WO1993018619A1 - Hinged mechanism for videophone - Google Patents
Hinged mechanism for videophone Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1993018619A1 WO1993018619A1 PCT/GB1993/000518 GB9300518W WO9318619A1 WO 1993018619 A1 WO1993018619 A1 WO 1993018619A1 GB 9300518 W GB9300518 W GB 9300518W WO 9318619 A1 WO9318619 A1 WO 9318619A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- shafts
- hub
- sealing members
- hinge
- videophone
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 241001296096 Probles Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000036316 preload Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/08—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems specially adapted for optional reception of entertainment or informative matter
- H04M11/085—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems specially adapted for optional reception of entertainment or informative matter using a television receiver, e.g. viewdata system
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
- H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
- H04N7/142—Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
- H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
- H04N7/148—Interfacing a video terminal to a particular transmission medium, e.g. ISDN
Definitions
- this invention relates to a hinge mechanism in or for a Videophone of the kind having a body part housing a telephone mechanism and having an audio handset associated therewith- and a hinged lid part housing a video system.
- the body part as well as providing a rest for a telephone handset also incorporates a conventional telephone keypad and may also include a k ⁇ ypad for other functions.
- the lid part contains a LED display and a camera mechanism.
- the LED display is on one side of the lid part so that when the lid is folded on to the housing the LED display is protected and when it is raised the display is able to be seen.
- the camera is incorporated in the lid part to project and view from a position adjacent to the display.
- the videophone housing and lid parts are made from a plastics material such as ABS and the two parts are hinged together.
- This invention is concerned particularly with the mechanism of the hinge since it is important that the video part when moved into a position whereby the display can be seen and the camera operated is maintained in an adjusted position. This is particularly important since the camera angle once set is preferably not altered.
- a hinge mechanism which has a ratchet arrangement whereby the lid part can be moved into one of a number of preset positions and then released therefrom.
- the proble s with this type of mechanism is that the positions are preset and the hinge is not infinitely variable with a fine degree of control. It is essential that the hinge should be such as to provide the facility whereby the lid can be moved relative to the body easily and without undue force and must stay in position once the correct attitude has been reached. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hinged mechanism which has this characteristic.
- a hinged mechanism in or for a videophone of the kind described comprises a hub section on one part and a pair of co-operating stub shafts on the other part, the shafts being accommodated in groves in the hub section and a cover securing the shafts in the hub, the shafts each being provided with an elastomeric sealing member arranged to resist movement of one part relative to the other.
- the sealing rings are preferably '0' rings arranged to provide a firm grip between the two parts and these rings may suitably be of a nitryle rubber material.
- the sealing rings will preferably provide a friction between the two parts.
- Locking means are preferably provided for adjustably securing the parts of the hinge together and these locking means may operate through one of the stub shafts.
- the other of the stub shafts may be provided with through means whereby cabling may be introduced for communication purposes.
- Figure 1 shows an isometric general view of the videophone and Figure 2 shows in detail an exploded view of the hinged mechanism.
- the videophone comprises two parts comprising a base part 1 and a hinged lid part 2.
- the base part has an associated telephone handset 3 resting in the cradle thereon in the manner of a conventional telephone.
- the base also has an alphanumeric keypad 4 and may also have a further keypad 5 for other functions associated, for example with the video unit.
- the two parts are joined by a hinged mechanism 6 as is described in Figure 2.
- the lid part has a display area 7 which is comprised by an LED having a number of elements so that a picture is made up through a plurality of pixels and above the display 7 there is located a video camera 8.
- the lid 2 is hinged up from the base part 1 which it would normally cover when not in use to a position where the screen 7 can be readily seen and where the camera 8 is pointing directly at the caller.
- the videophone apparatus includes a self-view feature, then the caller adjusts the position of the lid part 2 relative to the base 1 such that the camera picks up a picture of the caller and it is displayed on a display area 7 in a position which suits the caller. It is essential that the lid part 2 remains in this position during the call since otherwise the camera 8 would not transmit the wanted image.
- the hinged mechanism 6 being stiff the lid part will stay in the required position.
- the base part 1 has in the centre of its back a hub 12 upstanding which is attached the lid 2 by the hinge of the invention.
- the hinge comprises two stub shafts 14 which project inwardly and which are adapted in use to fit into seatings 15, having '0' rings 16 which fit over the shafts 14 and locate within the seatings 15.
- the hinge has a cover 17 which when the stub shafts are assembled within the hub 6 is fitted over the shafts 14 and is secured thereto by self-tapping screws 18 which are screwed into projections 19 and draw the cover down to preload the rings 16.
- a cable not shown can extend to the video circuitry in the lid 2 via a tubular extension 10 which goes through one of the shafts 14.
- the other shaft 14 is sealed by a hinged end cap 19 which fits over the end of the lid 2 adjacent the hub 12.
- the lid 2 has the wires for the video unit connected to it via tubular extension 10 and the hinge cover 17 is placed on the hub 12 with the '0' rings in position in the grooves 15.
- the screws 18 are tightened to secure the cover to give a sufficient resistance between the parts of the hinge.
- the rings 16 are made of a nitryle rubber impregnated with an interstitial lubricant.
- the material of the base part and the lid part 1, 2 respectively are moulded from ABS.
- the range of frinctional torque which can be achieved by tightening the screws 18 is between 25 grammes and 70 grammes. This is sufficient to retain the normal weighted head or lid 2 in any position to which it is turned.
- the hinge in accordance with the invention is designed to have a life of about 5 years and to operate satisfactorily through 60,000 open and closed cycles. Since the rings 16 are self-lubrieating they do not need any external lubrication to the hinge during its lifetime. The loading on the hinge once it is set should be sufficient to last throughout the life of the 60,000 cycles.
- the invention gives by relying on the slipping between the outside of the rings 16 and the hub and cover grooves 15, an effective hinge mechanism which maintains the lid in a preset position without any risk of the hinge moving while the display is being viewed or the camera is operating the lid.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
- Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
Abstract
A hinge for a videophone includes a pair of stub shafts (14) which have sealing ring (16) fitted to them. The rings rest in grooves (15) in a hub (6) of the hinge and are preloaded by screws (18) pulling a cover (17) onto them. The lid of the videophone is able, due to the preloading, to remain in any attitude to which it is moved.
Description
HINGED MECHANISM FOR VIDEOPHONE
this invention relates to a hinge mechanism in or for a Videophone of the kind having a body part housing a telephone mechanism and having an audio handset associated therewith- and a hinged lid part housing a video system. The body part as well as providing a rest for a telephone handset also incorporates a conventional telephone keypad and may also include a kςypad for other functions. The lid part contains a LED display and a camera mechanism. The LED display is on one side of the lid part so that when the lid is folded on to the housing the LED display is protected and when it is raised the display is able to be seen. The camera is incorporated in the lid part to project and view from a position adjacent to the display. Conventionally the videophone housing and lid parts are made from a plastics material such as ABS and the two parts are hinged together. This invention is concerned particularly with the mechanism of the hinge since it is important that the video part when moved into a position whereby the display can be seen and the camera operated is maintained in an adjusted position. This is particularly important since the camera angle once set is preferably not altered.
It is possible to provide a hinge mechanism which has a ratchet arrangement whereby the lid part can be moved into one of a number of preset positions and then released therefrom. The
proble s with this type of mechanism is that the positions are preset and the hinge is not infinitely variable with a fine degree of control. It is essential that the hinge should be such as to provide the facility whereby the lid can be moved relative to the body easily and without undue force and must stay in position once the correct attitude has been reached. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hinged mechanism which has this characteristic.
According to the present invention a hinged mechanism in or for a videophone of the kind described comprises a hub section on one part and a pair of co-operating stub shafts on the other part, the shafts being accommodated in groves in the hub section and a cover securing the shafts in the hub, the shafts each being provided with an elastomeric sealing member arranged to resist movement of one part relative to the other.
There may be provided means for adjusting the tension on the sealing mechanism so as to make the hinge stiffer or less stiff as required. The sealing rings are preferably '0' rings arranged to provide a firm grip between the two parts and these rings may suitably be of a nitryle rubber material. The sealing rings will preferably provide a friction between the two parts.
Locking means are preferably provided for adjustably securing the parts of the hinge together and these locking means may operate through one of the stub shafts. The other of the stub shafts may be provided with through means whereby cabling may be introduced for communication purposes.
In order that the invention may be readily understood one example of a videophone having a hinged mechanism in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the two figures of the accompanying drawings. In the Figures, Figure 1 shows an isometric general view of the videophone and Figure 2 shows in detail an exploded view of the hinged mechanism.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1 thereof, the videophone comprises two parts comprising a base part 1 and a hinged lid part 2. The base part has an associated telephone handset 3 resting in the cradle thereon in the manner of
a conventional telephone. The base also has an alphanumeric keypad 4 and may also have a further keypad 5 for other functions associated, for example with the video unit. The two parts are joined by a hinged mechanism 6 as is described in Figure 2.
The lid part has a display area 7 which is comprised by an LED having a number of elements so that a picture is made up through a plurality of pixels and above the display 7 there is located a video camera 8. In use the lid 2 is hinged up from the base part 1 which it would normally cover when not in use to a position where the screen 7 can be readily seen and where the camera 8 is pointing directly at the caller. If the videophone apparatus includes a self-view feature, then the caller adjusts the position of the lid part 2 relative to the base 1 such that the camera picks up a picture of the caller and it is displayed on a display area 7 in a position which suits the caller. It is essential that the lid part 2 remains in this position during the call since otherwise the camera 8 would not transmit the wanted image. By virtue of the hinged mechanism 6 being stiff the lid part will stay in the required position.
Referring now to Figure 2 the detail of the hinged mechanism 6 is shown in an exploded view. The base part 1 has in the centre of its back a hub 12 upstanding which is attached the lid 2 by the hinge of the invention. The hinge comprises two stub shafts 14 which project inwardly and which are adapted in use to fit into seatings 15, having '0' rings 16 which fit over the shafts 14 and locate within the seatings 15. The hinge has a cover 17 which when the stub shafts are assembled within the hub 6 is fitted over the shafts 14 and is secured thereto by self-tapping screws 18 which are screwed into projections 19 and draw the cover down to preload the rings 16. A cable not shown can extend to the video circuitry in the lid 2 via a tubular extension 10 which goes through one of the shafts 14. The other shaft 14 is sealed by a hinged end cap 19 which fits over the end of the lid 2 adjacent the hub 12.
In use the lid 2 has the wires for the video unit connected to it via tubular extension 10 and the hinge cover 17 is
placed on the hub 12 with the '0' rings in position in the grooves 15. The screws 18 are tightened to secure the cover to give a sufficient resistance between the parts of the hinge. The rings 16 are made of a nitryle rubber impregnated with an interstitial lubricant. The material of the base part and the lid part 1, 2 respectively are moulded from ABS. The range of frinctional torque which can be achieved by tightening the screws 18 is between 25 grammes and 70 grammes. This is sufficient to retain the normal weighted head or lid 2 in any position to which it is turned. The hinge in accordance with the invention is designed to have a life of about 5 years and to operate satisfactorily through 60,000 open and closed cycles. Since the rings 16 are self-lubrieating they do not need any external lubrication to the hinge during its lifetime. The loading on the hinge once it is set should be sufficient to last throughout the life of the 60,000 cycles.
It would thus be appreciated that the invention gives by relying on the slipping between the outside of the rings 16 and the hub and cover grooves 15, an effective hinge mechanism which maintains the lid in a preset position without any risk of the hinge moving while the display is being viewed or the camera is operating the lid.
If necessary two hinges in accordance with the invention could be provided if a heavier lid part was operated off the base.
Claims
1. A hinged mechanism in or for a videophone of the kind having a body part having a telephone mechanism and having an audio handset associated therewith, and a hinged lid part having a video system, in which the mechanism comprises a hub section on one part and a pair of co-operating stub shafts on the other part, the shafts being accommodated in grooves in the hub section and a cover securing the shafts in the hub, the shafts each being provided with an elastomeric sealing member arranged to resist movement of one part relative to the other.
2. A mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 and including means for adjusting the torque on the sealing members.
3. A mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the sealing members are '0' rings arranged to provide a friction grip between the two parts.
4. A mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sealing members are made of a nitryle rubber material.
5. A mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a hub portion of the body part has grooves therein for receiving the sealing members and the sealing members are a resistance grip with the material of the hub portion.
6. A mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim and including adjustable means for adjusting the grip between the sealing members and other parts of the hinge.
7. A mechanism as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the means comprise screws projecting from the hub into a cover member forming part of the lid part.
8. A mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least one of the stub shafts is hollow for the through passage of cables.
9. A mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim and including an end cap for one of the stub shafts.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9205580.5 | 1992-03-13 | ||
| GB929205580A GB9205580D0 (en) | 1992-03-13 | 1992-03-13 | Videophone |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1993018619A1 true WO1993018619A1 (en) | 1993-09-16 |
Family
ID=10712126
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB1993/000517 WO1993018607A1 (en) | 1992-03-13 | 1993-03-12 | Improvements relating to video telephony |
| PCT/GB1993/000518 WO1993018619A1 (en) | 1992-03-13 | 1993-03-12 | Hinged mechanism for videophone |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB1993/000517 WO1993018607A1 (en) | 1992-03-13 | 1993-03-12 | Improvements relating to video telephony |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB9205580D0 (en) |
| WO (2) | WO1993018607A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7792555B2 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2010-09-07 | Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. | Hinge device and portable electronic apparatus |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9323223D0 (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 1994-01-05 | Visual Technologies Ltd | Voice and image telecommunications apparatus |
| WO1996003837A1 (en) * | 1994-07-25 | 1996-02-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Videophone communication connection and control process |
| DE19723678A1 (en) * | 1997-06-05 | 1998-12-10 | Siemens Ag | Data communication method with reduced content based on sign language |
| AU2584999A (en) * | 1998-02-05 | 1999-08-23 | Gateway 2000, Inc. | High-quality audio signals via telephone line |
| CN1402521A (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2003-03-12 | 陆黛丽 | Universal communication system |
| KR100901031B1 (en) * | 2002-11-28 | 2009-06-04 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Packetization Method of Video Telephone System |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4258387A (en) * | 1979-10-17 | 1981-03-24 | Lemelson Jerome H | Video telephone |
| EP0309341A1 (en) * | 1987-09-25 | 1989-03-29 | France Telecom | Terminal for audiovisual communication, especially a video phone having a housing with a hinge joint |
| EP0310477A1 (en) * | 1987-09-25 | 1989-04-05 | Jacques Guichard | Terminal for visual and sound communication fitted with a booster illumination device |
| US4856045A (en) * | 1987-09-08 | 1989-08-08 | Nec Corporation | Display terminal for a videophone |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2621767A1 (en) * | 1987-10-12 | 1989-04-14 | Guichard Jacques | SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING IMAGE AND SOUND |
| US5033062A (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1991-07-16 | Morrow Stephen E | Digital modem |
-
1992
- 1992-03-13 GB GB929205580A patent/GB9205580D0/en active Pending
-
1993
- 1993-03-12 WO PCT/GB1993/000517 patent/WO1993018607A1/en active Application Filing
- 1993-03-12 WO PCT/GB1993/000518 patent/WO1993018619A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4258387A (en) * | 1979-10-17 | 1981-03-24 | Lemelson Jerome H | Video telephone |
| US4856045A (en) * | 1987-09-08 | 1989-08-08 | Nec Corporation | Display terminal for a videophone |
| EP0309341A1 (en) * | 1987-09-25 | 1989-03-29 | France Telecom | Terminal for audiovisual communication, especially a video phone having a housing with a hinge joint |
| EP0310477A1 (en) * | 1987-09-25 | 1989-04-05 | Jacques Guichard | Terminal for visual and sound communication fitted with a booster illumination device |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
| Title |
|---|
| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 16, no. 124 (E-1183)30 March 1992 * |
| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 17, no. 57 (E-1315)4 February 1993 * |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7792555B2 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2010-09-07 | Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. | Hinge device and portable electronic apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9205580D0 (en) | 1992-04-29 |
| WO1993018607A1 (en) | 1993-09-16 |
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