Electronic device and hinge device

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic device and a hinge device which improve appearance quality and suppress shake and damage of a housing during use. An electronic device includes a first case, a second case, and a hinge device. A hinge device is provided with: a first shaft; a second shaft; and a support member that supports each of the first shaft and the second shaft so that the first shaft and the second shaft can rotate relative to each other. A first slider having a first end portion and a second end portion and capable of sliding between the first shaft and the second shaft; a second slider having a first end portion and a second end portion and capable of sliding between the first shaft and the second shaft; a first cam member which is fixed to the first shaft, and which is provided on the outer peripheral surface with a locking part capable of locking the first end part of the second slider; and a second cam member which is fixed to the second shaft, and which has, on the outer peripheral surface thereof, a first recess into which the second end of the first slider can be fitted and a second recess into which the second end of the second slider can be fitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a hinge device including a hinge device for rotatably connecting two housings. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a convertible PC electronic device in which a second housing having a display is connected to a first housing having a keyboard so as to be rotatable within an angle range of 0 to 360 degrees. This structure uses a dual-axis hinge device having two rotation axes corresponding to each housing.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5976052

[0004] The hinge device disclosed in Patent Document 1 features a cam member with a recessed portion fixed to each of its two rotating shafts, with a floating pin selectively engaging with each recess. This allows the hinge device to selectively rotate each rotating shaft according to the angular range between the housings. Specifically, only the rotating shaft on the side of the second housing with the display rotates from 0 to 180 degrees, while only the rotating shaft on the side of the first housing with the keyboard rotates from 180 to 360 degrees. As a result, the housings rotate smoothly from 0 to 360 degrees.

[0005] Thus, the structure of Patent Document 1 switches which of the two rotation axes rotates at the 180-degree position. Therefore, in this structure, when the housings are set at approximately 120 degrees for use as a notebook PC, for example, the lower edge of the second housing is located above the first housing. Consequently, in this structure, the lower frame of the display mounted on the second housing is largely exposed, reducing the overall appearance of the device.

[0006] In order to eliminate this problem, it is also possible to consider reversing the rotation timing of each axis. Specifically, it is possible to consider rotating only the rotation axis on the side of the first shell with the keyboard from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, and rotating only the rotation axis on the side of the second shell with the display from 180 degrees to 360 degrees. However, in this case, at an angle of more than 90 degrees, for example, at about 120 degrees when used as a notebook PC, the lower edge of the second shell is arranged below the first shell. As a result, in this case, the lower edge of the second shell contacts the desktop, etc., and shaking and damage become problems. In addition, in the case where the lower edge of the second shell contacts the desktop, etc., there are also problems such as causing the first shell with the keyboard to lift up, and the two shells are not arranged flat when viewed from the side at the 180-degree position. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a hinge device that can improve the appearance quality and suppress shaking during use and damage to the housing.

[0008] The electronic device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first shell, which has a first surface and a second surface; a second shell, which has a first surface and a second surface and is adjacent to the first shell; and a hinge device, which connects the first shell and the second shell to each other so that they can rotate relative to each other, thereby connecting the first shell and the second shell so that they can rotate from a first stacked form in which the first surfaces face each other to a second stacked form in which the second surfaces face each other, and the hinge device comprises: a first shaft, which is relatively fixed with respect to the first shell; a second shaft, which is relatively fixed with respect to the second shell; and a supporting member, which supports the first shaft and the second shaft respectively so that they can rotate when the first shaft and the second shaft are adjacent to each other. The two shafts rotate relative to each other in a state where their axial directions are parallel to each other; a first sliding member, which has a first end facing the first shaft side and a second end facing the second shaft side, and is capable of sliding between the first shaft and the second shaft; a second sliding member, which has a first end facing the first shaft side and a second end facing the second shaft side, and is capable of sliding between the first shaft and the second shaft; a first cam component, which is fixed to the first shaft and has a locking portion on the outer peripheral surface for locking the first end of the second sliding member; and a second cam component, which is fixed to the second shaft and has a first recess on the outer peripheral surface for engaging the second end of the first sliding member and a second recess for engaging the second end of the second sliding member.

[0009] The hinge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a hinge device that connects the first shell and the second shell of the electronic device to be rotatable, and comprises: a first shaft that is relatively fixed with respect to the above-mentioned first shell; a second shaft that is relatively fixed with respect to the above-mentioned second shell; a supporting member that supports the above-mentioned first shaft and the above-mentioned second shaft so that they can rotate relative to each other in a state where the axial directions of the above-mentioned first shaft and the above-mentioned second shaft are parallel to each other; a first sliding member that has a first end portion facing the above-mentioned first shaft side and a second end portion facing the above-mentioned second shaft side, and can rotate between the above-mentioned first shaft and the above-mentioned second shaft. the first and second shafts; a second sliding member having a first end facing the first shaft and a second end facing the second shaft, and capable of sliding between the first and second shafts; a first cam member fixed to the first shaft, and provided with a locking portion on the outer peripheral surface for locking the first end of the second sliding member; and a second cam member fixed to the second shaft, and provided with a first recess on the outer peripheral surface for engaging the second end of the first sliding member and a second recess for engaging the second end of the second sliding member.

[0010] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the appearance quality and suppress shaking during use and damage to the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of an electronic device according to an embodiment viewed from above.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a schematic side view of the hinge device and its surrounding parts when the first housing and the second housing are in a first stacked form.

[0013] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 The first housing and the second housing shown are in a first angular position.

[0014] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 The first housing and the second housing shown are at the position 120.

[0015] Figure 5 Yes Figure 4 The first housing and the second housing are shown in the figure at a 180-degree angle.

[0016] Figure 6 Yes Figure 5 The first housing and the second housing are shown in a second angular position.

[0017] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 The first shell and the second shell shown in the figure form a second stacked form.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the hinge device.

[0019] Figure 9 It is the front view of the hinge device.

[0020] Figure 10 is a side sectional view of the hinge device in the first stacking form, Figure 10 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 10 (B) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line BB in Figure 10 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in .

[0021] Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the hinge device at a 60-degree position, Figure 11 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 11 (B) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line BB in Figure 11 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in .

[0022] Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the hinge device at the first angle position, Figure 12 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 12 (B) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line BB in Figure 12 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in .

[0023] Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the hinge device at a 120-degree position, Figure 13 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 13 (B) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line BB in Figure 13 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in .

[0024] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the hinge device at a 180-degree position, Figure 14 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 14 (B) indicates that the Figure 9The cross section of line BB in Figure 14 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in .

[0025] Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the hinge device at the second angle position, Figure 15 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 15 (B) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line BB in Figure 15 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in .

[0026] Figure 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the hinge device at a 300-degree position, Figure 16 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 16 (B) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line BB in Figure 16 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in .

[0027] Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the hinge device at a 360-degree position, Figure 17 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 17 (B) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line BB in Figure 17 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in .

[0028] Description of Reference Numerals

[0029] 10...electronic device; 11...first housing; 12...second housing; 14L, 14R...hinge device; 16...keyboard; 20...display; 24...first axis; 26...second axis; 28...hinge housing; 30...rotation axis selection mechanism; 36, 37, 40a...support plate; 38...first cam member; 38a, 39a...outer peripheral surface; 38b...first arc-shaped groove; 38c...second arc-shaped groove; 39...second cam member; 39b...first recess; 39c...second recess; 39d1, 39d2...stop surface; 40...stop cam member; 40c...stop portion; 42...first sliding member; 43...second sliding member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, the electronic device and the hinge device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, with reference to preferred embodiments thereof.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment has a structure in which a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 are connected to each other via left and right hinge assemblies 14L and 14R so as to be rotatable relative to each other. Hereinafter, the hinge assemblies 14L and 14R may sometimes be collectively referred to as "hinge assemblies 14."

[0032] The electronic device 10 of this embodiment is a so-called convertible PC that can be used as a notebook PC (notebook mode) or a tablet PC (tablet mode) depending on the angular position between the housings 11 and 12. Notebook mode is a state in which the second housing 12 is rotated to an angular position of, for example, approximately 120 degrees relative to the first housing 11. Tablet mode is a state in which the second housing 12 is rotated to an angular position of, for example, 360 degrees relative to the first housing 11. The electronic device 10 may also be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a game console, or the like.

[0033] The hinge device 14 of this embodiment can move the edge 11c of the second housing 12 on the hinge device 14 side downward while protruding rearward during the opening operation. As a result, the notebook mode is a so-called sunken structure in which part or all of the lower frame 11d of the display 20 is hidden behind the first housing 11 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0034] Figures 2 to 7 Yes Figure 1 Schematic side views of the hinge device 14 and its surroundings at various angular positions when the second housing 12 of the electronic device 10 is rotated from 0 degrees to 360 degrees relative to the first housing 11 .

[0035] The following, from Figure 4 In the illustrated notebook mode, the depth direction is referred to as front and back, the width direction is referred to as left and right, and the thickness direction is referred to as top and bottom, based on the viewing direction of an operator using the electronic device 10 .

[0036] For the sake of convenience, regarding the angular position of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, the position in which the second shell 12 is closed relative to the first shell 11 and the front surface (first surface) 12a of the second shell 12 faces the upper surface (first surface) 11a of the first shell 11 is referred to as the 0 degree position (refer to Figure 2). Below, the second shell 12 is rotated while the angle in the opening direction is subdivided for explanation, with the 0-degree position as the reference. For example, the position in which the second shell 12 is substantially perpendicular to the first shell 11 is referred to as the 90-degree position. The position in which the front surface 12a of the second shell 12 and the upper surface 11a of the first shell 11 face the same direction (upward) and are parallel to each other is referred to as the 180-degree position (refer to Figure 5 The position in which the back surface (second surface) 12b of the second housing 12 faces the bottom surface (second surface) 11b of the first housing 11 is referred to as a 360-degree position (see Figure 7 ). Furthermore, it is also possible that, depending on the structure of the housings 11 and 12 or the hinge device 14, the 0-degree position, 90-degree position, 120-degree position, 180-degree position, and 360-degree position may be slightly deviated from the accurate angular position indicated by the angle numerals. In this embodiment, for convenience, these deviated angular positions are also included and are referred to as the 0-degree position.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the electronic device 10, the rear edge portion (one edge portion) 11c of the first housing 11 and the lower edge portion (one edge portion) 12c of the second housing 12 are adjacent to each other. The edges 11c and 12c are connected by a pair of left and right hinge devices 14L and 14R so as to be rotatable relative to each other.

[0038] The first housing 11 is a flat box with a rectangular shape when viewed from above. It houses various electronic components, including a motherboard (including a CPU), a battery, memory, and an antenna. A keyboard 16 and a touchpad 17 are provided on the top surface 11a of the first housing 11. Figure 2 Reference numeral 18 in the drawing denotes a rubber foot which serves as a foot portion when the bottom surface 11 b is placed on a placement surface 19 such as a desk.

[0039] The second housing 12 is a flat box having a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above and is thinner than the first housing 11. A display surface 20a of the display 20 faces the front 12a of the second housing 12. The display 20 can be a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display surface 20a can display images and graphics. The front 12a of the second housing 12, including the display surface 20a of the display 20, is substantially entirely covered by a glass plate 21. The glass plate 21 can be made of touch glass that supports touch operations. Figure 1 Reference numeral 22 in the figure denotes a camera.

[0040] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the hinge device 14 can rotate the housings 11 and 12 from a 0-degree position (first stacking state) to a 360-degree position (second stacking state) by a biaxial structure. Figure 2Indicates the 0 degree position, Figure 3 Indicates the 100 degree position, Figure 4 Indicates the 120-degree position. Figure 5 Indicates the 180-degree position, Figure 6 Indicates the 280-degree position, Figure 7 Indicates a 360-degree position.

[0041] The hinge devices 14L and 14R include a first shaft 24, a second shaft 26, and a hinge housing 28. The first shaft 24 is fixed relative to the first housing 11. The second shaft 26 is fixed relative to the second housing 12. In other words, the first shaft 24 rotates integrally with the first housing 11. The second shaft 26 rotates integrally with the second housing 12. The hinge housing 28 supports the shafts 24 and 26 so that they can rotate relative to each other. The hinge housing 28 can also be in the shape of a long rod extending between the left and right hinge devices 14L and 14R.

[0042] The hinge housing 28 is at the 0 degree position (refer to Figure 2 ) and 360-degree position (refer to Figure 7 ) are arranged roughly in the up-down direction. At the 0-degree position, the second axis 26 is arranged above the first axis 24. At the 360-degree position, the second axis 26 is arranged below the first axis 24. As a result, the front-to-back positions of the edges 11c and 12c of the housings 11 and 12 of the electronic device 10 are roughly aligned at the 0-degree position and the 360-degree position. At the 0-degree position and the 360-degree position, the front-to-back positions of the other edge portions (front edge portions) of the housings 11 and 12 on the opposite side to the edge portions 11c and 12c are also roughly aligned.

[0043] The hinge device 14 includes a rotation axis selection mechanism 30 that selects one of the first axis 24 and the second axis 26 and rotates only the selected axis. The hinge device 14 allows the rotation of the first axis 24 between the 0 degree position and the 100 degree position (the first angular position) and stops the rotation of the second axis 26 (see FIG. Figures 2 and 3 ). The hinge device 14 allows the rotation of the second shaft 26 and stops the rotation of the first shaft 24 between the 100-degree position and the 280-degree position (the second angular position) (see Figures 3 to 6 ). The hinge device 14 allows the rotation of the first shaft 24 and stops the rotation of the second shaft 26 between the 280-degree position and the 360-degree position (see Figures 6 and 7 Thus, the hinge device 14 selects either the first axis 24 or the second axis 26 at two switching angle positions (in this embodiment, the 100-degree position and the 280-degree position). Thus, only the selected axis of the hinge device 14 rotates as the rotation axis between the housings 11 and 12, and the rotation of the other axis is locked.

[0044] Next, a specific configuration example of the hinge device 14 will be described.

[0045] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the hinge device 14L. Figure 9 It is a front view of the hinge device 14L. Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the hinge device 14L with the hinge housing 28 removed. Figure 10 0 degrees is a side cross-sectional view of the hinge device 14L. Figure 11 Indicates the 60-degree position, Figure 12 Indicates the 100 degree position, Figure 13 Indicates the 120-degree position. Figure 14 Indicates the 180-degree position, Figure 15 Indicates the 280-degree position, Figure 16 Indicates the 300 degree position, Figure 16 Indicates a 360-degree position. Figure 10 middle, Figure 10 (A) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line AA in Figure 10 (B) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of line BB in Figure 10 (C) indicates that the Figure 9 The cross section of the CC line in . Similarly, Figures 11 to 17 in Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 (B) Figure 11 (C) etc. respectively represent along Figure 9 The cross section of line AA, line BB, and line CC in the figure is shown in FIG. Figure 10 (A) Figure 10 (B) Figure 10 (C) The state where the hinge device 14L is in operation.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the right hinge device 14R can have the same or similar structure as the left hinge device 14L except for being bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, the following description will be based on the left hinge device 14L as a representative, and the specific description and illustration of the right hinge device 14R will be omitted.

[0047] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the hinge device 14L of this embodiment comprises: a first shaft 24 and a second shaft 26 which are parallel to each other in the axial direction; a hinge housing 28 (see FIG. 1 ) which supports the shafts 24 and 26 so as to be relatively rotatable. Figure 2 and selectively switching the rotation time point of each axis 24, 26 of the rotation axis selection mechanism unit 30.

[0048] The first and second shafts 24 and 26 are cylindrical shafts. The axial directions of each shaft 24 and 26 are aligned with the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the edge portions 11c and 12c. Cutouts are formed at appropriate locations on the outer circumference of each shaft 24 and 26 to prevent rotation of externally fitted components (such as the cam members 38 and 39).

[0049] One end (left end) of the first shaft 24 is connected to the first bracket 32 ​​in a relatively non-rotatable manner. The first bracket 32 ​​is a metal plate used to fix the first shaft 24 in a non-rotatable manner relative to the first housing 11. The first bracket 32 ​​is threadedly connected to the inner surface of the first housing 11. The first torque generating part 33 is mounted on the other end (right end) of the first shaft 24. The first torque generating part 33 is a structure in which, for example, a plurality of disc-shaped leaf springs 33a are stacked in a series in the axial direction of the first shaft 24 and pushed by a nut 33b. The first torque generating part 33 is capable of applying a predetermined torque to the rotation of the first shaft 24.

[0050] A second bracket 34 is connected to one end (left end) of the second shaft 26 in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The second bracket 34 is a metal plate used to fix the second shaft 26 in a manner that prevents rotation relative to the second housing 12. The second bracket 34 is threadedly connected to the inner surface of the second housing 12. A second torque generating unit 35 is mounted on the other end (right end) of the second shaft 26. The second torque generating unit 35 is a structure in which, for example, a plurality of disc-shaped leaf springs 35a are stacked in a series in the axial direction of the second shaft 26 and pushed by a nut 35b. The second torque generating unit 35 can apply a predetermined torque to the rotation of the second shaft 26.

[0051] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the rotation axis selection mechanism 30 includes support plates 36, 37, a first cam member 38, and a stop cam member 40 in order from one end of the first shaft 24 to the other end. Hereinafter, the rotation axis selection mechanism 30 may be simply referred to as the "mechanism 30." The mechanism 30 can include support plates 36, 37, a second cam member 39, and a stop cam member 40 in order from one end of the second shaft 26 to the other end. The mechanism 30 can include support plates 36, 37, a first slider 42, a second slider 43, and a stop cam member 40 in order from one end to the other end of the space between the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 26 (inter-axis space).

[0052] The hinge housing 28 is provided to cover the shafts 24, 26 and the components of the mechanism 30. The hinge housing 28 can rotate around the axis of the first shaft 24 or the second shaft 26 selected by the mechanism 30 (see Figures 2 to 7 During this rotation, the hinge housing 28 rotates integrally with the support plates 36, 37, the stop cam member 40, and the like.

[0053] The support plates 36 and 37 are generally flat, oblong metal plates that span the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 26. The support plates 36 and 37 have axial holes at both ends through which the shafts 24 and 26 are inserted so as to be rotatable relative to each other. Thus, the support plates 36 and 37 function as supporting members that maintain the distance between the shafts 24 and 26 and support the shafts 24 and 26 so as to be rotatable relative to each other. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the illustrated configuration example, the support plates 36 and 37 are arranged in pairs, but only one support plate 36 or 37 may be used.

[0054] The first cam member 38 is a cylindrical metal member. The first cam member 38 is externally fixed to the first shaft 24 in a state in which it cannot rotate relative to each other. A first arcuate groove portion 38b and a second arcuate groove portion 38c can be formed on the outer peripheral surface 38a of the first cam member 38. The arcuate groove portions 38b and 38c are arranged in the axial direction of the first shaft 24. Relative to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 38a, the first arcuate groove portion 38b and the second arcuate groove portion 38c can be offset by, for example, 100 degrees. The 100 degrees is the angle difference between the 0 degree position and the first angle position (100 degree position). More specifically, the first arcuate groove portion 38b can be offset by 100 degrees in the opening direction (from 0 degrees toward 360 degrees) compared to the second arcuate groove portion 38c. In other words, the second arcuate groove portion 38c can be displaced by 100 degrees in the closing direction (the direction from 360 degrees toward 0 degrees) relative to the first arcuate groove portion 38b.

[0055] In the axial direction of the first shaft 24, the first arcuate groove portion 38b is located at a position where it can face the first end portion 42a of the first sliding member 42. In the axial direction of the first shaft 24, the second arcuate groove portion 38c is located at a position where it can face the first end portion 43a of the second sliding member 43. The arcuate groove portions 38b and 38c can be used for the insertion of the first end portions 42a and 43a of each sliding member 42 and 43. The inserted first end portions 42a and 43a can form relative movement along the circumferential direction within the arcuate groove portions 38b and 38c. In the circumferential direction of the second arcuate groove portion 38c, the second arcuate groove portion 38c has a locking portion 38c1 as a wall surface on one side. When the second shaft 26 rotates from the 0 degree position to the first angular position (100 degree position) toward the opening direction, the locking portion 38c1 can lock the first end portion 43a of the second sliding member 43 (refer to Figure 12 ).

[0056] The second cam member 39 is a cylindrical metal member. It is externally fixed to the second shaft 26 in a relatively non-rotatable state. A first recess 39b, a second recess 39c, and a stop groove 39d can be formed on the outer circumferential surface 39a of the second cam member 39. The recesses 39b, 39c, and the stop groove 39d are arranged in sequence in the axial direction of the second shaft 26. The recesses 39b and 39c can be offset, for example, by 180 degrees relative to the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface 39a.

[0057] The first recess 39b is located in an axial direction of the second shaft 26 so as to face the second end 42b of the first slider 42. The second recess 39c is located in an axial direction of the second shaft 26 so as to face the second end 43b of the second slider 43. The recesses 39b and 39c can be engaged with the second end 42b and 43b of each slider 42 and 43. The recesses 39b and 39c can stop the relative movement of the engaged second end 42b and 43b in the circumferential direction. For example, the recesses 39b and 39c can have a substantially arcuate cross-section that allows the arcuate second end 42b and 43b to be engaged and removed.

[0058] In the axial direction of the second shaft 26, the stop groove 39d is located opposite the stop portion 40c of the stop cam member 40. The stop portion 40c is inserted into the stop groove 39d and is able to move relative to the stop groove 39d in the circumferential direction. The stop groove 39d has stop surfaces 39d1 and 39d2 as wall surfaces on one side and the other side of the stop groove 39d. When the second shaft 26 rotates from the first angular position (100-degree position) to the second angular position (280-degree position) in the opening direction, the stop surface (opening stop surface) 39d1 abuts the stop portion 40c. When the second shaft 26 rotates from the second angular position (280-degree position) to the first angular position (100-degree position) in the closing direction, the stop surface (closing stop surface) 39d2 abuts the stop portion 40c.

[0059] The stop cam member 40 can include a support plate 40 a , a pair of guide plates 40 b , 40 b , a stopper portion 40 c , and a protruding portion 40 d .

[0060] The support plate 40a is a generally flat, oblong metal plate that spans the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 26. The support plate 40a has axial holes at both ends through which the shafts 24 and 26 are inserted so as to enable relative rotation. Thus, the support plate 40a functions as a supporting member that maintains the interaxial distance between the shafts 24 and 26 and supports the shafts 24 and 26 so as to enable relative rotation. The support plate 40a is held so that the sliders 42 and 43 are sandwiched between it and the support plate 37. This prevents the sliders 42 and 43 from moving in the axial direction of the shafts 24 and 26.

[0061] The pair of guide plates 40b, 40b are protruding pieces that protrude from the support plate 40a toward the support plate 37. The pair of guide plates 40b, 40b can be arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a direction connecting the axial centers of the shafts 24, 26 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "interaxial direction D"). The pair of guide plates 40b, 40b can slidably guide the sliders 42, 43 along the interaxial direction D between their opposing surfaces.

[0062] A protrusion 40b1 is formed on the end surface of each guide plate 40b on the side facing the support plate 37. The protrusion 40b1 engages with a groove formed on the outer peripheral end surface of the support plate 37. This prevents the guide plates 40b from being displaced in the interaxial direction D. Furthermore, the guide plates 40b are also prevented from being displaced in a direction perpendicular to their surface direction.

[0063] The stop cam member 40 includes a thick portion 40e formed by bulging the side surface of the support plate 40a on the guide plate 40b side. The thick portion 40e extends between the shafts 24 and 26. The stop portion 40c is a protrusion protruding from the upper surface of the thick portion 40e. The stop portion 40c is inserted into the stop groove 39d of the second cam member 39. When the second cam member 39 rotates together with the second shaft 26, the stop portion 40c abuts against the stop surfaces 39d1 and 39d2 of the stop groove 39d, thereby stopping further rotation of the second shaft 26.

[0064] The protrusion 40d protrudes from the side surface of the support plate 40a opposite to the thick portion 40e, and is disposed between the torque generating portions 33 and 35. The protrusion 40d is formed with an internal thread for tightening a screw that fastens the hinge housing 28.

[0065] The first slider 42 and the second slider 43 are metal members having a generally flat, oval cross-section. The first slider 42 has a first end 42a facing the first shaft 24 and a second end 42b facing the second shaft 26. The second slider 43 has a first end 43a facing the first shaft 24 and a second end 43b facing the second shaft 26. The ends 42a, 42b, 43a, and 43b can be arcuate.

[0066] The sliders 42 and 43 are independently slidable in the interaxial direction D. With respect to the axial direction of the shafts 24 and 26, the first slider 42 is positioned so as to face the first arcuate groove 38b of the first cam member 38 and the first recess 39b of the second cam member 39. The second slider 43 is positioned so as to face the second arcuate groove 38c of the first cam member 38 and the second recess 39c of the second cam member 39.

[0067] Rectangular hollow portions 42c and 43c extending along the interaxial direction D are formed in the centers of the sliders 42 and 43, respectively. A guide rod 46 extending axially between the axes 24 and 26 is inserted into the hollow portions 42c and 43c. The guide rod 46 has one end in the longitudinal direction thereof supported by the support plates 36 and 37, and the other end supported by the thick-walled portion 40e. The width (height) of the guide rod 46 in the interaxial direction D is shorter than the width (height) of the hollow portions 42c and 43c in the interaxial direction D. The outer peripheral side surfaces of the sliders 42 and 43 are guided by a pair of guide plates 40b and 40b, and further, the hollow portions 42c and 43c are guided by the guide rod 46. Thus, the sliders 42 and 43 can slide smoothly along the interaxial direction D.

[0068] Next, the rotational operation of the housings 11 and 12 by the hinge device 14 will be described.

[0069] The following describes the operation and function of the hinge device 14 when the second housing 12, which is at the 0-degree position, is opened to a 360-degree position. This operation is performed, for example, by a user grasping the upper end (the end opposite to the edge 12c) of the second housing 12 and applying an external force in the opening direction.

[0070] The operation from the 0-degree position to the first angular position (100-degree position) will be described.

[0071] In this case, the first end portion 42a of the first slider 42 is arranged at a position slidable on the outer peripheral surface 38a of the first cam member 38 (see Figure 10 (A)). The first end portion 43a of the second slider 43 is arranged in a position capable of forming relative movement in the circumferential direction within the second arc-shaped groove portion 38c of the first cam member 38 (see Figure 10 (B)). Therefore, the rotation of the first shaft 24 is allowed. On the other hand, the second end portion 42b of the first slider 42 is engaged with the first recess 39b of the second cam member 39 (see Figure 10 In other words, the first slider 42 is unable to slide in the interaxial direction D. Therefore, the rotation of the second shaft 26 stops.

[0072] In addition, during the period from the 0 degree position to the first angular position, the stopper portion 40c of the stopper cam member 40 abuts against the stopper surface 39d2 of the second cam member 39 (see FIG. Figure 10 (C) The stopper portion 40c is located in a position where it can move relatively in the opening direction within the stopper groove portion 39d.

[0073] Therefore, if Figures 10 to 12As shown, between the 0 degree position and the first angle position, the first shaft 24 becomes the rotation axis and the second shaft 26 is locked. Therefore, the second housing 12 rotates with the first shaft 24 as the rotation axis. At this time, the hinge housing 28 also rotates with the first shaft 24 as the rotation axis (see Figures 2 and 3 ).

[0074] Thus, at the first angle position assumed for use in the notebook mode, the axis center of the second shaft 26 is arranged below the axis center of the first shaft 24 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the first housing 11 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 12 ) in the vertical direction. In other words, the edge 12c of the second housing 12 is arranged below (sunken) the upper surface 11a of the first housing 11. As a result, the electronic device 10 can partially or completely hide the lower frame 11d of the display 20 behind the first housing 11, thereby improving the appearance quality. At this time, the edge 12c of the second housing 12 does not contact the placement surface 19 (see Figure 3 ). In other words, the electronic device 10 can be used in Figure 3 At the first angular position shown, the rubber foot 18 is at a height that ensures that the edge portion 12 c does not come into contact with the placement surface 19 .

[0075] However, in the first stacking form (0 degree position), the stopper portion 40c is in a position where it cannot move relative to the closing direction in the stopper groove portion 39d (see FIG. Figure 10 (C)). In other words, when the electronic device 10 is in the first stacked configuration, the first slider 42 engages with the first recess 39b, while the stopper 40c is locked by the stopper surface 39d2. This more reliably stops the second housing 12 from rotating in the closing direction. Therefore, the positional relationship between the housings 11 and 12 is more firmly maintained in the first stacked configuration, which is intended for portable use. Consequently, the electronic device 10 suppresses shaking between the housings 11 and 12 during portability.

[0076] The operation from the first angular position (100-degree position) to the 120-degree position will be described.

[0077] exist Figure 12 At the first angular position shown, the first end portion 42a of the first slider 42 is arranged at a position where it can be inserted into the first arc-shaped groove portion 38b of the first cam member 38 (see FIG. Figure 12 In other words, the first sliding member 42 is in a state where it can slide along the interaxial direction D. On the other hand, the first end portion 43a of the second sliding member 43 is locked with the locking portion 38c1 of the second arc-shaped groove portion 38c (see Figure 12(B)). The second end portion 43b is positioned so as to be able to slide on the outer peripheral surface 39a of the second cam member 39. In other words, the second slider 43 is unable to slide in the interaxial direction D. Therefore, the rotation of the first shaft 24 stops. In other words, further rotation of the second housing 12 (hinge housing 28) about the axis of the first shaft 24 stops.

[0078] If the second housing 12 is subjected to a torque that rotates from the first angle position toward the 120-degree position, the second shaft 26 is subjected to a torque. In this way, the first recess 39b of the second cam member 39 pushes the second end 42b of the first slider 42 through its edge wall. As a result, the first slider 42 slides toward the first shaft 24. The first end 42a is inserted into the first arc-shaped groove 38b (see Figure 13 (A)). At this time, the second end portion 42b of the first slider 42 is positioned so as to be able to slide on the outer peripheral surface 39a of the second cam member 39. Therefore, rotation of the second shaft 26 is permitted. Furthermore, from the first angular position to the 120-degree position, the stopper 40c moves relative to the stopper groove 39d.

[0079] Therefore, if Figures 12 and 13 As shown, during the period from the first angle position to the 120 degree position, the second shaft 26 becomes the rotation axis and the first shaft 24 is locked. Therefore, the second housing 12 rotates with the second shaft 26 as the rotation axis. At this time, the hinge housing 28 does not rotate (see Figures 3 and 4 ).

[0080] Thus, at the 120-degree position assumed for use in the notebook mode, the height relationship between the second shaft 26 and the first shaft 24 also maintains the relationship at the first angle position. In other words, the axis center of the second shaft 26 is located below the axis center of the first shaft 24 (see Figure 4 and Figure 13 ). The electronic device 10 is generally in the most suitable angle range for the notebook mode from the 100-degree position to the 120-degree position. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment maintains the edge portion 12c in a state below the upper surface 11a within this angle range. In other words, the electronic device 10 maintains a sunken state at least within this angle range, resulting in a higher appearance quality. In addition, between the first angle position and the 120-degree position, the edge portion 12c of the second shell 12 does not move in the up and down direction (refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 Therefore, the electronic device 10 prevents the edge portion 12c from contacting the placement surface 19 within the aforementioned angle range assumed for use in the notebook mode. As a result, the electronic device 10 prevents the placement surface 19 from shaking or damaging the second housing 12.

[0081] The operation from the 120-degree position to the second angular position (280-degree position) will be described.

[0082] The operation in this case is the same as the operation from the first angle position to the 120-degree position described above (see Figures 13 to 15 ). In other words, the first end portion 43a of the second slider 43 is locked by the locking portion 38c1 of the first cam member 38. Therefore, the rotation of the first shaft 24 stops. On the other hand, the second end portions 42b and 43b of the sliders 42 and 43 are both arranged in positions where they can slide on the outer peripheral surface 39a of the second cam member 39. Therefore, the rotation of the second shaft 26 is allowed. In addition, during the period from the 120-degree position to the second angular position, the stop portion 40c forms a relative movement within the stop groove portion 39d.

[0083] The operation from the second angular position (280-degree position) to the 360-degree position will be described.

[0084] exist Figure 15 At the second angular position shown, the second recess 39c of the second cam member 39 is arranged at a position facing the second end portion 43b of the second slider 43 (see FIG. Figure 15 In other words, the second slide member 43 is in a state where it can slide in the interaxial direction D. On the other hand, the first end portion 42a of the first slide member 42 is arranged at a position where it can form relative movement in the arc-shaped groove portion 38b of the first cam member 38 (see Figure 15 (A) The second end portion 42 b is arranged at a position slidable on the outer peripheral surface 39 a of the second cam member 39 .

[0085] If the second housing 12 receives a torque to rotate from the second angular position toward the 360-degree position, the first shaft 24 receives the torque. In this case, the locking portion 38c1 of the first cam member 38 pushes the first end 43a of the second slider 43. As a result, the second slider 43 slides toward the second shaft 26. The second end 43b is engaged with the second recess 39c (see FIG. Figure 16 (B)). At this time, the first end portion 43a of the second slider 43 is disengaged from the second arcuate groove portion 38c and is positioned so as to be slidable on the outer peripheral surface 38a of the first cam member 38. Therefore, the rotation of the second shaft 26 is stopped, and the rotation of the first shaft 24 is permitted.

[0086] Furthermore, at the second angular position, the stopper portion 40c contacts the stopper surface 39d1 of the stopper groove portion 39d. Therefore, further rotation of the second shaft 26 is more reliably stopped. Consequently, when the second slider 43 rotates in the opening direction from the second angular position, it slides more smoothly.

[0087] Therefore, if Figures 15 to 17 As shown, during the period from the second angle position to the 360-degree position, the first shaft 24 becomes the rotation axis again and the second shaft 26 is locked. Therefore, the second housing 12 rotates with the first shaft 24 as the rotation axis. At this time, the hinge housing 28 also rotates with the first shaft 24 as the rotation axis (see Figures 6 and 7 ). As a result, the electronic device 10 can be set to the second stacking form (360-degree position) and can be used in tablet mode.

[0088] Furthermore, the stopper 40c contacts the stopper surface 39d1 from the second angular position to the 360-degree position. In other words, the stopper 40c is in a position where it can move relatively in the closing direction within the stopper groove 39d.

[0089] On the other hand, in the second stacking form (360-degree position), the stopper 40c is in a position where it cannot form relative movement in the opening direction within the stopper groove 39d. In other words, in the second stacking form, the electronic device 10 engages the second sliding member 43 with the second recess 39c, and at the same time, the stopper 40c is stopped by the stopper surface 39d1. The rotation of the second shell 12 of the electronic device 10 in the opening direction in the second stacking form is more reliably stopped. Therefore, the electronic device 10 maintains the positional relationship between the shells 11 and 12 more firmly in the second stacking form assumed to be used in the tablet mode. The electronic device 10 suppresses shaking when, for example, the display 20 is touched, and the shaking of the second shell 12.

[0090] The action of the hinge device 14 when closing the second housing 12 at the 360-degree position to the 0-degree position is the reverse of the above-mentioned opening action, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted. Figure 17 Rise as Figure 10 Perform the action as shown.

[0091] As described above, the electronic device 10 and hinge device 14 according to this embodiment can include a first slider 42 that can slide between the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 26, and a second slider 43 that can slide between the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 26. The electronic device 10 and hinge device 14 can further include a first cam member 38 that is fixed to the first shaft 24 and has a locking portion 38c1 on its outer peripheral surface 38a that can lock the first end 43a of the second slider 43; and a second cam member 39 that is fixed to the second shaft 26 and has a first recess 39b on its outer peripheral surface 39a that can fit the second end 42b of the first slider 42 and a second recess 39c that can fit the second end 43b of the second slider 43.

[0092] Thus, the hinge device 14 can select the axis 24 or 26 that serves as the rotation axis at the desired rotation timing by utilizing the stopping action of the cam members 38 or 39 generated by the two sliders 42 or 43. Consequently, the electronic device 10 can easily switch the axis 24 or 26 that serves as the rotation axis at, for example, a first angular position closer to the closed side than the 120-degree position, which is assumed to be optimal for use in notebook mode. Consequently, the electronic device 10 can prevent the second housing 12 from contacting the placement surface 19 when used in notebook mode, causing shaking and damage. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 prevents the second housing 12 from contacting the placement surface 19 and lifting the first housing 11 when used in notebook mode. Furthermore, when viewed from the side at a 180-degree angle, the two housings 11 or 12 of the electronic device 10 are arranged substantially flat, further enhancing the appearance. Furthermore, when the electronic device 10 is in notebook mode, the edge 12c of the second housing 12 is positioned behind and below the first housing 11, further enhancing the appearance.

[0093] In particular, the hinge device 14 includes: two sliding members 42, 43 that slide between the shafts 24, 26; and two cam components 38, 39 for the two sliding members 42, 43 to fit and slide. The hinge device 14 can selectively switch the rotation axis at the first angular position and the second angular position through such a structure. In other words, the hinge device 14 can achieve the switching of the rotation axis twice without the need for a component that moves in the axial direction of the shafts 24, 26. Therefore, the hinge device 14 can simplify the structure, and in addition, the axial width of the entire device can be suppressed, so that miniaturization can be easily achieved. Furthermore, the hinge device 14 does not have a component that moves in the axial direction of the shafts 24, 26, so it can suppress the obstruction of the rotation of each shaft 24, 26 and achieve a smoother rotation movement.

[0094] The hinge device 14 can include: a stopper surface 39d1 formed on the outer peripheral surface 39a of the second cam member 39 and facing the circumferential direction of the second cam member 39, and a stopper portion 40c for the stopper surface 39d1 to abut. For example, the stopper portion 40c can be configured to abut the stopper surface 39d1 at the second angular position (280 degrees) during the opening operation (see FIG. Figure 15 (C)). In this way, the sliding of the second slider 43 becomes smoother, and the switching from the second shaft 26 to the first shaft 24 becomes smoother.

[0095] The hinge device 14 may also include a stopper surface 39d2 formed on the outer peripheral surface 39a of the second cam member 39 and facing the circumferential direction of the second cam member 39 and located on the opposite side of the stopper surface 39d1. For example, the stopper portion 40c may be configured to abut against the stopper surface 39d2 at the first angular position (100 degrees) during the closing operation (see FIG. Figure 12 (C)). In this way, the sliding of the first slider 42 becomes smoother, and the switching from the second shaft 26 to the first shaft 24 becomes smoother.

[0096] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it goes without saying that it can be freely modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: have: a first housing having a first surface and a second surface; a second housing having a first surface and a second surface and adjacent to the first housing; as well as A hinge device that connects the first shell and the second shell to each other so that they can rotate relative to each other, thereby connecting the first shell and the second shell so that they can rotate from a first stacked form in which the first surfaces of the shells face each other to a second stacked form in which the second surfaces of the shells face each other. The hinge device comprises: a first shaft fixed relative to the first housing; a second shaft fixed relative to the second housing; a supporting member that supports the first shaft and the second shaft so as to be rotatable relative to each other in a state where the axial directions of the first shaft and the second shaft are parallel to each other; a first sliding member having a first end facing the first shaft and a second end facing the second shaft, and being slidable between the first shaft and the second shaft; a second sliding member having a first end facing the first shaft and a second end facing the second shaft, and being slidable between the first shaft and the second shaft; a first cam member fixed to the first shaft and having a locking portion on an outer peripheral surface thereof capable of locking the first end portion of the second slider; as well as The second cam member is fixed to the second shaft and has a first recessed portion on its outer peripheral surface into which the second end portion of the first slider can be fitted and a second recessed portion into which the second end portion of the second slider can be fitted.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The first cam member includes: a first arcuate groove portion extending in a circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface and allowing the first end portion of the first sliding member to move relative to the first arcuate groove portion along the extending direction; as well as The second arcuate groove portion extends along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface, and allows the first end portion of the second slider to move relative to the second arcuate groove portion along the extending direction, and the wall surface on one end side of the extending direction serves as the locking portion.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: When rotating from the first stacking form to the second stacking form, the first shell and the second shell sequentially pass through a first angular position and a second angular position. For the hinge device, When the first housing and the second housing are between the first stacked form and the first angular position, the first end portion of the first sliding member is arranged at a position capable of sliding on the outer peripheral surface of the first cam member, and the first end portion of the second sliding member is arranged at a position capable of forming relative movement in the second arc-shaped groove portion to allow the first shaft to rotate. On the other hand, the second end portion of the first sliding member is engaged with the first recessed portion to stop the rotation of the second shaft. When the first housing and the second housing are between the first angular position and the second angular position, the first end portion of the second sliding member is locked at the locking portion to stop the rotation of the first shaft. On the other hand, the second end portion of the first sliding member and the second end portion of the second sliding member are both arranged in a position capable of sliding on the outer peripheral surface of the second cam member to allow the rotation of the second shaft. When the first shell and the second shell are between the first angular position and the second stacked form, the first end of the first sliding member is arranged at a position capable of forming relative movement within the first arc-shaped groove portion, and the first end of the second sliding member is arranged at a position capable of sliding on the outer peripheral surface of the first cam member to allow the first shaft to rotate. On the other hand, the second end of the second sliding member is engaged with the second recess to stop the rotation of the second shaft.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: For the first axis and the second axis, When the first shell and the second shell are in the first stacked form, the center of the second shaft is arranged above the center of the first shaft based on the thickness direction of the first shell. When the first housing and the second housing are at the first angular position, the axial center of the second shaft is located below the axial center of the first shaft with reference to the thickness direction of the first housing.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The first housing is equipped with a keyboard facing the first surface. The second housing is equipped with a display facing the first surface.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The second cam member has a stopper surface facing the circumferential direction on its outer peripheral surface. The hinge device further includes a stopper portion on which the stopper surface abuts.

7. A hinge device for rotatably connecting a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device, characterized in that: have: a first shaft fixed relative to the first housing; a second shaft fixed relative to the second housing; a supporting member that supports the first shaft and the second shaft so as to be rotatable relative to each other in a state where the axial directions of the first shaft and the second shaft are parallel to each other; a first sliding member having a first end facing the first shaft and a second end facing the second shaft, and being slidable between the first shaft and the second shaft; a second sliding member having a first end facing the first shaft and a second end facing the second shaft, and being slidable between the first shaft and the second shaft; a first cam member fixed to the first shaft and having a locking portion on an outer peripheral surface thereof capable of locking the first end portion of the second slider; as well as The second cam member is fixed to the second shaft and has a first recessed portion on its outer peripheral surface into which the second end portion of the first slider can be fitted and a second recessed portion into which the second end portion of the second slider can be fitted.

8. The hinge device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first cam member includes: a first arc-shaped groove portion extending along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface and allowing the first end portion of the first sliding member to move relatively along the extending direction; as well as The second arc-shaped groove portion extends in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface and allows the first end portion of the second slider to move relatively along the extending direction, and the wall surface on one end side in the extending direction serves as the locking portion.

9. The hinge device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The hinge device connects the first shell and the second shell to each other so that they can rotate relative to each other, thereby connecting the first shell and the second shell so that they can rotate from a first stacked form in which the first surfaces of the first shell and the second shell face each other to a second stacked form in which the second surfaces of the first shell and the second shell face each other, and when the first shell and the second shell are rotated from the first stacked form to the second stacked form, the hinge device sequentially passes through a first angular position and a second angular position. When the first housing and the second housing are between the first stacked form and the first angular position, the first end of the first sliding member is arranged in a position capable of sliding on the outer peripheral surface of the first cam member and the first end of the second sliding member is arranged in a position capable of forming relative movement in the second arc-shaped groove portion, thereby allowing the first shaft to rotate. On the other hand, the second end of the first sliding member is engaged with the first recessed portion to stop the rotation of the second shaft. When the first housing and the second housing are between the first angular position and the second angular position, the first end of the second sliding member is locked at the locking portion to stop the rotation of the first shaft. On the other hand, the second end of the first sliding member and the second end of the second sliding member are both arranged at a position where they can slide on the outer peripheral surface of the second cam member to allow the rotation of the second shaft. When the first shell and the second shell are between the first angular position and the second stacked form, the first end of the first sliding member is arranged at a position capable of forming relative movement within the first arc-shaped groove portion and the first end of the second sliding member is arranged at a position capable of sliding on the outer peripheral surface of the first cam member to allow the first shaft to rotate. On the other hand, the second end of the second sliding member is engaged with the second recess to stop the second shaft from rotating.

Images