Hinge structure incorporated with a rotary actuator

Abstract

In a hinge structure suitable for use in a foldable mobile phone, the initial unfolding action is effected by converting a pushing stroke of an operating member into a rotational movement of the hinge by using a cam/cam follower mechanism. Thereby, an unexpected reaction force resulting from the inertia force acting between the two parts that are to be unfolded relative to each other can be avoided, and a favorable unfolding action without a shock can be achieved. In particular, it may be arranged such that the hinge is normally urged in the unfolding direction while a clutch is kept engaged to retain the hinge in the fully folded state, and that the hinge is resiliently driven in the unfolding direction by pushing the operating member and thereby disengaging the clutch.