KR100740861B1 - Radio telephone with open and closed key pad at both sides of display panel and hinge device for use in radio telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hinge device for coupling the first unit and the second unit so that the first unit and the first unit superimposed on each other with respect to a generally flat surface rotate relative to a rotation axis generally perpendicular to the reference plane. The hinge device may include a first connection member connected to the first unit, a second connection unit connected to the second unit, and rotatably coupled about the rotation axis and the first connection member. And a second connecting member rotating between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, and an elastic member providing a rotational force to the second connecting member, wherein the second connecting member is formed in the first rotational position or the first rotational position. 2 When in the rotational position, apply a force in a direction to suppress the rotation to the opposite rotational position respectively.

Mobile phone, keypad, first connection member, second connection member, elastic member

Description

RADIO TELEPHONE WITH OPEN AND CLOSED KEY PAD AT BOTH SIDES OF DISPLAY PANEL AND HINGE DEVICE FOR USE IN RADIO TELEPHONE}

Figure 1a is a perspective view of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a closed state

Fig. 1B is a plan view of the mobile telephone of Fig. 1A, showing an open state.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hinge device according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted to the mobile phone of Figure 1b

Figure 3 is a plan view of the hinge device of Figure 2

Fig. 4A is a cross sectional view showing the state of the hinge device when the cellular phone is in the state of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 4B is a cross sectional view showing the state of the hinge device when the cellular phone is in the state of Fig. 1B;

Figure 5a is an exploded perspective view of the hinge device of Figure 2

Fig. 5B shows the state of the hinge device when the cellular phone is half open.

6a to 6c are plan views of the hinge device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and are shown in operation steps.

7A to 7C are plan views of hinge devices according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 7A taken along line A-B-C. FIG.

9A to 9C are plan views of hinge devices according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 9 taken along line A-B-C. FIG.

11A and 11B are perspective views of a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

12A and 12B are cross-sectional views of the hinge device shown in FIG. 11A taken along the lines A-A 'and B-B', respectively.

Figure 13 is a plan view with the cover removed showing the inside of the first connecting member of the hinge device shown in Figure 11a;

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the inside of the second connecting member of the hinge device shown in FIG. 11A;

15A to 15C are plan views showing the hinge device shown in FIG. 12A according to operation stages. The cover of the coupling ring and the first connection member is removed.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: mobile phone 20: hinge device

30: first connecting member 40: second connecting member

50: elastic member 80: first case unit

90: second case unit

The present invention relates to a portable device such as a mobile phone and a hinge device mounted to the portable device.

Portable devices such as mobile phones have a keypad with a plurality of buttons and a liquid crystal display for providing a screen. When a small liquid crystal display is used, a keypad and a liquid crystal display are provided together in one case unit. However, when a larger liquid crystal display is used, it is not appropriate that the keypad and the liquid crystal display are provided together in one case unit as described above. This is because the area of the mobile phone becomes wider and the mobile becomes inconvenient. Recently, a keypad or a liquid crystal display has been used, and a folding type or a slide type mobile phone having two case units that can be stacked on top of each other is used for convenience in carrying a larger liquid crystal display. It is very inconvenient to use both hands because the keypad part is narrow and the buttons are concentrated in one place when writing a text message or playing a mobile game using a conventional clamshell or slide type mobile phone.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable device such as a mobile phone having a structure suitable for using both hands when using a keypad. It is also to provide a hinge device suitable for joining two units of a portable device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge device that provides rotational force to two units of a portable device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge device for limiting the relative rotation of the two units of the portable device to a certain angle.

According to one aspect of the invention,

A hinge device for coupling the first unit and the second unit such that the first unit and the second unit superimposed on each other based on a flat surface rotate relative to a rotation axis generally perpendicular to the reference plane.

A first connection member connected to the first unit,

A second connection member connected to the second unit and rotatably coupled about the first connection member and the rotation axis, and rotating between a first rotational position and a second rotational position with respect to the first connection member;

It includes an elastic member for providing a rotational force so that the second connection member can rotate about the rotation axis with respect to the first connection member,

The elastic member provides a force in a direction of suppressing rotation toward the second rotational position when the second connection member is in the first rotational position, and when the second connection member is in the second rotational position. A hinge device is provided that provides a force in a direction of inhibiting rotation toward a first rotational position.

In the hinge device, further comprising a third rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, wherein the elastic member has a rotational position of the second connection member is the first rotational position and the third rotational position Force the second connecting member to move to the first rotational position when the second connecting member is moved, and when the rotational position of the second connecting member is between the third and second rotational positions, Force may be applied to move to the second rotational position.

In the hinge device, the elastic member is a wire rod and the second connection member may be provided with a contact portion which contacts the elastic member and deforms the elastic member as it rotates about the rotation axis.

In the hinge device, the two elastic members are positioned to be mutually symmetric with each other, and as the second connecting member rotates, the two elastic members may be opened or narrowed with each other by the contact portion.

In the hinge device, the two elastic members may have a curved portion in contact with the contact portion of the second connection member.

In the hinge device, the curved portions of the two elastic members may be formed to move away from each other toward the center.

In the hinge device, the curved portions of the two elastic members may be formed closer to each other toward the center.

In the hinge device, the elastic member may be a torsion spring.

In the hinge device, two elastic members may be provided symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis, and both ends of the elastic members may be coupled to the first connection member and the second connection member, respectively.

In the hinge device, the elastic member includes a coil portion and two straight portions extending from the coil portion, and the second connection member protrudes about the rotation axis and the outer surface is formed with two straight portions of the elastic member. It may have a protrusion to inscribe.

In the hinge apparatus, an outer surface of the protrusion of the second connection member inscribed with the elastic member may include a corner and a flat flat portion extending to both sides from the corner.

In the hinge device, the outer surface of the protrusion of the second connecting member may have a square shape.

In the hinge device, two elastic members may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis so that each straight portion of the two elastic members may have a square shape.

In the hinge device, ends of two straight portions of the elastic member may be coupled to the first connection member.

In the hinge device, the coil part of the elastic member may be coupled to the first connection member.

According to another aspect of the invention,

A first unit having a surface provided with keypads on both sides thereof,
A second unit coupled to the first unit such that the keypad of the first unit is superimposed on a surface on which the keypad is provided;

The second unit is perpendicular to the surface on which the keypad of the first unit is provided with respect to the first unit, and is rotatable about a rotation axis passing between the keypads on both sides of the first unit,

According to a rotational position of the second unit, both keypads of the first unit are closed by the second unit, and both keypads of the first unit are exposed on both sides of the second unit. A portable device can be provided which forms an open state.

In the portable device, the second unit may be provided with a liquid crystal display.

The portable device may further include a hinge device for coupling the first unit and the second unit such that the second unit rotates about the rotation axis with respect to the first unit.

According to another aspect of the invention,
A first unit having a surface with keypads provided on both sides thereof, and a second unit coupled with the first unit to be superimposed on a surface with the keypad of the first unit, wherein the second unit is provided with the first unit A method of operating a portable device in which the keypad of the first unit is perpendicular to the plane on which the keypad of the first unit is provided, and which is rotatable about a rotation axis passing between the keypads on both sides of the first unit,
In a closed state in which both keypads of the first unit are covered by the second unit, applying an external rotational force to the second unit to rotate about the rotation axis with respect to the first unit;

A method of operating a portable device is provided, comprising the step of exposing both keypads of the first unit to both sides with the second unit therebetween.

delete

delete

The method of operating the portable device may further include removing the rotational force after the rotating step, and automatically rotating the second unit with respect to the first unit.

The method of operating the portable device may further include the step of automatically rotating the second unit with respect to the first unit and stopping at a predetermined position.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1A and 1B, the cellular phone 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention overlaps the first case unit 80 and the second case unit 90 that are stacked together by the hinge device 20. Equipped. The first case unit 80 and the second case unit 90 have a substantially rectangular shape of the same size. The first case unit 80 and the second case unit 90 are coupled by the hinge device 20 to rotate relative to each other at the center portion. The first keypad 83 and the second keypad 84 are provided at both sides of the first case unit 80 in the longitudinal direction of the surface 82 facing the second case unit 90. The liquid crystal display 94 is provided on the surface 92 opposite to the surface of the second case unit 90 that faces the first case unit 90.

Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2 to 5A, the hinge device 20 includes a first connection member 30 connected to the first case unit 80 of the mobile phone 10, and a first connection member of the mobile phone 10. 2, the second connecting member 40 connected to the case unit 90, two elastic members 50, a washer 60, and a coupling ring 70 are provided. The first connection member 30 includes a rectangular base plate 32 coupled to the first case unit 80, and a pillar 34 provided at the center of the base plate 32. The center line of the circular column 34 becomes the rotation axis 100. Four corner portions of the base plate 32 is provided with a catching portion 36 provided with receiving grooves, respectively, to which both ends of the two elastic members 50 described later are provided. The base plate 32 is provided with first and second protrusions 37 and 38 protruding to limit rotation of the second connection member 40. The two protrusions 37 and 38 are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis 100. The two protrusions 37 and 38 are caught by the locking grooves 46, 47, 48, and 49 of the second connection member 40 to be described later to prevent rotation of the second connection member 40. The washer 60 is fitted to the pillar 34 to be in contact with the base plate 32. The pillar 34 is provided with a through hole 341 formed along the rotation axis 100. A conductive wire (not shown) for electrically connecting the first case unit 80 and the second case unit 90 of the cellular phone 10 may pass through the through hole 341. An annular groove 342 is provided at the upper side of the pillar 34. The groove 342 is coupled to the coupling ring 70 to prevent the separation of the second connecting member 40 fitted to the pillar 34.

The second connection member 40 is a '+' type coupling plate 42 coupled to the second case unit 90 of the mobile phone 10, and the coupling plate 42 of the first connection member 30. On the side facing the base plate 32 is provided with a projection 44 protruding low in a square. The protrusion 44 is provided with four first, second, third, and fourth locking grooves 46, 47, 48, and 49 provided at intervals of 90 degrees on the concentric circles. The entrances of the first locking grooves 46 and the second locking grooves 47 face each other, and the entrances of the third locking grooves 48 and the fourth locking grooves 49 face each other. A 90 degree gap is provided between the engaging grooves facing each other. An arc-shaped first track 451 is formed between the first locking groove 46 and the second locking groove 47 in which the first protrusion 37 of the first connecting member 30 is positioned. An arc-shaped second track 452 is formed between the locking groove 48 and the fourth locking groove 49 in which the second protrusion 38 of the first connection member 30 is positioned.

The passage 41 is provided at the center of the second connection member 40. The column 41 of the first connecting member 30 is fitted into the passage 41 so that the second connecting member 40 is rotatable about the rotation axis 100. The second connection member 40 includes first, second, third and fourth locking grooves 46, 47, 48, and 49 and first and second protrusions 37 and 38 of the first connection member 30. By the interaction of can be rotated up to 90 degrees.

The two elastic members 50 have the same shape, and each has a locking straight portion 52 at both ends and a curved portion 54 having a circular arc shape in the middle. The locking straight portion 52 is inserted into and caught in the receiving groove of the locking portion 36 of the base plate 32. The two elastic members 50 are positioned to be symmetrical line symmetry with each other, and the center round curved portion 54 is arranged to form a round curve while moving away from each other. Four corner portions 441, 442, 443, 444, and 444 of the protruding portion 44 of the second connecting member 40 are in contact with the rounded curved portion 54. The two elastic members 50 surround the protrusion 44 of the second connection member 40 and apply a force in a direction of suppressing each other from opening. As a result, the position of the corners 441, 442, 443, and 444 contacting the elastic member 50 is changed according to the rotational position of the second connection member 40, and thus the two elastic members 50 are opened or narrowed. Therefore, if sufficient rotational force is not applied from the outside, the second connection member 40 is suppressed from rotating in the state where the two elastic members 50 are narrowest to each other.

1A, 1B, 4A, and 4B, the operation of the cellular phone and the hinge device according to the embodiment will now be described in detail. First, referring to FIG. 1A, the first case unit 80 and the second case unit 90 of the cellular phone 10 are in a closed state in which their shapes overlap each other. In this state, the keypad provided in the first case unit 80 is not exposed, and the liquid crystal display 94 of the second case unit 90 is exposed. The state of the hinge device at this time is shown in Fig. 4A. Referring to FIG. 4A, the mobile phone 10 is stably maintained in a closed state by two elastic members 50 that apply a force to the second connection member 40. In the state of FIG. 1A, when the second case unit 90 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (in the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 4A, by the interaction of the projections 37 and 38 and the locking grooves 46 and 48, The second case unit 90 is rotated by 90 degrees to be opened as shown in FIG. 1B. Referring to FIG. 1B showing the case units 80 and 90 in this state, the first and second keypads 83 and 84 of the first case unit 80 are respectively the liquid crystal display of the second case unit 90. (94) are exposed on both sides. Those skilled in the art can configure the first and second keypads 83 and 84 to include a direction button or a numeric button so that a user can press a button displayed in this exposure state or make a game using both hands. If you can understand. The state of the hinge device at this time is shown in Fig. 4B. Referring to FIG. 4B, the mobile phone 10 is stably maintained in an open state by two elastic members 50 exerting a force on the second connection member 40. The second connection member 40 is further restricted by rotation of the protrusions 37 and 38 and the locking projections 47 and 49. On the other hand, the corners 441, 442, 443, 444 return while touching the intermediate arc-shaped curved portion 54 of the elastic member 50 while rotating 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 4A to the state shown in FIG. 4B. . During the initial constant section acts as a gap between both elastic members (50). On the other hand, after 45 degrees rotation (state shown in Figure 5b) will be understood by those skilled in the art that the restoring force of the elastic member 50 is automatically rotated without applying an external force by pushing the corner (441, 442, 443, 444) .

6a to 6c show a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6A, the hinge device 20a excludes a configuration in which two elastic members 50a are torsion springs and a portion fixing the two elastic members 50a when compared to the hinge device 20 of FIG. 5A. Is the same configuration. Both sides of the two elastic members 50a are connected to the first connecting member 30a and the second connecting member 40a, respectively, to provide rotational force between the first connecting member 30a and the second connecting member 40a. As shown in FIG. 6B, the rotational force by the two elastic members 50a acts in opposite directions with respect to the first connection member 30a with the second connection member 40a rotated about halfway.

Now, the operation of the hinge apparatus according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 6A to 6C. Referring to Fig. 6A, the second connecting member 40a is suppressed from rotating in the direction of the arrow by the two elastic members 50a. In this state, the cellular phone 10 is closed as shown in Fig. 1A. This is because the force acts to open the torsion spring. In this state, when a sufficient rotational force is applied from the outside to open the mobile phone, the second connecting member 40a of the hinge device 20a overcomes the force of the elastic member 50a and moves in the direction of the arrow with respect to the first connecting member 30a. Rotate and place in the state of Figure 6b. If the external rotational force is removed before the state of FIG. 6B, the second connection member 40a automatically returns to the state shown in FIG. 6A by the rotational force provided by the elastic member 50a. In the state of FIG. 6B, when the mobile phone is further rotated in the opening direction, the direction of the rotational force provided by the elastic member 50a to the second connection member 40a is changed so that the second connection member 40a is arrowed to open the mobile phone. Direction, the second connecting member 40a is rotated about 90 degrees from the state of FIG. 6A as shown in FIG. 6C. Referring to Fig. 6C, the second connecting member 40a is suppressed from rotating in the direction in which the cellular phone is closed by the elastic member 50a. Other operations are the same as the operation of the hinge device of Figure 5a, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

7a to 7c and 8 show a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 7A and 8, the hinge device 20b includes a first connecting member 30b, a second connecting member 40b, two elastic members 50b, and a coupling ring 70b. The first connection member 30b is provided to protrude in the same direction as the side wall 31b in the center of the base plate 32b, the side wall 31b protruding from the base plate 32b, and the base plate 32b. It has a circular coupling column 34b. The center line of the coupling column 34b becomes the rotation axis 100b. The end of the coupling column 34b is extended outward by a machining such as caulking to prevent the coupling ring 70b from being separated. In the base plate 32b, two locking pillars 36b protruding in the same direction as the coupling pillar 34b are located close to the side wall 31b. The two locking pillars 36b are positioned to be symmetrical with respect to the coupling pillar 34b. Inside the two locking pillars 36b, a screw hole 361b penetrating in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 100b is provided. Although not shown, a screw is inserted through the screw hole 361b to couple the first connection member 30b and the first case unit (80 in FIG. 1A) of the cellular phone (10 in FIG. 1A). The ends of the two elastic members 50b are preferably caught in the two locking pillars 36b by applying a force to the locking pillars. In addition, both ends 411b and 412b of the first opening part 41b of the second connecting member 40b and two ends 431b and 432b of the second opening part 43b are caught by the two locking pillars 36b. The rotation of the second connecting member 40b relative to the first connecting member 30b is limited within a certain angle.

The second connection member 40b is a circular coupling plate 42b coupled to the second case unit 90 of the mobile telephone 10 shown in Fig. 1A, and the first connection member at the center of the coupling plate 42b. On the surface facing the base plate 32b of 30b, it is provided with the projection 44b which protruded low squarely. A hole is drilled in the center of the protrusion 44b so that the coupling pillar 34b of the first connection member 30b is rotatably inserted to allow relative rotation. The four corners 441b, 442b, 443b, and 444b of the protrusion 44b are rounded. Four sides 445b, 446b, 447b, and 448b or four corners 441b, 442b, 443b, and 444b of the protrusion 44b are in contact with each of the straight portions 54b of the two elastic members 50b described later. The coupling plate 42b is provided with four screw holes 421b provided along the circumferential direction. Although not shown, a screw is inserted through the screw hole 421b to couple the second connection member 40b to the second case unit 90 of the mobile phone 10 shown in FIG. 1A. An edge portion of the coupling plate 42b is provided with arc-shaped first and second opening portions 41b and 43b provided symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis 100b. Ends of the two locking pillars 36b of the first connecting member 30b are exposed through the first and second openings 41b and 43b, and both ends of the first and second openings 41b and 43b in the circumferential direction. Two locking pillars 36b are caught by 411b, 413b, 431b, and 432b, respectively. The first and second opening portions 41b and 43b are formed to be larger by the diameter of the locking pillar 36b than 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. By doing so, the second connecting member 40b is limited to rotate only by 90 degrees with respect to the first connecting member 30b.

The two elastic members 50b are torsion springs having the same shape, and include a coil portion 52b and two straight portions 54b extending from the coil portion 52b. The end of each straight portion 54b is bent roundly and is wrapped around a part of the outer surface of the two locking pillars 36b of the first connecting member 30b. Each of the straight portions 54b of the two elastic members 50b generally has a square shape and is in contact with the protrusion 44b of the second connection member 40b.

Now, the operation of the hinge apparatus according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C. Referring to FIG. 7A, four side surfaces 445b, 446b, 447b, and 448b of the protrusion 44b of the second connecting member 40b are in contact with each of the straight portions 54b of the two elastic members 50b. In addition, the two locking pillars 36b of the first connecting member 30b are in contact with the one circumferential side ends 412b and 432b of the first and second openings 41b and 43b of the second connecting member 40b, respectively. have. In this state, the second connection member 40b can be rotated only on one side indicated in the direction of the arrow in the drawing about the rotation axis 100b with respect to the first connection member 30b. This means that the two end portions 412b and 432b of the first and second opening portions 41b and 43b of the two coupling plates 42b of the second connecting member 40b are caught by the two hooking pillars 36b. This is because the rotation of the second connection member 40b is limited. In addition, sufficient external force must be applied to rotate the second connection member 40b in the direction of the arrow. This is because the four corners 441b, 442b, 443b, and 444b of the protrusion 44b come into contact with each of the straight portions 54b of the two elastic members 50b as the second connecting member 40b rotates. 54b).

A state in which the second connecting member 40b is rotated 45 degrees with respect to the first connecting member 30b is illustrated in FIG. 7B. 7B is a neutral state where the four corners 441b, 442b, 443b, and 444b of the protrusion 44b of the second connecting member 40b are in contact with each of the straight portions 54b of the two elastic members 50b. The two straight portions 54b are opened as far as possible. Rotation from the state shown in Fig. 7A to the state shown in Fig. 7B is made by an external force. If the external force is removed before the state shown in FIG. 7B, the protrusion 44b automatically rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow by the force of the two elastic members 50b and returns to the state of FIG. 7A. If the protrusion 44b rotates slightly further in the direction of the arrow by applying an external force in the state of FIG. 7B, the protrusion 44b automatically rotates in the direction of the arrow by the force of the two elastic members 50b, and FIG. As shown in the figure, the state is rotated by 90 degrees. Referring to FIG. 7C, four side surfaces 445b, 446b, 447b, and 448b of the protrusion 44b of the second connection member 40b are in contact with each of the straight portions 54b of the two elastic members 50b, respectively. In addition, the two locking pillars 36b of the first connecting member 30b are in contact with the one circumferential side ends 411b and 431b of the first and second opening portions 41b and 43b of the second connecting member 40b, respectively. have. In this state, the second connecting member 40b can no longer rotate in the direction of the arrow in the drawing about the rotation axis 100b with respect to the first connecting member 30b.

9A to 9C and 10 illustrate a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 9A and 10, the hinge device 20c includes a first connecting member 30c, a second connecting member 40c, two elastic members 50c, and a coupling ring 70c. The two elastic members 50c have a coil portion 52c and two straight portions 54c as torsion springs. Each coil portion 52c of the two elastic members 50c is fitted to the locking pillar 36c of the first connecting member 30c. Each straight portion 54c of the two elastic members 50c has four sides 445c, 446c, 447c, and 448c or four corners 441c, 442c, 443c, and 444c of the protrusion 44c of the second connecting member 40c. Touch The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the hinge device of the embodiment shown in Figs. 7A to 8, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Now, the operation of the hinge device according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 9A to 9C. As shown in Figs. 9A to 9C, the four corners 441c, 442c, 443c, and 444c of the protrusion 44c are caught by the locking projection 36c by the rotation of the second connection member 40c. The operation is the same as the hinge device of the embodiment shown in Figs. 7A to 7C except that the straight portion 54c of the elastic member 50c is opened with the coil portion 52c of the center as the center. Is omitted.

11A to 15C show a hinge device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 11A to 14, the hinge device 20d includes a first connecting member 30d, a second connecting member 40d, two elastic members 50d, and a coupling ring 70d. . 11A to 13, the first connecting member 30d includes a main body 31d and a lid 39d covering the main body 31d. The main body 31d has a disk shape and is provided with a fine accommodation space 38d therein to accommodate the two elastic members 50d therein. A coupling pillar 34d having a through hole 341d is provided in the center of the accommodation space 38d, and the coupling ring 70d is fitted to the end of the coupling pillar 34d at the final stage of assembly. Engaging protrusions 61d and 62d protrude from both root sides of the coupling pillar 34d, respectively. The first contact portion 41d and the second contact portion 43d of the second connection member 40d described later are hit by the circumferential ends 611d, 612d, 621d, and 622d of the engaging projections 61d and 62d. In the accommodation space 38d, four pairs of coupling pillars to which the engaging portions 54d of the two elastic members 50d to be described later are fitted are located. Each coupling column pair has adjacent first and second coupling columns 35d and 36d.

The lid 39d has a generally annular shape in which a circular hole (size enough to rotate the projections 41d, 43d, 45d, 47d by inserting the second connection member 40d) is formed in the center thereof. It covers the receiving space 38d of 31d). 37 d of screw holes are provided in the edge part of the cover 39d and the main body 31d. Although not shown, the first connection member 30d and the mobile phone 10 as shown in FIG. 1A are screwed through the screw hole 37d and fastened to the first case unit (80 in FIG. 1A). The first case unit 80 of the is coupled.

11A to 12B and 14, the second connection member 40d includes a circular coupling plate 42d coupled to the second case unit 90 of the cellular phone 10 shown in FIG. 1A, and The first contact portion 41d, the first screw hole column 45d, the second contact portion 43d, and the second screw hole column which protrude so as to be arranged at equal intervals in sequence along the circumferential direction on the coupling plate 42d. 47d is provided. A passage 421d is provided in the center portion of the coupling plate 42d. The coupling column 34d of the first connecting member 30d is inserted into the passage 421d so that the second connecting member 40d is rotatable while being guided with respect to the rotation axis 100d. The first contact portion 41d and the second contact portion 41d are symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis 100d and extend radially outward from the central passage 421d side. The radial ends of the first contact portion 41d and the second contact portion 43d are rounded to contact the curved portions 52d of the two elastic members 50d described later. In the rotation between the first connecting member 30d and the second connecting member 40d, the first contacting portion 41d and the second contacting portion 43d are respectively provided to the two engaging protrusions 61d and 62d of the first connecting member 30d. Can take This limits the range of rotation. Screw holes 411d and 431d are provided in the first contact portion 41d and the second contact portion 42d, respectively. The first screw hole column 45d and the second screw hole column 47d have a cylindrical shape, and screw holes 451d and 471d are provided in the center thereof. The first and second threaded pillars 45d and 47d are located radially outward from the two locking projections 61d and 62d of the first connecting member 30d, so that the two locking projections are rotated when the second connecting member 40d rotates. No interference with (61d, 62d). Although not shown, a screw is fitted through the first and second contact portions 41d and 43d and the screw holes 411d, 431d, 451d and 471d of the first and second screw hole columns 45d and 47d to connect the second connection. The member 40d and the second case unit 90 of the cellular phone 10 as shown in Fig. 1A are combined.

Referring to Fig. 13, the two elastic members 50d have the same shape, and each has a locking portion 54d at both ends and a curved portion 52d having a circular arc shape in the middle. The engaging portion 54d is formed by bending one side from the curved portion 52d and extending slightly to the other side. As described above, the locking portion 54d is bent twice from the curved portion 52d and includes the first curved portion 541d and the second curved portion 542d that are sequentially formed from the curved portion 52d side. The inner part of the first bent part 541d and the inner part of the second bent part 542d are caught by surrounding two adjacent engaging columns 35d and 36d, respectively. Each curved portion 52d of the two elastic members 50d gets closer to each other in the middle. Each curved portion 52d of the two elastic members 50d is in contact with an arc of the radially end portions of the first and second contact portions 41d and 43d of the second connecting member 40d, and is connected to the second connecting member 40d. Provides torque

Now, the operation of the hinge apparatus according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C. 15A to 15C are plan views showing the hinge device shown in FIG. 12A according to the operation stages. The coupling ring (70d in FIG. 12A) and the cover (39d in FIG. 12A) of the first connecting member 30d are removed and the first embodiment is shown. 2 is shown by the dotted line in the shape of the coupling plate (42d) in the connecting member (40d). Referring to Fig. 15A, the second connecting member 40d is prevented from rotating in the direction of the arrow by the two elastic members 50d, and cannot rotate in the direction opposite to the arrow. This is because the first and second contact portions 41d and 43d of the second connecting member 40d are in contact with the radial one end 611d and 621d of the two engaging protrusions 61d and 62d of the first connecting member 30d, respectively. Because there is. In this state, the cellular phone 10 is closed as shown in Fig. 1A. In this state, when a sufficient rotational force is applied from the outside to open the cellular phone, the second connection member 40d of the hinge device 20d opens the curved portion 52d of the two elastic members 50d and the first connection member 30d. ) Rotates in the direction of the arrow, and is placed in the state of FIG. 15B. If the external rotational force is removed before the state of Fig. 15B, the second connection member 40d automatically returns to the state shown in Fig. 5A by the force of the two curved portions 52d of the elastic member 50d to narrow each other. I will go. If the mobile phone is further rotated in the state shown in Fig. 15B, the force of narrowing the two curved portions 52d of the elastic member 50d to each other acts to automatically rotate the second connection member 40d in the direction of the arrow. Done. Therefore, the second connection member 40d automatically rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the second connection member 40d is rotated 90 degrees from the state of FIG. 15A as shown in FIG. 15C. Referring to Fig. 15C, the two contact portions 41d and 43d of the second connecting member 40d are respectively provided at radial one ends 612d and 622d of the two engaging protrusions 61d and 62d of the first connecting member 30d, respectively. In contact with the second connecting member 40d can no longer rotate in the direction of the arrow. Further, the second connecting member 40d is suppressed from rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow by the two elastic members 50d.

According to the configuration of the present invention can achieve all the objects of the present invention described above. Specifically, according to the configuration of the present invention, the keypad is disposed on both sides of the liquid crystal display when the keypad is exposed. Therefore, both hands can be used conveniently, and services such as text messages and mobile games can be used more conveniently. In addition, since the hinge member is provided with an elastic member for providing rotational force, it is kept stable in the fully closed or open state, and rotates to open in the fully closed state or rotates to close in the fully open state. Rotating with an external force by a preset angle automatically opens or closes afterwards. In the fully closed or open state, the rotation is limited to a certain range so that no rotation is possible without the external force.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and that such modifications and variations also fall within the present invention.

Claims (22)

A hinge device for coupling the first unit and the second unit so that the first unit and the second unit superimposed on each other based on a flat surface rotate relative to a rotation axis perpendicular to the reference plane. A first connection member connected to the first unit, A second connection member connected to the second unit and rotatably coupled about the first connection member and the rotation axis, and rotating between a first rotational position and a second rotational position with respect to the first connection member; It includes an elastic member for providing a rotational force so that the second connection member can rotate about the rotation axis with respect to the first connection member, The elastic member provides a force in a direction of suppressing rotation toward the second rotational position when the second connection member is in the first rotational position, and when the second connection member is in the second rotational position. A hinge device that provides a force in a direction of suppressing rotation toward the first rotational position. The hinge device of claim 1, further comprising a third rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, wherein the elastic member has a rotational position of the second connection member in the first rotational position and the third rotational position. A force is applied to move the second connecting member to the first rotational position between the rotational positions, and the second connection member when the rotational position of the second connecting member is between the third and second rotational positions. Hing apparatus for applying a force to move to the second rotation position. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a wire rod and the second connection member is in contact with the elastic member and has a contact portion that deforms the elastic member as it rotates about the rotation axis. The hinge device of claim 3, wherein the two elastic members are positioned to be mutually symmetrical with each other, and the two elastic members are opened or narrowed by the contact portion as the second connection member rotates. The hinge device of claim 4, wherein the two elastic members have a curved portion contacting the contact portion of the second connection member. The hinge device of claim 5, wherein the curved portions of the two elastic members move away from each other toward the center of the hinge device. The hinge device of claim 5, wherein the curved portions of the two elastic members are closer to each other toward the center portion. The hinge device of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a torsion spring. The hinge device of claim 8, wherein two elastic members are provided symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis, and both ends of the elastic members are coupled to the first connection member and the second connection member, respectively. The hinge device of claim 8, wherein the elastic member includes a coil portion and two straight portions extending from the coil portion, the second connection member protrudes about the rotation axis, and an outer surface of the hinge member includes two straight portions of the elastic member. A hinge device having a protrusion in contact with the portion. The hinge device of claim 10, wherein an outer surface of the protrusion of the second connection member inscribed with the elastic member includes a corner and a flat flat portion extending from the corner to both sides. The hinge device according to claim 11, wherein the outer surface of the protrusion of the second connection member has a square shape. The hinge device according to claim 12, wherein two elastic members are disposed symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis such that each straight portion of the two elastic members has a square shape. The hinge device of claim 10, wherein ends of two straight portions of the elastic member are coupled to the first connection member. The hinge device of claim 10, wherein the coil part of the elastic member is coupled to the first connection member. delete delete delete A first unit having a surface provided with keypads on both sides thereof, A second unit coupled to the first unit such that the keypad of the first unit is superimposed on the provided surface; A hinge device for coupling the two units such that the second unit rotates about a rotation axis with respect to the first unit, The axis of rotation is perpendicular to the surface on which the keypad of the first unit is provided and passes between both keypads of the first unit, According to a rotational position of the second unit, both keypads of the first unit are closed by the second unit, and both keypads of the first unit are exposed on both sides of the second unit. Form an open state, The hinge device A first connection member connected to the first unit, A second connection member connected to the second unit and rotatably coupled about the first connection member and the rotation axis, and rotating between a first rotational position and a second rotational position with respect to the first connection member; It includes an elastic member for providing a rotational force so that the second connection member can rotate about the rotation axis with respect to the first connection member, The elastic member provides a force in a direction of suppressing rotation toward the second rotational position when the second connection member is in the first rotational position, and the first connection member when the second connection member is in the second rotational position. 1 A portable device that provides a force in a direction to suppress rotation toward a rotational position. delete A first unit having a surface with keypads provided on both sides thereof, and a second unit coupled with the first unit to be superimposed on a surface with the keypad of the first unit, wherein the second unit is provided with the first unit A method of operating a portable device in which the keypad of the first unit is perpendicular to the plane on which the keypad of the first unit is provided, and which is rotatable about a rotation axis passing between the keypads on both sides of the first unit, In a closed state in which both keypads of the first unit are covered by the second unit, applying an external rotational force to the second unit to rotate about the rotation axis with respect to the first unit; Removing the rotational force, The second unit automatically rotating relative to the first unit, And exposing keypads on both sides of the first unit to both sides with the second unit therebetween. 22. The method of operating a portable device of claim 21, further comprising the step of automatically rotating the second unit relative to the first unit and stopping at a predetermined position.

Images