Patent ID: 6459887
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: H04M,Y10T

Abstract:
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 hinge mechanism for covering the manual keys, the telephone being characterized in that the hinge mechanism comprises cylindrical barrel portions provided respectively on the main body case and the closure case and arranged in alignment, and a hinge assembly in the form of a round rod and extending through the barrel portions centrally thereof, the hinge assembly comprising:a main body drive member in engagement with the barrel portion on the main body case and nonrotatable relative thereto, a closure drive member in engagement with the 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, a hold release mechanism for releasing the holding mechanism from the holding state in response to the manipulation of the manual button, wherein 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 having 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 being 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 being 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 curve portion and the elastic member providing the holding mechanism, the second cam curve portion and the elastic member providing the prime mover mechanism, the cam mechanism being changeable from the first cam curve portion operating state by manipulating the manual button.