JP4184146B2

JP4184146B2 - Hinge device

Info

Publication number: JP4184146B2
Application number: JP2003126921A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 一吉大嶋; 和征石ケ谷
Original assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-05-02
Filing date: 2003-05-02
Publication date: 2008-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-02
Also published as: JP2004332789A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、携帯電話機やノートブック型パソコン等に用いるのに好適なヒンジ装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、この種のヒンジ装置は、ヒンジ軸を介して回動可能に連結された第１、第２ヒンジ部材と、この第１、第２ヒンジ部材間のヒンジ軸に回動可能に、かつヒンジ軸の長手方向へ移動可能に外挿された可動部材と、この可動部材を第２ヒンジ部材側へ付勢する付勢手段とを備えている。可動部材は、第１ヒンジ部材に回動不能に、かつ移動可能に連結されている。可動部材の第２ヒンジ部材と対向する端面には、収容凹部が形成されている。各収容凹部には、球体（転動体）がその一部を突出させた状態で回動可能に収容されており、付勢手段によって第２ヒンジ部材の第１ヒンジ部材との対向面に押し付けられている。したがって、第１、第２ヒンジ部材が相対回転すると、各球体は、収容凹部内において自転するとともに、第２ヒンジ部材の対向面上を転動する。第２ヒンジ部材の対向面には、複数のカム凹部が形成されている。各カム凹部は、第２ヒンジ部材が第１ヒンジ部材に対して所定角度範囲内に位置すると、各球体がカム凹部を区画する底面（カム面）に接触するように配置されている。カム凹部の底面のうちの球体が接触する部分は、第２ヒンジ部材の周方向へ向かって傾斜している。したがって、球体がカム凹部の底面に接触すると、付勢手段の付勢力が回動付勢力に変換される。
【０００３】
上記構成のヒンジ装置が例えば携帯電話機に用いられる場合には、通常、二つのヒンジ装置が同時に用いられる。二つのヒンジ装置は、互いの軸線を一致させて携帯電話機の左右方向の一端部と他端部とに設けられ、携帯電話機を構成する送話部と受話部とを回動可能に連結する。しかも、ヒンジ装置は、受話部が送話部に対して折畳位置と通話位置との少なくとも一方の位置に回動すると、カム凹部の底面と球体とによって変換された付勢手段の回動付勢力によって当該一方の位置に維持される（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−１８５１５８号公報（第３頁及び第８頁、並びに第１図及び第５図）
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記従来のヒンジ装置においては、第１、第２ヒンジ部材が回動するとき、球体が、第２ヒンジ部材の対向面に対しては転動（転がり接触）するが、可動部材の収容凹部の底面に対しては滑り接触する。滑り接触は、転がり接触に対して摩擦抵抗が大幅に大きい。このため、第１、第２ヒンジ部材の回動の円滑さが損なわれるという問題があった。特に、最近の携帯電話機では、ヒンジ装置を左右方向の一端部にのみ使用し、他端部については軸体等によって単に回動可能に連結するようにしたものがある。そのような携帯電話機に用いられるヒンジ装置においては、その回動付勢力を二つのヒンジ装置の合計した回動付勢力と同等にするために、付勢手段の付勢力を従来のヒンジ装置における付勢手段の付勢力のほぼ２倍にしている。この結果、球体と収容凹部の底面との間に発生する滑り摩擦抵抗もほぼ２倍になり、第１、第２ヒンジ部材の回動の円滑さがより一層損なわれるという問題があった。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明は、上記の問題を解決するためになされたもので、回動軸線上に互いに対向して配置され、かつ上記回動軸線を中心として相対回動可能に連結された第１、第２ヒンジ部材と、上記第１ヒンジ部材に、上記回動軸線を中心とする周方向へは移動不能に、かつ上記回動軸線方向へは移動可能に連結された自転可能な複数の転動体と、この複数の転動体を上記第２ヒンジ部材の上記第１ヒンジ部材との対向面に押し付ける付勢手段とを備え、上記第１、第２ヒンジ部材の回動時には上記転動体が上記第２ヒンジ部材の上記対向面上を転動し、上記第２ヒンジ部材の上記対向面には、上記第２ヒンジ部材が上記第１ヒンジ部材に対して所定の回動角度範囲に位置しているときに上記複数の転動体にそれぞれ接触することにより、上記付勢手段の付勢力を、上記第２ヒンジ部材を上記第１ヒンジ部材に対して回動させる回動付勢力に変換する複数のカム面が形成されたヒンジ装置において、上記転動体に対し第２ヒンジ部材と逆側において隣接する箇所には、当接部材が上記回動軸線方向へ移動可能に配置され、この当接部材が上記付勢手段によって上記転動体側へ付勢されることによって、上記当接部材の一端面が上記転動体に押圧接触させられ、上記第１、第２ヒンジ部材の回動時には上記転動体が上記当接部材の上記一端面上を転動することを特徴としている。
この場合、上記第１ヒンジ部材には保持部材が回動不能に連結されており、この保持部材には、上記回動軸線方向へ上記保持部材を貫通し、かつ上記複数の転動体をそれぞれ自転可能に収容する複数の収容孔が形成され、上記転動体が、上記収容孔から突出した一端部において上記第２ヒンジ部材の上記対向面と押圧接触し、上記収容孔から突出した他側部において上記当接部材の上記一端面と押圧接触することが望ましい。
上記当接部材は、上記回動軸線上にこの回動軸線方向へ移動可能に配置された第１、第２当接板を有し、上記第１当接板が上記付勢手段によって上記転動体側へ直接付勢されて上記第２当接板に押圧接触し、上記第１当接板によって押圧された上記第２当接板が上記第１当接板と逆側の一端面において上記転動体に押圧接触し、上記第２当接板が上記回動軸線を中心として回動可能とされ、上記第１、第２当接板の互いに対向する端面の少なくとも一方の中央部には、上記第１、第２ヒンジ部材の回動時に他方に対して摺接する環状突出部が形成されていてもよい。
上記当接部材は、上記回転軸線上に互いに対向して配置された第１、第２軌道板と、この第１、第２軌道板間に配置され、両軌道板に対して転動する複数の回転体とを有し、上記第２軌道板が上記付勢手段によって上記転動体側へ付勢され、上記第１軌道板が上記第２軌道板と逆側の一端面において上記転動体に押圧接触していてもよい。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明の実施の形態について図１〜図７を参照して説明する。
図１は、この発明に係るヒンジ装置１０（図２及び図３参照）が用いられた携帯電話機１を示す。この携帯電話機１は、送話部２及び受話部３を備えている。送話部２の受話部３側における一端部の左右両端部には、連結部２ａ，２ａが形成されている。受話部３の送話部２側における一端部の左右両端部には、連結部３ａ，３ａが形成されている。連結部２ａ，２ａと連結部３ａ，３ａとは、右側に配置されたものどうしが一組とされ、左側に配置されたものどうしが一組とされている。右側の一組の連結部２ａ，３ａは、この発明に係るヒンジ装置１０によって回動軸線Ｌを中心として回動可能に連結されている。左側の一組の連結部２ａ，３ａは、軸体（図示せず）等によって可動軸線Ｌを中心として回動可能に連結されている。これにより、送話部２と受話部３とが回動軸線Ｌを中心として回動可能に連結されている。送話部２と受話部３との回動範囲は、両者の前面２ｂ，３ｂが互いに突き当たった折畳位置と、両者の前面が折畳位置から所定の角度（この実施の形態では１６０°）だけ離れた図１（Ｂ）に示す使用位置との間に規制されている。
【０００８】
この発明に係るヒンジ装置１０は、図２〜図４に示すように、第１、第２ヒンジ部材２０，３０、ヒンジ軸４０、保持部材５０、当接部材６０及びコイルばね（付勢手段）７０を有している。
【０００９】
第１ヒンジ部材２０は、円筒状をなしており、その軸線を回動軸線Ｌと一致させた状態で連結部２ａの内部に回動不能に嵌合されている。第１ヒンジ部材２０の一端部（図１及び図３において右側の端部）には、底部２１が形成されている。この底部２１の中央部には、軸線を回動軸線Ｌと一致させた挿通孔２２が形成されている。第１ヒンジ部材２０の他端部には、その他端面から一端側へ向って延びる一対の係合溝２３，２３が形成されている。一対の係合溝２３，２３は、周方向に１８０°離れて配置されている。
【００１０】
第２ヒンジ部材３０は、長さの短い円柱状をなすものであり、その軸線を回動軸線Ｌと一致させた状態で連結部３ａの内部に回動不能に嵌合されている。したがって、図３からも明かなように、第２ヒンジ部材３０は、その一端面（対向面）３１を第１ヒンジ部材２０と対向させている。この一端面３１は、回動軸線Ｌと直交する平面とされている。図５に示すように、一端面３１には、一対の凹部３２，３２が形成されている。一対の凹部３２，３２は、回動軸線Ｌを中心とする円周上に１８０°離れて配置されている。凹部３２の深さは、周方向における両端部から中央へ向うにしたがって深くなっている。これに対応して凹部３２を区画する底面３２ａは、周方向における両端部から中央へ向うにしたがって軸線方向の他端側へ向うように傾斜しており、周方向の一端部から中央側へ向って下り勾配をなす第１傾斜面（カム面）３２ｂと、周方向の他端部から中央側へ向って下り勾配をなす第２傾斜面（カム面）３２ｃとを有している。第２ヒンジ部材３０の中央部には、軸線を回動軸線Ｌと一致させた貫通孔３３が形成されている。
【００１１】
ヒンジ軸４０は、互いの軸線を一致させて連設された、頭部４１、嵌合軸部４２、圧入軸部４３及び小径軸部４４を有している。ヒンジ軸４０の小径軸部４４、圧入軸部４３及び嵌合軸部４２は、第１ヒンジ部材２０の挿通孔２２に第１ヒンジ部材２０の一端側（底部２１側）から順次挿入されている。そして、嵌合軸部４２が挿通孔２２に回動可能に嵌合されている。ヒンジ軸４０の頭部４１は、底部２１に突き当たっている。これにより、第１ヒンジ部材２０がその他端側（第２ヒンジ部材３０側）から一端側へ向う方向への移動が阻止され、ヒンジ軸４０に対して抜け止めされている。挿通孔２２を貫通したヒンジ軸４０の小径軸部４４及び圧入軸部４３は、第２ヒンジ部材３０の貫通孔３３に第２ヒンジ部材３０の一端側（第１ヒンジ部材２０側）から順次挿入されている。圧入軸部４３は、貫通孔３３に回動不能に圧入されている。これにより、ヒンジ軸４０が第２ヒンジ部材３０と一体に回動するようになっている。ヒンジ軸４０は、第２ヒンジ部材３０に対して回動可能にしてもよい。その場合には、ヒンジ軸４０を第１ヒンジ部材２０に対して回動可能にしてもよく、回動不能にしてもよい。小径軸部４４の先端部は、貫通孔３３を貫通して第２ヒンジ部材３０の他端側に突出している。そして、貫通孔３３から突出した小径軸部４４の先端部が図３において想像線で示すように加締められることにより、第２ヒンジ部材３０のヒンジ軸４０に対する一端側から他端側への移動が阻止され、同方向への抜け止めがなされている。特に、この実施の形態では、第２ヒンジ部材３０の一端面３１が嵌合軸部４２の先端面に突き当たることにより、第２ヒンジ部材３０は、他端側から一端側へ向う方向への移動も阻止されている。その結果、第２ヒンジ部材３０は、ヒンジ軸４０の先端部たる圧入軸部４３及び小径軸部４４に固定されている。
【００１２】
嵌合軸部４２の圧入軸部４３に隣接する先端部には、円板状をなす保持部材５０が回動可能に嵌合されている。この保持部材５０の外周面には、一対の係合突出部５１，５１が周方向に１８０°離れて配置形成されている。この一対の係合突出部５１，５１は、第１ヒンジ部材２０の一対の係合溝２３，２３に嵌り込んでいる。これにより、保持部材５０が第１ヒンジ部材２０と一体に回動するように構成されている。なお、保持部材５０は、第１ヒンジ部材２０に対して回動軸線Ｌ方向へ移動可能になっているが、移動不能にしてもよい。そこで、保持部材５０については、第１ヒンジ部材２０に一体に設けてもよい。
【００１３】
保持部材５０には、回動軸線Ｌ方向に貫通する一対の収容孔５２，５２が形成されている。一対の収容孔５２，５２は、回動軸線Ｌを中心とする円周上に配置されている。各収容孔５２には、球体（転動体）８０が回転（自転）可能に収容されている。球体８０の外径は、収容孔５２の内径とほぼ同一であり、保持部材５０の厚さより大きく設定されている。したがって、回動軸線Ｌ方向における球体８０の一端部と他端部とは、収容孔５２から外部に突出している。収容孔５２から突出した球体８０の一端部は、第２ヒンジ部材３０の一端面３１に接触している。したがって、第１ヒンジ部材２０及び保持部材５０と第２ヒンジ部材３０とが相対回動すると、球体８０が一端面３１上を転動する。球体８０に代えて円錐台状をなすローラを用いてもよい。その場合には、球体８０が転動する第２ヒンジ部材３０の一端面３１及び後述する第１当接板の６１の一端面の少なくともローラが転動する箇所を、ローラの外周面に対応したテーパ面にする。
【００１４】
ここで、一対の収容孔５２，５２は、第２ヒンジ部材３０の一対の凹部３２，３２が配置された円周と同一の半径を有する円周上に配置されている。しかも、収容孔５２，５２は、周方向へ互いに１８０°離れて配置されている。したがって、第１、第２ヒンジ部材２０，３０が所定の位置に回動すると、収容孔５２，５２に収容された球体８０，８０は、凹部３２，３２にそれぞれ入り込み、凹部３２，３２の底面３２ａ，３２ａにそれぞれ接触する。球体８０は、この実施の形態のヒンジ装置１０では、受話部３が折畳位置に回動すると、図５及び図６において実線で示すように、第１傾斜面３２ｂに接触し、受話部３が通話位置に回動すると、図５及び図６において想像線で示すように、第２傾斜面３２ｃに接触する。
【００１５】
球体８０を間にして第２ヒンジ部材３０と逆側には、当接部材６０が配置されている。当接部材６０は、いずれも円板状をなす第１、第２当接板６１，６２によって構成されている。第１、第２当接板６１，６２は、その中央部をヒンジ軸４０の嵌合軸部４２によって回動可能に貫通されている。第１当接板６１の一端面（図３において左端面）は、回動軸線Ｌと直交する平面とされており、球体８０の収容孔５２から突出した他端部に接触している。第１当接板６１の他端面の中央部には、回動軸線Ｌを中心とする環状突出部６１ａが形成されている。この環状突出部６１ａの先端面には、第２当接板６２が回動可能に接触している。
【００１６】
第１ヒンジ部材２０の内周面とヒンジ軸４０の嵌合軸部４２の外周面との間には、環状の空間が形成されており、この環状の空間には、軸線を回動軸線Ｌと一致させたコイルばね７０が配置されている。このコイルばね７０の一端部は、第１ヒンジ部材２０の底部２１に突き当たり、第１ヒンジ部材２０をヒンジ軸４０の頭部４１に突き当てている。コイルばね７０の他端部は、第２当接板６２に突き当たってこれを第１当接板６１側に付勢している。したがって、コイルばね７０は、第２、第１当接板６２，６１を介して球体８０，８０を第２ヒンジ部材３０側に付勢し、球体８０を第２ヒンジ部材３０の一端面３１に押圧接触させている。この結果、第１，第２ヒンジ部材２０，３０、保持部材５０、当接部材６０及びコイルばね７０がヒンジ軸４０を介して一体化され、ひいてはヒンジ装置１０全体がユニット化されている。
【００１７】
上記構成のヒンジ装置１０が用いられた携帯電話機１において、いま受話部３が折畳位置に位置しているものとする。このときには、一方の球体８０が一方の凹部３２の第１傾斜面３２ｂに接触し、他方の球体８０が他方の凹部３２の第１傾斜面３２ｂに接触している。この状態では、第１、第２当接板６１，６２を介して球体８０に伝達されるコイルばね７０の付勢力が第１傾斜面３２ｂにより第２ヒンジ部材３０を一方向へ回動させようとする回動付勢力に変換される。この回動付勢力によって、受話部３が使用位置側から折畳位置側へ回動付勢され、折畳位置に維持される。
【００１８】
受話部３を回動付勢力に抗して折畳位置から使用位置側へ向って所定角度（この実施の形態では１５°）だけ回動させると、球体８０が凹部３２から脱出する。その後、受話部３を使用位置の所定角度（この実施の形態では１５°）だけ手前の位置まで回動させる間は、受話部３の回動に伴って球体８０が一端面３１上及び当接板６１の端面上を転動する。受話部３が折畳位置と使用位置との間の所定角度範囲（１６０°−１５°×２＝１３０°）に位置しているときには、球体８０と一端面３１及び当接板６１との間に作用する摩擦抵抗により、受話部３を任意の位置で停止させることができる。
【００１９】
受話部３を使用位置側へさらに回動させて、一方の球体８０が他方の凹部３２に入り込むとともに、他方の球体８０が一方の凹部３２に入り込むと、各球体８０が第２傾斜面３２ｃに接触する。すると、コイルばね７０の付勢力が第２ヒンジ部材３０を他方向へ回動させようとする回動付勢力に変換される。この回動付勢力によって受話部３が折畳位置側から使用位置まで回動される。そして、受話部３は、使用位置に達した後はその位置に維持される。
【００２０】
使用位置に位置している受話部３を折畳位置側へ回動させる場合において、受話部３を使用位置から折畳位置側へ向って所定角度だけ回動させると、各球体８０が凹部３２から脱出する。その後、受話部３が折畳位置の所定角度だけ手前の位置まで回動させる間は、球体８０が受話部３の回動に伴って第２ヒンジ部材３０の一端面３１上及び第１当接板６１の端面上を転動する。受話部３がさらに折畳位置側へ回動して各球体８０が凹部３２に入んで第１傾斜面３２ｂに接触すると、コイルばね７０の付勢力が第１傾斜面３２ｂによって一方向への回動付勢力に変換される。この回動付勢力によって受話部３が折畳位置まで回動させられるとともに、折畳位置に維持される。
【００２１】
ここで、上記構成のヒンジ装置１０においては、球体８０が一端面３１上を転動するとき、球体８０は収容孔５２内において回転（自転）するが、球体８０は収容孔５２の内周面に単に接触するだけであり、コイルばね７０の付勢力によって収容孔５２の内周面に押圧接触させられることがない。したがって、球体８０の外周面と収容孔５２の内周面との間に作用する摩擦抵抗は小さい。また、コイルばね７０の付勢力によって球体８０が第１当接板６１に押圧接触させられるが、球体８０は第１当接板６１に対して摺動することなく、転動する。したがって、球体８０と第１当接板６１との間に作用する摩擦抵抗も小さい。よって、このヒンジ装置１０では、仮にコイルばね７０の付勢力を従来のヒンジ装置のコイルばねの付勢力の２倍にしたとしても、第１、第２ヒンジ部材２０，３０を円滑に回動させることができる。
【００２２】
特に、この実施の形態のヒンジ装置１０においては、第１当接板６１が第２当接板６２に対して回動可能に接触しているから、第１当接板６１と球体８０との間に作用する転がり摩擦抵抗によって第１当接板６１に球体８０の転動方向と同方向を向く回動力が作用したとき、第１当接板６１が第２当接板６２に対して回動する。しかも、第１当接板６１の中央部に環状突出部６１ａを形成することにより、第１当接板６１の端面全体を第２当接板６２に接触させる場合に比して接触部分の直径及び面積を小さくしているから、その分だけ摩擦抵抗が減少し、第１当接板６１が第２当接板６２に対してより軽く回動する。したがって、球体８０を円滑に回転させることができ、ひいては第１、第２ヒンジ部材２０，３０をより一層円滑に回動させることができる。第１、第２ヒンジ部材２０，３０をさらに円滑に回動させるためには、環状突出部６１ａの先端面とこれに接触する第２当接板６２の端面との少なくとも一方に摩擦抵抗を減少させるための表面処理を施すことが望ましい。なお、第２当接板６２は、コイルばね７０に直接接触しているので回転することはない。
【００２３】
図７は、この発明の第２実施の形態を示す。この実施の形態のヒンジ装置１０′においては、上記の実施の形態の当接部材６０に代えて当接部材６０′が用いられている。当接部材６０′は、第１、第２軌道板６３，６４と、第１、第２軌道板６３，６４間に配置された回転球体（回転体）６５とを有している。第１、第２軌道板６３，６４は、円板状をなし、それぞれの中央部が嵌合軸部４２によって回動可能に貫通されている。第１、第２軌道板６３，６４の両端面は、回動軸線Ｌと直交する平面として形成されている。第１軌道板６３は、その一端面において球体８０に接触し、他端面において回転球体６５に接触している。第２軌道板６４は、その一端面においてコイルばね７０と接触し、他端面において回転球体６５に接触している。したがって、コイルばね７０は、第２軌道板６４、回転球体６５及び第１軌道板６３を介して球体８０を第２ヒンジ部材３０側へ付勢している。
【００２４】
上記構成のヒンジ装置１０′においては、第１軌道板６３が回転球体６５を介して第２軌道板６４に接触しているので、第１、第２軌道板６３，６４間に作用する回転抵抗は上記のヒンジ装置１０の第１、第２当接板６１，６２間に作用する回転抵抗より小さい。したがって、第１、第２ヒンジ部材２０，３０をさらに円滑に回動させることができる。
【００２５】
なお、この発明は、上記の実施の形態に限定されるものでなく、適宜変更可能である。
例えば、上記の実施の形態においては、コイルばね７０の付勢力を回動付勢力に変換するカム面として第１、第２傾斜面３２ｂ，３２ｃの二つを設けているが、いずれか一方だけを設けるようにしてもよい。
【００２６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、この発明によれば、第１、第２ヒンジ部材を従来のものに比して大幅に円滑に回動させることができ、その分だけコイルばね等の付勢手段の付勢力を大きくすることができる。換言すれば、仮に付勢手段の付勢力を２倍にしたとしても、第１、第２ヒンジ部材を従来のものと同等以上の円滑さをもって回動させることができるという効果が得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明に係るヒンジ装置が用いられた携帯電話機を示す図であって、図１（Ａ）は受話部を使用位置に回動させた状態で示す正面図、図１（Ｂ）は図１（Ａ）のＢ矢視図である。
【図２】この発明に係るヒンジ装置の一実施の形態を示す斜視図である。
【図３】同実施の形態の断面図である。
【図４】同実施の形態の分解斜視図である。
【図５】同実施の形態の凹部と球体との関係を示す図である。
【図６】図５のＸ−Ｘ線に沿う拡大断面図である。
【図７】この発明に係るヒンジ装置の他の実施の形態を示す断面図である。
【符号の説明】
Ｌ回動軸線
１０ヒンジ装置
１０′ ヒンジ装置
２０第１ヒンジ部材
３０第２ヒンジ部材
３１一端面（対向面）
３２ｂ第１傾斜面（カム面）
３２ｃ第２傾斜面（カム面）
５０保持部材
５２収容孔
６０当接部材
６０′ 当接部材
６１第１当接板
６１ａ環状突出部
６２第２当接板
６３第１軌道板
６４第２軌道板
６５回転球体（回転体）
７０コイルばね（付勢手段）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hinge device suitable for use in a mobile phone, a notebook personal computer, or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, this type of hinge device includes a first and a second hinge member that are rotatably connected via a hinge shaft, a hinge shaft that is rotatable between the first and second hinge members, and a hinge. A movable member extrapolated so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the shaft and an urging means for urging the movable member toward the second hinge member are provided. The movable member is connected to the first hinge member so as not to be rotatable and movable. An accommodation recess is formed on the end surface of the movable member facing the second hinge member. In each housing recess, a spherical body (rolling body) is rotatably housed with a part thereof protruding, and is pressed against the surface of the second hinge member facing the first hinge member by the biasing means. ing. Therefore, when the first and second hinge members rotate relative to each other, each sphere rotates on the opposing surface of the second hinge member while rotating in the accommodation recess. A plurality of cam recesses are formed on the opposing surface of the second hinge member. Each cam recess is arranged so that each sphere contacts a bottom surface (cam surface) that defines the cam recess when the second hinge member is positioned within a predetermined angle range with respect to the first hinge member. The portion of the bottom surface of the cam recess that contacts the sphere is inclined toward the circumferential direction of the second hinge member. Therefore, when the sphere comes into contact with the bottom surface of the cam recess, the urging force of the urging means is converted into a rotation urging force.
[0003]
When the hinge device having the above configuration is used in, for example, a mobile phone, usually two hinge devices are used simultaneously. The two hinge devices are provided at one end and the other end in the left-right direction of the mobile phone so that their axes coincide with each other, and rotatably connect the transmitter and receiver that constitute the mobile phone. In addition, the hinge device is provided with a rotation of the urging means converted by the bottom surface of the cam recess and the sphere when the reception unit rotates to at least one of the folding position and the call position with respect to the transmission unit. The one position is maintained by the force (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-185158 A (Pages 3 and 8 and FIGS. 1 and 5)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional hinge device, when the first and second hinge members rotate, the sphere rolls (rolls in contact) with the opposing surface of the second hinge member. Sliding contact with the bottom. The sliding contact has a much higher frictional resistance than the rolling contact. For this reason, there existed a problem that the smooth rotation of the 1st, 2nd hinge member was impaired. In particular, some recent cellular phones use a hinge device only at one end portion in the left-right direction, and the other end portion is simply rotatably connected by a shaft or the like. In a hinge device used in such a mobile phone, the biasing force of the biasing means is applied to the conventional hinge device in order to make the rotation biasing force equal to the total rotation biasing force of the two hinge devices. The urging force of the urging means is almost doubled. As a result, the sliding frictional resistance generated between the sphere and the bottom surface of the housing recess is almost doubled, and there is a problem that the smooth rotation of the first and second hinge members is further impaired.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem. The first and second components are arranged opposite to each other on a rotation axis and are connected to be rotatable relative to each other about the rotation axis. A plurality of self-rotating rolling elements connected to the hinge member and the first hinge member so as to be immovable in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis and movably in the rotation axis; And a biasing means that presses the plurality of rolling elements against a surface of the second hinge member facing the first hinge member, and the rolling element is moved to the second hinge when the first and second hinge members are rotated. Rolling on the opposing surface of the member, and when the second hinge member is positioned within a predetermined rotation angle range with respect to the first hinge member on the opposing surface of the second hinge member By contacting each of the plurality of rolling elements, the biasing hand In the hinge device formed with a plurality of cam surfaces for converting the urging force into a turning urging force for rotating the second hinge member with respect to the first hinge member, the second hinge member with respect to the rolling element The abutting member is arranged to be movable in the direction of the rotational axis at a position adjacent to the side opposite to the side, and the abutting member is urged toward the rolling element by the urging means. One end surface of the contact member is pressed against the rolling element, and the rolling element rolls on the one end surface of the contact member when the first and second hinge members are rotated.
In this case, a holding member is non-rotatably connected to the first hinge member, and the holding member penetrates the holding member in the direction of the rotation axis and rotates the plurality of rolling elements. A plurality of accommodating holes that can be accommodated are formed, and the rolling element is in press contact with the opposing surface of the second hinge member at one end protruding from the accommodating hole, and at the other side protruding from the accommodating hole It is desirable that the one end face of the contact member is in press contact.
The contact member has first and second contact plates arranged on the rotation axis so as to be movable in the direction of the rotation axis, and the first contact plate is rotated by the urging means. Directly biased toward the moving body and pressed against the second abutting plate, the second abutting plate pressed by the first abutting plate is in the one end surface opposite to the first abutting plate. In contact with the rolling element, the second contact plate is rotatable about the rotation axis, and at least one central portion of the end surfaces of the first and second contact plates facing each other, An annular protrusion may be formed that is in sliding contact with the other when the first and second hinge members are rotated.
The abutting member is disposed between the first and second raceway plates arranged opposite to each other on the rotation axis, and a plurality of rolling members arranged between the first and second raceway plates and rolling with respect to both raceway plates. The second raceway plate is urged toward the rolling element side by the urging means, and the first raceway plate is attached to the rolling element at one end surface opposite to the second raceway plate. It may be in press contact.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows a mobile phone 1 using a hinge device 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) according to the present invention. The mobile phone 1 includes a transmitter 2 and a receiver 3. Connection portions 2a and 2a are formed at the left and right end portions of one end portion of the transmitter portion 2 on the receiver portion 3 side. Connecting portions 3a and 3a are formed at both left and right end portions of one end portion of the receiver portion 3 on the transmitter portion 2 side. As for connection part 2a, 2a and connection part 3a, 3a, what is arrange | positioned at the right side is made into 1 set, and what is arrange | positioned at the left side is made into 1 set. The pair of connecting portions 2a and 3a on the right side are connected so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis L by the hinge device 10 according to the present invention. The pair of connecting portions 2a and 3a on the left side are connected so as to be rotatable about the movable axis L by a shaft body (not shown) or the like. Thereby, the transmission part 2 and the reception part 3 are connected so that rotation around the rotation axis L is possible. The range of rotation between the transmitter 2 and the receiver 3 is such that the front surface 2b and the front surface 2b of each of the transmitter and the receiver 2 are in contact with each other, and the front surfaces of both are a predetermined angle from the folded position (160 ° in this embodiment). It is regulated between the use position shown in FIG.
[0008]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the hinge device 10 according to the present invention includes first and second hinge members 20 and 30, a hinge shaft 40, a holding member 50, a contact member 60, and a coil spring (biasing means). 70.
[0009]
The first hinge member 20 has a cylindrical shape, and is fitted to the inside of the connecting portion 2a so as not to rotate in a state where the axis of the first hinge member 20 coincides with the rotation axis L. A bottom 21 is formed at one end of the first hinge member 20 (the right end in FIGS. 1 and 3). An insertion hole 22 having an axis aligned with the rotation axis L is formed at the center of the bottom 21. On the other end of the first hinge member 20, a pair of engaging grooves 23, 23 extending from the other end surface toward one end are formed. The pair of engaging grooves 23, 23 are arranged 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction.
[0010]
The second hinge member 30 has a columnar shape with a short length, and is fitted to the inside of the connecting portion 3a so as not to rotate in a state where the axis line thereof coincides with the rotation axis line L. Therefore, as apparent from FIG. 3, the second hinge member 30 has one end surface (opposing surface) 31 opposed to the first hinge member 20. The one end surface 31 is a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis L. As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of concave portions 32 and 32 are formed on the one end surface 31. The pair of recesses 32, 32 are arranged 180 degrees apart on the circumference centered on the rotation axis L. The depth of the concave portion 32 becomes deeper from the both end portions in the circumferential direction toward the center. Correspondingly, the bottom surface 32a that divides the concave portion 32 is inclined so as to go to the other end side in the axial direction from both ends in the circumferential direction toward the center, and from one end portion in the circumferential direction to the center side. A first inclined surface (cam surface) 32b having a downward slope and a second inclined surface (cam surface) 32c having a downward slope from the other end in the circumferential direction toward the center. A through-hole 33 whose axis is aligned with the rotation axis L is formed in the center of the second hinge member 30.
[0011]
The hinge shaft 40 has a head portion 41, a fitting shaft portion 42, a press-fit shaft portion 43, and a small-diameter shaft portion 44 that are continuously provided with their axis lines aligned. The small-diameter shaft portion 44, the press-fit shaft portion 43, and the fitting shaft portion 42 of the hinge shaft 40 are sequentially inserted into the insertion hole 22 of the first hinge member 20 from one end side (bottom portion 21 side) of the first hinge member 20. . And the fitting shaft part 42 is fitted in the insertion hole 22 so that rotation is possible. The head 41 of the hinge shaft 40 is in contact with the bottom 21. Accordingly, the first hinge member 20 is prevented from moving in the direction from the other end side (second hinge member 30 side) to the one end side, and is prevented from coming off from the hinge shaft 40. The small-diameter shaft portion 44 and the press-fit shaft portion 43 of the hinge shaft 40 penetrating through the insertion hole 22 are sequentially inserted into the through-hole 33 of the second hinge member 30 from one end side (first hinge member 20 side) of the second hinge member 30. Has been. The press-fit shaft portion 43 is press-fitted into the through-hole 33 so as not to rotate. As a result, the hinge shaft 40 rotates together with the second hinge member 30. The hinge shaft 40 may be rotatable with respect to the second hinge member 30. In that case, the hinge shaft 40 may be rotatable with respect to the first hinge member 20 or may not be rotatable. The distal end portion of the small-diameter shaft portion 44 penetrates the through hole 33 and protrudes to the other end side of the second hinge member 30. Then, the distal end portion of the small-diameter shaft portion 44 protruding from the through hole 33 is crimped as indicated by an imaginary line in FIG. 3, thereby moving the second hinge member 30 from one end side to the other end side with respect to the hinge shaft 40. Is prevented, and is prevented from coming off in the same direction. In particular, in this embodiment, when the one end surface 31 of the second hinge member 30 abuts against the tip surface of the fitting shaft portion 42, the second hinge member 30 moves in the direction from the other end side to the one end side. Is also blocked. As a result, the second hinge member 30 is fixed to the press-fit shaft portion 43 and the small-diameter shaft portion 44 that are tip portions of the hinge shaft 40.
[0012]
A disc-shaped holding member 50 is rotatably fitted to a distal end portion of the fitting shaft portion 42 adjacent to the press-fit shaft portion 43. On the outer peripheral surface of the holding member 50, a pair of engaging protrusions 51, 51 are arranged and formed 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. The pair of engaging protrusions 51 and 51 are fitted into the pair of engaging grooves 23 and 23 of the first hinge member 20. Accordingly, the holding member 50 is configured to rotate integrally with the first hinge member 20. The holding member 50 is movable in the direction of the rotation axis L with respect to the first hinge member 20, but may be immovable. Therefore, the holding member 50 may be provided integrally with the first hinge member 20.
[0013]
The holding member 50 is formed with a pair of receiving holes 52, 52 penetrating in the rotation axis L direction. The pair of accommodation holes 52, 52 are arranged on a circumference around the rotation axis L. A spherical body (rolling element) 80 is accommodated in each accommodation hole 52 so as to be rotatable (spinning). The outer diameter of the sphere 80 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the accommodation hole 52, and is set larger than the thickness of the holding member 50. Therefore, one end portion and the other end portion of the sphere 80 in the direction of the rotation axis L protrude from the housing hole 52 to the outside. One end of the sphere 80 protruding from the accommodation hole 52 is in contact with the one end surface 31 of the second hinge member 30. Accordingly, when the first hinge member 20 and the holding member 50 and the second hinge member 30 are relatively rotated, the spherical body 80 rolls on the one end surface 31. Instead of the sphere 80, a truncated cone roller may be used. In that case, at least a location where the roller rolls on one end surface 31 of the second hinge member 30 on which the sphere 80 rolls and one end surface 61 of the first contact plate described later corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the roller. Use a tapered surface.
[0014]
Here, the pair of receiving holes 52, 52 are arranged on a circumference having the same radius as the circumference where the pair of recesses 32, 32 of the second hinge member 30 are arranged. And the accommodation holes 52 and 52 are arrange | positioned 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the first and second hinge members 20 and 30 are rotated to predetermined positions, the spheres 80 and 80 accommodated in the accommodation holes 52 and 52 enter the recesses 32 and 32, respectively, and the bottom surfaces of the recesses 32 and 32. It contacts 32a and 32a, respectively. In the hinge device 10 of this embodiment, the sphere 80 contacts the first inclined surface 32b as shown by a solid line in FIGS. 5 and 6 when the receiver 3 is rotated to the folding position. Is rotated to the call position, as shown by an imaginary line in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second inclined surface 32c is contacted.
[0015]
An abutting member 60 is disposed on the opposite side of the second hinge member 30 with the sphere 80 in between. The contact member 60 includes first and second contact plates 61 and 62 each having a disk shape. The center portions of the first and second contact plates 61 and 62 are pivotally penetrated by the fitting shaft portion 42 of the hinge shaft 40. One end surface (the left end surface in FIG. 3) of the first contact plate 61 is a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis L, and is in contact with the other end protruding from the accommodation hole 52 of the sphere 80. An annular protrusion 61 a centering on the rotation axis L is formed at the center of the other end surface of the first contact plate 61. The second abutment plate 62 is in contact with the tip surface of the annular protrusion 61a so as to be rotatable.
[0016]
An annular space is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the first hinge member 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the fitting shaft portion 42 of the hinge shaft 40. In this annular space, the axis line is the rotation axis L. The coil spring 70 matched with is arranged. One end of the coil spring 70 abuts against the bottom 21 of the first hinge member 20 and abuts the first hinge member 20 against the head 41 of the hinge shaft 40. The other end of the coil spring 70 abuts against the second contact plate 62 and biases it toward the first contact plate 61. Accordingly, the coil spring 70 biases the spheres 80, 80 toward the second hinge member 30 via the second and first contact plates 62, 61, and the sphere 80 is applied to the one end surface 31 of the second hinge member 30. Press contact. As a result, the first and second hinge members 20 and 30, the holding member 50, the contact member 60 and the coil spring 70 are integrated via the hinge shaft 40, and as a result, the entire hinge device 10 is unitized.
[0017]
In the mobile phone 1 in which the hinge device 10 having the above configuration is used, it is assumed that the receiver 3 is now in the folded position. At this time, one sphere 80 is in contact with the first inclined surface 32 b of one recess 32, and the other sphere 80 is in contact with the first inclined surface 32 b of the other recess 32. In this state, the biasing force of the coil spring 70 transmitted to the sphere 80 via the first and second contact plates 61 and 62 will cause the second hinge member 30 to rotate in one direction by the first inclined surface 32b. It is converted into a rotational biasing force. With this turning biasing force, the receiver 3 is turned and biased from the use position side to the folding position side, and is maintained at the folding position.
[0018]
When the reception unit 3 is rotated by a predetermined angle (15 ° in this embodiment) from the folding position toward the use position against the rotation biasing force, the sphere 80 escapes from the recess 32. Thereafter, while the receiver unit 3 is rotated to a position in front of the use position by a predetermined angle (15 ° in this embodiment), the sphere 80 is brought into contact with the end surface 31 and in contact with the rotation of the receiver unit 3. Roll on the end face of the plate 61. When the receiver 3 is located within a predetermined angle range (160 ° −15 ° × 2 = 130 °) between the folding position and the use position, the space between the sphere 80 and the one end face 31 and the contact plate 61 The receiving part 3 can be stopped at an arbitrary position by the frictional resistance acting on.
[0019]
When the receiving part 3 is further rotated to the use position side and one sphere 80 enters the other recess 32 and the other sphere 80 enters the one recess 32, each sphere 80 enters the second inclined surface 32c. Contact. Then, the urging force of the coil spring 70 is converted into a rotation urging force that attempts to rotate the second hinge member 30 in the other direction. The receiving portion 3 is rotated from the folding position side to the use position by this turning biasing force. And the receiver 3 is maintained in that position after reaching the use position.
[0020]
In the case where the reception unit 3 located at the use position is rotated toward the folding position, when the reception unit 3 is rotated from the use position toward the folding position by a predetermined angle, each sphere 80 is recessed. Escape from. Thereafter, while the receiving unit 3 is rotated to a position before the folding position by a predetermined angle, the sphere 80 moves on the one end surface 31 of the second hinge member 30 and the first contact with the rotation of the receiving unit 3. Roll on the end face of the plate 61. When the receiver 3 further rotates to the folding position side and each sphere 80 enters the recess 32 and contacts the first inclined surface 32b, the biasing force of the coil spring 70 is rotated in one direction by the first inclined surface 32b. Converted to dynamic bias. The receiving portion 3 is rotated to the folding position by the rotation biasing force and is maintained at the folding position.
[0021]
Here, in the hinge device 10 configured as described above, when the sphere 80 rolls on the one end surface 31, the sphere 80 rotates (spins) in the accommodation hole 52, but the sphere 80 has an inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 52. Are not brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole 52 by the biasing force of the coil spring 70. Therefore, the frictional resistance acting between the outer peripheral surface of the sphere 80 and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 52 is small. In addition, the spherical body 80 is pressed and brought into contact with the first contact plate 61 by the biasing force of the coil spring 70, but the spherical body 80 rolls without sliding with respect to the first contact plate 61. Therefore, the frictional resistance acting between the sphere 80 and the first contact plate 61 is also small. Therefore, in this hinge device 10, even if the urging force of the coil spring 70 is twice that of the coil spring of the conventional hinge device, the first and second hinge members 20 and 30 are smoothly rotated. be able to.
[0022]
In particular, in the hinge device 10 according to this embodiment, the first contact plate 61 is in contact with the second contact plate 62 so as to be rotatable. When the rotational force acting in the same direction as the rolling direction of the spherical body 80 acts on the first contact plate 61 due to the rolling frictional resistance acting in between, the first contact plate 61 rotates with respect to the second contact plate 62. Move. In addition, by forming the annular protrusion 61 a at the center of the first contact plate 61, the diameter of the contact portion compared to the case where the entire end surface of the first contact plate 61 is brought into contact with the second contact plate 62. In addition, since the area is reduced, the frictional resistance is reduced correspondingly, and the first contact plate 61 rotates more lightly with respect to the second contact plate 62. Therefore, the sphere 80 can be smoothly rotated, and as a result, the first and second hinge members 20 and 30 can be rotated more smoothly. In order to make the first and second hinge members 20 and 30 rotate more smoothly, the frictional resistance is reduced on at least one of the front end surface of the annular projecting portion 61a and the end surface of the second contact plate 62 that contacts the front end surface. It is desirable to apply a surface treatment for the purpose. The second contact plate 62 does not rotate because it is in direct contact with the coil spring 70.
[0023]
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the hinge device 10 ′ of this embodiment, a contact member 60 ′ is used instead of the contact member 60 of the above embodiment. The contact member 60 ′ includes first and second raceway plates 63 and 64, and a rotating sphere (rotary body) 65 disposed between the first and second raceway plates 63 and 64. The first and second track plates 63 and 64 are formed in a disc shape, and the central portions of the first and second track plates 63 and 64 are rotatably penetrated by the fitting shaft portion 42. Both end surfaces of the first and second track plates 63 and 64 are formed as planes orthogonal to the rotation axis L. The first track plate 63 is in contact with the sphere 80 at one end surface thereof, and is in contact with the rotating sphere 65 at the other end surface thereof. The second raceway plate 64 is in contact with the coil spring 70 at one end surface, and is in contact with the rotating sphere 65 at the other end surface. Accordingly, the coil spring 70 biases the sphere 80 toward the second hinge member 30 via the second race plate 64, the rotating sphere 65, and the first race plate 63.
[0024]
In the hinge device 10 ′ having the above configuration, since the first track plate 63 is in contact with the second track plate 64 via the rotating sphere 65, the rotational resistance acting between the first and second track plates 63, 64. Is smaller than the rotational resistance acting between the first and second contact plates 61 and 62 of the hinge device 10. Therefore, the first and second hinge members 20 and 30 can be rotated more smoothly.
[0025]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, It can change suitably.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first and second inclined surfaces 32b and 32c are provided as cam surfaces for converting the urging force of the coil spring 70 into the rotating urging force, but only one of them is provided. May be provided.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the first and second hinge members can be rotated significantly more smoothly than the conventional one, and the biasing means such as a coil spring can be applied accordingly. The power can be increased. In other words, even if the urging force of the urging means is doubled, the first and second hinge members can be rotated with a smoothness equal to or higher than that of the conventional one.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mobile phone using a hinge device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 (A) is a front view showing a state in which a receiver is turned to a use position, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a view as viewed from arrow B in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a hinge device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the same embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the same embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a concave portion and a sphere according to the embodiment.
6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the hinge device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
L rotation axis 10 hinge device 10 ′ hinge device 20 first hinge member 30 second hinge member 31 one end surface (opposing surface)
32b First inclined surface (cam surface)
32c Second inclined surface (cam surface)
50 holding member 52 accommodation hole 60 contact member 60 ′ contact member 61 first contact plate 61a annular protrusion 62 second contact plate 63 first track plate 64 second track plate 65 rotating sphere (rotating body)
70 Coil spring (biasing means)

Claims

First and second hinge members disposed opposite to each other on a rotation axis and connected to be rotatable relative to each other about the rotation axis, and the rotation axis is centered on the first hinge member A plurality of self-rotating rolling elements that are connected in a manner that is immovable in the circumferential direction and that is movable in the direction of the rotational axis, and the plurality of rolling elements are connected to the first hinge member of the second hinge member. And an urging means that presses against the opposite surface of the second hinge member, and the rolling element rolls on the opposite surface of the second hinge member when the first and second hinge members are rotated. When the second hinge member is positioned within a predetermined rotation angle range with respect to the first hinge member, the opposing surface is in contact with the plurality of rolling elements, whereby the biasing means The biasing force is applied to the second hinge member as the first hinge member. In the hinge device in which a plurality of cam surfaces are formed to be converted to turn biasing force for turning and,
An abutting member is arranged to be movable in the rotational axis direction at a position adjacent to the rolling element on the opposite side to the second hinge member, and the abutting member is moved toward the rolling element by the biasing means. By being urged, one end surface of the contact member is brought into press contact with the rolling element, and when the first and second hinge members are rotated, the rolling element moves on the one end surface of the contact member. Rolling ,
The first hinge member is provided with a holding member in a non-rotatable manner, and the holding member penetrates the holding member in the direction of the turning axis and accommodates the plurality of rolling elements in a rotatable manner. A plurality of receiving holes are formed, and the rolling element is in press contact with the facing surface of the second hinge member at one end protruding from the receiving hole, and the abutting at the other side protruding from the receiving hole. A hinge device characterized by being in press contact with the one end face of the member .

The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is separate from the first hinge member and is non-rotatably connected to the first hinge .

The abutment member, the first is movably disposed to the rotation axis direction of the rotating shaft line, a second contact plate, the rolling the second abutment plate by the biasing means It is directly urged to the body side pressing contact with the first contact plate, the said second abutment of the first contact plate being pressed by the plate at one end face of the second contact plate on the opposite side In contact with the rolling element, the first contact plate is rotatable about the rotation axis, and at least one central portion of the end surfaces of the first and second contact plates facing each other, The hinge apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an annular protrusion is formed which is in sliding contact with the other when the first and second hinge members are rotated.

The abutting member is disposed between the first and second raceway plates arranged opposite to each other on the rotation axis, and a plurality of rolling members arranged between the first and second raceway plates and rolling with respect to both raceway plates. The second raceway plate is urged toward the rolling element side by the urging means, and the first raceway plate is attached to the rolling element at one end surface opposite to the second raceway plate. The hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge device is in press contact.