Hinge device and electronic apparatus using hinge device

Abstract

To reduce a load applied to a flexible display sheet when a housing is in three states: an inwardly folded state, an unfolded state, and an outwardly folded state.SOLUTION: A hinge device connects a pair of housings so that they can be opened and closed. The hinge mechanism sandwiched between the pair of housings has first and second joint parts that support the pair of housings so that they can be opened and closed, and selectively rotates the first and second joint parts depending on an angle formed by the pair of housings.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a 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, for example, an organic EL flexible display sheet across both surfaces of a pair of housings, and to an electronic device using the hinge device. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as mobile phones configured by attaching a single organic EL flexible display sheet across both surfaces of a pair of housings have been developed and are becoming widespread in the market. A hinge mechanism that smoothly transitions such an electronic device from a folded state to an unfolded state is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT PATENT DOCUMENT

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-035904 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] The hinge mechanism of Patent Document 1 uses a plurality of hinge rotation shafts to transition the electronic device from a folded state to an unfolded state. However, with this hinge mechanism, when the electronic device is set to have three states: inward-folding state, unfolded state, and outward-folding state, a large load may be generated on the flexible display sheet due to slack or tension caused by the difference in surface length. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a hinge mechanism capable of reducing slack and tension applied to a flexible display sheet when an electronic device is set to three states: an inward-folding state, an unfolded state, and an outward-folding state. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005] To solve the above problem, a pair of housings A hinge device for connecting two housings so as to be openable and closable, having a hinge mechanism sandwiched between the pair of housings, the hinge mechanism comprising: first and second joints that support the pair of housings so as to be openable and closable; a first restricting part that restricts the rotation of the second joint relative to the first joint when the first joint is rotating in the first direction; a second restricting part that restricts the rotation of the first joint in a second direction different from the first direction within a predetermined angular range; and a first restriction release part provided on the first restricting part that releases the restriction on the rotation of the second joint by the first restricting part in response to rotation in the second direction. The device has the ability to select and rotate the first and second joints according to the angle formed by the pair of housings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention described above, This reduces the slack and tension applied to the flexible display sheet when transitioning a pair of enclosures from an inward-folded state to an unfolded state and then to an outward-folded state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] An example of an electronic device is shown below: (a) Figure is a perspective view when the pair of housings are folded inward. (b) Figure is a perspective view when the pair of housings are unfolded. (c) Figure is a perspective view when the pair of housings are folded outward. [Figure 2] The hinge device according to the present invention is shown in the following diagrams: (a) is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the hinge device when a pair of housings are in the unfolded state; and (b) is a perspective view of the synchronization mechanism. [Figure 3] The hinge device according to the present invention is shown, with (a) being an enlarged perspective view of the hinge device and (b) being a side view illustrating the hinge rotation axis of the joint. [Figure 4] The following diagrams illustrate the changes in the state of a flexible display sheet during opening and closing operations: (a) is a schematic diagram of the changes in the state of the flexible display sheet when there is one hinge rotation axis; (b) is a schematic diagram of the changes in the state of the flexible display sheet when there are two hinge rotation axes; and (c) is a diagram showing an example of changes in slack and tension that occur in the flexible display sheet when a pair of housings transitions from an outward-folded state to an unfolded state and then to an inward-folded state. [Figure 5] This is a partially exploded perspective view of the hinge device according to the present invention, where (a) is an exploded perspective view of the hinge device, (b) is an exploded perspective view of the clutch lock section, and (c) is an exploded perspective view of the in-guide of the hinge mechanism. [Figure 6]This diagram illustrates the operation of the hinge device according to the present invention. (a) is a partial perspective view of the hinge device at the start of the transition from the unfolded state to the inward-folded state. (b) is a partial perspective view of the hinge device during the transition from the unfolded state to the inward-folded state. (c) is a partial perspective view of the hinge device at the start of the transition from the unfolded state to the outward-folded state. (d) is a partial perspective view of the hinge device during the transition from the unfolded state to the outward-folded state. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the operation of the hinge device according to the present invention. (a) is a plan view showing the cross-sectional lines of the hinge device. (b) is a cross-sectional view AA of the hinge device in (a) illustrating the operation of the abutment lock. (c) is an external view of the abutment lock. (d) is an external view of the cam lock. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the operation of the hinge device according to the present invention. (a) is a plan view showing the cross-sectional lines of the hinge device in the unfolded state. (b) is a plan view showing the cross-sectional lines of the hinge device in the outward folding transition state. (c) is a BB cross-sectional view of the hinge device in the unfolded state. (d) is a CC cross-sectional view of the hinge device in the outward folding transition state. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the operation of the hinge device according to the present invention. (a) is a schematic plan view of the hinge device in its deployed state illustrating the operation of the clutch lock and cam lock. (b) is a schematic side view of the hinge device in its deployed state illustrating the operation of the clutch lock. (c) is a schematic plan view of the hinge device in its inward-folded state illustrating the operation of the clutch lock and cam lock. (d) is a schematic side view of the hinge device in its inward-folded state illustrating the operation of the clutch lock. (e) is a schematic plan view of the hinge device in its outward-folded state illustrating the operation of the clutch lock and cam lock. (f) is a schematic side view of the hinge device in its outward-folded state illustrating the operation of the clutch lock. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the hinge device according to the present invention, and electronic devices using this hinge device, will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. [Examples]

[0009] Figure 1 shows the hinge device according to the present invention. B A mobile phone A (smartphone) is shown as an example of an electronic device using [the technology].

[0010] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of mobile phone A when the angle between the pair of housings 10 is approximately 0 degrees (hereinafter, the pair of housings 10 are in a folded state). Here, the exterior of mobile phone A consists of the pair of housings 10, a lower cover 11, a side cover 12, a slide bracket 13, and a base bracket 14, and the flexible display sheet 15 is folded inward inside the housings 10. Also, a switch 10a is provided to activate the display on the flexible display sheet 15. Here, the hinge device provided on the base frame 21 in Figure 2 B The hinge mechanism U30 in this configuration rotatably supports a pair of mounting plates 20 relative to the base frame 21. Since each of the mounting plates 20 is connected to a pair of housings 10, the angle between the housings 10 can be changed. Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of mobile phone A when the angle between the pair of housings 10 is approximately 180 degrees (hereinafter, the pair of housings 10 is in the unfolded state), and the flexible display sheet 15 is spread across both surfaces of the pair of housings 10. Here, the length of the flexible display sheet 15 in the direction of arrow 15a in the unfolded state is defined as the "face length". When the angle between the pair of housings 10 is set to 360 degrees (hereinafter, the pair of housings 10 is in the outward-folded state), the result is Figure 1(c). In Figure 1(c), the flexible display sheet 15 is folded in half outwards, so that the user can receive information displayed on the flexible display sheet 15 while maintaining the compactness of mobile phone A. The housing mechanism U10 is composed of a pair of housings 10, a lower cover 11, a side cover 12, a slide bracket 13, a base bracket 14, and a flexible display sheet 15.

[0011] In the mobile phone A having the forms shown in Fig. 1(a), Fig. 1(b), and Fig. 1(c), the length of the device in the direction of arrow 15a generally changes among the expanded state, inward-folded state, and outward-folded state. Therefore, slack or tension occurs in the flexible display sheet 15 due to the difference between the length of the device and the surface length of the flexible display sheet 15 supported thereon (defined as "surface length difference"). In order to reduce the load applied to the flexible display sheet 15, a mechanism that alleviates the slack and tension caused by such a surface length difference becomes important.

[0012] Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view illustrating the frame mechanism U20, the hinge mechanism U30, and the synchronization mechanism U40 when the mobile phone A is in the expanded state, wherein the flexible display sheet 15 is represented by a two-dot chain line. The frame mechanism U20 is composed of mounting plates 20 and a base frame 21, and the hinge mechanism U30 provided on the base frame 21 rotatably supports the pair of mounting plates 20 relative to the base frame 21. A housing 10 (not shown in Fig. 2) is connected to each of the pair of mounting plates 20, and the flexible display sheet 15 is supported by the pair of housings 10.

[0013] The synchronization mechanism U40 shown in Fig. 2(b) is provided for synchronously opening and closing the pair of housings 10. The synchronization mechanism U40 is composed of a synchronization part 40, a synchronous rotation shaft 41, a synchronous arm 42, a friction generating part 43, and a synchronization mechanism bracket 44. The synchronization mechanism bracket 44 is connected to the pair of housings 10 via the mounting plates 20. The friction generating part 43 has a plurality of friction plates compressed in the axial direction of the synchronous rotation shaft 41, whereby the synchronization mechanism bracket 44 holds the pair of housings 10 in the inward-folded state, expanded state, and outward-folded state with a predetermined torque. The synchronization part 40 plays a role of synchronizing the left and right synchronization mechanism brackets 44 with the base frame 21 interposed therebetween, and transmits the rotation of the left synchronization mechanism bracket 44 to the right synchronization mechanism bracket 44 through gear transmission. That is, when a user opens or closes either one of the pair of housings 10, the other housing is also synchronously opened or closed by the mechanism.

[0014] The hinge mechanism U30 is configured to transition the pair of housings 10 from an outward-folding state through an unfolded state to an inward-folding state, and has a mechanism for reducing loads such as slack and tension applied to the flexible display sheet 15 in the three states. The details of the hinge mechanism U30 will be described below.

[0015] Fig. 3(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the hinge mechanism U30. The hinge mechanism U30 includes an inner guide 30, an outer guide 31, a lock spring 32, a clutch cap 33, Hinge mechanism and a bracket 34. The inner guide 30 and the clutch cap 33 are constituent elements of a first joint portion, and the outer guide 31 and the lock spring 32 are constituent elements of a second joint portion. Fig. 3(b) shows the first joint of the first joint portion Department the center shaft 10b and the second joint of the second joint portion Department is a side view of the hinge mechanism U30 illustrating the center shaft 10c. When the pair of housings 10 is transitioned from the unfolded state to the inward-folding state, the first joint Department the mounting plate 20 is rotated about the center shaft 10b, and when transitioning from the unfolded state to the outward-folding state, the second joint Department the mounting plate 20 is rotated about the center shaft 10c.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the folded state of the flexible display sheet 15, in which (a) shows the first and second joints Department a schematic diagram of a state change of the flexible display sheet 15 when the center shafts 10b and 10c are at the same position (when there is one hinge rotation axis), and (b) shows the first and second joints Department a schematic diagram of a state change of the flexible display sheet 15 when the center shafts 10b and 10c are switched between inward folding and outward folding (when two hinge rotation axes are switched), and (c) is a diagram showing an example of change in surface length difference occurring in the flexible display sheet 15 when transitioning from the outward-folding state through the unfolded state to the inward-folding state. In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the flexible display sheet 15 transitions from an outward-folded state having an outward-folded straight section 15c and an outward-folded arc section 15d around the flexible display sheet center 15b, to an inward-folded state having an inward-folded straight section 15f and an inward-folded arc section 15g, via an unfolded straight section 15e. Here, the sum of the lengths of the pair of outward-folded straight sections 15c and outward-folded arc sections 15d, the length of the unfolded straight section 15e, and the sum of the lengths of the pair of inward-folded straight sections 15f and inward-folded arc sections 15g are defined as "device lengths," and as mentioned above, the difference between the lengths of each device and the face length of the flexible display sheet 15 is defined as the "face length difference."

[0017] In Figure 4(a), the second joint Department The pair of housings 10 are fixed at the axial position of the central axis 10c and transition from an outward folded state to an unfolded state and then to an inward folded state. In contrast, in Figure 4(b), the second joint is used during the transition from the outward folded state to the unfolded state. Department The pair of housings 10 rotate around the central axis 10c, and the first joint is engaged during the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state. Department The pair of housings 10 are rotated around the central axis 10b.

[0018] Figure 4(c) is a graph showing the change in face length difference, where the vertical axis 15h represents the face length difference and the horizontal axis 15i represents the amount of rotation of the pair of housings 10. The outward folding surface length difference curve 15j is the surface length difference curve from the outward folding state to the unfolded state, and is the second joint. Department Because the pair of housings 10 are rotated around the central axis 10c, the same face length difference curve is obtained for both the state changes in Figure 4(a) and (b). Here, using the face length in the unfolded state as a reference, in the outward folded state, the length of the aforementioned device becomes longer than the length of the flexible display sheet 15, so a tensioning force is applied to the flexible display sheet 15, which is fixed at both ends to the pair of housings 10. The second inward folded face length difference curve 15m is the second joint in the state change in Figure 4(a) DepartmentThis is the curve of the difference in surface length when a pair of housings 10 are rotated from an unfolded state to an inward-folded state around the central axis 10c, and the first inward-fold surface length difference curve 15k is the first joint in the state change shown in Figure 4(b). Department This is a curve showing the difference in surface length when a pair of housings 10 are rotated from an unfolded state to an inward-folded state around the central axis 10b. Here, using the surface length in the unfolded state as a reference, in the inward-folded state the length of the aforementioned equipment becomes shorter than the length of the flexible display sheet 15, resulting in slack in the flexible display sheet 15, which is fixed at both ends to the pair of housings 10.

[0019] As can be seen from Figure 4(c), the change in the difference in surface length when the pair of housings 10 transition from the outward folded state to the unfolded state and then to the inward folded state is La in the state change shown in Figure 4(a) and Lb in the state change shown in Figure 4(b). The change in surface length can be reduced in the state change shown in Figure 4(b). This is because the first joint Department The distance yb between the central axis 10b and the center 15b of the flexible display sheet is the second joint. Department This is because the distance yc between the central axis 10c and the center 15b of the flexible display sheet is shorter. (Second joint) Department The arrangement of the central axis 10c is determined by the shape of the mobile phone A in the outward-folded state, and it cannot be brought close to the center 15b of the flexible display sheet. However, in the inward-folded state, the same axis arrangement is not required, so the first joint is close to the center 15b of the flexible display sheet. Department By switching to the configuration with the central axis 10b, the difference in surface length can be reduced from La to Lb. Furthermore, any sagging or tension in the flexible display sheet 15 caused by the change in surface length can be absorbed by a tension mechanism (not shown). However, the hinge rotation axis is the second joint. Department From the central axis 10c to the first joint DepartmentIn this invention, which switches to the central axis 10b, the resulting slack and tension are reduced, and the load on the flexible display sheet 15 by the tension mechanism can be reduced. Furthermore, a linear change in the surface length difference, as shown in the combination of the outer fold surface length difference curve 15j and the first inner fold surface length difference curve 15k in Figure 4(c), has the advantage of allowing for a simpler and more compact tension mechanism.

[0020] As mentioned above, a technique for transitioning a mobile phone A from an inward-folded state to an unfolded state by simultaneously utilizing multiple hinge rotation axes is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In contrast to Patent Document 1, the present invention selects and rotates a joint from multiple joints to be used while transitioning the mobile phone A from an inward-folded state to an unfolded state and then to an outward-folded state. This technique of selecting the hinge rotation axis in this way reduces slack and tension applied to the flexible display sheet 15, and is a feature of the present invention, which will be explained in detail below.

[0021] [Description of the Hinge Mechanism U30] Figure 5(a) is an exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism U30, and the configuration of the hinge mechanism U30 will be explained using Figure 5. In Figure 5(a), the in-guide arc groove 30a provided on the in-guide 30 fits into the in-guide arc axis 21a provided on the base frame 21. The in-guide 30 then slides in an arc shape on the base frame 21 in the inward folding rotation direction indicated by arrow 30b. The rotation center of the in-guide 30 is the first joint in Figure 3(b). Department This forms the central axis 10b. The base frame outer folding abutment portion 21b provided on the base frame 21 and the in guide outer folding abutment portion 30d provided on the in guide 30 constitute the abutment lock, which is the second restricting portion. Details of the abutment lock will be described later with reference to Figures 7 and 9.

[0022] The arc axis 30c of the outer guide provided on the inner guide 30 and the arc groove 31d of the outer guide provided on the outer guide 31 engage with each other. The outer guide 31 then slides in an arc shape on the inner guide 30 in the outward rotation direction indicated by arrow 31e. The center of rotation of the outer guide 31 is the second joint in Figure 3(b). DepartmentThe central axis is 10c. The in-guide cam 30f (Figure 5(c)) provided on the in-guide 30 and the out-guide cam 31f provided on the out-guide 31 engage with each other by a lock spring 32 to form a cam lock, which is the first restricting part. Details of the cam lock will be described later using Figures 7 and 9.

[0023] A clutch cap 33 is provided between the in guides 30. Figure 5(b) is a perspective view of the clutch cap 33 from the back, and the pin head 35a of the clutch pin 35 is inserted into the clutch pin hole 33b provided in the clutch cap 33. The spring guide 35c of the clutch pin 35 is inserted into the inner circumference of the clutch spring 36, and the clutch pin 35 is biased by the clutch spring 36 in the direction of protruding from the clutch cap 33. The flange 35b of the clutch pin 35 abuts against the inner wall of the clutch cap 33 to prevent the clutch pin 35 from popping out of the clutch cap 33. Clutch cap mounting screw hole 21c of base frame 21 and clutch cap 33 The clutch cap 33 and the base frame 21 are screwed together using the base frame mounting holes 33a and the clutch cap screws 33c (Figure 7(a)).

[0024] As shown in Figure 5(c), a pair of in-guides 30 and 30' are connected by a connecting shaft 30g, and an in-guide clutch hole 30e is provided in the clutch cap side wall 30h of the in-guide 30. The pin head 35a of the clutch pin 35 is inserted into the in-guide clutch hole 30e, so the in-guide 30 is restricted from moving relative to the base frame 21. However, if a force greater than a predetermined amount is applied in the direction of arrow 30b, the clutch pin 35 retracts towards the clutch cap 33 (in the direction of arrow 35f shown in Figure 9(c)), and the restriction on the movement of the in-guide 30 is released. The clutch cap 33, clutch pin 35, clutch spring 36, and in-guide clutch hole 30e constitute the clutch lock, which is the third restricting part. Details of the clutch lock will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0025] The outer guide 31 is provided with a spring shaft 31b that penetrates the inner circumference of the lock spring 32 and a spring seat 31c that receives the outer circumference, and the lock spring 32 is sandwiched between the pair of outer guides 31. The guide block 31a of the pair of outer guides 31 is inserted into the guide hole 34a of the hinge mechanism bracket 34. The outer guide 31 is then supported so as to be movable in the direction of arrow 34b between the play between the guide hole 34a and the guide block 31a. Here, the pair of outer guides 31 are biased in the direction of arrow 32a by the lock spring 32, so the outer guide 31 is pressed against the outer guide side wall surface 30i of the inner guide 30. The hinge mechanism bracket 34 and the mounting plate 20 are positioned by a mounting plate positioning hole 34c provided in the hinge mechanism bracket 34 and a positioning shaft (not shown) provided in the mounting plate 20. Then, the mounting plate mounting hole 34d provided in the hinge mechanism bracket 34 and the mounting screw hole (not shown) provided in the mounting plate 20 are combined, and the hinge mechanism bracket 34 and the mounting plate 20 are screwed together with the mounting plate screw 34e (Figure 7(a)). In this way, the hinge mechanism bracket 34 is fixed to the mounting plate 20.

[0026] [Operation description of hinge mechanism U30] Figures 6(a) to (d) are partial perspective views of the hinge mechanism U30, and these figures will be used to explain the operation of the first and second joints. As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), when the pair of housings 10 transition from the unfolded state to the folded state (folded transition state), the in-guide 30 slides in an arc relative to the base frame 21. (It slides in an arc between the in-guide arc axis 21a and the in-guide arc groove 30a.) However, there is no arc sliding between the in-guide 30 and the out-guide 31. That is, the first joint Department The hinge mechanism bracket 34 rotates around the central axis 10b. Also, as shown in Figures 6(c) and (d), when the pair of housings 10 transition from the unfolded state to the outward-folded state (outward-folded transition state), the out guide 31 slides in an arc relative to the in guide 30. (It slides in an arc between the out guide arc axis 30c and the out guide arc groove 31d.) However, there is no arc sliding between the base frame 21 and the in guide 30. That is, the second joint. DepartmentThe hinge mechanism bracket 34 rotates around the central axis 10c.

[0027] [Description of the selection movement of the first and second joints] In the inward folding transition state and outward folding transition state of the pair of housings 10 described above, the first and second joints Department The mechanism for selecting and rotating, and restricting rotation, will be described. Figure 7(a) is a plan view of the hinge mechanism U30 in the unfolded state, and Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the plan view of Figure 7(a) cut along section AA. In Figure 7(b), the in-guide out-fold abutment portion 30d of the in-guide 30, shown within the dashed circle 21d, is in contact with the base frame out-fold abutment portion 21b. The perspective view of Figure 7(c) shows the contact state of the in-guide out-fold abutment portion 30d and the base frame out-fold abutment portion 21b as seen from the outside, within the dashed circle 21d. Returning to Figure 7(b), the operation when the out-guide 31 is folded in the direction of arrow 30m to fold the housing 10 outwards will be described. At this time, the in-guide out-fold abutment portion 30d and the base frame out-fold abutment portion 21b are in contact, and the in-guide functions as a second restricting part, the abutment lock. Therefore, the in-guide 30 cannot rotate relative to the base frame 21 in the direction of arrow 30m (it is locked). Also, as shown in the circle 31i of the dashed line in Figure 7(d), the in-guide cam 30f and the out-guide cam 31f mesh with each other, and the cam lock, which is the first restricting part, is functioning, so the out-guide 31 and the in-guide 30 are locked and cannot rotate individually. However, the mechanism described below allows the out-guide 31 to rotate relative to the in-guide 30, and the hinge mechanism U30 moves from the unfolded state to the outward-folded state.

[0028] The first restricting section, the cam lock, has an in-guide cam 30f composed of a first cam 30j and a third cam 30k, and an out-guide cam 31f composed of a second cam 31g and a fourth cam 31h, as shown in Figure 7(d). Since both the first cam 30j and the opposing second cam 31g have a gentle slope (first locking force), the cam coupling can be released by applying a first operating force exceeding the first locking force in the direction of arrow 30m. Here, the first cam 30j and the second cam 31g constitute the first release section. The third cam 30k and the opposing fourth cam 31h can also be released from cam coupling by a second operating force in the opposite direction to arrow 30m, but because the slopes of the third cam 30k and the fourth cam 31h are steep (second locking force), the second operating force required to release the lock is greater than the first operating force. When the out guide 31 is folded outwards, as mentioned above, the in guide 30 cannot rotate relative to the base frame 21, but the first restriction release unit operates, allowing the out guide 31 to rotate relative to the in guide 30. Therefore, only the second joint portion that constitutes the out guide 31 is selected, and the second joint Department It rotates around the central axis 10c and enters an outward folding transition state.

[0029] The release operation of the first restriction release section will be explained in detail using Figure 8. Figure 8(a) is a plan view of the hinge mechanism U30 in the unfolded state, similar to Figure 7(a), and Figure 8(b) is a plan view of the hinge mechanism U30 in the outward folded state. Figure 8(c) is a cross-sectional view of BB in the plan view of Figure 8(a), and Figure 8(d) is a cross-sectional view of CC in the plan view of Figure 8(b). In the plan view of Figure 8(b) compared to the plan view of Figure 8(a), the out guide 31 moves in the direction of arrow 31j (the direction in which the pair of out guides 31 move closer together) against the biasing force of the lock spring 32. This is because the first cam 30j is riding up over the second cam 31g, and the in guide cam 30f is in contact with the in guide side wall surface 31k of the out guide 31. In other words, the restriction of the first restriction section can be released by applying an operating force that can counteract the biasing force of the lock spring 32 as the first operating force in the direction of arrow 30m.

[0030] Next, we will explain the operation when folding the outer guide 31 in the opposite direction to arrow 30m to fold it inward. As explained using Figure 7(d), the inner guide 30 and outer guide 31 are locked by the cam lock, which is the first restricting part. Also, as mentioned above, in the folding operation in the opposite direction to arrow 30m, the lock between the inner guide 30 and outer guide 31 cannot be released unless a force of 2 or more is applied. Therefore, when the outer guide 31 is rotated in the opposite direction to arrow 30m, the inner guide 30 rotates together with the outer guide 31. At this time, the outer guide 31 is not rotating relative to the inner guide 30, so the center of rotation is the first joint. Department The central axis is 10b.

[0031] Figures 9(a), (c), and (e) are schematic plan views illustrating the operation of each restricting part in the unfolded state, inward-folded transition state, and outward-folded transition state, respectively, while Figures 9(b), (d), and (f) are schematic side views corresponding to them. When transitioning from the unfolded state in Figure 9(a) to the inward-folded state, a first operating force is applied to the out guide 31 in the direction of arrow 30b shown in Figure 9(c). At this time, the second locking force of the third cam 30k of the in guide cam 30f and the fourth cam 31h of the out guide cam 31f, which constitute the cam lock of the first restricting part, is greater than the first operating force, so the lock does not disengage. In addition, the tip of the clutch pin 35, which constitutes the clutch lock, which is the third restricting part, is inserted into the in guide clutch hole 30e of the in guide 30, locking the in guide 30 to the base frame 21. However, because the locking force (third locking force) is smaller than the second locking force, when the first operating force indicated by arrow 30b is applied, the clutch pin 35 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 35f and retracts from the in-guide clutch hole 30e. As a result, the lock between the in-guide 30 and the base frame 21 is released and rotates together with the out-guide 31 in the direction of arrow 30b. At this time, a second frictional force acts between the in-guide 30 and the clutch pin 35. Thus, when transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state, the out-guide 31 does not rotate relative to the in-guide 30, and the first joint is selected, and the hinge mechanism U30 moves to the first joint. Department It rotates around the central axis 10b.

[0032] Conversely, when returning from the inward-folded transition state in Figure 9(c) to the unfolded state in Figure 9(a), a first operating force is applied to the out guide 31 in the opposite direction to arrow 30b. At this time, the in guide 30 and out guide 31 are locked by the first locking force, and a second frictional force acts between the in guide 30 and the base frame 21, but it is sufficiently smaller than the first locking force, so the out guide 31 and in guide 30 rotate together in the opposite direction to arrow 30b. In this way, even when returning from the inward-folded state to the unfolded state, the out guide 31 does not rotate relative to the in guide 30, and the first joint is selected, and the hinge mechanism U30 is the first joint Department It rotates around the central axis 10b.

[0033] Next, when transitioning from the unfolded state in Figure 9(a) to the outward-folded state, a second operating force is applied to the out-guide 31 in the direction of arrow 31e shown in Figure 9(e). At this time, the in-guide 30 is locked to the base frame 21 because the base frame outward-folding abutment portion 21b and the in-guide outward-folding abutment portion 30d, which constitute the second restricting part, abutment lock, come into contact. Then, if the second operating force is greater than the first locking force of the first cam 30j of the in-guide cam 30f and the second cam 31g of the out-guide cam 31f, which constitute the cam lock of the first restricting part, the in-guide 30 and out-guide 31 are unlocked. (The first restricting release part operates.) As a result, the out-guide 31 rotates relative to the in-guide 30. In this way, when transitioning from the unfolded state to the outward-folded state, the in-guide 30 does not rotate relative to the base frame 21, and the out-guide 31 rotates relative to the in-guide 30, so the second joint is selected and the hinge mechanism U30 opens to the second joint. Department It rotates around the central axis 10c.

[0034] Conversely, when returning from the outward-folded transition state in Figure 9(e) to the unfolded state in Figure 9(a), a second operating force is applied to the out-guide 31 in the opposite direction to arrow 31e. At this time, the in-guide 30 is locked to the base frame 21 because the third locking force of the clutch lock, which is the third restricting part, is greater than the first frictional force between the in-guide cam 30f and the in-guide side wall surface 31k of the out-guide 31. Therefore, the out-guide 31 rotates in the opposite direction to arrow 31e. In this way, even when returning from the outward-folded transition state to the unfolded state, the in-guide 30 does not rotate relative to the base frame 21, and the second joint is selected, and the hinge mechanism U30 is at the second joint. Department It rotates around the central axis 10c.

[0035] The clutch pins 35 that constitute the clutch lock are inserted into the in-guide clutch holes 30e in the unfolded state shown in Figure 9(b) and the outward-folded transition state shown in Figure 9(f). In the inward-folded transition state shown in Figure 9(d), the clutch pins 35 are retracted from the in-guide clutch holes 30e. The third locking force is secured by providing two clutch pins 35 on each side of the clutch cap 33, but the first and second clutch pin trajectories 35d and 35e of the clutch pins 35 are offset to prevent interference between their respective movements. This prevents different clutch pins 35 from being inserted into the two in-guide clutch holes 30e.

[0036] The following is a bulleted list of the actions taken when operating the out guide 31 to open and close the hinge mechanism U30, categorized by opening and closing direction.

[0037] 1. Transition from unfolded state to folded state. InGuide 30 (1st joint) Department Components) and Out Guide 31 (2nd joint) Department The components are locked by the cam lock (first restricting part) and the out guide 31 (second joint) Department The components do not rotate. The stopper lock (second restricting section) does not function. The clutch lock (third restricting part) is released and the in guide 30 (first joint) is released relative to the base frame 21. Department The components are rotatable. As a result, the housing 10 has a first joint Department Around the central axis 10b , in the first direction It rotates and folds inward.

[0038] 2. Transition from folded state to unfolded state. InGuide 30 (1st joint) Department Components) and Out Guide 31 (2nd joint) Department The components are locked by the cam lock (first restricting part) and the out guide 31 (second joint) Department The components do not rotate. The stopper lock (second restricting section) does not function. Since the clutch lock (third restricting part) is unlocked, the in guide 30 can rotate relative to the base frame 21. As a result, the housing 10 is in the first joint Department It rotates around the central axis 10b and enters an unfolded state.

[0039] 3. Transition from the unfolded state to the outward-folded state. The in-guide 30 (first joint) is secured by the stopper lock (second restricting part). Department The components) and base frame 21 are locked together and the in guide 30 (first joint) Department The components do not rotate. When the first restriction release part in the cam lock (first restriction part) operates, the lock between the in guide 30 and the out guide 31 is released, and the in guide 30 (first joint) Department Out guide 31 (2nd joint) relative to the component) Department The components are rotatable. The clutch lock (third restrictor) does not engage. As a result, the housing 10 has a second joint. Department Around the central axis 10c , in the second direction It rotates and folds outwards.

[0040] 4. Transition from the outward-folded state to the unfolded state. Because the clutch lock (third restricting part) is locked, the in guide 30 (first joint) DepartmentThe components do not rotate relative to the base frame 21. Since the cam lock (first restricting part) is unlocked, the in guide 30 (first joint) Department Out guide 31 (2nd joint) relative to the component) Department The components are rotatable. The stopper lock (second restricting section) does not function. As a result, the housing 10 has a second joint. Department It rotates around the central axis 10c to unfold.

[0041] In order to smoothly perform the unfolding, outward folding, and inward folding actions listed above, 、 It is important to appropriately set the locking force of the first, second, and third restricting parts, and the locking forces of each restricting part, in descending order, are as follows: • When locked, the first restrictor part and the third and fourth cams > when locked, the third restrictor part > when unlocked, the first and second cams (first friction force). • First restricting part (first and second cams) when locked > Third restricting part (second frictional force) when unlocked • Second regulatory section > First and second cams of the first regulatory section.

[0042] As explained above, the present invention related Hinge device B teeth 、 It has a restricting unit that selects the hinge rotation axis according to the angle formed by the pair of housings 10, and the selected hinge rotation axis a pair Because the enclosure 10 is designed to be opened and closed, it was possible to reduce sagging and tension applied to the flexible display sheet 15. [Industrial applicability]

[0043] The present invention As it was configured as described above, This hinge device is 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 hinge device. Furthermore, in opening and closing devices that do not have a flexible display sheet, such as home appliances like refrigerators or building fixtures, the axis of rotation is changed according to the opening and closing angle. This makes it possible to provide products that widen the opening by offsetting the door. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 10 cabinets 11 Lower cover 12 Side Covers 13 Slide bracket 14 Base Bracket 15 Flexible display sheets 20 Mounting plate 21 Base Frame 30-in-guide (First joint component) 31 Out Guide (Second joint component) 32 Rock Springs 33 Clutch cap 34 Hinge mechanism bracket 35 Clutch pin 36 Clutch Springs 40th Class 41 Synchronized rotating shaft 42 Synchronized Arm 43 Friction generation part 44 Synchronization mechanism bracket U10 Housing Mechanism U20 Frame Mechanism U30 Hinge Mechanism U40 synchronization mechanism A mobile phone B Hinge device

Claims

1. A hinge device for connecting a pair of housings so as to be openable and closable, comprising a hinge mechanism sandwiched between the pair of housings, the hinge mechanism comprising: first and second joints that support the pair of housings so as to be openable and closable; a first restricting part that restricts the rotation of the second joint relative to the first joint when the first joint is rotating in the first direction; a second restricting part that restricts the rotation of the first joint in a second direction different from the first direction within a predetermined angular range; and a first restriction release part provided on the first restricting part that releases the rotation restriction of the second joint by the first restricting part for rotation in the second direction, characterized in that the first and second joints are selected to rotate according to the angle formed by the pair of housings.

2. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge mechanism selectively rotates the first joint portion when transitioning the pair of housings from an unfolded state to an inward-folded state, and selectively rotates the second joint portion when transitioning the pair of housings from an unfolded state to an outward-folded state.

3. The hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first restricting portion restricts the rotation of the second joint portion relative to the first joint portion in the first direction when the first joint portion is rotating in the first direction within the range in which the pair of housings transition from an unfolded state to an inward-folded state.

4. The hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second restricting portion restricts the rotation of the first joint portion in the second direction within the predetermined angular range in which the pair of housings transition from an unfolded state to an outward-folded state, and the first release portion releases the rotation restriction of the second joint portion by the first restricting portion for rotation in the second direction.

5. The hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the hinge mechanism has a third restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the first joint portion in the first direction within the range in which the pair of housings transition from an outward-folded state to an unfolded state.

6. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first joint portion has an in-guide that slides along an arc guide provided on the base frame, the second joint portion has an out-guide that slides along an arc guide provided on the in-guide, the first restricting portion is a cam lock provided between the in-guide and the out-guide, the second restricting portion is a stopper lock provided between the base frame and the in-guide, and the third restricting portion is a clutch lock that connects the in-guide and the base frame.

7. The hinge device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cam lock restricts the rotation of the out guide relative to the in guide during rotation of the first joint in a first direction, and releases the restriction on the rotation of the out guide relative to the in guide when the rotational torque of the second joint exceeds a predetermined value during rotation in a second direction.

8. The hinge device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first restriction release portion comprises a first cam provided on the in guide, a second cam provided on the out guide, and a biasing portion that biases the first cam and the second cam in a direction that brings them into contact.

9. An electronic device characterized by using a hinge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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