Hinge devices and electronic equipment

Abstract

To provide a hinge device and an electronic apparatus that are able to generate a sufficient torque even with a small diameter and suppress vibration between chassis.SOLUTION: A hinge device 10 includes: a first shaft 26 that is fixed to a display chassis 14; a second shaft 30 that is fixed to a main body chassis 16; connecting plates 32, 34 to which the first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30 are rotatably fitted; a synchronization unit 36 configured to synchronously rotate the first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30 in opposite directions with respect to the connecting plates 32, 34; a first torque application unit 50 configured to apply a frictional force to a peripheral surface of the first shaft 26 by fitting the first shaft 26 thereto; and a second torque application unit 64 configured to apply a frictional force to the second shaft 30 in an axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge device that rotatably connects a first housing and a second housing, and an electronic device in which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the hinge device.

Background Art

[0002] In an electronic device such as a notebook PC, a configuration is used in which two housings are relatively rotatably connected by a hinge device. This type of electronic device needs to be able to stably hold the housings in a desired angular position while ensuring a smooth rotational movement between the housings. For this reason, the hinge device needs to be able to generate an appropriate rotational torque. As a mechanism for generating rotational torque, for example, there is a configuration in which a leaf spring is sandwiched between a bracket and a shaft to generate sliding resistance (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to increase the diameter in order to generate sufficient rotational torque, which is not preferable for further thinning of the electronic device.

[0005]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a hinge device and electronic equipment that can generate sufficient torque despite their small diameter and suppress vibrations between housings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, an embodiment of the present invention provides a hinge device for rotatably connecting a first housing and a second housing, comprising: a first shaft fixed to the first housing; a second shaft fixed to the second housing; A flange formed on the second shaft, A connecting member into which the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatably fitted; a synchronization unit that synchronously rotates the first shaft and the second shaft in opposite directions with respect to the connecting member; a first torque applying unit that applies a frictional force to the circumferential surface of the first shaft when the first shaft is fitted; and the second shaft By generating an axial force, through the flange It has a second torque-applying part that applies frictional force, Furthermore, the first torque application unit and the second torque application unit are in parallel. .

[0008] Furthermore, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device in which a first housing and a second housing are rotatably connected by a hinge device, wherein the hinge device comprises a first shaft fixed to the first housing and a second shaft fixed to the second housing, A flange formed on the second shaft, A connecting member into which the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatably fitted; a synchronization unit that synchronously rotates the first shaft and the second shaft in opposite directions with respect to the connecting member; a first torque applying unit that applies a frictional force to the circumferential surface of the first shaft when the first shaft is fitted; and the second shaft By generating an axial force, through the flange A second torque application unit that applies frictional force, The first torque application unit and the second torque application unit are in parallel. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, rotational torque is applied to the first shaft and the second shaft by the first torque-applying part and the second torque-applying part, thereby generating sufficient torque. Furthermore, since the first torque-applying part covers the circumferential surface, it does not need to be large in diameter, and the second torque-applying part does not need to be increased in diameter in proportion to the amount of torque it is applied, and a small diameter is sufficient, resulting in a small diameter hinge device. The second torque-applying part has almost no expansion or contraction in the circumferential direction, so vibrations are less likely to occur between the housings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an electronic device equipped with a hinge device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partially enlarged schematic side view of an electronic device, where (a) shows the opening angle between the main casing and the display casing at 0 degrees, (b) shows the opening angle at 90 degrees, (c) shows the opening angle at 170 degrees, (d) shows the opening angle at 270 degrees, and (e) shows the opening angle at 360 degrees. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the hinge device and its surrounding area. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph showing the torque generated by the hinge device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the hinge device and electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Embodiments of the present invention are a hinge device 10 and an electronic device 12 equipped with the hinge device 10.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 12 equipped with hinge devices 10, 10, showing the usage configuration of a notebook PC where the display housing (first housing) 14 is opened from the main housing (second housing) 16 by the hinge devices 10, 10. Figure 2 is a partially enlarged schematic side view of the electronic device 12 shown in Figure 1 at various angular positions when the display housing 14 is rotated relative to the main housing 16. The closed state (see Figure 2(a)) where the surface of the display 18 (see Figure 1) and the surface of the keyboard 20 (see Figure 1) face each other is defined as the opening / closing angle 0 degrees. The open state (see Figure 2(e)) where the main housing 16 and the display housing 14 rotate relative to each other so that the surface of the display 18 and the surface of the keyboard 20 face outwards from each other is defined as the opening / closing angle 360 ​​degrees. Hereafter, the opening / closing angle of the display housing 14 relative to the main housing 16 will be denoted as θ.

[0013] In this embodiment, the electronic device 12 automatically switches between closed mode, laptop mode, stand mode, tent mode, and tablet mode based on the opening / closing angle θ of the display housing 14 relative to the main housing 16. Depending on the mode, the display 18 is shown / hidden, the display orientation of the display 18 is changed, and the keyboard 20 and touchpad 22 are enabled / disabled. The electronic device according to the present invention may be other than a notebook PC, such as a retractable mobile phone, smartphone, or portable game console.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic device 12 is formed by rotatably connecting the end 14b of a display housing 14 having a display 18 on its surface 14a and the end 16b of a main housing 16 having a keyboard 20 on its surface 16a, using a pair of left and right hinge devices 10, 10.

[0015] The display housing 14 is configured in a flat plate shape thinner than the main body housing 16. The display housing 14 is connected to the main body housing 16 by hinge devices 10, 10 provided at an end portion 16b of the main body housing 16. The display 18 is constituted by a touch panel type liquid crystal display device and can be operated by a hand or a pen as shown by a virtual line, and is surrounded by a frame body 14c.

[0016] The main body housing 16 is configured in a flat box shape. The main body housing 16 is connected to the display housing 14 by hinge devices 10, 10 provided at an end portion 16b thereof. Input means such as a keyboard 20 and a touch pad 22 are provided on a surface 16a of the main body housing 16, and various electronic components such as a substrate, an arithmetic unit, and a memory are provided inside the main body housing 16.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) to (e), the hinge devices 10, 10 enable the display housing 14 to rotate from the 0-degree position to the 360-degree position with a two-axis structure. The rotation range may be 360 degrees or less depending on the design conditions.

[0018] Next, a specific configuration example of the hinge device 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the hinge device 10 and its peripheral portion. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge device 10. Since the left and right hinge devices 10 have the same configuration except for being symmetric about the left and right, only one of the hinge devices 10 will be described below, and the description of the other hinge device 10 will be omitted. The left and right directions of the hinge device 10 will be described based on FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hinge device 10 is of a two-axis type configured with a first shaft 26 that protrudes rightward integrally with a first bracket 24 fixed to the display housing 14 and a second shaft 30 that protrudes rightward integrally with a second bracket 28 fixed to the main body housing 16 as a base. The first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30 have a solid structure, the same diameter, and are parallel. The first shaft 26 is slightly longer than the second shaft 30. The hinge device 10 is fixed to the display housing 14 and the main body housing 16 by screws being inserted into a plurality of screw holes 24a, 28a formed in the brackets 24, 28, and connects the two rotatably. Fixing of the hinge device 10 to the housing may apply serration or the like depending on load conditions and the like.

[0020] A step 26a that serves as the function of a flange is formed at the boundary between the bracket 24 and the first shaft 26. A plurality of annular ribs 26c are formed on the right half of the first shaft 26 to make it easier to receive frictional force. Two opposing D-cuts 26b are formed on the left half of the first shaft 26. A step 30a that serves as the function of a flange is formed at the boundary between the bracket 28 and the second shaft 30. A male screw portion 30c is formed at the tip of the second shaft 30, and two opposing D-cuts 30b are formed at locations other than the male screw portion 30c.

[0021] The hinge device 10 further includes a first connection plate (connection member) 32 and a second connection plate (connection member) 34 into which the first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30 are rotatably fitted, and a synchronization unit 36 that synchronously rotates the first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30 in opposite directions with reference to the connection plates 32, 34.

[0022] The connecting plates 32 and 34 are each made of two stacked plates 38 to achieve high strength. If the plate 38 is thick, one plate may be used. The plate 38 is an oval-shaped plate with arcs at both ends, and a first shaft hole 38a through which the first shaft 26 passes is formed near one end, and a second shaft hole 38b through which the second shaft 30 passes is formed near the other end. The first shaft hole 38a and the second shaft hole 38b have the same diameter. In the plate 38, the portion around the first shaft hole 38a is thicker than the portion around the second shaft hole 38b. The plate 38 has two gear holes 38c formed side by side between the first shaft hole 38a and the second shaft hole 38b.

[0023] The synchronization section 36 is provided between the first connecting plate 32 and the second connecting plate 34, and includes a first shaft gear 40 that is non-rotatably fitted to the first shaft 26 by a D-cut 28b, a second shaft gear 42 that is non-rotatably fitted to the second shaft 30 by a D-cut 30b, and two intermediate gears 44a and 44b provided between the first shaft gear 40 and the second shaft gear 42. The intermediate gears 44a and 44b are pivotally supported at both ends by gear holes 38c of the plate 38. The shaft gears 40 and 42 have the same number of teeth. The intermediate gears 44a and 44b have the same number of teeth. The first shaft gear 40 meshes with the intermediate gear 44a, the intermediate gear 44a meshes with the intermediate gear 44b, and the intermediate gear 44b meshes with the first shaft gear 40. As a result, the first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30 rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0024] Washers 46 are fitted to the first shaft 26 between the first connecting plate 32 and the first shaft gear 40, and at the point where they abut the right side of the second connecting plate 34. Fixed washers 48 are fitted to the second shaft 30 between the first connecting plate 32 and the second shaft gear 42, and at the point where they abut the right side of the second connecting plate 34. The fixed washers 48 are fitted to the second shaft 30 so as not to rotate by the D-cut 30b. Washers 46 and fixed washers 48 have the same thickness.

[0025] The first shaft 26 is provided with a first torque-applying section 50. The first torque-applying section 50 applies a frictional force to the circumferential surface of the first shaft 26 when fitted to it.

[0026] The first torque-applying section 50 has a first band 52 and a second band 54 with different axial lengths. The first band 52 is on the left side and the second band 54 is on the right side, with a narrow gap 56 between them. In this embodiment, the axial length of the second band 54 is about twice the length of the first band 52. The axial length of the first band 52 is about the same as the diameter of the first shaft 26.

[0027] The first band 52 has a C-shaped cross-section consisting of a first arc portion 52a and a second arc portion 52b, with a slit 52c formed between the first arc portion 52a and the second arc portion 52b. Similarly, the second band 54 has a C-shaped cross-section consisting of a first arc portion 54a and a second arc portion 54b, with a slit 54c formed between the first arc portion 54a and the second arc portion 54b. The arc angles of the first arc portions 52a and 54a are larger than those of the second arc portions 52b and 54b. The presence of slits 52c and 54c creates a difference in torque generated between the opening and closing operations between the housings 14 and 16, allowing the opening torque and closing torque to be set to different values.

[0028] The first torque-applying section 50 is integrated with a cylindrical body 58 that is fitted onto the second shaft 30. The cylindrical body 58 has approximately the same diameter, thickness, and axial position as the first band 52, and is connected to the first band 52 by a connecting section 60. The connecting section 60 has the same width as the diameter of the cylindrical body 58 and extends in the direction of the first band 52, but is slightly narrower in the section immediately adjacent to the connection with the first band 52. The circumferential surface of the second band 54 and the right side surface of the connecting section 60 are connected by a block 62. However, the block 62 is shorter in the axial direction than the second band 52, and in this embodiment, the left half of the second band 52 is connected to the block 62. The part of the block 62 facing the second shaft 30 is arc-shaped.

[0029] The bands 52 and 54 are not limited to a C-shape; any shape that can impart frictional force to the first shaft 26 they are fitted to is acceptable, and they may be cylindrical, for example. The bands 52 and 54 may be formed by curling a part of the connecting portion 60 and block 62 into an arc shape, by molding, or by CNC machining.

[0030] The second shaft 30 is provided with a second torque-applying section 64. The second torque-applying section 64 is provided with respect to the second shaft 30. rub This applies frictional force. The second torque-applying section 64 comprises fixed washers 66, 68, a plurality of discs (elastic members) 70, and a nut 72, which are fitted or screwed onto the second shaft 30. The stepped section 30a and the fixed washer 48 are also part of the second torque-applying section 64.

[0031] The fixed washer 66 is positioned to abut against the right side of the cylindrical body 58 and is non-rotatably fitted to the second shaft 30 by the D-cut 30b. The fixed washer 66 is about twice as thick as the fixed washer 48. The disc 70 is a leaf spring made of a dish-shaped metal plate, and in this embodiment, six of them are stacked between the fixed washers 66 and 68.

[0032] The fixing washer 68 is provided near the end of the second shaft 30 and is fitted to the second shaft 30 so as not to rotate by the D-cut 30b. A nut 72 is screwed onto the male threaded portion 30c at the right end of the second shaft 26 and is tightened with appropriate force to the right end of the step 30a via the first connecting plate 32, fixing washer 48, second shaft gear 42, second connecting plate 34, fixing washer 48, cylindrical body 58, fixing washer 66, disc 70 and fixing washer 68. It is advisable to apply a loosening prevention treatment to the nut 72.

[0033] The second torque-applying unit 64 generates axial force on the second shaft 30 by tightening the nut 72, causing the disc 70 to be elastically compressed, thereby applying torque to the second shaft 30. rubThis generates friction. Then, rotational torque is applied to the second shaft 30 by the frictional resistance at each sliding surface of the step 30a, connecting plates 32, 34, fixing washers 48, 66, 68, cylindrical body 58, and disc 70. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the frictional force is distributed by providing many sliding surfaces, but the number of sliding surfaces may be increased or decreased depending on the conditions. The number of sliding surfaces can be increased or decreased, for example, by increasing or decreasing the number of discs 70. The hinge device 10 is covered by a cover 74 in parts other than the brackets 24, 28.

[0034] Figure 5 is a graph showing the torque generated by the hinge device 10. In the graph, the dashed line L11 shows the torque generated by the first band 52 of the first torque application unit 50, the dashed line L12 shows the torque generated by the second band 54 of the first torque application unit 50, the broken line L2 shows the torque generated by the second torque application unit 64, and the solid line L0 shows the total torque from the first torque application unit 50 and the second torque application unit 64. The horizontal axis represents the angle θ, with the area above the horizontal axis representing the positive torque generated during opening and the area below representing the negative torque generated during closing.

[0035] The torque generated by the first band 52, the second band 54, the second torque-applying unit 64, and their combined torque has different polarity during opening and closing operations. Here, we will explain using the positive torque generated during opening as an example. The torque generated by the first band 52, shown by line L11, is 0 from 0 to about 110 degrees, increases from about 110 to 140 degrees, and then maintains a constant torque up to 360 degrees. The cross-sectional shape of the first band 52 and the first shaft 26 are different, and different torques can be generated depending on the angle θ due to the effect of the position and width of the slit 52c. In the example in Figure 5, the absolute values ​​of the torque generated during opening and closing operations are equal, but as described above, it is also possible to set the opening torque and closing torque to different values ​​according to the required specifications.

[0036] The torque generated by the second band 54, indicated by line L12, is constant from 0 to 360 degrees. The torque generated by the second band 54, which is slightly longer in the axial direction, is slightly greater than the maximum torque of the shorter first band 52.

[0037] The torque generated by the second torque application unit 64, indicated by line L2, increases slightly from 0 to 10 degrees, maintains a constant torque from 10 to 350 degrees, and then rapidly decreases from 350 to 360 degrees, realizing an auto-lock function. This prevents the device from being unable to rotate to 360 degrees due to residual torque when used as a tablet. The maximum torque generated by the second torque application unit 64 is slightly greater than the torque generated by the second band 54. In this embodiment, the maximum torque generated by the second torque application unit 64 is approximately twice the maximum torque generated by the first band 52.

[0038] The total torque shown by line L0 is small near 0 degrees during the opening operation, making it easy to start the operation with one hand. As the torque decreases near 0 degrees during the closing operation, the residual torque becomes small, ensuring that the 0-degree position can be reliably achieved.

[0039] The electronic device 12 is typically operated with an angle θ of approximately 120 to 130 degrees (see also Figure 1). This position is indicated by the symbol A. The total torque remains relatively small from 10 degrees up to position A, making it easy to operate with one hand. At position A, the total torque increases, making it easier to maintain the angle θ. In particular, even when the display 18 is touched with a hand or pen for touch panel operation, it is less likely to tilt backward, allowing for stable operation. Furthermore, while the bands 52 and 54 of the first torque application section 50 can expand and contract slightly in the circumferential direction due to elasticity, the second torque application section 64 hardly expands or contracts in the circumferential direction. This reduces vibration between the display housing 14 and the main body housing 16, making it easier to stably operate the display 18, especially in touch-panel electronic devices 12.

[0040] The total torque shown on line L0 decreases around 360 degrees during the opening operation, ensuring a reliable 360-degree position. During the closing operation, the torque is small, making it easier to initiate the movement. The total torque is almost equal at 0 degrees and 360 degrees.

[0041] In the hinge device 10 and electronic device 12 according to this embodiment, the rotational torque is applied by the first torque application unit 50 and the second torque application unit 64, so that the torque generated by each is basically half, and when added together, sufficient torque can be generated. However, the torque distribution between the first torque application unit 50 and the second torque application unit 64 does not have to be equal; they may differ to some extent.

[0042] The first torque-applying section 50 does not need to be large in diameter because the bands 52 and 54 cover the circumferential surface. Also, since only half of the torque needs to be distributed, it does not need to be long in the axial direction, and the required straightness of the fitting first shaft 26 portion can be kept relatively low, making it easy to manufacture.

[0043] The second torque-applying section 64 does not need to be radially large because it only needs to share half the torque, and a small diameter is sufficient. Because the first torque-applying section 50 of the hinge device 10 can be small in diameter, it contributes to the thinning of the display housing 14 and the narrowing of the frame 14c. Furthermore, because the second torque-applying section 64 is small in diameter, it contributes to the thinning of the main housing 16. The hinge device 10 is a two-axis type and is provided on the first shaft 26. 1 Since the torque application unit 50 and the second torque application unit 64 provided on the second shaft 30 are in parallel, the length in the left-right direction in Figures 3 and 4 can be suppressed.

[0044] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Hinge device 12 Electronic equipment 14 Display enclosure (first enclosure) 16. Main cabinet (second cabinet) 24 First bracket 26. First shaft 28 Second bracket 30 Second shaft 30a Step (flange) 32. First connecting plate 34. Second connecting plate 36 Classmates 38 plates 48, 66, 68 Fixing Washers 50 First torque application section 52. First Band 54. Band 2 58 Cylinder 60 Connection part 62 blocks 64 Second Torque Application Section 70 discs 72 nuts

Claims

1. A hinge device that rotatably connects a first housing and a second housing, A first shaft fixed to the first housing, A second shaft fixed to the second housing, A flange formed on the second shaft, A connecting member into which the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatably fitted, A synchronization unit that rotates the first shaft and the second shaft in opposite directions synchronously with respect to the connecting member, A first torque-applying unit that applies a frictional force to the circumferential surface of the first shaft when the first shaft is fitted into it, A second torque-applying unit that generates an axial force on the second shaft, thereby applying a frictional force via the flange, It has, The first torque-applying unit is provided only on the first shaft. The second torque-applying unit is provided only on the second shaft. The first torque-applying unit and the second torque-applying unit are arranged in parallel in the direction in which the first shaft and the second shaft are aligned. A hinge device characterized by the following:

2. In the hinge device according to claim 1, The second torque-applying part has a nut that is screwed onto the threaded portion of the second shaft and tightened between it and the flange via an elastic member. A hinge device characterized by the following:

3. In the hinge device according to claim 1, The first torque-applying part is integrated with a cylindrical body that is fitted onto the second shaft. A hinge device characterized by the following:

4. In the hinge device according to claim 1, The first torque-applying unit has a first band and a second band with different axial lengths. A hinge device characterized by the following:

5. An electronic device in which a first housing and a second housing are rotatably connected by a hinge device, The aforementioned hinge device, A first shaft fixed to the first housing, A second shaft fixed to the second housing, A flange formed on the second shaft, A connecting member into which the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatably fitted, A synchronization unit that rotates the first shaft and the second shaft in opposite directions synchronously with respect to the connecting member, A first torque-applying unit that applies a frictional force to the circumferential surface of the first shaft when the first shaft is fitted into it, A second torque-applying unit that generates an axial force on the second shaft, thereby applying a frictional force via the flange, It has, The first torque-applying unit is provided only on the first shaft. The second torque-applying unit is provided only on the second shaft. The first torque-applying unit and the second torque-applying unit are arranged in parallel in the direction in which the first shaft and the second shaft are aligned. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

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