Joint assembly and electronic device

Abstract

Articulated device (30) connecting two chassis (10, 20) for opening and closing, comprising: a first connecting element (33) and a second connecting element (34) which are provided between one chassis (10) and the other chassis (20); a first shaft (35) which pivotably connects the first connecting element (33) to one chassis (10); a second shaft (36) which pivotably connects the first connecting element (33) to the other chassis (20); a third shaft (37) which pivotably connects the second connecting element (34) to one chassis (10); and a fourth shaft (38) which pivotably connects the second connecting element (34) to the other chassis (20), a torque generation mechanism (39A, 39B) that generates a torque on at least one of the first shaft (35), the second shaft (36), the third shaft (37) or the fourth shaft (38), wherein the first wave (35), the second wave (36), the third wave (37) and the fourth wave (38) are not coaxial, wherein one of the first connecting link (33) or of the second connecting link (34) is composed of a leaf spring which is wound around the first shaft (35) and the second shaft (36) or around the third shaft (37) and the fourth shaft (38), the other of the first connecting member (33) and the second connecting member (34) is composed of a plate-shaped part that connects the first shaft (35) and the second shaft (36) or the third shaft (37) and the fourth shaft (38), and the leaf spring functions as a torque generating mechanism (39A, 39B).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint device that connects two chassis for opening and closing and an electronic device that is provided with the joint device. Background of the invention

[0002] An electronic device, such as a mobile phone or a laptop-type personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "the laptop PC"), employs a configuration in which a display chassis is connected to a main chassis by an opening and closing hinge mechanism.

[0003] For example, patent document 1 describes a laptop PC (convertible PC) comprising a two-shaft joint device which pivotably supports a shaft fixed on the rear edge of a display chassis at the upper end of a joint block, and which pivotally supports a shaft fixed on the rear edge of a main part chassis at the lower end of the joint block, thus enabling the display chassis to be pivoted into a 360-degree position.

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Disclosure Document No. JP 2005-239 55 A.

[0005] From US patent 8,982,542 B2, a hinge mechanism for a mobile electronic device is known, comprising a first body with a first and a second fixed axis of rotation, and a second body with a third and a fourth fixed axis of rotation, wherein the four axes of rotation are substantially parallel to each other. A first connecting link is rotatably connected to the first body about the first axis of rotation and rotatably connected to the second body about the fourth axis of rotation. Summary of the invention

[0006] In the field of electronic devices, chassis have been rapidly made smaller and lighter, and consequently, reduced size and weight of the joints connecting two chassis have been required. However, a conventional joint is configured so that, for example, a rotating element and a fixed element are provided within a joint block, with the rotating and fixed elements frictionally connected to generate torque between the two shafts. As a result, it is necessary to ensure a specific contact area between the rotating and fixed elements to generate the desired torque. Therefore, the structure of the conventional joint limits the reduction in size and weight.

[0007] The present invention was made with regard to the above and an object of the invention is to provide a joint device which makes it possible to achieve a significantly smaller and lighter device structure, and to provide an electronic device which is equipped with the joint device.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of main claim 1 and dependent claim 2, which define the present invention.

[0009] A joint device according to the present invention is a joint device that employs a connection for opening and closing two chassis, including a first connecting member and a second connecting member provided between one chassis and the other chassis; a first shaft pivotably connecting the first connecting member to the first chassis; a second shaft pivotably connecting the first connecting member to the other chassis; a third shaft pivotably connecting the second connecting member to one chassis; and a fourth shaft pivotably connecting the second connecting member to the other chassis, wherein the first shaft, the second shaft, the third shaft, and the fourth shaft are not arranged coaxially.

[0010] Furthermore, the joint assembly according to the present invention comprises a torque generation mechanism that generates a torque on at least one of the first shaft, the second shaft, the third shaft and the fourth shaft in the preceding invention.

[0011] Furthermore, in the joint device according to the present invention, either the first connecting member or the second connecting member is composed of a leaf spring which is wound around the first shaft and the second shaft or around the third shaft and the fourth shaft, and the other first connecting member or second connecting member is composed of a plate-shaped part which connects the first shaft and the second shaft or the third shaft and the fourth shaft, wherein the leaf spring functions as a torque-generating mechanism in the preceding invention.

[0012] Furthermore, in the joint assembly according to the present invention, the torque generation mechanism generates a torque on each of the first shaft, the second shaft, the third shaft and the fourth shafts in the preceding invention.

[0013] Furthermore, in the joint device according to the present invention, the torque generation mechanism is composed of a first leaf spring which is provided around the first shaft and the second shaft and extends between the first shaft and the second shaft, and a second leaf spring which is provided around the third shaft and the fourth shaft and extends between the third shaft and the fourth shaft in the preceding invention.

[0014] To solve the preceding problem and fulfill the objective, the electronic device according to the present invention comprises an electronic device in which two chassis are pivotably connected by a plurality of joint devices, the joint device including: a first connecting element and a second connecting element provided between one chassis and the other chassis; a first shaft pivotably connecting the first connecting element to one chassis; a second shaft pivotably connecting the first connecting element to the other chassis; a third shaft pivotally connecting the second connecting element to one chassis;and a fourth shaft which pivotably connects the second connecting link to the other chassis, and wherein at least one of the plurality of joint devices is provided with a torque-generating mechanism which generates a torque on at least one of the first shaft, the second shaft, the third shaft and the fourth shaft.

[0015] According to the joint assembly and the electronic device of the present invention, two chassis are connected by four non-coaxial shafts and two connecting elements that are tenoned through the shafts, thus eliminating the joint block of a conventional joint assembly and significantly reducing the number of components. This allows the device structure to be considerably smaller and lighter. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic device provided with a joint device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view which schematically represents the configuration of a joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a planar view which schematically represents the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 is a planar view which schematically represents the configuration of a modified example of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 is a side view schematically representing the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of a display chassis with respect to a main part chassis is zero degrees; Fig. Figure 6 is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of the display chassis with respect to the main chassis is 45 degrees; Fig. Figure 7 is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of the display chassis with respect to the main chassis is 90 degrees; Fig. Figure 8 is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of the display chassis with respect to the main chassis is 135 degrees; Fig. Figure 9 is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of the display chassis with respect to the main chassis is 180 degrees; Fig. Figure 10 is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of the display chassis with respect to the main chassis is 225 degrees; Fig. Figure 11 is a side view schematically representing the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of the display chassis with respect to the main part chassis is 270 degrees; Fig. Figure 12 is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the joint assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of the display chassis with respect to the main chassis is 315 degrees; and Fig. Figure 13 is a side view that schematically represents the configuration of the joint device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side view represents the case in which the opening angle of the display chassis with respect to the main part chassis is 360 degrees. Detailed description of the invention

[0016] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the following will describe an embodiment of the joint device according to the present invention and an embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention, wherein the electronic device is provided with the joint device. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described below may include some that can be easily replaced by a person skilled in the art, or some that are essentially identical.

[0017] First, the configuration of the electronic device to which the joint device according to each of the embodiments of the present invention can be applied is described with reference to Fig. 1 described. An electronic device 1 has a main chassis 10, a display chassis 20, and left and right articulated joints 30. In the following description, the state in which the display chassis 20 is closed (zero-degree position) is distinguished with respect to the main chassis 10 from the state described in Fig. Figure 1 is shown as the reference state. Additionally, the edges of the display chassis 20 and the main chassis 10 adjacent to the articulation devices 30 are referred to as rear edges (back), while the edges opposite this side are referred to as front edges (front), the direction of thickness is referred to as the vertical direction and the direction of width is referred to as the lateral direction.

[0018] The electronic device 1 is a so-called convertible PC, in which the joint devices 30 provided therein enable the electronic device 1 to be used ideally as a laptop PC in the state in which the display chassis 20 is pivoted into an angular position of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the main chassis 10 (referring to Fig. 1), and also ideally as a tablet PC in the state in which the display chassis 20 is folded into a 360-degree position with respect to the main chassis 10. However, the present invention can ideally be applied to other types of electronic devices, such as a typical laptop PC, which, for example, has the display chassis 10 only pivotable into an approximately 180-degree position, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or an electronic organizer, in addition to the convertible PC described above, provided that the electronic device has its two chassis connected for opening and closing by hinge mechanisms.

[0019] The main chassis 10 is formed in a flat box shape, as is the case in Fig. Figure 1 shows the main chassis 10 being connected to the display chassis 20 by the hinges 30 provided on its rear edges. Input units, including a keyboard assembly 11, are provided on the upper surface 10a of the main chassis 10, and various types of electronic components, such as circuit boards, arithmetic units, and memory (not shown), are provided within the main chassis 10. The keyboard assembly 11 can, for example, be part of a touchscreen display (not shown) provided on the upper surface 10a of the main chassis 10.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the display chassis is formed to have a flat, plate-like shape that is thinner than the main chassis 10. The display chassis 20 is connected to the main chassis 10 by the hinges 30, which are provided on its rear edge. Furthermore, a display, such as a display device 21, is provided on a lower surface 20a of the display chassis 20. The display device 21 is, for example, a component of a touchscreen liquid crystal display.

[0021] The joint mechanisms 30 are adapted for opening and closing in order to connect two chassis, namely the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20. The joint mechanisms 30 in the present embodiment are, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a pair of left and right articulated devices, and these are arranged on the outer side of the display unit 21. The articulated devices 30 can pivotally move the display chassis 20 from the zero-degree position to the 360-degree position with respect to the main chassis 10 by means of a linkage mechanism. [Configuration of the joint devices]

[0022] The following describes the specific configurations of the joint devices 30 according to the embodiments of the present invention with reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 described. Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the joint assembly 30 on the right side in Fig. 1. Furthermore, Fig. 3 a planar view showing the joint assembly 30 in the case where the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 is 180 degrees (referring to Fig. 9). Furthermore, Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of the articulated device 30 in the case where the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 is zero degrees. For the sake of clarity, frame parts 12 and 22 are not shown in this drawing.

[0023] As in Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the joint assembly comprising a first fixed part 31, a second fixed part 32, a first connecting link 33, a second connecting link 34, a first shaft 35, a second shaft 36, a third shaft 37, a fourth shaft 38 and torque generating mechanisms 39A, 39B.

[0024] The first fixed part 31 is shaped in a plate-like form and arranged adjacent to a frame part 12 of the main chassis 10, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows that the first fixed part 31 is arranged on a side edge of the main chassis 10, which is connected to the display chassis 20, and is positioned adjacent to the frame part 12, which forms the remaining side edge of the main chassis 10. Furthermore, the fixed part 31 has an edge section 31c in which threaded bores 31d are formed, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 3 shows, and is fixed to the main chassis 10, for example by inserting screw parts or similar into the threaded holes 31d.

[0025] The first fixed part 31 has a cutout 31a and a recess 31b, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the first shaft 35, which serves as the shaft for the pivoting movements of the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20, is provided in the cutout 31a, and the third shaft 37 is provided in the recess 31b. Furthermore, the first connecting element 33 is arranged between the cutout 31a and the frame part 12, with one end of it pivotally mounted by the first shaft 35. The second connecting element 34 is arranged in the recess 31b, with one end of it pivotally mounted by the third shaft 37.

[0026] The second fixed part 32 is shaped in a plate-like form and is arranged adjacent to a frame part 22 of the display chassis 20, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows. In other words, the second fixed part 32 is arranged on a side edge of the display chassis 20, which is connected to the main chassis 10, and is positioned adjacent to the frame part 22, which forms the remaining side edge of the display chassis 20. Furthermore, the second fixed part 32 has an edge section 32c in which threaded bores 32d are formed, as shown. Fig. 3 shows, and this is fixed to the display chassis 20, for example by inserting screw parts or similar into the threaded holes 32d.

[0027] The second fixed part 32 has a cutout 32a and a recess 32b, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the following. Furthermore, the second shaft 36, which serves as the shaft for the pivoting movements of the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20, is provided in the cutout 32a, and the fourth shaft 38 is provided in the recess 32b. The first connecting element 33 is arranged between the cutout 32a and the frame part 22, with its outer end pivotally mounted by the second shaft 36. The second connecting element 34 is arranged in the recess 32b, with its outer end pivotally mounted by the fourth shaft 38.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the opening of cutout 31a and the opening of cutout 32a are formed in opposite positions, and the first connecting element 33 (including the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36) is placed in the space formed by cutouts 31a, 32a and the frame part 22. Furthermore, the opening of recess 31b and the opening of recess 32b are formed in opposite positions, and the second connecting element 34 (including the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38) is placed in the space formed by recesses 31b and 32b.

[0029] The first connecting link 33 is provided between the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. More specifically, the first connecting element 33 is arranged by extending between the cutout 31a of the first fixed part 31, which is fixed to the main part chassis, and the cutout 32a of the second fixed part 32, which is fixed to the display chassis 20. In the present embodiment, the first connecting element 33 is configured to have the same length as the second connecting element 34.

[0030] The second connecting link 34 is provided between the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows. More specifically, the second connecting element 34 is arranged by extending between the recess 31b of the first fixed part 31, which is fixed to the main part chassis, and the recess 32b of the second fixed part 32, which is fixed to the display chassis 20.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first shaft 35 is provided on one end of the first connecting element 33. The first shaft 35 supports one end of the first connecting element 33 between the cutout 31a of the first fixed part 31 and the frame part 12, thereby pivotably connecting the first connecting element 33 to the main chassis 10.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second shaft 36 is provided on the outer end of the first connecting element 33. The second shaft 36 supports the outer end of the first connecting element 33 between the cutout 32a of the second fixed part 32 and the frame part 22, thereby pivotably connecting the first connecting element 33 to the display chassis 20.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the third shaft 37 is provided on one end of the second connecting element 34. The third shaft 37 supports one end of the second connecting element 34 in the recess 31b of the first fixed part 31, thereby pivotably connecting the second connecting element 34 to the main chassis 10.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the fourth shaft 38 is provided on the other end of the second connecting element 34. The fourth shaft 38 supports the other end of the second connecting element 34 in the recess 32b of the second fixed part 32, thereby pivotably connecting the second connecting element 34 to the display chassis 20.

[0035] The torque generation mechanism 39A (referring to Fig. 5) is adapted to generate torques on the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36. Furthermore, the torque generation mechanism 39B (referring to Fig. 5; which is not shown in other drawings) adapted to generate torques on the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38. The torque-generating mechanisms 39A, 39B can, for example, be composed of leaf springs. The leaf springs are wound around the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38 to enable the generation of torque.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the first connecting member 33 is itself composed of the leaf spring serving as the torque-generating mechanism 39A, and the second connecting member 34 is itself composed of the leaf spring serving as the torque-generating mechanism 39B. To assemble the first connecting member 33 from a leaf spring (a first leaf spring) serving as the torque-generating mechanism 39A, the leaf spring, which has both ends wound around it to conform to the outer diameters of the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36, is provided around the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36, such that the leaf spring extends between the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36, as shown in Fig. 5 shown. Similarly, in order to assemble the second connecting member 34 itself from a leaf spring (a second leaf spring) serving as a torque generating mechanism 39B, the leaf spring, which has its two ends wound around it to be adapted to the outer diameters of the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38, is provided around the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38, so that the leaf spring extends between the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38.

[0037] Providing the torque-generating mechanisms 39A, 39B as leaf springs on the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, it is possible to generate torques on each of the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37, and the fourth shaft 38. In other words, in this case, each of the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37, and the fourth shaft 38 is provided with the torque generation mechanisms 39A and 39B.

[0038] In the articulating devices 30 according to the present embodiment, the torque generation mechanisms 39A, 39B are provided on the shafts, thereby enabling the torque required for opening or closing the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20 to be generated by the four shafts in a suitable manner. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the wear on or damage to the existing components (the shafts and the leaf springs) of the torque generation mechanisms 39A, 39B caused by opening and closing, compared to a conventional articulating device which, for example, has only one or two torque generation mechanisms.

[0039] Furthermore, the torque-generating mechanisms 39A, 39B can, as an alternative configuration, be provided on at least one of the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37, and the fourth shaft 38, and not on the remaining shafts. In other words, according to the configuration, the torque is generated only on some of the shafts. In this case, the leaf springs are wound onto the shafts so that the torque on the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37, or the fourth shaft 38 is generated only at the ends of the first connecting link 33 or the second connecting link 34 where it is necessary to generate the torque, while the leaf springs are wound onto the shafts with an extremely weak force compared to the remaining ends.Alternatively, except at the ends where it is necessary to generate torque, the ends can simply be formed in a cylindrical shape or a hole that has no spring properties.

[0040] If, for example, a torque is to be generated between the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36 at one end of the first connecting member 33, and no torque is to be generated between the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38 at one end of the second connecting member 34 (or only a comparatively extremely weak torque is to be generated), then the first connecting member 33 can be composed of a leaf spring only, and a second connecting member 34A can be composed of a plate-shaped part that is provided closer in the axial direction to the third shaft 37 or the fourth shaft 38, as shown by the modified example in Fig. Figure 4 illustrates this. In this case, the leaf spring, which is part of the first connecting link 33, is wound around the first shaft 35 and the second shaft 36 to function as a connecting mechanism and also as a torque-generating mechanism. Furthermore, the plate-shaped part, which forms the second connecting link 34A, functions as a connecting mechanism that connects only the third shaft 37 with the fourth shaft 38.

[0041] In the example that is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the third shaft 37 or the fourth shaft 38 is configured to be simply inserted into an insertion bore (not shown) formed in the narrow, plate-shaped second connecting member 34A and does not need to be provided with the torque-generating mechanism like the first connecting member 33. In the drawing, the second connecting member 34A is assembled from the narrow, plate-shaped member such that a first fixed part 31A and a second fixed part 32A have cutouts 31Ab, 32Ab instead of corresponding recesses 31b, 32B (with reference to Figure 4). Fig. 3) exhibit. Furthermore, the second connecting element 34A (including the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38) is housed in the space formed by the cutouts 31Ab, 32Ab.

[0042] In the case where a configuration is used in which the torque is generated by only some of the shafts, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, even if the torque generating mechanisms 39A, 39B cannot be provided on some of the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38 because, for example, the chassis has been made thinner, space has been saved or for other reasons, the torque required to open or close the chassis can be determined by the remaining shafts.

[0043] In contrast to a conventional two-shaft joint, the joints 30 according to the present embodiment each have four shafts, namely the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38. The first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38 are arranged such that their axial directions are parallel to each other, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37, and the fourth shaft 38 are arranged in different positions, more laterally than coaxially, when the joint assembly 30 is as shown. Fig. 5 is shown and considered.

[0044] Each of the joint assemblies 30 according to the present embodiment connects the two chassis by means of the preceding non-coaxial four shafts (from the first shaft 35 to the fourth shaft 38) and the two connecting links (the first connecting link 33 and the second connecting link 34) which are tenoned through the shafts, thus making it possible to eliminate the joint block of a conventional joint assembly. This allows for a considerably reduced number of components, and thus enables the device structure to be made significantly smaller and lighter. [Operation of the joint mechanisms]

[0045] Referring now to Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 13 describes the pivoting operation of the joint devices 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention. These drawings illustrate the operation performed by a user when holding and opening the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10. The drawings depict the changes observed at each 45-degree angle from the state in which the upper surface 10a of the main chassis 10 is oriented relative to the lower surface 20a of the display chassis 20 (referring to Fig. 5) is located, up to the state in which the lower surface 10b of the main chassis 10 is opposite the upper surface of the display chassis 20 (referring to Fig. 13).

[0046] First, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows that when the display chassis 20 is closed with respect to the main chassis 10 and the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 is zero degrees, the first connecting element 33 and the second connecting element 34 cross at a symmetrical angle.

[0047] The following, as in Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows when the display chassis 20 is opened and the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 changes from zero degrees to 45 degrees (referring to Fig. 6), 90 degrees (referring to Fig. 7), 135 degrees (referring to Fig. 8) and 180 degrees (referring to Fig. 9) is changed, the other end (on the side of the second shaft 36) of the first connecting link 33 rotates clockwise around the first shaft 35, which serves as the rotating shaft, and the other end (on the side of the fourth shaft 38) of the second connecting link 34 rotates clockwise around the third shaft 37, which serves as the rotating shaft.

[0048] In other words, if the angle of the first connecting element 33 and the second connecting element 34 is gradually reduced with respect to the main chassis 10 until the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 reaches 180 degrees, as in Fig. Figure 9 shows the main chassis 10, the first connecting link 33, the second connecting link 34 and the display chassis 20 aligned in alignment with each other.

[0049] As described above, the joint devices 30, according to the present embodiment, utilize the connection mechanism that links the two chassis via the four non-axial shafts (from the first shaft 35 to the fourth shaft 38) and the two connecting links (the first connecting link 33 and the second connecting link 34) supported by the shafts in such a way as to enable the reduced size. Consequently, when the opening angle of the display chassis 20 is set to 180 degrees with respect to the main chassis 10 (referring to Fig. 9), the articulating devices 30 do not protrude, so that the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20 are able to be placed in a completely flat state.

[0050] If, as follows, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 13 shows that the display chassis 20 is opened further and the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 increases from 180 degrees to 225 degrees (referring to Fig. 10), to 270 degrees (referring to Fig. 11), to 315 degrees (referring to Fig. 12) and 360 degrees (referring to Fig. 13) is changed, the other end (on the side of the second shaft 36) of the first connecting link 33 continues to rotate clockwise around the first shaft 35, which serves as the rotating shaft, and the other end (on the side of the fourth shaft 38) of the second connecting link 34 continues to rotate clockwise around the third shaft 37, which serves as the rotating shaft. Then, when the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 reaches 360 degrees, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the first connecting link 33 and the second connecting link 34 intersect again at a symmetrical angle.

[0051] In the joint devices 30 according to the present embodiment, as in Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the intersection state (crossing angle) of the first connecting element 33 and the second connecting element 34 changes according to the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10; however, the relationship between the two connecting elements is uniquely determined. More specifically, if the opening angle of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 is a predetermined angle, then the intersection state of the first connecting element 33 and the second connecting element 34 is always a predetermined intersection state.

[0052] Furthermore, if the opening angle of the display chassis 20 is symmetrical with respect to the main chassis 10, then the intersection state of the first connecting element 33 and the second connecting element 34 is also symmetrical. For example, if the opening angles are zero degrees (with respect to Fig. 5) and 360 degrees (referring to Fig. 13) are, then the intersection state of the first connecting element 33 and the second connecting element 34 is also symmetrical. Furthermore, if the opening angles are 45 degrees (referring to Fig. 6) and 315 degrees (referring to Fig. 12) are, if the opening angles are 90 degrees (referring to Fig. 7) and 270 degrees (referring to Fig. 11) and if the opening angles are 135 degrees (referring to Fig. 8) and 225 degrees (referring to Fig. 10) are, then the crossing state of the first connecting link 33 and the second connecting link 34 is also symmetrical. The preceding relationship between the degree of opening of the display chassis 20 with respect to the main chassis 10 and the crossing state of the first connecting link 33 and the second connecting link 34 always remains the same for left and right, even in the case where a pair of left- and right-hand joint devices 30 is provided, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0053] In the joint devices 30 according to the present embodiment, the first connecting member 33 and the second connecting member 34 are always in the crossed state when the display chassis 20 is opened to an opening angle, other than 180 degrees, with respect to the main part chassis, as shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 13 shows that this allows the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20 to be supported by two connecting elements, in the same way as, for example, a supporting beam of a building, thereby improving the strength of the entire device.

[0054] While the joint devices and the electronic device provided with the joint devices have been specifically described above according to the present invention with reference to the embodiments for carrying out the invention, it is understandable that the spirit of the invention is not limited thereto and is consistent with the broadest interpretation based on the description of the appended claims. Furthermore, various modifications, alterations and the like, based on the description, are naturally included within the spirit of the present invention.

[0055] For example, each of the preceding joint devices 30 is arranged adjacent to the frame part 12 and to the frame part 22, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 is shown. Alternatively, the articulating devices 30 can be arranged at positions of the frame parts 12, 22. In other words, the frame parts 12, 22 can be located outside the area where the articulating devices 30 are provided, and the articulating devices 30 can be located at the outermost corners of the electronic device 1.

[0056] Furthermore, each of the preceding joint devices 30 is arranged adjacent to the frame part 12 and to the frame part 22, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 is shown. Alternatively, the hinge device 30 can be arranged in positions away from the frame parts 12, 22. If the hinge device 30 is provided in positions away from the frame parts 12, 22, then the cutout 31a and the cutout 32a must be formed in recesses that are closed on the side of the frame parts 12, 22, like the cutout 31b and the cutout 32b, rather than being formed to be open on the side of the frame parts 12, 22.

[0057] Furthermore, the preceding joint devices 30 are provided on the electronic device 1 in the form of a pair of left and right joint devices, as shown in Fig. 1 shown. Alternatively, however, only one of the joint devices 30 may be provided in the center of the lateral direction of the electronic device 1, or one or more additional joint devices 30 may be provided between the pair of left and right joint devices 30.

[0058] In the case where two or more of the articulating devices 30 are provided, at least one of the articulating devices 30 may be provided with the torque generating mechanisms 39A, 39B, while the remaining articulating device or devices 30 are not provided with the torque generating mechanisms 39A, 39B. Alternatively, one or more of the articulating devices 30 may be provided with the torque generating mechanisms 39A, 39B, while the remaining or the majority of the articulating devices 30 may not be provided with the torque generating mechanisms 39A, 39B.With this arrangement, even if the rotation generation mechanisms 39A, 39B cannot be provided to some of the majority of the articulating devices 30, for example due to a chassis that has been made thinner, or for other reasons, the torque required to open and close the chassis can be defined by the remaining articulating devices 30.

[0059] Furthermore, each of the preceding joint devices 30 has the first fixed part 31 and the second fixed part 32, which are arranged between the first connecting member 33 and the second connecting member 34 and the main part chassis 10 and the display chassis 20, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 is shown. Alternatively, the first fixed part 31 can be formed integrally with the main chassis 10, or the second fixed part 32 can be formed integrally with the display chassis 20. In this case, the cutouts 31a, 32a and the recesses 31b, 32b can be formed directly in the rear end sections of the main chassis 10 and the display chassis 20, and the first connecting link 33 and the second connecting link 34 can be arranged therein. With this arrangement, the articulation device can be constructed using only four shafts (from the first shaft 35 to the fourth shaft 38), and the two connecting links (the first connecting link 33 and the second connecting link 34) thus allow the number of components to be further reduced compared to the articulation devices 30 described previously.

[0060] Furthermore, in each of the preceding joint devices 30, the first connecting member 33 is itself composed of the leaf spring that serves as a torque-generating mechanism 39A, and the second connecting member 34 is itself composed of the leaf spring that serves as a torque-generating mechanism 39B, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows this. Alternatively, the first connecting link 33 and the torque generating mechanism 39A can be constructed separately, or the second connecting link 34 and the torque generating mechanism 39B can be constructed separately. In this case, the torque generating mechanism 39A, which is a separate component, can be fixed to the first connecting link 33, or the torque generating mechanism 39B, which is a separate component, can be fixed to the second connecting link 34. As an alternative configuration, the torque generating mechanism 39A or the torque generating mechanism 39B can be fixed to the first fixed part 31 or the second fixed part 32 to rotate the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37, or the fourth shaft 38.

[0061] Furthermore, each of the joint devices 30 can be configured to generate the torque by, for example, an interference fit of the shafts. With this arrangement, even if the torque-generating mechanisms 39A, 39B cannot be provided by some of the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37, and the fourth shaft 38, for example, due to a chassis that has been made thinner or for other reasons, the torque required to open and close the chassis can be determined by the remaining shafts.

[0062] Furthermore, in the modified example of the joint devices 30, which refers to Fig. As described in Figure 4, the first connecting member 33 is composed of the leaf spring (the torque-generating mechanism), and the second connecting member 34A is composed of the narrow, plate-like part (the connecting mechanism). In contrast, the first connecting member 33 can be composed of the narrow, plate-like part (the connecting mechanism), and the second connecting member can be composed of the leaf spring (the torque-generating mechanism).

[0063] Furthermore, each of the preceding joint devices 30 uses the leaf springs as torque-generating mechanisms 39A, 39B, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 is shown. As an alternative configuration, the torque can be generated by an interference fit of the shafts, for example, for the sections that provide the bearings.

[0064] Furthermore, in each of the joint devices 30, if, for example, the torque generated by the torque generation mechanism 39A, 39B is too large or the like, and therefore the magnitude of the torque must be adjusted, and one or more of the torques must be reduced, the first shaft 35, the second shaft 36, the third shaft 37 and the fourth shaft 38 can be fixed, for example, by pressing, and the torque can be determined by the remaining shafts. [Description of symbols] 1 electronic device 10 main chassis 10a upper surface 10b lower surface 11 Keyboard assembly 12 frame parts 20 display chassis 20a lower surface 20b upper surface 21 Display unit 22 Frame part 30 Joint device 31, 31A first fixed part 31a, 31Ab excerpt 31b Recess 32, 32A second fixed part 32a, 32Ab excerpt 32b recess 32c marginal section 32d threaded hole 33 first connecting link 34, 34A second connecting link 35 first wave 36 second wave 37 third wave 38 fourth wave 39A, 39B Torque generation mechanism

Claims

[1] A hinge mechanism (30) connecting two chassis (10, 20) for opening and closing, comprising: a first connecting element (33) and a second connecting element (34) which are provided between one chassis (10) and the other chassis (20); a first shaft (35) which pivotably connects the first connecting element (33) to one chassis (10); a second shaft (36) which pivotably connects the first connecting element (33) to the other chassis (20); a third shaft (37) which pivotably connects the second connecting element (34) to one chassis (10); and a fourth shaft (38) which pivotably connects the second connecting element (34) to the other chassis (20), a torque generation mechanism (39A, 39B) that generates a torque on at least one of the first shaft (35), the second shaft (36), the third shaft (37) or the fourth shaft (38), wherein the first wave (35), the second wave (36), the third wave (37) and the fourth wave (38) are not coaxial, wherein one of the first connecting link (33) or of the second connecting link (34) is composed of a leaf spring which is wound around the first shaft (35) and the second shaft (36) or around the third shaft (37) and the fourth shaft (38), the other of the first connecting member (33) and the second connecting member (34) is composed of a plate-shaped part that connects the first shaft (35) and the second shaft (36) or the third shaft (37) and the fourth shaft (38), and the leaf spring functions as a torque generating mechanism (39A, 39B). [2] Electronic device (1) in which two chassis (10, 20) are pivotably connected by a plurality of joint devices (30), the joint devices (30) each comprising: a first connecting element (33) and a second connecting element (34) which are provided between one chassis (10) and another chassis (20); a first shaft (35) which pivotably connects the first connecting element (33) to one chassis (10); a second shaft (36) which pivotably connects the first connecting element (33) to the other chassis (20); a third shaft (37) which pivotably connects the second connecting element (34) to one chassis (10); and a fourth shaft (38) which pivotably connects the second connecting element (34) to the other chassis (20), and at least one of the majority of the joint devices (30) includes: a torque generating mechanism (39A, 39B) which generates a torque on at least one of the first shaft (35), the second shaft (36), the third shaft (37) and the fourth shaft (38), wherein the first shaft (35), the second shaft (36), the third shaft (37) and the fourth shaft (38) are not coaxial, wherein in at least one of the plurality of joint devices (30) one of the first connecting member (33) or of the second connecting member (34) is composed of a leaf spring which is wound around the first shaft (35) and the second shaft (36) or around the third shaft (37) and the fourth shaft (38), the other of the first connecting member (33) and the second connecting member (34) is composed of a plate-shaped part that connects the first shaft (35) and the second shaft (36) or the third shaft (37) and the fourth shaft (38), and the leaf spring functions as a torque generating mechanism (39A, 39B).

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