U.S. patent application number 10/539173 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for mobile terminal and a method of operating it.
Invention is credited to Ricky Barneti, Giovanni Ferranti, Morten Pontoppidan.
Application Number | 20060140396 10/539173 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32680718 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060140396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pontoppidan; Morten ; et
al. |
June 29, 2006 |
Mobile terminal and a method of operating it
Abstract
A mobile terminal having three parts rotatably interconnected by
hinges. The terminal can be a mobile telephone having an operative
position where a microphone and a loudspeaker are positioned for
conversation. When not in operation, the terminal may be positioned
around a user's wrist in a safe manner. Removing the terminal from
the wrist requires operation of a release means or the overcoming
of a predetermined force, which is a safety measure of the hinges
and the terminal. The hinges provide a combination of snap or
automatic rotation and freely selective rotational positions of the
parts of the terminal.
Inventors: |
Pontoppidan; Morten; (Greve,
DK) ; Ferranti; Giovanni; (Bronshoj, DK) ;
Barneti; Ricky; (Herts, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERMAN & GREEN
425 POST ROAD
FAIRFIELD
CT
06824
US
|
Family ID: |
32680718 |
Appl. No.: |
10/539173 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
December 15, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK03/00881 |
371 Date: |
March 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
379/433.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/0216 20130101;
E05D 11/082 20130101; H04B 1/385 20130101; H04M 1/0247 20130101;
Y10T 16/5355 20150115; E05Y 2201/49 20130101; E05Y 2900/606
20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101; H04M 1/0214 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/433.13 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2002 |
US |
10/323822 |
Claims
1. A mobile terminal comprising a first, a second, and a third
part, a first hinge pivotally interconnecting the first and second
parts, and a second hinge pivotally interconnecting the second and
third parts, each of the first and second hinges comprising: a
helical spring having a longitudinal axis, the spring comprising
one or more wound strands of material, each strand having two ends,
a first hinge part extending into the helical spring, contacting an
inner part of the helical spring at a first position or area along
the longitudinal axis, and a second hinge part contacting the one
or more strands of the helical spring at a position or area
different from the first position or area, in each hinge, the
spring facilitating, that: rotation of the first hinge part in a
first direction around the longitudinal axis and in relation to the
second hinge part will provide a first, lower friction between the
first hinge part and the helical spring, and rotation of the first
hinge part in a second direction, being opposite to the first
direction, around the longitudinal axis and in relation to the
second hinge part, will provide a second, higher friction between
the first hinge part and the helical spring, wherein: rotation of
the first hinge part in a first direction around the longitudinal
axis and in relation to the second hinge part will provide a first,
lower friction between the first hinge part and the helical spring,
and rotation of the first hinge part in a second direction, being
opposite to the first direction, around the longitudinal axis and
in relation to the second hinge part, will provide a second, higher
friction between the first hinge part and the helical spring,
wherein: in the first hinge, the first hinge part is connected to
or attached to one of the first or the second part of the terminal
and the second hinge part is connected to or attached to the other
of the first and the second part of the terminal, in the second
hinge, the first hinge part is connected to or attached to one of
the second or the third part of the terminal and the second
terminal part is connected to or attached to the other of the
second and the third part of the terminal, and the terminal further
comprises, for each hinge, release means for increasing a diameter
of the helical spring at the first position or area in order to
reduce the second, higher friction between the first hinge part and
the helical spring to a third friction during rotation of the first
hinge part in the second direction.
2. A mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
the first and second hinges comprise a biasing means for providing
a rotation of the first hinge part in the second direction when the
release means are operated, the biasing means being adapted to
provide a force exceeding a force required to overcome the third
friction but being lower than a force required to overcome the
second friction.
3. A mobile terminal according to claim 1 wherein: the first hinge
part of the first hinge is connected to or attached to the first
part of the terminal, the first hinge part of the second hinge is
connected to or attached to the third part of the terminal, and the
release means of the first and second hinges are positioned in the
second part of the terminal.
4. A mobile terminal according to claim 3, wherein the release
means are adapted to be operated by a single operating means.
5. A mobile terminal according to claim 1, the terminal further
comprising locking means for maintaining the parts in a
predetermined rotational angle even when the release means are
operated.
6. A mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein one of the
first, second, and third parts has a sound producer and wherein one
of the first, second, and third parts has a microphone.
7. A mobile terminal according to claim 6, wherein both the first
and the second hinges comprising biasing means for biasing the
first and the third parts of the terminal toward predetermined
rotational positions, respectively, in relation to the second part
of the terminal, and wherein the sound producer and the microphone
are accessible at a predetermined side of the terminal when the
first and third parts of the terminal are in the predetermined
rotational positions in relation to the second part of the
terminal.
8. A mobile terminal comprising: a first, a second, and a third
part, a first hinge pivotally interconnecting the first and second
parts so that the first and second parts are adapted to be rotated
between a first, lower angle between the first and second part and
a second, higher angle, and second hinge pivotally interconnecting
the second and third parts so that the second and third parts are
adapted to be rotated between a third, lower angle between the
second and third part and a fourth, higher angle, wherein: one of
the first, second, or third parts of the terminal has a microphone,
one of the first, second, or third parts of the terminal has a
sound emitter, and the terminal has an operative position wherein:
the first part is rotated to the first, lower angle, the third part
is rotated to the fourth, higher angle, and the microphone and
sound emitter are accessible from a predetermined side of the
terminal.
9. A mobile terminal according to claim 8, wherein a largest,
combined length of the first, second, at third parts in a direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal axes exceeds half the
circumference of a wrist of a user of the terminal and wherein the
terminal, in the operative position, has a largest linear length
being lower than the largest, combined length.
10. A mobile terminal according to claim 8, wherein: the first,
lower angle is lower than 45 degrees, the second, higher angle
exceeds 90 degrees, the third, lower angle is lower than 110
degress, and the fourth, higher angle exceeds 110 degrees.
11. A mobile terminal according to claim 8, wherein the microphone
is positioned in the third part, and wherein the sound emitter is
positioned in the first part.
12. A mobile terminal according to claim 8, wherein: the first
hinge has a biasing means adapted to bias the first part, relative
to the second part, in a direction toward the first, lower angle,
and the second hinge has a biasing means adapted to bias the third
part, relative to the second part, in a direction toward the
fourth, higher angle, the terminal further comprising releasable
means for maintaining the first and third parts, relative to the
second part, in at least one position rotated at an angle to the
first and fourth angles, respectively.
13. A mobile terminal according to claim 12, wherein each of the
first and second hinges comprises: a helical spring having a
longitudinal axis, the spring comprising one or more wound strands
of material, each strand having two ends, a first hinge part
extending into the helical spring, contacting an inner part of the
helical spring at a first position or area along the longitudinal
axis, and a second hinge part contacting the one or more strands of
the helical spring at a position or area different from the first
area or position, in each hinge, the spring facilitating, that:
rotation of the first hinge part in a first direction around the
longitudinal axis and in relation to the second hinge part will
provide a first, lower friction between the first hinge part and
the helical spring, and rotation of the first hinge part in a
second direction, being opposite to the first direction, around the
longitudinal axis and in relation to the second hinge part will
provide a second, higher friction between the first hinge part and
the helical spring, wherein: the releasable maintaining means
comprise, for each hinge, release means for increasing a diameter
of the helical spring at the first position or area in order to
reduce the second, higher friction between the first hinge part and
the helical spring to a third friction during rotation of the first
hinge part in the second direction, in the first hinge: the first
hinge part being connected to or attached to one of the first or
the second part of the terminal and the second hinge part being
connected to or attached to the other of the first and the second
part of the terminal, the helical spring being adapted to have a
rotation in the second direction be a rotation from the first,
lower angle to the second, higher angle, and the biasing means
being adapted to provide a force exceeding the first, lower
friction, and in the second hinge: the first hinge part being
connected to or attached to one of the second or the third part of
the terminal and the second hinge part being connected to or
attached to the other of the second and third part of the terminal,
the helical spring being adapted to have a rotation in the second
direction be a rotation from the third, lower angle to the fourth,
higher angle, and the biasing means being adapted to provide a
force exceeding the third friction but being smaller than a force
required to overcome the second friction.
14. A method of operating the mobile terminal according to claim
12, the method comprising, in sequence: 1. activating the
maintaining means so as to have the biasing means rotate the first
and third parts in relation to the second part for the terminal
into the operative position, 2. operating the terminal, 3. while
activating the maintaining means, positioning the three parts of
the terminal around a wrist of a person.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein step 1. comprises,
while activating the maintaining means, removing the terminal from
the person's wrist.
16. A method according to claim 14, the method comprising,
subsequent to step 3., releasing the maintaining means and
tightening the first and third parts around the wrist.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a
method of operating the terminal, and more particularly to a mobile
terminal having three parts rotatably interconnected, which
terminal may obtain a number of positions and may e.g. be worn
around a wrist of a person.
[0002] A number of different manners of opening or unfolding
foldable mobile terminals have been described. Most of these
manners incorporate a biasing means for snapping the terminal open
from a portable, inoperative position to an operative position.
However, this biasing automatically makes it impossible for the
telephone to obtain other positions between the inoperative and
operative position. This makes positioning etc of the terminal
difficult.
[0003] Also, when friction is deliberately provided in hinges of
mobile terminals, normal clutches are provided generating the same
friction in both directions of rotation.
[0004] Also, carrying of mobile terminals presents a problem in
that these are relatively small and may become misplaced or
difficult to find--especially when the user is stressed by e.g. the
terminal prompting the person audibly.
[0005] The present invention addresses both problems and relates
to, in a first aspect, a mobile terminal comprising a first, a
second, and a third part, a first hinge pivotally interconnecting
the first and second parts, and a second hinge pivotally
interconnecting the second and third parts, each of the first and
second hinges comprising: [0006] a helical spring having a
longitudinal axis, the spring comprising one or more wound strands
of material, each strand having two ends, [0007] a first hinge part
extending into the helical spring, contacting an inner part of the
helical spring at a first position or area along the longitudinal
axis, and [0008] a second hinge part contacting the one or more
strands of the helical spring at a position or area different from
the first position or area, in each hinge, the spring facilitating
that: [0009] rotation of the first hinge part in a first direction
around the longitudinal axis and in relation to the second hinge
part will provide a first, lower friction between the first hinge
part and the helical spring, and [0010] rotation of the first hinge
part in a second direction, being opposite to the first direction,
around the longitudinal axis and in relation to the second hinge
part, will provide a second, higher friction between the first
hinge part and the helical spring, wherein: [0011] in the first
hinge, the first hinge part is connected to or attached to one of
the first or the second part of the terminal and the second hinge
part is connected to or attached to the other of the first and the
second part of the terminal, [0012] in the second hinge, the first
hinge part is connected to or attached to one of the second or the
third part of the terminal and the second hinge part is connected
to or attached to the other of the second and the third part of the
terminal, and [0013] the terminal further comprises, for each
hinge, release means for increasing a diameter of the helical
spring at the first position or area in order to reduce the second,
higher friction between the first hinge part and the helical spring
to a third friction during rotation of the first hinge part in the
second direction.
[0014] In this context, it should be noted that the hinge may have
other, more standard, hinge means, whereby the present helical
spring assembly may mostly be used as a rotatable clutch of the
hinge.
[0015] The first hinge part preferably has, at the part extending
into the spring, an at least substantially circular cross section
corresponding to an inner cross section of the spring. In that
manner, contact inside the spring may be a contact along the inner
circumference of the spring.
[0016] The contact of the second hinge part and the spring may be
an attachment or a biasing, depending on which type of movement of
the spring the second hinge part is to prevent or brake.
[0017] A standard helical spring is normally made of only a single
strand or elongated piece of the material (typically a metal or
another stiff material). However, springs are contemplated being
formed by a number of strands, the windings of which are
positioned, one after the other, along the longitudinal axis of the
spring.
[0018] Also, the helical spring needs only be formed by part of the
strand(s). The ends of the strand(s) need not be part of the
helical spring. These ends may be used for different purposes, such
as immobilization or actual movement.
[0019] The normal manner of providing a wrap spring clutch is to
have the two hinged or clutched elements extend into the spring and
thereby engage the inner part of the spring. However, it should be
noted that the same effect may be obtained by reversing the
operation and engaging the spring at an outer side thereof. Thus,
in order to loosen the engagement, the spring is then not loosened
(diameter increased) but tightened (diameter reduced).
[0020] In this context, the first hinge part would normally extend
into the spring from one end thereof and engage the inner side of
the spring (at least in the clutched operation) along a position
and area from that end and a predetermined distance into the spring
along the axis. However, the part needs not contact the spring at
the end but may do so at any position thereof.
[0021] If both the first and second hinge parts extend into the
spring, the first and second hinge parts engage or contact the
spring at different positions or areas along the longitudinal axis
of the spring. The first hinge part extends into the spring, but
the second one may engage an outer surface thereof, an inner
surface thereof--or actually a part of the strand(s) not being part
of the actual helical shape of the spring. This will become clearer
below.
[0022] It is clear that friction is a manner of keeping two
elements in a predetermined position until a force is experienced
large enough to overcome the friction, where after rotation is
obtained.
[0023] Preferably, at least one of the first and second hinges
comprises a biasing means for providing rotation of the first hinge
part in the second direction when the release means are operated,
the biasing means being adapted to provide a force exceeding a
force required to overcome the third friction but being lower than
a force required to overcome the second friction.
[0024] In this manner, the biasing means is not able to actually
rotate the parts until the release means of the hinge is operated,
whereby the second friction is reduced to the third friction. It is
seen that the release thus provides a snap/automatic movement of
the pertaining parts of the terminal. However, the hinge provides,
at the same time, a freely selected rotational position of the two
parts in that the biasing or snap action is only provided when the
release means is operated.
[0025] An especially preferred embodiment is one wherein: [0026]
the first hinge part of the first hinge is connected to or attached
to the first part of the terminal, [0027] the first hinge part of
the second hinge is connected to or attached to the third part of
the terminal, and [0028] the release means of the first and second
hinges are positioned in the second part of the terminal.
[0029] Thus, when this is the case, the first and third parts of
the terminal can be rotatable in relation to the springs, the
release means and the second part, which may then all be positioned
in the second part. This makes the positioning and forming of the
release means much easier.
[0030] Actually, in this situation, the release means are
preferably adapted to be operated by a single operating means, such
as a single button. Thus, both hinges may be released by the
operation of a single button and using e.g. a single finger of a
person.
[0031] A number of different embodiments may be used for the
actual, wrapped spring clutch or the manner in which the spring is
disengaged or loosened in relation to the first hinge part.
[0032] In one embodiment, the spring comprises a non-helical part
at an end of each of the one or more strands, and the second hinge
part only contacts the non-helical part. Thus, the second hinge
part does not actually extend into the spring and/or engage the
inner part thereof. In this embodiment, the contact between the
second hinge part and the non-helical part of the spring may be an
attachment. Preferably, the first hinge member contacts at least
substantially a full inner surface of the spring and/or extends a
full length of the helical part of the spring (in the direction of
the axis).
[0033] In another embodiment, one end of each of the strand(s) of
the spring is fixed in relation to the second hinge part and the
release means is adapted to displace the other end(s) of the
strand(s) from a first position to a second position.
[0034] One manner of obtaining this displacement is one wherein the
release means comprises, for each hinge, a wedge-shaped element
adapted to be translated and thereby displace the end(s).
[0035] Another manner is one wherein the release means comprises,
for each hinge, a flexible element engaging the end(s), the end(s)
being adapted to bias the flexible element into a first, deformed
state when in the first position, and the release means comprising
means for bringing the flexible element into a first, regular state
and thereby bringing the end(s) into the second position. This may
be obtained when the flexible element is hollow and wherein the
means for bringing comprise a means adapted to be translated into
the hollowness of the flexible element. These bringing means may be
translatable into and out of the flexible element and may be biased
in a direction out of the hollowness so as to ensure that the end
returns to the first position and that engagement is obtained
between the first hinge part and the spring.
[0036] The above-mentioned freely selectable rotational position
may not be desired in both of the hinges. Also, it may be desired
to actually ensure that an accidental operation of the release
means does not bring about rotation. Thus, the terminal could
further comprise locking means for maintaining the parts in a
predetermined rotational angle even when the release means are
operated.
[0037] When the mobile terminal is a mobile telephone, it is
desired that one of the first, second, and third parts has a sound
producer and that one of the first, second, and third parts has a
microphone.
[0038] A preferred embodiment of such a telephone is one wherein
both the first and the second hinges comprise biasing means for
biasing the first and the third parts of the terminal toward
predetermined rotational positions, respectively, in relation to
the second part of the terminal, and wherein the sound producer and
the microphone are accessible at a predetermined side of the
terminal, when the first and third parts of the terminal are in the
predetermined rotational positions in relation to the second part
of the terminal.
[0039] Normally, the first, second, and third parts of the terminal
will have an at least relatively flat shape where the axes of
rotation of the hinges will be in a plane of the flat shapes. In
this manner, normally, the predetermined side will be a side having
the flat sides of the parts of the terminal.
[0040] In another aspect, the invention relates to a mobile
terminal comprising: [0041] a first, a second, and a third part,
[0042] a first hinge pivotally interconnecting the first and second
parts so that the first and second parts are adapted to be rotated
between a first, lower angle between the first and second part and
a second, higher angle, and [0043] a second hinge pivotally
interconnecting the second and third parts so that the second and
third parts are adapted to be rotated between a third, lower angle
between the second and third part and a fourth, higher angle,
wherein: [0044] one of the first, second, or third parts of the
terminal has a microphone, [0045] one of the first, second, or
third parts of the terminal has a sound emitter, and [0046] the
terminal has an operative position wherein: [0047] the first part
is rotated to the first, lower angle, [0048] the third part is
rotated to the fourth, higher angle, and [0049] the microphone and
sound emitter are accessible from a predetermined side of the
terminal.
[0050] In this context, the angle between two parts is determined
in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and in a
predetermined direction (clockwise or counter clockwise) around the
axis. One manner is to determine the angle between two
predetermined points or parts of the parts.
[0051] Also, the operative position is preferably a position in
which the terminal may be used for making telephone conversations.
Other positions may be more suitable for data
transmission/receiving/entering or outputting to the user.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, a largest, combined length of the
first, second, at third parts in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal axes exceeds half the circumference of a wrist of a
user of the terminal. However, in that situation, the terminal, in
a position where it has a largest linear length, in a plane
perpendicular to the axes, might seem unnecessary long for use as
e.g. a mobile telephone. Therefore, preferably, the terminal also,
in the operative position, has a largest linear length, in a plane
perpendicular to the longitudinal axes, being lower than the
largest, combined length. Thus the folding of the terminal. In this
embodiment, preferably a length of each of the first and the third
parts is at least substantially as long as the widest part of the
wrist in order for the terminal to get a suitable grip of the wrist
when positioned there.
[0053] Also, in order to obtain a suitable operative position and
grip of the wrist, preferably: [0054] the first, lower angle is
lower than 45 degrees, [0055] the second, higher angle exceeds 90
degrees, [0056] the third, lower angle is lower than 110 degrees,
and [0057] the fourth, higher angle exceeds 110 degrees.
[0058] In fact, preferably, the first and second parts are
positioned adjacently to each other in the operative position.
Adjacent meaning that the angle is preferably as small as possible
taking into account the shapes of the first and second parts.
[0059] Preferably, the microphone is positioned in the third part,
and the sound emitter is positioned in the first part.
[0060] In a highly preferred embodiment: [0061] the first hinge has
a biasing means adapted to bias the first part, relative to the
second part, in a direction toward the first, lower angle, and
[0062] the second hinge has a biasing means adapted to bias the
third part, relative to the second part, in a direction toward the
fourth, higher angle, the terminal further comprising releasable
means for maintaining the first and third parts, relative to the
second part, in at least one position rotated at an angle to the
first and fourth angles, respectively.
[0063] Thus, in this manner, the terminal or telephone is provided
with the above-described snap movement brought about when the
releasable means are operated.
[0064] Preferably, each of the first and second hinges comprises:
[0065] a helical spring having a longitudinal axis, the spring
comprising one or more wound strands of material, each strand
having two ends, [0066] a first hinge part extending into the
helical spring, contacting an inner part of the helical spring at a
first position or area along the longitudinal axis, and [0067] a
second hinge part contacting the one or more strands of the helical
spring at a position or area different from the first position or
area, in each hinge, the spring facilitating that: [0068] rotation
of the first hinge part in a first direction around the
longitudinal axis and in relation to the second hinge part will
provide a first, lower friction between the first hinge part and
the helical spring, and [0069] rotation of the first hinge part in
a second direction, being opposite to the first direction, around
the longitudinal axis and in relation to the second hinge part will
provide a second, higher friction between the first hinge part and
the helical spring, wherein: [0070] the releasable maintaining
means comprise, for each hinge, release means for increasing a
diameter of the helical spring at the first position or area in
order to reduce the second, higher friction between the first hinge
part and the helical spring to a third friction during rotation of
the first hinge part in the second direction, [0071] in the first
hinge: [0072] the first hinge part being connected to or attached
to one of the first or the second part of the terminal and the
second hinge part being connected to or attached to the other of
the first and the second part of the terminal, [0073] the helical
spring being adapted to have a rotation in the second direction be
a rotation from the first, lower angle to the second, higher angle,
and [0074] the biasing means being adapted to provide a force
exceeding the first, lower friction, and [0075] in the second
hinge: [0076] the first hinge part being connected to or attached
to one of the second or the third part of the terminal and the
second hinge part being connected to or attached to the other of
the second and the third part of the terminal, [0077] the helical
spring being adapted to have a rotation in the second direction be
a rotation from the third, lower angle to the fourth, higher angle,
and [0078] the biasing means being adapted to provide a force
exceeding the third friction but being smaller than a force
required to overcome the second friction.
[0079] In this manner, the advantage of the hinges is brought into
the terminal so that both the advantageous operative position is
obtained and the advantageous snap operation and the user
selectable positioning are obtained.
[0080] The advantage of the above highly preferred embodiment may
be seen in a third aspect of the invention relating to a method of
operating this embodiment, the method comprising, in sequence:
[0081] 1. activating the maintaining means so as to have the
biasing means rotate the first and third parts in relation to the
second part for the terminal to obtain the operative position,
[0082] 2. operating the terminal, [0083] 3. while activating the
maintaining means, positioning the three parts of the terminal
around a wrist of a person.
[0084] Thus, the terminal may be worn around the wrist of a person
after operation. In fact, preferably, step 1. of the method
comprises, while activating the maintaining means, removing the
terminal from the person's wrist. Also, subsequently to step 3.,
the method preferably comprises releasing the maintaining means and
tightening the first and third parts around the wrist.
[0085] Operation of the terminal may be any operation of mobile
terminals, such as telephone conversations, playing games, calendar
lookups, SMS/MMS, recording pictures, sound, transmitting or
receiving data, such as pictures, text and/or sound, etc.
[0086] It is seen that the direction of the springs provides a
terminal, which may be tightened around the wrist in a manner so
that removal requires either, the overcoming of the second friction
(a safety measure) or the operation of the release means. Operating
the release means automatically, due to the biasing means, brings
about the operative position of the terminal, such as when
receiving a telephone call or when wishing to make one.
[0087] In the following, the invention will be described with
reference to the drawing, wherein:
[0088] FIG. 1 illustrates the parts of a first embodiment of a
clutch/hinge,
[0089] FIG. 2 illustrates the parts of FIG. 1 assembled to the
hinge,
[0090] FIG. 3 illustrates a different embodiment of a hinge,
[0091] FIG. 4 is a cut-through view of yet an embodiment of a
hinge,
[0092] FIG. 5, is a cut-through view of the hinge of FIG. 4 now
also having a biasing spring,
[0093] FIG. 6 illustrates one manner of loosening the helical
spring,
[0094] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a manner of
loosening the helical spring,
[0095] FIG. 8 illustrates a system having three parts, two hinges
as seen in FIG. 5 and a central spring loosening means,
[0096] FIG. 9 illustrates a three-part system in a first
position,
[0097] FIG. 10 illustrates the system of FIG. 9 in another
position, and
[0098] FIGS. 11-14 illustrate different positions of an embodiment
different from that of FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0099] FIG. 1 illustrates the basic elements of a known wrap-spring
clutch/hinge. This hinge 10 comprises two rod members 12 and 14 and
a helical spring 16 having an internal surface 17 and two strand
ends 18 and 20. The diameters of the rod members 12 and 14 are
larger than the internal diameter of the spring 16.
[0100] This hinge is assembled in FIG. 2 where the rod members
touch inside the spring 16. It is clear that if the end 18 is kept
fixed in relation to the rod member 12, rotation of the rod member
14 in the direction of the arrow will tighten the spring 16 and
thus lock the two rod members 12 and 14 to each other so as to
obtain maximum torque. In that manner, torsion or rotational energy
is transferred from rod member 14 to rod member 12. On the other
hand, if the rod member 14 was rotated in the other direction
(opposite to the arrow), this movement will only loosen the spring
16, whereby almost no torque is transferred.
[0101] Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is a wedge 15 which may be used
for moving the end 20 of the spring 16. If the wedge is moved so as
to lift (on the figure) the end 20, the spring 16 will be
"loosened" which means that the internal diameter thereof will
increase so that the rod member 14 may now be moved in the
direction of the fat arrow without tightening the spring 16 and
transferring torque to the rod member 12.
[0102] In that manner, rotation of the member 14 in the direction
of the fat arrow, around the longitudinal axis A, without operating
the release wedge 15, a high friction is obtained due to the fact
that the spring 16 will tighten. Rotation in the opposite direction
of the member 14 will, on the other hand, incur a much lower
friction due to the spring 16 loosening. Also, when operating the
wedge 15, a third, low friction is experienced when rotating the
member 14 in the direction of the fat arrow.
[0103] In FIG. 3, a different embodiment is illustrated which also
has the rod member 14 and the spring 16 with the ends 18 and 20.
However, the rod member 12 has been removed, and instead the
element hitherto connected to the rod member 12 is attached to the
end 18. As described above, this embodiment has certain advantages
to the embodiment where the rod members abut in the spring 16.
Preferably, the rod 14 now extends throughout the whole of the
helical spring 16.
[0104] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a hinge having the
same function. This hinge also has a first rod member 12, the
second rod member 14--now in the form of a tubular element
extending over part of the rod member 12. The spring 16 has the
"unlocking end" 20 and the end 18, which is now fixed to a fixed
element.
[0105] In FIG. 5, the hinge of FIG. 4 has been added elements 30
(fixed to the rod member 12 and in which the end 18 is fixed) and
32 (fixed to rod member 14) as well as a locking element 42
preventing the spring 16 from moving into a space between the rods
12 and 14 and creating backlash etc. in the system. It is seen that
instead of immobilizing the end 18, the element 30 may be
immobilized. Also, a biasing spring 44 is added having one end
attached to the element 32 and the other (not illustrated) fixed to
the rod member 12. Thus, it is clear that the element 32 and rod
member 14 may be rotated over the rod member 12, this movement
being biased by the biasing spring 44.
[0106] In this respect, it is preferred that the fixed end 18 and
the wedge 15 (see also FIGS. 6 and 7) exist in the same
system--meaning that these elements are not rotatable (but may be
translatable) in relation to the rod member 12 or element 30. This
will become clear from FIG. 8.
[0107] A number of choices exist when assembling the present hinge.
Either the spring 16 is slightly opened before introducing the rods
12 and 14 (when the outer diameter of the rods is larger than the
inner diameter of the spring) so as to obtain an engagement or
friction there between in the un-operated situation, so that
operation may be a loosening of the spring 16. Alternatively, it
may be desired to actually bias the end 20 in the un-operated
situation (when the outer diameter of the rods is smaller than the
inner diameter of the spring), so that operation may be a
tightening of the spring 16. In either way, it may be desired to
bias the end 20 in the "tightening" direction in the un-operated
situation.
[0108] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate different manners of actually
loosening the spring 16. In FIG. 6, the wedge 15 is illustrated
together with two different positions of the end 20 of the spring
16. Depending on the distance between the wedge 15 and the helical
part of the spring 16, this movement of the end 20 will provide
more or less loosening of the spring 16.
[0109] In FIG. 6, the wedge 15 is supplemented by another element
15' forming, together with the wedge 15 a track in which the end 20
travels. This track may be used for actually biasing the end 20 in
the tightening direction. This operation is seen as the un-biased
position of the end 20 is illustrated by a dotted end 20'. Thus,
moving the end 20 upwards will loosen the spring, and in the
un-operated position, the end 20 is that depicted at the lower
position, which is lower than the unbiased position 20'.
[0110] Another manner is seen in FIG. 7, where the end 20 rests
against a flexible element 24 inside which an elongated, stiff
element 26 may slide. It is seen that the end 20, in fact, is
biased against the element 24 in such a manner that when the
element 26 is retracted, the end 20 will deform the element 24 and
thereby tighten the spring 16.
[0111] The element 26 is biased away from and out of the element 24
by a biasing spring 27, and the elements 26, 24 and 20 are
controlled by holding means 22.
[0112] Returning to FIG. 2, it is clear that loosening of the
spring 16 may be performed by moving the spring end 20 in a number
of ways, such as in the direction of the fat arrow or in a
direction along the end 20 toward the spring 16.
[0113] FIG. 8 illustrates a three-part system having a second part
30 connected via a first hinge 52 to a third part 32 and via a
second hinge 50 to a first part 34. The reference numerals from
FIG. 5 have been omitted in order to retain the clarity of the
figure.
[0114] The actual "direction" of the hinges (that is, the high
friction and low friction rotation directions and the directions of
the biasing springs) will be described in relation to FIGS. 9 and
10.
[0115] The part 30 of the system of FIG. 8 has a spring loosening
mechanism having a push button 28 connected to two loosening
mechanisms 36, such as the wedge 15, and being biased by two
biasing springs 38 engaging a fixed element 40 in the part 30.
[0116] It is seen that this loosening mechanism loosens both
springs 16 at the same time. Alternatively, separate loosening
mechanisms may be made for each hinge.
[0117] Both the first and third parts are further rotationally
attached to the second part by elements 42. This is only to
stabilize the rotation of the parts.
[0118] In FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a specific, preferred
three-part system for use as a mobile telephone 48. This system has
the part 30, the part 32, and the part 34 connected by the first
and second hinges, 52 and 50, as seen in FIG. 8.
[0119] The present mobile telephone 48 has a loudspeaker 58
positioned in the part 34 and a microphone 60 positioned in the
part 32. The second part 30 has a release button 54 adapted to
release both springs 16 in the hinges 50 and 52.
[0120] The first part 34 preferably also has a display (not
illustrated) and keyboard (not illustrated) as well as processor
(not illustrated) etc of the telephone. The third part 32 has a
battery (not illustrated), and flex prints (not illustrated) are
provided across the hinges in order to bring power and information
between the parts 32 and 34.
[0121] The direction of the springs 16 and 44 are defined to get
the following operation of the telephone 48:
[0122] The telephone 48 is adapted to be worn around a wrist Q.
When positioning the telephone 48 around the wrist, the parts 34
and 32 are slightly tightened around the wrist Q by moving them in
the direction of the fat arrows X and Y.
[0123] The springs 16 in the hinges 50 and 52 are directed so that
the high friction (when not loosened) is in the directions opposite
to the fat arrows. In that manner, the telephone 48 will stay in
place during movement of the wrist Q.
[0124] The user may then use the other hand to operate the button
54 to be able to remove the telephone 48 from the wrist. Naturally,
the higher friction in the hinges 50 and 52 may be overcome by
brute force so that the telephone 48 may be removed without
operating the button. This may be due to urgency or if the
telephone 48 by accident engages a foreign object (a fence or the
like).
[0125] When operating the release button 54, the biasing springs
are directed so that the telephone 48 obtains the position
illustrated in FIG. 10. In this position, the microphone 60 and the
loudspeaker 58 are positioned so that they may be used for
telephone conversations.
[0126] Thus, it is seen that the hinges 50 and 52 are not merely
mirrored. The hinge 50 has a biasing spring operating in the high
friction direction of the spring 16, whereas the hinge 52 has a
biasing spring operating in the low friction direction of its
spring 16.
[0127] For the hinge 50, it is preferred that the biasing spring
provides a biasing force large enough to overcome a force required
to overcome the third, lower friction of the hinge, As soon as the
button 54 is not operated, the biasing force should not exceed that
required to overcome the higher friction of the hinge so that the
part 32 may now be rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow
Y--and it will stay in any given position where the user wishes
it.
[0128] In the hinge 52, the situation is different in that the
biasing spring operates in the direction of the low friction
direction. Thus, the operation of the button 54 is not relevant in
the action of rotating the third part 54 in the direction of the
fat arrow X. However, when putting the telephone 48 back on the
wrist Q, the button 54 needs to be operated in order to rotate the
part 34 opposite to the arrow X.
[0129] After operating the telephone, it is again positioned around
the wrist Q. This requires that the button 54 is again operated in
order to rotate the part 34 opposite to the arrow X. When the
telephone is positioned around the wrist Q, the button 54 is
disengaged and the parts 32 and 34 may be further tightened against
the wrist Q by simply pressing the parts 32 and 34 together. This
movement is in the directions of the arrows X and Y and therefore
required no operation of the button 54.
[0130] In FIG. 10, it is seen that the first part 34 should be able
to rotate at least between a lowest angle A and a highest angle B,
and that the second part 32 should be able to rotate at least
between a lowest angle C and a highest angle D. In FIG. 10 is also
shown a display 56 located in the first part 34.
[0131] FIGS. 11-14 illustrate a different embodiment of a mobile
telephone again having the first part, the second part, and the
third part, 34, 30, and 32, respectively. Also, the microphone 60
and the loudspeaker 58 are illustrated as well as the release
button 54.
[0132] The hinges between the first, second, and third parts have
not been illustrated in order to keep the figures simple.
[0133] The transport position of the telephone is seen in FIG. 11
where the telephone is as compacted as possible by having the parts
30, 32, and 34 adjacent to each other.
[0134] The hinges are of the type described above and are directed
so that the second direction of rotation is away from the position
of FIG. 11 to that illustrated in FIG. 12, which is the operative
position of the telephone. The biasing means of the hinges are
adapted to rotate the parts 32 and 34 from the position of FIG. 11
to that of FIG. 12.
[0135] Thus, operation of the button 54 will bring the telephone
from any position to that of FIG. 12, whereby the microphone and
loudspeaker are available for making telephone conversation.
[0136] Also, due to the operation of the hinges, other positions
may be obtained, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 which
may be desired in order to be able to e.g. see a display of the
telephone, the display being positioned in one of the parts 30 or
32.
* * * * *