Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: A hinge formed of a shaft member, a spring member, a slide, a locating member, a mounting frame, and an end cap. When turning the mounting frame with the locating member relative to the slide and the shaft member within a predetermined angle, the mounting frame is returned or positioning in a position within an angle. When turning the mounting frame over the first predetermined angle, the sliding protrusions of the locating member are moved along the sliding protrusions of the slide, and the mounting frame is returned when the sliding protrusions of the locating member do not move over the peaks of the sliding protrusions of the slide, or the mounting frame is automatically turned relative to the shaft member through an angle when the sliding protrusions of the locating member are moved over the peaks of the sliding protrusions of the slide.

Abstract: A dual-axis hinge for a portable electronic device has at least one stationary bracket, a pivoting bracket and a connecting leaf. The stationary bracket is adapted to be mounted securely in a base of the portable electronic device. The pivoting bracket is mounted pivotally in the stationary bracket and pivot relative to the stationary bracket in a first axis. The connecting leaf is adapted to be connected with a cover of the portable electronic device, is pivotally mounted in the pivoting bracket and pivots relative to the pivoting bracket in a second axis that is in different direction from the first axis. With such an arrangement, the cover connected with the connecting leaf may pivot relative to the base in the first axis and the second axis respectively and allows the portable electronic device to make more motivation and contents to various applicability requirements.

Abstract: A hinge includes a housing. A stopper plugging up one end of the housing defines a through-hole. A sliding cam slideably received in the housing defines concave portions on a top surface thereof and an axial hole. A rotatable cam has a base portion extending downward to form pushing portions disposed in the concave portions. The base portion defines a receiving hole. A top surface of the base portion protrudes upward and defines a stepped portion. A spring is slideably received in the housing. One end of the spring is fixed on the sliding cam and the other end of the spring is fastened around the stopper. A shaft received in the housing runs through the axial hole, the spring and the through-hole. An end of the shaft is fixed with the stopper, and an opposite end of the shaft is received in the receiving hole. A damper has a top wall extending downward to form an enclosure. A top surface of the top wall protrudes upward to form a preventing block.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus having an automatic return function for building materials is provided, in which a return spring is removed to thereby offer a closing force of each door with only a torsion spring. The hinge apparatus includes an upper body; a lower body; a shaft whose lower end portion is rotatably installed in the lower body; a piston whose outer circumference is slidably installed along the inner surface of the lower body”, a rotational/linear motion converter which converts a rotational motion of the shaft into an axial linear motion of the piston according to rotation of the door; a damping unit which provides a damping function selectively where the piston ascends according to return of the door; a torsion spring which rotates the shaft in the direction returning the door at the closing time; and a clutch unit for stopping an increment of an elastic force due to reverse twisting of the spring where an opening angle reaches a clutch stop start angle, or for restoring the elastic force of the spring.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hinge structure, comprising a pivot having a linking portion disposed with a circular axle axially and a smaller axle extending from the center of the front end of the shaft; a main frame having a connection portion which is formed axially to have a bush-like tube spring below for the insertion of the shaft, the tube spring being positioned to have a gap with the connection portion and one end of the wall of the tube spring being formed to have an notch; a cam member having a rotation part and fixed part between which is disposed with concurrent protruded and indented portions and which are installed inside the tube spring for the insertion of the axle, the rotation part being axially disposed with a protruded tenon, which is connected with the notch of the tube spring, and the fixed part being secured with the axle; and at least a resilient member insertingly connected with the axle and secured with the connection segment of the axle by an end enclosure, which presses and co

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft (1), a cam follower (12), a cam (2), an antifriction member (3), a washer (4) and an elastic member (5). The cam follower is fixed relative to the shaft and has a cam follower surface. The cam has a cam surface (24) and a cam hole defined therein. The cam is rotatable relative to the cam follower. The shaft runs through the cam, the washer and the elastic member, in turn. The antifriction member has one end touching the cam and an opposite end touching the washer. The cam surface abuts against the cam follower surface due to the elastic force of the elastic member. As the friction coefficient between the antifriction member and washer is smaller than that between the cam and the washer, the hinge mechanism generates a smaller friction therebetween, so the waste of energy is very small.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-durability cam wheel assembly, which includes a fixed member, which has a center axle hole and one pair of first interference members symmetrically disposed at one side thereof, and a movable member, which has a center mounting hole axially aimed at the center axle hole of the fixed member, a pair of guide axially symmetrically extending from one side of the periphery of the center mounting hole and inserted into the center axle hole of the fixed member for guiding rotation of the movable member relative to the fixed member, and a pair of second interference member arranged on one side thereof around the guide rods and the center mounting hole and disposed in contact with the first interference members of the fixed member for causing a torsional force upon rotation of the movable member relative to the fixed member through an angle.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) includes a retaining member (101), a fixing seat (5), a control member (6), a first spring (7), a follower (300), a cam (400), a second spring (9) and a shaft (20). The button has at least one pushing portion (31). The control member has at least one receiving groove (61), and the pushing portion is received in each receiving groove. Each pushing portion resists the control member. The first spring provides an elastic force to the control member. The cam includes an axis hole having an inner screw thread (4342). The second spring provides an elastic force to make the cam and the follower resist each other. The shaft defines an outer screw thread (233). The outer screw thread engages with the inner screw thread of the cam.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) is provided for joining a flip cover (204) to a main body (202) of a foldable electronic device. A hinge assembly includes a hinge shaft (10), a follower (12), and a cam (20). The follower has an outer peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion has opposite two ends. The cam has a cam hole (22) closely receiving the follower therein. Then cam has an inner peripheral portion movably contacting the outer peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion is in the form of a screw formed by a cross-section of the follower rotated from one end to the other. The inner peripheral potion is rifled to receive the follower.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a shaft (10), a follower (12), a cam (20), a friction-reducing mechanism (30), and an urging means. The shaft includes a securing portion (11) formed thereon. The follower is connected with the shaft. The cam essentially is in the shape of a cylinder, and includes a cam surface (24) and defines a cam hole (22) extending therethrough. The cam hole receives the shaft therethrough. The friction-reducing mechanism is located around the shaft, and includes a rolling means. A first end of the urging means abuts against the shaft, and an opposite second end of the urging means biases the friction-reducing mechanism. The friction-reducing mechanism is disposed between the cam and the urging means. The cam surface of the cam is rotatably and movably engaged with the follower under force of the urging means.

Abstract: A folding device is constructed with a holding member mounted rotatably on an end portion of a movable case, which is formed on its periphery with a convex wall portion or a concave groove portion, and which houses a fixed member and a movable member. A holding member provided in the folding device is rotated to fix the movable case in a movable housing of, for example, an electronic apparatus after the movable case is inserted in the movable housing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprising a movable member 5 and a fixed member 6 rotatably connected to each other and a coiled spring (not shown) biasing the movable member 5 toward the fixed member 6. A receiving recess 11 is formed in an opposing surface 5b of the movable member 5 facing the fixed member 6. A spherical body 8 is received in the receiving recess 11 such that the spherical body 8 is movable in a circumferential direction of the movable member 5. A first cam portion 13a is formed in an opposing surface of the fixed member 6 facing the movable member 5. Rotation of the movable member 5 in a direction of an arrow causes the cam portion 13a to be abutted against the spherical body 8. The cam portion 13a converts a biasing force of the coiled spring into a rotational biasing force. The rotational biasing force causes the spherical body 8 to be rapidly abutted against a first hitting portion 11a of the receiving recess 11 and thereby to generate a clicking sound.

Abstract: A variable resistance hinge is mounted in a notebook computer having cover and a base and the hinge has a stationary leaf, a pivoting leaf and a pressing assembly. The stationary leaf is attached to the base and has a keyed shaft. The pivoting leaf is mounted pivotally on the shaft and is attached to the cover. The pressing assembly is mounted around the shaft, presses the pivoting leaf against the stationary leaf and has a pivoting ring and a stationary ring. The pivoting ring rotates around the shaft, is attached to the pivoting leaf and has at least one stepped detent. The stationary ring engages the shaft, abuts the pivoting ring and has at least one friction protrusion. Each friction protrusion corresponds a stepped detent and provides variable friction when opening the cover to enhance lifespan of the hinge and facilitate opening of the notebook.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism (20) includes a mounting member (12), at least one retractable elastic shaft (14) and a rotating member (18). The retractable elastic shaft has two opposite ends. The mounting member is located at one end of the retractable elastic shaft and defines at least one first hollow (125). The rotating member is located at the other end of the retractable elastic shaft and defines at least one second hollow (187). The first and second hollows respectively receive two ends of the retractable elastic shaft. The mounting member is rotatable relative to the rotating member to drive the retractable elastic shaft to move between a first position where the retractable elastic shaft is slantwise to an axis of the rotating member and a second position where the retractable elastic shaft is parallel to the axis of the rotating member. The hinge mechanism is easy to be manufactured.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes a hinge housing, two sliding grooves are formed in the inner wall of the hinge housing. A shaft crosses the hinge housing. A sliding cam covers the shaft, an outer projection and an inner projection are formed in the lower of the sliding cam. The outer projection is positioned at an opening angle of 180 degrees to the inner projection. An engagement cam is accepted in the hinge housing, two ribs arranged in the two sides of the engagement cam match with the sliding grooves. The upper end of the engagement cam has an outer curved surface which is composed of an assurgent curved surface and a descending curved surface. The outer projection is against the outer curved surface.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) includes a retaining member (4), a fixing seat (5), a control member (6), a first spring (7), a follower element (10), a rotating element (20), a second spring (9) and a shaft (30). The first spring provides an elastic force to the control member. The rotating element includes an axis hole having an inner screw thread (4342). The rotating element disposes two protrusions (24). The follower element includes two recesses (15) and two plane portions (16). The second spring provides an elastic force to make the protrusions of the rotating element receive in the recesses of the follower element and resist each other. The shaft defines an outer screw thread (233). The outer screw thread engages with the inner screw thread of the rotating element.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism that generates a stress at the start and end points of arbitrary opening and closing range can be constructed by causing one cam set of two cam sets in which a rotating cam and a fixed cam engage only once in 360° rotation to generate a stress at the start point of the rotating range or opening and closing range of the hinge mechanism, and causing the other cam set to generate a stress at the end point of the rotating or opening and closing range. The hinge mechanism of the present invention achieves durability, good feeling, and size and weight reduction.

Abstract: A portable terminal has a first side hinge arm positioned on a side of one of its housings and a second side hinge arm positioned on the other side of the other housing. A hinge device rotatably couples the housings and generates a rotational force to fold or unfold them. The hinge device makes the assembly process easy and contributes to diversification of terminal design. One of the housings can reverse its front and rear surfaces when unfolded, due to a dual hinge construction, for more convenient use of the portable terminal having a camera device.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes a hinge and a damper. The damper includes a damping shell having a shell body. A cover board is formed on an end of the shell body, an axial hole is opened in the center of the cover board. A damping body received in the damping shell has a base portion and a column portion extending from one end of the base portion. The column portion extends outside the damping shell through the axial hole. A plurality of rotatable pieces and a plurality of limiting pieces are received in the shell body of the damping shell and alternately disposed on the column portion of the damping body. The rotatable pieces engage with the column portion so as to rotate together with the damping body, the limiting pieces are fixed to the damping shell. Damping oil is filled between the adjacent limiting pieces and the rotatable pieces. A hermetic ring is disposed on the damping body and pressed against the shell body. A rotatable body is adapted for pushing the damping body to rotate.

Abstract: A miniature hinge includes a hinge housing, a first cam having a shaft portion, and a plurality of first can protrusions provided with facing cam surfaces defining a valley-shaped portion and an aperture passing through the first cam, a second cam having a plurality of second cam portions with a plurality of opposite circumferential curved surfaces, a perforation passing through the second cam and a plurality of grooves formed on front end of the perforation to form an end hole, an elastic element received in the hinge housing and a hinge shaft having an axle, a circular board formed and a positioning seat. The positioning seat of the hinge shaft passes through the hinge housing, the elastic element, the first cam and the second cam. The hinge shaft is rotated in an angle in order to insert the positioning seat into the end hole of the second cam.

Abstract: A spring hinge using clutch structure for eyeglasses of the invention includes a hinge bracket, a end-meshing element, a central-meshing element; a hinge cannula, a resilient element received in the hole of the central-meshing element; a fixing element; and a slide bush. The present invention uses the clutch structure to retain engagement by the pressure of a spring to achieve an easy and smooth operation during the motion of opening or closing the eyeglasses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object a novel hinge device which is extremely valuable as a commercial product and an electronic instrument using the hinge device.

Abstract: A triple positioning hinge that is compact and securely retains a monitor of a portable electronic device at three determined positions permanently. The triple positioning hinge has a body, a pivoting member, a first positioning element, a second positioning element and a resilient element. The first positioning element has multiple detents formed on a surface of the first positioning element. The second positioning element is pushed toward the first positioning element by the resilient element and has three positioning notches circularly formed in a surface at intervals and respectively correspond to and engage with the detents of the first positioning element to hold the monitor connected with the pivoting member at three determined positions.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) for joining a cover section (110) to a body section (120) of a foldable electronic device (100) includes a main shaft (10), a rotating member (20), a sliding member (30), and a spring (40). The main shaft has a fixing portion (12) at one end, a deformed shaft portion (14) at its central section, and a distal shaft portion (16) at the other end. The rotating member receives the distal shaft portion, and the rotating member includes an engaging portion (24). The sliding member engages with the deformed shaft portion. The sliding member has a deformed hole (34), engaging with the engaging portion of the rotating member. The spring surrounds the main shaft and elastically biases between the sliding member and the fixing portion. The hinge assembly is modularized, easy to install, and low in cost.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a shaft (10), a rotary cam (20), a follower cam (30), a positioning member (50), and an urging means (40). The shaft includes a securing portion (12) at one end thereof and has a slot (166) defined therealong. The rotary cam is substantially cylindrical and includes a cam surface (24). The rotary cam has a cam hole (22) extending therethrough. The cam hole receives the shaft therethrough. The follower cam includes a cylindrical portion (34) and two symmetrically protruding portions (36). The cylindrical portion includes a pinhole (346). The positioning member is received in the pinhole and the slot, thereby connecting the follower cam and shaft. The urging means biases against both the shaft and the rotary cam. The cam surface of the rotary cam is rotatably engaged with the protruding portion of the follower cam under a force generated by the urging means.

Abstract: A folding mechanism is provided in which a rotor substantially tubelike is arranged between the stationary body and movable body; cams with given gaps are arranged at both ends of the rotor and on the facing surfaces of the stationary body and movable body; and a lubricating layer is formed between the outer circumference of the stationary shaft and the inner circumference of the rotor. The simple makeup implements a folding mechanism with a low impact when opening and reliable opening/closing operation.

Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a shaft, a cam, a pin, a follower, a shift member, a socket, a first spring, and a second spring. A pinhole is defined in the shaft. The cam, the follower, and the shift member are rotatably sleeved on the shaft. The cam has a cam surface and a spiral slot. The pin is disposed in the pinhole and the spiral slot. The follower has an anti-rotating portion and a cam surface for engaging with the cam surface of the cam. The shift member has a controlling portion for slidably engaging with the anti-rotating portion. The first and the second spring are sleeved on the shaft. An end of the first spring resists the follower and another end of the first spring resists the shift member. An end of the second spring resists the follower and another end of the second spring resisting the socket.

Abstract: A projection part 33 is formed on an end face 32 of a first turnable member 3. A short recess 43 and a long recess 44 are formed in an end face 43 of a second turnable member 4. The short recess 43 is provided at both end parts thereof with lock faces 43a, 43b which are abutted with both end parts of the projection part 33 to prohibit the first and second turnable members 3, 4 from making a relative turn with force of a predetermined magnitude. The long recess 44 is provided at one end part thereof with an inclination surface 44a which is abutted with one end part of the projection part 33 to turn bias the first turnable member in one direction with respect to the second turnable member and at the other end part with an inclination surface 44b which is abutted with the other end part of the projection part 33 to turn bias the first turnable member in the other direction with respect to the second turnable member.

Abstract: A hinge for a portable device has a body, a spring, a slide and a shaft. The body has a cavity and multiple retaining tabs. The spring is mounted in the cavity in the body. The slide is mounted slidably in the cavity in the body, abuts the spring and has a positioning element. The shaft is mounted to the body, rotatably engages the slide and has a positioning element and an annular groove. The positioning element on the shaft rotatably engages the positioning element on the slide. The annular groove rotatably engages the retaining tabs on the body. The shaft is mounted to the body without additional fasteners such as C-shaped clasps so the hinge has a simple structure and a low cost.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) for joining a cover section (110) to a body section (120) of a foldable electronic device includes a main shaft (1), a cam (2), a follower (3), a first elastic element (4), a control (5), a sleeve (6), a second elastic element (7) and a fixing element (8). The shaft has an outer thread (101) at one end and an engaging portion at an opposite end. The cam includes an end cam surface (212), and an inner thread (211). The follower includes a latching cam surface (312). The control has at least one projection (52) at one end thereof, and engages with the engaging portion. The sleeve is connected with the follower, and rotation of the sleeve is limited by the control. When the control is pushed, the hinge assembly fully opens the cover section from body section. This provides a user with convenient one-handed operation.

Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a hollow housing (100), a shaft (300), an urging mechanism (400), a cam (500), and a follower (700). The housing includes an open end, and a hole (104) in an opposite second end. A peripheral wall of the housing at the open end defines two pinholes (112). The shaft 300 includes a fixing portion and a stopper portion (204). The urging mechanism is received in the housing and located around the shaft. The cam defines a cam hole (506) therethrough, and includes a cam portion (502) received in the housing. One end of the cam portion has a cam surface (508). The cam hole engagingly receives the shaft, so that the cam rotates with the shaft. The urging mechanism biases the cam. The follower is fixed in the pinholes. The follower rotates relative to the shaft, and is movably engaged with the cam surface.

Abstract: To provide a folding mechanism capable of securely holding its opened and closed positions and an electronic apparatus employing the same. The folding mechanism is constructed by disposing outer circumferential fixed cam on the outer circumferential side and inner circumferential fixed cam on the inner circumferential side of a side surface of fixed member and, further, disposing outer circumferential movable cam on the outer circumferential side and inner circumferential movable cam on the inner circumferential side of a side face of movable member in confronting relation with the fixed cams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a free stop hinge device of a portable terminal. The free stop hinge device of a portable terminal including a first housing and a second housing, which are rotated about a hinge axis provided by the free stop hinge device so that the first housing and the second housing are folded to or unfolded from each other, includes a hinge housing, elastic bodies disposed in the hinge housing for providing driving force in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis, and stopping unit subjected to the driving force and performing a cam operation along with the hinge housing for stopping the second housing at a desired angle with respect to the first housing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) for a foldable electronic device includes a shaft (1), a housing (5) defining a guiding groove (56) therein, a spring (2), and a pin (7). A first end of the spring is coupled to the shaft, and an opposite second end of the spring is coupled to the housing. A first end of the pin is coupled to the shaft, and an opposite second end of the pin is slidable along the guiding groove of the housing. The shaft is rotatable relative to the housing between a first position where the second end of the pin is located in a first position of the guiding groove and a second position where the second end of the pin is located in a second position of the guiding groove. The hinge assembly is thus integrated into a complete unit which is capable of providing a wide range of rotation.

Abstract: A hinge device for a portable terminal having a first housing and a second housing rotatably coupled to the first housing such that the second housing is moved between an opened position and a closed position with respect to the first housing is provided. The hinge device extends in one direction to provide a hinge axis, which is a rotational center of the second housing. The hinge device allows the second housing to linearly move in a hinge axis direction and generates rotational force to rotationally shift the second housing into the opened position or the closed position with respect to the first housing about the hinge axis as the second housing linearly moves in the hinge axis direction. A user easily and conveniently opens or closes the portable terminal by horizontally moving one housing with respect to the other housing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (9) includes a shell (1), a coil spring (2), a shaft (3), and two bolts (4). The shell defines a cavity (12) therein, with one end of the shell being closed and the other end being open. Two holes (14) are defined in the shell near the open end. The shaft includes a cam (32), a soleplate (38), and an interconnecting neck (34). The cam includes a cam surface (324) at one end thereof, the cam surface including peaks and valleys. The spring and the shaft are received in the shell, but with the soleplate exposed outside. The spring biases the cam surface against the bolts no matter what part of the cam surface abuts the bolts. Because the hinge assembly of the present invention is effectively an integrated, modular structure, it is easily incorporated into a portable foldable device such as a mobile phone.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a main member having a main cam member and a bore extending generally along an axis of rotation. A pivot member, fixed to an end of a shaft extending through the bore, includes a pivot cam member and is rotatable with respect to the main member. At least one torque element is rotatably engaged with the shaft and is substantially rotationally fixed with respect to the main member. The at least one torque element imparts a first frictional resistance to the shaft with rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a second frictional resistance to the shaft with rotation of the shaft in a second direction. The first frictional resistance is greater than the second frictional resistance. Interaction of the main cam member with the pivot cam member assists in maintaining the hinge assembly in at least first and second positions.

Abstract: A small-sized opening and closing device which relatively connects a first member and a second member with each other to open and close, and is composed of a shaft, a cam member attached to said shaft, a slider cam attached slidably to said shaft facing to said cam member; a compression spring wound around said shaft to push said slider cam toward said cam member side, and wherein said cam member and said cam slider each having two kinds of cam portions located on an axial core side and an outer circumferential side.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hollow housing (100), a shaft (300), an urging mechanism (400), a cam (500), and a cylindrical follower (700). The housing includes an open end, and a hole (104) in an opposite second end. A peripheral wall of the housing at the open end defines a pair of pinholes (112). The shaft 300 includes a fixing portion. The urging mechanism is received in the housing and located around the shaft. The cam defines a cam hole (506) therethrough, and includes a cam portion (502) received in the housing. One end of the cam portion has a cam surface (508). The cam hole engagingly receives the shaft, so that the cam rotates with the shaft. The opposite end of the urging mechanism biases the cam. The follower is retained in the pinholes. The follower rotates relative to the shaft and is movably engaged with the cam surface.

Abstract: A swing hinge device of a portable terminal is adapted to semi-automatically rotate a pair of housings of the terminal while they face each other to open and close them. The swing hinge device of a portable terminal having a first housing and a second housing includes a hinge housing extending along a longitudinal direction and having a reception space formed therein. A hinge shaft is rotatably coupled to the hinge housing and has a number of crests formed thereon. A hinge cam is positioned in the reception space of the hinge housing and is adapted to linearly travel therein along the longitudinal direction of the hinge axis and has a number of troughs formed thereon that face the respective crests. A hinge spring is positioned between the hinge housing and the hinge cam to provide an elastic force so that the hinge cam may linearly travel while forcing it against the hinge shaft.

Abstract: A hinge pin 6 is turnably inserted in a through hole 22 formed in a first hinge member 2. A second hinge member 3 is fixed to the hinge pin 6. A movable member 7 is connected to the first hinge member 2 such that said movable member 7 is non-turnable but movable in the axial direction. A convex part 75 is formed on the movable member 7. A concave part 53 is formed in a fixing member 5 of the second hinge member 3. By pressing the convex part 75 against a bottom surface 53a of the concave part 53 under the biasing force of a coiled spring 8, the biasing force of the coiled spring 8 can be converted to a turn biasing force for turning the second hinge member 3 with respect to the first hinge member 2. The hinge pin 6 is press-fitted in the through-hole 22 of the first hinge member 2.

Abstract: A hinge device of a portable terminal couples a body and a folder of the portable terminal and enables rotation of the folder with respect to the body.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a refrigerator door improves productivity and reduces a manufacturing cost by improving a structure of a hinge assembly installed between a refrigerator main body and a door, and improves an appearance by using one hinge assembly for one door so as to coincide moving axes and thus positioning an opened door to be horizontal to the main body.

Abstract: A hinge supporting first and second portions such that they are open and closed relative to each other, including a rotation shaft fixed to the second portion and supported by the first portion so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis thereof relative to the first portion, first and second parts into which the rotation shaft is inserted, and an energizer for pushing the movable part towards the fixed part. The first part is fixed to the first portion so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis relative to the first part. The second part is axially movable relative to the rotation shaft and not rotatable around a rotation axis thereof, and rotates together with the rotation shaft. Each of the first and second parts has a projection projecting towards each other. The projections overlap each other axially of the rotation shaft when the first and second portions are open each other at a certain angle in the range of predetermined angles.

Abstract: A folding device can be used for various kinds of electronic apparatuses and is capable of easy processing of parts and lowering of cost. Inner cases 16 and 17 are mounted in outer case 15, which houses fixed member 1 and movable member 13. Groove portions 16A and 17A for holding movable member 13 for movement in the axial direction are provided in inner cases 16 and 17 to construct the folding device.

Abstract: A rotary type hinge assembly for joining a body (310) and a cover (320) of a foldable electronic device has a first axis (A1) and a second axis (A2), and enables the cover open about the first axis and rotate about the second axis. The hinge assembly includes: a housing (210), rotatably attached to the body, and defining a container therein; a spring (220) received in the container; a driven element (230), wherein a first end thereof supports the spring, and a second end thereof has a cam surface (232); a cam (240), being coaxial with the driven element, a cam surface (243) defined on an end thereof including a mountain-shaped portion (244) having a flat surface engaging with the cam surface of the driven element; a rotary shaft (250); and a fixing means (260) for fixing the rotary shaft in the cover; wherein the rotary shaft extend through the cam, the driven element and the spring in that order, and is fixed in the housing.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a shaft, a cam, a spring and a sliding member. The shaft has a first end and a second end and the cam is movably disposed at the first end and has an inclined plane facing the second end. Also, the spring is disposed at the second end, and the sliding member is disposed on the shaft and is coupled with the spring. The sliding member moves along the shaft due to the elasticity of the spring. In addition, the sliding member has a contact capable of reaching the inclined plane, wherein the cam on which a force is imposed moves toward the second end so that an elastic potential energy is stored as a result of elastic deformation of the spring and the contact of the sliding member presses the inclined plane to rotate the cam by the spring's resilience.

Abstract: There is provided a foldable electronic apparatus in which first and second casings are pivotally mounted by a bearing portion so as to be freely rotatable and these casings are automatically opened until a predetermined opening angle and then further manually opened. In the electronic apparatus of the present invention, the first and second casings (1), (2) are freely rotatably connected to each other (pivotally mounted) through a bearing portion (3). An opening/closing device (4) for automatically opening the first and second casings (1), (2) until a predetermined opening angle by operating a push button (49) is secured to the bearing portion. The opening/closing device (4) includes a mechanism for opening the casings until a larger opening angle exceeding the predetermined opening angle, and the first and second casings (1), (2) can be manually opened till a larger opening angle.

Abstract: An opening and closing device includes a fixed member, a movable member, a spring and a case. The fixed member is provided at a side with a fixed cam. The movable member is disposed so that it can rotate with respect to the fixed member, and provided at the side opposing to the fixed cam with a movable cam. The spring is for keeping the movable cam and the fixed cam in a state of elastic contact. The case has a substantially round cylindrical shape, and houses these items. There is a guiding mechanism formed between the case and the movable member for supporting the movable member so that it can move in the axis direction, which guiding mechanism is provided with a section of broader width at the end part facing to the fixed member.