WO2010076639A2

WO2010076639A2 - Hinge assemblies for use with folder-type portable communications devices

Info

Publication number: WO2010076639A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/007887
Authority: WO
Inventors: Technologies Korea Yh Laird; Ki-Jin Song; Sung-Jin Lee
Original assignee: Laird Technologies Korea YH
Current assignee: Laird Technologies Korea YH
Priority date: 2008-12-31
Filing date: 2009-12-23
Publication date: 2010-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2011-06-30
Also published as: KR20100079459A; WO2010076639A3

Abstract

A hinge assembly generally includes a first frame assembly configured to be coupled to the first body of the portable communications device, and a second frame assembly configured to be coupled to the second body of the portable communications device. The example hinge assembly also generally includes a first drive assembly, and a second drive assembly. A center shaft couples the first drive assembly to the second drive assembly such that the first drive assembly is pivotable about the center shaft relative to the second drive assembly. In addition, the first and second drive assemblies support hinged movement of the first frame assembly relative to the second frame assembly between at least a closed position and an open position.

Description

HINGE ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH FOLDER-TYPE PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a PCT International Application of (and claims priority to) Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0137956 filed December 31, 2008. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to hinge assemblies, and more particularly to hinge assemblies suitable for use with folder-type portable communications devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Mobile or portable wireless communications devices and terminals (e.g., cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs); global positioning system (GPS) devices, media devices, etc.) have become increasingly popular. With increasing popularity, the number of users and their particular preferences and tastes in regard to functionality and operation of the devices have also increased, such as different user preferences as to how the devices can be used, held, positioned, opened/closed, etc. during, for example, operation, etc.

[0005] In this regard, some users may prefer a portable communications device that flips or folds or rotates to open, as this style of portable communications device may be smaller and more compact than some other portable communications devices. Generally, the flip-type portable communications devices may include two body parts, which rotate relative to each other between closed positions and open positions. In one example, one of the body parts may include a display screen, and the other body part may include an alpha-numeric keypad, which may be viewed and accessed by rotating the body parts relative to each other for opening the device. SUMMARY

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0007] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to hinge assemblies, for example, for hingedly coupling first and second bodies of portable communications devices such that the first bodies are hingedly movable relative to the second bodies for opening and closing the portable communications devices. In one example embodiment, a hinge assembly generally includes a first frame assembly configured to be coupled to the first body of the portable communications device, and a second frame assembly configured to be coupled to the second body of the portable communications device. The example hinge assembly also generally includes a first drive assembly, and a second drive assembly. A center shaft couples the first drive assembly to the second drive assembly such that the first drive assembly is pivotable about the center shaft relative to the second drive assembly. In addition, the first and second drive assemblies support hinged movement of the first frame assembly relative to the second frame assembly between at least a closed position and an open position.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a hinge assembly generally includes a first frame assembly configured to be coupled to the first body of the portable communications device, and a second frame assembly configured to be coupled to the second body of the portable communications device. The example hinge assembly also generally includes a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly for supporting hinged movement of the first frame assembly relative to the second frame assembly between at least a closed position and an open position. A center shaft couples the first drive assembly to the second drive assembly such that the first drive assembly is pivotable about the center shaft relative to the second drive assembly. A first fixed shaft pivotally couples the first drive assembly to the second frame assembly, a second fixed shaft pivotally couples the second drive assembly to the first frame assembly, a first moving shaft slidably couples the first drive assembly to the first frame assembly, and a second moving shaft slidably couples the second drive assembly to the second frame assembly. The example hinge assembly further generally includes a cam assembly for selectively urging the first and/or second frame assemblies to hingedly move toward at least one of the closed position and the open position.

[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example folder-type portable communications device;

[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of a hinge assembly suitable for use with a folder-type portable communications device, for example the folder-type portable communicants device shown in FIG. 1, etc.;

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of first and second drive assemblies of the hinge assembly of FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drive assemblies of FlG. 3 shown generally assembled with a center shaft extending generally through drive links of the drive assemblies, with first and second fixed shafts extending through drive links of the first and second drive assemblies, respectively, and with first and second moving shafts extending through drive links of the first and second drive assemblies, respectively;

[0015] FlG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevation view of the hinge assembly of FlG. 2;

[0016] FlG. 6 is a side elevation view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevation view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 2 shown in an example intermediate, transition position; [0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating a stopping spring coupled to a first frame assembly of the hinge assembly;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the stopping spring of the hinge assembly of FIG. 2;

[0020] FlG. 10 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 2 shown in an example closed position;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 2 shown in an example open position;

[0022] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the first and second drive assemblies of the hinge assembly of FIG. 11 ;

[0023] FlG. 13 is an enlarged side elevation view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 11 with hidden portions of the hinge assembly illustrated with broken lines; and

[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 2 shown in an example extended position.

[0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0029] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "engaged to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0031] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another elements) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0032] Disclosed herein are hinge assemblies (e.g., hinge modules, etc.) according to various example embodiments for use in connection with portable (e.g., mobile, etc.) communications terminals or devices. In example embodiments of the present disclosure, hinge assemblies or modules hiπgedly, rotatably, pivotally, etc. couple first and second bodies of folder-type or flip-type portable communications devices.

[0033] With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an example folder type portable communications device 100 in which hinge assemblies of the present disclosure may be installed. The portable communications device 100 may include, for example, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a global positioning system (GPS), a media device, a LCD display, a monitor, a pager, other electronic devices, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure. Hinge assemblies of the present disclosure may be installed in other portable communications devices, however, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 2-14 illustrate an example embodiment of a hinge assembly 102 (e.g., hinge module, etc.) including one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The illustrated hinge assembly 102 generally operates to hingedly couple first and second bodies of a portable communications device to allow the first body to hingedly move relative to the second body for use in opening and closing the portable communications device. For example, the hinge assembly 102 can operate to hingedly couple first and second bodies 104 and 106 of the portable communications device 100 shown in FIG. 1 within the scope of the present disclosure. [0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated hinge assembly 102 generally includes a first frame assembly 108 (e.g., a hinge frame, etc.) configured to be coupled to the first body 104 of the portable communications device 100, and a second frame assembly 110 configured to be coupled to the second body 106 of the portable communications device 100. The first frame assembly 108 generally includes a cross brace 112 and first and second legs 114 and 116 (e^g., leg members, etc.) extending generally away from the cross brace 112 for coupling to the first body 104 (as generally known in the art). And the second frame assembly 110 generally includes a cross brace 118 and first and second legs 120 and 122 extending generally away from the cross brace 118 for coupling to the second body 106 (as generally known in the art). It should be appreciated that the first and/or second frame assemblies 108 and/or 110 may have configurations (e.g., sizes, shapes, constructions, etc.) different from those disclosed herein within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] With additional reference to FIG. 3, the illustrated hinge assembly 102 also generally includes first and second drive assemblies 124 and 126 for use in supporting hinged movement between the first frame assembly 108 and the second frame assembly 110. The illustrated first drive assembly 124 includes multiple drive links (e.g., five drive links in the illustrated embodiment, etc.), each indicated at 128, and the second drive assembly 126 includes multiple drive links (e.g., five drive links in the illustrated embodiment, etc.), each indicated at 130. The first and second drive assemblies 124 and 126 may include more than or less than five drive links 128 and/or 130 within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, one or more of the drive links 128 and/or 130 may be shaped differently than disclosed herein.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the drive links 128 and 130 of the first and second drive assemblies 124 and 126 are configured to be assembled in generally side-by-side positions (and alternating such that each drive links 128 generally alternate with drive links 130). A center shaft 132 extends generally through aligned openings 134 of the drive links 124 and 126 for coupling the drive links 124 and 126 in these positions (and for generally coupling the first drive assembly 124 to the second drive assembly 126). In addition, a first fixed shaft 136 and a first moving shaft 138 extend generally through aligned openings 140 and 142, respectively, of the first drive assembly's drive links 128 to generally couple the first drive assembly's drive links 128 together, and a second fixed shaft 144 and a second moving shaft 146 extend generally through aligned openings 148 and 150 of the second drive assembly's drive links 130 to generally couple the second drive assembly's drive links 130 together. This construction generally allows for relative pivoting movement between the first drive assembly 124 (with each of the drive links 128 thereof held generally together by the first fixed shaft 136 and the first moving shaft 138) and the second drive assembly 126 (with each of the drive links 130 thereof held generally together by the second fixed shaft 144 and the second moving shaft 146).

[0038] With additional reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, end portions of the first fixed shaft 136 are generally received within openings 152 of the second frame assembly's legs 120 and 122 for pivotally coupling the first drive assembly 124 to the second frame assembly 110. And end portions of the second fixed shaft 144 are generally received within openings 154 of the first frame assembly's legs 114 and 116 for pivotally coupling the second drive assembly 126 to the first frame assembly 108.

[0039] In addition, end portions of the first moving shaft 138 are generally received within arcuate grooves 156 of the first frame assembly's legs 114 and 116 for slidably coupling the first drive assembly 124 to the first frame assembly 108. And end portions of the second moving shaft 146 are generally received within arcuate grooves 158 of the second frame assembly's legs 120 and 122 for slidably coupling the second drive assembly 126 to the second frame assembly 110.

[0040] This construction allows the first frame assembly 108 to pivot relative to the first drive assembly 124 (and thus relative to the second drive assembly 126 and second frame assembly 110), and allows the second frame assembly 110 to pivot relative to the second drive assembly 126 (and thus relative to the first drive assembly 124 and the first frame assembly 108) as desired. This construction also allows the first moving shaft 138 to slidably move within the respective arcuate grooves 156 of the first frame assembly 108 when the first frame assembly 108 pivots relative to the first drive assembly 124, and allows the second moving shaft 146 to slidably move within the respective arcuate grooves 158 of the second frame assembly 110 when the second frame assembly 110 pivots relative to the second drive assembly 126. Accordingly, the first and second drive assemblies 124 and 126 can generally support hinged movement of the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 between, for example, a closed position (e.g., FlG. 10, etc.) of the hinge assembly 102 and an open position (e.g., F1G.11, etc.) of the hinge assembly 102. This operation will be described in further detail hereinafter.

[0041] Referring now to FlG. 7, the illustrated hinge assembly 102 further generally includes a cam assembly 160 for selectively urging the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 to hiπgedly move to at least one of the closed position (e.g., FIG. 10, etc.) of the hinge assembly 102 and the open position (e.g., FIG, 11, etc.) of the hinge assembly 102. The illustrated cam assembly 160 generally includes a body 162, a first cam member 164, and a second cam member 166. The body 162 is coupled to the first and second drive assemblies 124 and 126 by the center shaft 132. More particularly, an off-set head 168 of the center shaft 132 is configured to be received within an opening 170 of the body 162. And the first and second cam members 164 and 166 are supported, respectively, by the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 generally within guide channels 172 of the first legs 114 and 120 thereof.

[0042] First and second cam portions 174 and 176 of the cam assembly's body 162 extend at least partially into the guide channels 172 of the frame assemblies' first legs 114 and 120, respectively, such that the first cam member 164 is engageable with the body 162 at the first cam portion 174 and the second cam member 166 is engageable with the body 162 at the second cam portion 176. In addition, first and second spring members 178 and 180 (broadly, resilient members, etc.) are positioned adjacent the respective first and second cam members 164 and 166 (within the guide channels 172 of the first legs 114 and 120) for urging the respective first and second cam members 164 and 166 into engagement with the body 162 (as will be described in more detail hereinafter). The spring members 178 and 180 may be coupled to one or more of the respective legs 114 and 120 and/or the respective cam members 164 and 166 as desired within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the illustrated hinge assembly 102 also generally includes a stopping spring 182 (broadly, a stop member, etc.) supported by (e.g., coupled to, etc.) the first frame assembly 108 for selectively restricting, inhibiting, etc. hinged movement of the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 beyond the open position. The illustrated stopping spring 182 includes an elongate base 184 and a narrowed head 186 extending generally upwardly from the base 184. The base 184 is configured to be coupled to the cross brace 112 of the first frame assembly 108 as desired. And wing portions 188 of the head 186 are configured to be received within corresponding slits 190 formed in the cross brace 112 of the first frame assembly 108. While not illustrated, the hinge assembly 102 may also include a second stopping spring similarly coupled to the second frame assembly 110 for further selectively restricting, inhibiting, etc. hinged movement of the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 beyond the open position within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Example operation of the illustrated hinge assembly 102 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10-14. As stated above, the hinge assembly 102 is generally hingedly moveable between the closed position (FIG. 10) and the open position (FIGS. 11-13), and between the open position and an extended position (FIG. 14).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10, in the closed position the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 generally face each other with, for example, the first frame assembly 108 positioned generally over the second frame assembly 110. In this position, the first and second bodies 104 and 106 of the portable communications device 100 having the hinge assembly 102 installed therein would also generally face each other in a generally closed position (e.g., FIG. 1 , etc.). As shown in FIG. 11, in the open position the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 are hinged generally away from each other (with the first frame assembly 108 shown rotated generally counterclockwise of the second frame assembly 110). In this position, the first and second bodies 104 and 106 of the portable communications device 100 having the hinge assembly 102 installed therein would be in general position for use/operation. And as shown in FIG. 14, in the extended position the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 are oriented substantially coplanar. This extended position may allow, for example, the hinge assembly 102 to absorb a shock applied to the hinge assembly 102 when in the open position.

[0046] To move the hinge assembly 102 from the closed position (FIG. 10) to the open position (FIGS. 11-13), a user can apply a force, for example, to the first frame assembly 108 and begin rotating it away from the second frame assembly 110 (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 10, etc.). This movement pivots the first frame assembly 108 generally relative to the drive assemblies 124 and 126 (and relative to the second frame assembly 110) about the second fixed shaft 144, and slides the first moving shaft 138 within the arcuate grooves 156 of the first frame assembly's legs 114 and 116. This movement similarly pivots the second frame assembly 110 generally relative to the drive assemblies 124 and 126 (and relative to the first frame assembly 108) about the first fixed shaft 136, and slides the second moving shaft 146 within the arcuate grooves 158 of the second frame assembly's legs 120 and 122.

[0047] As the first frame assembly 108 rotates, the first and second cam members 164 and 166 slide generally along first angled surfaces 174a and 174b of the body's cam portions 174 and 176 (FIG. 7). This moves the cam members 164 and 166 generally away from the body 162 (within the leg's guide channels 172) and causes the first and second spring members 178 and 180 to generally compress (e.g., broadly, deform, etc.). A compression force, biasing force, elastic force, etc. develops in each of the spring members 178 and 180 tending to resist further movement of the cam members 164 and 166, and thus further movement of the first frame assembly 108 away from the second frame assembly 110. At this time, if the user releases the first frame assembly 108, the spring members 178 and 180 (via the compression force therein) and cam members 164 and 166 operate to automatically urge, bias, move, etc. the first frame assembly 108 back toward the second frame assembly 110 (and back to the position in which the hinge assembly 102 is closed). [0048] The user can continue to rotate the first frame assembly 108 away from the second frame assembly 110 until the hinge assembly 102 reaches an example intermediate, transition position (e.g., FIG. 7, etc.), which is partially between the closed position and the open position (e.g., with the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 at a relative angle 194 (FIG. 7) of about 80 degrees, etc.). For example, the first and second cam members 164 and 166 move generally past the first angled surfaces 174a and 176a of the body's cam portions 174 and 176 and generally rest on rounded ends 174b and 176b of the body's cam portions 174 and 176. Here, the cam members 164 and 166 are generally at neutral, tipping points. The compression force in each of the spring members 178 and 180 (e.g., the force tending to push each of the cam members 164 and 166 back along each of the first angled surfaces 174a and 176a to the closed position of the hinge assembly 102, etc.) is generally uniformly opposed by the body 162 (and the positioning of the cam members 164 and 166 on the rounded ends 174b and 176b of the body's cam portions 174 and 176). Thus, in this position the cam assembly 160 does not generally urge the first or second frame assemblies 108 or 110 to move relative to each other.

[0049] Any additional movement of the first frame assembly 108 away from the second frame assembly 110 when the hinge assembly 102 is in the intermediate position will move the cam assembly 160 away from the neutral, tipping point and generally automatically open the hinge assembly 102. More particularly, the first and second cam members 164 and 166 move past the rounded ends 174b and 176b of the body's cam portions 174 and 176 to second angled surfaces 174c and 176c of the cam portions 174 and 176 such that the body 162 no longer uniformly opposes the compression forces in the spring members 178 and 180. This allows the compressed spring members 178 and 180 to expand (broadly, return to their un-deformed states) and push (e.g., urge, bias, etc.) the cam members 164 and 166 generally along the second angled surfaces 174c and 176c of the cam portions 174 and 176. And in turn, this operates to automatically rotate the first frame assembly 108 away from the second frame assembly 110 (without the user exerting any further force) and move the hinge assembly 102 to its open position (FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 12, when the hinge assembly 102 is in the open position, the first drive assembly 124 is generally rotated (at least slightly) relative to the second drive assembly 126.

[0050] Alternatively, any movement of the first frame assembly 108 toward the second frame assembly 110 when the hinge assembly 102 is in the intermediate position will move the cam assembly 160 away from the neutral, tipping point and generally automatically close the hinge assembly 102. Here, the first and second cam members 164 and 166 move away from the rounded ends 174b and 176b of the body's cam portions 174 and 176 and back toward the first angled surfaces 174a and 176a of the cam portions 174 and 176 such that the body 162 no longer uniformly opposes the compression forces in the spring members 178 and 180. This allows the compressed spring members 178 and 180 to expand and push the cam members 164 and 166 generally along the first angled surfaces 174a and 176a. And in turn, this operates to automatically rotate the first frame assembly 108 back toward the second frame assembly 110 (without the user exerting any further force) and move the hinge assembly 102 back to its closed position (FIG. 10).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 13, when the hinge assembly 102 is in the open position, the stopping spring 182 engages a drive link 130 of the second drive assembly 126 and stops further relative rotation of the frame assemblies 108 and 110. The stopping spring 182 can be configured to stop relative rotation of the frame assemblies 108 and 110 at a predetermined rotational angle 192 (e.g., open angle, etc.) (FIG. 11). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the stopping spring 182 is configured to stop relative rotation of the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 at a rotational angle 192 of about 160 degrees. It should be appreciated that the stopping spring 182 could be configured to stop relative rotation of the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 at rotational angles other than 160 degrees within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] From the open position (FIGS. 11-13), the illustrated hinge assembly 102 is further hingedly moveable to the extended position (FIG. 14). For example, if the user (or other source of movement) applies additional force to the first frame assembly 108 rotating it away from the second frame assembly 110, the stopping spring 182 is resiliently deformed (e.g., the head 186 of the stopping spring 182 is resiliently bent, moved, etc. relative to the base 184) by the drive link 130 of the second drive assembly 126 (allowing the further relative rotational movement of the frame assemblies 108 and 110). This further relative rotational movement of the frame assemblies 108 and 110 can continue until the first and second moving shafts 138 and 146 engage end portions of their respective arcuate grooves 156 and 158. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, this relative rotational movement may continue until the first and second frame assemblies 108 and 110 reach a rotational angle of about 180 degrees.

[0053] This further movement of the first frame assembly 108 away from the second frame assembly 110 (to the extended position of the hinge assembly 102) creates a force in the stopping spring 182 tending to resist such movement. If the user (or other source of movement) releases the first frame assembly 108, the force in the stopping spring 182 automatically moves the first frame assembly 108 relative to the second frame assembly 110 back to the open position. It should thus be appreciated that this feature of the hinge assembly 102 may allow the hinge assembly 102 to effectively absorb shocks applied to the hinge assembly 102 when in the open position (e.g., with little to no damage to the hinge assembly 102, etc.).

[0054] To close the hinge assembly 102, the user can, for example, rotate the first frame assembly 108 toward the second frame assembly 110. This operation is substantially similar to the operation for opening the hinge assembly 102 previously described, and will therefore not be further described.

[0055] In another example embodiment, a hinge assembly generally includes two hinge frames coupled to a main body and a folder. Each hinge frame includes circular arc slits at both side ends. The hinge assembly also generally includes two fixed shafts whose ends are both rotatably coupled to the hinge frames, two moving shafts whose ends are both movably coupled in the slits of the hinge frames, and a center shaft as a rotational shaft of the fixed shafts and the moving shafts. The hinge assembly further generally includes a first drive link including a plurality of segments, one end of each of the segments being rotatably coupled to one of the fixed shafts, the other end of each of the segments being rotatably coupled to one of the moving shafts, and a middle point being rotatably coupled to the center shaft; and a second drive link including a plurality of segments which is generally symmetric to the segments of the first drive link, wherein one end of each of the segments is rotatably coupled to another one of the fixed shafts, the other end of each of the segments being rotatably coupled to another one of the moving shafts, and a middle point being rotatably coupled to the center shaft.

[0056] The hinge assembly also includes a cam body coupled to the center shaft. The cam body includes a cam profile with upper and lower points of inflection around the center shaft. Hinge cams contact the cam profile of the cam body. The hinge assembly also includes cam springs (e.g., bias springs, etc.). One end of each of the cam springs is fixed to the hinge frames and the other end is fixed to the hinge cams. Stop springs are included for stopping the hinge frames when the hinge frames have been opened to a predetermined open condition.

[0057] Each drive link includes three via holes. The center shaft is inserted into the via holes at the middle points of the drive links. Each of the segments of the first drive link and each of the segments of the second drive link are disposed alternately along the center shaft. And the moving shaft and the fixed shaft are inserted into the first and second drive links, respectively. According to an example arrangement of the first and second drive links, the fixed shaft may be positioned more inward than the moving shaft. And the moving shafts are inserted into the circular arc slits of the hinge frames.

[0058] Thus, when both of the hinge frames rotate relatively to each other, the moving shafts should rotate in the slits around the center shaft. Then, the first and second drive links and the fixed shafts rotate about the center shaft for opening the two hinge frames.

[0059] The hinge assembly can be moved to an intermediate position (e.g., as described above in connection with FIG. 7, etc.) in which the hinge cams are positioned at corresponding points of inflection. If the hinge cams are positioned below the points of inflection, then the hinge frames will tend to be closed by an elastic force of the cam springs. If the hinge cams are positioned above the points of inflection, then the hinge frames will tend to be opened by an elastic force of the cam springs.

[0060] The stop springs stop the rotation of the hinge frames at a predetermined open condition (e.g., at 160 degrees opened condition, etc.). The stop springs are mounted to the hinge frames. Two stop springs may be included in the example hinge assembly. Each stop spring contacts one of the drive links at the predetermined opened condition. When the hinge frames are opened at 160 degrees, the stop springs and the drive links contact each other. Then, the opening operation may stop.

[0061] If a user applies more force to the hinge frames, then the stop springs will be deformed for further opening of the hinge frames. If each of the moving shafts has been moved to the end of the slit, then the moving shafts cannot move any more. Thus, the opening operation may stop (e.g., at 180 degrees opened condition, etc.). If the user removes the applied force, then the hinge frames can come back to 160 degrees opened condition by the elastic force of the stop spring.

[0062] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A hinge assembly for hingedly coupling first and second bodies of a portable communications device such that the first body is hingedly movable relative to the second body for opening and closing the portable communications device, the hinge assembly comprising: a first frame assembly configured to be coupled to the first body of the portable communications device; a second frame assembly configured to be coupled to the second body of the portable communications device; a first drive assembly; a second drive assembly; and a center shaft coupling the first drive assembly to the second drive assembly such that the first drive assembly is pivotable about the center shaft relative to the second drive assembly; wherein the first and second drive assemblies support hinged movement of the first frame assembly relative to the second frame assembly between at least a closed position and an open position.

2. The hinge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second drive assemblies each include multiple drive links.

3. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein the center shaft pivotally couples the multiple drive links of the first and second drive assemblies in an alternating configuration such that drive links of the first drive assembly alternate with drive links of the second drive assembly.

4. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first and second drive assemblies are both coupled to the first and second frame assemblies.

5. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a first fixed shaft pivotally coupling the first drive assembly to the second frame assembly, and a second fixed shaft pivotally coupling the second drive assembly to the first frame assembly.

6. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a first moving shaft slidably coupling the first drive assembly to the first frame assembly, and a second moving shaft slidably coupling the second drive assembly to the second frame assembly.

7. The hinge assembly of claim 6, wherein the first frame assembly includes first and second leg members, the first and second leg members each including an arcuate groove for receiving an end portion of the first moving shaft for slidably_. coupling the first drive assembly to the first frame member and for allowing sliding movement of the first moving shaft relative to the first frame assembly.

8. The hinge assembly of claim 6 or 7, wherein the second frame assembly includes first and second leg members, the first and second leg members each including an arcuate groove for receiving an end portion of the second moving shaft for slidably coupling the second drive assembly to the second frame member and for allowing sliding movement of the second moving shaft relative to the second frame assembly.

9. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a cam assembly for selecting urging the first and/or second frame assemblies to hingedly move to at least one of the closed position and the open position.

10. The hinge assembly of claim 9, wherein the cam assembly comprises: a body coupled to the first and/or second drive assemblies; a first cam member supported by the first frame assembly, the first cam member being engageable with the body for selectively urging the first frame assembly to hingedly move relative to the second frame assembly; and a second cam member supported by the second frame assembly, the second cam member being engageable with the body for selectively urging the second frame assembly to hingedly move relative to the first frame assembly.

11. The hinge assembly of claim 10, wherein the cam assembly further comprises a first resilient member for urging the first cam member into engagement with the body, and a second resilient member for urging the second cam member into engagement with the body.

12. The hinge assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the resilient members includes a spring member.

13. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the first and second frame members are further hingedly moveable between the open position and an extended position in which the first and second frame assemblies are oriented substantially coplanar, the hinge assembly further comprising a stop member for resiliently resisting hinged movement of the first and second frame assemblies from the open position toward the extended position and for urging the first and second frame assemblies to move from the extended position toward the open position.

14. The hinge assembly of claim 13, wherein the stop member is engageable with at least one of the first and second frame assemblies and with at least one of the first and second drive assemblies.

15. The hinge assembly of claim 13 or 14, wherein the stop member includes a spring member.

16. The hinge assembly of claims 13, 14, or 15, comprising two or more stop members.

17. A portable communications device including the hinge assembly of any one of claims 1-16.

18. A hinge assembly for hingedly coupling first and second bodies of a portable communications device such that the first body is hingedly movable relative to the second body for opening and dosing the portable communications device, the hinge assembly comprising: a first frame assembly configured to be coupled to the first body of the portable communications device; a second frame assembly configured to be coupled to the second body of the portable communications device; a first drive assembly; a second drive assembly; a center shaft coupling the first drive assembly to the second drive assembly such that the first drive assembly is pivotable about the center shaft relative to the second drive assembly; a first fixed shaft pivotally coupling the first drive assembly to the second frame assembly; a second fixed shaft pivotally coupling the second drive assembly to the first frame assembly; a first moving shaft slidably coupling the first drive assembly to the first frame assembly; a second moving shaft slidably coupling the second drive assembly to the second frame assembly; and a cam assembly; wherein the first and second drive assemblies support hinged movement of the first frame assembly relative to the second frame assembly between at least a closed position and an open position; and wherein the cam assembly selectively urges the first and/or second frame assemblies to hiπgedly move toward at least one of the closed position and the open position.

19. The hinge assembly of claim 18, wherein the first and second frame members are further hingedly moveable between the open position and an extended position in which the first and second frame assemblies are oriented substantially coplanar, the hinge assembly further comprising a stop member for resiliency resisting hinged movement of the first and second frame assemblies from the open position toward the extended position and for urging the first and second frame assemblies to move from the extended position toward the open position.

20. The hinge assembly of claim 19, wherein the stop member is engageable with at least one of the first and second frame assemblies and with at least one of the first and second drive assemblies.

21. A portable communications device including the hinge assembly of claim 18, 19, or 20.