Mobile communications device with synchronising hinge Number:7,426,406 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent

Title: Mobile communications device with synchronising hinge

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile communications device comprising a housing, a transceiver in the housing, a keypad connected to the housing, and a display connected to the housing, wherein the housing comprises a first section movably connected to a second section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge, wherein a first axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the first section of the housing and a second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the second section of the housing, and wherein the hinge comprises means for synchronizing rotation of the first and second sections relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees. The invention further relates to a hinge for use therein.

Patent Number: 7,426,406 Issued on 09/16/2008 to Maatta,   et al.

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Inventors:	Maatta; Esa-Sakari (Viiala, FI), Ukonaho; Mikko (Nokia, FI)
Assignee:	Nokia Corporation (Espoo, FL)
Appl. No.:	11/172,432
Filed:	June 30, 2005

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Related U.S. Patent Documents

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	Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
	11111485	Apr., 2005

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Current U.S. Class:	455/575.8 ; 16/353; 16/366; 455/556.1; 455/575.1
Current International Class:	H04M 1/00 (20060101)
Field of Search:	455/575.3,575.1,556.1 816/366,353

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References Cited [Referenced By]

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U.S. Patent Documents

4825395	April 1989	Kinser, Jr. et al.
5363089	November 1994	Goldenberg
5494447	February 1996	Zaidan
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5987704	November 1999	Tang
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6191937	February 2001	Bang
6259897	July 2001	Kim
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6344977	February 2002	Takagi
6374089	April 2002	Till
6445574	September 2002	Saw et al.
6456487	September 2002	Hetterick
6459887	October 2002	Okuda
6493216	December 2002	Lin
6519141	February 2003	Tseng et al.
6519812	February 2003	Ko et al.
6574837	June 2003	Jantschek
6708046	March 2004	Takagi
6757157	June 2004	Lammintaus et al.
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6859978	March 2005	Pan
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7140074	November 2006	Han et al.
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2004/0203535	October 2004	Kim et al.
2004/0207568	October 2004	Ooshima et al.
2004/0216273	November 2004	Kang et al.
2005/0050686	March 2005	Kurokawa
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2005/0155184	July 2005	Kayl

Foreign Patent Documents

	2003-309756		Oct., 2003		JP
	2002-171324		Apr., 2008		JP
	2002-0033239		May., 2002		KR
	2004095808		May., 2008		WO

Primary Examiner: Le; Danh
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Perman & Green, LLP

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Parent Case Text

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/829,415, filed on Apr. 21, 2004.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/111,485 filed on Apr. 21, 2005, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/829,415, filed Apr. 21, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,155,266, issued on Dec. 26, 2006; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/421,278, filed Apr. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,900,981, issued May 31, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

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Claims

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The invention claimed is:

1. A hinge comprising: a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge, the hinge further comprising a first bevel gear rotatable about a first gear axis that is inclined in relation to the first axis of rotation, and a second bevel gear in engagement with the first bevel gear and rotatable about a second gear axis that is inclined in relation to the first gear axis and in relation to the second axis of rotation, wherein the first bevel gear being connected via a first flexible shaft to be rotatable with the first hinge member, and the second bevel gear being connected via a second flexible shaft to be rotatable with the second hinge member, wherein the bevel gears are adapted to act as synchronizing members which transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.

2. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the hinge is arranged in an mobile communications device comprising a first and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobile communications device comprises the first element of the hinge and the second section of the mobile communications device comprises the second element of the hinge.

3. A hinge as in claim 2, wherein the hinge has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first and second section.

4. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the first and second elements are frame members rigidly attached or attachable to a first and second section of a mobile communications device.

5. A hinge as in claim 4, wherein the hinge has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first and second section.

6. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a hinge frame having a generally oval side profile and two parallel pin receiving holes.

7. A hinge as in claim 6, wherein the hinge frame comprises a recess for receiving the synchronizing members.

8. A hinge as in claim 6, further comprising a locking mechanism comprising a first locking member being non-rotatably connected to the first hinge member and provided with one or more indentations or protuberances positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation and a second locking member being non-rotatably connected to the hinge frame and provided with one or more protuberances or indentations positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation.

9. A hinge as in claim 8, wherein respective protuberance is formed by a sphere shaped member positioned at a predetermined angular position in relation to the first axis of rotation.

10. A hinge as in claim 8, wherein the first locking member is movable in a direction allowing the indentations and protuberances to engage and disengage each other and is biased against the second locking member, or vice versa.

11. A hinge as in claim 8, wherein the first locking member comprises a disc non-rotatably attached to the hinge member as a wheel about the first axis of rotation and provided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the second locking member comprises an elastically deformable plate provided with protuberances.

12. A hinge as in claim 8, wherein the first locking member comprises a disc non-rotatable attached to the hinge member as a wheel about the first axis of rotation and provided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the second locking member comprises an intermediate member provided with protuberances, wherein the intermediate member being biased against the disc by an elastically deformable plate.

13. A hinge as in claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a hinge lock for locking the position of the second element relative to the first element at an intermediate position between a fully closed position and a 360 degree fully open position.

14. A hinge as in claim 1, further comprising a flex circuit extending across the hinge being adapted to electrically connecting electronic circuitry in a first section attached to the first hinge member to electronic circuitry in a second section attached to the second hinge member.

15. A hinge as in claim 14, wherein flex circuit partly wound about the first axis of rotation in a first direction and about the second axis of rotation also in the first direction.

16. A hinge as in claim 15, wherein the flex circuit is wound about the first and second axis of rotation in a total winding angle of at least 180.degree..

17. A mobile communications device comprising: a housing; a transceiver in the housing; a keypad connected to the housing; and a display connected to the housing; wherein the housing comprises a first section movably connected to a second section of the housing by a multi-axis hinge, wherein a first axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the first section of the housing and a second offset axis of rotation of the hinge is provided at the second section of the housing, wherein the mobile communications device further comprising a first bevel gear rotatable about a first gear axis that is inclined in relation to the first axis of rotation, and a second bevel gear in engagement with the first bevel gear and rotatable about a second gear axis that is inclined in relation to the first gear axis and in relation to the second axis of rotation, wherein the first bevel gear being connected via a first flexible shaft to be rotatable with the first hinge member, and the second bevel gear being connected via a second flexible shaft to be rotatable with the second hinge member and wherein the bevel gears of the hinge are adapted to act as means for synchronizing rotation of the first and second sections relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees.

18. A mobile communications device as in claim 17, wherein the hinge has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first and second section.

19. A mobile communications device as in claim 17, wherein the first and second sections comprise a first position with the keypad and display being closed by the first and second sections, a second position with the second section rotated about 180 degrees relative to the first section such that the first section is substantially inline with the second section and a hinge frame of the hinge, and a third position with the second section rotated about 360 degrees relative to the first section and having the keypad and display located on opposite exterior facing sides of the mobile communications device.

20. A mobile communications device as in claim 17, wherein the hinge comprises a hinge frame having a general oval side profile and two parallel pin receiving holes.

21. A mobile communications device as in claim 17, wherein the connection comprises a detent locating system for locking position of the second section relative to the first section at an intermediate position between a fully closed position and a 360 degree fully open position.

22. A mobile communications device as in claim 17, further comprising a flex circuit extending across the hinge and electrically connecting electronic circuitry in the first section to electronic circuitry in the second section.

23. A mobile communications device as in claim 22, wherein flex circuit partly wound about the first axis of rotation in a first direction and about the second axis of rotation also in the first direction.

24. A mobile communications device as in claim 23, wherein the flex circuit is wound about the first and second axis of rotation in a total winding angle of at least 180.degree..

25. A mobile communications device as in claim 17, further comprising a locking mechanism comprising a first locking member being non-rotatably connected to the first section and provided with one or more indentations positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation and a second locking member being non-rotatably connected to the hinge and provided with one or more protuberances positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation.

26. A mobile communications device as in claim 25, wherein respective protuberance is formed by a sphere shaped member positioned at a predetermined angular position in relation to the first axis of rotation.

27. A mobile communications device as in claim 25, wherein the first locking member is movable in a direction allowing the indentations and protuberances to engage and disengage each other and is biased against the second locking member, or vice versa.

28. A mobile communications device as in claim 25, wherein the first locking member comprises a disc non-rotatable attached to the first section as a wheel about the first axis of rotation and provided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the second locking member comprises an elastically deformable plate provided with protuberances.

29. A mobile communications device as in claim 25, wherein the first locking member comprises a disc non-rotatable attached to the first section as a wheel about the first axis of rotation and provided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the second locking member comprises an intermediate member provided with protuberances, wherein the intermediate member being biased against the disc by an elastically deformable plate.

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Description

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FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a mobile communications device, and more particularly to foldable mobile communications device and a hinge for use therein.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

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 move in a consistent repetitive fashion).

The Japanese patent document JP2003-309756 discloses a foldable mobile telephone, wherein a display portion is pivotable 180 degrees around a first axis relative a keyboard portion. The display portion is moreover pivotable 90 degrees around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A user of the mobile telephone may hence more freely turn the display portion to a desired direction. However, the structure of the hinge according to JP 2003-309756 does not allow a 360 degree folding of the two portions forming the mobile telephone.

US 2003/0172495 A1 discloses a flip phone having a hinge mechanism with an auto-lock function. The flip phone includes a main body and a flipper connected by means of the hinge. The hinge is arranged to rotatably connect the flipper to the main body so as to provide an opened position or a closed position for the flipper. In the open position, the flipper is positioned at an angle approximately 160 degrees relative the main body.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention a hinge is provided. The hinge basically comprises a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge; and synchronizing members which transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.

When the user of the mobile communications device being provided with the hinge moves the two elements towards or away from each other the synchronizing members will force the rotation of the first element in relation to the hinge to be synchronized with the rotation of the second element in relation to the hinge. It is contemplated that in the disclosed embodiments the desired synchronization will force the two elements to rotate the same amount but in opposite directions in relation to the hinge. The result is that the relative rotation between the two elements connected to the hinge is divided into two equal rotations; one half being the rotation of the first element relative to the hinge and the second half being the rotation of the second element relative to the hinge. Thus when a user opens the two elements of the mobile communications device, each of the two elements will experience a rotation in relation to the hinge being half the rotation experienced between the two elements. Due to the synchronized movements of the first and second elements, the two elements will fold and unfold smoothly without the risk of jamming the hinge, i.e. the case where one element unfolds in relation to the hinge while the second element remains immovable relative to the hinge. The second element of the hinge is adapted to rotate about 360 degrees relative to the first element of the hinge.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention the hinge comprises a first hinge member defining a first axis of rotation with a first element connected to the hinge; a second hinge member defining an offset second axis of rotation with a second element connected to the hinge, the hinge further comprising a first bevel gear rotatable about a first gear axis that is inclined in relation to the first axis of rotation, and a second bevel gear in engagement with the first bevel gear and rotatable about a second gear axis that is inclined in relation to the first gear axis and in relation to the second axis of rotation, wherein the first bevel gear being connected via a first flexible shaft to be rotatable with the first hinge member, and the second bevel gear being connected via a second flexible shaft to be rotatable with the second hinge member, wherein the bevel gears are adapted to act as synchronizing members which transfer rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge to rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge through a path of about 360 degrees of rotational movement of the first element in relation to the second element.

By using bevel gears connected to flexible shafts it is possible to bridge the distance between the first and second axis of rotation with gears having an radius significantly smaller than half the distance between said axes, whereby the hinge may have a thickness smaller than the sections or element it is attached to or adapted to be attached to. By using bevel gears and flexible shafts it is possible to provide the hinge with a locking mechanism providing distinct positions of the hinge. This locking mechanism may be provided at the bevel gears (preferably at shaft portions extending from the bevel gears at the end opposite the flexible shafts) or at a journal or bearing of the flexible shafts. The bevel gears and flexible shafts offer a rather simple and robust solution with a high reliability concerning correct synchronisation of the movement of the hinge members.

The hinge body may be adapted to maintain a fixed offset distance between the first and second axes of rotation.

The hinge may be arranged in a mobile communications device comprising a first and a second section, wherein the first section of the mobile communications device comprises the first element of the hinge and the second section of the mobile communications device comprises the second element of the hinge.

The first and second elements of the hinge may be frame members rigidly attached or attachable to a first and second section of a mobile communications device. This way the hinge may be formed as a separate unit which fixed or detachably carry the first and second sections of a mobile communications device.

The hinge has preferably a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first and second section. With a hinge having a thickness smaller than the first and second section the hinge will be within the outer perimeter of the sections. This way the user will not experience that the hinge is inconveniently large. A hinge will e.g. be considered inconveniently large if it interferes with flat-laying of a mobile communications device on a table, or if it extends past the outer perimeter of a mobile communications device being closed for storage in a pocket or the like. It will also be considered inconveniently large if it get entangled with straps for other electronic devices, the headset of the mobile communications device or a string of a hood or the like on a jacket. The designs disclosed in more detail below make it possible to form a hinge with a thickness (in a direction being perpendicular both to a line extending between the first and second axis of rotation and to the first and second axis of rotation) being smaller than the distance between the first and the second axis of rotation. The designs disclosed in more detail below also makes it possible to form a hinge having a thickness (in a direction along the distance between the first and second axis of rotation) being smaller than twice the distance between the first and second axis of rotation. Dependent upon the kind of mobile communications device different aspects of being thin may be contemplated.

The hinge may comprise a hinge frame having a generally oval side profile and two parallel pin receiving holes. The thickness of the hinge may hence be reduced providing a slender but still durable hinge. As briefly mentioned above a slender design will minimize the risk that the mobile communications device get stuck in the pocket or get entangled with straps for other electronic devices, the headset of the mobile communications device or a string of a hood or the like on a jacket.

It is also contemplated that the hinge may comprise a hinge frame having a generally rectangular shape. This may e.g. be convenient when it is desired to provide a mobile communications device with stable stand up properties.

The hinge frame may comprise a recess for receiving the synchronizing members. The synchronizing members will, then be protected from dust which could imperil the function of the hinge.

The hinge may comprise a hinge lock for locking the position of the second section relative to the first section at an intermediate position between a fully closed position and a 360 degree fully open position. A user of a device equipped with a hinge according to the present invention may hence unfold the device to specific, predetermined positions for e.g. viewing a screen on the device.

The synchronizing members of the hinge may comprise four conical or truncated conical gears connected to each other. More specifically the hinge may comprise a first and second hinge pin rotatably mounted in the pin receiving holes, wherein each of the first and second hinge pins may have one conical or truncated conical gear connected thereto, and each of the first or second hinge pins may be rigidly connected to a respective one of the first and second sections. A third, transverse hinge pin may have two conical or truncated conical gears connected thereto and may be rotatably mounted in connection to the conical or truncated conical gears of the first and second hinge pins so that rotational movement of the first hinge pin is transferred to the second hinge pin via the conical or truncated conical gears. The hinge hence provides a compact arrangement for transferring rotational movement from a first axis of rotation to a second axis of rotation. Since the gears on the third hinge pin may be separated along the third pin it is possible to bridge the distance between the first and second axis of rotation even if the gears are small. Thus, it will be possible to form the hinge with small gears not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The hinge may comprise a hinge lock which comprises planar cut-outs on a partially cylindrical surface arranged between the two conical or truncated conical gears on the third hinge pin, wherein the partial cylindrical surface is arranged in contact with a spring-loaded lock control part. A very compact but still robust and flexible locking system is provided by the invention.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the first hinge member comprises a first screw gear extending along the first axis of rotation, the second hinge member comprises a second screw gear extending along the second axis of rotation; and the synchronizing members comprises a moving member in engagement with the first screw gear and the second screw gear. Since the moving member bridges the distance between the first and second axis of rotation it will be possible to form the hinge with small gears not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The moving member may be a block with openings which are provided with an internal thread and through which the screw gears extend. The block resembles two nuts attached in parallel with each other. In this case the screw gears are preferably provided with one or more threads extending along a screw line about respective screw gear. The threads of the screws (or of the block) may also be substituted by a pin or the like being adapted to follow a groove forming a thread in the block (or vice versa). The latter implies that the relative movement is limited by the extension, along the axes of rotation, of the threads of the component engaging the pin.

The moving member may be one or more members shaped as a sphere. In this case the screw gears are preferably provided with one or more recesses or grooves extending along a screw line about the envelope surface of respective screw gear. The one or more sphere shaped members are caught between the screw gears and rests partly in a groove of the first screw gear and partly in a recess of the second screw gear.

Preferably the first screw gear is adapted to rotate with the first element and the second screw gear is adapted to rotate with the second element, whereby the moving member is in engagement with the first screw gear such that rotational movement of the first element relative to the hinge causes the moving member to move along the screw gears in a direction being the same as caused by rotational movement of the second element relative to the hinge in an direction opposite the rotational movement of the first element. The moving member will thus be forced in one and the same direction when the two elements are imposed a rotational movement in opposite directions, i.e. when two elements are moved towards or away from each other. This movement of the moving member may be formed by two threaded screw-like elements extending along each other in the same direction, one being provided with left handed threads or grooves and the other being provided with right handed threads or grooves. With the two screw gears being provided with the same pitch, the moving member (e.g. the block or the sphere) a given amount of movement will give rise to the same amount of rotation of each of the two screw gears relative to the hinge body.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the first hinge member comprises a first and a second reel-up surface extending about the first axis of rotation, the second hinge member comprises a third and a fourth reel-up surface extending about the second axis of rotation; and the synchronizing members comprises two belts, the first belt being wound about the first reel-up surface in a first direction and about the third reel-up surface in the first direction, and the second belt being wound about the second reel-up surface in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and about the fourth reel-up surface in the second direction.

With this arrangement the first and second hinge elements will be synchronised since any rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the hinge body will cause the other hinge member to experience the same amount of rotation in relation to the hinge body but in the opposite direction, i.e. the rotation of the hinge members in relation to each other will result in a rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the hinge and a rotation of the second hinge member in relation to the hinge where two latter will be half the total rotation.

When the first hinge member is rotated in a first direction about the hinge body one of the belts will be further wound up on its reel-up surface and the other will be wound of its reel-up surface. The belt being further wound up about the first axis of rotation will transfer a pulling force through the belt which will cause the belt being wound off its reel-up surface about the second axis of rotation. The belt being wound off its reel-up surface about the first axis of rotation will be wound up on its reel-up surface about the second axis of rotation, since this reel-up surface will be rotated by the belt being wound up about the first axis of rotation. When the hinge members are rotated about the axes of rotation in the opposite direction the opposite phenomena will occur.

Consequently, when an user pulls apart the two-elements connected via the hinge or push them towards each other, the total mutual rotation will be divided in two equal halves so that half the rotation will occur between the first hinge member and the hinge body and the other half will occur between the second hinge member and the hinge body.

Since the belts bridge the distance between the first and second axis of rotation it will be possible to form the hinge with small reel-up surfaces not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The hinge may comprise at least one tensioning element applying a torque on at least one of the reel-up surfaces in relation to the hinge member associated with said at least one reel-up surface in the wound up direction of said at least on reel-up surface. With this configuration it is possible to avoid that the belts will slack. Any slack of the belts will be experienced by the user as looseness in the hinge performance. In technical terms the slack will be a play or allowance in the synchronizing mechanism. The wound up direction is the first direction for the first belt about the first reel-up surface or about the third reel-up surface, or the second direction for the second belt about the third reel-up surface or about the fourth reel-up surface.

The hinge may hinge comprise at least one tensioning element applying a torque on the first reel-up surface in relation to the first hinge member in the first direction or on the third reel-up surface in relation to the second hinge member in the first direction, and at least one tensioning element applying a torque on the second reel-up surface in relation to the first hinge member in the second direction or on the fourth reel-up surface in relation to the second hinge member in the second direction. This will in a relatively simple manner, in both directions of the movement of the hinge, prevent any play from occurring. By applying a torque in the wound up direction for each of the belts both belts will be tensioned such that a pulling force is always present on the belts. A belt always experiencing a pulling force will not give rise to any slack. Since both belts are tensioned in this manner, there will not be any slack in any direction of movement of the hinge.

The first and second reel-up surfaces may be formed on members being non-rotatably connected to each other or on portions of one member. This way the two belts will act as a continuous belt trained about the first axis of rotation.

The tensioning element may be connected to a member being provided with the third reel-up surface and is adapted to apply a torque in the first direction in relation to said member. By connecting the first and second reel-up surfaces and tensioning member being provided with the third reel-up surface it is possible to tension both belts in a simple manner. The member being provided with the fourth reel-up surface will be non-rotatably connected with the second hinge member. The second hinge member and the third reel-up surface will be tensioned to rotate in opposite directions in relation to each other. If the first and second reel-up surfaces are fixed the second hinge member will rotate until the second belt is stretched and the third reel-up surface will rotate in relation to the second hinge member until the first belt is stretched. Thus, the second hinge member will rotate an amount corresponding to the slack of the second belt and the third reel-up surface will rotate in relation to the second hinge member an amount corresponding to the total slack of the two belts (rotation of the third reel-up surface corresponding to the slack of the first belt, i.e. to the nominal position of the second hinge member, plus the rotation of the second hinge member due to the slack of the second belt).

It should be noted that the tensioning need not result in any significant geometrical change but may only result in that the different plays of the different parts of the synchronizing mechanism will all be tensioned in the same end position all the time, which by a user will be perceived as if there is no play or looseness at all.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the synchronizing members define a first synchronizing axis on the first hinge member, a second synchronizing axis on the second hinge member, and further comprises a connecting link adapted to connect the first and second synchronizing axes with each other, wherein the first synchronizing axis is offset the first axis of rotation in a first direction and the second synchronizing axis is offset the second axis of rotation in a second, opposite the first, direction.

Since the connecting link bridges the distance between the first and second synchronizing axis it will be possible to form the hinge with small synchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The connecting link may be adapted to maintain a fixed offset distance between the first and second synchronizing axes. The hinge body may be adapted to maintain a fixed offset distance between the first and second axes of rotation. The offset distance between the first axis of rotation and the first synchronizing axis may be equal to the offset distance between the second axis of rotation and the second synchronizing axis.

Since any rotation of any of the hinge members (e.g. the first hinge member) will give a translation of the synchronizing axis (i.e. the first synchronizing axis) the link will force the other synchronizing axis (i.e. the second synchronizing axis) to translate the same distance and in the same direction. The link will assure a fixed distance between the synchronizing axes and since the translation is produced by rotation about two offset axis and since the offset distance of each section is the same the translation of the synchronizing axis is forced to the same amount and in the same direction. Since the synchronizing axes are offset in opposite directions in relation to respective axis of rotation the translation of the latter synchronizing axis (i.e. the second synchronizing axis) will force the associated hinge member (i.e. the second hinge member) to rotate in the direction opposite the direction compared to the first hinge member.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge it further comprises a flex circuit extending across the hinge being adapted to electrically connecting electronic circuitry in a first section attached to the first hinge member to electronic circuitry in a second section attached to the second hinge member. With this flex circuit it is possible to electrically connect the electronic circuitry in the first section to electronic circuitry in the second section and still allowing the two sections to be folded about each other in a complete path of 360.degree. in relation to each other.

The flex circuit may be partly wound about the first axis of rotation in a first direction and about the second axis of rotation also in the first direction. With this design the flex circuit will act as a belt being wound about the first and second axis of rotation such that it will be fully or partly transferred from one of the axis of rotation to the other as the hinge members are rotated.

The flex circuit may be wound about the first and second axis of rotation in a total winding angle of at least 180.degree.. With this design there will always be enough circuit to allow a total mutual rotation of 360.degree. of the hinge members and the axes of rotation. When the first axis rotates 180.degree. and wound off 180.degree. flex circuit, the second axis will rotate 180.degree. and wound up the corresponding amount of flex circuit, thus allowing a total of 360.degree. mutual rotation of the hinge members.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge a first synchronizing member extends or a first set of synchronizing members are arranged along a first path extending about the first axis in a first direction, between the first and second axes and about the second axis in a second, opposite the first direction, and a second synchronizing member extends or a second set of synchronizing members are arranged along a second path extending about the first axis in the second direction, between the first and second axis and about the second axis in the first direction.

In accordance with one embodiment the synchronizing members comprises a plurality of sphere shaped members arranged in a first queue along the first path and a second queue along the second path. The first hinge member is provided with a first stop engaging the first sphere in the first queue and the second hinge member is provided with a first stop engaging the last sphere in the first queue. The first hinge member is further provided with a second stop engaging the first sphere in the second queue and the second hinge member is provided with a second stop engaging the last sphere in the second queue. Respective queue essentially follows a line a thread or wire would follow if wound onto the envelope surfaces a first and second axis of the hinge members.

Since the two queues of spheres bridges the distance between the first and second rotation axis it will be possible to form the hinge with synchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

In accordance with another embodiment the synchronizing members are formed by two non-collapsible belts extending along said first and second path. In this respect non-collapsible refers to belts being able to transfer a pressing power along its length. The first belt is connected to the first and second hinge members and is wound in opposite directions about respective axis of rotation. The second belt is connected to the first and second hinge members and is wound in opposite directions about respective axis of rotation and is wound in opposite direction compared to the first belt about respective axis of rotation. The non-collapsibility may be strengthened by forcing the belt to run in a channel limiting the belts possibility to be bent.

Since each of the two belts bridge the distance between the first and second rotation axis it will be possible to form the hinge with synchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

The first synchronizing member or the first set of synchronizing members may be arranged to transfer a pressing power along the first path to synchronise a rotation of the first hinge member in the first direction with a rotation of the second hinge member in the second direction, and wherein the second member or the first set of synchronizing members may be arranged to transfer a pressing power along the second path to synchronise a rotation of the first hinge member in the second direction with a rotation of the second hinge member in the first direction.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge it further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a first locking member being non-rotatably connected to the first hinge member and provided with one or more indentations positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation and a second locking member being non-rotatably connected to the hinge frame and provided with one or more protuberances positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation.

With this design the user will experience a number of distinct positions where the hinge will be experienced as a fixed and stable unit. By introducing a number of indentations or protuberances at different angular positions it is possible to for the hinge to be locked into a number of different positions.

Respective protuberance may be formed by a sphere shaped member positioned at a predetermined angular position in relation to the first axis of rotation. With this design it is possible to achieve a locking mechanism which exert a minimum of resistance when not in a locking position. The sphere may be rotatably retained by the locking mechanism and thereby only exert a rolling friction when the sphere is not accommodated in any indentation. Moreover, the sphere shape makes it possible to achieve centering of the protuberance (the sphere) in the indentation since the sphere always engages an indentation with a wedge-like surface.

The first locking member may be movable in a direction allowing the indentations and protuberances to engage and disengage each other and is biased against the second locking member, or vice versa.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the synchronizing members comprises a first gear rotatable with first hinge member about an third axis of rotation offset the first axis of rotation, a second gear rotatable with the second hinge member about a fourth axis of rotation offset the second axis of rotation and in engagement with the first gear, and a first intermediate member connecting the first hinge member with the first gear and a second intermediate member connecting the second hinge member with the second gear.

Since the axes of rotation of the first and second hinge members are not the same as the axes of rotation the gears, the axes of rotation of the gears may positioned such they need not bridge the distance between the axes of rotation of the hinge members but instead bridge a smaller distance. Thereby the gears may be smaller and the thickness of the hinge frame may be smaller than the thickness of the sections connected to the hinge.

The first and second hinge members may each be provided with a first guide member extending transversely to the first and second axis of rotation, respectively, the first and second intermediate members may on a first side each be provided with a second guide member extending transversely to the first and second axis of rotation and on a second side each be provided with a third guide member extending transversely to the first and second axis of rotation and transversely to the second guide member, and the gears may each be non-rotatably connected to a fourth guide member extending transversely to the third and fourth axis of rotation, respectively, whereby the two first guide members each engage a second guide member and the two third guide members each engage a fourth guide member.

With this design the intermediate members will slide along the first and fourth guide members depending on the orientation of the hinge members and still be able to transmit the rotation from the hinge members to the gears with an offset of the axes of rotation of the hinge members and the axes of rotation of the gears.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge it further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a first locking member being non-rotatably connected to the first hinge member and provided with one or more indentations positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation and a second locking member being non-rotatably connected to the hinge frame and provided with one or more protuberances positioned at predetermined angular positions in relation to the first axis of rotation.

With this design the user will experience a number of distinct positions where the hinge will be experienced as a fixed and stable unit. By introducing a number of indentations or protuberances at different angular positions it is possible to for the hinge to be locked into a number of different positions.

The first locking member may comprise a disc non-rotatable attached to the hinge member as a wheel about the first axis of rotation and provided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the second locking member may comprise an elastically deformable plate provided with protuberances.

This makes it possible to form the locking mechanism in a simple and space effective manner. The design may further be robust and reliable in use. The plate may be formed from sheet metal and be provided with the protuberances by simply pressing or deep drawing a bulge in the metallic plate.

The first locking member may comprise a disc non-rotatable attached to the hinge member as a wheel about the first axis of rotation and provided with indentation on at least one side surface, and the second locking member may alternatively comprise an intermediate member provided with protuberances, wherein the intermediate member being biased against the disc by an elastically deformable plate.

This makes it possible to form the locking mechanism in a simple and space effective manner. The design may further be robust and reliable in use. The use of an intermediate member makes it possible to design the shape of the protuberances without any limitations imposed by the choice of material for the flexible plate. The intermediate member may e.g. be a block of a polymeric material and the plate may e.g. be made of sheet metal.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the synchronizing member comprises a flexible shaft being able to transfer a rotation and being able to be bent into a U-shape, wherein a first end of the flexible shaft is connected to the first hinge member and a second end of the flexible shaft is connected to the second hinge member, and wherein the shaft is bent into a U-shape.

Since the flexible shaft is bent into a U-shape the ends will face in the same direction. Thus, a rotation of a first member connected to the first end will result in a rotation of a second member connected to the second end in the opposite direction.

Since the U-shape of the flexible shaft bridges the distance between the first and second synchronizing axis it will be possible to form the hinge with small synchronizing members not interfering with the aim of making the hinge with a smaller thickness than the sections it is attached to.

In accordance with one embodiment the flexible shaft is basically formed of a screw spring, wherein the wire forming the spring is wound along a screw line about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is bent into a U-shape.

In accordance with another embodiment the flexible shaft is basically formed a flexible shaft of a polymeric material or the like. The torsional stiffness may be increased by winding threads or wires diagonally about the shaft.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive hinge the synchronizing members comprise a first gear rotatable with the first hinge member about the first axis of rotation, a second gear rotatable with the second hinge member about the second axis of rotation, a third gear being rotatable about a third axis of rotation offset the first axis of rotation and being via its inner surface in engagement with the first gear, a fourth gear being rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation offset the second axis of rotation and being via its inner surface in engagement with the second gear, wherein the outer surface of the third gear is in engagement with the outer surface of the fourth gear.

Since the gears on the third and fourth axes of rotation only need to be large enough to bridge the distance between the third and fourth axes of rotation and since the third and fourth axes of rotation may be closer to each other than the first and second axes of rotation, due to the contact of the inner surface of the gears on the third and fourth axes with the outside surfaces of the gears on the first and second axes, the gears may be smaller and the thickness of the hinge frame may be smaller than the thickness of the sections connected to the hinge.

The third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation may, along the direction defined by the distance between the first and second axis of rotation, be positioned between the first and second axis of rotation. As long as the distance between the third and fourth axis small enough it is conceivable that the third and fourth axes of rotation are offset in the transverse direction in relation to a line between the first and second axes of rotation.

It should also be noted that the gears may be provided with teeth meshing into each other or with relatively smooth surfaces contacting each other with friction being high enough to transmit the torque required for the synchronizing mechanism to be experienced as stable.

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. The second section of the housing is adapted to rotate about 360 degrees relative to the first section of the housing.

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 keypad 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.

When the user of the mobile communications device being provided with the synchronized hinge moves the two elements towards or away from each other the synchronizing members will force the rotation of the first element in relation to the hinge to be synchronized with the rotation of the second element in relation to the hinge. It is contemplated that in most embodiments the desired synchronization will force the two elements to rotate the same amount but in opposite directions in relation to the hinge. The result is that the relative rotation between the two elements connected to the hinge is divided into two equal rotations; one half being the rotation of the first element relative to the hinge and the second half being the rotation of the second element relative to the hinge. Thus when a user opens the two elements of the mobile communications device, each of the two elements will experience a rotation in relation to the hinge being half the rotation experienced between the two elements.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the mobile communications device comprises a housing; a transceiver in the housing; a keypad connected