Multi-axis hinge device and electronic device using the same

Abstract

To solve a problem that when a curvature radius of a bent portion in a bending part of a flexible display sheet is reduced to improve portability of an electronic apparatus, a difficulty of keeping an inward folded state and an outward folded state securely increases.SOLUTION: A multi-axis hinge device is used in an electronic device in which a flexible display sheet is attached spanning both surfaces of a pair of housings and connects the pair of housings in an openable or closable manner. The multi-axis hinge device comprises: a base frame which is sandwiched by the pair of housings and swingably supports each of the pair of housings; and a lock mechanism which connects at least one of the pair of housings with the base frame through multiple joint parts. An operation load is generated on at least one of the joint parts to hold an opening state and a closed state of the pair of housings.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-axis hinge device suitable for use in various electronic devices such as mobile phones, electronic notebooks, PDAs, netbooks, and even notebook computers, which is formed by attaching a flexible display sheet made of, for example, organic EL across both surfaces of a pair of housings.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as mobile phones have been developed, which are formed by attaching a single flexible display sheet made of organic EL across both surfaces of a pair of housings and are becoming popular in the market. An electronic device that can bend the flexible display sheet of such an electronic device into three states: an inner-folded state, a deployed state, and an outer-folded state is known from the following Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to improve the portability of the electronic device described in the prior art document, if the radius of curvature at the bent portion of the flexible display sheet is reduced, it becomes difficult to reliably hold the inner-folded state and the outer-folded state. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure that reduces the radius of curvature at the bent portion of the flexible display sheet and reliably holds the inner-folded state and the outer-folded state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a multi-axis hinge device used in an electronic device having a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of a pair of housings, which connects the pair of housings so that they can be opened and closed, comprising a base frame sandwiched between the pair of housings and supporting each of the pair of housings so that they can swing, and a locking mechanism that connects at least one of the pair of housings to the base frame via a plurality of joints and sliding parts, characterized in that it maintains the open and closed states of the pair of housings by generating an operating load in at least one of the plurality of joints.

[0006] Next, the invention described in claim 2 is that the locking mechanism comprises a holding portion provided on the base frame and a first joint relative to the holding portion. Department A locking arm supported to swing around, and a second joint relative to the locking arm. Department A lock joint supported so as to be able to swing around, a lock bracket supported so as to be able to slide relative to the lock joint, and the first joint Department The first generates a first operating load around it. operation Load generation part and the second joint Department A second operating load is generated around it. operation The load generating section is configured such that the lock bracket is attached to at least one of a pair of mounting plates connected to each of the pair of housings.

[0007] Next, the invention described in claim 3 is that the locking mechanism is the first joint Department The range of motion of the second joint is greater than the range of motion of the second joint Department It is characterized by having a swing-restricting part that reduces the swing range.

[0008] Next, the invention described in claim 4 is such that the locking mechanism is such that the pair of housings transition from an unfolded state to an outward-folded state of the flexible display sheet to the second joint Department The oscillation of the part is restricted by the oscillation restricting part.

[0009] Next, the invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that the second operating load is set to be greater than the first operating load.

[0010] Next, the invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that the second operating load is set to be greater than the first operating load in the range in which the pair of housings transition from the unfolded state to the inward-folded state of the flexible display sheet.

[0011] Next, the invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises a pair of locking arms extending in different directions relative to the holding portion, a pair of locking joints and a pair of locking brackets provided on each of the pair of locking arms, and a locking synchronization portion that synchronizes the swinging of the pair of locking arms with each other, and each of the pair of locking brackets is connected to the pair of mounting plates.

[0012] Next, the invention described in claim 8 is the first operation The load-generating part is the first joint Department The device is characterized by comprising a first cam coaxially mounted and restricted from swinging relative to the lock arm, a fixed cam facing the first cam and restricted from swinging relative to the holding portion, and a first elastic member that biases the first cam and the fixed cam.

[0013] Next, the invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that the first cam and the fixed cam are in contact with each other at their cam slopes due to the biasing force of the first elastic member, but are not in contact with each other at their cam crests and valleys.

[0014] Next, the invention described in claim 10 is the second operation Load generation section but, The second joint Department The device is characterized by comprising a second cam coaxially mounted and restricted from swinging relative to the lock arm, a third cam facing the second cam and restricted from swinging relative to the lock joint, and a second elastic member that biases the second cam and the third cam.

[0015] Next, the invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the multi-axis hinge device described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is used in an electronic device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] When configured as in claim 1, the flexible display sheet can be compactly held in three states: the inner-folded state, the unfolded state, and the outer-folded state.

[0017] When configured as in claim 2, a locking mechanism can be constituted with fewer parts.

[0018] When configured as in claim 3, it is possible to prevent damage to the flexible display sheet when the flexible display sheet is in three states: the inner-folded state, the unfolded state, and the outer-folded state.

[0019] When configured as in claim 4, it is possible to prevent damage to the flexible display sheet when the flexible display sheet is in three states: the inner-folded state, the unfolded state, and the outer-folded state.

[0020] When configured as in claim 5, the opening and closing quality of the pair of housings can be improved.

[0021] When configured as in claim 6, the opening and closing quality of the pair of housings can be improved.

[0022] When configured as in claim 7, the opening and closing quality of the pair of housings can be improved.

[0023] When configured as in claim 8, a locking mechanism can be constituted with a smaller number of parts.

[0024] When configured as in claim 9, it is possible to eliminate the play in holding the pair of housings in the inner-folded state, the unfolded state, and the outer-folded state.

[0025] When configured as in claim 10, a locking mechanism can be constituted with a smaller number of parts.

[0026] As configured in claim 11, the electronic device can be made more compact and securely held in an inward-folded state, an unfolded state, and an outward-folded state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] The electronic device having a flexible display sheet using a multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the housing when the flexible display sheet is folded inward, (b) is a perspective view of the housing when the flexible display sheet is unfolded, and (c) is a perspective view of the housing when the flexible display sheet is folded outward. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the arrangement of the housing and multi-axis hinge device when the flexible display sheet is in its deployed state. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the mounting plate, base frame, cover, and lower cover. [Figure 4] The images show perspective views of the locking mechanism in a multi-axis hinge device, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from the back. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the overall structure of the locking mechanism in a multi-axis hinge device; (a) is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism, and (b) is a plan view of the assembled locking mechanism. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the retaining part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the first joint in the locking mechanism; (a) is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the first joint in Figure 5(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the CC in Figure 5(b). [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the second joint in the locking mechanism; (a) is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the second joint in Figure 5(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the DD in Figure 5(b). [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the lock synchronization section in the locking mechanism; (a) is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the lock synchronization section in Figure 5(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the EE in Figure 5(b). [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the lock bracket portion of the locking mechanism; (a) is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the lock bracket portion in Figure 5(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the FF portion in Figure 5(b). [Figure 11] These are perspective views of the locking mechanism in a multi-axis hinge device, where (a) is a perspective view of the flexible display sheet being held in an inward-folded position, and (b) is a perspective view of the flexible display sheet being held in an outward-folded position. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the first and second joints of the locking mechanism used when transitioning a flexible display sheet from an unfolded state to an outward-folded state and then to an inward-folded state. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the joints of the locking mechanism in a multi-axis hinge mechanism. (a) is a perspective view of the locking mechanism from above, (b) shows the cam phase of the joint when the flexible display sheet is folded inward, (c) shows the cam phase of the joint when the flexible display sheet is unfolded, and (d) shows the cam phase of the joint when the flexible display sheet is folded outward. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention, and electronic devices using this multi-axis hinge device, will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. [Examples]

[0029] Figure 1 schematically shows a mobile phone A (smartphone) as an example of an electronic device using the multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of mobile phone A in the inward-folded state (hereinafter referred to as the inward-folded state), where the angle between the pair of housings 1 is approximately 0 degrees. Here, the exterior of mobile phone A is divided into a pair of housings 1 and a back cover 2, the back cover 2 consisting of a pair of lower covers 21, a cover 22, a slide bracket 23, and a base bracket 24. A switch 3 is provided to activate the display on the flexible display sheet 4. As will be described later, the pair of housings 1 are connected to a mounting plate (not visible in Figure 1). The pair of mounting plates are pivotably supported relative to the base frame 6 by a multi-axis hinge device B (not visible in Figure 1) provided on the base frame 6. Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of mobile phone A when the angle between the pair of housings 1 is opened to approximately 180 degrees and the flexible display sheet 4 is deployed (hereinafter referred to as the deployed state). Figure 1(c) is obtained when the angle between the pair of housings 1 is set to 360 degrees. In Figure 1(c), the flexible display sheet 4 is folded outwards (hereinafter referred to as the outward-folded state), and the user can receive information displayed on the flexible display sheet 4 while maintaining the compactness of mobile phone A.

[0031] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating the multi-axis hinge device B and a pair of housings 1 when the flexible display sheet 4 is in the unfolded state. The flexible display sheet 4 and other components have been omitted in order to illustrate the multi-axis hinge device B. The multi-axis hinge device B consists of a hinge mechanism 7, a locking mechanism 8, a housing slide mechanism 9, a cover slide mechanism 10, a synchronization mechanism 11, a flexible display sheet guide mechanism 12, and a cover guide mechanism 13. The hinge mechanism 7, locking mechanism 8, housing slide mechanism 9, cover slide mechanism 10, and synchronization mechanism 11 are mounted on the base frame 6 shown in Figure 3, while the flexible display sheet guide mechanism 12 and cover guide mechanism 13 are provided on the mounting plate 5.

[0032] The hinge mechanism 7 and the base frame 6 are screwed together and fixed in the mounting holes 6c of the base frame 6. The mounting holes 72a of the hinge arm 72 extending from the hinge synchronization section 71 are screwed into the mounting screw holes 5a provided in the pair of mounting plates 5 shown in Figure 3. As a result, the pair of mounting plates 5 are supported so as to be able to swing around the arrow 1b on the pivot axis 1a of the hinge arm 72. Since the hinge mechanism 7 is provided on the base frame 6, the pair of mounting plates 5 are supported so as to be able to swing relative to the base frame 6. The pivot axis 1a of the hinge arm 72 is structured to swing within the hinge synchronization section 71 in order to optimally achieve three states of the pair of housings 1: inward folding, unfolded, and outward folding.

[0033] The locking mechanism 8 and the base frame 6 are screwed together in the mounting hole 6e of the base frame 6. The locking arm 84 extending from the first joint A82 of the locking synchronization part A81 is connected to the pair of mounting plates 5 via the second joint A83, locking joint 85, and locking bracket 86. The locking mechanism 8 is provided to hold the pair of mounting plates 5 in an inward-folded state, an unfolded state, and an outward-folded state, and generates an operating load at each joint. operation A load generation unit is provided. 2nd Station By providing multiple joints, similar to nodes, to connect the base frame 6 and the mounting plate 5, the structure is designed to prevent overlapping engagement with the hinge mechanism 7. Details of the locking mechanism 8 will be described later.

[0034] The housing slide mechanism 9 and the base frame 6 are screwed together at mounting holes 6d and 6e of the base frame 6. Here, mounting hole 6e is fastened together with the aforementioned lock mechanism 8. The housing slide mechanism 9 pushes the pair of housings 1 in the direction of arrow 1c as the housing transitions from an outward-folded state to an inward-folded state. This mechanism removes the slack in the flexible display sheet 4 that occurs as the housing transitions from an outward-folded state to an inward-folded state. The housing slide mechanism 9 consists of a slide arm section 91 that picks up the oscillation of the pair of mounting plates 5, a tension conversion section 92 that changes the direction of movement of the mounting plates 5 picked up by the slide arm section 91, and a tension bracket 93 that transmits the movement of the tension conversion section 92 to the pair of housings 1. The mounting hole 93a of the tension bracket 93 is screwed into a mounting screw hole (not shown) provided in the pair of housings 1. As a result, the pair of housings 1 receive appropriate tension according to the oscillation state of the mounting plates 5.

[0035] The cover slide mechanism 10 is a mechanism that removes the looseness of the cover 22 that occurs as it folds outwards by constantly pulling the cover 22 in the direction of arrow 1c as shown in Figure 3. The cover biasing part 102 that screws into the tab 22a of the cover 22 in Figure 3 is biased in the direction of arrow 1c by a tension elastic part 101 such as a coil spring.

[0036] The synchronization mechanism 11 and the base frame 6 are screwed into the mounting holes 6b of the base frame 6. The synchronization mechanism 11 has a pair of synchronization shafts 111 and a pair of synchronization gears 112 that mesh with each other using the synchronization shafts 111 as the axis of rotation, and is provided for synchronizing the rotation of a pair of mounting plates 5.

[0037] The flexible display sheet guide mechanism 12 guides the flexible display sheet 4 to move only in the direction of arrow 1c and its reverse direction by having the flexible display sheet guide pin 122, which is fitted into the elongated hole 121, adhere to the protective sheet backing the flexible display sheet 4.

[0038] The cover guide mechanism 13 guides the cover 22 to move only in the direction of arrow 1c and its opposite direction by having a cover guide pin 132 fitted into the elongated hole 131 and engaging with the guide hole 22b of the cover 22.

[0039] In Figure 3, the cover 22 is attached to the base frame 6 by screwing it into the mounting hole 22c and the mounting screw hole 6a of the base frame 6. The lower cover 21 is attached to the mounting plate 5 by screwing it into the mounting hole 21a and the mounting screw hole 5b of the mounting plate 5. Furthermore, the hooks 21b and 21c are engaged with the slide bracket 23 shown in Figure 2.

[0040] The multi-axis hinge device B is composed of these multiple mechanisms, each playing a different role. In this invention, we will explain in detail the locking mechanism, which securely holds the hinge in the inward-folded state, the unfolded state, and the outward-folded state.

[0041] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 8 of the present invention, where Figure 4(a) is a perspective view from above and Figure 4(b) is a perspective view from the back. As described above, the locking mechanism 8 consists of a lock synchronization part A81, a first joint part A82 having a first joint axis 82a, a second joint part A83 having a second joint axis 83a, a lock arm 84, a lock joint 85, a lock bracket 86, and a holding part A80 that supports them on the base frame 6. The first joint part A82 is provided with a first operating load generating part 87 (components shown in Figure 5) that generates an operating load, and the second joint part A83 is provided with a second operating load generating part 88 (components shown in Figure 5) that generates an operating load.

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates the locking mechanism 8 of the present invention, where Figure 5(a) is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism 8, and Figure 5(b) is a plan view of the assembled locking mechanism 8. Based on Figures 5(a) and (b), the retaining part A80, the first joint part A82, the second joint part A83, the lock synchronization part A81, and the lock bracket part A86 that constitute the lock mechanism 8 will be explained.

[0043] Figure 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the retaining part A80 in Figure 5(a). In Figure 6, the main lock frame 89 and the center lock frame 810 are connected by mounting screws 810d on the center lock frame 810. Mounting holes It is attached by screwing through 810c and into the back of the main lock frame 89. In addition, the side lock frame 811 and the main lock frame 89 are reinforced and positioned by reinforcing shaft 89j and shaft holes 89f and 811b, and the mounting screw 89i Mounting holes The main lock frame 89 is attached by screwing it through the mounting screw hole 811c through the mounting screw hole 89b of the main lock frame 89. The main lock frame 89 is fixed to the base frame 6 by screwing the mounting screw 89g through the mounting hole 6e of the base frame 6 into the mounting screw hole 89b of the main lock frame 89. The main lock frame 89, the center lock frame 810, and the side lock frame 811 constitute the holding part A80 of the lock mechanism 8.

[0044] Figure 7(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the pair of first joints A82 in Figure 5(a). In Figure 7(a), the first joint shaft 82b passes through the bearing hole 810a of the center lock frame 810, and both ends of its shaft are supported by the bearing holes 89a of the main lock frame 89 and the bearing holes 811a of the side lock frame 811. The first joint shaft 82b also passes through the hollow core of the first elastic member 87a, which is formed of a coil spring or the like, the through hole 87c of the fixed cam 87b, and the first joint hole 84d of the lock arm 84. As a result, the lock arm 84 is supported so as to be able to swing around the first joint axis 82a relative to the holding part A80. The first joint shaft 82b, the first elastic member 87a, the first cam 84b of the lock arm 84, and the fixed cam 87b constitute the first joint A82.

[0045] Figure 8(a) is an enlarged perspective view of one of the pair of second joints A83 in Figure 5(a). In Figure 8(a), the second joint shaft 83b passes through the through hole 84e of the lock arm 84 and the second joint hole 85a of the lock joint 85, and both ends are screwed into the mounting screw holes 88h of the lock nut 88g. The second joint shaft 83b also passes through the through hole 88b of the second elastic member 88a, which is formed of a disc spring or the like, the through hole 88d of the third cam 88c, and the through hole 88f of the washer 88e between the lock arm 84 and the lock nut 88g. As a result, the lock joint 85 is supported so as to be able to swing around the second joint axis 83a relative to the lock arm 84. The second joint A83 is composed of the second joint shaft 83b, the second cam 84c of the lock arm 84, the second elastic member 88a, the third cam 88c, the washer 88e, and the lock nut 88g.

[0046] In the first joint A82, the fixed cam surface 87d of the fixed cam 87b and the cam surface of the first cam 84b in the lock arm 84 face each other, and the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b are biased in opposing directions by the first elastic member 87a. Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 5(b), and the fixed cam surface 87d is shown in cross-section by the cross-section cutting through the fixed cam 87b. Since both first joint shafts 82b pass through the fixed cam 87b, around the first joint shafts 82b Oscillation It is regulated. Here, the fixed cam 87b is slidable in the axial direction on the first joint shaft 82b. Therefore, when a predetermined torque is applied to the lock arm 84, the cam inclination of the fixed cam 87b is pushed by the cam inclination of the engaged first cam 84b and slides on the first joint shaft 82b. When this sliding force exceeds the biasing force of the first elastic member 87a, the engagement of the cam surfaces of the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b is disengaged, and the lock arm 84 becomes able to swing widely around the first joint axis 82a relative to the holding part A80. In this invention, the torque at which the engagement of the cam surfaces is disengaged is defined as the first escape torque. The mechanism that applies the first escape torque to the first joint A82 in this manner is called the first operating load generating part 87, and the first operating load generating part 87 is composed of the first cam 84b, the fixed cam 87b, and the first elastic member 87a within the first joint A82.

[0047] At the second joint A83, the cam surface of the second cam 84c of the lock arm 84 and the third cam 88c face each other, and the second elastic member 88a biases the second cam 84c and the third cam 88c in opposing directions. Figure 8(b) is a cross-sectional view of the DD in Figure 5(b), and as shown in Figure 8(b), the second joint shaft 83b does not have a circular cross-section but rather an irregularly shaped cross-section, for example, with a part cut out. For this reason, when inserted into the second joint hole 85a of the lock joint 85, which has the same cross-sectional shape, the lock joint 85 is positioned relative to the second joint shaft 83b. Oscillation It is regulated. Similarly, the through hole 88d of the third cam 88c also has an irregular cross-sectional shape, so the third cam 88c is relative to the second joint shaft 83b. Oscillation It is regulated. Here, the third cam 88c is axially slidable on the second joint shaft 83b. As a result, when a predetermined torque is applied to the lock joint 85, the cam inclination of the third cam 88c is pushed by the cam inclination of the engaged second cam 84c and slides on the second joint shaft 83b. When this sliding force exceeds the biasing force of the second elastic member 88a, the engagement of the cam surfaces of the third cam 88c and the second cam 84c is disengaged, and the lock joint 85 becomes able to swing widely around the second joint axis 83a relative to the lock arm 84. In this invention, the torque at which this engagement of the cam surfaces is disengaged is defined as the second escape torque. The mechanism that applies this second escape torque to the second joint A83 is called the second operating load generating unit 88, and the second operating load generating unit 88 is composed of the second cam 84c, the third cam 88c and the second elastic member 88a within the second joint A83.

[0048] Figure 9(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the lock synchronization section A81 in Figure 5(a). In Figure 9(a), the synchronization gear frame 81c and the main lock frame 89 are attached as shown in Figure 5(a) by mounting screws 89h passing through mounting holes 89d in the main lock frame 89 and screwing into mounting screw holes 81e in the synchronization gear frame 81c. The synchronization gear 81a is supported by the synchronous gear shafts 81b at both ends in bearing holes 81d in the synchronization gear frame 81c and bearing holes 810b in the center lock frame 810. Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view of EE in Figure 5(b), where the pair of meshing synchronization gears 81a also mesh with each of the pair of arm gears 84a provided on the lock arm 84. Therefore, when one lock arm 84 is moved, the other lock arm 84 also swings in sync due to the gear movement. The lock synchronization section A81 is composed of the synchronization gear 81a, the synchronization gear frame 81c, and the arm gears 84a.

[0049] Figure 10(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the lock bracket portion A86 in Figure 5(a). In Figure 10(a), a slide pin 86c is press-fitted into the slide pin mounting hole 86b of the lock bracket 86. The slide pin 86c is inserted into the slide hole 85b of the lock joint 85, and the lock bracket 86 is supported so as to be slidable relative to the lock joint 85 in the direction of arrow 86e. The lock bracket 86 is provided with a positioning shaft 86d that is positioned by the positioning hole 5d of the mounting plate 5, and a mounting hole 86a for screwing into the mounting screw hole 5c of the mounting plate 5. In this way the lock bracket 86 is fixed to the mounting plate 5, but this embodiment is not limited to this example, and the lock bracket 86 may be directly fixed to the housing 1. The lock arm 84 Oscillation Restricting sections 84f and 84g are provided. Figure 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of the FF in Figure 5(b), and shows the lock joint 85. Oscillation The regulating surface 85c and the lock arm 84 Oscillation When either the restricting part 84f or 84g comes into contact with the lock joint 85 during the swing, the lock joint 85 becomes able to swing within a predetermined range θ relative to the lock arm 84. Oscillation It is regulated.

[0050] Here, we will explain why the locking mechanism 8 has multiple joints, such as the first and second joints. The electronic device having the multi-axis hinge device B of the present invention can put the flexible display sheet 4 into three states: inward-folded, unfolded, and outward-folded. Because the flexible display sheet 4 and the member supporting it are thick, in order to achieve the above three states, it is necessary to provide multiple pivot axes for folding, or to configure the pivot axis 1a to swing, as in the hinge mechanism 7 described in Figure 2. When providing multiple pivot axes in this way, or when swinging the pivot axis, it is necessary to provide multiple joints in the locking mechanism 8 and to prevent interference with the operation of the hinge mechanism 7 by making the lock bracket 86 slidable relative to the lock joint 85. For this reason, the locking mechanism 8 is provided with multiple joints.

[0051] Figure 11(a) is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 8 when the electronic device is folded inward, and Figure 11(b) is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 8 when it is folded outward. The phase of the peaks and valleys of the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b will be explained in Figures 11(a) and 11(b). At the first joint A82, the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b engage at four locations, but as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the cam phases are different at the cam contact surfaces 87e and 87f. At the cam contact surface 87e, the peaks of the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b overlap, disengaging them, while at the cam contact surface 87f, the cam slopes of the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b are in contact and engaged. In contrast, in the perspective view of the unfolded state in Figure 4, the cam slopes are in contact and engaged at both the cam contact surfaces 87e and 87f. Therefore, the holding force of the first joint A82 in the deployed state is set to be stronger than the holding force in the inward-folded and outward-folded states. This allows for stable operation of electronic devices in the deployed state, and enables smooth opening and closing from the inward-folded and outward-folded states to the deployed state.

[0052] Figure 12 illustrates the relationship between the lock arm 84 and the lock bracket 86 of the lock mechanism 8 when transitioning the electronic device from an unfolded state to an outward-folded state and then to an inward-folded state. In Figure 12, when the lock arm 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow 88i relative to the main lock frame 89, which is the holding part A80, to fold the mounting plate 5 outward, there is no relative angle change between the lock bracket 86 and the lock arm 84. This is because, as explained using Figure 10(b), rotation in this direction is provided on the lock joint 85. Oscillation A regulating surface 85c is provided on the lock arm 84. Oscillation The lock joint 85 and lock arm 84 are in contact with the regulating part 84f. Oscillation This is because it is regulated. Therefore, the lock joint 85 and the lock bracket 86 rotate together with the lock arm 84 around the first joint axis 82a of the first joint A82.

[0053] The lock arm 84 is directed towards the main lock frame 89 in the direction of arrow 88j. From the arrow pointing 88k When the mounting plate 5 is rotated inward to a folded state, the second joint A83 rotates in accordance with the angle of the lock bracket 86. This is because the lock bracket 86 is fastened to the mounting plate 5, so the angle of the lock bracket 86 is equal to the angle of the mounting plate 5. Also, as explained using Figure 10(b), in the direction of arrow 88j, the lock joint 85 and the lock arm 84 are within the range of angle θ. Oscillation To avoid being subject to regulations, the angle between the lock bracket 86 and the lock arm 84 changes in accordance with the orientation of the mounting plate 5.

[0054] The second escape torque of the second operating load generating unit 88 located at the second joint A83 is set to be greater than the first escape torque of the first operating load generating unit 87 located at the first joint A82. Therefore, when the lock arm 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow 88j, the second joint A83 does not rotate first. Furthermore, as long as the rotational torque when the lock arm 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow 88j is less than or equal to the first escape torque, that is, as long as the engagement of the cam surfaces of the first joint A82 and the second joint A83 does not disengage, the first joint A82 and the second joint A83 rotate in accordance with the angle of the mounting plate 5. This coordinated angular change of the first and second joints A82 and A83 is necessary to rotate the electronic device inward without damaging the flexible display sheet 4.

[0055] As shown in Figure 12, when the mounting plate 5 is folded inward, the lock arm 84 is in an open position from the vertical at an angle θ. Oscillation This is restricted, thereby securing space for the flexible display sheet 4 to be stored when folded inward. The lock bracket 86 is provided at the lock joint 85 when it has rotated θ relative to the lock arm 84. Oscillation A regulating surface 85c is provided on the lock arm 84. Oscillation The lock joint 85 and lock arm 84 are in contact with the regulating part 84g. Oscillation The lock bracket 86 is restricted. This causes the lock bracket 86 to be in a vertical position. By restricting the closing angle of the lock arm 84 in this way, storage space for the flexible display sheet 4 is secured, and by rotating the lock bracket 86, the pair of mounting plates 5 and the pair of housings 1 connected to the mounting plates 5 are made parallel.

[0056] As explained in Figure 12, both the first joint A82 and the second joint A83 OscillationA restricting mechanism is provided, and the swing range of the second joint A83 is made narrower than that of the first joint A82. Furthermore, the second escape torque of the second operating load generating unit 88 is set to be greater than the first escape torque of the first operating load generating unit 87. These are features of the present invention for operating electronic equipment having a multi-axis hinge device B in a high-quality manner, transitioning between an inward-folded state, an unfolded state, and an outward-folded state.

[0057] Figure 13 illustrates the phase relationship of the cam contact surface 87f in the inward-folded, unfolded, and outward-folded states. Figure 13(a) is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 8 from above, Figure 13(b) shows the relationship between the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b of the cam contact surface 87f in the inward-folded state, Figure 13(c) shows the relationship between the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b of the cam contact surface 87f in the unfolded state, and Figure 13(d) shows the relationship between the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b of the cam contact surface 87f in the outward-folded state. Here, the cam phases in Figure 13(c) and Figure 13(d) are the same, while the cam phase in Figure 13(b) is different from that in Figures 13(c) and 13(d). However, in all cases, the fixed cam 87b and the first cam 84b of the cam contact surface 87f are both in contact with and sandwiched between the slopes on either side of the cam, and there is a gap between the peaks and valleys of the cam. In this way, the cams are wedge-shaped and interlocked by contacting the adjacent slopes, eliminating play between the cams. Therefore, the cam contact surface 87f can reliably hold the inward-folded, unfolded, and outward-folded states without any play. As mentioned above, the cam contact surface 87e is wedge-shaped and interlocked only in the unfolded state, so the holding force in the unfolded state is stronger than in the inward-folded and outward-folded states.

[0058] As described above, the multi-axis hinge mechanism of the present invention is provided with a locking mechanism 8 that connects the housing 1 or mounting plate 5 and the base frame 6 via a plurality of joints, namely the first joint A82 and the second joint A83. By generating an operating load on the plurality of joints, it is possible to reliably maintain the inward-folded state, the unfolded state and the outward-folded state of the pair of housings 1.

[0059] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 8 is provided on both of the pair of mounting plates 5, but it may be provided on only one of them. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 8 is not limited to use in a multi-axis hinge device that combines the various mechanisms described in Figure 2, but can be applied to various hinge devices. [Industrial applicability]

[0060] As described above, the multi-axis hinge device B of the present invention is configured to be compact while reliably maintaining the inward-folded, unfolded, and outward-folded states of the pair of housings 1.

[0061] The present invention provides a multi-axis hinge device suitable for use in foldable electronic devices in which a flexible display sheet is stretched across a pair of housings, such as mobile phones, electronic organizers, PDAs, netbooks, video display devices, portable game consoles, and notebook computers, and is also suitable for use in foldable electronic devices using this multi-axis hinge device. The multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention is not limited to mobile phones, but can be widely used in foldable electronic devices in which a pair of housings, each with a flexible display sheet attached to its surface, are connected to each other in an openable and closable manner, as described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1 cabinet 2. Back cover 3 switches 4 Flexible display sheet 5. Mounting plate 6 Base frame 7. Hinge mechanism 8. Locking mechanism 9. Housing sliding mechanism 10. Cover slide mechanism 11 Synchronization mechanism 12 Flexible display sheet guide mechanism 13. Cover guide mechanism 82a First joint axis 83a Second joint axis 84 Lock Arm 84a Arm Gear 84b First Cam 84c 2nd cam 84f Oscillation Regulatory Department 84g Oscillation Regulatory Department 85 Lock Joint 85c Oscillation Regulatory impact 86 Lock Bracket 86c slide pin 87 No. 1 operation Load generation section 87a First elastic member 87b Fixed cam 88 No. 2 operation Load generation section 88a Second elastic member 88c Third Cam 89 Main Lock Frame 810 Center Lock Frame 811 Side Lock Frame A mobile phone B Multi-axis hinge device A80 Holding part A81 Lock Synchronization Unit A82 First joint A83 Second joint A86 Lock Bracket Section

Claims

1. A multi-axis hinge device for use in electronic equipment comprising a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of a pair of housings, which connects the pair of housings in an openable and closable manner, comprising a base frame sandwiched between the pair of housings and supporting each of the pair of housings so as to be swingable, and a locking mechanism that connects at least one of the pair of housings to the base frame via a plurality of joints and sliding parts, wherein the open and closed states of the pair of housings are maintained by generating an operating load in at least one of the plurality of joints.

2. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a holding portion provided on the base frame, a lock arm supported so as to be pivotable about a first joint portion with respect to the holding portion, a lock joint supported so as to be pivotable about a second joint portion with respect to the lock arm, a lock bracket supported so as to be slidable with respect to the lock joint, a first operating load generating portion that generates a first operating load about the first joint portion, and a second operating load generating portion that generates a second operating load about the second joint portion, and the lock bracket is attached to at least one of a pair of mounting plates connected to each of the pair of housings.

3. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking mechanism has a swing restricting part that makes the swing range of the second joint smaller than the swing range of the first joint.

4. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking mechanism restricts the oscillation of the second joint portion by the oscillation restricting portion in the range in which the pair of housings transition from an unfolded state to an outward-folded state of the flexible display sheet.

5. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second operating load is set to be greater than the first operating load.

6. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second operating load is set to be greater than the first operating load in the range in which the pair of housings transition from an unfolded state to an inward-folded state of the flexible display sheet.

7. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises a pair of locking arms extending in different directions from the holding portion, a pair of locking joints and a pair of locking brackets provided on each of the pair of locking arms, and a locking synchronization portion that synchronizes the swinging of the pair of locking arms with each other, and each of the pair of locking brackets is connected to the pair of mounting plates.

8. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first operating load generating unit is provided coaxially with the first joint and comprises a first cam that is restricted from swinging relative to the lock arm, a fixed cam that faces the first cam and is restricted from swinging relative to the holding unit, and a first elastic member that biases the first cam and the fixed cam.

9. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first cam and the fixed cam are in contact with each other at their cam slopes due to the biasing force of the first elastic member, but are not in contact with each other at their cam peaks and valleys.

10. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second operating load generating unit is provided coaxially with the second joint and comprises a second cam that is restricted from swinging relative to the lock arm, a third cam that faces the second cam and is restricted from swinging relative to the lock joint, and a second elastic member that biases the second cam and the third cam.

11. An electronic device characterized by using a multi-axis hinge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images