Automatically opening hinge assembly for portable electronic devices

A hinge assembly (200) includes a housing (12), a shaft (11), a fixing pin (14), a transposition mechanism (13) and a first spring (16). The housing has a circumferential wall defining a manual slot (121) and an automatic slot (123). Each of the manual slot and the automatic slot runs through a circumferential wall thereof. The shaft defines a pin hole (1141), and the shaft is engaged in the housing. The fixing pin passes through the pin hole of the shaft. One end of the fixing pin is alternatively received in the manual slot or the automatic slot. The transposition mechanism is configured for switching the pin from the manual slot to the automatic slot. The first spring provides an elastic force causing the housing to move relative to the shaft when the pin breaks away from the manual slot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hinge assemblies and, particularly, to an automatically opening hinge assembly for foldable devices such as mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) and so on.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

At present, perhaps the most popular portable electronic device in the marketplace is the foldable cellular telephone, which generally includes a cover section and a body section. The cover section and the body section are rotatably interconnected with a hinge, for switching the telephone between an open position and a closed position.

One kind of hinge assembly is described in China Publication Number 200410052435.7 published on Jun. 7, 2006. Referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, the hinge assembly60includes a shaft61, two pins62, a compression spring63and a housing64. The shaft61has a fixing portion612formed at one end thereof. The housing64is a hollow cylinder with an open end. The housing64has an engaging portion642formed at one end thereof opposite to the open end. The housing64defines two spaced sliding slots644along a peripheral wall thereof. Each sliding slot644has a convex point6442. In assembly, the compression spring63and the shaft61are received in the housing64. One end of each pin62is fixed in the shaft61, the other end of each pin62is received in a corresponding sliding slot644. The pins62may slide along the sliding slots644. The engaging portion642of the housing64is engaged with one of a cover and a body of a portable electronic device, and the fixing portion612of the shaft61is engaged with the other of a cover and a body of a portable electronic device.

When the cover is close relative to the body, the pins62are positioned at one end of the sliding slots644under the compression spring63. When the cover needs to be opened relative to the body, the cover is opened by hand so as to bring the shaft61to rotate. Accordingly, the shaft61causes the pins62to slide along the sliding slots644until the pins62pass over the convex point6442. Then, the cover is stopped to apply force, and the pins62automatically bring the shaft61to rotate about the housing64under the force of the compression spring63, thus allowing the cover to rotate about the main body. However, a user must open the mobile phone using both hands to a predetermined degree so as to further automatically open the cover. This makes the mobile phone inconvenient to use in situations where the user has only one hand free.

Therefore, a new hinge mechanism is desired in order to overcome the above-described problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present hinge assembly includes a housing, a shaft, a fixing pin, a transposition mechanism and a first spring. The housing has a circumferential wall defining a manual slot and an automatic slot. Each of the manual slot and the automatic slot runs through a circumferential wall thereof. The shaft defines a pin hole, and the shaft is engaged in the housing. The fixing pin passes through the pin hole of the shaft, and one end of the fixing pin is alternatively received in the manual slot or the automatic slot. The transposition mechanism is configured for switching the fixing pin from the manual slot to the automatic slot. The first spring provides an elastic force causing the housing to move relative to the shaft when the fixing pin breaks away from the manual slot.

Other advantages and novel features of the present hinge assembly will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in detail,FIG. 1shows a hinge assembly200, applied to a foldable electronic device100such as a flip type mobile phone, for pivotably coupling a cover section102and a body section104. It is to be understood, however, that the hinge assembly200could be advantageously used in other environments (e.g. cabinet doors). As such, although proving particularly advantageous when used in foldable electronic devices100, the hinge assembly200should not be considered limited in scope solely to foldable electronic devices.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the hinge assembly200in the embodiment illustrated includes a main shaft11, a housing12, a transposition mechanism13, two fixing pins14, a compression spring16, a sleeve18and a screw19.

Referring also toFIG. 4, the main shaft11includes a fixing portion112and a shaft portion114. A diameter of the fixing portion112is larger than that of the shaft portion114. The fixing portion112forms two symmetrical blocks1122at a peripheral wall thereof for engaging with a body section of a portable electronic device. The main shaft11defines a through passage116in a central area thereof along an axis thereof. The passage116includes a first passage1162and a second passage1164. A diameter of the first passage1162is larger than that of the second passage1164, thereby forming a step at a connection therebetween. An inner peripheral wall of one end of the first passage1162, distant from the fixing portion112, defines a thread1146. The thread1146is configured for engaging with the screw19.

The shaft portion114defines two pairs of pin holes1141,1142, two guiding slots1143,1144and two receiving grooves1147,1148. Each axis of the pin holes1141,1142is perpendicular to that of the main shaft11. Each pair of pins holes1141,1142is aligned with each other along an axis thereof. The pin holes1141,1142are radially communicated with the passage116of the shaft portion114, and each pair of the pin holes1141,1142respectively receive a corresponding fixing pin14. Each sliding slots1143,1144is arcuate shaped, and are formed along a peripheral direction of the shaft portion114. Each receiving groove1147,1148is also arcuate shaped, and is opposite to a corresponding sliding slot1143,1144. Each sliding slot1143,1144, each receiving groove1147,1148and each corresponding pin hole1141,1142are respectively formed at two parallel conferential areas of the shaft portion114.

Referring toFIGS. 5 to 6, the housing12is substantially a hollow cylinder in shape. The housing12forms two symmetrical projections126at a peripheral wall thereof for engaging with the sleeve18. The housing12defines a first manual slot121, a first automatic slot123, a second manual slot122and a second automatic slot124.

The first manual slot121is defined by a first manual slot wall1210. The first manual slot121includes a first end1212and a second end1216. The first end1212and the second end1216are semicircular in shape. The first end1212and the second end1216are formed at opposite sides of the periphery wall of the housing12. A first convex portion1214is formed between the first end1212and the second end1216. The first automatic slot123is adjacent to the first manual slot121. The first automatic slot123and the first manual slot121are respectively positioned at two sides of the housing12. The first automatic slot123is defined by a first automatic slot wall1230. The first automatic slot123includes a first end1232and a second end1234. The first end1232and the second end1234are semicircular in shape. The first end1232is angled 180 degrees with the second end1234. A center of the first end1212is aligned with that of the first end1232, and a center of the second end1216is aligned with that of the second end1234. Accordingly, the projection of the first end1212of the first manual slot121and the projection of the first end1232of the first automatic slot123may form a circle configured for receiving a corresponding fixing pin14. The second end1216of the first manual slot121and the second end1234form a circle configured for receiving a corresponding fixing pin14.

The structure of the second manual slot122and the second automatic slot124is similar to that of the first manual slot121and the first automatic slot123. The second manual slot122is defined by a second manual slot wall1220. The second manual slot122includes a first end1222and a second end1226. The first end1222and the second end1226are semicircular in shape. The first end1222is angled 180 degrees with the second end1226. A second convex portion1224is formed between the first end1222and the second end1226. The second automatic slot124is adjacent to the second manual slot122. The second automatic slot124and the second manual slot122are respectively positioned at two sides of the housing12. The second automatic slot124includes a first end1242and a second end1244. The first end1242and the second end1244are semicircular in shape. The first end1242is angled 180 degrees with the second end1244. A center of the first end1222is aligned with that of the first end1242, and a center of the second end1226is aligned with that of the second end1244. Accordingly, the first end1222of the second manual slot122and the first end1242of the second automatic slot124form a circle configured for receiving a corresponding fixing pin14. The second end1226of the second manual slot122and the second end1244of the second automatic slot124form a circle configured for receiving a corresponding fixing pin14. The housing12includes a distal end128. The first convex portion1214and the second convex portion1224protrude toward the distal end128.

The transposition mechanism13includes a control module131, a driven spring137and two guiding pins138. The transposition mechanism13is configured for transferring/switching the fixing pins14from the manual slots121,122to the automatic slots123,124. The control module131includes a push element132, a follower element134and a return element136.

The push element132is a stepped cylinder, and includes a first cylinder1322and a second cylinder1324. The shape and size of the first cylinder1322is configured for engaging in the first passage1162of the main shaft11. One end of the first cylinder1322located on the opposite side of the second cylinder1324has a wedge end1326. The first wedge end1326defines a first groove1328for receiving a corresponding fixing pin14. The shape and the size of the second cylinder1324is the same as that of the second passage1164. A length of the second cylinder1324is larger than that of the second passage1164so as to allow the second cylinder1324to extend out from the second passage1164.

The follower element134is a cylinder in shape. A diameter of the follower element134is similar to that of the first passage1162allowing the follower element134being received in the first passage1162. One end of the follower element134defines a second wedge end1342, the other end thereof defines a third wedge end1343. The second and third wedge end1342,1343incline toward a middle position of the follower element134. The second wedge end1342defines a second groove1344, and the third wedge end1343defines a third groove1346. The second groove1344and the third groove1346are configured for receiving a corresponding fixing pin14.

The return element136is substantially a cylinder in shape. The shape and size of the return element136is configured for engaging in the first passage1162. One end of the return element136has a fourth wedge end1362. The fourth wedge end1362defines a fourth groove1364. The fourth groove1364is configured for receiving a corresponding fixing pins14.

The driven spring137is a cylindrical helical spring (i.e., occupying a cylindrical volume). An outer diameter of the driven spring137is similar to that of the return element136.

Each guiding pin138is substantially cylindrical in shape. The guiding pins138may be fixed with the fixing pins14. One of the guiding pins138may be resisted between the first wedge end1326and the second wedge end1342, the other of the guiding pins138may be resisted between the third wedge end1343and the third wedge end1362.

Each fixing pin14is substantially cylindrical in shape. Each fixing pin14may be inserted in a corresponding pair of pin hole1141,1142. One end of each fixing pin14may be alternatively received in the manual slots121,122or automatic slots123,124. Each fixing pin14defines a receiving hole142in a middle portion thereof. Each guiding pin138may be inserted into the receiving hole142, and two ends of the guiding pin138may be received in the sliding slots1143,1144and the receiving grooves1147,1148of the main shaft11.

The compression spring16a cylindrical helical spring (i.e., occupying a cylindrical volume). An outer diameter of the compression spring16is similar to that of the housing12.

The sleeve18is a substantially hollow cylinder in shape, and includes an open end182and a half-closed end184. The half-closed end184has a through hole1842. Two long troughs188are defined in an inner wall of the sleeve18. Accordingly, two sleeve blocks189are formed corresponding to the long troughs188. The sleeve blocks189are used for engaging with the cover section102of the mobile phone100. The projections126of the housing12are used for engaging in the long troughs188so that the housing12and the sleeve18do not rotate relative to each other.

In assembly, referring toFIGS. 7 to 9, the push element132is received in the first passage1162of the main shaft11, and the second cylinder1324extends through the second passage1164. The housing12and the compression spring16are then placed around the shaft portion114of the main shaft11. The push element132, the main shaft11and the housing12are adjusted so that the first groove1328of the push element132, the pin hole1141of the main shaft11and the first manual slot121of the housing12are aligned with each other. Next, one of the fixing pins14is perpendicularly inserted into the first manual slot121, the pin hole1141and the first groove1328. The fixing pin14is adjusted so that the receiving hole142may be aligned with the sliding slot1143of the main shaft11and the first manual slot121of the housing12. Referring toFIG. 10, one of the guiding pins138is inserted into the sliding slot1143through the first manual slot121, and is further inserted into the receiving hole142of one fixing pin14. The guiding pin138extends out from the receiving hole142, and is received in the receiving groove1147. Preferably, the guiding pin138is tightly engaged in the receiving hole142. The first wedge end1326resists the guiding pin138.

The follower element134is received in the first passage1162, and the fixing pin14is received in the second groove1344of the follower element134. The second wedge end1342of the follower element134resists the guiding pin137. Then, the other fixing pin14is inserted into the second manual slot122, the second pin holes1142, and the third groove1346. The fixing pin14is adjusted so that the receiving hole142of the other fixing pin14is aligned with the second sliding slot1144and the second manual slot122. Next, the other guiding pin138is inserted into the sliding slot1144through the second manual slot122, and is further inserted into the receiving hole142of the fixing pin14. The other guiding pin138extends out from the receiving hole142, and is received in the receiving groove1148. Preferably, the guiding pin138is tightly engaged in the receiving hole142of the fixing pin14.

The return element136is received in the first passage1162, and the fourth groove1364receives a corresponding fixing pin14. The other guiding pin138is resisted between the third wedge end1342and the fourth wedge end1362. The driven spring137is received in the first passage1162, and one end of the driven spring137resists the return element136. The sleeve18is placed around the compression spring16and the housing12, with the projections126engaging in the long troughs188. The screw19is inserted into the through hole1842of the sleeve18, and is threaded into the threaded1146of the main shaft11. Accordingly, the hinge assembly200is thus completely assembled.

Once the individual hinge component are assembled as described above, the hinge assembly200provides a self-contained component that can be sold as an off-the-shelf component or directly incorporated into a mobile phone or other device during manufacture. If incorporated into a mobile phone during manufacture, the sleeve blocks189of the sleeve18can engage in a cavity (not shown) of the cover section102of the mobile phone100, and the blocks1122of the main shaft11connect with the body section104of the mobile phone100. When the cover section102of the mobile phone100is in a fully closed position, one end of one fixing pin14resists the first end1212of the first manual slot121, the other end of the fixing pin14is received in the pin holes1141, and is coplanar with one side of the main shaft11. That is, the fixing pin14is not received in the first automatic slot123. The other fixing pin14resists the first end1222of the second manual slot122, the other end of the fixing pin14is received in the pin holes1142, and is coplanar with one side of the main shaft11. The compression spring16has a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure of the compression spring16is exerted in the housing12so that the housing12has a rotation tendency relative to the main shaft11. However, the housing12is prevented from rotating by the fixing pins14.

In use, when a user wants to open the cover section102of the mobile phone100automatically, he/she may press the second cylinder1324of the push element132. In this process, the push element132moves along an axial direction of the main shaft11toward the follower element134. At the same time, the first wedge end1326pushes a corresponding guiding pin138to move. The guiding pin138only move up or down owing to the limitation of the sliding slot1143. Under the role of the wedge role, the guiding pin138brings a corresponding fixing pin14to move toward the first automatic slot123. At the same time, the guiding pin138resists the second wedge end1342of the follower element134, thereby pushing the follower element134to move towards the return element137. Accordingly, the third wedge end1342resists the other guiding pin138to move. Accordingly, the guiding pin138moves in the sliding slot1144, and further brings the other fixing pin14to move toward the second automatic slot124. The driven spring137is compressed by the return element136so as to accumulate elastic energy.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, under the role of the guiding pins138, the fixing pins14respectively break away from the first manual slot121, the second manual slot122, and move to the first automatic slot123, the second automatic slot124. The housing12slides and rotates relative to the fixing pins14under the compression spring16so as to automatically open the cover section102of the mobile phone100.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, after the push element132is released, the driven spring137pushes the return element136so that the push element132returns to an original position. The return element136and the follower element134reversely push the guiding pins138. The guiding pins138further bring the fixing pins14to move to the first, second manual slot121,122. The housing12stops rotating when the cover section110of the mobile phone100is completely opened.

When the cover section102of the mobile phone100is being closed, the cover section102by hand is rotated relative to the body section104. The sleeve18further brings the housing12to rotate. When the housing12rotates, the first and second manual slot121and122move and rotate relative to the fixing pins14. When the fixing pins14slide to pass over the first, second convex portion1214and1224of the housing12, the compression spring16accumulates elastic potential energy. When outside force is stopped to exert on the cover section102, the housing12automatically slides relative to the fixing pins14. Accordingly, the cover section102is closed relative to the body section104of the mobile phone100. The hinge assembly200may be opened manually. The principles of the manual opening process are basically the same as the manual closing process.

In a second embodiment, referring toFIG. 15, a hinge assembly300is mostly the same with the hinge assembly200of the first embodiment. The difference is that the hinge assembly300omits the sleeve18. The compression spring16will directly resist the screw22. The projections126of the housing12will engages with the cover section of the mobile phone. The embodiment of the invention may reduce the number of the elements, which would help satisfy the requirement of low costs. Understandably, the screw22may be omitted, and the compression spring16and the driven spring137may directly resist the cover section of the mobile phone.

In a third embodiment, referring toFIGS. 16 and 17, a hinge assembly400is mostly the same with the hinge assembly300of the second embodiment. The difference relies on a housing32and a follower element334of the hinge assembly400. The housing32includes a first manual slot321, a second manual slot322, a first automatic slot323and a second automatic slot324. The first manual slot321and the second manual slot322are parallel with each other, and are disposed at the same side of a peripheral wall of the housing32. The first automatic slot323and the second automatic slot324are parallel with each other, and are disposed at the same side of a peripheral wall of the housing32. The follower element334includes a second wedge end3342and a third wedge end3343. The second wedge end1342is parallel with the third wedge end3343.

In a fourth embodiment, referring toFIGS. 18 and 19, a hinge assembly500is mostly the same with the hinge assembly400of the third embodiment. The difference is that the housing42of the hinge assembly500only defines a manual slot422and an automatic slot424. In addition, the follower element is deleted. Accordingly, the guiding pin138is resisted between the push element132and the return element136.

In an alternative embodiment, the compression spring16and the driven spring137may be replaced by other elastic elements such as an elastic sponge.

Understandably, the shape of the push element132, the follower element134and the return element136is not limited to be cylindrical as long as the shape of the above elements can be received in the passage116.

As described above, the present invention provides a hinge assembly200for use with various portable devices, beyond the mobile phone illustrated, and/or with other devices needing a hinge assembly that selectably facilitates the achievement of fully open and fully closed positions.