to the first rotating body (31) side in this process.
In this way, the operating force for sliding the hinge cover (45) is converted into a force for pressing the cam follower (412) toward the hinge assembly (30), and the pressing force is applied to the flange (39) and the resin member (311). To the first rotating body (31).

  The second rotating body (32) is immovably moved in the direction of the rotation axis by the engagement between each hook (310) and the projecting piece (28) of the second piece (23) of the lid cabinet (2). Since it is held by the two pieces (23), the pressing force is received by the end surface of the second rotating body (32) in contact with the first rotating body (31). As a result, both rotating bodies (31) and (32) are in a state of being pressed against each other in the direction of the rotation axis, so that free vibration of both rotating bodies (31) and (32) is constrained and the generation of click noise is suppressed Will be.

  When a click sound is generated in association with the subsequent opening / closing operation of both cabinets (1) and (2), the user slides the hinge cover (45) in the direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. Along with this, the cam surface (411) of the hinge cover (45) is displaced, and the cam follower (412) moves from the second flat surface (411c) of the cam surface (411) to the first surface via the inclined surface (411b). A transition is made to the sliding contact state with the flat surface (411a). In this process, since the cam follower (412) is driven in a direction away from the hinge assembly (30), the force for pressing the cam follower (412) toward the hinge assembly (30) is released. As a result, the force for pressing the first rotating body (31) toward the second rotating body (32) is released, and both rotating bodies (31) and (32) can freely vibrate. ) (32) and vibrations of both pieces (13) and (23) generate a click sound.

  According to the foldable mobile phone of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of click sound during the opening / closing operation of both cabinets (1) and (2) by an easy operation of sliding the hinge cover (45).

Fourth Embodiment The cellular phone of this embodiment shown in FIG. 10 differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the left hinge mechanism (3c) of the pair of hinge mechanisms, but the other structure is the first embodiment. Therefore, only the structure of the left hinge mechanism (3c) will be described, and the other structures will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, the left hinge mechanism (3c) of the present embodiment includes a first piece portion (13) projecting from the main body cabinet (1) and a second piece portion projecting from the lid cabinet (2). (23) are arranged coaxially, and the hinge assembly (30) is fitted into the central holes of the two pieces (13) and (23).
A hinge cover (46) that covers the surface of the flange (39) of the core (36) of the hinge assembly (30) is accommodated in the first piece (13) of the main body cabinet (1). A hook portion (46a) projects from the back surface of the hinge cover (46), and the hook portion (46a) engages with the end portion of the flange (39) with play. Thus, the hinge cover (46) can be moved relative to the hinge assembly (30) in the direction of the rotation axis of the hinge mechanism (3c).

  The hinge cover (46) is provided with an operation button (47) that can be pressed in the direction of the rotation axis, and faces the pusher (47a) formed on the back surface of the operation button (47). A switch (6) that is turned on in response to the pressing operation force on the operation button (47) is provided at the position to be operated, and the switch (6) is connected to the main body cabinet (1) via the signal line (61). Is connected to a built-in electronic sound generating circuit (not shown). The electronic sound generating circuit generates an electronic sound in conjunction with the opening operation of the lid cabinet (2). When the switch (6) is turned on, the electronic sound generating circuit generates an electronic sound. Stop operation is commanded.

  In the foldable mobile phone of this embodiment, the user presses the operation button (47) of the hinge cover (46) in the direction of the rotation axis immediately before the lid cabinet (2) opens to the fully open position. As described above, the generation of a clicking sound due to the collision between the intermediate member (38) of the hinge assembly (30) and the second rotating body (32) is suppressed, and the pusher (47a) of the operation button (47) is moved to the switch ( 6) is pressed to close the contact, thereby turning on the switch (6) and forcibly stopping the generation of the electronic sound by the electronic sound generating circuit.

1 is a perspective view showing a foldable mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows a pair of hinge mechanism of this foldable mobile telephone. It is a top view which shows the hinge assembly of the left hinge mechanism. It is a front view which shows this hinge assembly. It is sectional drawing which shows the left hinge mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the hinge mechanism on the right side. It is a perspective view which shows the foldable mobile telephone of 2nd Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the hinge mechanism of the left side of this foldable mobile telephone. It is a side view which shows the hinge mechanism of the left side of the foldable mobile telephone of 3rd Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows this hinge mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the hinge mechanism of the left side of the foldable mobile telephone of 4th Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the conventional foldable mobile phone. It is sectional drawing which shows the hinge mechanism of the left side of this foldable mobile telephone.

Explanation of symbols

(1) Main body cabinet
(13) First piece
(14) Third piece
(101) Internal screw
(2) Lid cabinet
(23) Second piece
(24) Fourth piece
(3) Hinge mechanism
(30) Hinge assembly
(31) First rotating body
(32) Second rotating body
(37) Spring
(38) Intermediate member
(41) Hinge cover
(43) Hinge cover
(44) External screw
(45) Hinge cover
(46) Hinge cover
(47) Operation button
(411) Cam surface
(412) Cam Followers
(5) Convex part
(53) Concave
(6) Switch

Claims (6)

The main body cabinet (1) and the lid cabinet (2) are connected to each other via a hinge mechanism (3) so as to be openable and closable. The hinge mechanism (3) is an end of both cabinets (1) and (2). And first and second pieces (13) and (23) arranged on the same axis, and a hinge assembly (30) disposed through both pieces (13) and (23), The hinge assembly (30) includes a first rotating body (31) and a second rotating body (32) that are coaxially arranged so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The first rotating body (31) is a first piece ( 13), the second rotating body (32) is engaged with the second piece (23) so as not to rotate relative to the hinge assembly (30). In a foldable portable terminal device having a built-in click sound generation mechanism that generates a click sound by causing two surfaces to collide with each other with relative rotation of the rotating bodies (31) and (32),
The first rotating body (31) of the hinge assembly (30) constituting the hinge mechanism (3) is engaged with the first piece portion (13) so as to be capable of relative movement in the direction of the rotation axis, The rotating body (32) is engaged with the second piece portion (23) so as not to be relatively movable in the rotation axis direction, and the hinge mechanism (3) is provided with an operation portion that can be operated by the user. An operating force transmission mechanism is provided for transmitting the user's operating force to the operating section to the first rotating body (31) and pressing the first rotating body (31) against the second rotating body (32). A foldable portable terminal.   The operation portion is formed by a hinge cover (41) that covers an end portion of the first rotating body (31) opposite to the second rotating body (32), and the hinge cover (41) includes a hinge mechanism (3). The operating force transmission mechanism is configured by connecting the back surface of the hinge cover (41) to the first rotating body (31), and the operation force transmission mechanism is configured to be connected to the hinge cover (41). The foldable portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein a pressing operation force in the direction of the rotation axis is transmitted to the first rotating body (31).   The operating portion is formed by a hinge cover (43) that covers an end portion of the first rotating body (31) opposite to the second rotating body (32), and the hinge cover (43) is provided with a hinge mechanism (3). The operating force transmission mechanism includes an external screw (44) formed on a hinge cover (43) with the rotational axis as a central axis, and the first piece. An inner screw (101) formed on the portion (13) and screwed into the outer screw (44), and transmitting the screw thrust accompanying the rotation operation of the hinge cover (43) to the first rotating body (31) The foldable portable terminal according to claim 1.   The operating portion is formed by a hinge cover (45) that covers an end of the first rotating body (31) opposite to the second rotating body (32), and the hinge cover (45) is formed by a hinge mechanism (3). ) Is freely slidable in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis of the motor, and the operating force transmission mechanism is free to reciprocate along the rotation axis along the cam surface (411) formed on the back surface of the hinge cover (45). And a cam follower (410) slidably contacting the cam surface (411) .The cam surface (411) of the hinge cover (45) is attached to the cam follower (410) as the hinge cover (45) is slid. The folding mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising a cam curve that moves the cam follower (410) toward and away from the first rotating body (31), wherein the driving force of the cam follower (410) is transmitted to the first rotating body (31). Terminal machine.   The hinge mechanism (3) is provided with a switch (6) that is turned on in response to a user's operation force on the operation unit, and the switch (6) is interlocked with the opening operation of both cabinets (1) and (2). The electronic sound generating circuit is connected to an electronic sound generating circuit for generating an electronic sound, and the electronic sound generating operation of the electronic sound generating circuit is forcibly stopped by turning on the switch (6). The foldable portable terminal described. The click sound generating mechanism includes an intermediate member (38) that can reciprocate along the rotation axis with respect to any one of the rotating bodies and cannot be relatively rotated, and the intermediate member (38) is connected to the other A spring (37) biasing toward the rotating body of the intermediate member, and the opposing surface between the intermediate member (38) and the other rotating body is attached to each other as the cabinets (1) and (2) are opened and closed. The foldable portable terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a concavo-convex surface in which a meshing position is shifted is formed, and a click sound is generated by a collision between both opposing surfaces accompanying a shift in the meshing position. .

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