Thrust conversion mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides a thrust conversion mechanism. The conversion efficiency of the thrust conversion mechanism is improved. The thrust conversion mechanism includes: a shaft (10) having a pair of helical engaging portions with opposite helical directions; a housing (20) that is rotatable relative to the shaft and supports a first linear moving member (30) and a second linear moving member (40) so as to be movable along the shaft; a rotating member (50) that rotates as the first linear moving member and the second linear moving member move; a driving member (60) that moves in a direction intersecting the shaft as the rotating member rotates; and a buffer member (70) that abuts against a moving object from a side opposite to the driving member. The thrust conversion mechanism has a first state and a second state. In the first state, as the driving member moves, the driving member and the buffer member move. In the second state, as the moving object moves, the buffer member moves and the driving member does not move.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thrust conversion mechanism. Background Art

[0002] There are known conversion mechanisms for converting rotational motion into linear motion or converting linear motion into rotational motion. For example, a feed screw mechanism (see Patent Document 1) composed of a screw shaft having a thread formed on its outer peripheral portion and a nut screwed onto the screw shaft is an example of the above conversion mechanism.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 54-23979

[0004] In the feed screw mechanism, in order to increase the movement amount of the nut in a situation where the rotation angle of the screw shaft is restricted, it is necessary to increase the lead of the screw. However, if the lead of the screw is increased, the load when moving the nut increases, and thus a large driving force is required for the rotation of the screw shaft. In addition, since the moving direction of the nut is limited to the linear direction along the screw shaft, the use of the mechanism is restricted.

[0005] Here, a shaft support mechanism that supports components or parts so as to be rotatable is used in a hinge device that connects two housings or the like so as to be rotatable. Such a hinge device is used in many portable information terminals such as notebook-type PCs (Personal Computers) and foldable tablet computers. For example, there is known a portable information terminal in which a housing provided with a display and a housing provided with an operation unit are connected by a hinge device so as to be rotatable. In addition, there is known a portable information terminal in which two housings each provided with a display are connected by a hinge device so as to be rotatable.

[0006] In the above-described portable information terminal, if it is desired to rotate the other housing 180° or 360° relative to one housing, the ends of the housings interfere with each other, and there is a problem that the rotation angle is restricted to less than 180° or less than 360°. In order to avoid this problem, if the connection portion (shaft support portion) between the housing and the hinge device is arranged at a position away from the end of the housing, when the two housings are opened in a planar shape, a new problem of generating a gap between the ends of the housings occurs. If a gap is generated between the ends of two housings each provided with a display, a gap is also generated between the ends of the two displays, resulting in impaired continuity of the screen. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present invention is to improve the conversion efficiency in a thrust conversion mechanism capable of converting rotational motion into linear motion or converting linear motion into rotational motion, to realize a hinge device using the thrust conversion mechanism with improved conversion efficiency, a portable information terminal using the hinge device, and the like.

[0008] The thrust conversion mechanism includes: a shaft having a pair of helical engaging portions with opposite helical directions; a first linear motion member engaged with one of the helical engaging portions and a second linear motion member engaged with the other helical engaging portion; a housing capable of rotating relative to the shaft and supporting the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member so as to be movable along the shaft; a rotating member supported by the first linear motion member so as to be rotatable and engaged with the second linear motion member, and rotating as the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member move; a driving member engaged with the rotating member and abutting against a moving object, and moving in a direction intersecting the shaft as the rotating member rotates; and a buffer member abutting against the moving object from a side opposite to the driving member. Further, the thrust conversion mechanism has a first state and a second state. In the first state, as the driving member moves, the driving member and the buffer member move. In the second state, as the moving object moves, the buffer member moves while the driving member does not move. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the thrust conversion mechanism.

[0010] Figure 2 is a front view of the thrust conversion mechanism.

[0011] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the thrust conversion mechanism.

[0012] Figure 4 is another explanatory diagram showing the structure of the thrust conversion mechanism.

[0013] Figure 5 is another explanatory diagram showing the structure of the thrust conversion mechanism.

[0014] Figure 6 is another explanatory diagram showing the structure of the thrust conversion mechanism.

[0015] Figure 7 (A) of is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the driving member when the linear motion member is in the approaching position, Figure 7 (B) of is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the driving member when the linear motion member is in the separated position.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the unfolded state of the hinge device.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing the inner folded state of the hinge device.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the outer folded state of the hinge device.

[0019] Figure 11 It is an explanatory view showing the portable information terminal when the hinge device is in the unfolded state.

[0020] Figure 12 It is an explanatory view showing the portable information terminal when the hinge device is in the inner folded state.

[0021] Figure 13 It is an explanatory view showing the portable information terminal when the hinge device is in the outer folded state.

[0022] Figure 14 (A) of Figure 14 (B) of Figure 14 (C) of is an explanatory view schematically showing the displacement of the end portion of the display.

[0023] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing another example of the hinge device.

[0024] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 an explanatory view of the operation of the hinge device shown.

[0025] Figure 17 It shows Figure 15 another explanatory view of the operation of the hinge device shown.

[0026] Figure 18 It shows Figure 15 another explanatory view of the operation of the hinge device shown.

[0027] Figure 19 It shows Figure 15 an explanatory view of the structure of the hinge device shown.

[0028] Reference numeral description

[0029] 1A, 1B: Thrust conversion mechanism; 2: Cover plate; 10: Shaft; 11: Left shaft component; 12: Right shaft component; 13: Holding component; 14: Spiral engaging portion; 15: First shaft; 16: Second shaft; 20: Housing; 21, 22: Support components; 23: First fixing plate; 24: Second fixing plate; 25: Base component; 25a: Rack; 26: Guide component; 27a, 27b: Movable rollers; 28: Fixed roller; 30: First linear motion component; 31: First block; 31a: Through insertion hole; 32: First plate; 32a: Long hole; 33: Lateral movement component; 34: Pin; 35: Stop plate; 40: Second linear motion component; 41: Second block; 41a: Through insertion hole; 42: Second plate; 42a: Long hole; 42b: Guide projection; 43: Operation projection; 44: Longitudinal movement component; 44a: Rack; 45: Pinion; 50: Rotating component; 51: Support shaft; 52: Engaging hole; 53: Engaging projection; 60: Driving component; 61: Opening; 62: Guide hole; 63: Cam hole; 64: Contact portion (lower contact portion); 65: First connecting portion; 66: Second connecting portion; 70: Buffer component; 71: Contact portion (upper contact portion); 72: Third connecting portion; 73: Fourth connecting portion; 80: Connecting pin; 81: Lower washer; 82: Upper washer; 83: Coil spring; 90, 91: Hinge device; 100: Portable information terminal; 101: First housing; 102: Second housing; FP1, FP2: Flat panel display; P: Vertex; X: Moving object; X1: Connecting portion. Detailed implementation mode

[0030] Hereinafter, an example of the thrust conversion mechanism to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same or substantially the same structures, elements, etc. are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0031] As Figure 1 shown, the thrust conversion mechanism 1A of the present embodiment includes a shaft 10, a housing 20, a first linear motion component 30, a second linear motion component 40, a rotating component 50, a driving component 60, a buffer component 70, etc., and these constituent elements are combined as Figures 2 to 6 shown. In addition, Figure 2 is the front view of the thrust conversion mechanism 1A. In addition, in each of the drawings of Figures 3 to 6 , in order to show the internal structure of the thrust conversion mechanism 1A, some constituent elements are omitted. For example, in Figure 3 , the cover plate 2 shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 is omitted. In addition, linear motion components such as the first linear motion component 30 and the second linear motion component 40 are sometimes also referred to as "sliders".

[0032] Figure 3 The illustrated housing 20 is capable of rotating relative to the shaft 10. When the housing 20 rotates relative to the shaft 10, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move along the shaft 10. And when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move in the direction along the shaft 10, the drive member 60 moves in the direction along the shaft 10 and in the direction intersecting the shaft 10. As a result, the unillustrated moving object X with which the drive member 60 abuts moves in the direction intersecting the shaft 10. In other words, when the housing 20 rotates relative to the shaft 10, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move in the axial direction of the shaft 10. And when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move in the axial direction of the shaft 10, the drive member 60 moves in the axial direction of the shaft 10 and in the direction intersecting the axial direction. As a result, the moving object X with which the drive member 60 abuts moves in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft 10.

[0033] That is, the thrust that causes the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 to move along the shaft 10, which is generated as the housing 20 rotates, is converted into the thrust that causes the drive member 60 to move in the direction intersecting the shaft 10, and the moving object X is driven in the same direction. In addition, in Figure 3 etc., only the connecting portion X1 provided on the moving object X is illustrated, and the illustration of the main body of the moving object X is omitted. The drive member 60 moves in a state of abutting against the connecting portion X1 that is a part of the moving object X, and causes the entire moving object X including the connecting portion X1 to move.

[0034] In the following description, the axial direction of the shaft 10 may sometimes be referred to as the "horizontal direction" or the "left - right direction", and the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft 10 may sometimes be referred to as the "vertical direction" or the "up - down direction". In addition, the direction orthogonal to both the horizontal direction (left - right direction) and the vertical direction (up - down direction) may sometimes be referred to as the "front - back direction".

[0035] As Figure 1 shown, the shaft 10 is a split shaft composed of a left - hand shaft member 11 and a right - hand shaft member 12. Specifically, unevenness is formed at one end of the left - hand shaft member 11, and unevenness is also formed at one end of the right - hand shaft member 12. The left - hand shaft member 11 and the right - hand shaft member 12 are connected in a non - rotatable manner by the unevenness provided at one end of the left - hand shaft member 11 and the unevenness provided at one end of the right - hand shaft member 12 being engaged with each other, forming one shaft 10. In addition, both ends of the shaft 10 are held by a holding member 13. Specifically, the end portion on the opposite side of the end portion of the left - hand shaft member 11 where the unevenness is formed is held by the holding member 13. At the same time, the end portion on the opposite side of the end portion of the right - hand shaft member 12 where the unevenness is formed is held by the holding member 13.

[0036] On the left shaft member 11 and the right shaft member 12, spiral engaging portions 14 with opposite spiral directions are respectively formed. The spiral engaging portion 14 in this embodiment is a spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left shaft member 11 and the right shaft member 12. Of course, the spiral engaging portion 14 can also be replaced with a spiral protrusion, a screw, etc. In addition, spiral engaging portions 14 with opposite spiral directions can also be formed on the outer peripheral surface of an undivided single shaft 10.

[0037] As Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the first linear motion member 30 includes a first block 31 through which the left shaft member 11 is inserted and a first plate 32 connected to the first block 31. Similarly, the second linear motion member 40 includes a second block 41 through which the right shaft member 12 is inserted and a second plate 42 connected to the second block 41.

[0038] As Figure 1 shown, a through insertion hole 31a through which the left shaft member 11 is inserted is provided in the first block 31 of the first linear motion member 30. And an engaging portion that engages with the spiral engaging portion 14 formed on the left shaft member 11 is provided inside the through insertion hole 31a. A through insertion hole 41a through which the right shaft member 12 is inserted is provided in the second block 41 of the second linear motion member 40. And an engaging portion that engages with the spiral engaging portion 14 formed on the right shaft member 12 is provided inside the through insertion hole 41a. Therefore, Figure 4 , Figure 5 shown first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move along the shaft 10 by relative rotation with respect to the shaft 10. In other words, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move in the horizontal direction by relative rotation with respect to the shaft 10. More specifically, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 linearly move in a direction approaching or separating from each other as they rotate relative to the shaft 10. In this embodiment, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 each move approximately 2 mm at most in the direction of approaching each other. In addition, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 each move approximately 2 mm at most in the direction of separating from each other in this embodiment.

[0039] As Figure 4 , Figure 5 shown, a pair of long holes 32a extending in the horizontal direction are provided in the first plate 32 of the first linear motion member 30, and a support member 21 fixed to the housing 20 ( Figure 3 ) is inserted through each of the long holes 32a. A pair of long holes 42a extending in the horizontal direction are also provided in the second plate 42 of the second linear motion member 40, and a support member 21 fixed to the housing 20 ( Figure 3The support member 22. As a result, the first linear motion member 30 is suspended from the housing 20 by the support member 21 and is held so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. Further, the second linear motion member 40 is suspended from the housing 20 by the support member 22 and is held so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. That is, Figure 3 The illustrated housing 20 is rotatable relative to the shaft 10 and supports the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 so as to be movable along the shaft 10.

[0040] As Figure 6 shown, the center or substantially the center of the rotating member 50 is rotatably connected to the first linear motion member 30. Specifically, a support shaft 51 passing through the center or substantially the center of the rotating member 50 is fixed to the first plate 32. That is, the rotating member 50 is supported by the first linear motion member 30 so as to be rotatable. As a result, when the first linear motion member 30 moves in the horizontal direction, the rotating member 50 moves in the horizontal direction together with the first linear motion member 30.

[0041] And, an engaging hole 52 extending in the vertical direction is provided on one end side (upper part) of the rotating member 50, and an engaging projection 53 protruding forward is provided on the other end side (lower part) of the rotating member 50. Referring to Figure 5 , an operating projection 43 protruding from the back surface of the second linear motion member 40 (second plate 42) is fitted into the engaging hole 52 of the rotating member 50. As a result, when Figure 4 , Figure 5 shown, when the second linear motion member 40 moves in the horizontal direction, the rotating member 50 rotates about the support shaft 51 as a rotation axis, and the engaging projection 53 swings.

[0042] That is, Figure 4 shown, when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 shown in this Figure 4 move in the horizontal direction, the rotating member 50 moves and rotates in the same direction while moving. In the present embodiment, when Figure 4 shown, when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move in a direction approaching each other, the rotating member 50 moves to the right and rotates counterclockwise. On the other hand, when Figure 4 shown, when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move in a direction away from each other, the rotating member 50 moves to the left and rotates clockwise. In other words, when the first linear motion member 30 moves to the right and the second linear motion member 40 moves to the left, the rotating member 50 moves to the right and rotates counterclockwise. On the other hand, when the first linear motion member 30 moves to the left and the second linear motion member 40 moves to the right, the rotating member 50 moves to the left and rotates clockwise.

[0043] As Figure 3 ,Figure 5 As shown, the drive member 60 is a plate-shaped member sized to cover most of the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40. As Figure 3 shown, an opening 61, two guide holes 62, and a cam hole 63 are provided in the drive member 60. The opening 61 is disposed substantially at the center of the drive member 60 in the horizontal direction, and has a substantially rectangular shape with a horizontal dimension larger than a vertical dimension. Each of the guide holes 62 is a long hole extending in the vertical direction and is disposed at the same position as each other in the horizontal direction.

[0044] As Figure 3 shown, the cam hole 63 is a long hole extending integrally in the horizontal direction. However, the cam hole 63 buckles in a manner of reversing the inclination with respect to the shaft 10 at the center or substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, the buckling point of the cam hole 63 that reverses the inclination with respect to the shaft 10 is sometimes referred to as the "apex P".

[0045] As Figure 3 shown, the regions on both sides of the apex P are inclined in such a manner that they gradually approach the shaft 10 as they go from the apex P toward the end portions. In other words, the regions on both sides of the apex P are inclined in such a manner that they gradually move away from the shaft 10 as they go from the end portions toward the apex P. However, in Figure 3 the inclination of a part of the cam hole 63 located at a position on the right side of the apex P is steeper than the inclination of another part of the cam hole 63 located at a position on the left side of the apex P in this figure. In the following description, a part of the cam hole 63 located at a position on the right side of the apex P in Figure 3 is sometimes referred to as the "right region", and another part of the cam hole 63 located at a position on the left side of the apex P is referred to as the "left region" for distinction. However, this distinction is only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious that the cam hole 63 is a series of long holes.

[0046] As Figure 4 shown, two guide protrusions 42b are provided on the front surface of the second plate 42 of the second linear motion member 40. As Figure 3 shown, the two guide protrusions 42b provided on the second linear motion member 40 are respectively engaged with the two guide holes 62 provided in the drive member 60. In addition, an engaging protrusion 53 provided at the lower part of the rotating member 50 is engaged with the cam hole 63 of the drive member 60.

[0047] Figure 3 The housing 20 shown can rotate 90° (+90°) forward (toward the front) about the shaft 10, and can also rotate 90° (-90°) backward (toward the rear) about the shaft 10. Figure 7 (A) of Figure 3The state where the shown housing 20 has rotated +90° relative to the axis 10. Additionally, Figure 7 (B) of Figure 3 shows the state where the shown housing 20 has rotated -90° relative to the axis 10.

[0048] Here, the rotation angle of the Figure 3 shown housing 20 is defined as 0°. Additionally, the positions of the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 when the rotation angle of the housing 20 is 0° are defined as the "neutral position". And the position of the rotating member 50 when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 are in the neutral position is defined as the "reference position". That is, when the rotation angle of the housing 20 is 0°, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 are located at the neutral position, and the rotating member 50 is located at the reference position. Moreover, when the rotating member 50 is located at the reference position, the engaging projection 53 is located at the vertex P of the cam hole 63.

[0049] During Figure 3 the process in which the rotation angle of the shown housing 20 changes from 0° to +90°, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40, which are in the neutral position, gradually approach each other. Then, when the rotation angle of the housing 20 reaches +90°, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 reach the "approaching position" ([[]]END]] Figure 7 (A) of Figure 7 ) where the distance (D) between them is the smallest. At the same time, as the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move, the rotating member 50 rotates counterclockwise. Then, when the rotation angle of the housing 20 reaches +90° and the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 reach the approaching position, the engaging projection 53 reaches the end of the right region of the cam hole 63 ([[]]END]]

[0050] On the other hand, during Figure 3 the process in which the rotation angle of the shown housing 20 changes from 0° to -90°, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40, which are in the neutral position, gradually separate. Then, when the rotation angle of the housing 20 reaches -90°, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 reach the "separating position" ([[]]END]] Figure 7 (B) of Figure 7 ) where the distance (D) between them is the largest. At the same time, as the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move, the rotating member 50 rotates clockwise. Then, when the rotation angle of the housing 20 reaches -90° and the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 reach the separating position, the engaging projection 53 reaches the end of the left region of the cam hole 63 ([[]]END]]

[0051] As described above, when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move along with Figure 3When the housing 20 rotates and moves linearly as shown, the rotating member 50 (engagement protrusion 53) that engages with the driving member 60 rotates (swings). As a result, the driving member 60 moves in the vertical direction (upward). That is, the driving member 60 is pushed upward. At the same time, the driving member 60 moves in the horizontal direction (left or right) as the guiding protrusion 42b that engages with the guiding hole 62 moves. In short, the driving member 60 moves in the vertical direction (upward) while moving in the horizontal direction (left or right).

[0052] However, the inclination angles of the left region and the right region of the cam hole 63 are different. Therefore, even if the rotation angle of the rotating member 50 is the same, the amount of movement of the driving member 60 in the vertical direction varies depending on the rotation direction of the rotating member 50. Specifically, the amount of movement of the driving member 60 in the vertical direction is Figure 3 larger when the rotating member 50 rotates counterclockwise as shown than when it rotates clockwise. In other words, the amount of movement of the driving member 60 in the vertical direction is larger when the first linear movement member 30 and the second linear movement member 40 move from the neutral position to the approaching position than when the first linear movement member 30 and the second linear movement member 40 move from the neutral position to the separating position.

[0053] As Figure 3 shown, a plate-shaped abutting portion 64 that protrudes rearward from one side of the opening 61 is provided on the driving member 60. The abutting portion 64 abuts against the connecting portion X1 provided on the moving object X. The connecting portion X1 is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes from the back surface of the moving object X that faces the front surface of the driving member 60. The abutting portion 64 abuts against the connecting portion X1 inserted into the opening 61 from the lower side in the radial direction of the connecting portion X1. Therefore, in the following description, the abutting portion 64 is sometimes referred to as the "lower abutting portion 64". In addition, the lower abutting portion 64 in the present embodiment is formed by bending a part of the driving member 60 rearward. As a result, the contact area between the lower abutting portion 64 and the connecting portion X1 becomes larger, preventing defective conditions such as breakage of the connecting portion X1. When the contact area between the lower abutting portion 64 and the connecting portion X1 is small (for example, when the end surface of the driving member 60 is used as the abutting portion that abuts against the connecting portion X1), if the movement is repeated multiple times, there is a possibility that the connecting portion X1 breaks due to friction or the end surface of the driving member 60 is deformed. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent such defective conditions, the lower abutting portion 64 is formed by bending a part of the driving member 60.

[0054] The moving object X is driven by moving the driving member 60, which includes the lower contact portion 64 that contacts the connecting portion X1, as described above. That is, the driving member 60 moves in the vertical direction while moving in the horizontal direction, whereby the moving object X contacted by the driving member 60 moves in the vertical direction. Here, the movement of the driving member 60 in the horizontal direction is absorbed by the gap in the horizontal direction between the opening 61 and the connecting portion X1. Therefore, the driving member 60 moves in the horizontal and vertical directions, but the moving object X only moves in the vertical direction. In other words, in order to ensure the above gap, the opening 61 is formed as a rectangle with the horizontal direction as the length direction.

[0055] As described above, the vertical movement amount of the driving member 60 differs depending on the rotation direction of the rotating member 50. Specifically, the movement amount of the driving member 60 when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move from the neutral position to the approaching position is larger than the movement amount of the driving member 60 when the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 move from the neutral position to the separating position. As a result, Figure 7 the movement amount (α) of the connecting portion X1 shown in (A) of Figure 7 is larger than the movement amount (β) of the connecting portion X1 shown in (B) of Figure 7 (α > β). In this embodiment, the movement amount (α) is approximately 6 mm, and the movement amount (β) is approximately 3 mm. In addition, Figure 3 the dotted lines shown in (A) and (B) of

[0056] indicate the position of the connecting portion X1 shown in Figure 1 . As shown in Figure 3 , the buffer member 70 is disposed behind the driving member 60. A plate-shaped contact portion 71 that faces the lower contact portion 64 of the driving member 60 ( Figure 3 ) is provided on the buffer member 70. As shown in

[0057] , the contact portion 71 contacts the connecting portion X1 inserted into the opening 61 from the upper side in the radial direction of the connecting portion X1. In other words, the contact portion 71, which is a part of the buffer member 70, contacts the connecting portion X1 that is contacted by the lower contact portion 64, which is a part of the driving member 60, from the side opposite to the lower contact portion 64. Therefore, in the following description, the contact portion 71 of the buffer member 70 may sometimes be referred to as the "upper contact portion 71". In short, the lower contact portion 64 of the driving member 60 and the upper contact portion 71 of the buffer member 70 face each other with the connecting portion X1 therebetween. In addition, for the same reason as the lower contact portion 64, the upper contact portion 71 is formed by bending a part of the buffer member 70. That is, in order to increase the contact area with the connecting portion X1, the upper contact portion 71 is formed by bending a part of the buffer member 70.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5As shown, the drive member 60 and the buffer member 70 are integrally connected by a connecting pin 80. However, the drive member 60 is connected to the connecting pin 80 in such a manner that it cannot move relative to the axial direction of the connecting pin 80. On the other hand, the buffer member 70 is connected to the connecting pin 80 in such a manner that it can move relative to one axial direction of the connecting pin 80.

[0058] A pair of first connecting portions 65 and second connecting portions 66 are provided on one end side in the horizontal direction of the drive member 60. In addition, a pair of third connecting portions 72 and fourth connecting portions 73 are provided on one end side in the horizontal direction of the buffer member 70. The first connecting portion 65 and the second connecting portion 66 of the drive member 60 are opposed to each other in the axial direction (vertical direction) of the connecting pin 80. In addition, the third connecting portion 72 and the fourth connecting portion 73 of the buffer member 70 are opposed to each other in the axial direction (vertical direction) of the connecting pin 80.

[0059] The first connecting portion 65, the third connecting portion 72, the second connecting portion 66, and the fourth connecting portion 73 are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the connecting pin 80, and the connecting pin 80 passes through these connecting portions. That is, the connecting pin 80 passes through the first connecting portion 65, the third connecting portion 72, the second connecting portion 66, and the fourth connecting portion 73 in sequence.

[0060] A pair of stoppers for restricting the movement of the drive member 60 relative to the connecting pin 80 are provided on the connecting pin 80. Specifically, a lower washer 81 is installed at the lower end of the connecting pin 80 protruding from the first connecting portion 65. In addition, an upper washer 82 is installed at the upper end of the connecting pin 80 protruding from the second connecting portion 66. That is, the first connecting portion 65 and the second connecting portion 66 of the drive member 60 are clamped by a pair of the lower washer 81 and the upper washer 82 fixed to the connecting pin 80.

[0061] On the other hand, the third connecting portion 72 of the buffer member 70 is disposed above the first connecting portion 65 of the drive member 60 that overlaps with the lower washer 81. In addition, the fourth connecting portion 73 of the buffer member 70 is disposed above the upper washer 82 that overlaps with the second connecting portion 66 of the drive member 60. Therefore, the buffer member 70 can move in one axial direction (upward) of the connecting pin 80, but cannot move in the other axial direction (downward).

[0062] And, a coil spring 83 as an elastic body is provided around the connecting pin 80, with one end (lower end) abutting against the third connecting portion 72 of the buffer member 70 and the other end (upper end) abutting against the second connecting portion 66 of the drive member 60. That is, the coil spring 83 is disposed between the third connecting portion 72 of the buffer member 70 and the second connecting portion 66 of the drive member 60.

[0063] With the above connection structure, when the drive member 60 moves upward, in addition to the drive member 60, a first state is achieved in which the buffer member 70, the connecting pin 80, and the coil spring 83 move integrally. Further, when the drive member 60 (the lower contact portion 64) moves upward, the connecting portion X1 is pushed upward. In addition, the buffer member 70 is urged by the coil spring 83 in a direction (downward) to press the upper contact portion 71 against the connecting portion X1. However, the third connecting portion 72 of the buffer member 70 overlaps the first connecting portion 65 of the drive member 60 supported by the stopper (lower washer 81). Therefore, in the first state, the upper contact portion 71 of the buffer member 70 does not press against the connecting portion X1. That is, the buffer member 70 does not hinder the upward movement of the drive member 60 and the accompanying rise of the connecting portion X1.

[0064] Further, with the above connection structure, when the connecting portion X1 moves upward due to some external force, a second state is achieved in which the drive member 60 and the connecting pin 80 do not move, and only the buffer member 70 moves upward while elastically deforming the coil spring 83. In this second state, the external force acting on the connecting portion X1 is absorbed by the movement of the buffer member 70 (the contraction of the coil spring 83), preventing breakage, deformation, etc. of the mechanism. In addition, an external force acting on the connecting portion X1 is generated, for example, when the moving object X temporarily interferes with surrounding components for some reason.

[0065] The thrust conversion mechanism 1A of the present embodiment has a pair of linear motion members (the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40) that linearly move along the shaft 10 by the relative rotation of the housing 20 with respect to the shaft 10. And the pair of linear motion members move in directions approaching or separating from each other along the shaft 10. That is, the amount of movement of the linear motion members obtained by the relative rotation of the housing 20 with respect to the shaft 10 is twice that in the case where there is one linear motion member or the case where the moving directions of the two linear motion members are the same. Moreover, the movement of the pair of linear motion members is converted into the rotation of the rotating member 50, and the rotation of the rotating member 50 is converted into the movement of the drive member 60 in a direction crossing the shaft 10. Therefore, the drive member 60 can be moved more greatly with respect to the rotation amount of the housing 20 with respect to the shaft 10. And the thrust conversion mechanism 1A having the buffer member 70 that absorbs external forces does not break or deform the mechanism due to external forces and has excellent durability.

[0066] Figures 8 to 10 An example of a hinge device having the thrust conversion mechanism 1A of the present embodiment is shown. The illustrated hinge device 90 has a pair of thrust conversion mechanisms 1A. The shafts 10 of the respective thrust conversion mechanisms 1A are held in parallel to each other by a common holding member 13.

[0067] The state of the hinge device 90 can be changed to a deployed state in which the angle formed by the housing 20 of each thrust conversion mechanism 1A is 180° or approximately 180° ( Figure 8 ), an inner folded state in which the housing 20 of each thrust conversion mechanism 1A is rotated by +90° from the deployed state ( Figure 9 ), and an outer folded state in which the housing 20 of each thrust conversion mechanism 1A is rotated by -90° from the deployed state ( Figure 10 ).

[0068] In the hinge device 90, a thrust that moves a pair of linear motion members (the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40) provided in each thrust conversion mechanism 1A along the shaft 10 is generated by the rotation of each housing 20 relative to each shaft 10 held by the holding member 13. That is, the rotational force of the housing 20 in each thrust conversion mechanism 1A is converted into a thrust that linearly moves a pair of linear motion members in each thrust conversion mechanism 1A.

[0069] From the description so far, it can be seen that in the Figure 8 shown deployed state, a pair of linear motion members provided in each thrust conversion mechanism 1A are in the neutral position. On the other hand, in the Figure 9 shown inner folded state, a pair of linear motion members provided in each thrust conversion mechanism 1A are in the approaching position. In addition, in the Figure 10 shown outer folded state, a pair of linear motion members provided in each thrust conversion mechanism 1A are in the separated position. Moreover, as a pair of linear motion members provided in each thrust conversion mechanism 1A move, a rotating member 50 provided in each thrust conversion mechanism 1A rotates and a driving member 60 moves.

[0070] Figures 11 to 13 Shows an example of a portable information terminal having the Figures 8 to 10 shown hinge device 90. The illustrated portable information terminal 100 has two flat panel displays FP1 and flat panel display FP2. In the following description, the flat panel display FP1 and the flat panel display FP2 will be simply referred to as "display FP1" and "display FP2", respectively.

[0071] The hinge device 90 connects the display FP1 and the display FP2 in a rotatable (openable / closable) manner. Specifically, one thrust conversion mechanism 1A provided in the hinge device 90 supports the display FP1 so as to be movable, and the other thrust conversion mechanism 1A provided in the hinge device 90 supports the display FP2 so as to be movable.

[0072] Figures 11 to 13 The state of the hinge device 90 used in the portable information terminal 100 shown inFigure 8 ) Inner folded state ( Figure 9 ) or outer folded state ( Figure 10 ). Moreover, as the state of the hinge device 90 changes, the displays FP1 and FP2 are driven in a direction intersecting the axis 10. That is, the displays FP1 and FP2 correspond to the moving object X described above.

[0073] Refer to Figure 11 . When these displays FP1 and FP2 are opened so that the angle formed by the two displays FP1 and FP2 becomes 180° or approximately 180°, the hinge device 90 is in the unfolded state. At this time, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 of each thrust conversion mechanism 1A of the hinge device 90 are in the neutral position, and the rotating member 50 is in the reference position. In addition, as shown in (A) of Figure 14 , the adjacent ends of the displays FP1 and FP2 are butted against each other with substantially no gap.

[0074] Refer to Figure 12 . When these displays FP1 and FP2 are closed in a manner that the two displays FP1 and FP2 face each other, the hinge device 90 is in the inner folded state. At this time, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 of each thrust conversion mechanism 1A of the hinge device 90 move from the neutral position to the approaching position. At the same time, the rotating member 50 of each thrust conversion mechanism 1A rotates, and the driving member 60 moves. Then, the displays FP1 and FP2 engaged with the driving member 60 via the connecting portion X1 are driven in such a way that the adjacent ends thereof are separated from each other. As a result, as shown in (B) of Figure 14 , the ends of the displays FP1 and FP2 facing each other are received inside the holding member 13 of the hinge device 90 without interfering with each other.

[0075] Refer to Figure 13 . When the two displays FP1 and FP2 are back-to-back, the hinge device 90 is in the outer folded state. At this time, the first linear motion member 30 and the second linear motion member 40 of each thrust conversion mechanism 1A of the hinge device 90 move from the neutral position to the separating position. At the same time, the rotating member 50 of each thrust conversion mechanism 1A rotates, and the driving member 60 moves. Then, the displays FP1 and FP2 engaged with the driving member 60 via the connecting portion X1 are driven in such a way that the adjacent ends thereof are separated from each other.

[0076] However, when the displays FP1 and FP2 are back-to-back (when the hinge device 90 changes from the unfolded state to the outer-folded state), the amount of movement of the ends of the displays FP1 and FP2 is smaller than when the displays FP1 and FP2 face each other (when the hinge device 90 changes from the unfolded state to the inner-folded state). As a result, as shown in (C) of Figure 14 the ends of the back-to-back displays FP1 and FP2 do not protrude from the holding member 13 and cover the holding member 13.

[0077] Next, another example of the hinge device will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 19 The hinge device 91 shown in Figure 15 connects the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 of the portable information terminal in a rotatable (openable / closable) manner. In addition, although only one hinge device 91 is shown in Figure 15 in reality, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are connected by two hinge devices 91. In addition, although not shown in the figure, flat panel displays are mounted on the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, respectively.

[0078] The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 connected by the hinge device 91 can be closed so that the angle formed by the flat panel displays mounted on them is substantially 0°. In addition, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 connected by the hinge device 91 can be opened so that the angle formed by the flat panel displays mounted on them is substantially 180°. In the following description, the state in which the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are closed until the angle formed by the two flat panel displays is substantially 0° may be referred to as the "closed state", and the state in which the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are opened until the angle formed by the two flat panel displays is substantially 180° may be referred to as the "open state".

[0079] As shown in Figure 15 the hinge device 91 has a thrust conversion mechanism 1B. The thrust conversion mechanism 1B has: a first fixing plate 23 fixed to the first housing 101; a second fixing plate 24 fixed to the second housing 102; a base member 25 held by the first fixing plate 23 and movable in the vertical direction; a lateral movement member 33 held by the base member 25 and movable in the horizontal direction; and a longitudinal movement member 44 held by the first fixing plate 23 and movable in the vertical direction.

[0080] The thrust conversion mechanism 1B also has a holding member 13 between the first fixing plate 23 and the second fixing plate 24. The base member 25 and the first shaft 15 held by the holding member 13 ( Figure 16)Connection. That is, the first fixing plate 23 is connected to the first shaft 15 via the base member 25 or the like. The second fixing plate 24 is connected to the second shaft 16 held by the holding member 13 ( Figure 16 )Connection.

[0081] As Figure 15 shown, the holding member 13 between the first fixing plate 23 and the second fixing plate 24 is also between the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. In the present embodiment, when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are in the open state, the holding member 13 can be housed in the first housing 101. By housing the holding member 13 in the first housing 101, the flat panel display provided on the first housing 101 is extremely close to the flat panel display provided on the second housing 102, and the continuity (sense of unity) of the two is improved.

[0082] As Figure 15 shown, a pair of guide members 26 are provided on the first fixing plate 23. The pair of guide members 26 are arranged on both sides of the base member 25 in the horizontal direction and guide the vertical movement (up and down movement) of the base member 25. Specifically, guide grooves are formed on the inner side surfaces of the respective guide members 26, and guide protrusions that fit into the guide grooves of the guide members 26 are formed on the outer side surface of the base member 25.

[0083] Refer to Figure 16 . The base member 25 provided on the first fixing plate 23 so as to be movable up and down is connected to the first shaft 15 held by the holding member 13. Therefore, when the base member 25 moves downward (inside the first housing 101), the holding member 13 also moves in the same direction and is housed in the first housing 101. In other words, when the Figure 16 shown second housing 102 approaches the first housing 101, the base member 25 moves downward inside the first housing 101, and the holding member 13 is pressed into the first housing 101 (refer to Figure 17 ). As a result, the end of the first housing 101 and the end of the second housing 102 abut against each other. On the other hand, when the Figure 17 shown second housing 102 is pulled away from the first housing 101, the base member 25 moves upward inside the first housing 101, and the holding member 13 is pulled out of the first housing 101 (refer to Figure 16 ). As a result, a gap is generated between the end of the first housing 101 and the end of the second housing 102.

[0084] Here, when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are not in the open state, the holding member 13 has an angle with respect to the first housing 101 (see Figure 15)。Therefore, if the holding member 13 is forcibly housed in the first housing 101 when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are not in the open state, the first housing 101, the holding member 13, etc. may be damaged or deformed. Further, if the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are closed with the holding member 13 housed in the first housing 101, the holding member 13 attempts to rotate within the first housing 101, and thus the first housing 101, the holding member 13, etc. may be damaged or deformed.

[0085] Therefore, in the present embodiment, a locking mechanism for preventing such damage and deformation is provided. The locking mechanism allows the housing of the holding member 13 into the first housing 101 only when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are in the open state. Further, when the holding member 13 is housed in the first housing 101, the locking mechanism does not allow the opening and closing of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. Hereinafter, the structure, operation, etc. of the locking mechanism will be specifically described.

[0086] Refer to Figure 19 . The lateral movement member 33 that is held by the base member 25 and can move in the horizontal direction is one of the components of the locking mechanism. The lateral movement member 33 has a pin 34 and a stopper plate 35. The pin 34 provided on the lateral movement member 33 engages with the spiral engagement portion 14 formed on the first shaft 15. Therefore, the lateral movement member 33 moves in the horizontal direction in linkage with the opening and closing of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. In other words, the force for opening and closing the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 is converted into the force for moving the lateral movement member 33 parallel to the first shaft 15.

[0087] When the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are in the open state, the lateral movement member 33 moves to a position where the stopper plate 35 comes directly above the illustrated longitudinal groove 23a. Further, the illustrated longitudinal groove 23a is formed in the first fixing plate 23.

[0088] As described above, when the position of the stopper plate 35 coincides with the position of the longitudinal groove 23a, the lateral movement member 33, the base member 25 that holds the lateral movement member 33, the holding member 13 connected to the base member 25, etc. can move downward. That is, when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are in the open state, the holding member 13 can be housed in the first housing 101. Further, when the lateral movement member 33 etc. move downward, the stopper plate 35 passes through the longitudinal groove 23a.

[0089] On the other hand, when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are in a state other than the open state, the position of the stop plate 35 of the lateral movement member 33 does not coincide with the position of the longitudinal groove 23a of the first fixing plate 23. Therefore, the lateral movement member 33 cannot move downward, and the base member 25 of the lateral movement member 33, the holding member 13 connected to the base member 25, etc. also cannot move downward. That is, when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are in a state other than the open state, the holding member 13 cannot be housed in the first housing 101.

[0090] The longitudinal movement member 44 held by the first fixing plate 23 and capable of moving in the vertical direction is one of the components of the locking mechanism. The longitudinal movement member 44 moves up and down in the direction opposite to that of the base member 25 in linkage with the up and down movement of the base member 25. Specifically, a rack 25a is provided on the base member 25, and a rack 44a is also provided on the longitudinal movement member 44. Moreover, a pinion 45 meshing with these racks 25a, 44a is provided between the rack 25a of the base member 25 and the rack 44a of the longitudinal movement member 44. Therefore, the base member 25 and the longitudinal movement member 44 move up and down in opposite directions according to the principle of the rack and pinion. That is, when the base member 25 moves upward, the longitudinal movement member 44 moves downward, and when the base member 25 moves downward, the longitudinal movement member 44 moves upward. In other words, the thrust that causes the base member 25 to move upward is converted into the thrust that causes the longitudinal movement member 44 to move downward, and the thrust that causes the base member 25 to move downward is converted into the thrust that causes the longitudinal movement member 44 to move upward.

[0091] Refer to Figure 18 ... If the second housing 102 is brought close to the first housing 101 after the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are made in the open state, the longitudinal movement member 44 rises as the base member 25 descends, and the upper part of the longitudinal movement member 44 protrudes from the first housing 101. And, as Figure 17 shown, when the holding member 13 is housed in the first housing 101, the upper part of the longitudinal movement member 44 protruding from the first housing 101 is inserted into the second housing 102. As a result, the longitudinal movement member 44 straddles the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, restricting the opening and closing of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0092] On the other hand, when Figure 17 the second housing 102 shown is pulled away from the first housing 101, the longitudinal movement member 44 descends as the base member 25 rises, and the upper part of the longitudinal movement member 44 is pulled out from the second housing 102. Therefore, the opening and closing restriction of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 is released.

[0093] In addition, as Figure 19 shown, a pair of movable rollers 27a and 27b are provided on the base member 25, and one fixed roller 28 is provided on the first fixing plate 23. The movable rollers 27a and 27b are urged by a biasing member in a direction approaching each other. When the movable rollers 27a and 27b move up and down on the base member 25, they separate from each other against the biasing force of the biasing member and pass over the fixed roller 28. Thus, the user can obtain a clicking feeling when opening and closing the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the coil spring 83 as the elastic body can be replaced with a torsion spring having one end abutted against the third connecting portion 72 and the other end abutted against the second connecting portion 66. In addition, the buffer member 70 can also be replaced with a leaf spring having one end fixed to the housing 20 and the other end abutted against the connecting portion X1. Moreover, the elastic modulus of the elastic body (for example, the spring constant of the coil spring 83) can be changed according to the assumed external force.

[0095] The moving direction of the driving member 60 is not limited to the vertical direction, and can be, for example, an inclined direction. When the moving direction of the driving member 60 is set to an inclined direction, the guide hole 62 is changed to a long hole extending in the inclined direction instead of a long hole extending in the vertical direction.

[0096] The two guide holes 62 provided in the driving member 60 may be arranged in parallel instead of in series. In addition, the cam hole 63 may be formed in a shape symmetric about the vertex P. In this case, the vertical movement amount of the driving member 60 is the same regardless of the rotation direction of the rotating member 50.

[0097] It can be configured that by reversing the abutting positions of the lower abutting portion 64 and the upper abutting portion 71 with respect to the connecting portion X1, an external force in the direction opposite to the external force in the above-described embodiment can be absorbed. In addition, it can be configured that by adding a buffer member 70, external forces in the same direction and the opposite direction as the external force in the above-described embodiment can be absorbed.

[0098] The use of the thrust conversion mechanism of the present invention is not limited to the hinge device. In addition, the use of the hinge device of the present invention is not limited to the portable information terminal.

Claims

1. A thrust conversion mechanism, comprising: A shaft having a pair of helical engaging portions with opposite helical directions; A first linear motion member engaged with one of the helical engaging portions and a second linear motion member engaged with the other helical engaging portion; A housing capable of rotating relative to the shaft and supporting the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member so as to be movable along the shaft; A rotating member supported by the first linear motion member so as to be rotatable and engaged with the second linear motion member, and rotating as the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member move; A driving member engaged with the rotating member and abutting against a moving object, and moving in a direction crossing the shaft as the rotating member rotates; and A buffer member abutting against the moving object from a side opposite to the driving member, The thrust conversion mechanism has a first state and a second state. In the first state, as the driving member moves, the driving member and the buffer member move. In the second state, as the moving object moves, the buffer member moves while the driving member does not move.

2. The thrust conversion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The driving member and the buffer member have abutting portions abutting against a connecting portion provided on the moving object, The abutting portion of the driving member and the abutting portion of the buffer member are opposed to each other with the connecting portion therebetween.

3. The thrust conversion mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The thrust conversion mechanism has an elastic body, and in the second state, the elastic body elastically deforms as the buffer member moves.

4. The thrust conversion mechanism according to claim 3, wherein The thrust conversion mechanism has a connecting pin connecting the driving member and the buffer member, The driving member is connected to the connecting pin in a manner that it cannot move relative to the connecting pin in the axial direction of the connecting pin, The buffer member is connected to the connecting pin in a manner that it can move relative to the connecting pin in one direction of the axial direction of the connecting pin, In the first state, the driving member, the buffer member, the connecting pin and the elastic body move integrally, In the second state, the driving member and the connecting pin do not move, and the buffer member moves in one direction of the axial direction of the connecting pin while elastically deforming the elastic body.

5. The thrust conversion mechanism according to claim 4, wherein The driving member has a pair of first connecting portions and second connecting portions opposed to each other in the axial direction of the connecting pin, The buffer member has a pair of third connecting portions and fourth connecting portions opposed to each other in the axial direction of the connecting pin, The first connecting portion, the third connecting portion, the second connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion are arranged in sequence in the axial direction of the connecting pin, The connecting pin sequentially passes through the first connecting portion, the third connecting portion, the second connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion, The elastomer is a coil spring that is disposed around the connecting pin, with one end abutting against the third connecting portion of the buffer member and the other end abutting against the second connecting portion of the driving member.

6. A hinge device, wherein, the hinge device has the thrust conversion mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A portable information terminal, wherein, the portable information terminal has the hinge device according to claim 6.

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