JP4905078B2 - Damper device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a damper device used in various electronic devices such as a mobile phone and a personal computer.

  In recent years, as electronic devices such as mobile phones and personal computers have become smaller and lighter, so-called foldable types in which a movable housing is attached to a fixed housing so that it can be opened and closed are increasing. There is also a demand for a hinge device and a damper device that can be used for reliable and more diverse opening and closing operations.

  Such a conventional damper device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional damper device, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view thereof. In FIG. 6, 1 is a substantially cylindrical and metal fixing case, and 2 is a substantially disk and a plurality of metal fixing cases. A protrusion 2A that protrudes outward is provided on the outer periphery of the fixed plate 2, and the protrusion 2A is inserted into the groove 1A of the fixed case 1 so that the plurality of fixed plates 2 are axially disposed in the fixed case 1. It is stored so that it can move in the direction.

  3 is a metal movable shaft inserted into the fixed case 1, 4 is a plurality of metal movable plates that are substantially disk-shaped, and the plurality of movable plates 4 are alternately arranged between the plurality of fixed plates 2. In addition, a square hole portion 4A is provided at the center of the movable plate 4, and a substantially prismatic movable shaft 3 is inserted into the square hole portion 4A so that a plurality of movable plates 4 are axially connected to the movable shaft 3. It is mounted so that it can move in the direction.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes a cover that covers the opening on the left side of the fixed case 1, and 6 is a coiled spring. The spring 6 is slightly bent and attached between the right side of the cover 5 and the fixed plate 2. The fixed plate 2 and the plurality of movable plates 4 are elastically contacted, and a high-viscosity lubricant (not shown) is applied between the plurality of fixed plates 2 and the plurality of movable plates 4.

  Then, the right end of the movable shaft 3 that is mounted with the plurality of movable plates 4 and is inserted through the through holes at the center of the plurality of fixed plates 2 is rotatably held on the inner side surface of the fixed case 1 and from the left side surface of the cover 5. A damper device 10 is configured by a mounting portion 3A formed at the left end of the movable shaft 3 projecting rotatably.

  Further, the damper device 10 configured as described above is configured such that, for example, as shown in the perspective view of the mobile phone in FIG. 8, the fixed case 1 has a voice such as an operation unit 11 </ b> A having a plurality of keys arranged on the upper surface and a microphone. An attachment portion 3A of the movable shaft 3 is fixed to a fixed housing 11 on which an input portion 11B is formed, and is fixed to a movable housing 12 on the surface of which a display portion 12A such as an LCD and an audio output portion 12B such as a speaker are formed. The

  Further, a hinge device 13 formed of a plurality of cams and springs (not shown) is mounted between the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12, and the movable housing 12 is fixed by the hinge device 13. The electronic device is configured so as to be biased toward the closing direction or the opening direction with respect to the housing 11.

  In the above configuration, for example, when a push button (not shown) or the like on the side of the fixed housing 11 is pressed from the state where the movable housing 12 is closed, the cam or spring of the hinge device 13 operates to move the movable housing 12. An opening force is applied to the body 12, and the movable casing 12 is urged in the opening direction to perform the opening operation.

  At this time, the movable shaft 3 of the damper device 10 having the mounting portion 3A fixed to the movable casing 12 also rotates in the opening direction, and the plurality of movable plates 4 attached to the movable shaft 3 rotate. A plurality of fixed plates 2 alternately arranged between the movable plates 4 and attached to the fixed case 1 are elastically contacted by the springs 6 and the movable plate 4 and the fixed plate 2 have a high viscosity. Therefore, a resistance in the opening direction is generated between the plurality of movable plates 4 and the fixed plate 2.

  That is, a force in the opening direction is applied to the movable casing 12 by the hinge device 13, but at the same time, resistance to the opening direction is also applied by the damper device 10, so that the opening operation of the movable casing 12 is not performed suddenly but gently. It is configured to be

  The force with which the hinge device 13 opens and closes the movable housing 12 is generally different immediately after the movable housing 12 is opened or in a state where the movable device 12 is opened at a predetermined angle, for example, around 160 degrees. The resistance of the damper device 10 against the vibration, that is, the damper force is caused by the resistance between the plurality of substantially disc-shaped movable plates 4 and the fixed plate 2 that are elastically contacted via the lubricant. It always works constant.

  That is, a certain resistance is applied to the movable casing 12 by the damper device 10 and the opening / closing operation is performed slowly. However, the opening speed and the force to hold at a predetermined angle are determined by the opening / closing force of the hinge device 13. It was composed.

As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-65320

  However, in the above-described conventional damper device, only a certain damper force can be obtained by the resistance between the plurality of substantially disc-shaped movable plates 4 and the fixed plate 2 which are elastically contacted via the lubricant, and the movable device is movable. Since the speed at which the housing 12 is opened is determined by the force with which the hinge device 13 opens the movable housing 12, for example, the opening operation may be performed uniformly at the same speed immediately after opening until the hinge device 13 opens at a predetermined angle. There was a problem that it was difficult to perform various opening and closing operations, such as fast at an angle and slow at an angle.

  The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an object thereof is to provide a damper device capable of various opening / closing operations with a simple configuration.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a substantially cylindrical guide member having at least one stepped or inclined engaging portion formed in the axial direction of the outer periphery is mounted in the fixed case, and the movable shaft The damper plate is configured by providing a tongue plate portion projecting outwardly in contact with the engaging portion of the guide member according to the rotation of the fixing plate. The tongue piece portion is engaged with the guide member depending on the rotation angle. Since the damper force can be changed according to the opening / closing angle by changing the number of fixing plates that contact the joint and generate resistance, a damper device capable of various opening / closing operations can be obtained with a simple configuration. Has the effect of being able to

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the spring is elastically contacted with the movable plate, while the tongue piece portion of the fixed plate is not in contact with the engaging portion of the guide member. Further, there is no resistance caused by friction between both ends of the spring, and the opening / closing operation can be performed quickly.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect that it is possible to realize a damper device that can perform various opening / closing operations with a simple configuration.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part of the structure same as the structure demonstrated in the term of background art, and detailed description is simplified.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a damper device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof, in which 21 is a substantially cylindrical shape made of a metal such as steel, copper alloy, sintered alloy or the like. The fixed case 22 is a plurality of metal fixed plates having a substantially disc shape, and the plurality of fixed plates 22 are housed in the fixed case 21 so as to be rotatable and movable in the axial direction. A pair of tongue pieces 22A projecting outward is provided.

  Reference numeral 23 denotes a substantially cylindrical guide member made of metal or insulating resin. A protrusion 23A protruding outward from the outer periphery is inserted into the groove 21A and is integrally mounted in the fixed case 21, and the guide member Stepped engagement portions 23B and 23C with which the tongue piece portion 22A of the fixing plate 22 abuts are formed at positions on the outer periphery of the outer periphery 23 at a predetermined angle.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes a metal movable shaft inserted into the fixed case 21. Reference numeral 25 denotes a plurality of metal movable plates having a substantially disc shape. The plurality of movable plates 25 are alternately arranged between the plurality of fixed plates 22. In addition, a square hole portion 25A is provided in the center of the movable plate 25, a substantially prismatic movable shaft 24 is inserted into the square hole portion 25A, and a plurality of movable plates 25 are axially connected to the movable shaft 24. It is mounted so that it can move in the direction.

  Further, 26 is a cover that covers the opening on the left side of the fixed case 21, 27 is a coiled steel wire spring, and the left end of the movable shaft 24 is locked to the left end of the cover 26 protruding outward, and the cover 26 A recess 26A is provided at the right end, and a spring 27 is mounted between the recess 26A and the movable plate 25 at the left end in a slightly bent state.

  In this way, the recess 26A is provided in the cover 26, and the left half of the spring 27 is accommodated in the recess 26A, thereby reducing the horizontal dimension and reducing the overall size.

  A high-viscosity lubricant (not shown) such as silicon, olefin, or fluorine is applied between the plurality of fixed plates 22 and the plurality of movable plates 25 that are elastically contacted by the springs 27 and a plurality of movable plates. A damper device 30 is configured by mounting the plate 25 and rotatably holding the right end of the movable shaft 24 inserted through the through holes in the center of the plurality of fixed plates 22 on the outer surface of the fixed case 21 by a retaining ring 28. Yes.

  In addition, the damper device 30 configured as described above includes, for example, an operation unit 11A and a microphone in which a fixed case 21 has a plurality of keys arranged on the upper surface, as shown in the perspective view of the mobile phone in FIG. The left end of the cover 26, to which the movable shaft 24 is locked, is fixed to the fixed housing 11 in which the audio input unit 11B is formed. The display unit 12A such as an LCD and the audio output unit 12B such as a speaker are formed on the surface. Each is fixed to the housing 12.

  Further, a hinge device 13 formed of a plurality of cams and springs (not shown) is mounted between the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12, and the movable housing 12 is fixed by the hinge device 13. The electronic device is configured so as to be biased toward the closing direction or the opening direction with respect to the housing 11.

  In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the movable casing 12 is closed, for example, when a push button (not shown) on the side of the fixed casing 11 is pressed, the cam of the hinge device 13 is A spring or the like operates to apply a force in the opening direction to the movable casing 12, and the movable casing 12 is urged in the opening direction to perform an opening operation.

  Then, as shown in the partial perspective view of FIG. 4A, the cover 26 fixed to the movable casing 12 of the damper device 30 and the movable shaft 24 locked to the left end also rotate in the opening direction to be movable. The plurality of movable plates 25 mounted on the shaft 24 rotate. At this time, the gap between the tongue piece portion 22A protruding outward from the plurality of fixed plates 22 and the engaging portions 23B and 23C on the outer periphery of the guide member 23. Are not in contact with each other, and a high-viscosity lubricant is applied between the movable plate 25 and the fixed plate 22 and is elastically contacted by the spring 27, so that the plurality of fixed plates 22 are also movable plates. Rotate with 25.

  That is, immediately after the movable housing 12 is opened, the fixed plate 22 and the movable plate 25 that cause resistance rotate together, so that no damper force is generated, and the biasing force in the opening direction of the hinge device 13 is not generated. The opening operation of the movable housing 12 is immediately performed.

  Further, at this time, the spring 27 mounted between the recess 26A of the cover 26 and the leftmost movable plate 25 and slightly bent is also rotated together with the cover 26 and the movable plate 25. No opening or the like due to friction between 26A and the movable plate 25 occurs, and the opening operation is performed more smoothly.

  When the movable housing 12 is opened to the angle shown in FIG. 3B, among the plurality of fixed plates 22 rotated together with the cover 26, the movable shaft 24, and the movable plate 25, as shown in FIG. The tongue pieces 22 </ b> A of the right three fixing plates 22 come into contact with the engaging portions 23 </ b> B of the guide member 23 that is integrally attached to the fixing case 21.

  Therefore, thereafter, the three fixing plates 22 on the right side are not rotated by the tongue piece portion 22A coming into contact with the engaging portion 23B. Resistance is generated in the opening direction between the three movable plates 25 on the right side, and a damper force corresponding to the three fixed plates 22 and the movable plate 25 is generated.

  Further, when the movable housing 12 is opened to the angle shown in FIG. 3C, the left fixed plate 22 rotated together with the movable plate 25 also has a tongue piece 22A as shown in FIG. 4C. The abutting portion 23C on the left side of the guide member 23 is brought into contact with all the fixing plates 22 in a stopped state.

  Thereafter, until the movable casing 12 is opened at the angle shown in FIG. 3D, as shown in FIG. 4D, all of the movable plate 25 rotating together with the cover 26 and the movable shaft 24 are used. Since resistance is generated between all the fixed plates 22, a larger damper force is generated, and the movable casing 12 is gently opened.

  That is, until the movable housing 12 is opened at the angle of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B, the tongue pieces 22A of the plurality of fixed plates 22 are all engaged with the engaging portions 23B of the guide member 23. Since it is not in contact with 23C, a damper force is not generated, and the opening operation is performed quickly. Thereafter, until the end of FIG. 3C, only the three fixing plates 22 on the right side are engaged with the engaging portion 23B. Because of the contact, a slightly small damper force is generated, and all the fixed plates 22 are in contact with the engaging portions 23B and 23C until the time until FIG. Twelve opening operations are performed.

  That is, the guide member 23 having the engaging portions 23B and 23C formed on the outer periphery is integrally mounted in the fixed case 21, and the tongue piece portions 22A contacting the engaging portions 23B and 23C are attached to the plurality of fixing plates 22. By changing the number of fixed plates 22 with which the tongue pieces 22A abut against the engaging portions 23B and 23C according to the rotation angle provided, the opening immediately after the movable housing 12 is opened is shown in FIG. From FIG. 3C, a slightly smaller damper force is generated, and a larger damper force is generated from FIG.

  In addition, as described above, the engaging members 23B and 23C are provided in a stepped shape, and immediately after the movable housing 12 is opened, the guide member is illustrated in addition to the method of increasing the damper force stepwise thereafter. With the shape as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5, it is possible to perform various opening / closing operations by changing the damper force according to various rotation angles.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, if the engaging portion 23 </ b> D is formed at a predetermined angle, the plurality of fixed plates 22 are one by one according to the rotation of the cover 26 and the movable shaft 24. Since the contact with the engaging portion 23D is sequentially made, the damper force is sequentially increased with the rotation, and as shown in FIG. 5B, the linear engaging portion 23B and the inclined engaging portion 23D are combined. In this case, after a certain damper force is generated at a certain angle, the damper force can be sequentially increased.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), if a sloped engagement portion 23D is provided between the step-like engagement portions 23B and 23C, after a certain amount of damper force is generated, the dampers are sequentially formed. Finally, a certain amount of damper force is generated, and as shown in FIGS. 5 (d) and 5 (e), if the engaging portions 23E and 23F that are inclined in a curved line are formed, rotation can be achieved. Accordingly, the damper force can be gradually increased or decreased gradually.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the substantially cylindrical guide member 23 having the engaging portions 23B and 23C formed on the outer periphery is mounted in the fixed case 21, and the fixed plate 22 is engaged with the guide member. By providing the tongue piece 22A that protrudes outwardly in contact with the portion, the number of the fixing plates 22 that cause the tongue piece 22A to abut against the engaging portions 23B and 23C and generate resistance depends on the rotation angle. Since the damper force can be changed according to the opening / closing angle, a damper device capable of various opening / closing operations can be obtained with a simple configuration.

  Further, by elastically contacting the spring 27 with the movable plate 25, resistance caused by friction between both ends of the spring 27 and the like while the tongue piece portion 22A of the fixed plate 22 is not in contact with the engaging portions 23B and 23C of the guide member 23. Therefore, a quick opening / closing operation can be performed.

  In the above description, the operation for opening the movable casing 12 has been mainly described. However, the same effect can be obtained when the movable casing 12 is closed, and various hinge devices can be obtained. By changing the shape of the engaging portion of the guide member 23 in accordance with the opening / closing force and changing the damper force, the opening / closing operation can be performed at various speeds according to the opening / closing angle.

  In the above description, by applying a high-viscosity lubricant between the plurality of fixed plates 22 and the movable plate 25, resistance in the opening / closing direction, that is, a damper force is generated between the fixed plate 22 and the movable plate 25. However, the present invention may be applied to a structure in which a relatively high viscosity material such as polyoxymethylene or a lubricant-impregnated material is used for the fixed plate 22 and the movable plate 25, and these are directly elastically contacted. Is possible.

  Furthermore, the fixed case 21 is fixed to the fixed casing 11 and the cover 26 having the movable shaft 24 locked to the movable casing 12 is fixed, but conversely, the movable shaft is fixed to the fixed casing 11. It is good also as a structure which fixes the fixed case 21 to the movable housing | casing 12 with the cover 26 to which 24 was latched.

  The damper device according to the present invention can be obtained with a simple configuration and capable of various opening and closing operations, and is useful as a damper device used in various electronic devices.

Sectional drawing of the damper apparatus by one embodiment of this invention Exploded perspective view Perspective view of the mobile phone Partial perspective view Perspective view of the guide member Sectional view of a conventional damper device Exploded perspective view Perspective view of the mobile phone

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Fixed housing | casing 11A Operation part 11B Audio | voice input part 12 Movable housing | casing 12A Display part 12B Audio | voice output part 13 Hinge apparatus 21 Fixed case 21A Groove part 22 Fixing plate 22A Tongue piece part 23 Guide member 23A Protrusion part 23B, 23C 23D, 23E, 23F Engagement part 24 Movable shaft 25 Movable plate 25A Square hole part 26 Cover 26A Recessed part 27 Spring 28 Retaining ring 30 Damper device

Claims (2)

A substantially cylindrical fixed case, a plurality of fixed plates housed in the fixed case, a movable shaft rotatably inserted in the fixed case, and a movable shaft mounted on the movable shaft so as to be movable in the axial direction. A substantially cylindrical guide member comprising a plurality of movable plates and a spring that elastically contacts the fixed plate and the movable plate, and having at least one stepped or inclined engaging portion in the axial direction of the outer periphery. A damper device that is mounted in a fixed case and provided with a tongue piece that protrudes outwardly in contact with the engaging portion of the guide member on the fixed plate according to the rotation of the movable shaft . The damper device according to claim 1, wherein the spring is elastically contacted with the movable plate.

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