Mobile Terminal with synchronizing hinge

An electronic device including a first section having a keypad; a second section having a display; and a connection movably connecting the second section with the first section. The connection includes a first axis of rotation with the first section, an offset second axis of rotation with the second section, and synchronizing members which rotate the first section relative to the connection in unison with rotation of the second section relative to the connection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mobile electronic devices and, more particularly, to a folding electronic device.

2. Brief Description of Prior Developments

US Patent Publication No. US 2002/0154475 A1 discloses a folding electronic device. The device has a first part with a keyboard and a second part with a display. The second part is connected to the first part by a two-joint mechanical hinge. The second part can be moved between a first position against a first side of the first part and a second position against an opposite second side of the first part.

Fold mobile phones, also known as a flip phone or a clamshell phone, are becoming more and more popular in today's mobile telephone market, especially in Asia. In normal fold mobile phones, the phones have a lid with a display which pivots about 160-180 degrees relative to the portion of the telephone having the keypad. The fold phone has two positions of the lid; either a closed position or an open position.

There is a desire for a new type of reconfigurable mobile telephone which can be configured similar to a conventional flip phone, and which also can be reconfigured with the lid pivoted more than 180 degrees, such as 360 degrees. However, for such a multi-open position fold mobile telephone, there is a desire to provide a robust and compact design which can provide a smooth opening and closing motion for the user. This type of motion will prevent the user from erroneously perceiving the mobile telephone as having a flimsy construction (which might be perceived from a flip phone which opens and closes too easily or with a hinge that does not moved in a consistent repetitive fashion).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided including a first section having a keypad; a second section having a display; and a connection movably connecting the second section with the first section. The connection includes a first axis of rotation with the first section, an offset second axis of rotation with the second section, and synchronizing members which rotate the first section relative to the connection in unison with rotation of the second section relative to the connection.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobile communications device is provided comprising a housing; a transceiver in the housing; a keypad connected to the housing; and a display connected to the housing. The housing comprises a first section movably connected to a second section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge. A first axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the first section of the housing. A second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the second section of the housing. The hinge comprises means for synchronizing rotation of the first and second sections relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobile communications device is provided comprising a housing having a first section, a second section, and a synchronized rotation multi-axis hinge connection connecting the first section with the second section; a transceiver located in the housing; a key pad connected to the housing; a display connected to the housing; and a flex conductor extending across the hinge connection and coupling electronic circuitry in the first section of the housing with electronic circuitry in the second section of the housing. The synchronized rotation multi-axis hinge connection comprises a hinge frame; two hinge pins rotatably mounted in the hinge frame; synchronizing gears connecting the hinge pins to each other; a first frame member fixedly connecting a first one of the hinge pins to the first section of the housing; and a second frame member fixedly connecting a second one of the hinge pins to the second section of the housing. The second section of the housing is adapted to rotate about 360 degrees relative to the first section of the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an electronic device10incorporating features of the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

In the embodiment shown, the electronic device10generally comprises a mobile communicator, such as a mobile telephone. In alternate embodiments, the electronic device could comprise any suitable type of mobile communicator, such as a device which comprises a pager function or a text transmission function. The electronic device10could comprise any suitable type of features including, for example, a digital camera feature.

Referring also toFIG. 2, the electronic device10, in the embodiment shown, generally comprises a housing12, a keypad14, a display16, a transceiver18, a battery20and other components conventional to a mobile telephone, such as a microprocessor and an antenna. The housing12generally comprises a first section22, a second section24, and a connection26which movably connects the second section24to the first section22. In the embodiment shown, the keypad14is connected to the first section22of the housing. The display16is connected to the second section24of the housing. In alternate embodiments, the various electronic components of the telephone10could be located in any one of the housing sections.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 1-3, the housing12is movable into at least three different configurations.FIG. 1shows the housing12in a closed, folded first configuration. In this closed, folded first configuration the first and second sections22,24are located adjacent each other with the display16and keypad14facing each other. This provides a compact folded configuration wherein the keypad14and display16are not readily accessible to the user. In an alternate embodiment, the first section22could comprise the display16.

FIG. 2shows the housing12in the first open position. More specifically, the connection26allows the second section24of the housing to be flipped open about 180 degrees relative to the first section22of the housing as indicated by arrow32. In the embodiment shown, the second section24is substantially aligned with the first section22and the connection26. However, in alternate embodiments, the first open position could comprise the second section24being located at an angle of less than 180 degrees, such as about 160 degrees for example. This first open position allows the user to locate a speaker or sound transducer28at the user's ear and a microphone30proximate the user's mouth.

FIG. 3shows the housing12in a second open position. More specifically, the connection26allows the second section24of the housing to be folded over about another 180 degrees relative to the first section22of the housing as indicated by arrow34. In this fully open 360 degree flipped position, the first and second sections22,24are collapsed against each other in the open folded position shown, but in a reverse orientation relative to the closed, folded position shown in FIG.1. In this second open position, the keypad14is located at the exterior facing side of the first section22and the display16is located at the opposite exterior facing side of the second section24. In the folded fully open position shown inFIG. 3a user can use the electronic device10in a collapsed, folded configuration, for example such as when the electronic device comprises a digital camera feature, or a game feature which could comprise use of keys on the second section24, or when the display16comprises a touch screen display.

Referring also toFIG. 4, an exploded perspective view of the electronic device10is shown. The connection26generally comprises a synchronized rotation, multi-axis hinge27and an electrical flex conductor48. The hinge27generally comprises a hinge frame36, two hinge modules or pins38, synchronizing gears40, two frame members42,44, and a dust cover46. The hinge frame36has a general oval side profile. The hinge frame36comprises two parallel pin receiving areas50. The hinge frame36also comprises a recess52at the entrance to the pin receiving areas50.

The hinge modules38are rotatably located in the receiving areas50. Front portions54have a keyed shape to be received in key shaped apertures56of the gears40. The gears40are interlockingly connected to each other by their teeth and grooves. With the gears40mounted on the front portions54of the hinge modules38, the gears40are fixedly attached to the hinge modules38for synchronized rotation of the hinge modules38relative to each other. The gears40are located in the recess52of the hinge frame36. The gears40form synchronization members to assist in synchronizing movement of the hinge frame36relative to movement of the first and second sections22,24relative to each other. The hinge modules could be commercially available products. The hinge modules could comprise an internal detent system.

The front portions54of the hinge modules38are also connected to ends58the frame members42,44. Specifically, a first one of the hinge modules38is fixedly and stationarily connected to the front portion54of the first frame member42and, a second one of the hinge modules38is fixedly and stationarily connected to the front portion54of the second frame member44. The dust cover46is preferably located between the gears40and the frame members42,44. The dust cover46helps to prevent dust or debris from entering into the receiving areas50of the hinge frame36and interfered with the interlocking engagement of the teeth and grooves of the gears40. In the embodiment shown, opposite ends60of the frame members42,44are pivotably connected to pivot sections66(seeFIGS. 10 and 11) extending from the hinge frame36.

The first frame member42is fixedly and stationarily attached to the first section22of the housing. The second frame member44is fixedly and stationarily attached to the second section24of the housing.FIG. 5shows the hinge27at a first position corresponding to the closed position of the electronic device shown in FIG.1. The dust cover46is not shown inFIGS. 5-7for the sake of clarity. As can be seen, the second frame member44is located adjacent the front side of the first frame member42.

When the second section24of the housing is moved from the closed position shown inFIG. 1to the intermediate flipped open position shown inFIG. 2the two frame members42,44are repositioned relative to each other as shown in FIG.6. Because the hinge modules38are stationarily connected to respective ones of the frame members42,44and the gears40are stationarily connected to the hinge modules38, the hinge frame36rotates about 90 degrees from the position shown inFIG. 5to the positions shown in FIG.6. The hinge modules38also rotating about 90 degrees relative to each other, but the two frame members42,44rotate about 180 degrees relative to each other.

Because the hinge frame36comprises a general oval shaped side profile, the hinge frame36is able to span the gap between the connection areas with the frame members42,44when the first and second sections22,24are configured in their folded, thicker configuration shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. However, the hinge frame36is able to vertical align with the first and second sections22,24when they are reconfigured into the smaller thickness intermediate flipped open position shown in FIG.2. This provides the electronic device with a slimmer thickness profile at the hinge27when the device in at the intermediate flipped open position. This helps to match the thickness of the repositioned hinge frame with the thicknesses of the housing sections22,24; or at least not significantly stand out. This provides for a better appearance of the device when flipped open to the intermediate flipped open position. Alternatively, the hinge frame36can provide a relatively innocuous hinge transition between the first and second sections22,24if the intermediate flipped open position is less than 180 degrees.

When the second section24of the housing is moved from the intermediate flipped open position shown inFIG. 2to the 360 degree fully flipped open and folded position shown inFIG. 3, the two frame members42,44are reposition relative to each other as shown in FIG.7. The second frame member44is located against the rear side of the first frame member42. Because the hinge modules38are stationarily connected to respective ones of the frame members42,44and the gears40are stationarily connected to the hinge modules38, the hinge frame36rotates another 90 degrees from the position shown inFIG. 6to the position shown in FIG.7. The hinge modules38also rotating another 90 degrees relative to each other, but the two frame members42,44rotate about 180 degrees relative to each other. The two frame members42,44are rotated about 360 degrees from the position shown inFIG. 5to the position shown in FIG.7. Thus, the electronic device10can be reconfigured from the folded closed position shown inFIG. 1to the 360 degree fully flipped open and folded position shown in FIG.3.

Referring back toFIG. 4, as noted above the connection26comprises a flex conductor48, such as a flexible printed circuit. The flex conductor48connects electronic circuitry in the first section22with electronic circuitry in the second section24. The flex conductor48extends across the hinge connection. In one embodiment, the hinge frame36could comprise a receiving area for receiving a portion of the flex conductor48. In an alternate embodiment, the flex conductor48could be mounted on an exterior side of the hinge frame36.

The present invention provides for a totally new concept for a different type of a flip phone. A mobile telephone incorporating features of the present invention can comprise a 360 degree turn of one housing section relative to another housing section. The present invention can provide a 360 degree hinge and, more specifically, a new synchronizing mechanism which can be integrated into the hinge of the foldable device. With the present invention, the synchronizing mechanism can be integrated into the hinge of the full folding device. One housing section of the device can be turned 360 degrees around another housing section of the device smoothly and synchronized with movement of the hinge frame.

The hinge synchronization mechanism can consist of a hinge frame, two synchronizing gears, two hinge modules or pins, and a dust shield. When turning the hinge from a closed start position, the synchronizing gears are connected to each other and both hinge axes are rotating similar angles. Both axes are rotated equally about 180 degrees. The present invention provides a controlled and synchronized 360 degree hinged movement. With the present invention, the usability of the product is approved. The present invention provides a robust and compact construction, and dust and particles are prevented entry to the mechanism.

In order to maintain relative position of the first and second sections22,24relative to each other, the hinge27could comprise sufficient frictional resistance to movement as is known in the art, such as a friction pack. Referring also toFIGS. 8 and 9, an alternate embodiment of a system for detent locating of the first and second sections relative to each other is shown. In this embodiment, the hinge comprises a leaf spring62. The hinge modules38include exterior flat surfaces64.FIG. 8shows the interaction between the spring62and the exterior surfaces of the hinge on modules38. In this position, the detent spring62is deflected by contact with the exterior surfaces of the hinge modules38.

The position shown inFIG. 8corresponds to the configuration of the electronic device as shown in FIG.1. The flat surfaces64are spaced from the spring62. When the electronic device is reconfigured to the position shown inFIG. 2, as shown inFIG. 9the flat surfaces64comes into registration with the detent spring62. The detent spring62returns to an undeflected position to form a biasing detent to hold the first and second sections22,24at the intermediate flipped open position shown in FIG.2. In alternate embodiment, any suitable type of detent configuration positioning system could be provided. For example, in one type of alternate embodiment, the hinge modules38could comprise an internal detent system, such as when the hinge modules each comprise more than a single member.

Referring now toFIGS. 10 and 11, a view of the hinge27ofFIGS. 4-7is shown from the opposite side. In this embodiment the flex conductor48is mounted to the interior side of the hinge frame. The hinge frame36has the two pivot sections66extending from the opposite side70. Each pivot section66has a center channel72. The hinge frame36includes a slot68into the side70. The slot extends through the pivot sections66and connects the two center channels72to each other. The flex conductor48has a center portion74and two end portions76. The center portion is inserted into the slot68and extends out of the two center channels72. The end portions76extend in opposite directions once exiting the center channels72. The two end portions76of the flex conductor are attached to circuitry in the first and second sections22,24. The flex conductor48is bendable as the first and second sections22,24move relative to each other. The relatively long length of the flex conductor48helps to prevent metal fatigue of the conductors and failure of the flexible insulating substrate in the flex conductor48.

The flex conductor48is inserted into the slot68before the frame members42,44are attached to the pivot sections66. In the embodiment shown, the frame members42,44have slots78from the mounting apertures80which help to mount the frame members42,44over the flex conductor48as shown in FIG.11. Once assembled, the frame members42,44block exit of the center portion74from the center of the slot68to thereby keep the assembly together. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of assembly retainment system could be provided.

Frame members42,44are very useful when assembling and for robust construction. However, in an alternate embodiment the frame members42,44might not be provided. It is possible to mount the hinge frame and synchronizing mechanism directly to the housing sections22,24. Similar to a current type of mobile camera-phone, the present invention could comprise a camera at the junction between the two moving housing sections. More specifically, the present invention can be adapted to provide a camera in the hinge frame36. A power plug and/or other external connector can alternatively or additionally be integrated into the hinge frame36. In alternate embodiments, electrical connection through the hinge between the folds to the housing sections22,24can be provided by any suitable electrical connection, such as done by a metal slide connection or by pin connectors. Both solutions can be based on the metal connection pads being on the two folds and a spring connector which touches the connection pads.