US20010019946A1 - Foldable portable telephone - Google Patents
Foldable portable telephone Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010019946A1 US20010019946A1 US09/795,450 US79545001A US2001019946A1 US 20010019946 A1 US20010019946 A1 US 20010019946A1 US 79545001 A US79545001 A US 79545001A US 2001019946 A1 US2001019946 A1 US 2001019946A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- closure
- drive member
- case
- main body
- cam
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
- H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
- H04M1/0214—Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
- H04M1/0216—Foldable in one direction, i.e. using a one degree of freedom hinge
- H04M1/0218—The hinge comprising input and/or output user interface means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to foldable portable telephones comprising a main body case provided with a plurality of manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case openably, and more particularly to such a foldable portable telephone wherein the closure case can be opened easily at the touch of a button.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 show a foldable portable telephone which is already known and which comprises a main body case provided with a plurality of manual keys, and a closure case provided with a display and openably connected to the main body case.
- a pair of opposite hinge mechanisms are arranged at the junction of the main body case and the closure case, and the closure case can be opened or closed about an axis of rotation of the hinge mechanisms.
- One of the hinge mechanisms comprises a first barrel portion provided on the main body case, a first barrel portion provided on the closure case and aligned with the barrel portion, and a hinge pin fitted in the barrel portions centrally thereof.
- the other hinge mechanism comprises a second barrel portion provided on the main body case, a second barrel portion provided on the closure case and aligned with the barrel portion, and a hinge pin fitted in the barrel portions centrally thereof.
- the foldable portable telephone described can be compacted by folding the closure case and is therefore not only convenient to carry but also can be free of the likelihood that the manual key will be depressed while in a bag or the like since the keys are covered with the closure case, hence safety. Further because the screen of the display is accommodated in the closure case as closed, the display can be protected from damage even if the portable telephone slips off to fall.
- the foldable portable telephone shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 has recessed portions and recessed portions formed respectively in the main body case and the closure case at opposite sides thereof.
- the closure case closed as shown in FIG. 17 can be opened as shown in FIG. 18 by inserting the tip of a finger between the opposed pair of recessed portions forming a space as shown in FIG. 17.
- the closure case is thus openable by only one hand grasping the main body case, hence convenience.
- the telephone has a spring for biasing the closure case toward an opening direction relative to the main body case, a latch slidably mounted on a side face of the main body case as shown in FIG. 19, a hook provided on the closure case, and a spring connected to the latch on the main body case, with a manual piece interposed therebetween.
- the closure case can then be made automatically openable merely by moving the manual piece, whereas it becomes necessary to provide the latch, hook, manual piece, spring, etc. in addition to the hinge mechanism. This entails the problem of making the telephone large-sized and complex to assemble.
- the latch and the hook each have a projection of acute angle and therefore have the problem of being hazardous.
- the conventional foldable portable telephone is so adapted that the closure case can be held in two postures of different angles, i.e., in the fully closed position and the full-open position, it is desired that the closure case be holdable also in one or more intermediate positions so as to be positionable in a posture of desired angle for use.
- a first object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable telephone having a closure case which can be easily opened at the touch of a button.
- the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone which comprises a main body case provided with a plurality of manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a hinge mechanism for covering the manual keys, the hinge mechanism comprising:
- a prime mover mechanism provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case
- a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button.
- the holding mechanism When the closure case of the telephone of the invention described is in a closed state, the holding mechanism is in operation to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- the holding mechanism When the manual button is manipulated to open the closure case, the holding mechanism is released from the holding state, consequently initiating the prime mover mechanism into operation. This rotates the closure drive member, opening the closure case to a full-open position.
- the case When the closure case is to be closed, the case is pushed in a closing direction against a force exerted by the prime mover mechanism, whereby the case is rotated to the closed position.
- the holding mechanism functions to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- a cam mechanism is formed in engaging portions of the main body drive member and the closure drive member, and an elastic member is provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in the closure case opening direction.
- the cam mechanism has a first cam curve portion and a second cam curve portion operable respectively in the first half and the second half of the process of rotation of the closure case from the closed position to an open position.
- the first cam curve portion is in the form of a cam curve capable of rotating the closure drive member in a direction to close the closure case with the force exerted by the elastic member.
- the second cam curve portion is in the form of a cam curve capable of rotating the closure drive member in the closure case opening direction with the force exerted by the elastic member.
- the first cam portion of the cam mechanism is in operation, holding the closure case in its closed position with the force exerted by the elastic member.
- the cam mechanism is changed over from the first cam curve portion operating state to the second cam curve portion operating state by manipulating the manual button in this state.
- the operation of the second cam curve portion biases the closure drive member into rotation toward the closure case opening direction to open the closure case to the full-open position.
- the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone which comprises a main body case provided with manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a pair of hinge mechanisms arranged in alignment for covering the manual keys.
- One of the hinge mechanisms has the same construction as described above. Accordingly, the closure case can be opened merely by manipulating the manual button of the above-mentioned one hinge mechanism.
- the main body case and the closure case are provided respectively with cylindrical barrel portions arranged in alignment with each other, and the main body drive member, closure drive member, prime mover mechanism, holding mechanism, manual button and hold release mechanism which constitute the above-mentioned one hinge mechanism are brought together into a hinge assembly in the form of a round rod, the hinge assembly being fitted into the barrel portions on the main body case 1 and the closure case.
- the main body drive member is in engagement with the barrel portion on the main body case nonrotatably relative thereto, while the closure drive member is in engagement with the barrel portion on the closure case nonrotatably relative thereto.
- the manual button is exposed to outside from the barrel portions.
- the closure case can be opened to the full-open position at the touch of the manual button, i.e., simply by manipulating the button, so that the foldable portable telephone of the present invention described is easy to use.
- a second object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable telephone having a closure case which is easy to open at the touch of manual buttons even when the closure case has a relatively great weight.
- the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone comprising a main body case provided with a plurality of manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a pair of hinge mechanisms arranged in alignment for covering the manual keys.
- Each of the hinge mechanisms comprises:
- a main body drive member connected to an end portion of the main body case and rotatable with the main body case
- a closure drive member connected to an end portion of the closure case and rotatable with the closure case
- a prime mover mechanism provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case
- a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button.
- the holding mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms are in operation to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- the holding mechanisms are released from the holding state, consequently initiating the prime mover mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms into operation. This rotates the closure drive members of the hinge mechanisms at the same time, opening the closure case to a full-open position.
- the case is pushed in a closing direction against the force exerted by the prime mover mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms whereby the case is rotated to the closed position.
- the holding mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms function to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- the closure case can be opened to the full-open position at the touch of the manual buttons i.e., simply by manipulating the buttons, so that the foldable portable telephone of the present invention described is easy to use. Since the two prime mover mechanisms (elastic members) provided in the pair of hinge mechanisms exert forces to open the closure case, the closure case, even if having a relatively great weight, can be opened with a sufficiently great force which is uniform widthwise of the case.
- a third object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable telephone having a closure case which can be opened at the touch of a manual button and which is adapted to reduce the impact produced by opening the closure case even when the closure case has a relatively great weight.
- the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone comprising a main body case provided with manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a pair of hinge mechanisms arranged in alignment for covering the manual keys.
- At least one of the hinge mechanisms comprises:
- a main body drive member connected to an end portion of the main body case and rotatable with the main body case
- a closure drive member connected to an end portion of the closure case and rotatable with the closure case
- a prime mover mechanism provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case
- a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button
- a damper mechanism for applying a braking force to the rotation of the closure case in the second half of the process of opening the closure case.
- the holding mechanism When the closure case of the foldable portable telephone of the invention is in the closed state, the holding mechanism operates to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- the case When the manual button is manipulated to open the closure case, the case is released from the holding state by the holding mechanism, with the result that the prime mover mechanism is initiated into operation. This rotates the closure drive member, opening the closure case to a full-open position.
- the damper mechanism operates, applying a braking force to the rotation of the closure drive member relative to the main body drive member to reduce the opening speed of the closure case and consequently reducing the impact to be produced when the closure case is brought to the full-open position.
- the case When the closure case is to be closed, the case is pressed in the closing direction against the force exerted by the prime mover mechanism, whereby the case is rotated to the closed position.
- the holding mechanism operates in this process to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- the present invention further provides a foldable portable telephone comprising a main body case provided with manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a pair of hinge mechanisms arranged in alignment for covering the manual keys. At least one of the hinge mechanisms has the construction of the invention described above. Accordingly, the closure case can be opened by manipulating the manual button of the hinge mechanism.
- one of two members movable relative to each other with the opening movement of the closure case is provided with a frictional resistance portion slidable in contact with the other member to provide the damper mechanism.
- the other member comes into sliding contact with the frictional resistance portion provided on the above-mentioned one member in the second half of the process of opening the closure case to reduce the opening speed of the case.
- the foldable portable telephone of the invention described is not only so adapted that the closure case can be opened to the full-open position at the touch of the manual button but the impact to be produced upon the closure case reaching the full-open position can also be reduced.
- a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable telephone having a closure case which can be opened easily at the touch of a manual button and which can be opened to different adjusted angles.
- the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone comprising a main body case 1 provided with manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a hinge mechanism for covering the manual keys.
- the hinge mechanism comprises:
- a main body drive member connected to an end portion of the main body case and rotatable with the main body case
- a closure drive member connected to an end portion of the closure case and rotatable with the closure case
- a prime mover mechanism provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case
- a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button
- an opening angle adjusting mechanism for holding the closure case at one or a plurality of opening angles in the process of closing the closure case from a full-open position.
- the holding mechanism When the closure case of the foldable portable telephone of the invention is in the closed state, the holding mechanism operates to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- the manual button is manipulated to open the closure case, the case is released from the holding mechanism, with the result that the prime mover mechanism is initiated into operation.
- This rotates the closure drive member, opening the closure case to a full-open position.
- the case is pressed in the closing direction against the force exerted by the prime mover mechanism, whereby the case is rotated to the closed position.
- the opening angle adjusting mechanism operates in this process to hold the case at one or more opening angles.
- the holding mechanism When the closure case is further pressed in the closing direction, the holding mechanism operates to hold the case in a fully closed position.
- the closure case can be opened not only to the full-open position at the touch of the manual button but also to different adjusted angles.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable portable telephone as a first embodiment, with a closure case closed;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foldable portable telephone of the first embodiment, with the closure case opened;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the foldable portable telephone of the first embodiment, with a hinge assembly separated therefrom;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view partly broken away and showing the hinge assembly of the first embodiment
- FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a closure drive member and a main body drive member
- FIG. 6 includes a series of front views for illustrating the operation of the hinge assembly
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view partly broken away and showing a hinge assembly of a second embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of the second embodiment
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of a cam slit formed in the hinge assembly
- FIG. 10 includes diagrams for illustrating a valve member disposed in the cam slit
- FIG. 11 is a side elevation for illustrating the operation of an opening angle adjusting mechanism used in the second embodiment
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a damper mechanism incorporated in another foldable portable telephone as a third embodiment
- FIG. 13 is a side elevation for illustrating an angular range wherein the damper mechanism operates
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another foldable portable telephone as a fourth embodiment, with a closure case closed;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the foldable portable telephone of the fourth embodiment, with the closure case opened;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the foldable portable telephone of the fourth embodiment, with a pair of hinge assemblies separated therefrom;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a conventional foldable portable telephone, with a closure case closed;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the conventional foldable portable telephone, with the closure case opened.
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a foldable portable telephone devised by the present applicant in the course of accomplishment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1 to 3 show a foldable portable telephone of the present invention, which comprises a main body case 1 provided with manual keys 12 , and a closure case 2 having a display 21 and openably connected to the main body case 1 .
- a hinge mechanism 10 positioned at the right side and embodying the invention
- a hinge mechanism 10 ′ like a conventional one, positioned at the left side.
- the closure case 2 can be opened or closed about the axis of rotation of the two hinge mechanisms 10 , 10 ′.
- the main body case 1 is provided with an extensible antenna 11 .
- the terms left and right are used with reference to the telephone as positioned in the usual posture for use.
- the hinge mechanism 10 at the right comprises a first barrel portion 13 provided on the main body case 1 , a first barrel portion 22 provided on the closure case 2 and aligned with the barrel portion 13 , and a hinge assembly 4 fitted in the central bores of the two barrel portions 13 , 22 .
- the hinge assembly 4 has a manual button 41 exposed to the outside from the first barrel portion 13 .
- the hinge mechanism 10 ′ at the left comprises a second barrel portion 15 provided on the main body case 1 , a second barrel portion 23 provided on the closure case 2 and aligned with the barrel portion 15 , and a hinge pin 3 fitted in the central bores of the two barrel portions 15 , 23 .
- the hinge assembly 4 is in the form of a round rod in its entirety and comprises a closure drive member 43 and a main body drive member 44 which are each in the form of a hollow cylinder, arranged coaxially, and engaged with each other, axially movably relative to each other and rotatably relative to each other.
- Cam faces 6 , 61 slidable in contact with each other are formed in opposed portions of the closure drive member 43 and the main body drive member 44 .
- the closure drive member 43 is provided on its outer periphery with a pair of projections 48 , 48 which are circumferentially spaced apart by a predetermined angle and engaged in the inner periphery of the first barrel portion 22 on the closure case 2 , whereby the closure drive member 43 is made rotatable with the closure case 2 .
- the main body drive member 44 is provided on its outer periphery with a pair of projections 47 , 47 which are circumferentially spaced apart by a predetermined angle and engaged in the inner periphery of the first barrel portion 13 on the main body case 1 , whereby the main body drive member 44 is made rotatable with the main body case 1 .
- the closure drive member 43 comprises a first tubular portion 43 a of large diameter and a second tubular portion 43 b having a small diameter and coaxial with the tubular portion 43 a .
- the first tubular portion 43 a has a right end face providing the cam face 6 .
- the cam face 6 on the closure side has a cam portion including slopes 63 , 64 at opposite sides of a ridge 62 .
- the main body drive member 44 comprises a tubular portion 44 a having the same diameter as the first tubular portion 43 a of the closure drive member 43 , and a flange 44 b in the form of a disk provided at the right end of the tubular portion 44 a .
- the tubular portion 44 a has a left end face providing the cam face 61 .
- the cam face 61 on the main body side has a cam portion including slopes 66 , 67 at opposite sides of a ridge 65 .
- a shank 45 extends leftward from the left side face of the flange 44 b of the main body drive member 44 .
- a flange 46 in the form of a disk is provided at the left end of the shank 45 .
- a prime mover spring 5 having a left end secured to the flange 46 of the shank 45 and a right end secured to the closure drive member 43 . Consequently, the spring 5 exerts an axial elastic biasing force, bringing the closure side cam face 6 and the main body side cam face 61 into pressing contact with each other axially of the hinge assembly 4 and biasing the closure drive member 43 into rotation toward a direction to open the closure case 2 .
- a tubular member 42 extends through the flange 44 b of the main body drive member 44 .
- the tubular member 42 has a right end with the manual button 41 fixed thereto and a left end slidably in contact with the closure drive member 43 .
- An auxiliary coil spring 51 is fitted around the tubular member 42 for biasing the button 41 in a projecting direction, whereby the button 41 is held projected in a free state.
- the closure drive member 43 will be subjected to a rotational biasing force in the closure case closing direction when the case 2 is in the closed state owing to the axial biasing force of the primer mover spring 5 and to the action of the slope 66 of the cam face 61 .
- the closure case 2 will then be closed as pressed into contact with the main body case 1 . This provides a reliable closed state.
- the closure case 2 When the closure case 2 is to be closed, the closure case 2 is pressed toward the closing direction against the elastic biasing force of the spring 5 in the direction of rotation. This causes the ridge 62 of the cam face 6 to ascent the slope 67 of the cam face 61 . After the ridge 62 of the cam face 6 has moved over the ridge 65 of the cam face 61 , the closure drive member 43 is subjected to a torque acting in the closure case closing direction by the axial elastic biasing force of the spring 5 and the cam action of the slope 66 of the cam face 61 even if the closure case 2 is released from the hand. The case 2 is closed to a fully closed position.
- the closure case 2 in its closed state as shown in FIG. 1 is opened to the full-open position shown in FIG. 2 merely by pressing the manual button 41 , i.e., by a very simple procedure.
- the closure case 2 can be opened also by grasping the case by hand without pressing the button 41 in the closed state of FIG. 1.
- the hinge assembly 4 is in the form of a unit obtained by incorporating the prime mover spring 5 and the cam faces 6 , 61 for rotating the closure drive member 43 in the closure case opening or closing direction, the manual button 41 to be manipulated for opening the case 2 , etc.
- the assembly will not make the telephone greater in size, while the telephone can be assembled by the simple procedure of inserting the hinge assembly 4 into the barrel portions 13 , 22 on the respective main body case 1 and closure case 2 .
- the torque exerted by the prime mover spring 5 with the closure case closed is received by the engagement of the cam face 6 of the closure drive member 43 and the cam face 61 of the main body drive member 44 without acting directly on the main body case 1 or the closure case 2 .
- the manual button 41 is easy to press if the head portion thereof is positioned as slightly projected from the cases.
- the head of the button 41 is formed with a smoothly curved surface, has no sharp projection and therefore assures safety.
- the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment has incorporated therein a hinge assembly 7 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in place of the hinge assembly 4 of FIG. 4 used in the first embodiment.
- a hinge assembly 7 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in place of the hinge assembly 4 of FIG. 4 used in the first embodiment.
- like members which are basically similar in function are designated by like reference numerals.
- the hinge assembly 7 is in the form of a round rod in its entirety and comprises a closure drive member 71 and a main body drive member 72 which are each in the form of a hollow cylinder, arranged coaxially and engaged with each other axially movably relative to each other and rotatably relative to each other.
- the main body drive member 72 has a peripheral wall provided with a cam slit 8
- the closure drive member 71 has a cam follower 78 projecting therefrom and extending through the cam slit 8 from inside to outside.
- the cam slit 8 is shaped as will be described later.
- the closure drive member 71 is provided on its outer periphery with a pair of projections 48 , 48 which are circumferentially spaced apart by a predetermined angle and engaged in the inner periphery of the first barrel portion 22 on the closure case 2 as in the first embodiment, whereby the closure drive member 71 is made rotatable with the closure case 2 .
- the main body drive member 72 is provided on its outer periphery with a pair of projections 47 , 47 which are circumferentially spaced apart by a predetermined angle and engaged in the inner periphery of the first barrel portion 13 on the main body case 1 as in the first embodiment, whereby the main body drive member 72 is made rotatable with the main body case 1 .
- the closure drive member 71 has a disk 73 projecting from the right end thereof.
- the cam follower 78 is provided on the outer periphery of the disk 73 .
- the main body drive member 72 is provided on the inner surface of its peripheral wall with a connecting portion 79 at the left end thereof, a flange portion 72 b at its right end and a ridge 77 at an intermediate portion thereof.
- Fixed to the center of the connecting portion 79 is a shank 45 extending leftward on the center axis of the main body drive member 72 .
- a flange 46 in the form of a disk is provided at the left end of the shank 45 .
- a prime mover coil spring 5 having a left end fixed to the flange 46 of the shank 45 and a right end secured to the closure drive member 71 . Consequently, the closure drive member 71 is biased by the spring 5 to rotate toward a direction to open the closure case 2 .
- a tubular member 74 extends through the flange portion 72 b of the main body drive member 72 and has a right end with a manual button 41 secured thereto and a left end provided with a flange 75 .
- a projection 76 is formed on the left side surface of the flange 75 centrally thereof and has an outer end bearing on the disk 73 of the closure drive member 71 .
- An auxiliary coil spring 51 is fitted around the tubular member 74 for biasing the button 41 toward a projecting direction, whereby the button 41 is held in a projected position in a free state.
- a second auxiliary spring 52 is provided around the central portion of the closure drive member 71 for biasing the disk 73 of the member 71 and the ridge 77 of the main body drive member 72 away from each other, whereby the cam follower 78 in a free state is pressed around the right side face of the slitted portion 8 .
- the cam slit 8 formed in the main body drive member 72 comprises a plurality of first to sixth cam slit portions 81 to 86 which are different in inclination with respect to the axial direction of the hinge assembly 7 and which communicate with one another to form a loop.
- the first cam slit portion 81 is generally in parallel to the axial direction.
- the cam follower 78 a as positioned at the starting end of the slit portion 81 is subjected to a biasing force F which is the resultant of an axial force Fa and a force Fr in a direction of rotation which are exerted by the prime mover spring 5 , whereby the follower is held pressed against the slit-defining wall.
- the second cam slit portion 82 extending from the first slit portion 81 is greatly inclined with respect to the axial direction.
- the cam follower 78 b or 78 c as positioned in this slit portion 82 is advanced therethrough by being subjected to a component Fs, in the direction along the slit portion 82 , of the force F.
- the third cam slit portion 83 continuous with the second slit portion 82 is bent in an inverted U-shape.
- the cam follower 78 d as positioned in this slit portion 83 is held pressed by the force F against the slit-defining wall.
- the fourth cam slit portion 84 continuous with the third slit portion 83 is bent in an inverted U-shape, and the cam follower 78 e as positioned in this slit portion 84 is held pressed by the force F against the slit-defining wall.
- the fifth cam slit portion 85 continuous with the fourth slit portion 84 is bent in an inverted U-shape, and the cam follower 78 f as positioned in this slit portion 85 is held pressed by the force F against the slit-defining wall.
- the sixth cam slit portion 86 is slightly inclined with respect to the axial direction, and the cam follower 78 g as positioned in this slit portion 86 is advanced therethrough and eventually returned to the first cam slit portion 81 by being subjected to a component Fs′, in the direction along the slit portion 86 , of the force F.
- a valve member 87 biased into rotation by a torsion spring 88 is disposed at the position where the sixth cam slit portion 86 of the cam slit 8 communicates with the first cam slit portion thereof as shown in FIGS. 10 ( a ) and 10 ( b ).
- the outlet of the slit portion 86 is usually closed. Accordingly, when the closure case 2 is opened by pressing the manual button 41 , there is no likelihood that the cam follower 78 a will be prevented by the valve member 87 from advancing from the starting end position of the first slit portion 81 as shown in FIG. 10( a ), nor is it likely that the cam follower 78 will advance into the sixth slit portion 86 . Further when the closure case 2 is closed, the cam follower 78 advancing through the sixth slit portion 86 pushes the valve member 87 open to enter the first slit portion 81 as shown in FIG. 10( b ).
- the foldable portable telephone of the present embodiment not only has the same advantage as the first embodiment described but also permits the closure case 2 to be opened to different adjusted angles as shown in FIG. 11. Further when the manual button 41 is pressed with the closure case 2 set at an intermediate opening angle, the case 2 can be opened to the full-open position again. Furthermore, the configuration of the cam slit 8 shown in FIG. 9 makes it possible to smoothly close the closure case 2 from the full-open position to the fully closed position.
- the cam slit 8 need not always be in a loop form but can be a circular-arc form comprising the first cam slit portion 81 and the second cam slit portion 82 shown in FIG. 9, with a cam slit portion provided at an intermediate part of the second slit portion 82 to serve the functions of the fourth and fifth cam slit portions 84 , 85 .
- the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment comprises a damper mechanism provided for the hinge assembly 7 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, for reducing the closure case closing speed after an intermediate stage of the process of opening the closure case 2 .
- the disk 73 of the closure drive member 71 is provided on its right side face with a pair of frictional resistance portions 73 a , 73 a having a phase difference of 180 degrees
- the flange 75 of the tubular member 74 is provided on its left side face with a pair of disklike protrusions 75 a , 75 a having a phase difference of 180 degrees and slidable in contact with the frictional resistance portions 73 a , 73 a
- the frictional resistance portions 73 a , 73 a can be provided by forming minute surface irregularities on the disk 73 or affixing felt members to the disk.
- the closure drive member 71 is provided on circular-arc regions 73 b between the pair of frictional resistance portions 73 a , 73 a with respective ridges 73 c having a semicircular cross section and slidable in contact with the protrusions 75 a , 75 a .
- the disk 73 of the closure drive member 71 rotates with the opening movement of the closure case 2 , whereas the flange 75 of the tubular member 74 remains at rest, whereby the disk 73 and the flange 75 are rotated relative to each other.
- the pair of protrusions 75 a , 75 a can be formed on the disk 73 of the closure drive member 71 , with the pair of frictional resistance portions 73 a , 73 a provided on the flange 75 of the tubular member 74 .
- speed of opening of the closure case 2 is reduced at an intermediate stage of opening, so that the impact to be produced upon the case 2 reaching the full-open position is diminished even if the case 2 has a large display 21 and a great weight. This obviates the likelihood that the telephone will slip off the hand to fall owing to the impact to be produced upon the opening of the closure case 2 , even if the main body case 1 is grasped with a relatively small force.
- the damper mechanism described can be incorporated into the hinge assembly 4 of the first embodiment.
- the damper mechanism which utilizes frictional resistance, can alternatively be of various other known constructions, such as one utilizing the flow resistance of a liquid.
- the location where the damper mechanism is provided is not limited to that of the above embodiment; the mechanism can be positioned at a desired location where a closure-side member rotatable or movable with the closure case 2 is opposed to a body-side member rotatable or movable with the main body case 1 .
- the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment has a pair of hinge mechanisms 10 , 10 arranged respectively at the left and right sides of the junction of a main body case 1 and a closure case 2 .
- the hinge assembly 4 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is used as it is in the hinge mechanism 10 at the right, while the hinge mechanisms 10 , 10 at the left and at the right are in symmetry.
- the hinge assembly 7 of the second or third embodiment is usable in place of the hinge assembly 4 of the first embodiment.
- the main body case 1 is provided with a first barrel portion 13 and a second barrel portion 15 which are cylindrical, while the closure case 2 is provided with a first barrel portion 22 and a second barrel portion 23 which are cylindrical, the barrel portions being aligned.
- the hinge assembly 4 constituting the hinge mechanism 10 at the right is fitted in the first barrel portion 13 on the main body case 1 and the first barrel portion 22 on the closure case 2 , with the main body drive member 44 in engagement with the inner periphery of the first barrel portion 13 of the case 1 and with the closure drive member 43 in engagement with the inner periphery of the first barrel portion 22 of the case 2 .
- the hinge assembly 4 constituting the hinge mechanism 10 at the left is fitted in the second barrel portion 15 on the main body case 1 and the second barrel portion 23 on the closure case 2 , with the main body drive member 44 in engagement with the inner periphery of the second barrel portion 15 of the case 1 and with the closure drive member 43 in engagement with the inner periphery of the second barrel portion 23 of the case 2 .
- the manual buttons 41 , 41 of the two hinge mechanisms 10 , 10 are exposed at the respective opposite sides of the main body case 1 .
- the two hinge assemblies 4 , 4 are operated to open the closure case 2 , by pressing the pair of opposite manual buttons 41 , 41 at the same time. Accordingly even if one of the manual buttons 41 is depressed while the telephone is being carried as placed in a bag or the like, the closure case 2 remains closed, hence safety. Since the pair of hinge assemblies 4 , 4 exert rotational forces respectively on opposite sides of the closure case 2 , sufficient torque is available as required for opening the case 2 even if the case 2 has a large display 21 and is therefore given an increased weight.
- the closure case 2 is opened by pressing the pair of opposite manual buttons 41 , 41 from opposite sides. This invariably increases the force for grasping the main body case 1 , consequently obviating the likelihood that the telephone will slip off owing to the impact produced when the closure case 2 opens. Further in opening the closure case 2 by manipulating the pair of manual buttons 41 , 41 , there is no likelihood that the hand will touch the antenna 11 provided on the main body case 1 as seen in FIG. 14 to impair the performance of the antenna.
- the present embodiment of course has the same advantage as the first embodiment.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to foldable portable telephones comprising a main body case provided with a plurality of manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case openably, and more particularly to such a foldable portable telephone wherein the closure case can be opened easily at the touch of a button.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 show a foldable portable telephone which is already known and which comprises a main body case provided with a plurality of manual keys, and a closure case provided with a display and openably connected to the main body case. A pair of opposite hinge mechanisms are arranged at the junction of the main body case and the closure case, and the closure case can be opened or closed about an axis of rotation of the hinge mechanisms. One of the hinge mechanisms comprises a first barrel portion provided on the main body case, a first barrel portion provided on the closure case and aligned with the barrel portion, and a hinge pin fitted in the barrel portions centrally thereof. Similarly, the other hinge mechanism comprises a second barrel portion provided on the main body case, a second barrel portion provided on the closure case and aligned with the barrel portion, and a hinge pin fitted in the barrel portions centrally thereof.
- When to be carried, the foldable portable telephone described can be compacted by folding the closure case and is therefore not only convenient to carry but also can be free of the likelihood that the manual key will be depressed while in a bag or the like since the keys are covered with the closure case, hence safety. Further because the screen of the display is accommodated in the closure case as closed, the display can be protected from damage even if the portable telephone slips off to fall.
- The foldable portable telephone shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 has recessed portions and recessed portions formed respectively in the main body case and the closure case at opposite sides thereof. The closure case closed as shown in FIG. 17 can be opened as shown in FIG. 18 by inserting the tip of a finger between the opposed pair of recessed portions forming a space as shown in FIG. 17. The closure case is thus openable by only one hand grasping the main body case, hence convenience.
- However, when the finger tip is merely inserted between the main body case and the closure case to open the closure case of the conventional telephone shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, it is only to an intermediate position that the closure case can be opened, and the closure case opened to the intermediate position must be further pushed open in order to open the closure case to the full-open position shown in FIG. 18. The telephone has the problem that this procedure is difficult. Especially when the closure case has an increased weight due to the provision of the display which is large-sized, difficulty is encountered in opening the closure case with the finger tip.
- Suppose the telephone has a spring for biasing the closure case toward an opening direction relative to the main body case, a latch slidably mounted on a side face of the main body case as shown in FIG. 19, a hook provided on the closure case, and a spring connected to the latch on the main body case, with a manual piece interposed therebetween. The closure case can then be made automatically openable merely by moving the manual piece, whereas it becomes necessary to provide the latch, hook, manual piece, spring, etc. in addition to the hinge mechanism. This entails the problem of making the telephone large-sized and complex to assemble. Further because the force of the spring biasing the closure case toward the opening direction when the case in its closed position is received by the latch and the hook provided on the respective cases, these cases are subjected directly to the force, which is likely to deform the cases. Furthermore, the latch and the hook each have a projection of acute angle and therefore have the problem of being hazardous.
- Although the conventional foldable portable telephone is so adapted that the closure case can be held in two postures of different angles, i.e., in the fully closed position and the full-open position, it is desired that the closure case be holdable also in one or more intermediate positions so as to be positionable in a posture of desired angle for use.
- A first object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable telephone having a closure case which can be easily opened at the touch of a button.
- To fulfill the first object, the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone which comprises a main body case provided with a plurality of manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a hinge mechanism for covering the manual keys, the hinge mechanism comprising:
- a main body drive member in engagement with a barrel portion on the main body case and nonrotatable relative thereto,
- a closure drive member in engagement with a barrel portion on the closure case and nonrotatable relative thereto,
- a prime mover mechanism provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case,
- a holding mechanism for holding the closure case closed in a closed position,
- a manual button exposed to outside from the barrel portions on the main body case and the closure case and to be manipulated to open the closure case, and
- a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button.
- When the closure case of the telephone of the invention described is in a closed state, the holding mechanism is in operation to hold the closure case in the closed position. When the manual button is manipulated to open the closure case, the holding mechanism is released from the holding state, consequently initiating the prime mover mechanism into operation. This rotates the closure drive member, opening the closure case to a full-open position. When the closure case is to be closed, the case is pushed in a closing direction against a force exerted by the prime mover mechanism, whereby the case is rotated to the closed position. During this process, the holding mechanism functions to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- Stated more specifically, a cam mechanism is formed in engaging portions of the main body drive member and the closure drive member, and an elastic member is provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in the closure case opening direction. The cam mechanism has a first cam curve portion and a second cam curve portion operable respectively in the first half and the second half of the process of rotation of the closure case from the closed position to an open position. The first cam curve portion is in the form of a cam curve capable of rotating the closure drive member in a direction to close the closure case with the force exerted by the elastic member. The second cam curve portion is in the form of a cam curve capable of rotating the closure drive member in the closure case opening direction with the force exerted by the elastic member. Thus, the first cam curve portion and the elastic member provide the holding mechanism, and the second cam curve portion and the elastic member provide the prime mover mechanism.
- When the closure case is in the closed state in the specific construction described, the first cam portion of the cam mechanism is in operation, holding the closure case in its closed position with the force exerted by the elastic member. The cam mechanism is changed over from the first cam curve portion operating state to the second cam curve portion operating state by manipulating the manual button in this state. The operation of the second cam curve portion biases the closure drive member into rotation toward the closure case opening direction to open the closure case to the full-open position.
- When the closure case is pushed toward the closing direction from the full-open position, the first cam curve portion is brought into operation, with the second cam curve portion driven in the opposite direction, whereby the closure drive member is biased into rotation in the closure case closing direction to close the closure case to the fully closed position.
- The present invention provides a foldable portable telephone which comprises a main body case provided with manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a pair of hinge mechanisms arranged in alignment for covering the manual keys. One of the hinge mechanisms has the same construction as described above. Accordingly, the closure case can be opened merely by manipulating the manual button of the above-mentioned one hinge mechanism.
- Further stated more specifically, the main body case and the closure case are provided respectively with cylindrical barrel portions arranged in alignment with each other, and the main body drive member, closure drive member, prime mover mechanism, holding mechanism, manual button and hold release mechanism which constitute the above-mentioned one hinge mechanism are brought together into a hinge assembly in the form of a round rod, the hinge assembly being fitted into the barrel portions on the
main body case 1 and the closure case. The main body drive member is in engagement with the barrel portion on the main body case nonrotatably relative thereto, while the closure drive member is in engagement with the barrel portion on the closure case nonrotatably relative thereto. The manual button is exposed to outside from the barrel portions. With the specific construction described, the main body case and the closure case can be connected together by preparing the hinge assembly as a single unit and fitting the hinge assembly into thebarrel portions - The closure case can be opened to the full-open position at the touch of the manual button, i.e., simply by manipulating the button, so that the foldable portable telephone of the present invention described is easy to use.
- A second object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable telephone having a closure case which is easy to open at the touch of manual buttons even when the closure case has a relatively great weight.
- To fulfill the second object, the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone comprising a main body case provided with a plurality of manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a pair of hinge mechanisms arranged in alignment for covering the manual keys. Each of the hinge mechanisms comprises:
- a main body drive member connected to an end portion of the main body case and rotatable with the main body case,
- a closure drive member connected to an end portion of the closure case and rotatable with the closure case,
- a prime mover mechanism provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case,
- a holding mechanism for holding the closure case closed in a closed position,
- a manual button to be manipulated to open the closure case, and
- a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button.
- When the closure case of the telephone of the invention described is in a closed state, the holding mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms are in operation to hold the closure case in the closed position. When the manual buttons of the hinge mechanisms are manipulated at the same time to open the closure case, the holding mechanisms are released from the holding state, consequently initiating the prime mover mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms into operation. This rotates the closure drive members of the hinge mechanisms at the same time, opening the closure case to a full-open position. When the closure case is to be closed, the case is pushed in a closing direction against the force exerted by the prime mover mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms whereby the case is rotated to the closed position. During this process, the holding mechanisms of the hinge mechanisms function to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- The closure case can be opened to the full-open position at the touch of the manual buttons i.e., simply by manipulating the buttons, so that the foldable portable telephone of the present invention described is easy to use. Since the two prime mover mechanisms (elastic members) provided in the pair of hinge mechanisms exert forces to open the closure case, the closure case, even if having a relatively great weight, can be opened with a sufficiently great force which is uniform widthwise of the case.
- A third object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable telephone having a closure case which can be opened at the touch of a manual button and which is adapted to reduce the impact produced by opening the closure case even when the closure case has a relatively great weight.
- To fulfill the third object, the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone comprising a main body case provided with manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a pair of hinge mechanisms arranged in alignment for covering the manual keys.
- At least one of the hinge mechanisms comprises:
- a main body drive member connected to an end portion of the main body case and rotatable with the main body case,
- a closure drive member connected to an end portion of the closure case and rotatable with the closure case,
- a prime mover mechanism provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case,
- a holding mechanism for holding the closure case closed in a closed position,
- a manual button to be manipulated to open the closure case,
- a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button, and
- a damper mechanism for applying a braking force to the rotation of the closure case in the second half of the process of opening the closure case.
- When the closure case of the foldable portable telephone of the invention is in the closed state, the holding mechanism operates to hold the closure case in the closed position. When the manual button is manipulated to open the closure case, the case is released from the holding state by the holding mechanism, with the result that the prime mover mechanism is initiated into operation. This rotates the closure drive member, opening the closure case to a full-open position. In the second half of the process of opening the closure case, the damper mechanism operates, applying a braking force to the rotation of the closure drive member relative to the main body drive member to reduce the opening speed of the closure case and consequently reducing the impact to be produced when the closure case is brought to the full-open position. When the closure case is to be closed, the case is pressed in the closing direction against the force exerted by the prime mover mechanism, whereby the case is rotated to the closed position. The holding mechanism operates in this process to hold the closure case in the closed position.
- The present invention further provides a foldable portable telephone comprising a main body case provided with manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a pair of hinge mechanisms arranged in alignment for covering the manual keys. At least one of the hinge mechanisms has the construction of the invention described above. Accordingly, the closure case can be opened by manipulating the manual button of the hinge mechanism.
- Stated more specifically, one of two members movable relative to each other with the opening movement of the closure case is provided with a frictional resistance portion slidable in contact with the other member to provide the damper mechanism. With this specific construction, the other member comes into sliding contact with the frictional resistance portion provided on the above-mentioned one member in the second half of the process of opening the closure case to reduce the opening speed of the case.
- The foldable portable telephone of the invention described is not only so adapted that the closure case can be opened to the full-open position at the touch of the manual button but the impact to be produced upon the closure case reaching the full-open position can also be reduced.
- A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable telephone having a closure case which can be opened easily at the touch of a manual button and which can be opened to different adjusted angles.
- To fulfill the fourth object, the present invention provides a foldable portable telephone comprising a
main body case 1 provided with manual keys, and a closure case connected to the main body case by a hinge mechanism for covering the manual keys. The hinge mechanism comprises: - a main body drive member connected to an end portion of the main body case and rotatable with the main body case,
- a closure drive member connected to an end portion of the closure case and rotatable with the closure case,
- a prime mover mechanism provided between the main body drive member and the closure drive member for exerting a force for rotating the closure drive member in a direction to open the closure case,
- a holding mechanism for holding the closure case closed in a closed position,
- a manual button to be manipulated to open the closure case,
- a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button, and
- an opening angle adjusting mechanism for holding the closure case at one or a plurality of opening angles in the process of closing the closure case from a full-open position.
- When the closure case of the foldable portable telephone of the invention is in the closed state, the holding mechanism operates to hold the closure case in the closed position. When the manual button is manipulated to open the closure case, the case is released from the holding mechanism, with the result that the prime mover mechanism is initiated into operation. This rotates the closure drive member, opening the closure case to a full-open position. When the closure case is to be closed, the case is pressed in the closing direction against the force exerted by the prime mover mechanism, whereby the case is rotated to the closed position. The opening angle adjusting mechanism operates in this process to hold the case at one or more opening angles. When the closure case is further pressed in the closing direction, the holding mechanism operates to hold the case in a fully closed position.
- With the foldable portable telephone of the invention described, the closure case can be opened not only to the full-open position at the touch of the manual button but also to different adjusted angles.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable portable telephone as a first embodiment, with a closure case closed;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foldable portable telephone of the first embodiment, with the closure case opened;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the foldable portable telephone of the first embodiment, with a hinge assembly separated therefrom;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view partly broken away and showing the hinge assembly of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a closure drive member and a main body drive member;
- FIG. 6 includes a series of front views for illustrating the operation of the hinge assembly;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view partly broken away and showing a hinge assembly of a second embodiment;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of a cam slit formed in the hinge assembly;
- FIG. 10 includes diagrams for illustrating a valve member disposed in the cam slit;
- FIG. 11 is a side elevation for illustrating the operation of an opening angle adjusting mechanism used in the second embodiment;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a damper mechanism incorporated in another foldable portable telephone as a third embodiment;
- FIG. 13 is a side elevation for illustrating an angular range wherein the damper mechanism operates;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another foldable portable telephone as a fourth embodiment, with a closure case closed;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the foldable portable telephone of the fourth embodiment, with the closure case opened;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the foldable portable telephone of the fourth embodiment, with a pair of hinge assemblies separated therefrom;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a conventional foldable portable telephone, with a closure case closed;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the conventional foldable portable telephone, with the closure case opened; and
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a foldable portable telephone devised by the present applicant in the course of accomplishment of the present invention.
- Foldable portable telephones according to the invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
- First Embodiment
- FIGS.1 to 3 show a foldable portable telephone of the present invention, which comprises a
main body case 1 provided withmanual keys 12, and aclosure case 2 having adisplay 21 and openably connected to themain body case 1. Arranged at the junction of themain body case 1 and theclosure case 2 are ahinge mechanism 10 positioned at the right side and embodying the invention, and ahinge mechanism 10′, like a conventional one, positioned at the left side. Theclosure case 2 can be opened or closed about the axis of rotation of the twohinge mechanisms main body case 1 is provided with anextensible antenna 11. In the following description, the terms left and right are used with reference to the telephone as positioned in the usual posture for use. - The
hinge mechanism 10 at the right comprises afirst barrel portion 13 provided on themain body case 1, afirst barrel portion 22 provided on theclosure case 2 and aligned with thebarrel portion 13, and a hinge assembly 4 fitted in the central bores of the twobarrel portions manual button 41 exposed to the outside from thefirst barrel portion 13. Thehinge mechanism 10′ at the left comprises asecond barrel portion 15 provided on themain body case 1, asecond barrel portion 23 provided on theclosure case 2 and aligned with thebarrel portion 15, and ahinge pin 3 fitted in the central bores of the twobarrel portions - As shown in FIG. 4, the hinge assembly4 is in the form of a round rod in its entirety and comprises a
closure drive member 43 and a mainbody drive member 44 which are each in the form of a hollow cylinder, arranged coaxially, and engaged with each other, axially movably relative to each other and rotatably relative to each other. Cam faces 6, 61 slidable in contact with each other are formed in opposed portions of theclosure drive member 43 and the mainbody drive member 44. - The
closure drive member 43 is provided on its outer periphery with a pair ofprojections first barrel portion 22 on theclosure case 2, whereby theclosure drive member 43 is made rotatable with theclosure case 2. Further the mainbody drive member 44 is provided on its outer periphery with a pair ofprojections first barrel portion 13 on themain body case 1, whereby the mainbody drive member 44 is made rotatable with themain body case 1. - With reference to FIG. 5, the
closure drive member 43 comprises a firsttubular portion 43 a of large diameter and a secondtubular portion 43 b having a small diameter and coaxial with thetubular portion 43 a. The firsttubular portion 43 a has a right end face providing thecam face 6. Thecam face 6 on the closure side has a camportion including slopes ridge 62. On the other hand, the mainbody drive member 44 comprises atubular portion 44 a having the same diameter as the firsttubular portion 43 a of theclosure drive member 43, and a flange 44 b in the form of a disk provided at the right end of thetubular portion 44 a. Thetubular portion 44 a has a left end face providing thecam face 61. The cam face 61 on the main body side has a camportion including slopes ridge 65. - With reference to FIG. 4, a
shank 45 extends leftward from the left side face of the flange 44 b of the mainbody drive member 44. Aflange 46 in the form of a disk is provided at the left end of theshank 45. Provided around theshank 45 is aprime mover spring 5 having a left end secured to theflange 46 of theshank 45 and a right end secured to theclosure drive member 43. Consequently, thespring 5 exerts an axial elastic biasing force, bringing the closureside cam face 6 and the main body side cam face 61 into pressing contact with each other axially of the hinge assembly 4 and biasing theclosure drive member 43 into rotation toward a direction to open theclosure case 2. - A
tubular member 42 extends through the flange 44 b of the mainbody drive member 44. Thetubular member 42 has a right end with themanual button 41 fixed thereto and a left end slidably in contact with theclosure drive member 43. Anauxiliary coil spring 51 is fitted around thetubular member 42 for biasing thebutton 41 in a projecting direction, whereby thebutton 41 is held projected in a free state. - When the
closure case 2 of the telephone of the present embodiment is held closed, the closureside cam face 6 and the main bodyside cam face 61 are in the deepest engagement with each other as seen in FIG. 6(a), that is, theridge 62 of thecam face 6 is engaged in the deepest portion of thecam face 61. While theprime mover spring 5 exerts an axial elastic biasing force and an elastic biasing force in a direction of rotation, the former force is predominant, holding thecam face 6 in engagement with thecam face 61 and therefore holding theclosure drive member 43 out of rotation, whereby theclosure case 2 is held in the closed position. If the position of themembers ridge 62 of thecam face 6 is slidably in contact with theslope 66 of thecam face 61 at a portion thereof slightly away from the deepest portion of thecam face 61, with theclosure case 2 in its closed state, theclosure drive member 43 will be subjected to a rotational biasing force in the closure case closing direction when thecase 2 is in the closed state owing to the axial biasing force of theprimer mover spring 5 and to the action of theslope 66 of thecam face 61. Theclosure case 2 will then be closed as pressed into contact with themain body case 1. This provides a reliable closed state. - When the
manual button 41 is pressed against the forces of theprime mover spring 5 and theauxiliary spring 51 as shown in FIG. 6(b) to open theclosure case 2, the pressure P is delivered to theclosure drive member 43, moving themember 43 away from the mainbody drive member 44. Theclosure drive member 43 is biased into rotation by thespring 5 and is therefore rotated in a direction to open theclosure case 2 with the axial movement. As a result, theridge 62 of thecam face 6 moves over theridge 65 of thecam face 61 after ascending theslope 66 thereof, whereupon theclosure drive member 43 is subjected to a torque acting in the closure case opening direction by the axial force of thespring 5 and the cam action of theslope 67 of thecam face 61 as shown in FIG. 6(c) even if thebutton 41 is thereafter released from the hand. Theclosure case 2 is opened to a full-open position. - When the
closure case 2 is to be closed, theclosure case 2 is pressed toward the closing direction against the elastic biasing force of thespring 5 in the direction of rotation. This causes theridge 62 of thecam face 6 to ascent theslope 67 of thecam face 61. After theridge 62 of thecam face 6 has moved over theridge 65 of thecam face 61, theclosure drive member 43 is subjected to a torque acting in the closure case closing direction by the axial elastic biasing force of thespring 5 and the cam action of theslope 66 of thecam face 61 even if theclosure case 2 is released from the hand. Thecase 2 is closed to a fully closed position. - With the foldable portable telephone of the present invention, the
closure case 2 in its closed state as shown in FIG. 1 is opened to the full-open position shown in FIG. 2 merely by pressing themanual button 41, i.e., by a very simple procedure. Incidentally, theclosure case 2 can be opened also by grasping the case by hand without pressing thebutton 41 in the closed state of FIG. 1. - Further even when the position of engagement between the
members closure case 2 in its closed state, the state of engagement shown in FIG. 6(a) is unlikely to alter to the state of engagement shown in FIG. 6(b) or 6(c), so that there is no likelihood of theclosure case 2 opening inadvertently. The hinge assembly 4 is in the form of a unit obtained by incorporating theprime mover spring 5 and the cam faces 6, 61 for rotating theclosure drive member 43 in the closure case opening or closing direction, themanual button 41 to be manipulated for opening thecase 2, etc. into a hinge pin comprising the mainbody drive member 44 and theclosure drive member 43. Accordingly, the assembly will not make the telephone greater in size, while the telephone can be assembled by the simple procedure of inserting the hinge assembly 4 into thebarrel portions main body case 1 andclosure case 2. - The torque exerted by the
prime mover spring 5 with the closure case closed is received by the engagement of thecam face 6 of theclosure drive member 43 and thecam face 61 of the mainbody drive member 44 without acting directly on themain body case 1 or theclosure case 2. This eliminates the likelihood of deforming thecase manual button 41 is easy to press if the head portion thereof is positioned as slightly projected from the cases. The head of thebutton 41 is formed with a smoothly curved surface, has no sharp projection and therefore assures safety. - Second Embodiment
- The foldable portable telephone of this embodiment has incorporated therein a
hinge assembly 7 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in place of the hinge assembly 4 of FIG. 4 used in the first embodiment. Throughout FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, like members which are basically similar in function are designated by like reference numerals. - With reference to FIG. 8, the
hinge assembly 7 is in the form of a round rod in its entirety and comprises aclosure drive member 71 and a mainbody drive member 72 which are each in the form of a hollow cylinder, arranged coaxially and engaged with each other axially movably relative to each other and rotatably relative to each other. The mainbody drive member 72 has a peripheral wall provided with acam slit 8, while theclosure drive member 71 has acam follower 78 projecting therefrom and extending through the cam slit 8 from inside to outside. The cam slit 8 is shaped as will be described later. - The
closure drive member 71 is provided on its outer periphery with a pair ofprojections first barrel portion 22 on theclosure case 2 as in the first embodiment, whereby theclosure drive member 71 is made rotatable with theclosure case 2. Further the mainbody drive member 72 is provided on its outer periphery with a pair ofprojections first barrel portion 13 on themain body case 1 as in the first embodiment, whereby the mainbody drive member 72 is made rotatable with themain body case 1. - With reference to FIG. 7, the
closure drive member 71 has adisk 73 projecting from the right end thereof. Thecam follower 78 is provided on the outer periphery of thedisk 73. - On the other hand, the main
body drive member 72 is provided on the inner surface of its peripheral wall with a connectingportion 79 at the left end thereof, aflange portion 72 b at its right end and aridge 77 at an intermediate portion thereof. Fixed to the center of the connectingportion 79 is ashank 45 extending leftward on the center axis of the mainbody drive member 72. Aflange 46 in the form of a disk is provided at the left end of theshank 45. Provided around theshank 45 is a primemover coil spring 5 having a left end fixed to theflange 46 of theshank 45 and a right end secured to theclosure drive member 71. Consequently, theclosure drive member 71 is biased by thespring 5 to rotate toward a direction to open theclosure case 2. - A
tubular member 74 extends through theflange portion 72 b of the mainbody drive member 72 and has a right end with amanual button 41 secured thereto and a left end provided with aflange 75. Aprojection 76 is formed on the left side surface of theflange 75 centrally thereof and has an outer end bearing on thedisk 73 of theclosure drive member 71. - An
auxiliary coil spring 51 is fitted around thetubular member 74 for biasing thebutton 41 toward a projecting direction, whereby thebutton 41 is held in a projected position in a free state. A secondauxiliary spring 52 is provided around the central portion of theclosure drive member 71 for biasing thedisk 73 of themember 71 and theridge 77 of the mainbody drive member 72 away from each other, whereby thecam follower 78 in a free state is pressed around the right side face of theslitted portion 8. - With reference to FIG. 9, the cam slit8 formed in the main
body drive member 72 comprises a plurality of first to sixth cam slitportions 81 to 86 which are different in inclination with respect to the axial direction of thehinge assembly 7 and which communicate with one another to form a loop. The first cam slitportion 81 is generally in parallel to the axial direction. Thecam follower 78 a as positioned at the starting end of theslit portion 81 is subjected to a biasing force F which is the resultant of an axial force Fa and a force Fr in a direction of rotation which are exerted by theprime mover spring 5, whereby the follower is held pressed against the slit-defining wall. The second cam slitportion 82 extending from thefirst slit portion 81 is greatly inclined with respect to the axial direction. Thecam follower 78 b or 78 c as positioned in thisslit portion 82 is advanced therethrough by being subjected to a component Fs, in the direction along theslit portion 82, of the force F. The third cam slitportion 83 continuous with thesecond slit portion 82 is bent in an inverted U-shape. Thecam follower 78 d as positioned in thisslit portion 83 is held pressed by the force F against the slit-defining wall. The fourth cam slitportion 84 continuous with thethird slit portion 83 is bent in an inverted U-shape, and thecam follower 78 e as positioned in thisslit portion 84 is held pressed by the force F against the slit-defining wall. The fifth cam slitportion 85 continuous with thefourth slit portion 84 is bent in an inverted U-shape, and the cam follower 78 f as positioned in thisslit portion 85 is held pressed by the force F against the slit-defining wall. Further the sixth cam slitportion 86 is slightly inclined with respect to the axial direction, and thecam follower 78 g as positioned in thisslit portion 86 is advanced therethrough and eventually returned to the first cam slitportion 81 by being subjected to a component Fs′, in the direction along theslit portion 86, of the force F. - When the
closure case 2 is in the closed state, thecam follower 78 is positioned at the starting end of the first cam slitportion 81. When themanual button 41 is pressed in this state, theclosure drive member 71 moves leftward, and thecam follower 78 advances through the first cam slitportion 81 with this movement. Theclosure case 2 remains almost closed during this process. Upon thecam follower 78 reaching the second cam slitportion 82, thecam follower 78 advances through the second cam slitportion 82 and reaches the third cam slitportion 83 under the action of the component Fs even if themanual button 41 is released from the hand. With the advance of thecam follower 78, theclosure drive member 71 rotates in the closure case opening direction, and thecam follower 78 eventually reaches the third cam slitportion 83, whereby theclosure case 2 is opened to a full-open position 2 a shown in FIG. 11 and held in this position. - When the
closure case 2 is thereafter pressed in the closing direction in order to close thecase 2, thecam follower 78 advances toward the fourth cam slitportion 84 of the cam slit 8 and reaches a position close to theslit portion 84, whereupon thecam follower 78 falls into the fourth cam slitportion 84 under the action of the force F. Consequently, theclosure case 2 is held in a posture 2 b of first angle shown in FIG. 11. - When the
closure case 2 is further pressed toward the closing direction, the cam follower moves out of the fourth cam slitportion 84, advances toward the fifth cam slitportion 85 and reaches a position in the vicinity of theslit portion 85, whereupon the force F causes thecam follower 78 to fall into the fifth cam slitportion 85. As a result, theclosure case 2 is held in a posture 2 c of second angle shown in FIG. 11. - When the
closure case 2 is further pressed in the closing direction to completely close thecase 2, thecam follower 78 moves out of the fifth cam slitportion 85, advancing toward the sixth cam slitportion 86. Upon reaching theslit portion 86, thecam follower 78 advances through thisslit portion 86 and eventually returns to the startingend position 78 a of the first cam slitportion 81 under the action of the component Fs′ even if thecase 2 is released from the hand. This movement of thecam follower 78 rotates theclosure drive member 71 toward the closure case closing direction, and thecase 2 is closed to the fully closed position and held in this position by thecam follower 78 reaching the starting end position of the first cam slitportion 81. - A
valve member 87 biased into rotation by atorsion spring 88 is disposed at the position where the sixth cam slitportion 86 of the cam slit 8 communicates with the first cam slit portion thereof as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b). The outlet of theslit portion 86 is usually closed. Accordingly, when theclosure case 2 is opened by pressing themanual button 41, there is no likelihood that thecam follower 78 a will be prevented by thevalve member 87 from advancing from the starting end position of thefirst slit portion 81 as shown in FIG. 10(a), nor is it likely that thecam follower 78 will advance into thesixth slit portion 86. Further when theclosure case 2 is closed, thecam follower 78 advancing through thesixth slit portion 86 pushes thevalve member 87 open to enter thefirst slit portion 81 as shown in FIG. 10(b). - If the position of the
members cam follower 78 is disposed at a position a small distance forward from the starting end position of the first cam slitportion 81, with theclosure case 2 in its closed state, theclosure drive member 71 will be subjected to a rotational biasing force in the closure case closing direction when thecase 2 is in the closed state, owing to the axial biasing force of theprimer mover spring 5. Theclosure case 2 will then be closed as pressed into contact with themain body case 1. This provides a reliable closed state. - The foldable portable telephone of the present embodiment not only has the same advantage as the first embodiment described but also permits the
closure case 2 to be opened to different adjusted angles as shown in FIG. 11. Further when themanual button 41 is pressed with theclosure case 2 set at an intermediate opening angle, thecase 2 can be opened to the full-open position again. Furthermore, the configuration of the cam slit 8 shown in FIG. 9 makes it possible to smoothly close theclosure case 2 from the full-open position to the fully closed position. The cam slit 8 need not always be in a loop form but can be a circular-arc form comprising the first cam slitportion 81 and the second cam slitportion 82 shown in FIG. 9, with a cam slit portion provided at an intermediate part of thesecond slit portion 82 to serve the functions of the fourth and fifth cam slitportions - Third Embodiment
- The foldable portable telephone of this embodiment comprises a damper mechanism provided for the
hinge assembly 7 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, for reducing the closure case closing speed after an intermediate stage of the process of opening theclosure case 2. - Stated more specifically with reference to FIG. 12 showing this embodiment, the
disk 73 of theclosure drive member 71 is provided on its right side face with a pair offrictional resistance portions flange 75 of thetubular member 74 is provided on its left side face with a pair ofdisklike protrusions frictional resistance portions frictional resistance portions disk 73 or affixing felt members to the disk. Theclosure drive member 71 is provided on circular-arc regions 73 b between the pair offrictional resistance portions respective ridges 73 c having a semicircular cross section and slidable in contact with theprotrusions disk 73 of theclosure drive member 71 rotates with the opening movement of theclosure case 2, whereas theflange 75 of thetubular member 74 remains at rest, whereby thedisk 73 and theflange 75 are rotated relative to each other. Alternatively, the pair ofprotrusions disk 73 of theclosure drive member 71, with the pair offrictional resistance portions flange 75 of thetubular member 74. - Over the angular range θ1 (about 90 degrees) of rotation in the first half of the process of opening the
closure case 2 from the fully closed position to the full-open position shown in FIG. 13, thefrictional resistance portions closure drive member 71 are held out of contact with theprotrusions tubular member 74 but theridge 73 c is in sliding contact with theprotrusion 75 a which offers reduced frictional resistance, so that theclosure case 2 is opened at a relatively high speed by the rotational biasing force of theprime mover spring 5. Subsequently in the angular range θ2 (about 75 degrees) of rotation in the second half, thefrictional resistance portions closure drive member 71 come into contact with theprotrusions tubular member 74 to apply a braking force to the rotation of thecase 2. As a result, theclosure case 2 is opened to the full-open position at a relatively low speed. - According to the present embodiment, speed of opening of the
closure case 2 is reduced at an intermediate stage of opening, so that the impact to be produced upon thecase 2 reaching the full-open position is diminished even if thecase 2 has alarge display 21 and a great weight. This obviates the likelihood that the telephone will slip off the hand to fall owing to the impact to be produced upon the opening of theclosure case 2, even if themain body case 1 is grasped with a relatively small force. - The damper mechanism described can be incorporated into the hinge assembly4 of the first embodiment. The damper mechanism, which utilizes frictional resistance, can alternatively be of various other known constructions, such as one utilizing the flow resistance of a liquid. Furthermore, the location where the damper mechanism is provided is not limited to that of the above embodiment; the mechanism can be positioned at a desired location where a closure-side member rotatable or movable with the
closure case 2 is opposed to a body-side member rotatable or movable with themain body case 1. - Fourth Embodiment
- With reference to FIGS.14 to 16, the foldable portable telephone of this embodiment has a pair of
hinge mechanisms main body case 1 and aclosure case 2. The hinge assembly 4 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is used as it is in thehinge mechanism 10 at the right, while thehinge mechanisms hinge assembly 7 of the second or third embodiment is usable in place of the hinge assembly 4 of the first embodiment. - The
main body case 1 is provided with afirst barrel portion 13 and asecond barrel portion 15 which are cylindrical, while theclosure case 2 is provided with afirst barrel portion 22 and asecond barrel portion 23 which are cylindrical, the barrel portions being aligned. The hinge assembly 4 constituting thehinge mechanism 10 at the right is fitted in thefirst barrel portion 13 on themain body case 1 and thefirst barrel portion 22 on theclosure case 2, with the mainbody drive member 44 in engagement with the inner periphery of thefirst barrel portion 13 of thecase 1 and with theclosure drive member 43 in engagement with the inner periphery of thefirst barrel portion 22 of thecase 2. The hinge assembly 4 constituting thehinge mechanism 10 at the left is fitted in thesecond barrel portion 15 on themain body case 1 and thesecond barrel portion 23 on theclosure case 2, with the mainbody drive member 44 in engagement with the inner periphery of thesecond barrel portion 15 of thecase 1 and with theclosure drive member 43 in engagement with the inner periphery of thesecond barrel portion 23 of thecase 2. Themanual buttons hinge mechanisms main body case 1. - With the foldable portable telephone of the present embodiment, the two hinge assemblies4, 4 are operated to open the
closure case 2, by pressing the pair of oppositemanual buttons manual buttons 41 is depressed while the telephone is being carried as placed in a bag or the like, theclosure case 2 remains closed, hence safety. Since the pair of hinge assemblies 4, 4 exert rotational forces respectively on opposite sides of theclosure case 2, sufficient torque is available as required for opening thecase 2 even if thecase 2 has alarge display 21 and is therefore given an increased weight. - The
closure case 2 is opened by pressing the pair of oppositemanual buttons main body case 1, consequently obviating the likelihood that the telephone will slip off owing to the impact produced when theclosure case 2 opens. Further in opening theclosure case 2 by manipulating the pair ofmanual buttons antenna 11 provided on themain body case 1 as seen in FIG. 14 to impair the performance of the antenna. In addition, the present embodiment of course has the same advantage as the first embodiment.
Claims (21)
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000-058089 | 2000-03-03 | ||
JP2000-058090 | 2000-03-03 | ||
JP2000058091A JP2001251399A (en) | 2000-03-03 | 2000-03-03 | Foldable mobile phone |
JP2000058090A JP3459606B2 (en) | 2000-03-03 | 2000-03-03 | Foldable mobile phone |
JP2000058088A JP3392801B2 (en) | 2000-03-03 | 2000-03-03 | Foldable mobile phone |
JP2000-058088 | 2000-03-03 | ||
JP2000-058091 | 2000-03-03 | ||
JP2000058089A JP3459605B2 (en) | 2000-03-03 | 2000-03-03 | Foldable mobile phone |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010019946A1 true US20010019946A1 (en) | 2001-09-06 |
US6459887B2 US6459887B2 (en) | 2002-10-01 |
Family
ID=27481092
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/795,450 Expired - Fee Related US6459887B2 (en) | 2000-03-03 | 2001-03-01 | Foldable portable telephone |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6459887B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100419927B1 (en) |
Cited By (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030125079A1 (en) * | 2001-12-29 | 2003-07-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Mobile communication unit with camera lens opening means in closed folder |
US20030134669A1 (en) * | 2002-01-12 | 2003-07-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Portable telephone terminal with helical antenna applied to hinge dummy |
WO2004005733A1 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2004-01-15 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Open/close device and mobile phone provided with the device |
WO2004029468A1 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-04-08 | Nifco Inc. | Electronic apparatus and its opening/closing mechanism |
US6728557B1 (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2004-04-27 | Motorola, Inc. | Hinge assembly for a multi-configuration portable electronic device |
US20040204001A1 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2004-10-14 | Chun-Lung Chen | Cover-ejecting mechanism for a communication unit |
US20040254000A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2004-12-16 | Benq Corporation | Folding electronic device |
US20050054394A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2005-03-10 | Hiroshi Sudo | Hinge device and cell phone using the hinge device |
US20050124395A1 (en) * | 2003-12-06 | 2005-06-09 | Dong-Won Bae | Portable communication apparatus and method thereof |
US20060075603A1 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2006-04-13 | Benq Corporation | Electronic device and hinge assembly thereof |
US20060112519A1 (en) * | 2004-12-01 | 2006-06-01 | Harmon Roger W | Dual-axes hinge part for hinged components |
US20060152614A1 (en) * | 2005-01-07 | 2006-07-13 | Shun-Lung Wang | Display with rotatable image capturing module |
US20060287010A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2006-12-21 | Joe Wada | Clamshell-type mobile terminal with a better access to input keys |
US20070064381A1 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2007-03-22 | Fih Co., Ltd. | Foldable electronic device |
US20080155784A1 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2008-07-03 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen)Co.,Ltd. | Hinge assembly and foldable electronic device with same |
US20080211723A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2008-09-04 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Card-type device |
US7499540B2 (en) | 2004-12-30 | 2009-03-03 | Motorola, Inc. | Device having pivotable hinges |
US20100315041A1 (en) * | 2009-06-15 | 2010-12-16 | Qing Song Tan | Portable phone holder and charger with quick release feature |
US20110016677A1 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2011-01-27 | Junichi Nakao | Strap attaching section of folding portable appatratus , and method for manufacturing the strap attaching section |
US8384770B2 (en) | 2010-06-02 | 2013-02-26 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Image display system, image display apparatus, and image display method |
US8512152B2 (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2013-08-20 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Hand-held game apparatus and housing part of the same |
US8633947B2 (en) | 2010-06-02 | 2014-01-21 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein information processing program, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method |
US8780183B2 (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2014-07-15 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium, image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method |
US8854356B2 (en) | 2010-09-28 | 2014-10-07 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Storage medium having stored therein image processing program, image processing apparatus, image processing system, and image processing method |
US8894486B2 (en) | 2010-01-14 | 2014-11-25 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Handheld information processing apparatus and handheld game apparatus |
US9128293B2 (en) | 2010-01-14 | 2015-09-08 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein display control program, display control apparatus, display control system, and display control method |
US9278281B2 (en) | 2010-09-27 | 2016-03-08 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method |
CN106122367A (en) * | 2016-07-11 | 2016-11-16 | 重庆工商职业学院 | Single direction rotation antivibrator |
US10506218B2 (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2019-12-10 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein display control program, display control apparatus, display control system, and display control method |
Families Citing this family (63)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR100342418B1 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-07-02 | 이형도 | Operating system of cellular phone's folder |
KR100369652B1 (en) * | 2001-02-16 | 2003-02-06 | 삼성전자 주식회사 | Method for optimizing control of sub-body opening/closing in automatically and manually folded portable mobile terminal |
TWI241822B (en) * | 2001-03-22 | 2005-10-11 | Nifco Inc | Rotary actuator for hinge |
JP3686845B2 (en) * | 2001-05-21 | 2005-08-24 | 埼玉日本電気株式会社 | Folding mobile phone |
TW482229U (en) * | 2001-07-17 | 2002-04-01 | Hinge Basestrong Co Ltd | Rotating axle structure with lift and close function |
DK200101486A (en) * | 2001-10-09 | 2003-04-10 | Lego As | A toy |
JP2003120655A (en) * | 2001-10-15 | 2003-04-23 | Ohashi Technica Inc | Hinge device and cellular phone using this hinge device |
JP3764092B2 (en) * | 2001-11-26 | 2006-04-05 | 加藤電機株式会社 | Hinge for electronic equipment and electronic equipment using this hinge |
KR100450581B1 (en) * | 2002-02-28 | 2004-09-30 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Hinge device and portable terminal therewith |
TW576081B (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2004-02-11 | Benq Corp | Hinge device |
TW545614U (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2003-08-01 | Quanta Comp Inc | Flat panel display and its foldable base |
TW553576U (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2003-09-11 | Quanta Comp Inc | Flat panel display and the folded base thereof |
US7111362B2 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2006-09-26 | Motorola, Inc. | Electronics devices with spring biased hinges and methods therefor |
JP3849623B2 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2006-11-22 | 日本電気株式会社 | Mobile communication device |
KR20040028115A (en) * | 2002-09-28 | 2004-04-03 | 김흥기 | Damper hinge |
JP3972795B2 (en) * | 2002-10-31 | 2007-09-05 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Switchgear |
JP4371258B2 (en) * | 2002-11-06 | 2009-11-25 | 株式会社エンプラス | Electric opening / closing mechanism |
KR100496592B1 (en) * | 2002-12-09 | 2005-06-22 | 피닉스코리아 주식회사 | Hinge device |
JP2005083432A (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-31 | Nidec Copal Corp | Electrically-powered hinge unit with motor |
BRPI0406711A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-04-03 | Bruce A Rogers | adjustable device to hold hair |
JP4026506B2 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2007-12-26 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Switchgear and electronic device using the same |
US20060034601A1 (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2006-02-16 | Tage Andersson | Multi-function two panel electronic device with 360° relative motion |
US7512426B2 (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2009-03-31 | Nokia Corporation | Mobile communications device with synchronising hinge |
US7426406B2 (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2008-09-16 | Nokia Corporation | Mobile communications device with synchronising hinge |
US7155266B2 (en) * | 2004-04-21 | 2006-12-26 | Nokia Corporation | Hinge for fold phone |
KR100547726B1 (en) * | 2003-04-25 | 2006-01-31 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Rotation stop device of portable wireless terminal folder |
US7065834B2 (en) * | 2003-06-09 | 2006-06-27 | Southco, Inc. | Bistable hinge with dampening mechanism |
US7895710B2 (en) * | 2003-07-23 | 2011-03-01 | Fujitsu Limited | Hinge device |
TWM244656U (en) * | 2003-08-27 | 2004-09-21 | Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd | Hinge mechanism |
US6985580B2 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2006-01-10 | Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd. | Auto-released hinge for a mobile phone |
KR100566276B1 (en) * | 2003-10-17 | 2006-03-30 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Portable terminal and swing hinge module thereof |
JP4048435B2 (en) | 2003-10-23 | 2008-02-20 | ソニー株式会社 | Electronics |
TWM250024U (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2004-11-11 | Fih Co Ltd | Hinge assembly |
TWI230003B (en) * | 2003-11-13 | 2005-03-21 | Benq Corp | Cellular phone and flip structure thereof |
CN1332547C (en) * | 2003-12-16 | 2007-08-15 | 明基电通股份有限公司 | Mobile phone and lifting lid mechanism |
US7140074B2 (en) * | 2004-01-20 | 2006-11-28 | Phoenix Korea Co., Ltd. | Hand-held electronic device including hinge device |
WO2005074602A2 (en) * | 2004-02-02 | 2005-08-18 | Amphenol-T & M Antennas | Push-button hinge for handheld devices |
CN2699630Y (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2005-05-11 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Hinge mechanism |
CN100502624C (en) * | 2004-08-27 | 2009-06-17 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Hinge structure |
US20070251052A1 (en) * | 2004-12-02 | 2007-11-01 | Pyo Chul S | Buffer for Noise Removal of Closing the Door |
TWM274472U (en) * | 2005-01-25 | 2005-09-01 | Nano Prec Corp | Torque adjusting module |
US7414834B2 (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2008-08-19 | Nokia Corporation | Mobile communications device with synchronising hinge |
CN100446645C (en) * | 2005-05-13 | 2008-12-24 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Hinge structure |
US8365356B2 (en) * | 2005-10-28 | 2013-02-05 | Caldwell Manufacturing Company North America, LLC | Friction adjuster for window balance carriers |
WO2007106077A2 (en) * | 2006-03-02 | 2007-09-20 | Southco, Inc. | Drop-in damped hinge module |
TWM304172U (en) * | 2006-07-11 | 2007-01-01 | Quanta Comp Inc | Hand held apparatus and an active flip device for a foldable cover thereof |
KR100849318B1 (en) * | 2006-08-22 | 2008-07-29 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Hinge apparatus and portable terminal therewith |
JP5114035B2 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2013-01-09 | 日本電気株式会社 | Hinge structure and folding portable terminal using the same |
JP2008106803A (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2008-05-08 | Omron Corp | Hinge mechanism and mobile terminal |
JP4696049B2 (en) * | 2006-10-26 | 2011-06-08 | 京セラ株式会社 | Mobile phone |
JP4317210B2 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2009-08-19 | 東芝テック株式会社 | Display device |
US20080166180A1 (en) * | 2007-01-08 | 2008-07-10 | Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd. | Pivotal device |
FR2911662B1 (en) * | 2007-01-20 | 2009-02-27 | Fresenius Vial Soc Par Actions | LOCK FOR FIXING DEVICE. |
US8019394B2 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2011-09-13 | Motorola Mobility, Inc. | Component packaging for handheld communication devices |
US7596830B2 (en) * | 2007-09-06 | 2009-10-06 | Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Hinge |
US20090170571A1 (en) * | 2007-12-31 | 2009-07-02 | Motorola, Inc. | Method and apparatus for partial flip-open assist of ultra thin clam communication devices |
DE112008003795B4 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2012-03-29 | Hewlett-Packard Development Co., L.P. | Locking mechanism and computing device with locking mechanism |
US8204560B2 (en) | 2008-12-17 | 2012-06-19 | Motorola Mobility, Inc. | Clamshell phone with edge access |
FR2940986B1 (en) * | 2009-01-15 | 2011-01-07 | Saint Gobain Pont A Mousson | JOINT ASSEMBLY AND CORRESPONDING ROAD DEVICE |
CN101876338B (en) * | 2009-04-29 | 2013-10-09 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Hinge structure and electronic device using same |
TWI485345B (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2015-05-21 | Compal Electronics Inc | Stand of display device |
US11794650B2 (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2023-10-24 | SMR Patents S.à.r.l. | Folding joint for rear view display device |
CN107327471B (en) * | 2017-08-31 | 2020-07-24 | 联想(北京)有限公司 | Electronic equipment |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5259019A (en) * | 1991-04-08 | 1993-11-02 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Apparatus providing for a curved device with hinged cover |
JP3268467B2 (en) * | 1992-09-08 | 2002-03-25 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Telephone |
JP2689913B2 (en) * | 1994-07-15 | 1997-12-10 | 日本電気株式会社 | Automatic open type folding portable radio |
JPH08139793A (en) * | 1994-11-15 | 1996-05-31 | Kato Electrical Mach Co Ltd | Open and close device for portable telephone set |
US5649309A (en) * | 1995-05-18 | 1997-07-15 | Motorola, Inc. | Wireless communication device having an axially aligned cover release mechanism |
KR100241886B1 (en) * | 1997-12-11 | 2000-02-01 | 윤종용 | Device for opening and shutting flip cover in flip-type portable telephone |
KR20000014986A (en) * | 1998-08-26 | 2000-03-15 | 윤종용 | Cover switch for flip type radio telephone |
US6151486A (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2000-11-21 | Ericsson Inc. | Magnetic latch and release device and radiotelephones incorporating same |
KR200176939Y1 (en) * | 1999-11-13 | 2000-04-15 | 구승엽 | An opening and shutting structure of hand phone |
-
2001
- 2001-02-28 KR KR10-2001-0010380A patent/KR100419927B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-03-01 US US09/795,450 patent/US6459887B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (45)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7027845B2 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2006-04-11 | Ohashi Technica, Inc. | Hinge device and cell phone using the hinge device |
US20050054394A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2005-03-10 | Hiroshi Sudo | Hinge device and cell phone using the hinge device |
US7269443B2 (en) * | 2001-12-29 | 2007-09-11 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Mobile communication unit with camera lens opening means in closed folder |
US20030125079A1 (en) * | 2001-12-29 | 2003-07-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Mobile communication unit with camera lens opening means in closed folder |
US20030134669A1 (en) * | 2002-01-12 | 2003-07-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Portable telephone terminal with helical antenna applied to hinge dummy |
US6728557B1 (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2004-04-27 | Motorola, Inc. | Hinge assembly for a multi-configuration portable electronic device |
US20040204001A1 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2004-10-14 | Chun-Lung Chen | Cover-ejecting mechanism for a communication unit |
US6975889B2 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2005-12-13 | Quanta Computer Inc. | Cover-ejecting mechanism for a communication unit |
WO2004005733A1 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2004-01-15 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Open/close device and mobile phone provided with the device |
WO2004029468A1 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-04-08 | Nifco Inc. | Electronic apparatus and its opening/closing mechanism |
US20060050867A1 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2006-03-09 | Masanobu Kawamoto | Electronic apparatus and its openning closing mechanism |
US20060075603A1 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2006-04-13 | Benq Corporation | Electronic device and hinge assembly thereof |
US7337498B2 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2008-03-04 | Benq Corporation | Electronic device and hinge assembly thereof |
US20060287010A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2006-12-21 | Joe Wada | Clamshell-type mobile terminal with a better access to input keys |
US20040254000A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2004-12-16 | Benq Corporation | Folding electronic device |
US20050124395A1 (en) * | 2003-12-06 | 2005-06-09 | Dong-Won Bae | Portable communication apparatus and method thereof |
US20060112519A1 (en) * | 2004-12-01 | 2006-06-01 | Harmon Roger W | Dual-axes hinge part for hinged components |
US7580518B2 (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2009-08-25 | Motorola, Inc. | Dual-axes hinge part for hinged components |
US20090100642A1 (en) * | 2004-12-30 | 2009-04-23 | Motorola, Inc. | Method for Pivotably Adjusting a First Portion of a Device in Two Directions Relative to a Second Portion of the Device |
US7499540B2 (en) | 2004-12-30 | 2009-03-03 | Motorola, Inc. | Device having pivotable hinges |
US8331554B2 (en) | 2004-12-30 | 2012-12-11 | Motorola Mobility Llc | Method for pivotably adjusting a first portion of a device in two directions relative to a second portion of the device |
US20060152614A1 (en) * | 2005-01-07 | 2006-07-13 | Shun-Lung Wang | Display with rotatable image capturing module |
US8134638B2 (en) * | 2005-01-07 | 2012-03-13 | Asustek Computer Inc. | Display with rotatable image capturing module |
US20070064381A1 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2007-03-22 | Fih Co., Ltd. | Foldable electronic device |
US7643857B2 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2010-01-05 | Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Foldable electronic device |
US20080211723A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2008-09-04 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Card-type device |
US8040282B2 (en) | 2005-11-16 | 2011-10-18 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Card-type device |
US20080155784A1 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2008-07-03 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen)Co.,Ltd. | Hinge assembly and foldable electronic device with same |
US20110016677A1 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2011-01-27 | Junichi Nakao | Strap attaching section of folding portable appatratus , and method for manufacturing the strap attaching section |
US8238843B2 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2012-08-07 | Nec Corporation | Strap attaching section of folding portable apparatus, and method for manufacturing the strap attaching section |
US20100315041A1 (en) * | 2009-06-15 | 2010-12-16 | Qing Song Tan | Portable phone holder and charger with quick release feature |
US8894486B2 (en) | 2010-01-14 | 2014-11-25 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Handheld information processing apparatus and handheld game apparatus |
US9128293B2 (en) | 2010-01-14 | 2015-09-08 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein display control program, display control apparatus, display control system, and display control method |
US10764565B2 (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2020-09-01 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein display control program, display control apparatus, display control system, and display control method |
US10506218B2 (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2019-12-10 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein display control program, display control apparatus, display control system, and display control method |
US9282319B2 (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2016-03-08 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Image display system, image display apparatus, and image display method |
US8633947B2 (en) | 2010-06-02 | 2014-01-21 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein information processing program, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method |
US20130201293A1 (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2013-08-08 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Image display system, image display apparatus, and image display method |
US8384770B2 (en) | 2010-06-02 | 2013-02-26 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Image display system, image display apparatus, and image display method |
US8780183B2 (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2014-07-15 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium, image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method |
US10015473B2 (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2018-07-03 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium, image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method |
US8512152B2 (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2013-08-20 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Hand-held game apparatus and housing part of the same |
US9278281B2 (en) | 2010-09-27 | 2016-03-08 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method |
US8854356B2 (en) | 2010-09-28 | 2014-10-07 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Storage medium having stored therein image processing program, image processing apparatus, image processing system, and image processing method |
CN106122367A (en) * | 2016-07-11 | 2016-11-16 | 重庆工商职业学院 | Single direction rotation antivibrator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR100419927B1 (en) | 2004-02-25 |
US6459887B2 (en) | 2002-10-01 |
KR20010087236A (en) | 2001-09-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6459887B2 (en) | Foldable portable telephone | |
EP0713313B1 (en) | Foldable and portable telephone | |
JP4167070B2 (en) | Hinge structure with rotary actuator | |
JP3459606B2 (en) | Foldable mobile phone | |
US7434296B2 (en) | Hinge device and electronic device using hinge device | |
JP3392801B2 (en) | Foldable mobile phone | |
US6658111B2 (en) | Small-sized opening and closing device | |
US20050220294A1 (en) | Push-button hinge for handheld devices | |
KR20020020481A (en) | Handle structure to open-closing apparatus for window | |
US7079874B2 (en) | Transformer hinge design | |
US20010036265A1 (en) | Automatic opening and closing apparatus for mobile phones | |
JP2001251399A (en) | Foldable mobile phone | |
US5291658A (en) | Can opener | |
JP3544949B2 (en) | Hinge device and portable electronic device using hinge device | |
US6789325B2 (en) | Can opener | |
JP3459605B2 (en) | Foldable mobile phone | |
JP2004060697A (en) | Multistage development hinge device | |
JP3665744B2 (en) | HINGE DEVICE AND PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING HINGE DEVICE | |
JP3727271B2 (en) | HINGE DEVICE AND PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING HINGE DEVICE | |
JP4104967B2 (en) | HINGE DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING HINGE DEVICE | |
JP3910542B2 (en) | HINGE DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING HINGE DEVICE | |
JP3458105B2 (en) | Hinge device and portable electronic device using hinge device | |
WO2005008082A1 (en) | Hinge device | |
JPH08177291A (en) | Cover lock mechanism | |
JP2023025439A (en) | Handle device for door |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:OKUDA, TATSUMI;REEL/FRAME:011576/0289 Effective date: 20010126 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: KYOCERA CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.;REEL/FRAME:022764/0839 Effective date: 20081225 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20141001 |