JP3544949B2

JP3544949B2 - Hinge device and portable electronic device using hinge device

Info

Publication number: JP3544949B2
Application number: JP2001040410A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 直基久保田
Original assignee: Strawberry Corp
Current assignee: Strawberry Corp
Priority date: 2001-02-05
Filing date: 2001-02-16
Publication date: 2004-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2021-02-16
Also published as: JP2002303316A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、第一部材と第二部材を枢着するヒンジ装置並びにヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術及び発明が解決しようとする課題】
例えば、携帯式電子機器の典型例としての携帯式電話機においては、携帯式電話機本体にフリップが開閉自在に取り付けられたフリップタイプと、フリップなしの一体タイプとが知られている。一体タイプは、軽量化と利便性の点で秀れているが、スイッチの誤動作防止，コンパクト化，デザインの多様性などの点においてフリップタイプは秀れている。
【０００３】
このようなフリップを備えたタイプの携帯式電子機器においては、フリップの開閉をワンタッチ式に簡易に行うことが要望されている。
【０００４】
しかしながら、従来のヒンジ装置を、携帯式電話機本体に対してのフリップの連結に応用した場合、フリップの回動ロック機構やロックを解除するためのボタンなどの駆動機構を、ヒンジ装置とは別途に必要としていたため、部品点数が多くなり、またそのためのスペースを設ける必要がある等の問題が生じていた。
【０００５】
そこで、本出願人は国際公開されたＷＯ００／５０７８０公報に示すように、ワンタッチで開閉できる構成でありながら、開閉ロックのための別途の機構を機器側に設けることを不要とし、携帯式電子機器の構成の単純化，省スペース化に寄与し得るヒンジ装置を開発した。
【０００６】
この装置では、例えば前述のようにフリップタイプの携帯式電話機に適用した場合、このヒンジ装置に設けた解除操作部（押込ボタン）を指で押すだけで、閉塞付勢されているフリップが自動的に一挙に開放回動する構成としている。
【０００７】
この自動開閉機能を果たすヒンジ装置は、閉塞付勢機能を果たしながらも、ワンタッチで自動開閉する構造を実現する画期的なヒンジ装置であるが、このワンタッチ機能を使わず、閉塞付勢されているフリップを手で自在に回動でき、手を放したときにはその回動位置で停止するようにした方が更に使い易いことを本出願人は見い出した。
【０００８】
即ち、本発明は、このような事情を考慮し、更に改良を加えたものであり、閉塞付勢され、且つワンタッチ操作で自動的に開放回動するが、このワンタッチ操作を行わない場合は、手で開閉でき、その際には手を放した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ状態となるように構成して、非常に使い易く、画期的なヒンジ装置並びにヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器を提供することを目的としている。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
添付図面を参照して本発明の要旨を説明する。
【００１０】
第一部材１と第二部材２とを枢着するヒンジ装置であって、この第一部材１，第二部材２のいずれか一方に対して回り止め状態に係合凸部６を設け、他方に対して回り止め状態にこの係合凸部６に係合する係合凹部７を設け、この係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合状態のとき第一部材１と第二部材２とが回動ロックされるように構成し、この係合凸部６，係合凹部７の少なくとも一方を係合離反方向にスライド移動自在に設けると共に、この係合凸部６，係合凹部７の少なくとも一方を離反方向に移動した際係合方向に付勢する弾性機構11と、係合凸部６，係合凹部７の少なくとも一方を回動方向に付勢する回動付勢機構９とを備え、前記弾性機構11により前記係合凸部６と係合凹部７との係合は係脱せず前記回動ロック状態が保持されるように構成すると共に、手で弾性機構11に抗して回動させてこの係合を係脱させた際には、この弾性機構11による戻り押圧力により手を離した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ状態となるように構成し、前記弾性機構11の係合付勢力を解除させて、前記回動付勢機構９により係合凸部６，係合凹部７のいずれか一方を自動的に回動させ前記第一部材１に対して前記第二部材２を自動的に相対回動させるロック解除操作部８を備え、前記弾性機構 11 は、前記係合凸部６若しくは前記係合凹部７を離反方向にスライド移動する際に弾圧支承する膨出板状のフリクションバネ 11 で構成したことを特徴とするヒンジ装置に係るものである。
【００１１】
また、前記ロック解除操作部８は、押動解除操作することで前記フリクションバネ11を前記離反方向へ押圧変形させて、前記係合付勢力となるこのフリクションバネ11の戻り押圧力が、係脱回動に際して離反移動する前記係合凸部６若しくは係合凹部７に働かず前記回動付勢機構９による自動回動を許容するように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載のヒンジ装置に係るものである。
【００１２】
また、前記ロック解除操作部８は、前記弾性機構11として採用したフリクションバネ11のドーム状に膨出した中央部を押動して前記離反方向に変形させるように構成し、前記係合凸部６若しくは係合凹部７が係脱回動に際して離反移動する際には、前記フリクションバネ11のドーム状に膨出した中央部ではなく、周辺部を押動して変形させこの係合凸部６若しくは係合凹部７が弾圧支承されるように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１，２のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置に係るものである。
【００１３】
また、前記ロック解除操作部８は、押し込みボタン部８Ａと作動軸19とで構成し、この押し込みボタン部８Ａを押動することで可動する作動軸19により前記弾性機構11として採用したフリクションバネ11の中央部を前記離反方向へ押圧変形させて前記回動ロック状態が解除するように構成し、前記係合凸部６に対して前記係合凹部７を手で相対回動させて、係合凸部６と係合凹部７との係合が係脱することで係脱凸部６に対して係合凹部７が相対的に離反する際、離反する係合凸部６若しくは係合凹部７が前記フリクションバネ11の中央部ではなく周辺部を押圧変形させるように係合凸部６若しくは係合凹部７の後部形状若しくはフリクションバネ11の膨出形状を設定して、前記フリクションバネ11の戻り押圧力を前記フリーストップ状態を実現するに十分な強さに設定した場合、前記ロック解除操作部８による押動解除操作力は、係合凸部６若しくは係合凹部７でフリクションバネ11を押圧する場合より弱くても前記フリクションバネ11を押圧変形させて前記回動ロック状態が解除できるように設定したことを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置に係るものである。
【００１４】
また、前記弾性機構11を所定距離押圧変形させない限り前記係合凸部６と前記係合凹部７との係合が係脱しないように構成し、係脱後前記弾性機構11の戻り押圧力により係合凸部６の先端面と係合凹部７の頂面部13とが圧接して前記回動付勢機構９による回動付勢力が生じても前記フリーストップ状態となり、前記ロック解除操作部８の押動解除操作によって前記弾性機構11を所定距離押圧変形させることで、前記回動付勢機構９により前記係合凸部６と前記係合凹部７との係合が係脱しフリーストップ状態となることなく所定角度まで前記第一部材１に対して前記第二部材２が自動的に相対回動するように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置に係るものである。
【００１５】
また、前記第一部材１と前記第二部材２との基端部同志を枢着して、双方が重合した閉塞状態から第一部材１，第二部材２のいずれか一方を所定開放角度まで回動した開放状態に開閉できるヒンジ装置であって、少なくとも前記閉塞状態のとき、前記係合凸部６と前記係合凹部７とが係合した前記回動ロック状態となり、前記回動付勢機構９による回動付勢力よりも、前記弾性機構11若しくはこの弾性機構11とは別に設けた係合付勢機構５によって前記係合凸部６と前記係合凹部７とが係合しようとするカム力が大きくなるように設定して前記第一部材１に対して前記第二部材２が所定回動角度までは閉塞付勢されるように構成し、前記ロック解除操作部８の操作によって前記係合凹部７に対して係合凸部６が前記所定開放角度まで前記第一部材１に対して前記第二部材２が自動的に相対回動し、且つ前記閉塞状態から前記所定開放角度までは前記第一部材１に対して前記第二部材２を手で相対回動させることができ前記閉塞付勢される所定回動角度から前記所定開放角度又はその近くまでは手を離した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ領域となるように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置に係るものである。
【００１６】
また、前記第一部材１と前記第二部材２との基端部同志を枢着して、双方が重合した閉塞状態から第一部材１，第二部材２のいずれか一方を所定開放角度まで回動した開放状態に開閉できるヒンジ装置であって、前記所定開放角度においては、前記係合凸部６と前記係合凹部７とが再び係合して前記回動ロック状態となるように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１〜６のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置に係るものである。
【００１７】
また、第一部材１と第二部材２とを枢着するヒンジ装置であって、前記第一部材１に連結する第一連結部３と、前記第二部材２に連結する第二連結部４とを備え、この第一連結部３と第二連結部４とに前記弾性機構11により離反方向に移動した際には係合付勢される係合凸部６とこの係合凸部６に係合する係合凹部７とを設け、この係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合状態となることで、前記第一連結部３と第二連結部４とが回動ロックされて前記第一部材１と、前記第二部材２とが回動ロックされるように構成し、この係合凸部６，係合凹部７の少なくとも一方を前記弾性機構11に抗して離反方向にスライド移動自在に設け、この弾性機構11によって係合状態にある係合凸部６，係合凹部７の少なくとも一方を前記弾性機構11に抗して離反させることで前記係合が係脱して前記回動ロック状態が解除されるように構成し、前記係合凸部６，係合凹部７の少なくとも一方を回動付勢する回動付勢機構９を設けると共に、前記係合凸部６と係合凹部７の形状を前記回動付勢機構９によって回動付勢されていても、前記弾性機構11若しくはこの弾性機構11とは別に設けた係合付勢機構５により係合付勢されていることで係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合し前記回動ロック状態が保持され、前記ロック解除操作部８の操作によって、前記弾性機構11による係合付勢を解除することにより、前記回動付勢機構９によって、係合凹部７に対して係合凸部６が自動的に所定開放角度まで自動的に相対回動して停止するように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１〜７のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置に係るものである。
【００１８】
また、前記請求項１〜８のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置を枢着部に設けたことを特徴とするヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器に係るものである。
【００１９】
また、前記第一部材１若しく前記第二部材２としての本体部と、これに重合する前記第二部材２若しくは前記第一部材１としての蓋部若しくはフリップとを重合状態から所定開放角度まで開閉できるように枢着する枢着部に、前記請求項１〜８のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置を用いたことを特徴とする請求項９記載のヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器に係るものである。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
好適と考える本発明の実施の形態（発明をどのように実施するか）を、図面に基づいてその作用効果を示して簡単に説明する。
【００２１】
係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合することで第一部材１と第二部材２とは回動ロックされる。この係合凸部６と係合凹部７は、少なくとも係脱しようとする場合にはいずれかが弾性機構11に抗して離反方向に移動しなければならないため少なくともこの弾性機構11による戻り押圧力によって、回動付勢機構９により回動付勢されていても係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合した回動ロック状態は保持される。
【００２２】
即ち、例えば第一部材１と第二部材２とが重合した閉塞状態において、係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合した状態となるようにした場合、弾性機構11若しくはこの弾性機構11とは別に設けた係合付勢機構５により係合付勢されている係合凸部６と係合凹部７との係合カム力によって例えば少なくとも係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係脱する位置まで回動しない限り閉塞付勢されることとなる。また係脱する際に弾性機構11による戻り押圧力が生じる。
【００２３】
この係合付勢されている回動ロック状態において、ロック解除操作部８を操作すると、例えば押込ボタンとしたロック解除操作部８を押し込み操作すると、弾性機構11の係合付勢が係脱に際して働かなくなり、例えば第一部材１に対して回動固定されている係合凸部６に対して、第二部材２に対して回動固定されている係合凹部７が離反可能となるため回動可能となり（実施例では係合付勢機構５の係合付勢力は働くが）、回動付勢機構９により例えば回動付勢されている係合凹部７が回動して係合凸部６に対して係合凹部７が回動し、前記回動ロック状態が解除される。
【００２４】
即ち、ロック解除操作部８のワンタッチ解除操作によって、第一部材１に対して第二部材２が例えば所定開放角度まで自動的に一挙に相対回動する。
【００２５】
一方、このワンタッチ解除操作を行わず、手で弾性機構11に抗して第一部材１に対し第二部材２を相対回動させる場合は、係合凸部６に対して係合凹部７が弾性機構11に抗して離反移動しつつ回動して係合凸部６と係合凹部７との係合が係脱する。
【００２６】
更に、第二部材２を手で相対回動させる場合には、弾性機構11の戻り押圧力により例えば再び係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合する所定開放角度までは手を放した位置で停止保持されるフリーストップ状態となる。
【００２７】
従って、ロック解除操作部８によりワンタッチ自動回動させることもできるし、手で第一部材１に対して第二部材２を相対回動させることもでき、しかもこの手で相対回動させる場合は、第一部材１に対して第二部材２はふらつかず、係合凸部６と係合凹部７との係合が係脱するまでは閉塞付勢され、且つ係脱すると例えば再び係合するまでは手を放した位置で停止するフリーストップ状態を実現できることとなる。
【００２８】
また、フリーストップを実現するには強い圧接力（強い戻り押圧力）を必要とするが、本発明では、弾性機構11としてフリクションバネ11を採用するため、簡易な構成でフリーストップを実現する強い圧接力を得ることができる。
【００２９】
またしかも本発明では、例えばコイルバネなどで弾性機構11を構成すると、逆にこの弾性機構11の戻り押圧力を消失（解除）させるロック解除操作部８の押動解除操作力が強力となってしまい、ワンタッチ解除には強い押込力が必要となってしまうが、この点ロック解除操作部８による押動解除操作は、弾性機構11として中央程膨出したドーム型膨出板状のフリクションバネ11を採用し、この中央部を押圧して十分に変形させ戻り押圧力が係合凸部６若しくは係合凹部７に回動を阻止するほど働かないようにさせる構成としたため、中央部での押圧による変形は弱い力で行えるからロック解除操作部８を指の軽い押圧操作で行えるようにし、一方手で回動してフリーストップを実現させるときの戻り押圧力は、離反する係合凸部６若しくは係合凹部７がフリクションバネ11の中央部ではなく周辺部を押圧して変形させるように構成したため、フリーストップを実現するに十分な強い戻り押圧力を得ることができることとなる。
【００３０】
従って、閉塞付勢され、且つワンタッチ操作で自動的に開放回動するが、このワンタッチ操作を行わない場合は、手で開閉でき、その際には手を放した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ状態となるように構成して、非常に使い易く、しかも、フリクションバネ11を用いることで、一層簡易な構成で実現できると共に、フリクションバネ11に対する押圧位置を自動回動のための押圧解除時とフリーストップ時とで異ならせる構成としているため、フリーストップを実現できる強いバネ力を有しながらも、ワンタッチ解除操作は指による軽い力で行える画期的なヒンジ装置並びにヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器を提供できることとなる。
【００３１】
【実施例】
本発明の具体的な実施例について図面に基づいて説明する。
【００３２】
本実施例は、図面に示すように携帯式電話機に適用した場合のもので、本体部を第一部材１とし、フリップを第二部材２とし、本体部１とフリップ２とが重合した閉塞状態からフリップ２を例えば１２０度まで回動した開放状態（通話位置）とすることができる枢着構造に本発明のヒンジ装置を適用している。
【００３３】
そして、前述のように閉塞付勢されている回動ロック状態の閉塞状態において、ロック解除操作部８（リリースボタン）を押し操作すると、フリップ２が自動的に一挙に所定開放角度（例えば１２０度）まで回動して停止し、且つこのロック解除操作部８を操作しないで、手でフリップ２を回動することができ、手でフリップ２を回動する場合は、係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合した閉塞状態からこの係合が係脱するわずかな回動角度までは、閉塞付勢されていて、この閉塞付勢に抗してこの所定回動角度以上手で回動させると、再び係合凸部６と係合凹部７とが係合して回動ロック状態となる前記所定開放角度までは手でフリップ２を回動することができ、しかも、このフリップ２から手を放すと、その放した位置でフリップ２は停止し、ふらつくことがないフリーストップ状態を実現した構成としている。
【００３４】
本実施例では、本体部１の基部に取付孔14を設け、フリップ２の基部にもこれと連通状態に隣接する取付孔15を設け、この取付孔14，取付孔15に軸状パーツとして構成した本発明のヒンジ装置を挿着する構成としている。
【００３５】
フリップ２（第二部材２）には、前記取付孔15を介して回り止め形状としたケージング４を第二連結部４として固定し、このケージング４の一端側を閉塞する閉塞部３を第一連結部３として前記取付孔14を介して本体部１（第一部材１）に固定している。
【００３６】
また、この第一連結部３（閉塞部３）の内側先端部には、前記第二連結部４（ケージング４）内に配される係合凸部６を固定している。
【００３７】
また、ケージング４の他端側には閉塞部17を設け、この閉塞部17の内側には、前記係合凸部６と対向し、互いに係合する係合凹部７を設け、この係合凹部７は、ケージング４内に回り止め状態に設けると共に、ケージング４に設けた案内溝16に沿って係合離反方向にスライド移動自在に設けている。
【００３８】
また、この係合凹部７と前記閉塞部17との間のケージング４内には、係合方向に付勢するコイルバネ５を係合付勢機構５として設けると共に、係合凹部７が係脱に際して前記係合付勢機構５に抗して離反方向に移動する際この係合凹部７の後部を弾圧支承し、係合方向に付勢する押バネとしてのフリクションバネ11を設けている。このフリクションバネ11は内側へ中央部が膨出したドーム型板状のフリクションバネ11とし、係脱する際に離反しようとする係合凹部７を弾圧支承するように配設している。
【００３９】
尚、フリクションバネ11の変形ストロークが小さいことと、係合状態で常に係合付勢するようにすることとを考慮して本実施例では、フリクションバネ11と別に係合付勢機構５を設けたが、係合時に係合凹部７の後部を係合位置で支承保持するようにセッティングすれば、係合付勢機構５を設けなくても良い。
【００４０】
また、一方係合凸部６の基部には、トルクバネ９を回動付勢機構９として設けて、ケージング４を回動付勢することで、係合凸部６に対して係合凹部７を回動付勢するように構成している。
【００４１】
この回動付勢機構９は、開放状態から閉塞状態にすることにより捩れが蓄えられて、回動トルクが生じるように構成している。
【００４２】
また、係合凹部７の中央には係合凸部６の中央係合軸17に係合するスライド案内軸18を設けて、前記係合凹部７のスライド移動をガイドすると共に、このスライド案内軸18を筒状とし、ロック解除操作部８の作動軸19を挿通し係合凹部７の後方に向けて突出するように構成し、この作動軸19によりフリクションバネ11の膨出中央部を押動してフリクションバネ11を押圧変形するように構成している。
【００４３】
即ち、ロック解除操作部８は、押動移動する作動軸19によって前記弾性機構11として採用したフリクションバネ11のドーム状に膨出した中央部を押動して前記離反方向に変形させるように構成し、係合凹部７が係脱回動に際して離反移動する際には、フリクションバネ11のドーム状に膨出した中央部ではなく、周辺部を押動して変形させこの係合凹部７が弾圧支承されるように構成している。
【００４４】
更に、具体的に説明すると、ロック解除操作部８は、押し込みボタン部８Ａと作動軸19とで構成し、この押し込みボタン部８Ａを押動することで可動する作動軸19によりフリクションバネ11の中央部を前記離反方向へ押圧変形させて前記回動ロック状態が解除するように構成し、前記係合凸部６に対して前記係合凹部７を手で相対回動させて、係合凸部６と係合凹部７との係合が係脱することで係合凸部６に対して係合凹部７が相対的に離反する際、離反する係合凹部７がフリクションバネ11の中央部ではなく周辺部を押圧変形させるように係合凹部７の後部形状及びフリクションバネ11の膨出形状を設定している。即ち、本実施例では、係合凹部７の後端面にリング状の突出部20を形成し、この突出部20によりフリクションバネ11の周辺部全周を押圧して後方（離反方向）へ押圧変形させるように設計している。
【００４５】
従って、本実施例では、弾性機構11をフリクションバネ11として、戻り押圧力を前記フリーストップ状態を実現するに十分な強さに設定するが、前記ロック解除操作部８による押動解除は、フリクションバネ11の中央部での押圧により行うため、解除操作力は弱くて済み、指の軽い力でも押圧変形させて前記回動ロック状態が解除できるように設定している。
【００４６】
即ち、指で押圧操作する押ボタン部８Ａによって作動杆19を前記閉塞部３の中心孔を通して前記係合凹部７のスライド案内軸18内に挿通し、前記係合凹部７の後部へ押動突出するように構成し、戻りバネ12に抗して押ボタン部８Ａを内側へ押し込むと、作動軸19の先端部は係合凹部７を通ってフリクションバネ11の中央部を押動変形させる構成としているため、強い戻り押圧力を発揮するフリクションバネ11ではあっても、弱い力で係合凹部７が係脱するために十分な位置まで押圧変形させ、回動付勢機構９によって自動回動させることができる。
【００４７】
また、この係合凹部７は、１８０度対称位置にＶ字状の凹部を形成し、この凹部を係合凸部６が係合する係合部分とし、係脱状態となるフリーストップ領域ではこの凹部間の頂面部13に係合凸部６の先端面が弾性機構11による戻り押圧力と小さい付勢力ではあるが係合付勢機構５の戻り押圧力とにより圧接し、回動付勢機構９の回動付勢が生じていても手で押さない限り停止保持されるように構成している。
【００４８】
即ち、本実施例では前記フリクションバネ11を所定距離押圧変形させない限り係合凸部６と係合凹部７との係合が係脱せず、係脱後フリクションバネ11とと係合付勢機構５のコイルバネ５の戻り押圧力により係合凸部６の先端面と係合凹部７の頂面部13とが圧接して前記回動付勢機構９による回動付勢力が生じても前記フリーストップ状態となり、一方前記ロック解除操作部８の押動解除操作によって前記フリクションバネ11を係脱に必要なストローク分押圧変形させることで、前記回動付勢機構９により前記係合凸部６と前記係合凹部７との係合が係脱しフリーストップ状態となることなく所定開放角度まで第一部材１に対して第二部材２が自動的に一挙に相対回動するように構成している。
【００４９】
また、本実施例では、フリーストップが確実に実現させるため、言い換えれば戻り押圧力が仮にやや弱くても十分な停止保持摩擦が生じるように、係合凹部７の頂面部13或いは係合凸部６の先端面に、図１０に示したように凹凸21を設けたり、或いは突起を設けたり、すべり摩擦が増大するあらし面に形成しても良い。また、この他摩擦係数を大きくするため、樹脂成形した係合凸部６の先端面若しくは係合凹部７の頂面部13の表面に金属或いは異種材質を接合するなどして面状態を工夫するようにしても良い。
【００５０】
従って、本実施例ではロック解除操作部８によりワンタッチ自動回動させることもできるし、手で第一部材１に対して第二部材２を相対回動させることもでき、しかもこの手で相対回動させる場合は、第一部材１に対して第二部材２はふらつかず、係合凸部６と係合凹部７との係合が係脱するまでは閉塞付勢され、且つ係脱すると例えば再び係合するまでは手を放した位置で停止するフリーストップ状態を実現できることとなる。
【００５１】
また、フリーストップを実現するには強い圧接力（戻り押圧力）を必要とするが、弾性機構11としてフリクションバネ11を採用し、簡易な構成でフリーストップを実現する強い圧接力を得ることができる。
【００５２】
またしかも例えばコイルバネなどで弾性機構11を構成すると、逆にこの弾性機構11の戻り押圧力を消失（解除）させるロック解除操作部８の押動解除操作力が強力となってしまい、ワンタッチ解除には強い押込力が必要となってしまうが、この点ロック解除操作部８による押動解除操作は、弾性機構11として中央程膨出したドーム型膨出板状のフリクションバネ11を採用し、この中央部を押圧して十分に変形させ戻り押圧力が係合凹部７に回動を阻止するほど働かないようにさせる構成としたため、中央部での押圧による変形は弱い力で行えるからロック解除操作部８を指の軽い押圧操作で行えるようにし、一方手で回動してフリーストップを実現させるときの戻り押圧力は、離反する係合凹部７がフリクションバネ11の中央部ではなく周辺部を押圧して変形させ、また本実施例では同時に係合付勢機構５による戻り押圧力も生じるから、フリーストップを実現するに十分な戻り押圧力を得ることができることとなる。
【００５３】
従って、閉塞付勢され、且つワンタッチ操作で自動的に開放回動するが、このワンタッチ操作を行わない場合は、手で開閉でき、その際には手を放した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ状態となるように構成して、非常に使い易く、しかも、フリクションバネ11を用いることで、一層簡易な構成で実現できると共に、フリクションバネ11に対する押圧位置を自動回動のための押圧解除時と、フリーストップ時とで異ならせる構成のため、フリーストップを実現できるバネ力を有しながらも、ワンタッチ解除操作は指による軽い力で行える（リリースボタンの操作力を最小限とすることができる）画期的なヒンジ装置並びにヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器を提供できることとなる。
【００５４】
尚、本発明は、本実施例に限られるものではなく、各構成要件の具体的構成は適宜設計し得るものである。
【００５５】
【発明の効果】
本発明は上述のように構成したから、閉塞付勢され、且つワンタッチ操作で自動的に開放回動するが、このワンタッチ操作を行わない場合は、手で開閉でき、その際には手を放した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ状態となるため非常に使い易い画期的なヒンジ装置並びにヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器となる。
【００５６】
即ち、閉塞付勢できるヒンジ構造であって、ワンタッチで自動開放回動するが、このワンタッチ操作を行わない場合は、手で開閉でき、その際には手を放した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ状態となって非常に使い易い上、しかもこのような使い易い開閉動作をするヒンジ連結を容易な構成で実現できる画期的なヒンジ装置並びにヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器となる。
【００５７】
また、本発明においては、弾性機構としてフリクションバネを用いることで、一層簡易な構成で実現できると共に、フリクションバネに対する押圧位置を自動回動のための押圧解除時と、フリーストップ時とで異ならせる構成のため、フリーストップを実現できるバネ力を有しながらも、ワンタッチ解除操作は指による軽い力で行えることになるヒンジ連結を容易な構成で実現できる極めて画期的なヒンジ装置並びにヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器となる。
【００５８】
また、請求項２〜８記載の発明においては、更に簡単な構成で本発明を容易に実現できることとなる極めて実用性に秀れたヒンジ装置となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本実施例の使用状態の説明斜視図である。
【図２】本実施例の説明斜視図である。
【図３】本実施例の説明分解斜視図である。
【図４】本実施例の閉塞付勢された閉塞状態での説明断面図である。
【図５】本実施例の手で回動した場合のフリーストップ状態での説明断面図である。
【図６】本実施例の押動解除操作によって自動回動する状態での説明断面図である。
【図７】本実施例の弾性機構11と係合凹部７との関係を示す要部の説明斜視図である。
【図８】本実施例の係合凸部６と係合凹部７と弾性機構11との関係を示すもので、閉塞状態とフリーストップ状態と開放位置での再係合状態とを示す要部の拡大説明断面図である。
【図９】本実施例の係合凸部６と係合凹部７と弾性機構11との関係を示すもので、閉塞状態と押動解除操作による自動回動する状態とを示す要部の拡大説明断面図である。
【図１０】本実施例の摩擦係数を増大させるための手段を示す係合凹部７の説明平面図である。
【符号の説明】
１第一部材
２第二部材
３第一連結部
４第二連結部
５係合付勢機構
６係合凸部
７係合凹部
８ロック解除操作部
８Ａ押し込みボタン部
９回動付勢機構
10 係止段部
11 弾性機構，フリクションバネ
13 頂面部
19 作動軸
20 フリーストップ領域[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hinge device for pivotally connecting a first member and a second member, and a portable electronic device using the hinge device.
[0002]
Problems to be solved by the prior art and the invention
For example, in a mobile phone as a typical example of a mobile electronic device, a flip type in which a flip is freely openable and closable on a mobile phone main body and an integrated type without a flip are known. The integrated type is superior in terms of weight reduction and convenience, but the flip type is superior in terms of prevention of switch malfunction, downsizing, and variety of designs.
[0003]
In portable electronic devices of the type having such a flip, it is desired that the flip can be easily opened and closed in a one-touch manner.
[0004]
However, when the conventional hinge device is applied to the connection of the flip to the portable telephone body, a drive mechanism such as a flip rotation lock mechanism and a button for releasing the lock is separately provided from the hinge device. Because of the necessity, the number of parts is increased, and there is a problem that it is necessary to provide a space therefor.
[0005]
Therefore, as disclosed in International Publication WO 00/50780, the present applicant does not need to provide a separate mechanism for opening / closing lock on the device side while having a configuration that can be opened and closed with one touch, and the portable electronic device can be used. We have developed a hinge device that can contribute to simplifying the equipment configuration and saving space.
[0006]
In this device, for example, as described above, when applied to a flip-type portable telephone, the flipped closing flip is automatically activated simply by pressing a release operation unit (push button) provided on the hinge device with a finger. It is configured to open and rotate at once.
[0007]
The hinge device that performs the automatic opening and closing function is a revolutionary hinge device that realizes a structure that automatically opens and closes with one touch while performing the closing urging function. The applicant has found that it is easier to use the flip when it is possible to rotate the flip freely by hand and to stop at the rotation position when releasing the hand.
[0008]
That is, the present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and has been further improved, and is urged to be closed, and is automatically opened and rotated by one-touch operation, but when this one-touch operation is not performed, It can be opened and closed by hand, in which case it is configured to be in a free stop state where it stops rotating at the position where you release your hand, making it extremely easy to use and an innovative hinge device and a portable electronic device using a hinge device The purpose is to provide equipment.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The gist of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0010]
A hinge device for pivotally connecting a first member (1) and a second member (2), wherein an engagement projection (6) is provided in a detent state on one of the first member (1) and the second member (2). An engagement recess 7 is provided for engaging the engagement protrusion 6 in a detented state with respect to the first member 1 and the second member when the engagement protrusion 6 and the engagement recess 7 are in the engaged state. 2 is configured to be rotationally locked, and at least one of the engagement protrusions 6 and the engagement recesses 7 is provided so as to be slidable in the direction of engagement and disengagement. An elastic mechanism 11 for urging at least one of the engaging members 7 in the separating direction when the member 7 is moved in the separating direction, and a rotation urging mechanism 9 for urging at least one of the engaging convex portion 6 and the engaging concave portion 7 in the rotating direction. The engagement between the engaging projection 6 and the engaging recess 7 is not disengaged by the elastic mechanism 11 and the rotation locked state is maintained. The fleece which stops rotating at a position where the hand is released by the return pressing force of the elastic mechanism 11 when the engagement is disengaged by rotating the elastic mechanism 11 by hand against the elastic mechanism 11 The engagement urging force of the elastic mechanism 11 is released, and either one of the engagement convex part 6 and the engagement concave part 7 is automatically rotated by the rotation urging mechanism 9. A lock release operation section 8 for moving the second member 2 automatically relative to the first member 1, The elastic mechanism 11 A swelling plate-shaped friction spring for elastically supporting the sliding movement of the engaging projection 6 or the engaging recess 7 in the separating direction. 11 Composed ofThe present invention relates to a hinge device.
[0011]
Further, the lock release operating section 8 presses and deforms the friction spring 11 in the separating direction by performing a pressing release operation, and the return pressing force of the friction spring 11 serving as the engagement urging force is disengaged. 2. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation urging mechanism allows automatic rotation without acting on the engagement protrusions or the engagement recesses that move away from each other during rotation. It is related to.
[0012]
Further, the lock release operation portion 8 is configured to push a dome-shaped bulging central portion of the friction spring 11 employed as the elastic mechanism 11 to deform in the separating direction, and When the engaging concave portion 6 or the engaging concave portion 7 moves away from each other during the engagement and disengagement rotation, the peripheral portion, not the central portion of the friction spring 11 bulging into a dome shape, is pushed and deformed to deform the engaging convex portion 6. Alternatively, according to the hinge device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the engagement recess 7 is configured to be elastically supported.
[0013]
The lock release operation unit 8 includes a push button 8A and an operation shaft 19, and the friction spring 11 employed as the elastic mechanism 11 by the operation shaft 19 which is movable by pushing the push button 8A. The central portion of the engaging portion is pressed and deformed in the separating direction to release the rotation lock state, and the engaging concave portion 7 is manually rotated relative to the engaging convex portion 6 by hand to engage. When the engagement between the projection 6 and the engagement recess 7 is disengaged and the engagement recess 7 is relatively separated from the engagement / disengagement projection 6, the engagement projection 6 or the engagement recess 7 separated from the engagement recess 7. The rearward shape of the engaging convex portion 6 or the engaging concave portion 7 or the bulging shape of the friction spring 11 is set so as to press and deform not the central portion but the peripheral portion of the friction spring 11, and the friction spring 11 returns. Achieves the above-mentioned free stop state with pressing force When the frictional spring 11 is set to a sufficient strength, the force of the unlocking operation by the unlocking operation part 8 is weaker than when the frictional spring 11 is pressed by the engaging convex part 6 or the engaging concave part 7. 4. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation lock state is released by pressing and deforming the hinge device. 5.
[0014]
Also, the engagement between the engaging projection 6 and the engaging recess 7 is not disengaged unless the elastic mechanism 11 is pressed and deformed by a predetermined distance, and after the engagement and disengagement, the return pressing force of the elastic mechanism 11 is used. Even if the distal end surface of the engagement convex portion 6 and the top surface portion 13 of the engagement concave portion 7 come into pressure contact with each other and a rotation urging force is generated by the rotation urging mechanism 9, the free stop state is established, and the lock release operation portion 8 When the elastic mechanism 11 is pressed and deformed by a predetermined distance by the pressing release operation, the engagement between the engaging convex portion 6 and the engaging concave portion 7 is disengaged by the rotation urging mechanism 9 and the free stop state is established. The hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second member (2) is automatically rotated relative to the first member (1) up to a predetermined angle. It concerns the device.
[0015]
Further, the base end portions of the first member 1 and the second member 2 are pivotally connected to each other, and one of the first member 1 and the second member 2 is moved from a closed state in which both are overlapped to a predetermined opening angle. A hinge device that can be opened and closed in a rotated open state, wherein at least in the closed state, the engagement protrusion 6 and the engagement recess 7 are engaged in the rotation lock state, and the rotation urging is performed. The engaging convex portion 6 and the engaging concave portion 7 are more likely to be engaged by the elastic mechanism 11 or the engaging urging mechanism 5 provided separately from the elastic mechanism 11 than the rotational urging force of the mechanism 9. The cam force is set to be large so that the second member 2 is closed and urged against the first member 1 up to a predetermined rotation angle. The engagement convex portion 6 is engaged with the engagement concave portion 7 until the predetermined opening angle is reached. The second member 2 is automatically rotated relative to the material 1 and the second member 2 is manually rotated relative to the first member 1 from the closed state to the predetermined opening angle. 2. A free stop area in which the rotation is stopped at a position where the hand is released from the predetermined rotation angle at which the closing bias is applied to the predetermined opening angle or near the predetermined opening angle. 6. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
[0016]
Further, the base end portions of the first member 1 and the second member 2 are pivotally connected to each other, and one of the first member 1 and the second member 2 is moved from a closed state in which both are overlapped to a predetermined opening angle. A hinge device which can be opened and closed in a pivoted open state, wherein the engagement convex portion 6 and the engagement concave portion 7 are re-engaged at the predetermined opening angle to establish the rotation lock state. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:
[0017]
A hinge device for pivotally connecting the first member 1 and the second member 2, wherein the first connecting portion 3 is connected to the first member 1 and the second connecting portion 4 is connected to the second member 2. When the first connecting portion 3 and the second connecting portion 4 are moved in the separating direction by the elastic mechanism 11, the engaging convex portion 6 is urged to be engaged. An engaging concave portion 7 to be engaged is provided, and when the engaging convex portion 6 and the engaging concave portion 7 are in an engaged state, the first connecting portion 3 and the second connecting portion 4 are rotationally locked. The first member 1 and the second member 2 are configured to be rotationally locked, and at least one of the engaging projections 6 and the engaging recesses 7 is separated from the elastic mechanism 11 in the separating direction. Slidably provided on the main body, and at least one of the engaging projections 6 and the engaging recesses 7 engaged by the elastic mechanism 11 is separated from the elastic mechanism 11. In this manner, the engagement is disengaged and the rotation lock state is released, and the rotation urging mechanism 9 that rotationally urges at least one of the engagement protrusion 6 and the engagement recess 7 is provided. In addition to the above, even if the shapes of the engaging projection 6 and the engaging recess 7 are rotationally urged by the rotational urging mechanism 9, the engaging mechanism provided separately from the elastic mechanism 11 or the elastic mechanism 11. The engagement convex portion 6 and the engagement concave portion 7 are engaged with each other by being urged by the urging mechanism 5 to maintain the rotation locked state. By releasing the engagement urging by the mechanism 11, the engaging urging mechanism 9 automatically rotates the engaging convex part 6 relative to the engaging concave part 7 to a predetermined opening angle. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hinge device is configured to stop. Things.
[0018]
Further, the present invention relates to a portable electronic device using the hinge device, wherein the hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided at a pivot portion.
[0019]
Further, the first member 1 or the main body as the second member 2 and the lid or the flip as the second member 2 or the first member 1 which overlaps the main body from the overlapping state to a predetermined opening angle. 10. A portable electronic device using the hinge device according to claim 9, wherein the hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is used in a pivot portion that pivots so that the hinge device can be opened and closed. It is related to.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention (how to implement the invention) will be briefly described with reference to the drawings, showing the operational effects thereof.
[0021]
The first member 1 and the second member 2 are rotationally locked by the engagement of the engagement protrusion 6 and the engagement recess 7. At least one of the engaging projections 6 and the engaging recesses 7 must move in the separating direction against the elastic mechanism 11 in order to engage or disengage at least. Accordingly, even when the rotation is biased by the rotation biasing mechanism 9, the rotation locked state in which the engagement protrusion 6 and the engagement recess 7 are engaged is maintained.
[0022]
That is, for example, when the engagement convex portion 6 and the engagement concave portion 7 are engaged with each other in a closed state where the first member 1 and the second member 2 overlap, the elastic mechanism 11 or the elastic mechanism For example, at least the engaging convex portion 6 and the engaging concave portion 7 are caused by the engaging cam force between the engaging convex portion 6 and the engaging concave portion 7 which is urged by the engaging urging mechanism 5 provided separately from the engaging convex portion 6 and the engaging concave portion 7. Will be biased as long as it does not rotate to the position where it is disengaged. In addition, a return pressing force is generated by the elastic mechanism 11 when disengaging.
[0023]
When the lock release operation unit 8 is operated in the rotationally locked state in which the engagement is biased, for example, when the lock release operation unit 8 serving as a push button is pushed in, the engagement bias of the elastic mechanism 11 is disengaged. For example, the engagement concave portion 7 that is rotationally fixed to the second member 2 can be separated from the engagement convex portion 6 that is rotationally fixed to the first member 1. (In the embodiment, the engaging urging force of the engaging urging mechanism 5 is applied), and the engaging concave portion 7, which is rotationally urged by the rotational urging mechanism 9, is rotated to engage the engaging projection. The engagement concave portion 7 rotates with respect to the portion 6, and the rotation locked state is released.
[0024]
That is, the one-touch release operation of the lock release operation unit 8 automatically rotates the second member 2 relative to the first member 1 up to, for example, a predetermined opening angle at once.
[0025]
On the other hand, when the one-touch release operation is not performed and the second member 2 is relatively rotated with respect to the first member 1 by hand against the elastic mechanism 11 by hand, the engaging concave portion 7 is The engagement between the engagement protrusion 6 and the engagement recess 7 is disengaged by rotating while moving away from the elastic mechanism 11.
[0026]
When the second member 2 is relatively rotated by hand, the hand is released by the return pressing force of the elastic mechanism 11 until, for example, a predetermined opening angle at which the engaging projection 6 and the engaging recess 7 are engaged again. It becomes a free stop state where it is stopped and held at the set position.
[0027]
Therefore, the lock release operation unit 8 can be used for one-touch automatic rotation, and the second member 2 can be relatively rotated with respect to the first member 1 by hand. The second member 2 does not move with respect to the first member 1, and is urged to close until the engagement between the engaging projection 6 and the engaging recess 7 is disengaged, and then re-engaged when disengaged. Until then, it is possible to realize a free stop state where the vehicle stops at the position where the hand is released.
[0028]
Also, to achieve a free stop, a strong pressing force (strong return pressing force) is required,In the present inventionIn addition, since the friction spring 11 is employed as the elastic mechanism 11, it is possible to obtain a strong pressing force for realizing the free stop with a simple configuration.
[0029]
Further, in the present invention, if the elastic mechanism 11 is constituted by, for example, a coil spring or the like, on the contrary, the pressing release operation force of the lock release operation section 8 for eliminating (releasing) the return pressing force of the elastic mechanism 11 becomes strong. In order to release the one-touch operation, a strong pressing force is required. However, the pressing release operation by the point lock releasing operation unit 8 is performed by using a dome-shaped bulging plate-shaped friction spring 11 bulging toward the center as the elastic mechanism 11. This central portion is pressed so as to be sufficiently deformed to prevent the return pressing force from acting on the engaging convex portion 6 or the engaging concave portion 7 so as to prevent the rotation. Since the deformation can be performed with a weak force, the unlocking operation section 8 can be performed by a light pressing operation of the finger, and the return pressing force when rotating with one hand to realize the free stop is reduced by the engaging convex section 6 or the separating convex section 6. Engagement Since part 7 is configured to deform to press the peripheral portion rather than the central portion of the friction spring 11, it becomes possible to obtain a sufficiently strong return pressure to achieve a free stop.
[0030]
Therefore, it is closed and urged to open and rotate automatically by one-touch operation, but when this one-touch operation is not performed, it can be opened and closed by hand, in which case the free stop stops rotating at the position where the hand is released. It is configured to be in a state, it is very easy to use, and by using the friction spring 11, it can be realized with a simpler configuration, and the pressing position on the friction spring 11 is the same as when pressing for automatic rotation is released. Innovative hinge device with one-touch release operation that can be performed with a light force of a finger while having a strong spring force that can realize free stop because it has a configuration that makes it different from that at the time of free stop. Electronic equipment can be provided.
[0031]
【Example】
A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0032]
This embodiment is a case where the present invention is applied to a portable telephone as shown in the drawing. The main body is a first member 1, the flip is a second member 2, and the main body 1 and the flip 2 are in a closed state. For example, the hinge device of the present invention is applied to a pivot structure in which the flip 2 can be brought into an open state (talking position) rotated to 120 degrees.
[0033]
When the lock release operation unit 8 (release button) is pressed in the closed state of the rotationally locked state in which the closing is urged as described above, the flip 2 is automatically turned at a predetermined opening angle (for example, 120 degrees). ) To stop, and the flip 2 can be rotated by hand without operating the unlocking operation unit 8. When the flip 2 is rotated by hand, the flip From the closed state in which the engagement concave portion 7 is engaged to the slight rotation angle at which the engagement is disengaged, the closing bias is applied. When the flip 2 is rotated, the flip 2 can be rotated by hand up to the predetermined opening angle at which the engaging convex portion 6 and the engaging concave portion 7 are engaged again and the rotation is locked. When you release your hand, Flip 2 stops at that position. It has a configuration which realizes there is no fluctuates that fleece top condition.
[0034]
In this embodiment, a mounting hole 14 is provided at the base of the main body 1, and a mounting hole 15 adjacent to the base of the flip 2 is provided in communication with the mounting hole 14, and the mounting hole 14 and the mounting hole 15 are formed as shaft-shaped parts. The hinge device according to the present invention is inserted and attached.
[0035]
The flip 2 (second member 2) is fixed with a locking member 4 having a detent shape through the mounting hole 15 as a second connecting portion 4, and a closing portion 3 for closing one end of the casing 4 is formed as a first connecting portion 4. The connecting portion 3 is fixed to the main body 1 (first member 1) via the mounting hole 14.
[0036]
Further, an engagement convex portion 6 arranged in the second connecting portion 4 (the caging 4) is fixed to an inner front end portion of the first connecting portion 3 (the closing portion 3).
[0037]
A closing portion 17 is provided on the other end side of the casing 4, and an engaging recess 7 is provided inside the closing portion 17 so as to face the engaging convex portion 6 and engage with each other. Numeral 7 is provided in the casing 4 in a detented state, and is slidably provided along a guide groove 16 provided in the casing 4 in the engaging and disengaging direction.
[0038]
A coil spring 5 for urging in the engaging direction is provided as an engaging urging mechanism 5 in the casing 4 between the engaging concave portion 7 and the closing portion 17. A friction spring 11 is provided as a pressing spring for elastically supporting the rear portion of the engaging concave portion 7 when moving in the separating direction against the engaging urging mechanism 5 and urging in the engaging direction. The friction spring 11 is a dome-shaped plate-shaped friction spring 11 whose central portion bulges inward, and is disposed so as to elastically support the engaging concave portion 7 which tends to separate when disengaging.
[0039]
In this embodiment, the engagement urging mechanism 5 is provided separately from the friction spring 11 in consideration of the small deformation stroke of the friction spring 11 and the fact that the engagement spring is always urged in the engaged state. However, if the setting is made so that the rear portion of the engagement recess 7 is supported and held at the engagement position at the time of engagement, the engagement urging mechanism 5 may not be provided.
[0040]
In addition, a torque spring 9 is provided as a rotation urging mechanism 9 at the base of the one engagement convex portion 6, and the caging 4 is rotationally urged, so that the engaging concave portion 7 is formed with respect to the engaging convex portion 6. It is configured to be biased to rotate.
[0041]
The rotation urging mechanism 9 is configured so that when the state is changed from the open state to the closed state, the torsion is accumulated and a rotation torque is generated.
[0042]
In addition, a slide guide shaft 18 is provided at the center of the engagement recess 7 so as to engage with a central engagement shaft 17 of the engagement protrusion 6 to guide the slide movement of the engagement recess 7 and to provide the slide guide shaft. The operation shaft 19 of the unlocking operation section 8 is inserted into and protrudes toward the rear of the engagement recess 7. The operation shaft 19 pushes the bulging central portion of the friction spring 11. Then, the friction spring 11 is configured to be pressed and deformed.
[0043]
That is, the lock release operation unit 8 is configured to push the dome-shaped bulged central portion of the friction spring 11 employed as the elastic mechanism 11 by the operating shaft 19 that is pushed and moved to deform in the separating direction. However, when the engaging recess 7 moves away from each other during the engagement and disengagement rotation, the peripheral portion, not the central portion of the friction spring 11 bulging in a dome shape, is pushed and deformed so that the engaging recess 7 is resiliently pressed. It is configured to be supported.
[0044]
More specifically, the lock release operation section 8 is constituted by a push button section 8A and an operating shaft 19, and the center of the friction spring 11 is moved by an operating shaft 19 which is movable by pushing the push button section 8A. The rotation locking state is released by pressing and deforming the engaging portion in the separating direction, and the engaging concave portion 7 is manually rotated relative to the engaging convex portion 6 by hand. When the engagement recess 7 is relatively separated from the engagement protrusion 6 due to the disengagement of the engagement between the engagement recess 7 and the engagement recess 7, the separated engagement recess 7 is located at the center of the friction spring 11. The shape of the rear portion of the engaging recess 7 and the swelling shape of the friction spring 11 are set so as to press and deform the peripheral portion. That is, in the present embodiment, a ring-shaped projection 20 is formed on the rear end face of the engagement recess 7, and the entire circumference of the peripheral portion of the friction spring 11 is pressed by the projection 20 so as to be pressed rearward (separated direction). It is designed to be.
[0045]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the elastic mechanism 11 is set as the friction spring 11 and the return pressing force is set to a strength sufficient to realize the free stop state. Since the release operation is performed by pressing the spring 11 at the center thereof, the releasing operation force is weak, and the rotation lock state can be released by pressing and deforming with a light force of a finger.
[0046]
That is, the operating rod 19 is inserted into the slide guide shaft 18 of the engaging recess 7 through the center hole of the closing portion 3 by the push button portion 8A pressed by a finger, and is pushed and protruded to the rear portion of the engaging recess 7. When the push button 8A is pushed inward against the return spring 12, the distal end of the operating shaft 19 passes through the engaging recess 7 to push and deform the center of the friction spring 11. Therefore, even if the friction spring 11 exerts a strong return pressing force, it is pressed and deformed by a weak force to a position sufficient to disengage the engagement recess 7 and is automatically rotated by the rotation urging mechanism 9. be able to.
[0047]
In addition, the engaging concave portion 7 forms a V-shaped concave portion at a 180-degree symmetrical position, and this concave portion is used as an engaging portion with which the engaging convex portion 6 is engaged. The distal end surface of the engaging projection 6 comes into pressure contact with the top surface portion 13 between the concave portions by the return pressing force of the elastic mechanism 11 and the return pressing force of the engagement urging mechanism 5 with a small urging force, and the rotation urging mechanism Even if the rotation bias of 9 occurs, it is configured to be stopped and held unless pushed by hand.
[0048]
That is, in the present embodiment, the engagement between the engaging projection 6 and the engaging recess 7 is not disengaged unless the friction spring 11 is pressed and deformed by a predetermined distance, and the engagement urging mechanism is engaged with the friction spring 11 after disengagement. 5, the tip end surface of the engaging projection 6 and the top surface portion 13 of the engaging recess 7 are pressed against each other by the return pressing force of the coil spring 5 to generate the rotation urging force by the rotation urging mechanism 9. The friction spring 11 is pressed and deformed by the stroke required for engagement and disengagement by the pressing release operation of the lock release operation section 8, whereby the engagement urging portion 6 and the engagement convex portion 6 are The structure is such that the second member 2 is automatically rotated at once with respect to the first member 1 up to a predetermined opening angle without being disengaged from the engagement concave portion 7 and becoming a free stop state.
[0049]
Further, in the present embodiment, in order to surely realize the free stop, in other words, the top surface portion 13 of the engaging concave portion 7 or the engaging convex portion so that sufficient stop holding friction is generated even if the return pressing force is slightly weak. As shown in FIG. 10, irregularities 21 may be provided on the tip end surface of 6, or protrusions may be provided, or a protrusion may be formed on a storm surface where sliding friction increases. In addition, in order to increase the coefficient of friction, a metal or a dissimilar material is bonded to the tip surface of the resin-molded engaging convex portion 6 or the surface of the top surface portion 13 of the engaging concave portion 7 to improve the surface condition. You may do it.
[0050]
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the one-touch automatic rotation can be performed by the lock release operation unit 8, the second member 2 can be relatively rotated with respect to the first member 1 by hand, and the relative rotation can be performed with this hand. In the case of moving, the second member 2 does not move with respect to the first member 1, is closed and biased until the engagement between the engaging projection 6 and the engaging recess 7 is disengaged, and when disengaged, for example, Until the engagement is resumed, it is possible to realize a free stop state in which the vehicle stops at the position where the hand is released.
[0051]
In order to achieve a free stop, a strong pressing force (return pressing force) is required. However, a friction spring 11 is adopted as the elastic mechanism 11, and it is possible to obtain a strong pressing force that realizes the free stop with a simple configuration. it can.
[0052]
Further, if the elastic mechanism 11 is constituted by, for example, a coil spring or the like, on the other hand, the push release operation force of the lock release operation section 8 for eliminating (releasing) the return pressing force of the elastic mechanism 11 becomes strong, and one-touch release is performed. Although a strong pressing force is required, the pressing release operation by the point lock releasing operation section 8 employs a dome-shaped bulging plate-shaped friction spring 11 bulging toward the center as the elastic mechanism 11. The central portion is pressed to deform sufficiently to prevent the return pressing force from acting on the engaging concave portion 7 so as to prevent the rotation. Therefore, the deformation by the pressing at the central portion can be performed with a small force, so that the unlocking operation is performed. The part 8 can be performed by a light pressing operation of a finger, and the return pressing force when rotating with one hand to realize a free stop is such that the engaging concave part 7 that separates is not located at the center part of the friction spring 11 but at the peripheral part. In this embodiment, the pressing force is applied to deform, and at the same time, a returning pressing force by the engagement urging mechanism 5 is also generated, so that a sufficient returning pressing force for realizing the free stop can be obtained.
[0053]
Therefore, it is closed and urged to open and rotate automatically by one-touch operation, but when this one-touch operation is not performed, it can be opened and closed by hand, in which case the free stop stops rotating at the position where the hand is released. It is configured to be in a state, it is very easy to use, and by using the friction spring 11, it can be realized with a simpler configuration, and the pressing position on the friction spring 11 is the same as when pressing for automatic rotation is released. , Because it has a different configuration from the time of the free stop, it has a spring force that can realize the free stop, but the one-touch release operation can be performed with a light force with the finger (the operating force of the release button can be minimized) An innovative hinge device and a portable electronic device using the hinge device can be provided.
[0054]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and a specific configuration of each component can be appropriately designed.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is urged to close and is automatically opened and rotated by a one-touch operation. However, when this one-touch operation is not performed, it can be opened and closed by hand, and in that case, the hand can be released. Since the free stop state is achieved in which the rotation is stopped at the set position, the hinge device and the portable electronic device using the hinge device are very easy to use.
[0056]
That is, it is a hinge structure that can be closed and biased, and automatically opens and rotates with one touch. If this one-touch operation is not performed, the fleece can be opened and closed by hand, and stops rotating at the position where the hand is released. An innovative hinge device and a portable electronic device using the hinge device, which are very easy to use in the top state and can realize such easy-to-use open / close hinge connection with a simple configuration.
[0057]
Also,In the present inventionIn addition, by using a friction spring as the elastic mechanism, it is possible to realize a simpler configuration, and to make the pressing position on the friction spring different between when the pressure is released for automatic rotation and when the free stop. An extremely innovative hinge device and a portable device using the hinge device, which have a spring force capable of realizing a free stop, but can perform a one-touch release operation with a light force by a finger and can realize a hinge connection with an easy configuration. It becomes a type electronic device.
[0058]
Claims2-8According to the described invention, a hinge device which is extremely practical and can easily realize the present invention with a simpler configuration is provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a use state of the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the present embodiment in a closed state in which closing is urged.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of a free stop state when the hand is rotated in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the automatic rotation is performed by the pressing release operation according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory perspective view of a main part showing a relationship between an elastic mechanism 11 and an engagement recess 7 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a view showing a relationship between the engaging projection 6, the engaging recess 7, and the elastic mechanism 11 according to the present embodiment, and shows a main part showing a closed state, a free stop state, and a re-engaged state at an open position. FIG.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a relationship between the engagement convex portion 6, the engagement concave portion 7, and the elastic mechanism 11 according to the present embodiment, showing a closed state and a state of automatically rotating by a pressing release operation. It is explanatory sectional drawing.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory plan view of an engagement recess showing a means for increasing a friction coefficient according to the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 First member
2 Second member
3 First connection
4 Second connecting part
5 Engaging biasing mechanism
6 Engagement protrusion
7 Engagement recess
8 Lock release operation part
8A push button
9 Rotating biasing mechanism
10 Locking step
11 Elastic mechanism, friction spring
13 Top
19 Working axis
20 Free stop area

Claims

第一部材と第二部材とを枢着するヒンジ装置であって、この第一部材，第二部材のいずれか一方に対して回り止め状態に係合凸部を設け、他方に対して回り止め状態にこの係合凸部に係合する係合凹部を設け、この係合凸部と係合凹部とが係合状態のとき第一部材と第二部材とが回動ロックされるように構成し、この係合凸部，係合凹部の少なくとも一方を係合離反方向にスライド移動自在に設けると共に、この係合凸部，係合凹部の少なくとも一方を離反方向に移動した際係合方向に付勢する弾性機構と、係合凸部，係合凹部の少なくとも一方を回動方向に付勢する回動付勢機構とを備え、前記弾性機構により前記係合凸部と係合凹部との係合は係脱せず前記回動ロック状態が保持されるように構成すると共に、手で弾性機構に抗して回動させてこの係合を係脱させた際には、この弾性機構による戻り押圧力により手を離した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ状態となるように構成し、前記弾性機構の係合付勢力を解除させて、前記回動付勢機構により係合凸部，係合凹部のいずれか一方を自動的に回動させ前記第一部材に対して前記第二部材を自動的に相対回動させるロック解除操作部を備え、前記弾性機構は、前記係合凸部若しくは前記係合凹部を離反方向にスライド移動する際に弾圧支承する膨出板状のフリクションバネで構成したことを特徴とするヒンジ装置。What is claimed is: 1. A hinge device for pivotally connecting a first member and a second member, wherein one of the first member and the second member is provided with an engagement protrusion in a detent state, and the other member is detented. An engagement recess is provided in the state to engage the engagement protrusion, and the first member and the second member are rotationally locked when the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess are engaged. At least one of the engagement projection and the engagement recess is provided so as to be slidable in the engagement and disengagement direction, and when at least one of the engagement projection and the engagement recess is moved in the disengagement direction, the engagement direction is reduced. An elastic mechanism for urging, and a rotation urging mechanism for urging at least one of the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion in the rotational direction, wherein the elastic mechanism causes the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion to move together. The engagement is not disengaged and the rotation lock state is maintained, and the rotation is manually performed against the elastic mechanism. When the engagement is disengaged, a free stop state is achieved in which the rotation is stopped at a position where the hand is released by the return pressing force of the elastic mechanism. Is released, and either one of the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion is automatically rotated by the rotation urging mechanism to automatically rotate the second member relative to the first member. A hinge provided with a lock release operation portion , wherein the elastic mechanism is constituted by a bulging plate-shaped friction spring which elastically supports the sliding movement of the engaging projection or the engaging recess in the separating direction. apparatus.

前記ロック解除操作部は、押動解除操作することで前記フリクションバネを前記離反方向へ押圧変形させて、前記係合付勢力となるこのフリクションバネの戻り押圧力が、係脱回動に際して離反移動する前記係合凸部若しくは係合凹部に働かず前記回動付勢機構による自動回動を許容するように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載のヒンジ装置。The lock release operation section presses and deforms the friction spring in the releasing direction by performing a pressing release operation, and the return pressing force of the friction spring, which becomes the engagement urging force, is moved away when the engagement and disengagement rotation is performed. 2. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation urging mechanism permits automatic rotation without acting on the engaging protrusion or the engaging recess.

前記ロック解除操作部は、前記弾性機構として採用したフリクションバネのドーム状に膨出した中央部を押動して前記離反方向に変形させるように構成し、前記係合凸部若しくは係合凹部が係脱回動に際して離反移動する際には、前記フリクションバネのドーム状に膨出した中央部ではなく、周辺部を押動して変形させこの係合凸部若しくは係合凹部が弾圧支承されるように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１，２のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置。The unlocking operation portion is configured to push a dome-shaped bulged central portion of the friction spring adopted as the elastic mechanism to deform in the separating direction, and the engaging convex portion or the engaging concave portion is When the friction spring moves away from each other at the time of the engagement / disengagement rotation, the peripheral portion, not the central portion of the friction spring bulging in a dome shape, is pushed and deformed, and the engaging convex portion or the engaging concave portion is elastically supported. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge device is configured as described above.

前記ロック解除操作部は、押し込みボタン部と作動軸とで構成し、この押し込みボタン部を押動することで可動する作動軸により前記弾性機構として採用したフリクションバネの中央部を前記離反方向へ押圧変形させて前記回動ロック状態が解除するように構成し、前記係合凸部に対して前記係合凹部を手で相対回動させて、係合凸部と係合凹部との係合が係脱することで係脱凸部に対して係合凹部が相対的に離反する際、離反する係合凸部若しくは係合凹部が前記フリクションバネの中央部ではなく周辺部を押圧変形させるように係合凸部若しくは係合凹部の後部形状若しくはフリクションバネの膨出形状を設定して、前記フリクションバネの戻り押圧力を前記フリーストップ状態を実現するに十分な強さに設定した場合、前記ロック解除操作部による押動解除操作力は、係合凸部若しくは係合凹部でフリクションバネを押圧する場合より弱くても前記フリクションバネを押圧変形させて前記回動ロック状態が解除できるように設定したことを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置。The unlocking operation section is constituted by a push button section and an operation shaft, and presses the central portion of the friction spring adopted as the elastic mechanism in the separating direction by an operation shaft movable by pushing the push button section. It is configured to be deformed to release the rotation lock state, and the engagement concave portion is manually rotated relative to the engagement convex portion so that the engagement between the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion is performed. When the engaging concave portion relatively separates from the engaging convex portion by being disengaged, the engaging convex portion or the engaging concave portion that separates presses and deforms not the central portion but the peripheral portion of the friction spring. When the rear shape of the engaging convex portion or the engaging concave portion or the swelling shape of the friction spring is set, and the return pressing force of the friction spring is set to a strength sufficient to realize the free stop state, the locking is performed. Release The push release operation force by the working portion is set so that the frictional spring can be pressed and deformed to release the rotation locked state even if the friction spring is pressed by the engagement convex portion or the engagement concave portion, even if it is weaker. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein:

前記弾性機構を所定距離押圧変形させない限り前記係合凸部と前記係合凹部との係合が係脱しないように構成し、係脱後前記弾性機構の戻り押圧力により係合凸部の先端面と係合凹部の頂面部とが圧接して前記回動付勢機構による回動付勢力が生じても前記フリーストップ状態となり、前記ロック解除操作部の押動解除操作によって前記弾性機構を所定距離押圧変形させることで、前記回動付勢機構により前記係合凸部と前記係合凹部との係合が係脱しフリーストップ状態となることなく所定角度まで前記第一部材に対して前記第二部材が自動的に相対回動するように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置。Unless the elastic mechanism is pressed and deformed by a predetermined distance, the engagement between the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion is not disengaged, and the tip of the engagement convex portion is formed by the return pressing force of the elastic mechanism after disengagement. Even if the surface and the top surface of the engagement recess are pressed against each other to generate a rotation urging force by the rotation urging mechanism, the free stop state is established, and the elastic mechanism is moved to a predetermined position by the release operation of the lock release operation unit. The distance pressing deformation causes the engagement between the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion to be disengaged and disengaged by the rotation urging mechanism, and the first member is moved to a predetermined angle without being in a free stop state. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the two members are configured to automatically rotate relative to each other.

前記第一部材と前記第二部材との基端部同志を枢着して、双方が重合した閉塞状態から第一部材，第二部材のいずれか一方を所定開放角度まで回動した開放状態に開閉できるヒンジ装置であって、少なくとも前記閉塞状態のとき、前記係合凸部と前記係合凹部とが係合した前記回動ロック状態となり、前記回動付勢機構による回動付勢力よりも、前記弾性機構若しくはこの弾性機構とは別に設けた係合付勢機構によって前記係合凸部と前記係合凹部とが係合しようとするカム力が大きくなるように設定して前記第一部材に対して前記第二部材が所定回動角度までは閉塞付勢されるように構成し、前記ロック解除操作部の操作によって前記係合凹部に対して係合凸部が前記所定開放角度まで前記第一部材に対して前記第二部材が自動的に相対回動し、且つ前記閉塞状態から前記所定開放角度までは前記第一部材に対して前記第二部材を手で相対回動させることができ前記閉塞付勢される所定回動角度から前記所定開放角度又はその近くまでは手を離した位置で回動停止するフリーストップ領域となるように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置。The base end portions of the first member and the second member are pivotally connected to each other, and from a closed state in which both are overlapped to an open state in which one of the first member and the second member is rotated to a predetermined opening angle. A hinge device that can be opened and closed, at least in the closed state, in which the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion are engaged with each other in the rotation lock state, and the rotation urging force is smaller than the rotation urging force of the rotation urging mechanism. The first member is set by using the elastic mechanism or an engagement urging mechanism provided separately from the elastic mechanism so that a cam force for engaging the engagement convex portion with the engagement concave portion is increased. The second member is configured so as to be urged to close until a predetermined rotation angle, and the engagement convex portion with respect to the engagement concave portion is operated by the operation of the lock release operation portion until the predetermined opening angle. The second member automatically rotates relative to the first member. And, from the closed state to the predetermined opening angle, the second member can be relatively rotated with respect to the first member by hand, and the closing bias is applied from the predetermined rotation angle to the predetermined opening angle or The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the hinge device is configured to be a free stop area in which the rotation is stopped at a position where the hand is released until near.

前記第一部材と前記第二部材との基端部同志を枢着して、双方が重合した閉塞状態から第一部材，第二部材のいずれか一方を所定開放角度まで回動した開放状態に開閉できるヒンジ装置であって、前記所定開放角度においては、前記係合凸部と前記係合凹部とが再び係合して前記回動ロック状態となるように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１〜６のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置。The base end portions of the first member and the second member are pivotally connected to each other, and from a closed state in which both are overlapped to an open state in which one of the first member and the second member is rotated to a predetermined opening angle. The hinge device which can be opened and closed, wherein at the predetermined opening angle, the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion are re-engaged to be in the rotation locked state. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

第一部材と第二部材とを枢着するヒンジ装置であって、前記第一部材に連結する第一連結部と、前記第二部材に連結する第二連結部とを備え、この第一連結部と第二連結部とに前記弾性機構により離反方向に移動した際には係合付勢される係合凸部とこの係合凸部に係合する係合凹部とを設け、この係合凸部と係合凹部とが係合状態となることで、前記第一連結部と第二連結部とが回動ロックされて前記第一部材と、前記第二部材とが回動ロックされるように構成し、この係合凸部，係合凹部の少なくとも一方を前記弾性機構に抗して離反方向にスライド移動自在に設け、この弾性機構によって係合状態にある係合凸部，係合凹部の少なくとも一方を前記弾性機構に抗して離反させることで前記係合が係脱して前記回動ロック状態が解除されるように構成し、前記係合凸部，係合凹部の少なくとも一方を回動付勢する回動付勢機構を設けると共に、前記係合凸部と係合凹部の形状を前記回動付勢機構によって回動付勢されていても、前記弾性機構若しくはこの弾性機構とは別に設けた係合付勢機構により係合付勢されていることで係合凸部と係合凹部とが係合し前記回動ロック状態が保持され、前記ロック解除操作部の操作によって、前記弾性機構による係合付勢を解除することにより、前記回動付勢機構によって、係合凹部に対して係合凸部が自動的に所定開放角度まで自動的に相対回動して停止するように構成したことを特徴とする請求項１〜７のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置。A hinge device for pivotally connecting a first member and a second member, the hinge device comprising: a first connection portion connected to the first member; and a second connection portion connected to the second member. An engagement protrusion which is urged to engage when moved in the separating direction by the elastic mechanism, and an engagement recess which engages with the engagement protrusion. When the convex portion and the engaging concave portion are in the engaged state, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are rotationally locked, and the first member and the second member are rotationally locked. At least one of the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess is slidably provided in a separating direction against the elastic mechanism, and the engaging protrusion and the engaging member are engaged by the elastic mechanism. By releasing at least one of the recesses against the elastic mechanism, the engagement is disengaged and the rotation locked state is released. And a rotation urging mechanism for rotationally urging at least one of the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion, and the shape of the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion is changed by the rotation urging mechanism. Even if it is rotationally urged, the engagement convex portion and the engagement concave portion are engaged by being urged by the elastic mechanism or an engagement urging mechanism provided separately from the elastic mechanism. The rotation lock state is maintained, and the engagement urging by the elastic mechanism is released by the operation of the lock release operation unit. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hinge device is configured to automatically rotate relative to a predetermined opening angle and stop.

前記請求項１〜８のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置を枢着部に設けたことを特徴とするヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器。A portable electronic device using a hinge device, wherein the hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided at a pivot portion.

前記第一部材若しく前記第二部材としての本体部と、これに重合する前記第二部材若しくは前記第一部材としての蓋部若しくはフリップとを重合状態から所定開放角度まで開閉できるように枢着する枢着部に、前記請求項１〜８のいずれか１項に記載のヒンジ装置を用いたことを特徴とする請求項９記載のヒンジ装置を用いた携帯式電子機器。The first member or the main body as the second member and the lid or the flip as the second member or the first member superimposed on the first member or the second member are pivotally attached from the superposed state to be able to open and close to a predetermined opening angle. 10. A portable electronic device using the hinge device according to claim 9, wherein the hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is used for the pivoting part.