Rotatable latching device for a housing of a portable electronic device

Abstract

A rotatable latching device ( 1 ) for a portable electronic device ( 60 ) having a two part housing wherein a first housing member ( 42 ) rotates relative to a second housing member ( 41 ) about an axis ( 50 ) substantially perpendicular to a front surface ( 61 ) of the device. The latching device ( 1 ) has a body ( 2 ) securable within and to the second housing member ( 41 ) and the first housing member ( 42 ) is mounted to a rotatable cam element ( 3 ) located within the body ( 2 ) and is rotatable with the cam element ( 3 ) continuously from a closed position to an open position 180 DEG to the closed position by a torsion spring ( 4 ) after manually disengaging a latchable detent follower ( 10 ). During manual return from an open position to a closed position, housing member ( 41 ) is latchable in an intermediate position at 90 DEG to a closed position to enable selective viewing of a display mounted to said first housing member ( 42 ).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to latches and portable electronic devices using such latches having a two-part housing, one of which is movable between open and closed positions. [0002] In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a two-part housing latch and a two-part housing for a radio communication device, one part of the housing being rotatable relative to the other about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the front surface of the device. Background technique [0003] Nowadays, portable electronic devices provide a large number of functions to meet the different needs of device users. While more functions are integrated into these devices, there is also a general trend towards miniaturization of devices that can be put into pockets or purses or hung on belts or around necks so that users can carry them. [0004] However, there is a certain practical limit to the miniaturization of many portable electronic devices without affec...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0010] One disadvantage of flip or clamshell portable electronic devices with spring-biased flip portions is the need for a strong securing portion to avoid damage to the flip portion and associated hinges when the flip portion reaches the limit of the open position

In addition, especially when the flip part is connected to the switching switch of the device, the strong latching mechanism is even prone to wear or breakage, thereby rendering an otherwise adequate portable electronic device useless or difficult to use

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