Hinge device

Abstract

A hinge device (5) that can be rotated without rattling is provided with: a first hinge body (10) and a second hinge body (20); a first arm (30) and a second arm (40); a first shaft member (51) connecting one end of the first arm (30) to the second hinge body (20); a second shaft member (52) connecting one end of the second arm (40) to the first hinge body (10); and an intermediate shaft member (50) that connects the intermediate portion of the first arm (30) and the intermediate portion of the second arm (40) to each other. A slide pin (55) at the other end of the first arm (30) is inserted into a first guide groove (15) formed in the first hinge body (10), and a slide pin (56) at the other end of the second arm (40) is inserted into a second guide groove (25) formed in the second hinge body (20). When the sliding pins (55, 56) slide in the first guide groove (15) and the second guide groove (25), the pressing mechanisms (80, 90) apply force to the first arm (30) and the second arm (40), so that the sliding pins (55, 56) are in sliding contact with side edges (15x, 25x) on one side of the guide grooves (15, 25) with pressing force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge device that connects a first hinge body and a second hinge body through a first arm and a second arm. Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (International Publication WO2021 / 6096), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 6092171), and Patent Document 3 (Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2561477), a hinge device including a first hinge body, a second hinge body, and first and second arms having a bent shape for connecting the first hinge body and the second hinge body is well-known.

[0003] In the above hinge device, one end of the first arm is rotatably connected to the second hinge body via a first shaft member, one end of the second arm is rotatably connected to the first hinge body via a second shaft member, and the bent portions (intermediate portions) of the first arm and the second arm are rotatably connected to each other via an intermediate shaft member. Further, a first sliding pin provided at the other end of the first arm is inserted into a first guide groove formed in the first hinge body so as to be slidable and rotatable along the first guide groove, and a second sliding pin provided at the other end of the second arm is inserted into a second guide groove formed in the second hinge body so as to be slidable and rotatable along the second guide groove. With the above structure, the second hinge body rotates relative to the first hinge body along a predetermined rotation locus. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the hinge devices disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, due to the gaps between the first sliding pin and the first guide groove and between the second sliding pin and the second guide groove, shaking may occur during the rotation operation, which may cause discomfort to the user.

[0006] Solutions to the Problems

[0007] The present invention is completed to solve the above problems, and is a hinge device, comprising: a first hinge body, a second hinge body; a first arm and a second arm disposed between the first hinge body and the second hinge body; a first shaft member rotatably connecting one end of the first arm to the second hinge body; a second shaft member rotatably connecting one end of the second arm to the first hinge body; an intermediate shaft member rotatably connecting the middle part of the first arm and the middle part of the second arm to each other; at least one first guide member disposed on the first hinge body; a first sliding portion sliding along the first guide member provided at the other end of the first arm; at least one second guide member disposed on the second hinge body; and a second sliding portion sliding along the second guide member provided at the other end of the second arm. The hinge device is characterized in that it further comprises a pressing mechanism configured to apply a force to at least one of the first arm and the second arm, so that at least one of the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion slides in a state of contacting at least one of the first guide member and the second guide member with a pressing force.

[0008] According to the above structure, by eliminating the gap between at least one of the guide members and at least one of the sliding portions, it is possible to suppress the shaking when the second hinge body rotates relative to the first hinge body.

[0009] In a specific solution, the pressing mechanism has: a receiving portion provided on at least one of the first hinge body and the second hinge body; and an abutting portion provided on at least one of the arms and abutting against the receiving portion. At least one of the receiving portion and the abutting portion includes an elastic body, and the at least one of the arms is applied with a force through the elasticity of the elastic body.

[0010] In a further specific solution, at least one of the receiving portion and the abutting portion is formed of resin and provided as the elastic body. According to this structure, the structure of the pressing mechanism can be simplified.

[0011] Preferably, the receiving portion is provided on both the first hinge body and the second hinge body, and the abutting portion is provided on both the first arm and the second arm.

[0012] According to this structure, the gap between the first guide member and the first sliding portion is eliminated, and the gap between the second guide member and the second sliding portion is eliminated. Therefore, the shaking during rotation can be further suppressed.

[0013] Preferably, a first guiding groove is formed in the first hinge body, and a second guiding groove is formed in the second hinge body. A side edge of one side of the first guiding groove is provided as the first guiding member, and a side edge of one side of the second guiding groove is provided as the second guiding member. The first arm is provided with a protrusion inserted into the first guiding groove, and the second arm is provided with a protrusion inserted into the second guiding groove. These protrusions are respectively provided as the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes: a friction generating mechanism that generates frictional resistance between the first arm and the second arm when the first arm and the second arm rotate relative to each other; and a rotational torque imparting mechanism that imparts a rotational torque to the second arm, and further imparts a rotational torque towards the rotational limit position to the second hinge body. The first guiding groove has: a main groove portion extending along a direction approaching / away from the first shaft member; and a sub-groove portion extending along a direction intersecting with the main groove portion. When the second hinge body is within a specific angular range from the rotational limit position to a specified angle relative to the first hinge body, the protrusion serving as the first sliding portion moves along the sub-groove portion, the rotational torque generated by the rotational torque imparting mechanism exceeds the frictional resistance generated by the friction generating mechanism, and within the specific angular range, the abutting portion provided on the first arm and the receiving portion provided on the first hinge body are separated from each other.

[0015] According to this structure, when the second hinge body is within the specific angular range, the second hinge body can automatically rotate to the rotational limit position by the rotational torque generated by the rotational torque imparting mechanism. At this time, the abutting portion of the first arm and the receiving portion of the first hinge body are separated from each other. Therefore, the protrusion serving as the first sliding portion does not slide in contact with the side edge of the first guiding groove in a manner with pressing force, and does not hinder the smooth automatic rotation of the second hinge body.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the receiving portion is formed of resin and has a sliding contact surface, and the other end portion of at least one of the arms is provided as the abutting portion. During the process of at least one of the sliding portions sliding along at least one of the guiding members, the peripheral surface of the other end portion of at least one of the arms slides in contact with the sliding contact surface.

[0017] According to this structure, the other end portion of the arm becomes the abutting portion of the pressing mechanism, so the structure can be further simplified.

[0018] In another embodiment, the receiving portion has a rotating surface, and a roller serving as the abutting portion is rotatably provided at the other end portion of at least one of the arms. During the process of at least one of the sliding portions sliding along at least one of the guiding members, the roller rotates on the rotating surface.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the receiving portion is constituted by a resin roller rotatably provided on at least one of the hinge bodies, an intermediate portion of at least one of the arms is provided as the abutting portion and has a rotating surface, and during the sliding of at least one of the sliding portions along at least one of the guides, the roller rotates on the rotating surface.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the receiving portion is constituted by a pin fixed to at least one of the hinge bodies, and the abutting portion is constituted by a resin abutting member fixed to at least one of the arms. During the sliding of at least one of the sliding portions along at least one of the guides, the pin slidably contacts a sliding contact surface of the abutting member.

[0021] Preferably, at least one of the first shaft member and the second shaft member is constituted by a spring pin capable of elastic diameter reduction.

[0022] According to this structure, by using a shaft member constituted by a spring to eliminate the gaps between the bearing holes of the hinge body and the arm and the shaft member, it is possible to further suppress the wobbling during rotation.

[0023] Preferably, it further includes: a friction generating mechanism that generates frictional resistance between the first arm and the second arm when the first arm and the second arm rotate relative to each other; and a rotational torque imparting mechanism that imparts a rotational torque to the second arm, and further imparts a rotational torque toward the rotational limit position to the second hinge body. The rotational torque imparting mechanism includes: a cam region formed on the circumferential surface of the end portion of the second arm; a press pin movably supported by the first hinge body; and a spring that imparts a rotational torque to the second arm by pressing the press pin against the cam region. The press pin abuts against the circumferential surface of the end portion of the second arm within the full rotation angle range of the second hinge body, thereby applying a force to this end portion toward the second shaft member.

[0024] According to this structure, the rotational torque imparting mechanism can eliminate the gaps between the second arm and the second shaft member and between the second shaft member and the first hinge body within the full angle range of the second hinge body relative to the first hinge body, thereby contributing to further suppressing rotational wobbling and also suppressing axial wobbling.

[0025] Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the wobbling when the second hinge body rotates relative to the first hinge body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hinge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a top view of the above hinge device.

[0029] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the above hinge device.

[0030] Figure 4A is a side view when the first hinge body of the above hinge device is fixed to the housing, the second hinge body is fixed to the lid, and the opening angle of the lid is at the position of 0° (closed position).

[0031] Figure 4B is a longitudinal sectional view of the hinge device when the opening angle of the lid is 0°.

[0032] Figure 5A is when the opening angle of the lid is 90° and is Figure 4A the corresponding figure.

[0033] Figure 5B is when the opening angle of the lid is 90° and is Figure 4B the corresponding figure.

[0034] Figure 6A is when the opening angle of the lid is 150° (fully open position) and is Figure 4A the corresponding figure.

[0035] Figure 6B is when the opening angle of the lid is 150° and is Figure 4B the corresponding figure.

[0036] Figure 7 is a main part sectional view of the hinge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 is a main part sectional view of the hinge device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 is a main part sectional view of the hinge device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 is a main part sectional view of the hinge device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiment

[0040] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As Figure 4A shown, the hinge device 5 of the present embodiment is used to connect the lid 2 (movable object, second assembly object) to the housing 1 (stationary object, first assembly object) in an openable and closable manner. The lid 2 can be at the position of the opening angle of 0° shown in Fig. 4(A) (closed position) and Figure 6AIt rotates between the positions with an opening angle of 150° (fully open position) as shown. In the direction of the rotation axis of the lid 2 ( Figure 4A the direction orthogonal to the paper surface), a plurality of hinge devices 5 are provided.

[0041] <Basic Structure and Function of the Hinge Device>

[0042] As Figures 1 - 3 shown, each hinge device 5 mainly includes: a first hinge body 10 fixed to the housing 1; a second hinge body 20 fixed to the lid 2; and two (or more) first arms 30 and two (or more) second arms 40 that connect the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20.

[0043] The first hinge body 10 has a base wall 11 fixed to the housing 1 and a pair of side walls 12 that project perpendicularly from both side edges of the base wall 11. Bearing holes 14 are formed at the ends of the pair of side walls 12 close to the second hinge body 20, and a first guide groove 15 (guide slit) is formed at a position away from the bearing holes 14.

[0044] The second hinge body 20 has a base wall 21 fixed to the lid 2 and a pair of side walls 22 that project perpendicularly from both side edges of the base wall 21. Bearing holes 24 are formed at the ends of the pair of side walls 22 close to the first hinge body 10, and a second guide groove 25 (guide slit) is formed at a position away from the bearing holes 24.

[0045] The two first arms 30 are made of plates with the same curved shape, and have a short dimension part 31, a long dimension part 32, and a bent part 33 where the short dimension part 31 and the long dimension part 32 intersect. A bearing hole 31a is formed at the front end of the short dimension part 31, a support hole 32a is formed at the front end of the long dimension part 32, and a bearing hole 33a with a slightly larger diameter is also formed at the bent part 33.

[0046] The two second arms 40 have the same shape as the first arms 30, and have a short dimension part 41 with a bearing hole 41a formed at the front end, a long dimension part 42 with a support hole 42a formed at the front end, and a bent part 43 with a bearing hole 43a with a slightly larger diameter formed.

[0047] The long-sized portion 32 of the first arm 30 is disposed between a pair of side walls 12 of the first hinge body 10. The front end portion of the short-sized portion 31 (one end portion of the first arm 30) is rotatably connected to the front end portion of the second hinge body 20 via a first shaft member 51 inserted through a bearing hole 31a of the short-sized portion 31 and a bearing hole 24 of the second hinge body 20. The first shaft member 51 is constituted by a spring pin and can be elastically reduced in diameter, and is inserted into the bearing hole 31a and the bearing hole 24 in a reduced-diameter state. Thereby, the clearance between the first shaft member 51 and the bearing holes 31a, 24 is eliminated, and the first arm 30 and the second hinge body 20 are rotatably connected without any wobbling.

[0048] The long-sized portion 42 of the second arm 40 is disposed between a pair of side walls 22 of the second hinge body 20. The front end portion of the short-sized portion 41 (one end portion of the second arm 40) is rotatably connected to the front end portion of the first hinge body 10 via a second shaft member 52 inserted through a bearing hole 41a of the short-sized portion 41 and a bearing hole 14 of the first hinge body 10. It should be noted that the second shaft member 52 may also be constituted by a spring pin like the first shaft member 51.

[0049] The first arm 30 and the second arm 40 are alternately arranged and are relatively rotatably connected via an intermediate shaft member 50 inserted through a bearing hole 33a of the bent portion 33 and a bearing hole 43a of the bent portion 43.

[0050] As described above, the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 are relatively rotatably connected via the first arm 30 and the second arm 40, and further, the cover 2 is rotatably connected to the housing 1.

[0051] A slide pin 55 is inserted through a support hole 32a at the front end portion (the other end portion of the first arm 30) of the long-sized portion 32 of the first arm 30. Both end portions (protrusions, first sliding portions) of the slide pin 55 are slidably and rotatably inserted into first guide grooves 15 of a pair of side walls 12 of the first hinge body 10. A flange portion 55a is formed at one end of the slide pin 55, and a washer 55b is fixed to the other end. The flange portion 55a and the washer 55b are in contact with the outer surfaces of a pair of side walls 12 of the first hinge body 10 or are opposed to each other with a minute clearance therebetween.

[0052] Similarly, a slide pin 56 is inserted through a support hole 42a at the front end portion (the other end portion of the second arm 40) of the long-sized portion 42 of the second arm 40. Both end portions (protrusions, second sliding portions) of the slide pin 56 are slidably and rotatably inserted into second guide grooves 25 of a pair of side walls 22 of the second hinge body 20. A flange portion 56a is formed at one end of the slide pin 56, and a washer 56b is fixed to the other end. The flange portion 56a and the washer 56b are in contact with the outer surfaces of a pair of side walls 22 of the second hinge body 20 or are opposed to each other with a minute clearance therebetween.

[0053] During the rotation of the lid 2 between the closed position and the fully open position, the first arm 30 and the second arm 40 rotate relative to the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, and the first arm 30 and the second arm 40 rotate relative to each other. At this time, the sliding pin 55 slides along the first guide groove 15, and the sliding pin 56 slides along the second guide groove 25. Therefore, the trajectory of the relative rotation of the second hinge body 20 relative to the first hinge body 10 can be uniquely determined, and the lid 2 can be stably opened.

[0054] It should be noted that the components constituting the above basic structure, namely the hinge body 10, the hinge body 20, the arm 30, the arm 40, the shaft member 50, the shaft member 51, the shaft member 52, the sliding pin 55, and the sliding pin 56, are made of metal.

[0055] <Structure and Function of Friction Generation Mechanism>

[0056] As Figures 1 - 3 shown, the hinge device 5 is provided with a friction generation mechanism 60. The friction generation mechanism 60 includes four friction plates 61 made of stainless steel or the like and two disc springs 62. These friction plates 61 and disc springs 62 are penetrated and supported by the intermediate shaft member 50. As Figure 2 shown, the disc spring 62 is interposed between the flange portion 50a on one end side of the intermediate shaft member 50 and the second arm 40, three friction plates 61 are interposed between the first arm 30 and the second arm 40, and the remaining one friction plate 61 is interposed between the other end of the intermediate shaft member 50 and the first arm 30.

[0057] The first arm 30, the second arm 40 and the friction plate 61 are in contact with each other by the pressing force generated by the disc spring 62, thereby generating a frictional resistance against the relative rotation of the first arm 30 and the second arm 40. As a result, the lid 2 can maintain an arbitrary opening angle within the full angle range except for a specific angle range described later. When it is necessary to change the opening angle of the lid 2, a rotational torque to overcome the frictional resistance needs to be applied.

[0058] <Structure and Function of Rotational Torque Application Mechanism>

[0059] As Figure 3 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B shown, the hinge device 5 is provided with a rotational torque application mechanism 70. The rotational torque application mechanism 70 includes a torsion spring 71 (spring), a support pin 72, and a press pin 73. The torsion spring 71 integrally has two spring coil portions 71a, a U-shaped locking portion 71b connected to the two spring coil portions 71a, and a bent pressing portion 71c protruding from the two spring coil portions 71a to the opposite side of the locking portion 71b.

[0060] The torsion spring 71 is supported by the first hinge body 10 by inserting both end portions of the support pin 72 inserted through the coil portion 71a of the torsion spring 71 into the support holes 16 formed in a pair of side walls 12 of the first hinge body 10. The locking portion 71b of the torsion spring 71 is locked to the base wall 11 of the first hinge body 10.

[0061] As Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4A shown, in a pair of side walls 12 of the first hinge body 10, long holes 17 are formed near the bearing holes 14. The long holes 17 extend in a direction approaching / away from the bearing holes 14. Both end portions of the press pin 73 formed of a stepped pin are inserted into the long holes 17 so as to be able to slide along the long holes 17. The press pin 73 is urged by the pressing portion 71c of the torsion spring 71 described above and abuts against the peripheral surface of the front end portion of the short-sized portion 41 of the second arm 40.

[0062] As Figure 4B shown, the peripheral surface of the front end portion of the short-sized portion 41 of the second arm 40 is a cam surface, and has a first cam region 41x whose diameter gradually increases in the clockwise direction in the figure and a second cam region 41y whose diameter suddenly decreases further in the clockwise direction.

[0063] As Figure 5B , Figure 6B shown, when the lid 2 is in the angular range of the opening angle of 20° to the opening angle of 150° (fully open position), the press pin 73 presses the first cam region 41x, so a clockwise rotational torque is imparted to the second arm 40, and thus a rotational torque in the same direction, i.e., the opening direction, is imparted to the lid 2.

[0064] When the lid 2 is in the angular range of the opening angle of 0° (closed position) to the opening angle of 20°, the press pin 73 presses the second cam region 41y, so a counterclockwise rotational torque is imparted to the second arm 40, and thus a rotational torque in the same direction, i.e., the closing direction, is imparted to the lid 2.

[0065] The rotational torque generated by the rotational torque imparting mechanism 70 is smaller than the frictional resistance generated by the frictional force generating mechanism 60 in the entire angular range except for a specific angular range described later. Therefore, before the lid 2 is opened and closed by the user, the lid 2 maintains an arbitrary angular position.

[0066] <Regarding the shapes and functions of the first guide groove and the second guide groove>

[0067] As Figure 4AAs shown, the first guiding groove 15 formed in the first hinge body 10 has a main groove portion 15a extending in a direction approaching / separating from the second shaft member 52, and a sub-groove portion 15b connected to one end of the main groove portion 15a (the end away from the second shaft member 52). The main groove portion 15a and the sub-groove portion 15b cross via a bending portion. The main groove portion 15a has an upwardly convex bending shape. The sub-groove portion 15b extends along a locus along an arc centered on the second shaft member 52, or a locus approaching the arc (for example, a locus along a tangent of the arc).

[0068] The second guiding groove 25 extends throughout its entire length in a direction approaching / separating from the first shaft member 51. In the present embodiment, the second guiding groove 25 also has an upwardly convex bending shape. It should be noted that the main groove portion 15a of the first guiding groove 15 and the second guiding groove 25 may also be straight.

[0069] When the lid 2 rotates within an angular range from the fully open position of the opening angle of 150° to the opening angle of 10°, due to the relative rotation of the first arm 30 and the second arm 40, a frictional resistance of the friction generating mechanism 60 is generated, and any angular position can be maintained.

[0070] When the lid 2 is within a specific angular range from the opening angle of 0 (closed position) to the opening angle of 10°, the sliding pin 55 is in the sub-groove portion 15b of the first guiding groove 15. Since the sub-groove portion 15b depicts an arc centered on the second shaft member 52 or a locus approaching the arc, during the movement of the sliding pin 55 along the sub-groove portion 15b, the assembly composed of the lid 2, the second hinge body 20, the first arm 30, and the second arm 40 rotates about the second shaft member 52 with almost no relative rotation of the first arm 30 and the second arm 40. As a result, the frictional resistance generated for the relative rotation of the first arm 30 and the second arm 40 is almost zero, and the lid 2 automatically rotates to the closed position (the rotation limit position of the second hinge body 40) by the rotational torque generated by the rotational torque imparting mechanism 70.

[0071] As Figure 4A shown, when the lid 2 is in the closed position with the opening angle of 0°, the sliding pin 55 does not reach the end of the sub-groove portion 15b of the first guiding groove 15, and there is a clearance between the sliding pin 56 and the end of the sub-groove portion 15b. Therefore, even when the opening angle is 0°, the state of imparting a rotational torque to the lid 2 can be maintained, and the closed state of the lid 2 can be stably maintained.

[0072] <Structure and Function of the Pressing Mechanism>

[0073] In order to ensure smooth sliding of the sliding pins 55 and 56 in the first guiding groove 15 and the second guiding groove 25, the widths of the first guiding groove 15 and the second guiding groove 25 are designed to be slightly larger than the diameters of the sliding pins 55 and 56. Therefore, when the cover 2 is opened and closed, wobbling caused by the gaps between the sliding pins 55 and 56 and the first guiding groove 15 and the second guiding groove 25 will occur. In order to eliminate the discomfort of the user caused by this slight wobbling, the hinge device 5 further includes Figure 3 the first pressing mechanism 80 and the second pressing mechanism 90 shown in FIG. 4.

[0074] The first pressing mechanism 80 has a resin-made receiving member 85 (receiving portion) provided on the first hinge body 10, and the second pressing mechanism 90 has a resin-made receiving member 95 (receiving portion) provided on the second hinge body 20. The receiving members 85 and 95 are integrally provided as elastic bodies. The receiving members 85 and 95 have non-circular convex portions 86 and 96 on their both side surfaces, and are fixed to the hinge bodies 10 and 20 by inserting the convex portions 86 and 96 into non-circular fitting holes 18 and 28 formed in the side walls 12 and 22 of the hinge bodies 10 and 20.

[0075] The front end portion 32x of the long-sized portion 32 of the first arm 30 is provided as the abutting portion of the first pressing mechanism 80, and the front end portion 42x of the long-sized portion 42 of the second arm 40 is provided as the abutting portion of the second pressing mechanism 90. The front end portions 32x and 42x have circumferential surfaces that depict arcs centered on their rotation axes.

[0076] The receiving member 85 has a sliding contact surface 87 having a shape corresponding to the main groove portion 15a of the first guiding groove 15 of the first hinge body 10. When the sliding pin 55 slides along the main groove portion 15a of the first guiding groove 15, the circumferential surface of the front end portion 32x of the long-sized portion 32 of the first arm 30 slides in contact with the sliding contact surface 87. As will be described later, when the sliding pin 55 moves in the sub-groove portion 15b of the guiding groove 15, the front end portion 32x of the long-sized portion 32 is separated from the sliding contact surface 87 of the receiving member 85.

[0077] The designed interval between the sliding contact surface 87 of the bearing member 85 and the upper side edge 15x (one side edge, the first guide member) of the main groove portion 15a of the first guide groove 15 is narrower than the designed interval between the circumferential surface (the portion on the sliding contact surface 87 side) of the front end portion 32x of the long dimension portion 32 of the first arm 30 and the circumferential surface of the sliding pin 55 (the portion on the side edge 15x side) when the sliding pin 55 is located in the main groove portion 15a by a specified amount. Therefore, when the sliding pin 55 moves in the main groove portion 15a, the circumferential surface of the front end portion 32x of the long dimension portion 32 of the first arm 30 slides in contact with the sliding contact surface 87 along with the elastic deformation of the resin-made bearing member 85. As a result, due to the elasticity of the bearing member 85, the sliding pin 55 has a pressing force to slide in contact with the side edge 15x of the main groove portion 15a, eliminating the gap between the sliding pin 55 and the side edge 15x of the main groove portion 15a.

[0078] The bearing member 95 has a sliding contact surface 97 with a shape corresponding to the guide groove 25 of the second hinge body 20. When the sliding pin 56 slides along the second guide groove 25, the circumferential surface of the front end portion 42x of the long dimension portion 42 of the second arm 40 slides in contact with this sliding contact surface 97.

[0079] The designed interval between the sliding contact surface 97 of the bearing member 95 and the upper side edge 25x (one side edge, the second guide member) of the second guide groove 25 in FIG. 4 is narrower than the designed interval between the circumferential surface (the portion on the sliding contact surface 97 side) of the front end portion 42x of the long dimension portion 42 of the second arm 40 and the circumferential surface of the sliding pin 56 (the portion on the side edge 25x side) by a specified amount. Therefore, when the sliding pin 56 moves in the guide groove 25, the circumferential surface of the front end portion 42x of the long dimension portion 42 of the second arm 40 slides in contact with the sliding contact surface 97 along with the elastic deformation of the resin-made bearing member 95. As a result, due to the elasticity of the bearing member 95, the sliding pin 56 has a pressing force to slide in contact with the side edge 25x of the second guide groove 25, eliminating the gap between the sliding pin 56 and the side edge 25x of the second guide groove 25.

[0080] As described above, since the first arm 30 and the second arm 40 can slide relative to the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 without play, it is possible to suppress or eliminate the play accompanying the rotational operation of the second hinge body 40 and the lid 2.

[0081] <Function of the hinge device>

[0082] Taking the process of the lid 2 rotating from the fully open position shown in FIG. 6 to the closed position shown in FIG. 4 as an example, the function of the hinge device 5 having the above structure will be described.

[0083] When the lid 2 is in the fully open position with an opening angle of 150° as shown in Fig. 6, the long dimension portion 32 of the first arm 30 abuts against the second shaft member 52, and the long dimension portion 42 of the second arm 40 abuts against the first shaft member 51, thereby prohibiting further rotation of the lid 2 in the opening direction.

[0084] The sliding pin 55 of the first arm 30 is located at the end of the main groove portion 15a of the first guide groove 15 (the end on the side of the second shaft member 52), and the sliding pin 56 of the second arm 40 is located at the end of the second guide groove 25 (the end on the side of the first shaft member 51).

[0085] The press pin 73 of the rotational torque imparting mechanism 70 contacts the first cam region 41x of the short dimension portion 41 of the second arm 40, and thus a weak rotational torque in the clockwise direction (i.e., the opening direction) in the figure is imparted to the second arm 40.

[0086] In the process of rotating the lid 2 in the closing direction against the rotational torque in the opening direction generated by the rotational torque imparting mechanism 70 and the frictional resistance of the frictional force generating mechanism 60 to a position near a specified angle (e.g., an opening angle of 20°), as illustrated in Fig. 5 (opening angle of 90°), the press pin 73 of the rotational torque imparting mechanism 70 contacts the first cam region 41x of the second arm 40. However, compared with the fully open position, the amount of deformation of the torsion spring 71 gradually increases, and thus the rotational torque in the opening direction increases. As described above, this rotational torque is smaller than the frictional resistance generated by the frictional force generating mechanism 60, and thus the lid 2 remains at the position where the rotation operation stops.

[0087] During the above-described closing operation, by the pressing force of the pressing mechanism 80, the sliding pin 55 contacts the side edge 15x of the main groove portion 15a of the first guide groove 15, and by the pressing force of the pressing mechanism 90, the sliding pin 56 contacts the side edge 25x of the second guide groove 25, and thus the lid 2 can rotate without wobbling.

[0088] When the lid 2 is further rotated in the closing direction from a position near the opening angle of 20°, the press pin 73 of the rotational torque imparting mechanism 70 moves to the second cam region 41y of the short dimension portion 41 of the second arm 40, and thus, contrary to the above, a rotational torque in the counterclockwise direction (i.e., the closing direction) in the figure is imparted to the second arm 40. However, since this rotational torque is smaller than the frictional resistance generated by the frictional force generating mechanism 60, the lid 2 remains at the position where the rotation operation stops until the lid 2 reaches the specified angle (opening angle of 10°).

[0089] When the opening angle of the lid 2 is less than 10°, as described above, the sliding pin 55 enters the sub-groove portion 15b of the first guide groove 15. Therefore, the first arm 30, the second arm 40, and the second hinge body 40 rotate as an integrated assembly, and there is almost no relative rotation between the first arm 30 and the second arm 40. Thus, the frictional resistance generated by the friction generating mechanism 60 approaches zero. Since the press pin 73 of the rotation torque imparting mechanism 70 contacts the second cam region 41y of the short dimension portion 41 of the second arm 40, a rotation torque in the closing direction is imparted to the second arm 40, and this rotation torque is greater than the frictional resistance generated by the friction generating unit 60. Therefore, the lid 2 automatically reaches the closed position. During this process, since the front end portion 32x of the long dimension portion 32 of the first arm 30 separates from the sliding contact surface 87 of the receiving member 85 of the pressing mechanism 80, no pressing force is imparted to the sliding pin 55, and the friction between the sliding pin 55 and the sub-groove portion 15b can be suppressed to be small, without hindering the smooth automatic closing operation of the lid 2.

[0090] The press pin 73 contacts the circumferential surface (in this embodiment, the cam regions 41x and 41y) of the short dimension portion 41 of the second arm 40 within the full rotation angle range of the lid 2 (the second hinge body 40). The elastic force of the torsion spring 71 also functions to press the front end portion of the short dimension portion 41 of the second arm 40 toward the second shaft member 52. Therefore, the clearance between the bearing hole 41a of the second arm 40 and the second shaft member 52 and the clearance between the second shaft member 52 and the bearing hole 14 of the first hinge body 10 can be eliminated, rotational play caused by these clearances can be suppressed, and axial play can also be suppressed.

[0091] It should be noted that, alternatively, within the angle range from the fully open position to a specified angle (for example, 110°), the circumferential surface of the front end portion of the short dimension portion 41 has an arc shape. In this case, even if the press pin 73 abuts against the circumferential surface of the front end portion of the short dimension portion 41 within this angle range, no rotation torque is imparted, but the clearances between the bearing hole 41a of the second arm 40 and the second shaft member 52 and between the second shaft member 52 and the bearing hole 14 of the first hinge body 10 can be eliminated throughout the rotation angle range by the elastic force of the torsion spring 71 in the same manner as described above.

[0092] <Other Embodiments>

[0093] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 7 - 10 other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In these figures, structural portions corresponding to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0094] In Figure 7In the hinge device of the second embodiment shown, the resin-made receiving member 110 (receiving portion, elastic body) fixed to the second hinge body 20 is hollow. The front end portion 42x of the long-sized portion 42 of the second arm 40 is in sliding contact with the sliding contact surface 111 of the receiving member 110. The receiving member 110 and the front end portion 42x constitute a pressing mechanism 100 that functions in the same manner as the pressing mechanism 90 of the first embodiment.

[0095] In Figure 8 In the hinge device of the third embodiment shown, the receiving member 210 (receiving portion) fixed to the second hinge body 20 has a rotating surface 211. A roller 220 (abutting portion) is rotatably assembled to the front end portion of the long-sized portion 42 of the second arm 40. More specifically, the roller 220 is rotatably supported by a sliding pin 56 and is disposed between the two second arms 40. The roller 220 rotates on the rotating surface 211 of the receiving member 210. The receiving member 210 and the roller 220 constitute a pressing mechanism 200 that functions in the same manner as the pressing mechanism 90 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, either the receiving member 210 or the roller 220 can be made of metal and the other can be made of a resin-made elastic body, or both the receiving member 210 and the roller 220 can be made of resin-made elastic bodies.

[0096] In Figure 9 In the hinge device of the fourth embodiment shown, a resin-made roller 310 (receiving portion, elastic body) is rotatably supported by the second hinge body 20 via a metal-made pin 315. The roller 310 rotates on the surface (rotating surface) of the intermediate portion 42m (abutting portion) of the long-sized portion 42 of the second hinge body 40. The intermediate portion 42m and the roller 310 constitute a pressing mechanism 300 that functions in the same manner as the pressing mechanism 90 of the first embodiment.

[0097] In Figure 10 In the hinge device of the fifth embodiment shown, a metal-made pin 410 (receiving member) is installed between the side walls 22 of the second hinge body 20. A resin-made abutting member 420 (abutting portion, elastic body) that rotates integrally with the second arm 40 is fixed to the long-sized portion 42 of the second arm 40. The pin 410 is in sliding contact with the surface (sliding contact surface) of the abutting member 420. The pin 410 and the abutting member 420 constitute a pressing mechanism 400 that functions in the same manner as the pressing mechanism 90 of the first embodiment.

[0098] Figures 7 - 10 The pressing mechanisms 100 to 400 for eliminating the play between the second hinge body and the second arm are shown, and the pressing mechanism for eliminating the play between the first hinge body and the first arm can be the same as that of the first embodiment or can adopt the same structure as the pressing mechanisms 100 to 400.

[0099] The present invention is not restricted by the above-mentioned embodiments and can adopt various modification examples without departing from its gist. For example, when the receiving part is made of resin, the hinge body can also be made of resin and the hinge body and the receiving part can be integrally formed. The pressing mechanism can also be equipped only on either the first hinge body or the second hinge body. In the pressing mechanism, at least one of the abutting part and the receiving part can also be an elastic body formed of an elastic material other than resin (such as rubber).

[0100] Either the abutting part or the receiving part can also include a first part that abuts against the other part and a second part formed of an elastic body (such as rubber or a spring) that biases the first part toward the other part. In this case, for example, the above-mentioned first part can also be made of metal.

[0101] In the above-mentioned embodiment, each hinge body has a pair of guide grooves, but it can also be a single guide groove. The sliding part can also be a protrusion integrally protruding from the arm. The first arm and the second arm can also be one each. The rotational torque imparting mechanism can also be an embodiment other than a torsion spring, such as a leaf spring.

[0102] The present invention can be applied not only to the opening and closing of a lid but also to various uses.

[0103] Industrial Applicability

[0104] The present invention can be applied to a hinge device including a first hinge body, a second hinge body, and first and second arms that connect these hinge bodies.

[0105] Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 1: Housing (stationary object, first assembly object); 2: Cover (movable object, second assembly object); 5: Hinge device; 10: First hinge body; 15: First guide groove; 15a: Main groove portion; 15b: Sub-groove portion; 15x: Side edge on one side (first guide member); 20: Second hinge body; 25: Second guide groove; 25x: Side edge on one side (second guide member); 30: First arm; 32x: Front end portion of the long dimension portion of the first arm (the other end portion, contact portion); 40: Second arm; 41x, 41y: Cam regions; 42x: Front end portion of the long dimension portion of the second arm (the other end portion, contact portion); 42m: Intermediate portion of the long dimension portion of the second arm (contact portion); 50: Intermediate shaft member; 51: First shaft member; 52: Second shaft member; 55: Slide pin (projection, first sliding portion); 56: Slide pin (projection, second sliding portion); 60: Friction generating mechanism; 70: Rotational torque imparting mechanism; 71: Torsion spring (spring); 73: Pressing pin; 80, 90: Pressing mechanisms; 85, 95: Bearing members (bearing portions); 87, 97: Sliding contact surfaces; 100: Pressing mechanism; 110: Bearing member (bearing portion); 111: Sliding contact surface; 200: Pressing mechanism; 210: Bearing member (bearing portion); 211: Rotating surface; 220: Roller (contact portion); 300: Pressing mechanism; 310: Roller (bearing portion); 400: Pressing mechanism; 410: Pin (bearing portion); 420: Contact member (contact portion).

Claims

1. A hinge device, comprising: A first hinge body (10) and a second hinge body (20); A first arm (30) and a second arm (40), disposed between the first hinge body and the second hinge body; A first shaft member (51) rotatably connecting one end of the first arm to the second hinge body; A second shaft member (52) rotatably connecting one end of the second arm to the first hinge body; An intermediate shaft member (50) rotatably connecting the middle part of the first arm and the middle part of the second arm to each other; At least one first guide member (15x), disposed on the first hinge body; A first sliding portion (55) sliding along the first guide member provided at the other end of the first arm; At least one second guide member (25x), disposed on the second hinge body; And A second sliding portion (56) sliding along the second guide member provided at the other end of the second arm, The hinge device is characterized in that It further comprises a pressing mechanism (80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400), and the pressing mechanism is configured to apply a force to at least one of the first arm (30) and the second arm (40), so that at least one of the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion slides in a state of contacting at least one of the first guide member and the second guide member with a pressing force.

2. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressing mechanism (80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400) has: a receiving portion (85, 95, 110, 210, 310, 410), provided on at least one of the first hinge body (10) and the second hinge body (20); and an abutting portion (32x, 42x, 42m, 220, 420), provided on at least one of the arms (30, 40) and abutting against the receiving portion, At least one of the receiving portion and the abutting portion includes an elastic body, and the elastic body applies a force to at least one of the arms (30, 40).

3. The hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that At least one of the receiving portion (85, 95, 110, 210, 310, 410) and the abutting portion (32x, 42x, 42m, 220, 420) is formed of resin and provided as the elastic body.

4. The hinge device according to claim 3, characterized in that The receiving portions (85, 95) are provided on both the first hinge body (10) and the second hinge body (20), and the abutting portions (32x, 42x) are provided on both the first arm (30) and the second arm (40).

5. The hinge device according to claim 4, characterized in that A first guiding groove (15) is formed in the first hinge body (10), and a second guiding groove (25) is formed in the second hinge body (20). A side edge (15x) on one side of the first guiding groove is provided as the first guiding member, and a side edge (25x) on one side of the second guiding groove is provided as the second guiding member. The first arm (30) is provided with a protrusion (55) inserted into the first guiding groove, and the second arm (40) is provided with a protrusion (56) inserted into the second guiding groove. These protrusions are respectively provided as the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion.

6. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that further comprising: a friction generating mechanism (60) that generates a frictional resistance between the first arm (30) and the second arm when the first arm and the second arm rotate relative to each other; and a rotational torque imparting mechanism (70) that imparts a rotational torque to the second arm, and further imparts a rotational torque towards the rotational limit position to the second hinge body (20). The first guiding groove (15) has: a main groove portion (15a) extending along a direction approaching / separating from the first shaft member; and a sub-groove portion (15b) extending along a direction intersecting with the main groove portion. When the second hinge body is within a specific angular range from the rotational limit position to a specified angle relative to the first hinge body, the protrusion (55) serving as the first sliding portion moves along the sub-groove portion, and the rotational torque generated by the rotational torque imparting mechanism exceeds the frictional resistance generated by the friction generating mechanism. Moreover, within the specific angular range, the abutting portion (32x) provided on the first arm is separated from the receiving portion (85) provided on the first hinge body.

7. The hinge device according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiving portions (85, 95, 110) are formed of resin and have sliding contact surfaces (87, 97, 111), and the other end portions (32x, 42x) of at least one of the arms (30, 40) are provided as the abutting portions. During the sliding of at least one of the sliding portions (55, 56) along at least one of the guiding members (15x, 25x), the peripheral surface of the other end portion of at least one of the arms slides in contact with the sliding contact surface.

8. The hinge device according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiving portion (210) has a rotating surface (211), and a roller (220) serving as the abutting portion is rotatably provided at the other end portion of at least one of the arms (30, 40). During the sliding of at least one of the sliding portions (55, 56) along at least one of the guiding members (15x, 25x), the roller rotates on the rotating surface.

9. The hinge device according to claim 3, characterized in that The receiving portion is constituted by a resin roller (310) rotatably provided on at least one of the hinge bodies (10, 20). The middle portion of at least one of the arms (30, 40) is provided as the abutting portion (42m) and has a rotating surface. During the process that at least one of the sliding portions (55, 56) slides along at least one of the guides (15x, 25x), the roller rotates on the rotating surface.

10. The hinge device according to claim 3, wherein The receiving portion is constituted by a pin (410) fixed to at least one of the hinge bodies (10, 20), and the abutting portion is constituted by a resin abutting member (420) fixed to at least one of the arms (30, 40). During the process that at least one of the sliding portions (55, 56) slides along at least one of the guides (15x, 25x), the sliding contact surface between the pin and the abutting member slides in contact.

11. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the first shaft member (51) and the second shaft member (52) is constituted by a spring pin capable of elastic diameter reduction.

12. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein It further includes: a friction generating mechanism (60) that generates frictional resistance between the first arm (30) and the second arm when the first arm and the second arm rotate relative to each other; and a rotational torque imparting mechanism (70) that imparts a rotational torque to the second arm, and further imparts a rotational torque toward the rotation limit position to the second hinge body (20). The rotational torque imparting mechanism has: cam regions (41x, 41y) formed on the circumferential surface of the end portion of the second arm; a press pin (73) movably supported by the first hinge body; and a spring (71) that imparts a rotational torque to the second arm by pressing the press pin against the cam regions. The press pin abuts against the circumferential surface of the end portion of the second arm within the entire rotation angle range of the second hinge body, thereby applying a force to this end portion toward the second shaft member (52).

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