Switchgear and terminal equipment using this switchgear

Abstract

To improve operability upon opening and closing of a first housing and a second housing.SOLUTION: A switch gear according to the present invention has a first bracket fitted to a first housing side, a second bracket fitted to a second housing side, and a pair of synchronizing rotating mechanism having a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft linked to the first bracket and the second bracket so that the brackets can be opened and closed in synchronization therewith. The first bracket and the second bracket have a curved guide portion 19N11 having a first curved guide groove 19N112 and a second curved guide groove 19N111 curved in their opening and closing directions, respectively. The first hinge shaft is inserted into and engaged with the first curved guide groove 19N112. A curved guide portion of a guide member fitted to a frame side is inserted into and engaged with the second curved guide groove 19N111.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening and closing device that connects a first housing and a second housing that constitute a terminal device in an openable and closable manner, and to a terminal device that uses this opening and closing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, terminal devices, such as mobile phones, that have a single flexible organic electroluminescent display sheet attached to both the surfaces of a first housing and a second housing have been developed and are becoming available. Such opening and closing devices are desired to have the function of creating a curved portion in the folded portion of the flexible display sheet when the first housing and the second housing are closed, thereby preventing damage to the flexible display sheet. The applicant of the present application has also filed an application for an invention such as that described in Patent Document 1 below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-203524 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has a gear-type synchronous rotation mechanism that allows the first bracket and second bracket attached to the first and second housings to rotate synchronously in directions opposite to each other, thereby opening and closing the first and second housings, and also forms a curved portion that accurately curves the flexible display when the first and second housings are closed.While this is functionally sufficient, there is a demand for something that is cheaper and has improved operability, and therefore the object of the present invention is to provide an opening and closing device that has improved operability, as well as a terminal device that uses this opening and closing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is an opening and closing device that connects a first housing and a second housing that constitute a terminal device so that they can be opened and closed, the opening and closing device comprising: a first bracket attached to the first housing; a second bracket attached to the second housing; and a pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms provided on a frame that connects the first bracket and the second bracket so that they can be opened and closed synchronously, wherein each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms comprises a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft that are rotatably provided in parallel at positions opposite to each other in an axial direction; and a gear-type driving force transmission mechanism that links the first bracket and the second bracket, and each of the first bracket and the second bracket has a curved guide portion having a first curved guide groove or slit and a second curved guide groove or slit along the opening / closing direction, and a driving gear that is adjacent to the curved guide portion and meshes with driven gears provided on the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, and the first hinge shaft is inserted and engaged into the first curved guide groove or slit, and a curved guide portion of a guide member attached to the frame side is inserted and engaged into the second curved guide groove or slit.

[0006] In the invention described in claim 2, the frame is attached to a cover member that covers the rear portion thereof.

[0007] In the invention described in claim 3, the rear ends of the first housing and the second housing attached to the frame so as to be able to open and close move along the outer periphery of the cover member when opening and closing the housing.

[0008] In the invention described in claim 4, the driving force transmission mechanism comprises two synchronous rotating gears fixed to each of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft so as to rotate synchronously in the same direction as each of the driven gears, and at least two transmission gears that transmit the rotation of one of the two synchronous rotating gears to the other synchronous rotating gear so that they rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0009] In the invention described in claim 5, each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms includes a friction torque generation mechanism, and the friction torque generation mechanism includes a friction torque plate that generates friction torque in the rotation of the driven gears provided on the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, and an elastic member that biases the friction torque plate toward the driven gears.

[0010] In the invention described in claim 6, each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms comprises a rotational biasing mechanism provided on each of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, which rotationally biases each of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft in a predetermined rotational direction, and the rotational biasing mechanism comprises a cam groove into which each of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft is rotatably inserted, an engaging member fixed to each of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft and which engages with the cam groove, and an elastic member which biases the engaging member toward the cam groove.

[0011] In the invention described in claim 7, the frame is formed with an arcuate inner surface that guides the curved guide portion so that the outer peripheral surface thereof slides.

[0012] The invention as set forth in claim 8 is a terminal device characterized by using the switching device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0013] In the invention described in claim 9, the terminal device includes a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of the first housing and the second housing.

[0014] In the invention described in claim 10, a space capable of accommodating the folded portion of the flexible display sheet is formed between the first bracket, the second bracket and the synchronous rotation mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] When configured as in claim 1, the first hinge shaft is inserted and engaged into the first curved guide groove or slit, and the curved guide portion of the guide member attached to the frame side is inserted and engaged into the second curved guide groove or slit, thereby improving operability when opening and closing the first housing and the second housing compared to conventional technology.

[0016] When configured as in claim 2, the frame is attached to a cover member that covers the rear portion thereof, so that the frame can be protected.

[0017] When configured as in claim 3, the rear ends of the first housing and the second housing, which are attached to the frame so as to be able to open and close, move along the outer periphery of the cover member when opening and closing, so that the first housing and the second housing can be opened and closed smoothly.

[0018] When configured as in claim 4, the driving force can be transmitted with a relatively simple configuration.

[0019] With the configuration as set forth in claim 5, each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms includes a friction torque generating mechanism, so that the opening and closing operations of the first housing and the second housing are stable.

[0020] When configured as in claim 6, each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms is provided on the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, and is equipped with a rotational biasing mechanism that rotates each of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft in a predetermined rotational direction, thereby further improving operability when opening and closing the first housing and the second housing.

[0021] When configured as in claim 7, the frame has an arcuate inner surface that guides the curved guide portion so that its outer peripheral surface slides, making the opening and closing operations of the first housing and the second housing more stable.

[0022] When configured as in claim 8, a terminal device using the opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 can be provided.

[0023] When configured as in claim 9, a terminal device can be provided that includes a flexible display sheet attached across the surfaces of both the first housing and the second housing.

[0024] When configured as in claim 10, a space capable of accommodating the folded portion of the flexible display sheet is formed between the first bracket, the second bracket and the synchronous rotation mechanism, thereby preventing the flexible display sheet from folding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of a mobile phone having a flexible display sheet using an opening and closing device according to the present invention, with the first and second housings closed. [Figure 1B] 1 is a perspective view of a mobile phone having a flexible display sheet using an opening and closing device according to the present invention, with the first and second housings half-opened. [Figure 1C] 1 is a perspective view of a mobile phone having a flexible display sheet using an opening and closing device according to the present invention, with the first and second housings opened. [Figure 2] 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 in an open state, with a flexible display sheet and a protective sheet removed. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the opening and closing device of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of the first guide member as seen from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of the second guide member as seen from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of the second guide member as seen from below. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of the third guide member as seen from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of the fourth guide member as seen from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of the fourth guide member as seen from below. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the opening and closing device as seen from below. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the opening and closing device in an open state. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the assembled opening and closing device as viewed from above. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first synchronous rotation mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the first synchronous rotation mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the first synchronous rotation mechanism as seen from above. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the first synchronous rotation mechanism as seen from below. [Figure 17A] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a frame, a second bracket, a second guide member, and a fourth guide member. [Figure 17B] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a method of assembling the second guide member, the curved guide portion, and the arcuate inner surface. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a method of assembling the first hinge shaft and the first curved guide groove. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional side view showing the positional relationship between a first curve guide groove and a first hinge shaft, a second curve guide groove and a curve guide portion, and a curve guide portion and an arc inner surface. FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is an overall perspective view of an opening and closing device in a closed state with a first housing and a second housing removed. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is an overall side view of the opening and closing device in a closed state with the first housing and the second housing removed. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an overall view of the opening and closing device as seen from the direction F in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 22 taken along the line B-B. [Figure 24] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E in FIG. 22. [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the opening and closing device in an open state, with the flexible display sheet shown in imaginary lines. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a side view of the opening and closing device in an open state. [Figure 27A]10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional side view showing the positional relationship between the curved guide portion, the drive gear, the driven gear, the first curved guide groove and the first hinge shaft, and the second curved guide groove and the curved guide portion when the opening and closing device is in the open state. FIG. [Figure 27B] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional side view showing the positional relationship between the curved guide portion, drive gear, driven gear, first curved guide groove and first hinge shaft, and second curved guide groove and curved guide portion when the opening and closing device is in the middle of opening or closing. [Figure 27C] 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional side view showing the positional relationship between the curved guide portion, the drive gear, the driven gear, the first curved guide groove and the first hinge shaft, and the second curved guide groove and the curved guide portion when the opening and closing device is in the closed state. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The following describes the opening / closing device of the present invention and a mobile phone as an example of an electronic device using this opening / closing device. However, the opening / closing device of the present invention can be used not only in mobile phones, but also in a wide range of electronic devices, such as electronic organizers, PDAs, netbooks, and even laptops, which have a first housing and a second housing attached to their surfaces that can be opened and closed. [Example]

[0027] 1 and 2 show a schematic diagram of a mobile phone using an opening / closing device according to the present invention. In the drawings, the side where the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are opened is referred to as the front end, and the side where they are connected by the opening / closing device 6 is referred to as the rear end. Furthermore, the left and right directions when viewed from the front end of the first housing 2 are referred to as the left side and right side, and the up and down directions are referred to as the upper side and lower side.

[0028] As will be described below, a mobile phone 1 according to the present invention is composed of a first housing 2, a second housing 3, a flexible display sheet 5 made of, for example, organic electroluminescent (EL) material attached via a flexible protective sheet 4 across the surfaces of both upper sides of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, and an opening / closing device 6 connecting the rear ends of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. As shown in Fig. 2 in particular, the opening / closing device 6 connects the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 openably and closably below the protective sheet 4 or flexible display sheet 5.

[0029] The opening and closing device 6 according to the present invention is Figure 2 As shown in Figure 26 and as described in claim 1 of the present application, an opening / closing device 6 connects the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 that constitute the mobile phone 1 in an openable / closable manner, and comprises a first bracket 18N1112 attached to the first housing 2 side, a second bracket 18N2122 attached to the second housing 3 side, and a pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms 14N1 and 14N2 provided on the frame 12 that connect the first bracket 18N1112 and the second bracket 18N2122 so that they can be opened and closed synchronously.

[0030] Each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms 14N1, 14N2 includes a first hinge shaft 32N1 and a second hinge shaft 32N2 (see also Figure 10) that are rotatably arranged in parallel at positions opposite each other in the axial direction, and a gear-type driving force transmission mechanism 36N1122 (see also Figure 14) that links the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2.

[0031] Each of the first bracket 18N1112 and the second bracket 18N2122 has a curved guide portion (e.g., 19N11) having a first curved guide groove (e.g., 19N112 (see also Figure 19)) and a second curved guide groove (e.g., 19N111) along its opening and closing direction, and drive gears 21N11 and 21N21 (see also Figure 14) adjacent to the curved guide portion (e.g., 19N11) and meshing with driven gears 22N11 and 22N22 provided on the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2.

[0032] The first hinge shaft 32N1 is inserted and engaged into the first curved guide groove (e.g., 19N112), and the curved guide portion (17N11 (see also Figure 4)) of the guide member (e.g., 16N11) attached to the frame 12 side is inserted and engaged into the second curved guide groove (e.g., 19N111) (see also Figure 19).

[0033] 3, a first guide member 16N11 to a fourth guide member 16N21, a pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms 14N1 and 14N2, a frame 12, and a cover member 10 are provided between the first bracket 18N1112 and the second bracket 18N2122 and the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. The first bracket 18N1112 and the second bracket 18N2122 are attached to the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 by screws 20 via the first guide member 16N11 to the fourth guide member 16N21, the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms 14N1 and 14N2, the frame 12, and the cover member 10.

[0034] The first bracket 18N1112 and the second bracket 18N2122 have the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 attached to their lower sides, and one display unit 2D and the other display unit 3D (Figure 1C) separated by the folding portion FP (Figure 1C) of the flexible display sheet 5 attached to their upper sides via a protective sheet 4.

[0035] The frame 12 is attached to a cover member 10 that covers the rear portion thereof. The rear ends 2B, 3B of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 that are attached to the frame 12 so as to be able to open and close move along the outer periphery 10G of the cover member 10 when opening and closing the housing.

[0036] Next, each of the components of the opening and closing device 6 will be described in more detail.

[0037] First, the first bracket 18N1112, the second bracket 18N2122, and the frame 12 will be described.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the first bracket 18N1112 has a first left bracket body 18N11 and a first right bracket body 18N12 connected together, and the second bracket 18N2122 has a second left bracket body 18N21 and a second right bracket body 18N22 connected together.

[0039] 10, the first left bracket body 18N11 of the first bracket 18N1112 has, on the lower left side, a curved guide portion 19N11 and a drive gear 21N11 adjacent to the curved guide portion 19N11. The first right bracket body 18N12 of the first bracket 18N1112 has, on the lower left side, a curved guide portion 19N12 and a drive gear 21N12 adjacent to the curved guide portion 19N12. In this way, the configuration of the first right bracket body 18N12 is similar to that of the first left bracket body 18N11.

[0040] The second left bracket body 18N21 of the second bracket 18N2122 has, on the lower right side, a curved guide portion 19N21 and a drive gear 21N21 adjacent to the curved guide portion 19N21. The second right bracket body 18N22 of the second bracket 18N2122 has, on the lower right side, a curved guide portion 19N22 and a drive gear 21N22 adjacent to the curved guide portion 19N22. In this way, the configuration of the second right bracket body 18N22 is similar to that of the second left bracket body 18N21.

[0041] The frame 12 has an arc-shaped inner surface that guides the outer peripheries of the curved guide portions 19N11 and 19N12 so that the curved guide portions 19N11 and 19N12 rotate about the first axis. The frame 12 has an arc-shaped inner surface that guides the outer peripheries of the curved guide portions 19N21 and 19N22 so that the curved guide portions 19N21 and 19N22 rotate about the second axis. For example, as shown in FIG. 17B , the frame 12 has an arc-shaped inner surface 15N21 that guides the outer periphery of the curved guide portion 19N21 so that the curved guide portion 19N21 rotates about the second axis. Therefore, the curved guide portions 19N11 and 19N12 rotate about the first axis, and the curved guide portions 19N21 and 19N22 rotate about the second axis.

[0042] 19, the curved guide portion 19N11 of the first left-side bracket body 18N11 has a first curved guide groove 19N112 and a second curved guide groove 19N111, each of which has an arc shape centered on the first axis RC. The curved guide portion 19N12 of the first right-side bracket body 18N12 also has a first curved guide groove and a second curved guide groove, each of which has an arc shape centered on the first axis RC.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 17B, the curved guide portion 19N21 of the second left-side bracket body 18N21 has a first curved guide groove 19N212 and a second curved guide groove 19N211, each of which has an arc shape centered on the second axis. As shown in Fig. 17A, the curved guide portion 19N22 of the second right-side bracket body 18N22 also has a first curved guide groove and a second curved guide groove, each of which has an arc shape centered on the second axis.

[0044] Next, the first guide member 16N11 to the fourth guide member 16N21 attached to the frame 12 side will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the first guide member 16N11 has a curved guide portion 17N11. As shown in FIG. 19, the curved guide portion 17N11 is slidably inserted into and engaged with a second curved guide groove 19N111 of a curved guide portion 19N11 of the first left-side bracket body 18N11. The curved guide portion 17N11 has an upper curved surface 17N111 and a lower curved surface 17N112. The upper curved surface 17N111 and the lower curved surface 17N112 are formed to correspond to the upper curved surface 19N1111 and the lower curved surface 19N1112 of the second curved guide groove 19N111 shown in FIG. 19, which is formed in a curved guide portion 19N11 (see also FIG. 10) provided on the lower left side of the first left-side bracket body 18N11 of the first bracket 18N1112. Specifically, the upper curved surface 17N111 and the lower curved surface 17N112, and the upper curved surface 19N1111 and the lower curved surface 19N1112 are formed in an arc shape centered on the first axis RC of the first left-side bracket body 18N11. Because the first guide member 16N11 is attached to the frame 12, the curved guide portion 17N11 is fixed. Therefore, when the first left-side bracket body 18N11 (curved guide portion 19N11) of the first bracket 18N1112 rotates, the curved guide portion 17N11 can prevent the rotation center of the first left-side bracket body 18N11 from shifting from the first axis RC. In other words, the curved guide portion 17N11 can maintain the positional relationship between the rotation center of the first left-side bracket body 18N11 and the first axis RC.

[0046] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second guide member 16N12 has a curved guide portion 17N12. As shown in Figure 17B, the curved guide portion 17N12 is slidably inserted into and engaged with the second curved guide groove 19N211 of the curved guide portion 19N21 of the second left bracket body 18N21. The curved guide portion 17N12 is configured to prevent the rotation center of the second left bracket body 18N21 from shifting from the second axis when the second left bracket body 18N21 (curved guide portion 19N21) rotates. In other words, the curved guide portion 17N12 can maintain the positional relationship between the rotation center of the second left bracket body 18N21 and the second axis.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 7, the third guide member 16N22 has a curved guide portion 17N22. The curved guide portion 17N22 is slidably inserted into and engaged with the second curved guide groove of the curved guide portion 19N12 of the first right bracket body 18N12. The curved guide portion 17N22 is configured to prevent the center of rotation of the first right bracket body 18N12 from shifting from the first axis when the first right bracket body 18N12 (curved guide portion 19N12) rotates. In other words, the curved guide portion 17N22 can maintain the positional relationship between the center of rotation of the first right bracket body 18N12 and the first axis.

[0048] 8 and 9, the fourth guide member 16N21 has a curved guide portion 17N21. The curved guide portion 17N21 is slidably inserted into and engaged with the second curved guide groove of the curved guide portion 19N22 of the second right-side bracket body 18N22. The curved guide portion 17N21 is configured to prevent the rotation center of the second right-side bracket body 18N22 from shifting from the second axis when the second right-side bracket body 18N22 (curved guide portion 19N22) rotates. In other words, the curved guide portion 17N21 can maintain the positional relationship between the rotation center of the second right-side bracket body 18N22 and the second axis.

[0049] Next, the configuration of each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms 14N1 and 14N2 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 16. The pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms 14N1 and 14N2 are provided on the frame 12 and comprise a first bracket 18N1112 and a second bracket 18N1113. 18N 2122 are connected so as to be able to open and close in synchronization with each other. Since the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms 14N1, 14N2 have the same configuration, the configuration of the synchronous rotation mechanism 14N1 will be described and a description of the configuration of the synchronous rotation mechanism 14N2 will be omitted.

[0050] The synchronous rotation mechanism 14N1 includes a first hinge shaft 32N1 and a second hinge shaft 32N2 that are rotatably provided in parallel to each other and positioned opposite to each other in the axial direction.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 13, the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2 are spaced apart at a fixed interval and rotatably held by an upper left shaft holder 24N11, a lower left shaft holder 24N12, and an upper right shaft holder 44N21, and a lower right shaft holder 44N22.

[0052] The synchronous rotation mechanism 14N1 includes driven gears 22N11 and 22N22 provided on the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2. The driven gears 22N11 and 22N22 mesh with drive gears 21N11 and 21N21 provided on the first left bracket body 18N11 and the second left bracket body 18N21 adjacent to the curved guide portions 19N11 and 19N21. The item designated by the reference symbol 42N22 is a shaft holder.

[0053] The synchronous rotation mechanism 14N1 includes a gear-type driving force transmission mechanism 36N1122 that links the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2. The driving force transmission mechanism 36N1122 includes two synchronous rotation gears 36N11, 36N21 fixed to the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2, respectively, so as to rotate synchronously in the same direction as the driven gears 22N11, 22N22. The driving force transmission mechanism 36N1122 includes at least two transmission gears 36N12, 36N22 that transmit the rotation of one of the two synchronous rotation gears 36N11, 36N21 to the other synchronous rotation gear so that the synchronous rotation gears rotate in the opposite directions. In this embodiment, two transmission gears 36N12, 36N22 are provided, but the number may be an even number other than two, for example, four, six, . . .

[0054] The synchronous rotation mechanism 14N1 includes a first friction torque generating mechanism 2628N1 and a second friction torque generating mechanism 2628N2 provided on the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2, respectively. The first friction torque generating mechanism 2628N1 and the second friction torque generating mechanism 2628N2 have springs designated by symbols 28N1 and 28N2, and friction torque plates designated by symbols 26N1 and 26N2, respectively. Since the first friction torque generation mechanism 2628N1 and the second friction torque generation mechanism 2628N2 have the same configuration, the configuration of the first friction torque generation mechanism 2628N1 will be described below, and the configuration of the second friction torque generation mechanism 2628N 2 The first friction torque generating mechanism 2628N1 has a friction torque plate 26N1 that generates friction torque in the rotation of the driven gear 22N11 provided on the first hinge shaft 32N1, and a spring 28N1 that urges the friction torque plate 26N1 toward the driven gear 22N11. The friction torque plate 26N1 and the spring 28N1 are disposed between the upper left shaft holder 24N11, the lower left shaft holder 24N12, and the synchronous rotation gear 36N11.

[0055] In this way, the first friction torque generation mechanism 2628N1 and the second friction torque generation mechanism 2628N2 generate friction torque when the driven gears 22N11 and 22N22 provided on the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2 rotate. Therefore, the first friction torque generation mechanism 2628N1 and the second friction torque generation mechanism 2628N2 can apply a certain resistance to the opening and closing of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, allowing the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 to be opened and closed freely, and preventing the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 from opening or closing spontaneously.

[0056] The synchronous rotation mechanism 14N1 includes rotation biasing mechanisms 384042N1 and 384042N2 that are provided on the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2, respectively, and that rotationally bias the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2 in a predetermined rotational direction. The rotational urging mechanism 384042N1 has a spring 42N1, a cam groove 38N1, and an engaging member 40N1, and the rotational urging mechanism 384042N2 has a spring 42N2, and engaging members 38N2 and 40N2. The reference symbol 30N1 indicates the cam groove of the rotational urging mechanism 384042N2. Since the rotational biasing mechanisms 384042N1 and 384042N2 have the same configuration, the configuration of the rotational biasing mechanism 384042N1 will be described below, and a description of the configuration of the rotational biasing mechanism 384042N2 will be omitted.

[0057] The rotation biasing mechanism 384042N1 includes a cam groove 38N1 into which the first hinge shaft 32N1 is rotatably inserted, an engagement member 40N1 fixed to the first hinge shaft 32N1 and engaging with the cam groove 38N1, and a spring 42N1 that biases the engagement member 40N1 toward the cam groove 38N1. The rotation biasing mechanism 384042N1 is disposed between the upper right shaft holder 44N21, the lower right shaft holder 44N22, and the synchronous rotation gear 36N11. The cam groove 38N1 is held by a holder 30N2. The holder 30N2 rotatably holds the shafts 34N1 and 34N2 of the transmission gears 36N12 and 36N22.

[0058] The cam groove 38N1 is positioned so that when the engaging member 40N1 engages with the cam groove 38N1, the first housing 2, which rotates via the first hinge shaft 32N1, is positioned to be closed. Therefore, as the first housing 2 approaches the closed position, the rotation biasing mechanism 384042N1 rotationally biases the first hinge shaft 32N1 in a direction that quickly positions the first housing 2 to the closed position.

[0059] Next, we will explain the mechanism by which the first hinge shaft 32N1 prevents the rotation centers of the first left-side bracket body 18N11 and the first right-side bracket body 18N12 from shifting from the first axis, and the mechanism by which the second hinge shaft 32N2 prevents the rotation centers of the second left-side bracket body 18N21 and the second right-side bracket body 12N22 from shifting from the second axis.

[0060] As described above, as shown in Figure 19, the curved guide portion 19N11 of the first left bracket body 18N11 has a first curved guide groove 19N112 that is arc-shaped and centered on the first axis RC. Specifically, the first curved guide groove 19N112 is defined by an upper curved surface 19N1121 and a lower curved surface 19N1122 that are arc-shaped curved surfaces each centered on the first axis RC. Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown in FIG. 1, the first hinge shaft 32N1 is inserted into and engaged with the first curved guide groove 19N112. The synchronous rotation mechanism 14N1, in which the first hinge shaft 32N1 is provided, is attached to the frame 12, so the first hinge shaft 32N1 is fixed. Therefore, when the first left-side bracket body 18N11 of the first bracket 18N11 rotates, the first hinge shaft 32N1 can prevent the rotation center of the first left-side bracket body 18N11 from shifting from the first axis RC. In other words, the first hinge shaft 32N1 can maintain the positional relationship between the rotation center of the first left-side bracket body 18N11 and the first axis RC.

[0061] Similarly, when the first right-side bracket body 18N12 of the first bracket 18N1112 rotates, the first hinge shaft 32N1 can prevent the center of rotation of the first right-side bracket body 18N12 from shifting from the first axis RC. In other words, the first hinge shaft 32N1 can maintain the positional relationship between the center of rotation of the first right-side bracket body 18N12 and the first axis RC.

[0062] Similarly, the second hinge shaft 32N2 is connected to the second left bracket body 18N21 and the second right bracket body 18N22 of the second bracket 18N21. 18 When N22 rotates, the second left bracket body 18N21 and the second right bracket body 18 In other words, the second hinge shaft 32N2 can prevent the rotation center of the second left bracket body 18N21 and the second right bracket body 18N22 from shifting from the second axis. 18 The positional relationship between the rotation center of N22 and the second axis can be maintained.

[0063] Figure 20 Figure 2421, 23, and 24, the opening and closing device 6 is shown in a closed state, with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 omitted. As shown in Fig. 21, 23, and 24, in the opening and closing device 6, a space S capable of accommodating a folded portion FP (see also Fig. 1C) of the flexible display sheet 5 is formed between the first bracket (the first left bracket body 18N11 and the second right bracket body 18N12) and the second bracket (the second left bracket body 18N21 and the second right bracket body 18N22) and the synchronous rotation mechanisms 14N1 and 14N2.

[0064] Next, the operation of the opening and closing device 6 according to the present invention will be described.

[0065] For example, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when the user attempts to close the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 from an open state of the opening / closing device 6, as shown in FIGS. 27A to 27C, the first left-side bracket body 18N11 rotates counterclockwise about the first axis RC as the first housing 2 rotates in the closing direction. When the first left-side bracket body 18N11 rotates counterclockwise in this manner, the drive gear 21N11 of the first left-side bracket body 18N11 rotates counterclockwise. When the drive gear 21N11 rotates counterclockwise, the driven gear 22N11 rotates clockwise. When the driven gear 22N11 rotates clockwise (see also FIG. 14), the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the synchronous rotation gear 36N11 also rotate clockwise. When the synchronous rotation gear 36N11 rotates clockwise, the transmission gear 36N12 rotates counterclockwise, the transmission gear 36N22 rotates clockwise, and the synchronous rotation gear 36N21 rotates counterclockwise. When the synchronous rotation gear 36N21 rotates left, the second hinge shaft 32N2 and the driven gear 22N22 rotate left, and the drive gear 21N21 rotates right. When the drive gear 21N21 rotates right, the second left-side bracket body 18N21 rotates right. Note that the first right-side bracket body 18N12 and the second right-side bracket body 18N22 also rotate similarly. As a result, the second housing 3 rotates in the closing direction. In this way, when the user attempts to close the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, the second housing 3 rotates in the closing direction as the first housing 2 rotates in the closing direction. Similarly, the first housing 2 rotates in the closing direction as the second housing 3 rotates in the closing direction. Conversely, when the user attempts to open the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, the second housing 3 rotates in the opening direction as the first housing 2 rotates in the opening direction. Similarly, the first housing 2 rotates in the opening direction as the second housing 3 rotates in the opening direction.

[0066] As described above, the curved guide portion 17N11 and the curved guide portion 17N22 prevent the rotation centers of the first left bracket body 18N11 and the first right bracket body 18N12 from deviating from the first axis. The curved guide portion 17N12 and the curved guide portion 17N21 prevent the rotation centers of the second left bracket body 18N21 and the second right bracket body 18N22 from deviating from the second axis. Furthermore, the first hinge shaft 32N1 can prevent the rotation centers of the first left bracket body 18N11 and the first right bracket body 18N12 from deviating from the first axis. The second hinge shaft 32N2 can prevent the rotation centers of the second left bracket body 18N21 and the second right bracket body 18N22 from deviating from the second axis.

[0067] Therefore, when the first left-side bracket body 18N11 and the first right-side bracket body 18N12 and the second left-side bracket body 18N21 and the second right-side bracket body 18N22 rotate, they do not wobble, and the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can be opened and closed smoothly. Therefore, the operability when opening and closing the first housing and the second housing can be improved compared to conventional techniques.

[0068] As described above, the first friction torque generating mechanism 2628N1 and the second friction torque generating mechanism 2628N2 can provide a certain resistance to the opening and closing of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, allowing the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 to be opened and closed freely, and preventing the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 from opening or closing spontaneously.

[0069] Furthermore, as described above, the rotational biasing mechanisms 384042N1 and 384042N2 apply rotational biasing force to the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2 in a direction that causes the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 to be positioned at the closed position more quickly as the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 approach the closed position.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, the flexible display sheet 5 is attached across the surfaces of both the upper sides of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, but it is also possible to attach a first display device and a second display device that are not flexible and are separate.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first curve guide groove and the second curve guide groove are formed as grooves, but they may be formed as slits (first curve guide slit groove and second curve guide slit) instead of grooves.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the rotational biasing mechanisms 384042N1 and 384042N2 rotationally bias the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2 in a direction that will cause the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 to be positioned at the closed position more quickly, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotational biasing mechanisms 384042N1 and 384042N2 may rotationally bias the first hinge shaft 32N1 and the second hinge shaft 32N2 in a direction that will cause the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 to be positioned at the open position more quickly. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The present invention is configured as described above, and therefore provides an opening and closing device that allows the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 to be opened and closed smoothly and synchronously, that creates friction torque during opening and closing to allow free stopping, that has the function of being able to rotate in a specific direction, and that can form the required radius of curvature in the folded portion of the flexible display sheet provided across both surfaces of the first housing and the second housing, and Terminal It is suitable for use as a device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Mobile phone (terminal device) 2. First enclosure 3 Second enclosure 4 Protective Sheet 5 Flexible display sheet 6. Switchgear 12 frames 10 Cover member 16N11 First guide member 16N12 Second guide member 16N21 4th guide member 16N22 Third guide member 17N11, 17N12, 17N21, 17N22 curved guide section 18N1112 First bracket 18N11 1st left side bracket body 18N12 First right bracket body 18N2122 Second bracket 18N21 Second left bracket body 18N22 Second right bracket body 21N11 drive gear 21N21 drive gear 19N11, 19N12, 19N21, 19N22 curved guide section 19N112 First curved guide groove 19N111 Second curved guide groove 14N1 Synchronous Rotation Mechanism 14N2 Synchronous Rotation Mechanism 32N1 1st hinge shaft 32N2 Second hinge shaft 36N1122 Driving force transmission mechanism 22N11 driven gear 22N22 driven gear 36N11, 36N21 synchronous rotation gear 36N12, 36N22 transmission gear 2628N1 First friction torque generating mechanism 2628N2 Second friction torque generating mechanism 384042N1, 384042N2 Rotational biasing mechanism

Claims

1. An opening and closing device that connects a first housing and a second housing that constitute a terminal device in an openable and closable manner, a first bracket attached to the first housing; a second bracket attached to the second housing; a pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms provided on a frame that connect the first bracket and the second bracket so as to be able to open and close in synchronization; Equipped with Each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft rotatably provided in parallel to each other and facing each other in an axial direction; a gear-type driving force transmission mechanism that links the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft; Equipped with Each of the first bracket and the second bracket has: a curved guide portion having a first curved guide groove or slit and a second curved guide groove or slit, each extending along the opening and closing direction; a drive gear that meshes with a driven gear provided on the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft adjacent to the curved guide portion; and The first hinge shaft is inserted and engaged with the first curved guide groove or slit, A curved guide portion of a guide member attached to the frame side is inserted and engaged with the second curved guide groove or slit. Switchgear.

2. The opening and closing device according to claim 1 , wherein the frame is attached to a cover member that covers a rear portion of the frame.

3. 3. The opening and closing device according to claim 2, wherein rear ends of the first housing and the second housing attached to the frame so as to be openable and closable move along the outer periphery of the cover member when opening or closing the housing.

4. The driving force transmission mechanism includes: two synchronous rotation gears fixed to the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, respectively, so as to rotate synchronously with each of the driven gears in the same direction; At least two transmission gears that transmit the rotation of one of the two synchronous rotation gears to the other synchronous rotation gear so that they rotate in opposite directions to each other; The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms includes a friction torque generating mechanism; The friction torque generating mechanism includes: a friction torque plate that generates friction torque when driven gears provided on the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft rotate; an elastic member that biases the friction torque plate toward the driven gear; having The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. each of the pair of synchronous rotation mechanisms includes a rotation biasing mechanism that is provided on the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, and that biases the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft in a predetermined rotation direction; The rotation biasing mechanism includes: a cam groove into which the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft are rotatably inserted; an engaging member fixed to each of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft and engaging with the cam groove; an elastic member that biases the engaging member toward the cam groove; Equipped with The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the frame has an arcuate inner surface that guides the curved guide portion so that the outer peripheral surface of the curved guide portion slides.

8. A terminal device comprising the opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The terminal device according to claim 8 , further comprising a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of the first housing and the second housing.

10. The terminal device according to claim 9 , wherein a space capable of accommodating the folded portion of the flexible display sheet is formed between the first bracket, the second bracket and the synchronous rotation mechanism.

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