KR101521936B1 - Hinge module and portable eletronic device having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hinge unit comprising a first hinge unit, a second hinge unit connected to the first hinge unit, and a second hinge unit that rotates one of the first and second hinge units in any rotation range and fixes the other, A hinge module including a hinge module including one of the hinge module and the other hinge module, and the rotation control part configured to rotate the other hinge module and the hinge module.

Description

[0001] HINGE MODULE AND PORTABLE ELETRONIC DEVICE HAVING THE SAME [0002]

The present invention relates to a portable electronic device having a fastening unit for fastening a speaker module and a case.

A portable electronic device refers to a device having at least one of a function of inputting / outputting information, a function of storing data, and a function of voice and video call while being portable.

Such a portable electronic device is implemented by a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), and navigation.

Recently, as the functions of portable electronic devices have diversified, various new attempts have been made in terms of hardware or software. For example, a user interface environment is provided for a user to easily and conveniently search for or select a function.

In addition to the above attempts, it may be considered to further improve the functions of the hardware and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a hinge module and a portable electronic device having the hinge module that implement a mechanism different from the conventional one.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge module in which a display is more stably rotated and a portable electronic device having the hinge module.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge unit including a first hinge unit, a second hinge unit connected to the first hinge unit, and a second hinge unit connected to the first hinge unit, And a rotation regulating part which is formed to fix one of the first and second rotating parts in a different rotation range and to rotate the other one.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the rotation range includes first to third rotation ranges that are sequentially formed. The rotation control unit is configured to rotate the first hinge unit in the first rotation range, rotate the second rotation unit in the second rotation range, and rotate the first hinge unit in the third rotation range.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second hinge units are each formed as an axis and connected by a connecting unit. At both ends of the connection unit, first and second hinge holes into which the first and second hinge units are inserted are formed, respectively. The rotation regulating portion may include first and second insertion grooves and a fixing rod. The first and second insertion grooves are respectively formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second hinge units. The fixing rod is formed such that at least a part thereof is insertable into the insertion grooves. The stationary rod may be embedded in the connection unit. The rotation regulating portion may include an elastic unit that adds an elastic force to insert the fixing rod into the insertion grooves and is embedded in the connection unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, any one of the first and second insertion grooves is formed in a plurality of different depths, and the other one of the first and second insertion grooves is formed between the different depths Is formed at a corresponding depth. The plurality of insertion grooves may be formed so as to be sequentially deepened in one direction along the outer circumference, and to be shallow sequentially in a direction opposite to the one direction.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when the fixing rod is inserted into any one of the first and second insertion grooves, the fixing rod is arranged to be detached from the other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including an input device for receiving information for control, a display device for displaying image information, first and second bodies each having the display device and the input device, And the hinge module is formed to rotate relative to the hinge module.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the first to third rotation ranges in which the hinge modules are connected to the first and second bodies respectively or connected to the second and first bodies, respectively, and sequentially formed, And first and second hinge units for relatively rotating the second body, and a rotation adjusting unit for alternately restricting rotation of the first and second hinge units according to the order of the first to third rotation ranges.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the first to third rotation ranges include a first state in which the first body covers one side of the second body, a second state in which the first body covers the other side of the second body, . The portable electronic device may include a connection unit. The connecting unit is connected to the first and second hinge units, respectively. The connecting unit is disposed at one end of the first and second bodies so that rotation in one direction is restricted.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the control device is formed to deactivate the input device and the display device when the display device is disposed to correspond to the second rotation range. The control device may be configured to deactivate the input device and activate the display device if the display device is disposed to correspond to the third rotational range. When the second body is rotated so as to be in the second state, a menu for selecting the operation of reversing the upside and downside of the image information displayed on the display device may be displayed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a portable electronic device includes a hinge cap protruding from one surface of a second body and configured to surround the hinge module. The hinge module may be formed at one end of the first and second bodies and may include protrusions protruding from one surface of the second body in a region adjacent to the other end of the second body.

According to the hinge module of the present invention configured as described above, hinge units that are driven in respective rotation ranges are formed differently, thereby realizing a more stable hinge rotation. In addition, a portable electronic device in which the display is rotated 360 degrees sequentially is realized.

In addition, according to the present invention, as rotation of the hinge unit is alternately limited, the center of rotation of the display varies according to the rotation range, and a portable electronic apparatus having a preset setting is realized.

Further, the present invention provides a hinge module that operates symmetrically with respect to rotation in mutually opposite directions through a rotation regulating portion, and a portable electronic device having the hinge module.

Hereinafter, a portable electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role.

In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to different embodiments in the same or similar configurations. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The portable electronic device described in this specification may include a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), navigation and the like.

1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a notebook computer as an example of a portable electronic device.

The notebook computer according to the present invention includes a first body 110 and a second body 120 rotatably connected to the first body 110. [ Here, the first and second bodies 110 and 120 may be referred to as a main body of a notebook computer.

The first body 110 may be referred to as a closed configuration in which the first body 110 and the second body 120 are overlapped with each other and the first body 110 may be referred to as a second body 120 ) May be referred to as an open configuration.

Various electronic components are embedded in the internal space formed in the case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming the external appearance of the first and second bodies 110 and 120. The cases may be formed by injection molding a synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti) or the like.

The display device 111 may be disposed on the first body 110 and the input device 121 may be disposed on the second body 120.

The display device 111 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a 3D display. The display device 111 may further include a touch screen to enable information input by a user's touch.

The input device 121 is configured to receive information for controlling the notebook computer. The input device 121 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the notebook computer. Any manner can be employed if the user is in a tactile manner with a tactile impression.

The input device 121 may be implemented as a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static / static), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like. The input device 123 according to the present embodiment may include a keypad 122 arranged in the form of a QWERTY keyboard and a touchpad 123 capable of inputting information by touch.

A controller for controlling the display device 111 and the input device 121 is disposed in the first or second body 110 or 120. The control device may be implemented through a printed circuit board.

FIG. 2A is a partially enlarged view of the notebook computer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the hinge module 130 of FIG.

A hinge module 130 is disposed between the first and second bodies 110 and 120 to rotate the first and second bodies 110 and 120 relative to each other.

The hinge module 130 includes first and second hinge units 131 and 132. The first and second hinge units 131 and 132 are configured to relatively rotate the first and second bodies 110 and 120 in the first to third rotation ranges sequentially formed.

The first and second hinge units 131 and 132 are connected to the first and second bodies 110 and 120, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first and second hinge units 131 and 132 may be connected to the second and first bodies 120 and 110, respectively.

At least a part of each of the first and second hinge units 131 and 132 is formed by shafts 131a and 132a and is connected by a connection unit 133. [ Referring to this figure, the first and second hinge shafts 131a and 132a extend from one side of the bodies 131b and 132b. The bodies 131b and 132b of the first and second hinge units 131 and 132 are engaged with the bodies 110 and 120. [

First and second hinge holes 133a and 133b into which the first and second hinge units 131 and 132 are inserted are formed at both ends of the connection unit 133, respectively. As the first and second hinge shafts 131a and 132a are inserted into the hinge holes 133a and 133b, the first and second hinge units 131 and 132 are connected to rotate relative to each other.

The hinge module 130 includes a rotation regulator 140.

The rotation regulating unit 140 rotates any one of the first and second hinge units 131 and 132 in a certain rotation range and fixes the other and fixes one of them in the other rotation range, .

The rotation regulating portion 140 includes insertion grooves 141 and 142 and a fixing rod 143. [

The insertion grooves 141 and 142 include first and second insertion grooves 141 and 142 formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second hinge shafts 131a and 132a, At least a part of which is insertable into the insertion grooves 141, 142. [ Referring to this figure, a fixing rod 143 is embedded in the connection unit 133. [

The rotation regulating portion 140 includes an elastic unit 144. The elastic unit 144 adds an elastic force so that the fixed rod 143 is inserted into the insertion grooves 141 and 142 and is embedded in the connection unit 133. [

The connection unit 133 is formed such that at least a part thereof is recessed so that the elastic unit 144 and the fixing rod 143 are seated.

The elastic unit 144 may be, for example, a spring, an elastic rubber, or the like. The fixing rod 143 may be formed with a supporting plate 143a for supporting the elastic unit 144. The support plate 143a may be formed so as to intersect the axial direction of the fixed rod 143. The elastic unit 144 is disposed in a compressed state between the support plate 143a and one end of the recessed portion. The elastic unit 144 is formed to apply an elastic force to the fixing rod 143 in one direction.

When the fixing rod 143 is inserted into any one of the first and second insertion grooves 141 and 142, the fixing rod 143 is disengaged from the other. The length formed in the insertion direction of the fixing rod 143 may be equal to or shorter than the sum of the lengths of the axes 131a and 132a and the insertion grooves 141 and 142 Can be.

Hereinafter, the operation of the hinge module 130 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D. FIGS. 3A to 3D are conceptual diagrams illustrating operations of the hinge module 130 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the first body 110 of FIG.

Referring to these drawings, the rotation regulating unit 140 is formed to alternately restrict rotation of the first and second hinge units 131 and 132 according to the sequence of the first through third rotation ranges sequentially formed .

The first to third rotation ranges are defined between a first state in which the first body 110 covers one side of the second body 120 and a second state in which the first body 110 covers the other side of the second body 120 As shown in FIG. For example, the first rotation range may be such that the angle [theta] between the first and second bodies is 0 to 130 degrees, the second rotation range is 130 to 310 degrees, and the third rotation range is 310 to 360 degrees . The first state in which the rotation angle is 0 DEG is a closed state of the notebook computer and the second state in which the rotation angle is 360 DEG is a state in which the notebook computer receives a control command from the interactive graphic through the display device, ) Mode.

The rotation control unit 140 rotates the first hinge unit 131 in the first rotation range, rotates the second rotation unit 132 in the second rotation range, and rotates the first hinge unit 131 As shown in Fig.

3A shows a first state in which the fixing rod 143 is inserted into the second insertion groove 142 and presses the outer peripheral surface of the first hinge shaft 131a by the elastic unit 144. [

When the user rotates the first body 110 clockwise, the first hinge shaft 131a rotates together with the first body 110, and the second hinge shaft 132a is fixed. When the first hinge shaft 131a rotates by about 130 degrees, the first insertion groove 141 rotates to a position where the fixing rod 143 can be inserted. So that the first hinge unit 131 operates in the first rotation range.

3B shows a state where the first body 110 is rotated by 130 degrees and the fixed rod 143 is separated from the second insertion groove 142 by the elastic force of the elastic unit 144, And is inserted into the groove 141.

When the user rotates the first body 110 clockwise, the first hinge shaft 131a is fixed and the second hinge shaft 132a is rotated. When the second hinge shaft 132a rotates as the rotation of the first hinge shaft 131a is restricted within the first hinge hole, the first body 110 and the connection unit 133 together rotate together with the second hinge shaft 132a ). So that the second hinge unit 132 is operated in the second rotation range.

The control device may be configured to deactivate the input device 123 (see FIG. 1) and the display device 113 if the display device 113 is disposed to correspond to the second rotation range. This can reduce the power consumption of the notebook computer.

3C shows a state in which the first body 110 is rotated 310 DEG, FIG. 3D shows a state in which the first body is rotated 360 DEG, which is a state in which the connection unit 133 is rotated 180 DEG .

An auxiliary insertion groove 142 'may be formed in the second hinge shaft 132a. The auxiliary insertion groove 142 'is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second hinge shaft 132a on the side opposite to the second insertion groove 142. The fixing rod 143 is kept inserted into the first insertion groove 141 by the elastic force of the elastic unit 144. [

The connection unit 133 is disposed at one end of the first and second bodies 110 and 120 so that rotation in one direction is restricted. Referring to this figure, as the connection unit 133 contacts one end of the second body 120, rotation is restricted in a clockwise direction. Therefore, in the third rotation range, the first hinge shaft 131a is rotated.

The first insertion groove 141 is formed to extend counterclockwise so that the first hinge shaft 131a can rotate. The first insertion groove 141 may be formed so as to be gradually shallower in the counterclockwise direction. Through which the fixing rod 143 is gradually inserted at least partly into the auxiliary insertion groove 142 '.

The control device may be configured to deactivate the input device 121 (see FIG. 1) and activate the display device 111 if the display device 111 is disposed to correspond to the third rotation range. Thus, a malfunction that may be caused by the contact of the input device 121 with the floor surface can be prevented.

4, when the second body is rotated to be in the second state, a menu 111a for selecting an operation to invert the image information displayed on the display device 111 is displayed on the display device 111 Is displayed. For example, when the user touches the selection menu 111a, the upside and downside of the image information can be reversed, and the user convenience of the notebook computer is further improved.

The hinge module 130 and the notebook computer having the hinge module 130 described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D are also provided with the first and second hinge units 131 and 132 for the counterclockwise rotation in which the second state is switched to the first state, In turn.

Referring to these drawings, when the first body 110 is rotated counterclockwise in the second state, the first hinge unit 131 rotates in the third rotation range. In the second rotation range, the second hinge unit 132 rotates as the fixed rod 143 is disengaged from the auxiliary insertion groove 142 '. In the first rotation range, rotation of the connection unit 133 in the counterclockwise direction is restricted and the first hinge unit 131 is rotated as the first connection unit 133 contacts one end of the first body 110.

Through which hinge units 131 and 132 are alternately operated for rotation in opposite directions. In addition, the hinge module 130, which operates in the same order with respect to the reverse order of sequential operation, is implemented.

5A and 5D are conceptual diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the hinge module 230 in connection with the present invention.

One of the first and second insertion grooves 241 and 242 is formed to have a plurality of different depths and the other one of the first and second insertion grooves 241 and 242 is formed between the different depths Is formed at a corresponding depth. Referring to these figures, a plurality of second insertion grooves 242 are formed, and the plurality of insertion grooves 242a and 242b are formed to be symmetrical with respect to one surface including the axis center of the second hinge axis 232a . Hereinafter, the plurality of insertion grooves 242a and 242b are referred to as first and second plural grooves 242a and 242b.

The first and second plural grooves 242a and 242b are sequentially deepened in one direction along the outer periphery of the second hinge axis 232a and are formed so as to be sequentially shallow in the direction opposite to the one direction.

The fixed rod 243 is formed of a first rod 243a inserted into the first insertion groove 241 and a second rod 243b inserted into the second insertion groove 242. [ The elastic unit 244 is disposed between the first and second rods 243a and 243b and exerts an elastic force on the first and second rods 243a and 243b, respectively.

5A, the second rod 243b is inserted into the first plurality of grooves 242a, and the first rod 243a is in contact with the circumferential surface of the first hinge shaft 231a. So that the first hinge axis 231a rotates in the first rotation range.

5B, the first insertion groove 241 is rotated along the first body 210 and the first hinge shaft 231a. For example, when the first body 210 is rotated 130 °, 1 rod 243a is inserted into the first insertion groove 241. [ The first insertion groove 241 is formed deeper than the first plurality of grooves 242a in the clockwise direction. The second hinge shaft 232a rotates in the second rotation range and the connection unit 233 rotates relative to the second hinge shaft 232a.

5C and 5D, the second rod 243b is inserted into the second plurality of grooves 242b while the first body 210 is rotated by 310 degrees, for example. The second plurality of grooves 242b are formed deeper than the first insertion groove 241 with respect to the clockwise direction. So that the first hinge axis 231a rotates in the third rotation range.

Referring to these drawings, the first and second plural grooves 242a and 242b are formed so as to gradually become shallow with respect to the counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, even when the first body 210 rotates from the second state toward the first state, the same rotating mechanism as the above-described rotating mechanism can be realized.

6A and 6D are conceptual diagrams illustrating still another embodiment of the hinge module 330 according to the present invention.

Referring to these drawings, the angle forming the boundary of the rotation range may be 90 ° and 270 °. A plurality of first insertion grooves 341 are formed and the plurality of insertion grooves 341a and 341b are formed to be symmetrical with respect to one surface including the axis center of the first hinge axis 331a. The second hinge axis 332a rotates in the first rotation range and the connection unit 333 rotates relative to the second hinge axis 332a.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the connection unit 333 is disposed in parallel with the first body 310 in a state where the first body 310 is rotated by 90 degrees. At this time, the connection unit 333 supports the first body 310 together with the second body 320. Accordingly, even if the weight of the display device 113 (see FIG. 1) is increased, the notebook computer can maintain a stable posture.

The hinge module 230 described with reference to FIGS. 5A through 5D or the hinge module 330 described with reference to FIGS. 6A through 6D may be selected according to the design intent of the user. Whereby the change of the center of rotation of the display 113 (see FIG. 1) according to each rotation range can be preset.

7 is a side view showing a modified example of the notebook computer of Fig.

A hinge module 430 is disposed at one end of the first and second bodies 410 and 420 and a hinge cap 441 is formed to surround the hinge module 430. The hinge cap 441 protrudes from one surface of the second body 420 and may be formed of, for example, an elastic material. As shown, the hinge cap 441 may be formed to insert the connecting unit 433 therein.

The protrusion 442 protrudes from one surface of the second body 420 in a region adjacent to the other end of the second body 420. The protrusion 442 may be formed of, for example, an elastic material.

The second body 420 may be disposed on the floor with the main surface separated from the floor through the hinge cap 441 and the protrusion 442.

8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a portable electronic device related to the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a portable terminal (cellular phone) as another example of a portable electronic device, and the portable terminal includes a wireless communication module to perform a wireless communication function.

The disclosed mobile terminal is a folder type terminal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various structures such as a flip type in which two or more bodies are movably coupled.

The first and second bodies 510 and 520 of the terminal are connected by a hinge module 530 according to the invention. A hinge unit that is driven in each rotation range is formed differently, and a terminal in which the first body 510 rotates 360 degrees sequentially is realized.

The above portable electronic device is not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, but all or a part of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications may be made to the embodiments.

1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a partial enlarged view of the notebook computer shown in FIG. 1; FIG.

Figure 2b is an exploded view of the hinge module of Figure 2a;

Figures 3A-3D are conceptual diagrams illustrating operations of the hinge module of Figure 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first body of FIG. 1 is rotated through 360 °; FIG.

5A to 5D are conceptual diagrams showing another embodiment of the hinge module according to the present invention.

6A to 6D are conceptual diagrams showing still another embodiment of the hinge module according to the present invention.

7 is a side view showing a modification of the notebook computer of Fig. 1;

8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a portable electronic device related to the present invention.

Claims (17)

A first hinge unit; A second hinge unit connected to the first hinge unit; And And a rotation regulating portion that is configured to rotate either one of the first and second hinge units in any rotation range and fix the other and fix the one in the other rotation range and rotate the other one , Wherein the rotation range includes first to third rotation ranges that are sequentially formed, The rotation control unit may include: And rotates the first hinge unit in the first rotation range, rotates the second rotation unit in the second rotation range, and rotates the first hinge unit in the third rotation range. Hinge module. delete The method according to claim 1, The first and second hinge units are respectively formed as shafts and connected by a connecting unit, And first and second hinge holes through which the first and second hinge units are inserted, respectively, are formed at both ends of the connection unit. The method of claim 3, The rotation control unit First and second insertion grooves formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second hinge units, respectively; And And at least a portion of which is formed to be insertable into the insertion grooves. 5. The method of claim 4, Wherein the fixed rod is embedded in the connection unit, Wherein the rotation adjusting unit further comprises an elastic unit which adds an elastic force to insert the fixing rod into the insertion grooves and is embedded in the connection unit. 5. The method of claim 4, Wherein one of the first and second insertion grooves is formed to have a plurality of different depths and the other one of the first and second insertion grooves has a depth corresponding to the different depth . The method according to claim 6, Wherein the plurality of insertion grooves are formed so as to be sequentially deepened in one direction along the outer circumference and to be shallow sequentially in a direction opposite to the one direction. 5. The method of claim 4, And the fixing rod is arranged to be detached from the other when inserted into any one of the first and second insertion grooves. An input device for receiving information for control; A display device for displaying image information; First and second bodies each having the display device and the input device; And Wherein the hinge module is formed to relatively rotate the first and second bodies, and the hinge module according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An input device for receiving information for control; A display device for displaying image information; A control device for controlling the input device and the display device; First and second bodies each having the display device and the input device; And And a hinge module formed to relatively rotate the first and second bodies, The hinge module includes: First and second bodies rotating relative to each other in first to third rotational ranges connected to the first and second bodies respectively or connected to the second and first bodies respectively and sequentially formed, A hinge unit; And And a rotation adjusting unit for alternately restricting the rotation of the first and second hinge units according to the order of the first to third rotation ranges, The rotation control unit may include: And rotates the first hinge unit in the first rotation range, rotates the second rotation unit in the second rotation range, and rotates the first hinge unit in the third rotation range. Portable electronic devices. 11. The method of claim 10, Wherein the first to third rotation ranges are formed between a first state in which the first body covers one side of the second body and a second state in which the first body covers the other side of the second body Portable electronic devices. 11. The method of claim 10, Further comprising a connection unit to which the first and second hinge units are connected, respectively, and which is disposed at one end of the first and second bodies to restrict rotation in one direction. 11. The method of claim 10, The control device includes: When the display device is arranged to correspond to the second rotation range, Wherein the input device and the display device are inactivated. 14. The method according to claim 10 or 13, The control device includes: When the display device is arranged to correspond to the third rotation range, Wherein the input device is deactivated and the display device is activated. 11. The method of claim 10, In the display device, When the second body is rotated to be in the second state, Wherein a menu for selecting an operation of inverting the top and bottom of the image information displayed on the display device is displayed. 11. The method of claim 10, And a hinge cap protruding from one surface of the second body and configured to surround the hinge module. 17. The method of claim 16, Wherein the hinge module is formed at one end of the first and second bodies, And a protrusion protruding from the one surface of the second body in an area adjacent to the other end of the second body.

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