JP4594936B2

JP4594936B2 - Hinge device

Info

Publication number: JP4594936B2
Application number: JP2006529354A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 伸市郎越川; 亮新美
Original assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co Ltd
Priority date: 2005-02-15
Filing date: 2006-02-01
Publication date: 2010-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-01
Also published as: JPWO2006087912A1; CN101111688A; WO2006087912A1

Description

この発明は、互いに平行な二つの回動軸線を有する折畳式携帯機器及びそれに用いるのに好適なヒンジ装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a foldable portable device having two rotation axes parallel to each other and a hinge device suitable for use therein.

従来、折畳式携帯機器には、互いに平行な二つの回動軸線を有するものがある。このような折畳式携帯機器は、第１筐体、第２筐体及び連結部材を有しており、第１筐体と連結部材とが第１回動軸線を中心として回動可能に連結され、第２筐体と連結部材とが第１回動軸線と平行な第２回動軸線を中心として回動可能に連結されている。したがって、第２筐体は、それ自体が連結部材に対して回動可能である角度範囲と、連結部材が第１筐体に対して回動可能である角度範囲とを足した角度範囲だけ第１筐体に対して回動可能である。よって、このような携帯機器では、第２筐体を第１筐体に一つの回動軸線を中心として回動可能に連結した携帯機器より大きく回動させることができる。通常、第２筐体は、その前面が第１筐体の前面に突き当たった折畳位置と、その背面が第１筐体の背面に突き当たった最大回動位置との間のほぼ３６０°の範囲を回動可能になっている。 Conventionally, some foldable portable devices have two rotation axes that are parallel to each other. Such a foldable portable device has a first housing, a second housing, and a connecting member, and the first housing and the connecting member are connected so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis. The second housing and the connecting member are connected so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. Therefore, the second housing has a first angle range that is the sum of an angular range in which the second housing can rotate with respect to the connecting member and an angular range in which the connecting member can rotate with respect to the first housing. It can rotate with respect to one housing. Therefore, in such a portable device, the second housing can be rotated more largely than the portable device that is connected to the first housing so as to be rotatable about one rotation axis. Usually, the second housing has a range of approximately 360 ° between the folded position where the front surface of the second housing hits the front surface of the first housing and the maximum rotation position of the back surface of the second housing hits the back surface of the first housing. Can be rotated.

ところで、上記のような折畳式携帯機器においては、第２筐体を折畳位置と最大回動位置との間の途中において停止させることが必要な場合がある。そこで、下記特許文献１に記載のものにおいては、第１筐体と連結部材との間に係止機構が設けられている。係止機構は、第１筐体に移動可能に設けられた係合部材と、連結部材に設けられた係合凹部とを有しており、係合部材が係合凹部に係合することにより、連結部材が第１筐体に対して回動不能にロックされる。ロック状態では、連結部材が第１筐体に対して回動不能であるから、第２筐体は、それ自体が連結部材に対して回動可能である範囲だけしか第１筐体に対して回動することができない。例えば１８０°だけしか回動することができない。したがって、第２筐体は、ロック機構を解除しない限り、１８０°の回動位置から最大回動位置側へ向かって回動することができない。よって、第２筐体を折畳位置から１８０°回動した位置において停止させることができる。
特許第２８６９５００号公報 By the way, in the foldable portable device as described above, it may be necessary to stop the second housing partway between the folding position and the maximum rotation position. Therefore, in the device described in Patent Document 1 below, a locking mechanism is provided between the first housing and the connecting member. The locking mechanism has an engaging member provided movably in the first housing and an engaging recess provided in the connecting member, and the engaging member engages with the engaging recess. The connecting member is locked so as not to rotate with respect to the first housing. In the locked state, since the connecting member cannot rotate with respect to the first housing, the second housing can only move relative to the first housing within a range in which the second housing itself can rotate with respect to the connecting member. Cannot rotate. For example, it can only be rotated by 180 °. Therefore, the second housing cannot be rotated from the 180 ° rotation position toward the maximum rotation position unless the lock mechanism is released. Therefore, the second housing can be stopped at a position rotated 180 ° from the folding position.
Japanese Patent No. 2869500

上記従来の折畳式携帯機器においては、第１筐体及び第２筐体と連結部材とをそれぞれ回動可能に組み立てるのみならず、第１筐体に係合部材を組み込む必要があり、その分だけ組み立て工数が増える結果、折畳式携帯機器の製造費が嵩むという問題があった。 In the conventional foldable portable device, it is necessary not only to assemble the first housing and the second housing and the connecting member so as to be rotatable, but also to incorporate an engaging member into the first housing. As a result of the increase in assembly man-hours, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the folding portable device increases.

この発明は、上記の問題を解決するために、回動軸線を中心として回動可能に連結された第１、第２ヒンジ部材と、上記第１ヒンジ部材の上記第２ヒンジ部材と対向する端部に、上記回動軸線方向へ移動可能に、かつ回動不能に設けられた可動部材と、この可動部材を上記第２ヒンジ部材に向かって付勢する第１付勢手段とを備え、上記可動部材と上記第２ヒンジ部材との対向面の一方には他方に当接する凸部が形成され、他方には上記第１ヒンジ部材が所定の位置に回動したときに上記凸部に当接することにより、上記第１付勢手段の付勢力を、上記第１ヒンジ部材を上記第２ヒンジ部材に対して相対的に回動させる回動付勢力に変換するカム部が形成されたヒンジ装置において、上記第１ヒンジ部材と上記第２ヒンジ部材との一方には、上記回動軸線と平行に配置され、かつ第２付勢手段によって上記一方から他方へ向かう方向に付勢された係合部材の基端部が上記回動軸線方向へ移動可能に設けられ、上記係合部材は、上記可動部材に対し上記回動軸線と直交する方向へ離間し、かつ上記可動部材と並んで配置され、上記他方の外周部には、上記回動軸線方向における両端部が開放され、上記可動部材の外側を通過した上記係合部材の先端部が一端開放部から挿脱可能に係合し、係合時には上記第１ヒンジ部材と上記第２ヒンジ部材との相対回転を上記係合部材と協働して阻止する係合凹部が設けられ、上記他方には、操作部材が上記回動軸線方向へ移動可能に設けられ、上記操作部材は、上記他方から上記一方へ向かう方向へ移動させられると、上記係合凹部の他端開放部から上記係合部材を上記第２付勢手段の付勢力に抗して押圧移動して上記係合凹部から脱出させ、それによって上記係合部材と上記係合凹部との間の係合を解除させることを特徴としている。
この場合、上記係合部材の基端部が上記第１ヒンジ部材に移動可能に設けられ、上記係合凹部及び上記操作部材が上記第２ヒンジ部材に設けられていることが望ましい。
上記第１ヒンジ部材の上記第２ヒンジ部材側の端面に収容孔が形成され、この収容孔の開口部側端部に上記係合部材の基端部が移動可能に収容され、上記収容孔の底部側の端部に上記第２付勢手段が収容されていることが望ましい。
上記第２ヒンジ部材を上記第１ヒンジ部材に対して相対回転させたときに互いに当接する上記係合部材の先端部外面と上記係合凹部の内面との少なくとも一方には、上記第２ヒンジの回動に伴って上記係合部材を上記第２付勢手段の付勢力に抗して押圧移動させる傾斜面が形成されていることが望ましい。 In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides first and second hinge members that are pivotally connected about a rotation axis, and an end of the first hinge member that faces the second hinge member. A movable member provided so as to be movable in the direction of the rotational axis but not rotatable, and a first urging means for urging the movable member toward the second hinge member, One of the opposing surfaces of the movable member and the second hinge member is formed with a convex portion that contacts the other, and the other is in contact with the convex portion when the first hinge member is rotated to a predetermined position. Accordingly, in the hinge device in which the cam portion is formed that converts the urging force of the first urging means into a rotation urging force that rotates the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member. In one of the first hinge member and the second hinge member, Arranged in parallel with Kikaido axis, and a base end portion of the engaging member is biased in a direction from one to the other above is movable to said rotation axis direction by the second biasing means, the The engaging member is spaced apart from the movable member in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and is arranged side by side with the movable member, and both end portions in the rotation axis direction are open at the other outer peripheral portion. The distal end portion of the engaging member that has passed the outside of the movable member is detachably engaged with the one end open portion, and the relative rotation between the first hinge member and the second hinge member is performed during the engagement. An engaging recess is provided for blocking in cooperation with the engaging member, the operating member is provided on the other side so as to be movable in the rotational axis direction, and the operating member is directed in the direction from the other to the one side. When the other end of the engaging recess is opened, Luo said engaging member is pressed and moved against the urging force of the said second biasing means is escaped from the engagement recess, thereby releasing the engagement between the engaging member and the engaging recess It is characterized by letting.
In this case, it is desirable that the base end portion of the engagement member is provided movably on the first hinge member, and the engagement recess and the operation member are provided on the second hinge member.
An accommodation hole is formed in an end surface of the first hinge member on the second hinge member side, and a base end portion of the engagement member is movably accommodated in an opening side end portion of the accommodation hole. It is desirable that the second urging means is accommodated at the end on the bottom side.
At least one of the outer surface of the front end of the engaging member and the inner surface of the engaging recess that come into contact with each other when the second hinge member is rotated relative to the first hinge member is disposed on the second hinge member. It is desirable that an inclined surface is formed that causes the engaging member to be pressed and moved against the urging force of the second urging means along with the rotation.

上記特徴構成を有するこの発明によれば、第１ヒンジがロック機構を有しているから、折畳式携帯機器を組み立てるに際しては、第１筐体と連結部材との間に第１ヒンジを組み込むとともに、第２筐体と連結部材との間に第２ヒンジを組み込むだけでよく、ロック機構を別途組み込む必要がない。したがって、折畳式携帯機器の組み立て工数を減らすことができる。 According to this invention having the above-described characteristic configuration, since the first hinge has the lock mechanism, when assembling the foldable portable device, the first hinge is incorporated between the first housing and the connecting member. In addition, it is only necessary to incorporate the second hinge between the second housing and the connecting member, and there is no need to separately incorporate a lock mechanism. Therefore, the number of assembling steps for the folding portable device can be reduced.

この発明に係る折畳式携帯電話器（折畳式携帯機器）の第１実施の形態を、受話部筐体を折畳位置に位置させた状態で示す斜視図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a foldable mobile phone (foldable mobile device) according to the present invention in a state where a receiver housing is located at a fold position. 同実施の形態を、受話部筐体を中間位置に位置させた状態で示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the embodiment in the state which located the receiving part housing | casing in the intermediate position. 同実施の形態を、受話部筐体を最大回動位置に位置させた状態で示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the same embodiment in the state which located the receiving part housing | casing in the maximum rotation position. 同実施の形態を、受話部筐体を折畳位置に位置させた状態で示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the embodiment in the state which positioned the receiving part housing | casing in the folding position. 同実施の形態を、受話部筐体を中間位置に位置させた状態で示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the same embodiment in the state which positioned the receiving part housing | casing in the intermediate position. 同実施の形態を、受話部筐体を最大回動位置に位置させた状態で示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the same embodiment in the state which located the receiving part housing | casing in the maximum rotation position. 同実施の形態の携帯電話器において用いられている連結部材及び連結部材に組み込まれたヒンジ装置を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the hinge apparatus integrated in the connection member and connection member which are used in the mobile telephone of the embodiment. 図７のＸ−Ｘ線に沿う拡大断面図である。It is an expanded sectional view which follows the XX line of FIG. 同実施の形態の携帯電話器において用いられたこの発明に係るヒンジ装置の第１実施の形態を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows 1st Embodiment of the hinge apparatus based on this invention used in the mobile telephone of the embodiment. 同ヒンジ装置を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the hinge apparatus. 図１０のＸ−Ｘ線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the XX line of FIG. 図１０のＹ−Ｙ線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the YY line of FIG. 同ヒンジ装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the hinge apparatus. 同ヒンジ装置における球体と第１、第２当接凹部との関係を示す展開図である。It is an expanded view which shows the relationship between the spherical body and the 1st, 2nd contact recessed part in the hinge apparatus. この発明に係るヒンジ装置の第２実施の形態を示す図１２と同様の断面図である。It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 12 which shows 2nd Embodiment of the hinge apparatus based on this invention. 同実施の形態の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the same embodiment. この発明に係る折畳式携帯電話器の第１実施の形態において用いられている第２ヒンジ装置の一例を示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the 2nd hinge apparatus used in 1st Embodiment of the foldable mobile telephone concerning this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

Ｌ１第１回動軸線（回動軸線）
Ｌ２第２回動軸線
１折畳式携帯電話器（折畳式携帯機器）
２送話部筐体（第１筐体）
３受話部筐体（第２筐体）
４連結部材
５第１ヒンジ装置（第１ヒンジ）
５Ａ第１ヒンジ装置（第１ヒンジ）
５′ 第２ヒンジ装置（第２ヒンジ）
８第２ヒンジ軸（第２ヒンジ）
１０ロック機構
１１収容孔
１２ロックばね（付勢手段、第２付勢手段）
１３係合軸（係合部材）
１３ａテーパ面（傾斜面）
１４係合凹部
２０ロック解除機構
２１操作部材
５１第１ヒンジ部材
５２取付部材（第２ヒンジ部材）
５４可動部材
５５球体（凸部）
５６主コイルばね（第１付勢手段）
５７固定部材（第２ヒンジ部材）
５７ｃ一側部（カム部）
５７ｄ他側部（カム部） L1 first rotation axis (rotation axis)
L2 Second rotation axis 1 Folding mobile phone (folding portable device)
2 Transmitter housing (first housing)
3 Earpiece housing (second housing)
4 connecting member 5 first hinge device (first hinge)
5A First hinge device (first hinge)
5 'second hinge device (second hinge)
8 Second hinge shaft (second hinge)
10 Locking mechanism 11 Housing hole 12 Lock spring (biasing means, second urging means)
13 Engagement shaft (engagement member)
13a Tapered surface (inclined surface)
14 Engaging recess 20 Unlocking mechanism 21 Operation member 51 First hinge member 52 Mounting member (second hinge member)
54 Movable member 55 Sphere (convex part)
56 Main coil spring (first biasing means)
57 Fixing member (second hinge member)
57c One side (cam part)
57d Other side (cam part)

以下、この発明を実施するための最良の形態を、図面を参照して説明する。
図１〜図６は、この発明に係る折畳式携帯電話器（折畳式携帯機器）の一実施の形態を示す。この折畳式携帯電話器１は、送話部筐体（第１筐体）２、受話部筐体（第２筐体）３及び連結部材４を備えている。送話部筐体２の基端部には、連結部材４の一側部が第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心として回動可能に連結されている。連結部材４の他側部には、受話部筐体３の基端部が第２回動軸線Ｌ２を中心として回動可能に連結されている。この結果、受話部筐体３は、送話部筐体２に連結部材４を介して回動可能に連結されている。なお、送話部筐体２と連結部材４とが相対回動可能であるとともに、受話部筐体３と連結部材４とが相対回動可能であるが、以下においては、説明の便宜上、送話部筐体２が位置固定され、連結部材４及び受話部筐体３が送話部筐体２に対して回動するものとする。The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 6 show an embodiment of a foldable mobile phone (foldable mobile device) according to the present invention. The foldable mobile phone 1 includes a transmitter housing (first housing) 2, a receiver housing (second housing) 3, and a connecting member 4. One side portion of the connecting member 4 is connected to the base end portion of the transmitter case 2 so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis L1. The base end of the receiver housing 3 is connected to the other side of the connecting member 4 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis L2. As a result, the receiver housing 3 is rotatably connected to the transmitter housing 2 via the connecting member 4. In addition, while the transmitter housing 2 and the connecting member 4 are relatively rotatable, the receiver housing 3 and the connecting member 4 are relatively rotatable. It is assumed that the position of the speaking unit housing 2 is fixed, and the connecting member 4 and the receiving unit housing 3 rotate with respect to the transmitting unit housing 2.

連結部材４は、送話部筐体２に対し、図２及び図５に示す初期位置と、図３及び図６に示す終端位置（図３及び図６に示す位置は、実際には終端位置より初期位置側へ微小角度だけ離間した位置である。この点については後述する。）との間を回動可能になっている。連結部材４の初期位置は、連結部材４の前面４ａが送話部筐体２の基端部に形成された第１当接面２ｃに突き当たることによって規定されている。連結部材４の終端位置は、連結部材４の背面４ｂが送話部筐体２の基端部に形成された第２当接面２ｄに突き当たることによって規定されている。 The connecting member 4 has an initial position shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 and a terminal position shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 (the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 are actually the terminal positions). The position is further away from the initial position by a minute angle (this point will be described later). The initial position of the connecting member 4 is defined by the front surface 4 a of the connecting member 4 abutting against the first abutting surface 2 c formed at the base end portion of the transmitter housing 2. The terminal position of the connecting member 4 is defined by the back surface 4b of the connecting member 4 abutting against a second contact surface 2d formed at the proximal end of the transmitter housing 2.

受話部筐体３は、それ自体が連結部材４に対して回動するとともに、連結部材４が送話部筐体２に対して回動することにより、送話部筐体２に対し図１及び図４に示す折畳位置から図２及び図５に示す中間位置を経て図３及び図６に示す最大回動位置まで回動可能になっている。 The receiver housing 3 itself rotates with respect to the connecting member 4, and the connecting member 4 rotates with respect to the transmitter housing 2, so that FIG. 4 through the intermediate position shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 to the maximum rotation position shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

受話部筐体３の折畳位置は、連結部材４が初期位置に位置している状態において、受話部筐体３の前面３ａが送話部筐体２の前面２ａに突き当たることによって規定されている。受話部筐体３の折畳位置は、その基端部に形成された停止面３ｃを連結部材４の前面４ａに突き当たらせることによって規定してもよい。そのようにした場合には、各部品の加工精度上、受話部筐体３が折畳位置に位置したときに受話部筐体３の前面３ａが送話部筐体２の前面２ａから僅かに離間することになる。逆に、前面２ａ，３ａを突き当たらせることによって受話部筐体３の折畳位置を規定した場合には、停止面３ｃが連結部材４の前面４ａに対して僅かに離間することになる。受話部筐体３の折畳位置を上のいずれの方法で規定するかは任意に選択することができる。 The folding position of the receiver housing 3 is defined by the front surface 3a of the receiver housing 3 abutting against the front surface 2a of the transmitter housing 2 in a state where the connecting member 4 is in the initial position. Yes. The folding position of the receiver housing 3 may be defined by causing the stop surface 3 c formed at the base end thereof to abut against the front surface 4 a of the connecting member 4. In such a case, the front surface 3a of the receiver housing 3 is slightly different from the front surface 2a of the transmitter housing 2 when the receiver housing 3 is in the folded position due to the processing accuracy of each component. Will be separated. Conversely, when the folding position of the receiver housing 3 is defined by abutting the front surfaces 2 a and 3 a, the stop surface 3 c is slightly separated from the front surface 4 a of the connecting member 4. It can be arbitrarily selected which of the above methods defines the folding position of the receiver housing 3.

受話部筐体３の中間位置は、受話部筐体３の停止面３ｃが初期位置に位置している連結部材４の背面４ｂに突き当たることによって規定されている。中間位置は、携帯電話器１を用いて通話する際の位置であり、この実施の形態では折畳位置からほぼ１６０°離れた位置に設定されている。受話部筐体３の中間位置は、他の方法で規定することも可能である。この点は、後述する。 The intermediate position of the receiver housing 3 is defined by the stop surface 3c of the receiver housing 3 abutting against the back surface 4b of the connecting member 4 located at the initial position. The intermediate position is a position at the time of making a call using the mobile phone 1, and is set at a position approximately 160 ° away from the folding position in this embodiment. The intermediate position of the receiver housing 3 can be defined by other methods. This point will be described later.

受話部筐体３の最大回動位置は、中間位置に位置している受話部筐体３を、連結部材４と共に第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心として図２及び図５の反時計方向へ回動させた場合において、受話部筐体３の背面３ｂが送話部筐体２の背面２ｂに突き当たることによって規定されている。受話部筐体３が最大回動位置に位置しているときには、各部品の加工精度上、連結部材４の背面４ｂが第２当接面２ｄに対して若干離間し、連結部材４が終端位置に対して微小角度だけ手前の位置に位置している。受話部筐体３の最大回動位置は、連結部材４の背面４ｂを送話部筐体２の第２当接面２ｄに突き当たらせることによって規定してもよい。そのようにした場合には、受話部筐体３が最大回動位置に回動したとき、受話部筐体３の背面３ｂが送話部筐体２の背面２ｂに対して僅かに離間する。 The maximum rotation position of the receiver housing 3 rotates the receiver housing 3 located at the intermediate position in the counterclockwise direction of FIGS. 2 and 5 around the first rotation axis L1 together with the connecting member 4. When it is moved, it is defined by the rear surface 3 b of the receiver housing 3 abutting against the rear surface 2 b of the transmitter housing 2. When the receiver housing 3 is located at the maximum rotation position, the back surface 4b of the connecting member 4 is slightly separated from the second abutting surface 2d for processing accuracy of each component, and the connecting member 4 is at the end position. It is located at a position slightly ahead of the angle. The maximum rotation position of the receiver housing 3 may be defined by causing the back surface 4 b of the connecting member 4 to abut against the second contact surface 2 d of the transmitter housing 2. In such a case, when the receiver housing 3 is rotated to the maximum rotation position, the back surface 3b of the receiver housing 3 is slightly separated from the back surface 2b of the transmitter housing 2.

受話部筐体３及び連結部材４は、後述する第１ヒンジ装置５及び第２ヒンジ装置５′の作用により、次の順序で回動する。すなわち、いま、受話部筐体３が折畳位置に位置しているものとする。受話部筐体３を折畳位置から最大回動位置側へ向かって回動させると、まず受話部筐体３が連結部材４に対し第２回動軸線Ｌ２を中心として回動する。このとき、連結部材４は、後述するロック機構１０によって送話部筐体２に回動不能に連結されているので、受話部筐体３と共に回動することはない。 The receiver housing 3 and the connecting member 4 are rotated in the following order by the action of a first hinge device 5 and a second hinge device 5 ′ described later. In other words, it is assumed that the receiver housing 3 is now in the folded position. When the receiver housing 3 is rotated from the folding position toward the maximum rotation position, the receiver housing 3 is first rotated with respect to the connecting member 4 about the second rotation axis L2. At this time, since the connecting member 4 is non-rotatably connected to the transmitter housing 2 by a lock mechanism 10 described later, the connecting member 4 does not rotate together with the receiver housing 3.

受話部筐体３が中間位置に達すると、停止面３ｃが連結部材４の背面４ｂに突き当たる。しかも、連結部材４が送話部筐体２に対して回動不能になっているから、受話部筐体３は、ロック機構１０によるロック状態を解除しない限り、中間位置から最大回動位置側へ向かって回動することができない。したがって、この折畳式携帯電話器によれば、受話部筐体３を中間位置において確実に停止させることができる。 When the receiver housing 3 reaches the intermediate position, the stop surface 3c hits the back surface 4b of the connecting member 4. In addition, since the connecting member 4 is not rotatable with respect to the transmitter section housing 2, the receiver section housing 3 is located at the maximum rotational position side from the intermediate position unless the locked state by the lock mechanism 10 is released. Cannot rotate toward. Therefore, according to this foldable mobile phone, the receiver housing 3 can be reliably stopped at the intermediate position.

ロック機構１０によるロック状態を解除すると、連結部材４が送話部筐体２に対して回動可能になる。したがって、受話部筐体３を中間位置から最大回動位置へ向かって回動させると、受話部筐体３が連結部材４と共に第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心として最大回動位置側へ回動する。受話部筐体３が最大回動位置に達すると、受話部筐体３の背面３ｂが送話部筐体２の背面２ｂに突き当たって停止する。なお、ロック状態が解除されたロック機構１０は、連結部材４が初期位置に戻らない限り解除状態に維持されている。 When the locked state by the lock mechanism 10 is released, the connecting member 4 can rotate with respect to the transmitter housing 2. Therefore, when the receiver housing 3 is rotated from the intermediate position toward the maximum rotation position, the receiver housing 3 rotates together with the connecting member 4 to the maximum rotation position side about the first rotation axis L1. To do. When the receiver housing 3 reaches the maximum rotation position, the back surface 3b of the receiver housing 3 abuts against the back surface 2b of the transmitter housing 2 and stops. The lock mechanism 10 released from the locked state is maintained in the released state unless the connecting member 4 returns to the initial position.

最大回動位置に位置している受話部筐体３を折畳位置側へ向かって回動させると、まず連結部材４が第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心として回動する。これにより、受話部筐体３が最大折畳位置から中間位置側へ向かって回動する。連結部材４が初期位置に達し、それに伴って受話部筐体３が中間位置に達すると、連結部材４の前面４ａが送話部筐体２の第１当接面２ｃに突き当たり、連結部材４がそれ以上回動することができなくなる。なお、連結部材４が初期位置に達すると、ロック機構１０が自動的にロック状態になり、連結部材４が初期位置から終端位置側へ回動不能になる。受話部筐体３は、中間位置からは第２回動軸線Ｌ２を中心として回動する。そして、受話部筐体３が折畳位置に達すると、その前面３ａが送話部筐体２の前面２ａに突き当たって停止する。 When the receiver housing 3 positioned at the maximum rotation position is rotated toward the folding position, the connecting member 4 first rotates about the first rotation axis L1. Thereby, the reception part housing | casing 3 rotates toward the intermediate position side from the largest folding position. When the connecting member 4 reaches the initial position, and accordingly the receiver housing 3 reaches the intermediate position, the front surface 4a of the connecting member 4 hits the first contact surface 2c of the transmitter housing 2, and the connecting member 4 Can no longer rotate. When the connecting member 4 reaches the initial position, the lock mechanism 10 is automatically locked, and the connecting member 4 cannot rotate from the initial position to the end position side. The receiver housing 3 rotates around the second rotation axis L2 from the intermediate position. When the receiver housing 3 reaches the folding position, the front surface 3a hits the front surface 2a of the transmitter housing 2 and stops.

送話部筐体２及び受話部筐体３と連結部材４との各連結関係についてより詳細に説明すると、送話部筐体２の基端部の第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向における中央部には、凹部２ｅが形成されている。この凹部２ｅが形成されることにより、送話部筐体２の基端部の第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向における一側部と他側部とには、第１、第２連結部２ｆ，２ｇが形成されている。同様に、受話部筐体３の基端部の第２回動軸線Ｌ２方向における中央部には、凹部３ｄが形成され、第２回動軸線Ｌ２方向における一側部と他側部とには、第３、第４連結部３ｅ，３ｆが形成されている。なお、凹部２ｅの底面に上記第１、第２当接面２ｃ、２ｄが形成され、凹部３ｄの底面に上記停止面３ｃが形成されている。 The connection relationship between the transmitter housing 2 and the receiver housing 3 and the connecting member 4 will be described in more detail. At the central portion of the proximal end portion of the transmitter housing 2 in the first rotation axis L1 direction. Has a recess 2e. By forming the concave portion 2e, the first and second connecting portions 2f and 2g are provided on one side portion and the other side portion in the first rotation axis L1 direction of the base end portion of the transmitter portion housing 2. Is formed. Similarly, a recess 3d is formed at the center of the base end of the receiver case 3 in the direction of the second rotation axis L2, and one side and the other side in the direction of the second rotation axis L2 are formed. Third and fourth connecting portions 3e and 3f are formed. The first and second contact surfaces 2c and 2d are formed on the bottom surface of the recess 2e, and the stop surface 3c is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 3d.

連結部材４の一側部は、送話部筐体２の凹部２ｅに第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心として回動可能に挿入されている。図８に示すように、連結部材４の一側部の第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向における一端部と他端部とには、第１、第２連結孔４ｃ，４ｄがそれぞれの軸線を第１回動軸線Ｌ１と一致させて形成されている。第１連結孔４ｃには、第１ヒンジ装置（第１ヒンジ）５の第１ヒンジ部材５１が樹脂製の介装体５８を介して回動不能に嵌合されている。一方、送話部筐体２の第１連結部２ｆには、第１ヒンジ装置５の取付部材５２が回動不能に取り付けられている。この取付部材５２は、連結軸５３により第１ヒンジ部材５１に第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心として回動可能に連結されている。第２連結孔４ｄには、第１ヒンジ軸７の一端部が第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心として回動可能に嵌合されている。この第１ヒンジ軸７の他端部は、送話部筐体２の第２連結部２ｇに取り付けられている。このようにして、送話部筐体２の基端部と連結部材４の一側部とが、第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心として回動可能に連結されている。 One side of the connecting member 4 is inserted into the recess 2e of the transmitter housing 2 so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis L1. As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second connection holes 4 c and 4 d are connected to the first and second connection holes 4 c and 4 d in the direction of the first rotation axis L <b> 1 on one side of the connection member 4. It is formed so as to coincide with the rotation axis L1. A first hinge member 51 of a first hinge device (first hinge) 5 is fitted in the first connecting hole 4c through a resin-made interposer 58 so as not to rotate. On the other hand, an attachment member 52 of the first hinge device 5 is attached to the first connecting part 2f of the transmitter part housing 2 so as not to rotate. The attachment member 52 is connected to the first hinge member 51 by a connecting shaft 53 so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis L1. One end of the first hinge shaft 7 is fitted in the second connecting hole 4d so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis L1. The other end of the first hinge shaft 7 is attached to the second connecting portion 2g of the transmitter housing 2. In this way, the proximal end portion of the transmitter section housing 2 and one side portion of the connecting member 4 are connected so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis L1.

連結部材４の他側部は、受話部筐体３の凹部３ｄに第２回動軸線Ｌ２を中心として回動可能に挿入されている。図８に示すように、連結部材４の他側部の第２回動軸線Ｌ２方向における一端部と他端部とには、第３、第４連結孔４ｅ，４ｆがそれぞれの軸線を第２回動軸線Ｌ２と一致させて形成されている。第３連結孔４ｅには、第２ヒンジ軸（第２ヒンジ）８の一端部が第２回動軸線Ｌ２を中心として回動可能に嵌合されている。この第２ヒンジ軸８の他端部は、受話部筐体３の第３連結部３ｅに取り付けられている。第４連結孔４ｆには、第２ヒンジ装置（第２ヒンジ）５′の第１ヒンジ部材５１が回動不能に嵌合されている。一方、受話部筐体３の第３連結部３ｅには、第２ヒンジ装置５′の取付部材５２が回動不能に取り付けられている。この取付部材５２は、連結軸５３によって第１ヒンジ部材５１に第２回動軸線Ｌ２を中心として回動可能に連結されている。このようにして、受話部筐体３の基端部と連結部材４の他側部とが、第２回動軸線Ｌ２を中心として回動可能に連結されている。 The other side of the connecting member 4 is inserted into the recess 3d of the receiver housing 3 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis L2. As shown in FIG. 8, the third and fourth connection holes 4e and 4f are connected to the second and second ends of the other side portion of the connecting member 4 in the second rotation axis L2 direction. It is formed so as to coincide with the rotation axis L2. One end of a second hinge shaft (second hinge) 8 is fitted in the third connection hole 4e so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis L2. The other end of the second hinge shaft 8 is attached to the third connecting portion 3 e of the receiver housing 3. A first hinge member 51 of a second hinge device (second hinge) 5 ′ is fitted in the fourth connecting hole 4f so as not to rotate. On the other hand, the attachment member 52 of the second hinge device 5 ′ is attached to the third connecting portion 3 e of the receiver housing 3 so as not to rotate. The attachment member 52 is connected to the first hinge member 51 by a connecting shaft 53 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis L2. In this way, the base end portion of the receiver housing 3 and the other side portion of the connecting member 4 are connected so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis L2.

なお、この実施の形態の折畳式携帯電話器１においては、図８に示すように、第１ヒンジ装置５と第２ヒンジ装置５′とを、連結部材４の一方の対角線上に配置しているが、他方の対角線上に配置してもよく、連結部材４の同一側の端部に配置してもよい。また、第１ヒンジ軸７に代えて第１ヒンジ装置５を用い、第２ヒンジ軸８に代えて第２ヒンジ装置５′を用いてもよい。 In the foldable mobile phone 1 of this embodiment, the first hinge device 5 and the second hinge device 5 ′ are arranged on one diagonal line of the connecting member 4 as shown in FIG. However, you may arrange | position on the other diagonal and may arrange | position in the edge part of the same side of the connection member 4. FIG. Further, the first hinge device 5 may be used in place of the first hinge shaft 7, and the second hinge device 5 ′ may be used in place of the second hinge shaft 8.

図８〜図１３に示すように、第１ヒンジ装置５はさらに次の構成を有している。すなわち、第１ヒンジ部材５１は、有底筒状をなしており、その開放部を取付部材５２側に位置させて配置されている。第１ヒンジ部材５１の開放側の端部には、可動部材５４が回動不能に、かつ第１回動軸線（回動軸線）Ｌ１方向へ移動可能に設けられている。この可動部材５４の取付部材５２側を向く端面には、球体（凸部）５５がその略半分を外部に突出させた状態で設けられている。この球体５５は、第１回動軸線Ｌ１から所定距離だけ離間して配置されている。球体５５については、それに代えて半球状、円錐台状等の形状をなす凸部を可動部材５４に一体に形成してもよい。可動部材５４は、主コイルばね（第１付勢手段）５６によって取付部材５２側に向かって付勢されている。 As shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, the first hinge device 5 further has the following configuration. That is, the first hinge member 51 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is disposed with its open portion positioned on the attachment member 52 side. A movable member 54 is provided at the open end of the first hinge member 51 so as not to rotate and to move in the direction of the first rotation axis (rotation axis) L1. A spherical body (convex portion) 55 is provided on the end surface of the movable member 54 facing the mounting member 52 side in a state where substantially half of the sphere (protruding portion) protrudes to the outside. The spherical body 55 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first rotation axis L1. As for the spherical body 55, a convex portion having a hemispherical shape or a truncated cone shape may be formed integrally with the movable member 54 instead. The movable member 54 is biased toward the mounting member 52 by a main coil spring (first biasing means) 56.

取付部材５２の可動部材５４と対向する端面には、固定部材５７が回動不能に取り付けられている。この固定部材５７と取付部材５２とによって第２ヒンジ部材が構成されている。固定部材５７は、主コイルばね５６によって付勢された可動部材５４の球体５５が押し付けられ、それによって取付部材５２に押し付けられている。したがって、固定部材５７は、取付部材５２に対して回動することもなければ、第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向へ移動することがなく、取付部材５２に実質的に固定されている。よって、固定部材５７は、取付部材５２と一体に形成し、それを第２ヒンジ部材としてもよい。また、連結軸５３の先端部に取付部材５２が固定され、連結軸５３の頭部５３ａが主コイルばね５６によって第１ヒンジ部材５１の底部５１ａに介装体５８を介して押し付けられることにより、第１ヒンジ部材５１、取付部材５２、連結軸５３、可動部材５４、主コイルばね５６、固定部材５７及び介装体５８がユニット化され、ヒンジ装置５全体を一体的に取り扱うことができるようになっている。 A fixed member 57 is non-rotatably attached to an end surface of the attachment member 52 that faces the movable member 54. The fixing member 57 and the attachment member 52 constitute a second hinge member. The fixed member 57 is pressed against the mounting member 52 by the sphere 55 of the movable member 54 urged by the main coil spring 56. Therefore, the fixing member 57 does not rotate with respect to the attachment member 52 and does not move in the direction of the first rotation axis L1, and is substantially fixed to the attachment member 52. Therefore, the fixing member 57 may be formed integrally with the attachment member 52 and may be used as the second hinge member. Further, the attachment member 52 is fixed to the distal end portion of the connecting shaft 53, and the head portion 53a of the connecting shaft 53 is pressed against the bottom portion 51a of the first hinge member 51 by the main coil spring 56 via the interposition body 58, The first hinge member 51, the mounting member 52, the connecting shaft 53, the movable member 54, the main coil spring 56, the fixing member 57, and the interposition body 58 are unitized so that the entire hinge device 5 can be handled integrally. It has become.

固定部材５７の可動部材５４との対向面には、第１、第２当接凹部５７ａ，５７ｂが形成されている。第１、第２当接凹部５７ａ，５７ｂは、第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心とする円周上に、それも球体５５が配置された円周と同一円周上に配置されている。第１当接凹部５７ａは、図１４に示すように、連結部材４が初期位置に位置しているときに、固定部材５７の周方向における第１係合凹部５７ａの底面の傾斜した一側部（カム部）５７ｃに球体５５が接触するように配置されている。球体５５が一側部５７ｃに接触することにより、主コイルばね５６の付勢力が図１４の矢印Ａ方向を向く回動付勢力に変換され、その回動付勢力によって連結部材４が終端位置から初期位置へ向かう方向へ回動付勢され、連結部材４の前面４ａが送話部筐体２の第１当接面２ｃに押し付けられる。これによって、連結部材４が初期位置に維持される。第２当接凹部５７ｂは、第１当接凹部５７ａに対し固定部材５７の周方向へほぼ２００°離れて配置されている。すなわち、受話部筐体３が最大回動位置に位置しているときに、固定部材５７の周方向における第２当接凹部５７ｂの底面の傾斜した他側部（固定部材５７の周方向において一側部５７ｃ側と逆側の側部；カム部）５７ｄに球体５５が接触するように配置されている。球体５５が他側部５７ｄに接触することにより、主コイルばね５６の付勢力が図１４の矢印Ｂ方向を向く回動付勢力に変換され、その回動付勢力によって連結部材４が初期位置から終端位置へ向かう方向に回動付勢され、受話部筐体３の背面３ｂが送話部筐体２の背面２ｂに押し付けられる。これによって、受話部筐体３が最大回動位置に維持される。 First and second contact recesses 57 a and 57 b are formed on the surface of the fixed member 57 facing the movable member 54. The first and second contact recesses 57a and 57b are arranged on the circumference around the first rotation axis L1 and also on the same circumference as the circumference on which the sphere 55 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 14, the first abutting recess 57 a is an inclined one side portion of the bottom surface of the first engaging recess 57 a in the circumferential direction of the fixing member 57 when the connecting member 4 is located at the initial position. The cam body 57c is arranged so that the sphere 55 is in contact with it. When the spherical body 55 comes into contact with the one side portion 57c, the urging force of the main coil spring 56 is converted into a rotating urging force directed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 14, and the connecting member 4 is moved from the end position by the rotating urging force. It is urged to rotate in the direction toward the initial position, and the front surface 4 a of the connecting member 4 is pressed against the first contact surface 2 c of the transmitter housing 2. Thereby, the connecting member 4 is maintained at the initial position. The second contact recess 57b is disposed approximately 200 ° away from the first contact recess 57a in the circumferential direction of the fixing member 57. That is, when the receiver housing 3 is located at the maximum rotation position, the inclined other side portion of the bottom surface of the second contact recess 57b in the circumferential direction of the fixing member 57 (one in the circumferential direction of the fixing member 57). The spherical body 55 is disposed so as to come into contact with a side portion (cam portion) 57d opposite to the side portion 57c side. When the spherical body 55 comes into contact with the other side portion 57d, the urging force of the main coil spring 56 is converted into a rotating urging force directed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 14, and the connecting member 4 is moved from the initial position by the rotating urging force. The back surface 3b of the receiver housing 3 is pressed against the back surface 2b of the transmitter housing 2 by being biased in a direction toward the end position. As a result, the receiver housing 3 is maintained at the maximum rotation position.

主コイルばね５６の付勢力を回動付勢力に変換するために、球体（凸部）５５とそれが接触する傾斜面としての第１当接凹部５７ａの一側部５７ｃ、及び第２当接凹部５７ｂの他側部５７ｄを採用しているが、主コイルばね５６の付勢力を回動付勢力に変換することができるものであれば、他のものを採用してもよい。また、球体５５を固定部材５７に設け、第１、第２当接凹部５７ａ，５７ｂを可動部材５４に形成してもよい。 In order to convert the urging force of the main coil spring 56 into a rotating urging force, the spherical body (convex portion) 55, one side portion 57c of the first abutting recess 57a as an inclined surface that contacts the sphere (convex portion), and the second abutting Although the other side 57d of the recess 57b is employed, other members may be employed as long as the urging force of the main coil spring 56 can be converted into a rotating urging force. Alternatively, the spherical body 55 may be provided in the fixed member 57 and the first and second contact recesses 57 a and 57 b may be formed in the movable member 54.

第２ヒンジ装置５′は、介装体５８が用いられておらず、第１ヒンジ部材５１が第４連結孔４ｆに直接回動不能に嵌合されている点、ロック機構１０及びロック解除機構２０を有していない点、並びに次に述べる構成を除き、図１７に示すように、第１ヒンジ装置５の上記構成と実質的に同一の構成を有している。そこで、第２ヒンジ装置５′の各構成のうち、第１ヒンジ装置５と実質的に同一である部分には同一符号を付してその説明を省略する。 The second hinge device 5 ′ does not use the interposition body 58, and the first hinge member 51 is fitted directly into the fourth connecting hole 4 f so as not to rotate, the lock mechanism 10 and the lock release mechanism. Except for the point not having 20, and the configuration described below, the first hinge device 5 has substantially the same configuration as the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. Therefore, in each configuration of the second hinge device 5 ′, portions that are substantially the same as the first hinge device 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

第２ヒンジ装置５′は、球体５５と第１、第２当接凹部５７ａ，５７ｂとの関係が第１ヒンジ装置５と相違している。すなわち、第２ヒンジ装置５′においては、受話部筐体３が折畳位置に位置しているときに、球体５５が第１当接凹部５７ａの底面の一側部５７ｃに突き当たり、それによって主コイルばね５６の付勢力が受話部筐体３を中間位置から折畳位置へ向かう方向へ回動させる回動付勢力に変換される。この回動付勢力により、受話部筐体３の前面３ａが送話部筐体２の前面２ａに押し付けられ、受話部筐体３が折畳位置に維持される。また、受話部筐体３が中間位置に位置しているときには、球体５５が第２当接凹部５７ｂの底面の他側部５７ｄに突き当たり、それによって主コイルばね５６の付勢力が受話部筐体３を折畳位置から中間位置へ向かう方向へ回動させる回動付勢力に変換される。この回動付勢力により、受話部筐体３の停止面３ｃが連結部材４の背面４ｂに押し付けられ、受話部筐体３が使用位置に維持される。受話部筐体３を使用位置に維持する回動付勢力は、連結部材４を初期位置から終端位置へ向かって回動付勢する回動付勢力より大きく設定されている。したがって、最大回動位置に位置している受話部筐体３に使用位置側へ回動させる力を加えたとき、受話部筐体３が最大回動位置から使用位置に達するまでは必ず連結部材４が回動し、受話部筐体３が連結部材４に対して回動することはない。受話部筐体３が折畳位置と中間位置との間、及び中間位置と最大回動位置との間に位置しているときには、球体５５と固定部材５７との接触面間に作用する摩擦抵抗により、受話部筐体３を任意の位置で停止させることができるようになっている。 The second hinge device 5 ′ is different from the first hinge device 5 in the relationship between the sphere 55 and the first and second contact recesses 57 a and 57 b. That is, in the second hinge device 5 ′, when the receiver housing 3 is in the folded position, the sphere 55 hits one side portion 57 c of the bottom surface of the first contact recess 57 a, thereby The biasing force of the coil spring 56 is converted into a rotation biasing force that rotates the receiver housing 3 in the direction from the intermediate position toward the folding position. With this turning biasing force, the front surface 3a of the receiver housing 3 is pressed against the front surface 2a of the transmitter housing 2, and the receiver housing 3 is maintained in the folded position. Further, when the receiver housing 3 is located at the intermediate position, the sphere 55 hits the other side portion 57d of the bottom surface of the second contact recess 57b, whereby the urging force of the main coil spring 56 is received. 3 is converted into a rotation biasing force that rotates 3 in the direction from the folding position toward the intermediate position. With this turning biasing force, the stop surface 3c of the receiver housing 3 is pressed against the back surface 4b of the connecting member 4, and the receiver housing 3 is maintained in the use position. The rotational biasing force that maintains the receiver housing 3 in the use position is set to be larger than the rotational biasing force that pivotally biases the connecting member 4 from the initial position toward the terminal position. Therefore, when a force for rotating the receiver housing 3 located at the maximum rotation position to the use position side is applied, the connection member must be connected until the receiver housing 3 reaches the use position from the maximum rotation position. 4 rotates and the receiver housing 3 does not rotate with respect to the connecting member 4. Friction resistance acting between the contact surfaces of the sphere 55 and the fixing member 57 when the receiver housing 3 is located between the folding position and the intermediate position and between the intermediate position and the maximum rotation position. Thus, the receiver housing 3 can be stopped at an arbitrary position.

なお、受話部筐体３の中間位置は、球体５５を当接凹部５７ｂの底面の外周縁にその全周にわたって接触させることによって規定することも可能である。そのようにする場合には、受話部筐体３の停止面３ｃが連結部材４の背面４ｂに突き当たる直前に、球体５５が当接凹部５７ｂの底面の外周縁全体にわたって接触するよう、当接凹部５７ｂを配置する。 Note that the intermediate position of the receiver housing 3 can be defined by bringing the sphere 55 into contact with the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the contact recess 57b over the entire periphery thereof. In such a case, the abutting recess so that the sphere 55 contacts the entire outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the abutting recess 57b immediately before the stop surface 3c of the receiver housing 3 abuts against the back surface 4b of the connecting member 4. 57b is arranged.

第１ヒンジ装置５は、上記構成に加え、ロック機構１０及びロック解除機構２０を有している。まず、ロック機構１０について説明すると、第１ヒンジ部材５１の開口側の端面には、第１回動軸線Ｌ１と平行に延びる収容孔１１が形成されている。この収容孔１１は、第１回動軸線Ｌ１と球体５５との間の距離とほぼ同一か、若干短い距離だけ第１回動軸線Ｌ１から離間して配置されている。しかも、収容孔１１は、受話部筐体３が折畳位置から中間位置へ向かって回動するときに可動部材５４が固定部材５７に対して回動する方向と逆方向に向かって球体５５から所定角度（この実施の形態ではほぼ９０°）だけ離れて配置されている。収容孔１１の底部側には、ロックばね（第２付勢手段）１２が収容されており、収容孔１１の開口部側には、係合軸（係合部材）１３が出没可能に挿入されている。係合軸１３は、その全体が収容孔１１内に入り込むまでロックばね１２の付勢力に抗して移動可能であるとともに、ロックばね１２の付勢力によって先端部が可動部材５４を越えて固定部材５７に達するまで移動可能である。 The first hinge device 5 includes a lock mechanism 10 and a lock release mechanism 20 in addition to the above configuration. First, the lock mechanism 10 will be described. An accommodation hole 11 extending in parallel with the first rotation axis L <b> 1 is formed on the opening end surface of the first hinge member 51. The accommodation hole 11 is arranged to be separated from the first rotation axis L1 by a distance that is substantially the same as or slightly shorter than the distance between the first rotation axis L1 and the sphere 55. Moreover, the receiving hole 11 is formed from the spherical body 55 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the movable member 54 rotates with respect to the fixed member 57 when the receiver housing 3 rotates from the folding position toward the intermediate position. They are spaced apart by a predetermined angle (approximately 90 ° in this embodiment). A lock spring (second biasing means) 12 is accommodated on the bottom side of the accommodation hole 11, and an engagement shaft (engagement member) 13 is inserted in the opening side of the accommodation hole 11 so as to be able to appear and retract. ing. The engaging shaft 13 can move against the urging force of the lock spring 12 until the entire engagement shaft 13 enters the accommodation hole 11, and the distal end portion of the engaging shaft 13 exceeds the movable member 54 by the urging force of the lock spring 12 and is a fixed member. It can move until it reaches 57.

固定部材５７の外周側部分には、固定部材５７を第１回動軸線Ｌ１に沿って貫通する係合凹部１４が形成されている。この係合凹部１４は、第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心とする径方向においては収容孔１１とほぼ同一位置に配置され、第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心とする周方向においては、連結部材４が初期位置に位置したときに収容孔１１と同一位置に位置するように配置されている。しかも、係合凹部１４は、係合軸１３が出没し得るよう、係合軸１３とほぼ同一の大きさを有している。したがって、連結部材４が初期位置に位置すると、可動部材５４を越えた係合軸１３の先端部がロックばね１２の付勢力によって係合凹部１４に可動部材５４側の開放部から挿入される。係合軸１３が係合凹部１４に挿入されて係合することにより、固定部材５７及び取付部材５２（第２ヒンジ部材）が第１ヒンジ部材５１に対して回動不能にロックされ、ひいては連結部材４が送話部筐体２に回動不能にロックされる。なお、係合凹部１４に挿入された係合軸１３は、その先端面が取付部材５２の第１ヒンジ部材５１側の端面に突き当たって停止している。 An engaging recess 14 that penetrates the fixing member 57 along the first rotation axis L <b> 1 is formed on the outer peripheral side portion of the fixing member 57. The engaging recess 14 is arranged at substantially the same position as the receiving hole 11 in the radial direction centered on the first rotation axis L1, and the connecting member 4 in the circumferential direction centered on the first rotation axis L1. Is positioned so as to be positioned at the same position as the receiving hole 11 when positioned at the initial position. Moreover, the engagement recess 14 has substantially the same size as the engagement shaft 13 so that the engagement shaft 13 can protrude and retract. Therefore, when the connecting member 4 is positioned at the initial position, the tip end portion of the engagement shaft 13 beyond the movable member 54 is inserted into the engagement recess 14 from the opening portion on the movable member 54 side by the urging force of the lock spring 12. When the engaging shaft 13 is inserted into and engaged with the engaging recess 14, the fixing member 57 and the mounting member 52 (second hinge member) are locked so as not to rotate with respect to the first hinge member 51. The member 4 is locked to the transmitter housing 2 so as not to rotate. The engaging shaft 13 inserted into the engaging recess 14 stops at the tip surface of the engaging shaft 13 that abuts against the end surface of the mounting member 52 on the first hinge member 51 side.

ここで、係合軸１３の係合凹部１４への係合によって連結部材４の第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心とする回動を完全に阻止すると、中間位置に位置している受話部筐体３に誤って最大回動位置側への過大な力が加わったとき、送話部筐体２、受話部筐体３、連結部材４又はヒンジ装置５のいずれかが破損するおそれがある。このような不具合を未然に防止するために、係合凹部１４に入り込む係合軸１３の先端部には、先細りのテーパ面（傾斜面）１３ａが形成されており、連結部材４が初期位置から終端位置側へ回動しようとすると、係合凹部１４の内面の第１ヒンジ部材５１側の端縁がテーパ面１３ａに突き当たるようになっている。したがって、連結部材４に初期位置から終端位置側へ向かって回動させる力が作用すると、係合凹部１４の内面の第１ヒンジ部材５１側の端縁によってテーパ面１３ａが押され、ヒンジ軸１３がロックばね１２の付勢力に抗して移動させられる。そして、連結部材４が係合凹部１４から脱出すると、連結部材４が自由に回動することができるようになる。 Here, when the rotation of the connecting member 4 around the first rotation axis L1 is completely prevented by the engagement of the engagement shaft 13 with the engagement recess 14, the receiver housing located at the intermediate position. When an excessive force is applied to the maximum rotation position side by mistake, any of the transmitter housing 2, receiver housing 3, connecting member 4 and hinge device 5 may be damaged. In order to prevent such a problem, a tapered surface (inclined surface) 13a is formed at the distal end portion of the engaging shaft 13 that enters the engaging recess 14, and the connecting member 4 is moved from the initial position. When it is going to turn to the terminal position side, the edge of the inner surface of the engaging recess 14 on the first hinge member 51 side comes into contact with the tapered surface 13a. Therefore, when a force for rotating the connecting member 4 from the initial position toward the end position acts, the tapered surface 13a is pushed by the edge of the inner surface of the engagement recess 14 on the first hinge member 51 side, and the hinge shaft 13 Is moved against the urging force of the lock spring 12. And if the connection member 4 escapes from the engagement recessed part 14, the connection member 4 will be able to rotate freely now.

なお、係合軸１３の先端部にテーパ面１３ａを形成する代わりに、あるいはそれと共に係合凹部１４の内周面にテーパ面を形成してもよい。また、テーパ面１３ａに代えて単なる傾斜面を形成してもよい。 Instead of forming the tapered surface 13a at the tip of the engagement shaft 13, a taper surface may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the engagement recess 14 together with it. Further, a simple inclined surface may be formed instead of the tapered surface 13a.

次に、ロック解除機構２０について説明すると、ロック解除機構２０は、操作部材２１を有している。この操作部材２１の基端部外周面には、第１回動軸線Ｌ１に沿って延びる突条２１ａが形成されている。この突条２１ａは、取付部材５２に形成されたガイド溝５２ａに摺動可能に挿入されている。これにより、操作部材２１の基端部が取付部材５２に回動不能に、かつ第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向へ移動可能に連結されている。操作部材２１の先端部は、送話部筐体２の第１連結部２ｆから外部に突出している。したがって、操作部材２１は、携帯電話器１の外部から第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向へ移動操作することができる。 Next, the lock release mechanism 20 will be described. The lock release mechanism 20 has an operation member 21. On the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the operation member 21, a ridge 21a extending along the first rotation axis L1 is formed. The protrusion 21a is slidably inserted into a guide groove 52a formed in the mounting member 52. Thereby, the base end part of the operation member 21 is connected to the attachment member 52 so as not to be rotatable and movable in the direction of the first rotation axis L1. The distal end portion of the operation member 21 protrudes from the first connecting portion 2 f of the transmitter housing 2 to the outside. Therefore, the operation member 21 can be moved from the outside of the mobile phone 1 in the direction of the first rotation axis L1.

取付部材５２には、第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向に貫通する挿通孔２２が形成されている。この挿通孔２２は、第１回動軸線Ｌ１を中心とする円の周方向において係合凹部１４とほぼ同一位置に配置されている。挿通孔２２には、中間軸２３が摺動可能に挿通されている。この中間軸２３は、連結部材４が初期位置に位置しているときには、中間軸２３の一端が係合軸１３の先端面に突き当たり、他端が操作部材２１に突き当たっている。したがって、操作部材２１を送話部筐体２の内部側へ向かって押圧移動させると、係合軸１３が中間軸２３を介して押圧移動させられる。そして、操作部材２１を送話部筐体２の内部側への移動限界位置（解除位置）まで移動させると、係合軸１３が係合凹部１４から脱出するようになっている。係合軸１３が係合凹部１４から脱出した状態で連結部材４を初期位置から終端位置側へ回動させると、係合凹部１４が係合軸１３に対して周方向に離間するので、係合軸１３は係合凹部１４に入り込むことができなくなり、固定部材５７の端面上を摺動するようになる。連結部材４を初期位置に回動させると、係合凹部１４が係合軸１３と対向するので、係合軸１３がロックばね１２の付勢力によって係合凹部１４に挿入され、自動的にロック状態になる。また、操作部材２１がロックばね１２により係合軸１３及び中間軸２３を介して送話部筐体２の外部側へ付勢され、同方向における移動限界位置（許容位置）に位置させられる。 The attachment member 52 is formed with an insertion hole 22 penetrating in the direction of the first rotation axis L1. The insertion hole 22 is disposed at substantially the same position as the engagement recess 14 in the circumferential direction of the circle centered on the first rotation axis L1. An intermediate shaft 23 is slidably inserted into the insertion hole 22. In the intermediate shaft 23, when the connecting member 4 is located at the initial position, one end of the intermediate shaft 23 abuts against the front end surface of the engagement shaft 13 and the other end abuts against the operation member 21. Therefore, when the operating member 21 is pressed and moved toward the inside of the transmitter housing 2, the engagement shaft 13 is pressed and moved via the intermediate shaft 23. When the operation member 21 is moved to the movement limit position (release position) toward the inside of the transmitter housing 2, the engagement shaft 13 comes out of the engagement recess 14. When the connecting member 4 is rotated from the initial position to the end position side in a state where the engagement shaft 13 has escaped from the engagement recess 14, the engagement recess 14 is separated from the engagement shaft 13 in the circumferential direction. The shaft 13 cannot enter the engaging recess 14 and slides on the end surface of the fixing member 57. When the connecting member 4 is rotated to the initial position, the engagement recess 14 faces the engagement shaft 13, so that the engagement shaft 13 is inserted into the engagement recess 14 by the urging force of the lock spring 12 and is automatically locked. It becomes a state. Further, the operating member 21 is biased by the lock spring 12 to the outside of the transmitter housing 2 via the engaging shaft 13 and the intermediate shaft 23, and is positioned at the movement limit position (allowable position) in the same direction.

なお、操作部材２１の内側への移動限界位置は、操作部材２１の突条２１ａがガイド溝５１ｂの底面に突き当たることによって規定されている。操作部材２１の外側への移動限界位置は、操作部材２１の先端部外周面に形成された突起２１ｂが取付部材５２に形成された切欠き部５２ｂの外側の側面に突き当たることによって規定されている。 In addition, the movement limit position to the inside of the operation member 21 is defined by the protrusion 21a of the operation member 21 abutting against the bottom surface of the guide groove 51b. The movement limit position to the outside of the operation member 21 is defined by the protrusion 21b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the operation member 21 hitting the outer side surface of the notch 52b formed in the mounting member 52. .

上記構成の折畳式携帯電話器１においては、第１ヒンジ装置５がロック機構１０を有しているので、送話部筐体２と連結部材４との間にロック機構を別途設ける必要がない。したがって、ロック機構を別途組付ける手間を省くことができ、その分だけ折畳式携帯電話器１の製造費を低減することができる。 In the foldable mobile phone 1 having the above configuration, since the first hinge device 5 has the lock mechanism 10, it is necessary to separately provide a lock mechanism between the transmitter housing 2 and the connecting member 4. Absent. Therefore, the trouble of assembling the lock mechanism separately can be saved, and the manufacturing cost of the foldable mobile phone 1 can be reduced by that amount.

図１５及び図１６は、この発明に係るヒンジ装置の第２実施の形態を示す。この実施の第１ヒンジ装置５Ａにおいては、介装体５８が用いられておらず、第１ヒンジ部材５１が連結部材４の第１連結孔４ｃに直接回動不能に嵌合されている。また、連結軸５３の頭部５３ａが第１ヒンジ部材５１の底部５１ａに座板５９を介して押圧接触させられている。取付部材５２と操作部材２１との間に復帰ばね２４が設けられている。この復帰ばね２４は、操作部材２１を送話部筐体２の外側へ向かって付勢している。したがって、操作部材２１は、ロック機構１０のロック状態が解除されているときにも復帰ばね２４によって外側への移動限界位置に戻されるとともに、その位置に維持される。したがって、連結部材４が初期位置以外の位置に位置しているときに、操作部材２１が第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向へガタつくのを防止することができる。また、操作部材２１の外周面には、第１回動軸線Ｌ１方向に延びるガイド凹部２１ｃが形成されており、このガイド凹部２１ｃには取付部材５２に設けられたガイド軸２５の内側の端部が摺動可能に挿入されている。このガイド軸２５がガイド凹部２１ｃの外側の端部に突き当たることによって操作部材２１の内側への移動限界位置（解除位置）が規定され、ガイド軸２５がガイド凹部２１ｃの内側の端部に突き当たることによって操作部材２１の外側への移動限界位置（許容位置）が規定されている。さらに、中間軸２３の一端部が操作部材２１に埋設固定されている。その他の構成は、上記ヒンジ装置５と同様である。 15 and 16 show a second embodiment of the hinge device according to the present invention. In the first hinge device 5 </ b> A of this embodiment, the interposition body 58 is not used, and the first hinge member 51 is fitted in the first connection hole 4 c of the connection member 4 so as not to rotate directly. Further, the head 53 a of the connecting shaft 53 is brought into press contact with the bottom 51 a of the first hinge member 51 via the seat plate 59. A return spring 24 is provided between the attachment member 52 and the operation member 21. The return spring 24 urges the operation member 21 toward the outside of the transmitter housing 2. Accordingly, even when the lock mechanism 10 is unlocked, the operation member 21 is returned to the outer movement limit position by the return spring 24 and is maintained at that position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating member 21 from rattling in the direction of the first rotation axis L1 when the connecting member 4 is located at a position other than the initial position. A guide recess 21c extending in the direction of the first rotation axis L1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation member 21, and an inner end portion of the guide shaft 25 provided in the mounting member 52 is formed in the guide recess 21c. Is slidably inserted. When the guide shaft 25 abuts against the outer end portion of the guide recess 21c, the movement limit position (release position) to the inside of the operating member 21 is defined, and the guide shaft 25 abuts against the inner end portion of the guide recess 21c. Defines the movement limit position (allowable position) to the outside of the operation member 21. Further, one end of the intermediate shaft 23 is embedded and fixed in the operation member 21. Other configurations are the same as those of the hinge device 5.

この発明は、第１、第２筐体が互いに平行な第１、第２回動軸線を中心として回動可能に連結される折畳式携帯電話器等の携帯機器に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used in a portable device such as a foldable mobile phone in which the first and second housings are connected so as to be rotatable around first and second rotation axes parallel to each other.

Claims

回動軸線を中心として回動可能に連結された第１、第２ヒンジ部材と、上記第１ヒンジ部材の上記第２ヒンジ部材と対向する端部に、上記回動軸線方向へ移動可能に、かつ回動不能に設けられた可動部材と、この可動部材を上記第２ヒンジ部材に向かって付勢する第１付勢手段とを備え、上記可動部材と上記第２ヒンジ部材との対向面の一方には他方に当接する凸部が形成され、他方には上記第１ヒンジ部材が所定の位置に回動したときに上記凸部に当接することにより、上記第１付勢手段の付勢力を、上記第１ヒンジ部材を上記第２ヒンジ部材に対して相対的に回動させる回動付勢力に変換するカム部が形成されたヒンジ装置において、
上記第１ヒンジ部材と上記第２ヒンジ部材との一方には、上記回動軸線と平行に配置され、かつ第２付勢手段によって上記一方から他方へ向かう方向に付勢された係合部材の基端部が上記回動軸線方向へ移動可能に設けられ、上記係合部材は、上記可動部材に対し上記回動軸線と直交する方向へ離間し、かつ上記可動部材と並んで配置され、上記他方の外周部には、上記回動軸線方向における両端部が開放され、上記可動部材の外側を通過した上記係合部材の先端部が一端開放部から挿脱可能に係合し、係合時には上記第１ヒンジ部材と上記第２ヒンジ部材との相対回転を上記係合部材と協働して阻止する係合凹部が設けられ、上記他方には、操作部材が上記回動軸線方向へ移動可能に設けられ、上記操作部材は、上記他方から上記一方へ向かう方向へ移動させられると、上記係合凹部の他端開放部から上記係合部材を上記第２付勢手段の付勢力に抗して押圧移動して上記係合凹部から脱出させ、それによって上記係合部材と上記係合凹部との間の係合を解除させることを特徴とするヒンジ装置。The first and second hinge members connected to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and the end of the first hinge member facing the second hinge member are movable in the direction of the rotation axis. And a movable member provided in a non-rotatable manner and a first urging means for urging the movable member toward the second hinge member, and an opposing surface of the movable member and the second hinge member is provided. A convex portion that abuts on the other is formed on one side, and the urging force of the first urging means is exerted on the other side by abutting the convex portion when the first hinge member rotates to a predetermined position. In the hinge device in which the cam portion that converts the first hinge member into a rotation biasing force that rotates the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member is formed.
One of the first hinge member and the second hinge member is arranged in parallel with the rotation axis and is an engagement member urged in the direction from the one to the other by the second urging means. A base end portion is provided so as to be movable in the direction of the rotation axis, and the engagement member is spaced apart from the movable member in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and is arranged side by side with the movable member. Both end portions in the rotational axis direction are opened on the other outer peripheral portion, and the tip end portion of the engaging member that has passed the outside of the movable member is detachably engaged with the one end open portion. An engagement recess for preventing relative rotation between the first hinge member and the second hinge member in cooperation with the engagement member is provided, and the operation member is movable in the rotation axis direction on the other side. The operating member is directed from the other side to the one side. When moved in the opposite direction, the engagement member is pressed against the urging force of the second urging means from the other end open portion of the engagement recess to escape from the engagement recess, thereby A hinge device for releasing engagement between the engagement member and the engagement recess.

上記係合部材の基端部が上記第１ヒンジ部材に移動可能に設けられ、上記係合凹部及び上記操作部材が上記第２ヒンジ部材に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載のヒンジ装置。The base end portion of the engagement member is movably provided on the first hinge member, and the engagement recess and the operation member are provided on the second hinge member. Hinge device.

上記第１ヒンジ部材の上記第２ヒンジ部材側の端面に収容孔が形成され、この収容孔の開口側端部に上記係合部材の基端部が移動可能に収容され、上記収容孔の底部側の端部に上記第２付勢手段が収容されていることを特徴とする請求項２に記載のヒンジ装置。An accommodation hole is formed in an end surface of the first hinge member on the second hinge member side, and a base end portion of the engagement member is movably accommodated in an opening side end portion of the accommodation hole, and a bottom portion of the accommodation hole The hinge device according to claim 2, wherein the second urging means is accommodated in an end portion on the side.

上記第２ヒンジ部材を上記第１ヒンジ部材に対して相対回動させたときに互いに当接する上記係合部材の先端部外面と上記係合凹部の内面との少なくとも一方には、上記第２ヒンジ部材の回動に伴って上記係合部材を上記第２付勢手段の付勢力に抗して押圧移動させる傾斜面が形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれかに記載のヒンジ装置。At least one of the outer surface of the front end of the engaging member and the inner surface of the engaging recess that abut each other when the second hinge member is rotated relative to the first hinge member is provided on the second hinge. The inclined surface which presses and moves the said engaging member against the urging | biasing force of the said 2nd urging means with rotation of a member is formed in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Hinge device.