Hinge device and electronic machine using same

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge device and an electronic machine using the same. The present invention provides a light and non-loose hinge device which realizes synchronous opening and closing using a cam instead of a gear, is used in an electronic device configured by mounting a flexible display panel across both surfaces of first and second housings, connects the first and second housings to be opened and closed, and has a drive transmission mechanism. The drive transmission mechanism converts rotational motion of the first housing into linear motion by a cam, and converts the linear motion into rotational motion of the second housing by a cam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge device and an electronic device using the hinge device. The hinge device is suitable for electronic devices composed of an organic EL flexible display panel installed across the two surfaces of a pair of shells, such as portable phones, electronic notebooks, PDAs, small notebook computers or notebook computers and other types of electronic devices using hinge devices. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as mobile phones, which are composed of a piece of organic EL flexible display panel mounted across the two surfaces of a pair of housings, have been developed and sold on the market. A hinge device for converting the above electronic device from a folded state to an unfolded state is disclosed in the following patent document 1.

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2022-531949.

[0004] The hinge device of the known technical literature is provided with a synchronous gear to synchronize the opening and closing actions of a pair of housings. However, in order to maintain the strength of the gear structure, it is difficult to reduce the diameter of the gear. In addition, the meshing space between the gear teeth will cause looseness during opening and closing. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention uses a cam instead of a gear to achieve synchronous opening and closing, with the aim of providing a hinge structure that is light and does not loosen.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the hinge device of the present invention is used in an electronic device in which a flexible display panel is installed across the two surfaces of a first shell and a second shell. The hinge device connects the first shell and the second shell to open and close, and has a driving transmission mechanism, which converts the rotational motion of the first shell into linear motion by a cam, and converts the linear motion into the rotational motion of the second shell by a cam.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the drive transmission mechanism of the present invention converts the linear motion into the rotational motion of the second housing by a cam, and restores the rotational motion of the first housing.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention includes a first hinge, a second hinge, a third hinge, a fourth hinge, a first transmission side contact portion, a second transmission side contact portion, a third transmission side contact portion, and a fourth transmission side contact portion. The first hinge and the second hinge support the first shell so that it can rotate; the third hinge and the fourth hinge support the second shell so that it can rotate; the first transmission side abutment portion is arranged on the drive transmission mechanism, and is combined with the first hinge side abutment portion of the first hinge by a cam to convert the rotational motion of the first hinge into the linear motion; the second transmission side abutment portion is arranged on the drive transmission mechanism, and is combined with the second hinge side abutment portion of the second hinge by a cam to convert the linear motion into the rotational motion of the second hinge; the third transmission side abutment portion is arranged on the drive transmission mechanism, and is combined with the third hinge side abutment portion of the third hinge by a cam to convert the linear motion into the rotational motion of the third hinge; the fourth transmission side abutment portion is arranged on the drive transmission mechanism, and is combined with the fourth hinge side abutment portion of the fourth hinge by a cam to convert the linear motion into the rotational motion of the fourth hinge. The drive transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the first hinge into the rotational movement of the second hinge and the third hinge, and connects the second hinge and the third hinge to the first shell, the second shell or the first hinge and the second hinge through the connecting mechanism, and connects the third hinge to the fourth hinge and controls the rotation of the first hinge and the fourth hinge.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the connection mechanism of the present invention includes a first connection plate and a second connection plate, wherein the first connection plate is connected to the first housing and connected to the first hinge and the second hinge; the second connection plate is connected to the second housing and connected to the third hinge and the fourth hinge. The second hinge and the third hinge control the rotation of the first hinge and the fourth hinge through the first connection plate and the second connection plate.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the drive transmission mechanism of the present invention includes a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the first shaft becomes the shaft for the rotational movement of the first hinge and the third hinge, and the second shaft becomes the shaft for the rotational movement of the second hinge and the fourth hinge. The drive transmission mechanism slides on at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft and performs the linear motion.

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the driving transmission mechanism of the present invention includes a first transmission frame, a second transmission frame and a spring washer, wherein the first transmission frame has a first transmission side abutment portion and a fourth transmission side abutment portion; the second transmission frame has a second transmission side abutment portion and a third transmission side abutment portion; and the spring washer applies force to move the first transmission frame and the second transmission frame in a direction away from each other. The first transmission frame is clamped between the first hinge, the fourth hinge and the spring washer, and the second transmission frame is clamped between the second hinge, the third hinge and the spring washer, thereby reducing the looseness between each of the first transmission side abutment portion, the second transmission side abutment portion, the third transmission side abutment portion, and the fourth transmission side abutment portion and the first hinge side abutment portion, the second hinge side abutment portion, the third hinge side abutment portion, and the fourth hinge side abutment portion.

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the cam combination inclination of the first transmission side abutment portion, the second transmission side abutment portion, the third transmission side abutment portion, the fourth transmission side abutment portion and the first hinge side abutment portion, the second hinge side abutment portion, the third hinge side abutment portion and the fourth hinge side abutment portion of the present invention is different corresponding to the rotation of the first shell and the second shell, thereby changing the opening and closing load of the first shell and the second shell.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic device of the present invention uses a hinge device having the structure described in the above paragraphs.

[0014] According to the configuration of the present invention, a hinge device that is light and has reduced looseness can be realized.

[0015] According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to control the rotation of the hinge when the hinge is released from the cam-engaged state.

[0016] According to the configuration of the present invention, a hinge device that is light and has reduced looseness can be realized, and the rotation of the hinge can be controlled when the hinge is released from the state of being engaged with the cam.

[0017] According to the structure of the present invention, it is possible to control the rotation of the hinge when it is separated from the state of being engaged with the cam by a light device.

[0018] According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to construct the hinge device with a small number of components.

[0019] According to the configuration of the present invention, a hinge device that reduces looseness of the cam abutment portion can be realized.

[0020] According to the configuration of the present invention, a hinge device with good operability can be realized.

[0021] According to the configuration of the present invention, a lightweight electronic device with reduced looseness can be realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1The present invention shows an opened state of an electronic device having a flexible display panel, wherein the electronic device uses the hinge device of the present invention, wherein (a) is a stereoscopic view of a shell with the flexible display panel installed, and (b) is a stereoscopic view of the shell with the flexible display panel removed.

[0023] Figure 2 The figure shows the closed state of an electronic device having a flexible display panel, which uses the hinge device of the present invention, wherein (a) is a stereoscopic view; (b) is a partially enlarged side view of the hinge device; and (c) is a partially enlarged side view of the hinge device in a modified example.

[0024] Figure 3 The hinge device of the present invention is shown, wherein (a) is a stereoscopic view of the open state; (b) is a front view of the open state; and (c) is a front view of the closed state.

[0025] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the hinge device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a partial plan view of the hinge device of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the hinge device of the present invention, wherein FIG. 6( a ) is a plan view of the hinge device in an open state, and FIG. 6( b ) is a plan view of the hinge device in a closed state.

[0028] Figure 7 The figures are for explaining the action of the cam of the hinge device of the present invention, wherein (a) is a schematic diagram of the transition from an open state to a closed state; (b) is a schematic diagram of the closed state; (c) is a schematic diagram of the transition from an open state to a closed state, in which a modification example in which the cam is tilted differently is used; (d) is a partial enlarged view of (c); (e) is a schematic diagram of the transition from a closed state to an open state, in which a modification example in which the cam is tilted differently is used; and (f) is a partial enlarged view of (e).

[0029] Figure 8 Another structure of the hinge device of the present invention, wherein (a) is a structure for reducing cam looseness by adjustment; and (b) is a structure for reducing cam looseness by applying force to the entire frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following uses Figures 1 to 8 The present invention will be described.

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a cellular phone A (smartphone), which is an example of an electronic device using the hinge device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the first housing R11 and the second housing L11 of the mobile phone A in an open state (hereinafter referred to as an open state) with the angle between them being approximately 180 degrees. Figure 2 (a) is a perspective view of a folded state (hereinafter referred to as a closed state) in which the first housing R11 and the second housing L11 of the portable phone A are at an angle of approximately 0 degrees to each other. The exterior of the portable phone A is divided into the first housing R11, the second housing L11 and the base frame 21. As will be described later, the first housing R11 and the second housing L11 are connected by hinge devices B ( Figure 1 (not visible in (a)) connected to the base frame 21, the first housing R11 and the second housing L11 rotate around the axes R11a and L11a in the directions of arrows R11b and L11b respectively relative to the base frame 21. And, by this rotation, the portable phone A is in an open state or a closed state. Figure 1 (b) Figure 1 In the stereoscopic view of (a), the flexible display panel 41 is removed, and the hinge device B provided at two locations is screwed to the base frame 21 with screws 72c. The hinge device B has a plurality of housing mounting parts that can rotate around the axes R11a and L11a, respectively, and each mounting part is screwed to the mounting screw holes R11e and L11e of the first housing R11 and the second housing L11. The flexible display panel 41 is installed on the oblique line parts R11c and L11c. The flexible display panel 41 is arranged across the first housing R11 and the second housing L11, and when the portable phone A is in the closed state, the oblique line part 41a is bent and accommodated in the recessed parts R11d and L11d provided in the first housing R11 and the second housing L11, respectively.

[0033] Figure 2 (a) shows the hinge device B and the mounting portion of the first housing R11 on the side. Figure 2 (b) is an enlarged side view showing the range surrounded by circle 31a. Figure 2 In (b), the first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52 of the housing mounting portion of the hinge device B are screwed into the mounting screw holes R11e of the first housing R11 by screws R51d and R52d. Figure 2 (c) is a modified example, the hinges R51 and R52 are connected to the first connecting plate R74 by the grommet R74a, and the screws R51d and R52d are inserted into the center of the grommet R74a to screw the first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52 to the first housing R11. Figure 2 (c) The structure can stably open and close the first hinge and the second hinge at the same time regardless of the installation state of the housing. Figure 2 The structure of (b) does not require the first connecting plate R74, thereby reducing the number of components.

[0034] Figure 3The three-dimensional views of the hinge device of the present invention are shown, wherein (a) is a three-dimensional view in an open state; (b) is a front view in an open state; and (c) is a front view in a closed state. Figure 3 The hinge device B in (a) is composed of a hinge mechanism A50, a drive transmission mechanism A60 and a frame mechanism A70 (see Figure 4 ). In addition, the hinge mechanism A50 is composed of a first hinge R51, a second hinge R52, a third hinge L52 and a fourth hinge L51. The drive transmission mechanism A60 is composed of a first transmission frame 61, a second transmission frame 62 and a spring washer 63. The frame mechanism A70 is composed of a first shaft R71, a second shaft L71, an end plate 72, an opening retaining ring 73, a first connecting plate R74 and a second connecting plate L74. The center axes of the first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 are connected to Figure 1 The axes R11a and L11a of (a) are aligned, supporting the first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52 to rotate around the first axis R71, and supporting the third hinge L52 and the fourth hinge L51 to rotate around the second axis L71. In addition, the first transmission frame 61 and the second transmission frame 62 are supported to slide in the axial direction on either or both of the first axis R71 and the second axis L71. In this way, the first axis R71 becomes the rotation axis of the first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52, and the second axis L71 becomes the rotation axis of the third hinge L52 and the fourth hinge L51. The first transmission frame 61 and the second transmission frame 62 constituting the drive transmission mechanism A60 slide on at least one of the first axis R71 and the second axis L71, thereby realizing a hinge device B with a light structure.

[0035] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge device B of the present invention. Figure 4 List the assembly method of hinge device B item by item.

[0036] (1) The first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 respectively penetrate the shaft holes R72a and L72a of the end plate 72, and the movements of the end plate 72 and the first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 are regulated by the ear portions R71b and L71b of the first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71.

[0037] (2) The first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 penetrate the shaft holes R51b and L51b of the first hinge R51 and the fourth hinge L51, respectively.

[0038] (3) The first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 respectively penetrate the shaft holes R61 b and L61 b of the first transmission frame 61 .

[0039] (4) The first axis R71 and the second axis L71 penetrate the inner diameter hole 63 a of the biasing spring 63 of the spring washer.

[0040] (5) The first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 respectively penetrate the shaft holes R62 b and L62 b of the second transmission frame 62 .

[0041] (6) The first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 penetrate the shaft holes R52b and L52b of the second hinge R52 and the third hinge L52, respectively.

[0042] (7) The first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 respectively penetrate the shaft holes R72a and L72a of the end plate 72, and the inner diameter hole 73a of the split retaining ring 73 is fitted into the grooves R71a and L71a of the first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71.

[0043] (8) The first hinge R51, the second hinge R52, and the first connecting plate R74 are connected by the grommet R74a, and the grommet R74a passes through the mounting holes R51c and R74b and R52c and R74b.

[0044] (9) The third hinge L52, the fourth hinge L51 and the second connecting plate L74 are connected by the grommet L74a, and the grommet L74a passes through the mounting holes L52c and L74b and L51c and L74b.

[0045] (10) Screws 72c (see reference) are inserted through mounting holes 72b of end plate 72. Figure 1 (b) Screw the hinge device B onto the base frame 21.

[0046] In this way, the first hinge R51, the fourth hinge L51, the first transmission frame 61, the spring washer 63, the second transmission frame 62, the second hinge R52, and the third hinge L52 are sandwiched between a pair of end plates 72. The length from each ear portion R71b, L71b of the first axis R71, the second axis L71 to each groove portion R71a, L71a is set to be shorter than the total length of each through axis direction that sandwiches the first hinge R51, the fourth hinge L51, the first transmission frame 61, the spring washer 63, the second transmission frame 62, the second hinge R52, and the third hinge L52. Therefore, when the open retaining ring 73 is embedded in the groove portion R71a, L71a, the spring washer 63 enhances the force applied. By increasing the urging action, the first transmission frame 61 is urged by the opposing first hinge R51 and fourth hinge L51 , and the second transmission frame 62 is urged by the opposing second hinge R52 and third hinge L52 .

[0047] Figure 5 It is a partial plan view of the hinge device B of the present invention, which is omitted from the drawing. Figure 4 The first connecting plate R74 and the second connecting plate L74. Figure 5In the embodiment, the first hinge R51 and the fourth hinge L51 are provided with a first hinge side contact portion R51a and a fourth hinge side contact portion L51a, which are opposite to the first transmission side contact portion R61a and the fourth transmission side contact portion L61a provided on the first transmission frame 61. Moreover, the looseness of the first hinge side contact portion R51a, the fourth hinge side contact portion L51a and the first transmission side contact portion R61a and the fourth transmission side contact portion L61a is reduced by applying force with the spring washer 63. Similarly, the second hinge R52 and the third hinge L52 are provided with a second hinge side contact portion R52a and a third hinge side contact portion L52a, which are opposite to the second transmission side contact portion R62a and the third transmission side contact portion L62a provided on the second transmission frame 62. Therefore, the spring washer 63 applies force, thereby reducing the looseness of the second hinge side abutting portion R52a, the third hinge side abutting portion L52a, the second transmission side abutting portion R62a, and the third transmission side abutting portion L62a.

[0048] Then use Figure 7 The schematic diagram illustrates again, Figure 5 The second hinge side abutment R52a, the third hinge side abutment L52a and the second transmission side abutment R62a, the third transmission side abutment L62a have a gap indicated by circle 31b when the cams are engaged. Therefore, the second hinge R52 and the third hinge L52 can rotate idly (out of the state of being engaged with the cam) with respect to the first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 of the shaft support. However, the first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52 are screwed to the first housing R11 through the mounting holes R51c and R52c (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 (b)), or connected with the grommet R74a of the first connecting plate R74 (such as Figure 2 (c)), so that the first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52 rotate as a whole. Similarly, the third hinge L52 and the fourth hinge L51 are screwed on the second shell L11 through the mounting holes L52c and L51c, or are connected by the eyelet L74a of the second connecting plate L74, so that the third hinge L52 and the fourth hinge L51 rotate as a whole. As described above, the second hinge R52 and the third hinge L52 are prevented from idling by the first shell R11, the second shell L11 or the first connecting plate R74 and the second connecting plate L74. In other words, the first hinge R51 and the fourth hinge L51 control the rotation of the second hinge R52 and the third hinge L52 through the first shell R11, the second shell L11 or the first connecting plate R74 and the second connecting plate L74.

[0049] The structures of the hinge device B described above are listed item by item below.

[0050] (1) The first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52 support the first housing R11 so that it can rotate.

[0051] (2) The third hinge L52 and the fourth hinge L51 support the second housing L11 so that it can rotate.

[0052] (3) The first transmission side contact portion R61a is provided on the drive transmission mechanism A60, and is coupled to the first hinge side contact portion R51a of the first hinge R51 by a cam.

[0053] (4) The second transmission side contact portion R62a is provided on the drive transmission mechanism A60, and is coupled to the second hinge side contact portion R52a of the second hinge R52 by a cam.

[0054] (5) The third transmission side contact portion L62a is provided on the drive transmission mechanism A60, and is cam-coupled to the third hinge side contact portion L52a of the third hinge L52.

[0055] (6) The fourth transmission side contact portion L61a is provided on the drive transmission mechanism A60, and is cam-coupled to the fourth hinge side contact portion L51a of the fourth hinge L51.

[0056] (7) The first connecting plate R74 is connected to the first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52 to connect the first housing R11.

[0057] (8) The second connecting plate L74 is connected to the third hinge L52 and the fourth hinge L51 to connect the second housing L11.

[0058] (9) The first transmission frame 61 includes the first transmission side contact portion R61 a and the fourth transmission side contact portion L61 a .

[0059] (10) The second transmission frame 62 includes the second transmission side contact portion R62a and the third transmission side contact portion L62a.

[0060] (11) The spring washer 63 applies force to move the first transmission portion 61 and the second transmission portion 62 in the directions in which they are separated from each other.

[0061] The above structure can prevent the hinges at the four locations from spinning idly and control the rotation of each other. In addition, the hinge-side abutment parts and the transmission-side abutment parts at the four locations can apply force in directions opposite to each other to reduce the looseness of each other.

[0062] Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the hinge device B of the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view of the open state and (b) is a plan view of the closed state. The following uses (a) and (b) of Fig. 6 to list and explain the actions of the hinge device item by item.

[0063] (1) The user operates the first connecting plate R74 in the open state to return it to the closed state.

[0064] (2) The first hinge side contact portion R51a of the first hinge R51 rotates, and the cam phase of the first transmission side contact portion R61a of the opposing first transmission frame 61 changes.

[0065] (3) The first transmission frame 61 slides in the direction of arrow 61c.

[0066] (4) The second transmission frame 62 slides in the same direction via the spring washer 63 .

[0067] (5) The third transmission side contact portion L62a of the second transmission frame 62 applies force to the third hinge side contact portion L52a of the third hinge L52.

[0068] (6) The cam phases of the third transmission side contact portion L62a of the second transmission frame 62 and the third hinge side contact portion L52a of the third hinge L52 facing each other change.

[0069] (7) The third hinge L52 rotates in the closing direction.

[0070] (8) The first connecting plate R74 and the second connecting plate L74 rotate synchronously in the closing direction.

[0071] In this way, the hinge device B changes from the state of FIG. 6( a ) to the state of FIG. 6( b ).

[0072] (9) The user operates the first connecting plate R74 in the closed state to open the first connecting plate R74.

[0073] (10) The rotation of the second hinge side contact portion R52a of the second hinge R52 causes the cam phase of the second transmission side contact portion R62a of the opposing second transmission frame 62 to change.

[0074] (11) The second transmission frame 62 slides in the direction of arrow 62c.

[0075] (12) The first transmission frame 61 slides in the same direction via the spring washer 63 .

[0076] (13) The fourth transmission side contact portion L61 a of the first transmission frame 61 urges the fourth hinge side contact portion L51 a of the fourth hinge L51 .

[0077] (14) The cam phases of the fourth transmission side contact portion L61 a of the first transmission frame 61 and the fourth hinge side contact portion L51 a of the fourth hinge L51 facing each other change.

[0078] (15) The fourth hinge L51 rotates in the opening direction.

[0079] (16) The first connecting plate R74 and the second connecting plate L74 rotate synchronously in the opening direction.

[0080] In this way, the hinge device B changes from the state of FIG. 6( b ) to the state of FIG. 6( a ).

[0081] In the state between Fig. 6 (a), (b) and the two, the first hinge R51 and the second hinge R52 are connected by the first housing R11 or the first connecting plate R74, and the third hinge L52 and the fourth hinge L51 are connected by the second housing L11 or the second connecting plate L74. Therefore, the rotation of each hinge is controlled, and there will be no situation where the hinges are free to rotate due to the detachment from the cam connection state as described above.

[0082] Figure 7 To illustrate the schematic diagram of the synchronous action through the cam, Figure 7 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transition from an open state to a closed state; Figure 7 (b) is a schematic diagram of the closed state; Figure 7 A mode transmission side abutment portion 64 is provided in the middle and is sandwiched between the first mode hinge side abutment portion R51e, the second mode hinge side abutment portion R52e, the third mode hinge side abutment portion L52e, and the fourth mode hinge side abutment portion L51e.

[0083] First, the method of dealing with the situation when the cam is disengaged from the cam engagement state is described. Figure 7 As can be seen in (a), the first mode hinge side abutment R51e, the second mode hinge side abutment R52e, the third mode hinge side abutment L52e, and the fourth mode hinge side abutment L51e can be separated from the cam-connected state and rotated in the directions of the arrows R51f, R52f, L52f, and L51f. However, since the hinges are connected by the first housing R11, the second housing L11 or the first connecting plate R74 and the second connecting plate L74, the first mode hinge side abutment R51e and the second mode hinge side abutment R52e will not rotate in the direction of the arrow R51f and the direction of the arrow R52f in the opposite direction thereof; similarly, the third mode hinge side abutment L52e and the fourth mode hinge side abutment L51e will not rotate in the direction of the arrow L52f and the direction of the arrow L51f in the opposite direction thereof.

[0084] Next, we will explain how to synchronize via cams. Figure 7 In (a), the first mode hinge side contact portion R51e is rotated in the closing direction of the first housing R11, that is, in the direction of arrow R51g. By the cam engagement at this time, the mode transmission side contact portion 64 slides in the direction of arrow 64a (linear motion). In addition, by the cam engagement when the mode transmission side contact portion 64 slides, the third mode hinge side contact portion L52e rotates in the direction of arrow L52g, causing the second housing L11 to rotate in the closing direction to become Figure 7 (b) Status.

[0085] In summary, the hinge device of the present invention is used in an electronic device in which a flexible display panel 41 is installed across the two surfaces of a first housing R11 and a second housing L11. The hinge device connects the first housing R11 and the second housing L11 to open and close. The rotational motion of the first housing R11 is converted into a linear motion via the first mode hinge side contact portion R51e, and a driving transmission mechanism A60 (mode transmission side contact portion 64) is provided to convert the linear motion into the rotational motion of the second housing L11 via the third mode hinge side contact portion L52e, thereby allowing the first housing R11 and the second housing L11 to open and close synchronously. In addition, the linear motion of the driving transmission mechanism A60 (mode transmission side contact portion 64) is not only converted into the rotational motion of the second housing L11, but can also restore the rotational motion of the first housing R11 via the second mode hinge side contact portion R52e. In this way, the rotational movement returned to the first housing R11 is transmitted to the first mode hinge side abutment portion R51e, and the first hinge R51 will not be separated from the cam-connected state and idle. The characteristic of the present invention is that a mechanism is configured with multiple hinges, and the hinges are connected and linked to each other by cams, which not only allows synchronous rotation, but also prevents the hinges from idling.

[0086] The present invention uses a cam to synchronously rotate the first housing R11 and the second housing L11. The advantage of using the cam method is that it is light and reduces looseness. In addition, the cam method is also conducive to improving the opening and closing support force. The following is an explanation of this advantage. In order to drive the cam, a force that is superior to other friction forces must be present. For example, on the driving side, there is rotational friction between the first hinge R51 and the first shaft R71, sliding friction between the inclined surfaces of the first hinge side abutment R51a and the first transmission side abutment R61a, sliding friction between the first transmission frame 61, the second transmission frame 62, the first shaft R71, and the second shaft L71 on the transmission side, sliding friction between the inclined surfaces of the third transmission side abutment L62a and the third hinge side abutment L52a on the driven side, and rotational friction between the third hinge L52 and the second shaft L71. Furthermore, the friction force of each rotating or sliding surface will become the resistance of the next surface. As long as there is a slight change in the friction coefficient on each surface, it will accumulate to become a larger driving load.

[0087] For resin, the ratio of the static friction coefficient to the dynamic friction coefficient can vary from a few percent to more than fifty percent depending on the material. As in the above structure, when a slight change in the friction coefficient accumulates and becomes a larger driving load, the conversion from static friction to dynamic friction can be utilized as a means to improve the operating performance of the hinge device B. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the material constituting the cam surface, a flexible opening and closing hinge can be achieved. In other words, when the first shell R11 and the second shell L11 are opened, a larger driving force greater than the static friction coefficient must be present. Once the opening begins, dynamic friction will be generated without a larger driving force. On the contrary, when the first shell R11 and the second shell L11 are closed, a larger driving force greater than the static friction coefficient must be present. Once the closing begins, dynamic friction will be generated without a larger driving force. In this way, the synchronization mechanism using the cam will be different from the synchronization mechanism connected by gears, and the first shell R11 and the second shell L11 can be kept in the open state and the closed state.

[0088] If a method is required to generate a larger driving force only when the first housing R11 and the second housing L11 are opened or closed, the inclination of the cam close to the opening or closing can be increased. Figure 7 (c) is a schematic diagram of the state of conversion from the open state to the closed state. The front ends of the first mode hinge side abutment portion R51e, the second mode hinge side abutment portion R52e, the third mode hinge side abutment portion L52e, and the fourth mode hinge side abutment portion L51e are circular, and each abuts against the mode transmission side abutment portion 64. An enlarged view of the abutment state of the first mode hinge side abutment portion R51e and the mode transmission side abutment portion 64 surrounded by a circle 31c is shown in FIG. Figure 7 (d) In Figure 7 In (d), the initial inclination 64b of the mode transmission side contact portion 64 is greater than the normal inclination 64c. Therefore, a large driving force is required to initially rotate the first mode hinge side contact portion R51e in the direction of arrow R51h. Figure 7 (e) is a schematic diagram of the state of the closed state being converted into the open state, and an enlarged diagram of the abutment state of the third mode hinge side abutment portion L52e and the mode transmission side abutment portion 64 surrounded by a circle 31d is shown in FIG. Figure 7 (f) In Figure 7 In (f), the initial inclination 64b of the mode transmission side contact portion 64 is greater than the steady inclination 64c. Therefore, a large driving force is required to initially rotate the third mode hinge side contact portion L52e in the direction of the arrow L52h.

[0089] In this way, the combined inclination of the mode transmission side abutment part 64 and the cams of the first mode hinge side abutment part R51e, the second mode hinge side abutment part R52e, the third mode hinge side abutment part L52e, and the fourth mode hinge side abutment part L51e can be different (initial inclination 64b and constant inclination 64c) corresponding to the rotation of the first shell R11 and the second shell L11, thereby generating a larger driving force only when the first shell R11 and the second shell L11 are opened and closed.

[0090] Figure 8 Another structure of the hinge device of the present invention is as follows: Figure 8 (a) A structure that reduces cam looseness through adjustment. Figure 8 (b) A structure that applies force to the entire frame to reduce cam looseness. Figure 8 The hinge device B shown and Figure 5 6 is different from the hinge device B in that the drive transmission mechanism A60 is used. Figure 5 In FIG. 6 , the number of components is reduced by integrating the first transmission frame 61 and the second transmission frame 62 into a transmission frame 65. Figure 8 In (a), the first shaft R71, the second shaft L71 and the pair of end plates 72 are connected by nuts 75 screwed to the first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71. The looseness of the contact part of the drive transmission mechanism A60 and the hinge mechanism A50 is adjusted by the locking degree of the nuts 75. Figure 8 In (b), the spring washer 63 is clamped between the ears R71b, L71b of the first shaft R71 and the second shaft L71 and the end plate 72, and the force is applied to the drive transmission mechanism A60 and the hinge mechanism A50 through a pair of end plates 72, thereby reducing the looseness of each contact part. In this structure, the mounting holes of the first hinge R51 and the fourth hinge L51 are elliptical mounting holes R51i and L51i, which are mounted on the housing along the long hole direction with parts such as shoulder bolts and can slide. In this way, since the first hinge R51 and the fourth hinge L51 are constrained to the housing, the force applied by the spring washer 63 can be prevented from being reduced.

[0091] As described above, the hinge device B of the present invention is used in an electronic device that is composed of a flexible display panel 41 mounted across the two surfaces of the first housing R11 and the second housing L11. The hinge device B connects the first housing R11 and the second housing L11 to open and close, and is provided with a drive transmission mechanism A60 to convert the rotational motion of the first housing R11 into a linear motion, and at the same time convert the linear motion into the rotational motion of the second housing L11. Then, the linear motion of the drive transmission mechanism A60 is converted into the rotational motion of the second housing L11, and at the same time, the rotational motion of the first housing R11 is restored.

[0092] In addition, the hinge device includes: a first hinge R51 and a second hinge R52, which support the first shell R11 to rotate; a third hinge L52 and a fourth hinge L51, which support the second shell L11 to rotate; a first transmission side abutment portion R61a, which is provided on the drive transmission mechanism A60 and is combined with the first hinge side abutment portion R51a of the first hinge R51 by a cam to convert the rotational motion of the first hinge R51 into a linear motion; a second transmission side abutment portion R62a, which is provided on the drive transmission mechanism A60 and is combined with the second hinge side abutment portion R52a of the second hinge R52 by a cam. The linear motion of the driving transmission mechanism A60 is converted into the rotational motion of the second hinge R52; the third transmission side abutment portion L62a, which is provided on the driving transmission mechanism A60, is combined with the third hinge side abutment portion L52a of the third hinge L52 by a cam, and the linear motion of the driving transmission mechanism A60 is converted into the rotational motion of the third hinge L52; the fourth transmission side abutment portion L61a, which is provided on the driving transmission mechanism A60, is combined with the fourth hinge side abutment portion L51a of the fourth hinge L51 by a cam, and the linear motion of the driving transmission mechanism A60 is converted into the rotational motion of the fourth hinge L51. The driving transmission mechanism A60 transmits the rotation of the first hinge R51 to the rotational motion of the second hinge R52 and the third hinge L52, and the second hinge R52 and the third hinge L52 control the rotation of the first hinge R51 and the fourth hinge L51 through the first shell R11 and the second shell L11.

[0093] Through the above structure, a hinge device can be realized, which has a lightweight synchronization mechanism that does not loosen.

[0094] The hinge device of the present invention is suitable for installing a flexible display panel across a pair of shells to form a foldable electronic device, such as a portable phone, an electronic notebook, a PDA, a small notebook computer, an image screen device, a portable game console or a notebook computer. In addition, it is also widely used in foldable devices with a flexible display panel installed on the surface to connect a pair of shells so that they can be opened and closed.

Claims

1. A hinge device used in an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is composed of a flexible display panel installed across two surfaces of a first shell and a second shell, and the hinge device connects the first shell and the second shell to open and close, and the hinge device comprises: The driving transmission mechanism converts the rotational motion of the first housing into a linear motion by a cam, and converts the linear motion into the rotational motion of the second housing by a cam.

2. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the driving transmission mechanism converts the linear motion into the rotational motion of the second housing through a cam, and restores the rotational motion of the first housing.

3. The hinge device according to claim 2, comprising: A first hinge and a second hinge, which support the first shell to rotate; A third hinge and a fourth hinge, which support the second housing to rotate; a first transmission side contact portion, which is provided on the drive transmission mechanism and is coupled to the first hinge side contact portion of the first hinge by a cam to convert the rotational motion of the first hinge into the linear motion; a second transmission side abutment portion, which is provided on the drive transmission mechanism and is coupled to the second hinge side abutment portion of the second hinge via a cam to convert the linear motion into a rotational motion of the second hinge; a third transmission side abutment portion, which is provided on the drive transmission mechanism and is coupled to the third hinge side abutment portion of the third hinge by a cam to convert the linear motion into a rotational motion of the third hinge; as well as a fourth transmission side abutment portion, which is provided on the drive transmission mechanism and is coupled to the fourth hinge side abutment portion of the fourth hinge by a cam to convert the linear motion into the rotational motion of the fourth hinge; Among them, the driving transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the first hinge to the rotational movement of the second hinge and the third hinge, and through the connecting mechanism, the second hinge and the third hinge are connected to the first hinge, the second shell or the first hinge and the second hinge, and the third hinge is connected to the fourth hinge and controls the rotation of the first hinge and the fourth hinge.

4. The hinge device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises: A first connecting plate connected to the first housing and connected to the first hinge and the second hinge; and A second connecting plate is connected to the second housing and is connected to the third hinge and the fourth hinge. in, The second hinge and the third hinge control the rotation of the first hinge and the fourth hinge through the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate.

5. The hinge device according to claim 4, wherein the drive transmission mechanism comprises: A first axis which becomes an axis of rotational movement of the first hinge and the third hinge; and A second axis, which becomes the axis of rotational movement of the second hinge and the fourth hinge; in, The drive transmission mechanism slides on at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft to perform the linear motion.

6. The hinge device according to claim 3, wherein the drive transmission mechanism comprises: A first transmission frame having the first transmission side abutting portion and the fourth transmission side abutting portion; a second transmission frame having the second transmission side abutting portion and the third transmission side abutting portion; and A spring washer, which applies force to move the first transmission frame and the second transmission frame in a direction away from each other; in, The first transmission frame is clamped between the first hinge, the fourth hinge and the spring washer, and the second transmission frame is clamped between the second hinge, the third hinge and the spring washer, thereby reducing the looseness between each of the first transmission side abutment parts, the second transmission side abutment parts, the third transmission side abutment parts, the fourth transmission side abutment parts and the corresponding first hinge side abutment parts, the second hinge side abutment parts, the third hinge side abutment parts, and the fourth hinge side abutment parts.

7. In the hinge device as described in claim 3, the cam combination inclination of the first transmission side abutment portion, the second transmission side abutment portion, the third transmission side abutment portion, the fourth transmission side abutment portion and the first hinge side abutment portion, the second hinge side abutment portion, the third hinge side abutment portion, and the fourth hinge side abutment portion is different corresponding to the rotation of the first shell and the second shell, thereby causing the opening and closing loads of the first shell and the second shell to change.

8. An electronic device using the hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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