Patent ID: 6952860
Filing Date: 2005-10-11
Classification: E05D,E05F,E05Y,G06F,H04M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A hinge structure including a first part and a second part that are joined to each other so as to be angularly moveable relative to each other, comprising: an operating member axially slidably supported by said first part and having an axially projecting outer end; a first spring member urging said operating member in an axially outwardly projecting direction; a retaining member fixed to said first part; a second spring member comprising a compression and torsional coil spring having a first end engaged by the retaining member; a clutch member disposed in an axially slidable and rotatable manner and connected to a second end of said second spring member and an inner end of the operating member; a first engagement means provided between a clutch retaining member fixed to the first part and the clutch member, the engagement means including a projection provided on either the clutch member or the clutch retaining member, the projection being received in a corresponding recess provided in the other of the clutch member or the clutch retaining member under rest condition and under an axial spring force of the second spring member, and the projecting riding over an end surface of the other of the clutch member or the clutch retaining member against the axial spring force of the second spring member when axially moved from the rest condition; a cam member provided with a cam and connected to the clutch member in an axially slidable but rotationally fixed manner; a second engagement means that prevents rotation of the cam member when the clutch member is depressed by less than a prescribed stroke by the operating member and allows rotation of the cam member when the clutch member is depressed beyond the prescribed stroke; and a cam follower member integrally connected to said second part and adapted to cooperate with the cam in such an axially slidable but rotationally fixed manner that an initial axial movement of the cam member forces a rotation of the cam follower; wherein the second spring member rotationally biases the first and second parts in an opening direction via the intervening members.