KR20100008138A - One touch stand hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A one-touch stand hinge is provided to move a stand with one hand, thereby providing convenience in use. CONSTITUTION: A supporting member(16) comprises an arm member(26) and a shaft member(28). The supporting member is rotatably connected to a main body for selective rotation between a first position and the second position. A holding member(18) is moved between a holding position and a release position. When the holding member is at the holding position, the holding member limits the rotation of the arm member. In order to fix the supporting member at the first position, the holding member is coupled with the arm member. A stationary member(20) is moved between a stop position and a release position. In order to limit the rotation of the shaft member, the stationary member is coupled with the shaft member.

Description

One touch stand hinge {ONE TOUCH STAND HINGE}

The present invention generally relates to a portable terminal such as a handheld wireless terminal. More specifically, the present invention relates to a one touch stand hinge for a portable terminal.

The description in this section only provides background information related to the present invention and may not constitute prior art.

Portable terminals (eg, LCD displays, monitors, pagers, mobile phones, etc.) are becoming increasingly popular. Some devices include a stand that supports the device in the raised position. For example, some stands are U-shaped and pivotally attached at each end to both sides of the body of the device. As such, the user can pivot the stand relative to the body between the closed position and the one or more open positions. In the closed position, the stand is generally coplanar with the body such that the device is relatively compact. In the open position (s), the body may be supported and raised for the stand.

These conventional stands have been useful for their intended purpose, but experience some disadvantages. For example, conventional stands are often manually operated by hand between a closed position and an open position. In addition, movement of the stand may require the use of both hands. As such, a conventional stand may be inconvenient to use.

Furthermore, some conventional stands may not be securely held in the closed and / or open positions. As such, these stands can be unintentionally opened and / or closed, which is undesirable.

According to various aspects, an illustrative embodiment of a stand assembly for a portable terminal including a body is provided. The stand assembly includes a support member rotatably coupled to the body for selective rotation between the first position and the second position. This support member includes an arm member and a shaft member. The stand assembly further includes a retaining member movable between the retaining position and the release position. The retaining member engages with the arm member to limit rotation of the arm member when in the retaining position and to secure the support member in the first position. Additionally, the stand assembly includes a stop member movable between the stop position and the release position. The stop member engages with the shaft member to limit rotation of the shaft member when in the stop position. Furthermore, the stand assembly includes a connector member connecting the retaining member and the stop member to move the retaining member and the stop member cooperatively to their respective release positions.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides a stand assembly for a portable terminal including a body. The stand assembly includes a support member that is rotationally coupled to the body for selective rotation between the first position and the second position. The support member includes an arm member and a shaft member. The stand assembly further includes a retaining member comprising a first cam member. The retaining member is movable between the retaining position and the release position, and the retaining member engages with the arm member to limit rotation of the arm member and to fix the support member in the first position when in the retaining position. Moreover, the stand assembly includes a button member including a second cam member that selectively cams with the retaining member toward the release position. Additionally, the stand assembly includes a stop member movable between the stop position and the release position. The stop member engages with the shaft member to limit rotation of the shaft member when in the stop position. Furthermore, the stand assembly includes a connecting member connecting the retaining member and the stop member to move the retaining member and the stop member cooperatively to their respective release positions.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a portable terminal comprising a body and a support member rotatably coupled to the body for selective rotation between a closed position and a plurality of open positions. The support member includes an arm member and a shaft member that is removably coupled. The arm member also includes a first groove and the shaft member includes a plurality of second grooves. Moreover, the portable terminal includes a third piece member which biases the support member toward the plurality of open positions. Furthermore, the portable terminal includes a retaining member including a first cam member. The retaining member is linearly movable between the retaining position and the release position, and the retaining member engages with the first groove of the arm member when in the retaining position to limit rotation of the arm member and secure the support member in the closed position. Furthermore, the portable terminal includes a button member including a second cam member that selectively cams with the holding member toward the release position. In addition, the portable terminal includes a first biasing member that biases the button member away from the retaining member. Furthermore, the portable terminal includes a stop member that is linearly movable between the stop position and the release position. The stop member engages one of the plurality of second grooves when in the stop position to limit rotation of the shaft member. The stop member is also operable to selectively secure the support member in one of the closed and open positions when the support member is in the stop position. Moreover, the portable terminal includes a second biasing member that biases the retaining member toward the retaining position and the stop member towards the stop position. In addition, the portable terminal includes a connector member connecting the retaining member and the stop member to move the retaining member and the stop member cooperatively to their respective release positions.

The applicability of the additional areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. It is to be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, application, or use. It is to be understood that corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings indicate the same or corresponding parts or features.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a portable terminal 10 is shown. The portable terminal device 10 may be in any suitable manner, such as an LCD display, monitor, pager, cell phone, and the like. The portable terminal 10 includes a body 12 and a stand assembly 14. Body 12 may include a housing, a display screen, various buttons, and / or suitable electronic components for its operation. The body 12 also includes a recess 13.

The stand assembly 14 may be selectively moved between a first position (ie, closed position) and one or more second positions (ie, open position (s)). (The closed position is shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 and the open position is shown in dashed lines.) It will be appreciated that the stand assembly 14 can have an appropriate number of open and closed positions.

In the closed position, stand assembly 14 is disposed in recess 13 such that terminal 10 is substantially compact. In the open position, the stand assembly 14 is disposed outside the recess 13 at a positive angle with respect to the body 12. Thus, the stand assembly 14 is operable to support the body 12 in the raised position when in one of the open positions. In other words, the stand assembly 14 can be used to support the body 12 when in one of the open positions.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the stand assembly 14 is described in more detail. Generally, the stand assembly 14 includes a support member 16, a retaining member 18, a stop member 20, a connector member 22, and a button member 24. The support member 16 is rotatably coupled to the body 12 (FIG. 1) for selective rotation between the closed position and the open position. In addition, retaining member 18 and stop member 20 are operable to engage support member 16 in a closed position. Further, the connector member 22 includes the retaining member 18 and the stop member such that the retaining member 18 and the stop member 20 cooperate to move and release the support member 16 during the operation of the button member 24. Connect 20. In other words, when the button member 24 is pressed by the user, the retaining member 18 and the stop member 20 cooperate to release the support member 16, whereby as discussed in more detail below. Allow the support member 16 to move to one of the open positions.

The support member 16 includes an arm member 26 and a shaft member 28. In some embodiments, arm member 26 and shaft member 28 are removably coupled. In addition, arm member 26 and shaft member 28 are engaged for cooperative rotation as support member 16 moves between an open position and a closed position.

The arm member 26 is generally flat and rectangular and includes a first end 30 and a second end 32. The arm member 26 also includes a first groove 34 adjacent the first end 30. Moreover, the arm member 26 includes a post 36 and a recess 38 adjacent the second end 32. The post 36 and the recess 38 are substantially aligned along the axis of rotation X and are disposed on both sides of the arm member 26.

The shaft member 28 is generally cylindrical in some embodiments. The shaft member 28 includes a post 40, a key member 42 and a rotor 44 disposed between the post 40 and the key member 42. The key member 42 includes a flat portion 46. The recess 38 corresponds in shape with the key member 42 to receive the key member 42, and the flat portion 46 locks the arm member 26 and the shaft member 28 for cooperative rotation. . Moreover, the rotor 44 includes a plurality of second grooves 48 (FIGS. 3, 5A and 5B).

The stand assembly 14 further includes a third piece member 50. In some embodiments, the third piece member 50 is a helical torsion spring; It will be appreciated that the third piece member 50 may be in any suitable manner. The third piece member 50 is disposed around the post 40.

Moreover, the stand assembly 14 includes a guide member 52. The guide member 52 includes a first portion 54 and a second portion 56 disposed substantially perpendicular to each other. The first portion 54 comprises an elongated cavity 58 (FIG. 3) having a generally hollow and arcuate cross section, and the second portion 56 comprises an elongated cavity 60 (FIG. 3) having a rectangular cross section. . The cavities 58 and 60 communicate with each other adjacent to the junction between the first and second portions 54 and 56.

The cavity 58 houses the rotor 44, the post 40 and the third piece member 50. Moreover, the outer surface of the rotor 44 is substantially supported for rotation by the inner surface of the cavity 58. In addition, the post 40 protrudes slightly outward from the cavity 58 as shown in FIG. 4. Retaining ring 62 and washer 64 are secured to post 40 on the side of guide member 52 opposite from arm member 26. Retention ring 62 couples shaft member 28 to guide member 52.

It will be appreciated that the post 36 is supported for rotation by the body 12 of the terminal 10. It will also be appreciated that the guide member 52 is supported within the body 12.

In addition, the stop member 20 is shaped substantially into a cube and is movably received within the cavity 60 of the guide member 52. The stop member 20 includes a post 65. When the stop member 20 is disposed in the cavity 60, the post 65 extends out of the cavity 60 through the long slot 66 of the second portion 56 of the guide member 52. Moreover, the stop member 20 is a protrusion 68 (FIG. 3, FIG. 3) that allows the stop member 20 to selectively secure the support member 16 to rotation in each closed and open position as discussed. 5a, FIG. 5b).

As discussed, the stop member 20 is linearly movable within the cavity 60 between the stop position (FIG. 5A) and the release position (FIG. 5B). In the rest position, the projection 68 of the stop member 20 is received in one of the second grooves 48 of the shaft member 28 thereby engaging the shaft member 28 and rotating the shaft member 28. To limit. In the release position, the stop member 20 is disposed away from the shaft member 28 such that the projection 68 is outside the second groove 48.

The stand assembly 14 further includes a cover plate 70. The cover plate 70 includes an arm 73 received in the cavity 60, which arm 73 has an opening 75 of the guide member 52 such that the cover plate 70 is fixed to the guide member 52. And a snap retainer 74 received therein.

The stand assembly 14 further includes a second piece member 72. In some embodiments, the second piece member 72 is a helical spring. The second biasing member 72 is disposed between the cover plate 70 and the stop member 20 to bias the stop member 20 toward the shaft member 28. In other words, the second biasing member 72 biases the stop member 20 toward the stop position.

Furthermore, the connector member 22 is flat and long to define the first end 76 and the second end 78. The connector member 22 includes a hole 80 adjacent to the first end 76. The post 65 of the stop member 20 is received in the hole 80 of the connector member 22, whereby the connector member 22 and the stop member 20 are engaged.

Moreover, the retaining member 18 includes a base 82, a retaining block 84 and a plurality of first cam members 86 (FIG. 3). The base 82 is movably supported by the main body 12 of the terminal 10. Base 82 is secured to second end 78 of connector member 22. In some embodiments, base 82 is disposed generally at right angles to connector member 22. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connector member 22 includes a step 79 such that the base 82 is disposed vertically downwardly toward the connector member 22.

The first cam member 86 is fixed above the base 82. The first cam member 86 will be described in more detail below.

In addition, the retention block 84 is fixed above the base 82. The retaining block 84 includes a protrusion 88 that is selectively received in the first groove 34 of the arm member 26. More specifically, the retaining member 18 is linearly movable between the holding position and the releasing position. In the retaining position, the protrusion 88 is disposed in the first groove 34 of the arm member 26 to engage the arm member 26 and limit the rotation of the arm member 26. In other words, when the holding member is in the holding position, the holding member 18 fixes the supporting member 16 to the closed position. In contrast, when the retaining member 18 is in the release position, the retaining block 84 is disposed away from the arm member 26, thereby causing the support member 16 to move from the closed position to one of the open positions. .

In addition, the button member 24 includes a plurality of second cam members 90 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the second cam member 90 is a recess shaped substantially in accordance with the shape of the first cam member 86. Thus, the first cam member 86 is accommodated in the second cam member 90. The first cam member 86 includes a respective first cam surface 92, and the second cam member 90 includes a respective second cam surface 94. Thus, as will be described below, as the button member 24 is actuated towards the retaining member 18, the second cam surface 94 may be adapted to selectively move the retaining member 18 toward the release position. Cam engagement with cam surface 92.

Moreover, stand assembly 14 includes a first piece member 96. In some embodiments, the first piece member 96 is a helical spring. The first biasing member 96 is disposed between the button member 24 and the retaining member 18 to bias the button member 24 away from the retaining member 18. Further, in some embodiments, the button member 24 is directed against the inner surface (not shown) of the body 12 of the terminal 10 to limit the movement of the button member 24 away from the retaining member 18. Abutting flange 98.

Since the connector member 22 connects the stop member 20 and the retaining member 18, the second biasing member 72 biases the stop member 20 toward the stop position and further retains the retaining member 18. It will also be appreciated that it is biased towards location.

The operation of the stand assembly 14 will now be described in more detail. Assuming the stand assembly 14 is in the closed position, the user can move the stand assembly 14 toward the open position by pressing the button member 24 toward the retaining member 18. This causes the second cam surface 94 to cam-engage with the first cam surface 92 and to linearly slide the retaining member 18 from the retaining position to the release position. In addition, the stop member 20 cooperates and slides in the cavity 60 from the stop position to the release position. In other words, the protrusion 88 of the retaining member 18 moves out of the first groove 34, and the protrusion 68 of the stop member 20 cooperates with the outside of each second groove 48. Move. As a result, the third biasing member 50 biases the support member 16 toward the open position.

It will be appreciated that the stop member 20 is operable to selectively engage with each second groove 48 as it moves toward its stop position. As such, if the user holds the button member 24 in a downward position toward the retaining member 18, the support member 16 will be biased from the closed position to the fully open position. However, if the user wants to position the support member 16 in the intermediate open position (i.e., between the closed position and the fully open position), then the user needs to press the button member 24 before the support member 16 reaches the fully open position. Can be released, thereby causing the projection 68 to enter into one of the intermediate second grooves 48 such that the support member 16 is retained in one of the partially open positions. In addition, in order to close the support member 16, the user manually presses the arm member 26 against the biasing force of the third biasing member 50. The protrusions 68 and the second grooves 48 are shaped so that the movement of the support member 16 presses the stop member 20 (and thus the retaining member 18) toward the release position and is in the closed position. The second biasing member 72 biases the projection 68 into each second groove 48 and the projection 88 into the first groove 34 thereby retaining the support member 16 in the closed position. do.

Thus, the stand assembly 14 can move automatically from the closed position to the open position with a simple touch of the button member 24 for added convenience. In addition, the stand assembly 14 is quite stable in both the closed position and the open position thanks to the retaining member 18 and the stop member 20.

Discussion of Alternate Embodiment (s)

As described above, the portable terminal of the present invention includes a button, a fixing member, a connecting member, a coupling member, a rotating shaft, a torsion spring and a support member.

The button and the support member are inserted and configured at the rear of the terminal, respectively. The button is elastically supported up and down by the first spring, and a side-cam surface is formed at the bottom of the button.

The fastening member is configured at the bottom of the button and a second side-cam surface corresponding to the first side-cam surface is formed on the upper end of the button. In addition, the fixing member is inserted into the supporting member, thereby fixing it when the supporting member is closed.

One end of the connecting member is connected to the fixing member. And the other end of the connecting member is connected to the coupling member and moved at the same time.

A plurality of stop grooves for inserting the engaging member are formed on the rotating shaft.

At this time, the engagement member is elastically supported by the second spring and thereby stops the rotating shaft.

In addition, one end of the rotary shaft is connected to the torsion spring and the other end of the rotary shaft is connected to the support member and rotated together. The torsion spring is fixed in the rotational and compression state when the support member is closed.

Therefore, when the button is pressed, the fastening member is moved in the opposite direction of the fastening member by the slide-cam surface and the connecting member and the fastening member connected to the fastening member are simultaneously moved.

As a result, the fixing member and the engaging member are separately separated from the supporting member and the stop groove. And as the torsion spring is extended, it automatically rotates the support member with the rotating shaft. As such, the portable terminal of the present invention is more convenient because the support member is automatically rotated when the button is pressed.

Some terms herein are used for reference purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as "upper", "lower", "up", "down", "upper", "upper" and "lower" refer to the directions referenced in the drawings. Terms such as “front”, “rear” and “side” describe the orientation of a portion of a component within an arbitrary or consistent framework that becomes apparent with reference to the text and associated drawings that describe the associated component. Such terms may include words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and analogues. Likewise, terms such as "first", "second", and other ordinal terms referring to a structure do not imply order or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

In introducing elements, features, and example embodiments, a modifier such as “above” means that there are one or more such elements or features. The terms "comprising", "having" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features in addition to those specifically mentioned. It should be further understood that the method steps, processes and actions described herein are not to be inferred that they must be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated unless specifically identified as the order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

The description of the invention is illustrative only and variations which do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such modifications should not be considered outside the scope of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view of a portable communication terminal according to the present invention.

2 is a perspective view of a stand assembly of the portable communication terminal of FIG.

3 is an exploded view of the stand assembly of FIG. 2.

4 is a side perspective view of the stand assembly of FIG. 2.

5A is a cross-sectional view of the stand assembly taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4 shown in the closed position.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the stand assembly taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 4, shown in the moved state toward the open position.

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

10: portable terminal 12: main body

13: recess 14: stand assembly

16: support member 18: retaining member

20: stop member 22: connector member

24: button member 26: arm member

28: shaft member

Claims (20)

A stand assembly for a portable terminal including a body, A support member rotatably connected to the body for selective rotation between the first and second positions, the support member comprising an arm member and a shaft member; A retaining member movable between the retaining position and the release position, the retaining member engaging the arm member to limit rotation of the arm member and to secure the support member in the first position when in the retaining position; A stop member movable between the stop position and the release position, the stop member engaging with the shaft member to limit rotation of the shaft member when in the stop position; Connector member connecting the retaining member and the stop member to move the retaining member and the stop member cooperatively to their respective release positions. Stand assembly comprising a. The stand assembly of claim 1, further comprising a button member for selectively moving the retaining member to a release position. 3. The stand assembly of claim 2, wherein the retaining member comprises a first cam member and the button member includes a second cam member that selectively cams with the retaining member toward a release position. 3. The stand assembly of claim 2 further comprising a first biasing member for biasing the button member away from the retaining member. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein the stop member is operable to selectively secure the support member in respective first and second positions. The stop member of claim 1, wherein the arm member includes a first groove, the shaft member includes at least one second groove, the retaining member engages with the first groove when in the holding position, and the stop member. And the stand assembly engages with the at least one second groove when in the rest position. 7. The stand assembly of claim 6, wherein the shaft member includes a plurality of second grooves, and the stop member is selectively engageable with each of the plurality of second grooves. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein the retaining member is supported for linear movement between the retained position and the released position, and the stop member is supported for linear movement between the stopped position and the released position. The stand assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second biasing member biasing the retaining member toward the retaining position and biasing the stop member towards the rest position. The stand assembly of claim 1 further comprising a third biasing member for biasing said support member toward a second position. The stand assembly of claim 1 wherein said support member is operable to support said body in a raised position when in said second position. A stand assembly for a portable terminal including a body, A support member rotatably coupled to the body for selective rotation between the first and second positions, the support member comprising an arm member and a shaft member; A retaining member comprising a first cam member, movable between a retaining position and a release position, engaging the arm member to limit rotation of the arm member and to secure the support member in the first position when in the retaining position; A button member comprising a second cam member selectively cam-engaged with the retaining member toward the unlocked position; A stop member movable between the stop position and the release position, the stop member engaging with the shaft member to limit rotation of the shaft member when in the stop position; Connector member connecting the retaining member and the stop member to move the retaining member and the stop member cooperatively to their respective release positions. Stand assembly comprising a. 13. The stand assembly of claim 12, further comprising a first biasing member for biasing the button member away from the retaining member. 13. The stand assembly of claim 12, wherein the stop member is operable to selectively secure the support member in respective first and second positions. 13. The stop member according to claim 12, wherein the arm member includes a first groove, the shaft member includes at least one second groove, the retaining member engages with the first groove when in the holding position, and the stop member. And the stand assembly engages with the at least one second groove when in the rest position. The stand assembly of claim 15, wherein the shaft member includes a plurality of second grooves, and the stop member is selectively engageable with each of the plurality of second grooves. 13. The stand assembly of claim 12, wherein the retaining member is supported for linear movement between a retained position and a released position, and the stop member is supported for linear movement between a stopped position and a released position. 13. The stand assembly of claim 12, further comprising a second biasing member biasing the retaining member toward the retaining position and biasing the stop member towards the stop position. 13. The stand assembly of claim 12, further comprising a third biasing member for biasing said support member toward a second position. Is a portable terminal, A main body; A support rotatably connected to the body for selective rotation between the closed position and the plurality of open positions, the arm member having a first groove and a shaft member having at least one second groove and removably connected thereto Absence; A first biasing member biasing the support member toward a plurality of open positions; A first cam member, linearly movable between the holding position and the releasing position, the first member of the arm member for limiting rotation of the arm member and securing the support member in the closed position when in the holding position; A retaining member engaged with the groove; A button member comprising a second cam member selectively cam-engaged with said retaining member toward a release position; A second biasing member for biasing the button member away from the retaining member; Linearly movable between the stop position and the release position, engaging one of the plurality of second grooves to limit rotation of the shaft member when in the stop position, and closing and opening when the support member is in the stop position A stop member operable to selectively secure the support member in one of the positions; A third biasing member biasing the retaining member toward the retaining position and biasing the stop member towards the stop position; A connector member connecting the retaining member and the stop member such that the retaining member and the stop member move cooperatively to their respective release positions. Portable terminal comprising a.

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