KR20090117100A - Slide assembly for opening and closing portable communications terminals - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A slide assembly for slidably opening/closing a portable communication terminal is provided to make a protrusion of at least one protruded portion guide the relative slide movement between the first and second slider members. CONSTITUTION: The second slider member(104) is combined with the first slider member(102) so as to be slidable. At least one protruded portion(118A,118B) is arranged along the first slider member. At least one protrusion(120A, 120B) is combined with the protruded portion. The protrusion is arranged along the second slider member so as to be parallel to the slide moving direction of the first slider member. The combination of the protruded portion and protrusion guides the relative slide movement between the first and second slider members.

Description

SLIDE ASSEMBLY FOR OPENING AND CLOSING PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS TERMINALS}

The present invention relates to a portable communication terminal, such as a handheld wireless communication terminal. More specifically, the present invention relates to a slide assembly for slidably opening and closing a portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone with a digital camera.

Portable wireless communication terminals (eg, mobile phones with digital cameras, etc.) are becoming more and more popular. In addition to the increasing popularity, the individual preferences and tastes of users related to the function and operation of the device are also increasing, such as the number of users and various user preferences regarding the manner of opening and closing the device.

To meet the needs of these users, various types of portable communication terminals have been developed, such as bar type, flip type, flip-up type, and folder type. Among these types, the folder type is widely used. The folder type terminal has a space sufficient to accommodate a wide LCD display module while being folded for good portability into a compact state.

Also, a slider type terminal has been introduced. The slider type terminal may be equipped with an LCD display module having a size similar to that of an LCD display module normally provided in a folder type terminal. The slide assembly may contribute to the size reduction or miniaturization of the portable communication terminal into which it is incorporated. Conventional slider-type terminals have a sub-body or cover that can be slidably opened and closed on the main body.

As an example, an exploded perspective view of a conventional slide assembly for a portable communication terminal is shown in FIG. As shown, the first body 10 and the second body 20 are mutually coupled to slide back and forth along each other, relative to each other or relative to each other. The first body 10 and the second body 20 are fixedly coupled to the torsion springs 31a and 31b. The second body 20 is configured to be opened and closed automatically by the elasticity of the torsion springs 31a and 31b. Thus, the conventional slide assembly shown in FIG. 1 provides a two-stage sliding structure in which space for added keys or buttons is limited. Also, if the second body 20 is slidably moved relative to the first body 10, the torsion springs 31a and 31b may be moved between the first body 10 and the second body 20. Because it is located, the torsion springs 31a and 31b are exposed to the outside.

Exemplary embodiments of a slide assembly for slidably opening and closing a portable communication terminal are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the slide assembly has first and second slider members slidably coupled to each other. At least one protrusion is disposed along the first slider member parallel to the slide movement direction of the first slider member relative to the second slider member. At least one protrusion is disposed along the second slider member parallel to the slide movement direction of the first slider member relative to the second slider member. The at least one protrusion is coupled to the at least one protrusion to guide the relative slide movement between the first and second slider members to guide the first slide member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slide movement relative to the second slider member. And relative movement between the second slider members.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a slide assembly for opening and closing a portable communication terminal having a first body and a second body. In this exemplary embodiment, the slide assembly has a first slider member engageable with the first body and a second slider member engageable with the second body. The first slider member has opposing first and second side surfaces. The second slider member is disposed along the second side of the first slider member. At least one bias device is disposed on the first side of the first slider member such that the at least one bias device is not disposed between the first and second slider members.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a portable communication terminal having a first and a second body. In one exemplary embodiment, the portable communication terminal includes a slide assembly for slidably coupling the first body to the second body and opening and closing the portable communication terminal. The slide assembly has first and second slider members. The first slider member has opposing first and second side surfaces. The second slider member is slidably coupled to the first slider member. The second slider member is disposed along the second side of the first slider member. The spaced first and second protrusions are disposed along the first slider member parallel to the direction of slide movement with respect to the second slider member of the first slider member. The spaced first and second protrusions are disposed along the second slider member parallel to the direction of slide movement with respect to the second slider member of the first slider member. The spaced first and second protrusions are coupled between the spaced first and second protrusions. The first and second springs are disposed on the first side of the first slider member such that the first and second springs are not disposed between the first and second slider members. The contact between the first protrusion and the first protrusion prevents relative movement between the first and second slider members in a first direction perpendicular to the slide movement direction with respect to the second slider member of the first slider member. The first and second slider members in a second direction (direction opposite to the first direction) in which the contact between the second protrusion and the second protrusion is perpendicular to the slide movement direction with respect to the second slider member of the first slider member. Prevent relative movement between.

Other areas of application will be apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a slide assembly for opening and closing the portable communication terminal of the present invention. The following description is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the invention, its application or use. In the figures, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements and features.

2 is an exploded perspective view showing a slide mechanism or slide assembly 100 for opening and closing a portable communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the slide assembly 100 has a first member or base 102 formed of a suitable material, such as metal, plastic, composite, and the like. Slide assembly 100 also includes a second member or body 104 formed of a suitable material, such as, for example, metal, plastic, composite materials, and the like.

The slide assembly 100 can be used in a wide range of electronic devices such as slider type portable communication terminals. As an example, the slide assembly 100 may be used in a slider type portable communication terminal having a display supported or mounted to the first body and a keypad supported or mounted to the second body. The display and keypad give the user the ability to perform various functions (eg, transmit or receive). In this example, the first body may be disposed above and in front of the second body such that the first body may also be referred to as the upper and front bodies, and the second body may be referred to as the lower and rear bodies. The second body of the portable communication terminal can be slidably moved relative to the first body to open the portable communication terminal to expose the keypad for user access. To open and close the terminal, the user can slide the second body while holding the first body stationary. Alternatively, the user may slide the first body while holding the second body stationary. As another example, the user may move both the first and second bodies relative to each other. Therefore, particular ways and examples in which the user selects to slidably move one body of the portable communication terminal relative to the other body of the terminal are not considered to limit the scope of the present invention.

In various embodiments, the slider base 102 may be an integral part of the first body of the portable communication terminal. Or, for example, the slider base 102 may be a separate component attached to or coupled to the first body of the portable communication terminal. Likewise, the slider member 104 may be an integral part of the second body of the portable communication terminal, or may be a separate component attached to or coupled to the second body of the portable communication terminal.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the slide assembly 100 is operatively connected to the other side of the slider base 102 opposite one side of the slider base 102 on which the slider member 104 is disposed. First and second bias members 106A, 106B (eg, disposed thereon). Slider base 102 and slide member 104 may comprise first and second bodies or portions of slider-type portable communication terminals (e.g., first and second bodies 344, of portable communication terminals shown in FIGS. 10-15). 348), respectively, by various techniques such as mechanical fasteners (eg, screw fasteners, etc.), snap inserts, adhesive bonding, welding, and the like.

The first and second bias members 106A, 106B are positioned on the other side of the slider member 102 opposite to one side of the slider member 102 on which the slider member 104 is disposed. Since 106A and 106B are not disposed directly between the slider members 102 and 104, the first and second bias members 106A and 106B are lower bodies (eg, body 344 of terminal 340, etc.). It is concealed below so that the slider base 102 and the slide member 104 are not exposed to the outside or are invisible even when they are slidably moved relative to each other in the open position. Thus, regardless of the position of the portable communication terminal (eg, open position, partial open position, closed position), the first and second bias members 106A and 106B are not exposed to the outside or are invisible to the user of the portable communication terminal. do. In an alternative embodiment, two or more bias members (eg, configured differently in shape, size, position, etc.) may be provided unlike the first and second bias members 106A and 106B shown in the drawings.

In particular shown embodiments, the slide assembly 100 has two springs, ie, the first and second bias members 106A, 106B to help control the sliding action of the slider member 104 on the slider base 102. ). As shown in FIG. 2, there is a first bias member 106A (shown on the left in FIG. 2) and a second bias member 106B (shown on the right in FIG. 2). The first and second bias members 106A, 106B may have first ends 107A, 107B connected to the slide member 102 by corresponding rotation supports 110A, 110B. The first and second bias members 106A, 106B are also connected to the guide portion of the slider member 104 or the corresponding one of the guide tabs 108A, 108B by corresponding rotation supports 112A, 112B. It may have ends 109A and 109B. Guide tabs 108A, 108B are disposed along the lateral sides (left and right in FIG. 2) of slider member 104. Each guide tab 108A, 108B wraps a corresponding one of the lateral edges of the slider member 102. In order to achieve a smoother sliding action and reduced thickness of the slide assembly 100, the first and second bias members 106A, 106B (or other bias members) are applied to the slide member 102 of the slider member 104. The first and second bias members 106A and 106B are configured not to overlap (eg, shape, size, position, connection, etc.) during the slide movement.

As described above, the ends 107, 109 of the first and second bias members 106 are rotatably supported on the slider base 102 and the slider member 104 by the rotational supports 110, 112. have. In this exemplary embodiment, the rotational support 110 includes a rivet having a portion that is engaged within the corresponding open or looped end 107 of the first and second bias members 106A, 106B. . The rotation support 112 also includes rivets having portions engaged in the corresponding open or looped ends 107 of the first and second bias members 106A, 106B. The rivets of the rotary support 112 are disposed in corresponding grooves or slots formed by the guide portions or guide tabs 108A, 108B. As an example, the ends 107A, 107B, 109A, 109B of the first and second bias members 106A, 106B wrap rivets. In addition, each rivet is substantially equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional thickness of each of the first and second bias members 106A and 106B to enable a reduction in the overall thickness of the portable communication terminal in which the slide assembly 100 can be used. May have a height.

In this exemplary embodiment, two bias members are shown. In other embodiments, more than two or less bias members may be used. For example, in another embodiment, one bias member may be provided to achieve the actions and effects of the two bias members 106 shown.

3A, 3B and 3C, in particular this embodiment includes bias members 106A, 106B in the form of zigzag springs. 3A, 3B and 3C show the first and first in the form of a zigzag spring when the slide assembly 100 and the portable communication terminal are in the closed state (FIG. 3A), during opening (FIG. 3B) and in the open state (FIG. 3C). 2 bias members 106A and 106B are shown in order. When the portable communication terminal is fully closed and the slide assembly 100 remains in its initial state (FIGS. 4, 5 and 6), each of the zigzag spring shaped first and second bias members 106A, 106B As shown in Fig. 3A, they remain intact.

As shown in FIG. 3A, each of the zigzag spring-type bias members 106A and 106B may have first zigzag portions 111A and 111B at the center of the spring and second zigzag portions 113A and 113B at both sides thereof. have. The first and second zigzag portions 111A, 111B, 113A, and 113B may be configured to lie on the same plane with different stress distributions. That is, the first and second zigzag portions 111A, 111B, 113A, and 113B may be configured to have different spring characteristics such as different bending angles, different spring coefficients, different zigzag pitches, and the like. Preferably, the first zigzag portions 111A and 111B may have a larger pitch than the second zigzag portions 113A and 113B. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first and second bias members 106A and 106B in the form of zigzag springs are formed to have an approximately 'M' shape, but are not limited thereto. As mentioned above, the zigzag spring shaped first and second bias members 106A, 106B are symmetrically installed on opposite sides of the slider base 102 as shown in FIG. And reduce the zigzag spring force in a direction perpendicular to the relative slide movement between and the slider base 102. In the slide movement direction during the slide operation, each of the first and second zigzag portions 111A, 111B, 113A, and 113B have different size and distribution stresses to allow smooth sliding of the slide assembly and open before or after the slide operation. And other roles to keep it in place in the closed state. In addition, the first and second bias members 106A, 106B themselves in the form of zigzag springs, and their non-overlapping installations in the exemplary embodiment, may include the slide assembly 100 and a portable communication terminal 340 using the slide assembly. It is possible to reduce the thickness of the thin film and to make the overall thickness thinner.

In the example shown, each first zigzag portion 111A, 111B lies between two second zigzag portions 113A, 113B. As a variant, the first and second zigzag portions 111 and 113 may be combined in various ways depending on the application thereof. For example, in another embodiment, one or more zig-zag springs having one first zig-zag portion and one second zig-zag portion may be provided.

In addition, the zigzag spring shaped first and second bias members 106A, 106B may have generally circular, elliptical or rectangular cross sections, or other polygonal cross sections. That is, the cross section of the spring can be configured in various ways to provide various elasticities to generate different elastic forces. For example, one or more zigzag springs of elliptical cross section may be applied to reduce the thickness of the slide assembly while having substantially the same effect as zigzag springs of circular cross section. In addition, the first and second zigzag portions of the zigzag spring may have different spring characteristics. To provide different spring characteristics, for example, in some embodiments, the zig-zag spring may have a first zig-zag portion of a cross-sectional shape that is different from the cross-sectional shape of the second zig-zag portion. As one example, in some embodiments, the first zigzag portion may have a rectangular or elliptical cross section and the second zigzag portion may have a circular cross section.

In order to achieve smooth sliding between the slider base 102 and the slider member 104, the slider member 104 has a guide or channel member formed along the lateral sides of the slider member 104 (left and right in FIG. 2). 114A and 114B may be provided. Guides 114A and 114B extend parallel to the direction of relative slide movement between slider base 102 and slider member 104. Slider base 102 is a transverse edge 116A disposed parallel to the direction of relative slide movement between slide base 102 and slide member 104 as shown in plan view of slide assembly 100 of FIG. 6. 116B). Each guide 114A, 114B of the slider member 104 is slidably coupled to the corresponding edges 116A, 116B of the slider base 102 to prevent release or detachment. In other embodiments, the slider base 102 may have a guide or channel member slidably coupled to the corresponding edge of the slider member 104. Other arrangements and configurations may also be made to allow relative sliding of the slider base 102 and the slider member 104. For example, slider base 102 may be provided with one or more guide or channel members configured to slidably receive one or more edges or rails of slider member 104. As another variant, the slider base 102 or the slide member 104 may be provided with a bar-shaped sliding guide member, and the slider base 102 and the slider member to be slidably inserted into the bar-shaped guide member. A guide ring or guide hole may be formed in the other one of the 104.

In addition, the inside of the guides 114A, 114B and the outside of the edges 116A, 116B may be reinforced with plastic or other suitable rigid reinforcement material. In some embodiments, guides 114A and 114B and edges 116A and 116 may be formed of plastic or other suitable rigid material to provide improved durability of slide assembly 100. This can extend the service life of the portable communication terminal employing this slide assembly.

The typical operation of the first and second bias members 106A, 106B in the form of a zigzag spring is described. When the user attempts to open the portable communication terminal with the slide assembly 100, for example by sliding the slider base 102 downward relative to the slider member 104, the zigzag spring 106 begins to be compressed. Thus, the second zigzag portions 113A and 113B are compressed so that the central first zigzag portions 111A and 111B (i.e., the 'M-shaped portion' in this exemplary embodiment) are compressed. As the slider base 102 slides further downward relative to the slider member 104, the first and second bias members 106A, 106B in the form of zigzag springs are balanced in opening and closing force as shown in FIG. 3B. Reach the transition point Slightly beyond the transition point, the slider base 102 automatically slides down to reach the open position by the elasticity of the first and second bias members 106A, 106B in the form of zigzag springs. That is, the portable communication terminal can automatically and completely open or close after the transition point without further force on the user.

When the slider base 102 slightly exceeds the transition point of FIG. 3B, the first and second bias members 106 in the form of zigzag springs are mainly composed of the central first zigzag portions 111A, 111B (ie, in this embodiment). 'M-shaped portion') allows the slider base 102 and the slider member 104 to be strongly returned to their original state so as to be slidably away from each other. In other words, the slider base 102 reaches the open position. In the open position, the first and second bias members 106A, 106B in the form of zigzag springs return to their original state shown in Fig. 3C, which is the same state as shown in Fig. 3A. However, the orientations of the two first and second bias members 106A, 106B are different relative to the slider base 102 and the slider member 104. By the force of the first and second bias members 106A, 106B, the sliding action can be completed relatively quickly after the transition point of FIG. 3C.

Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 6, the slider base 102 extends along the slider base 102 in a direction parallel to the direction of the slide movement between the slider base 102 and the slider member 104. Protrusions 118A and 118B are formed. In this exemplary embodiment, the slider base 102 has an intermediate step with an inner surfaced wall defining spaced first and second protrusions 118A, 118B. Slider member 104 has one or more protrusions 120A, 120B configured to be coupled and received between spaced apart protrusions 118A, 118B as shown in FIG. Each protrusion 120A, 120B is configured to contact one side of the corresponding protrusion 118A, 118B as shown in FIG. Therefore, protrusion 120A engages protrusion 118A and protrusion 120B engages protrusion 118B to guide relative slide movement of slider base 102 and slider member 104. The guide feature provided by the engagement of the protrusions 118A, 118B and the protrusions 120A, 120B prevents the movement of the slider member 104 with respect to the slider base 102 in the direction perpendicular to the slide direction.

In other embodiments, one or more protrusions may be provided on the slider member and one or more protrusions may be provided on the slider base. In yet another embodiment, the slider base may have one or more complementary protrusions or protrusions, with a combination of one or more protrusions and one or more protrusions.

In addition, the size, shape or number of protrusions may vary depending upon the particular application of the slide assembly 100. For example, the protrusions may be formed closer or farther to the edges 116A, 116B of the slider base 102. In another example, the slider base may form two or more protrusions. The size, shape and number of protrusions may vary in other embodiments. The protrusions and protrusions can effectively guide the relative slide movement of the slider base and the slider member.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the slider base 102 forms a window or opening 122 and the slide member 104 has a window or opening 124. The windows 122, 124 are used by sliding the body or portion of the camera lens coupled to the slider base 102 of the portable communication terminal against another body or portion coupled to the slider member 340 of the portable communication terminal. It is formed by the slider base 102 and the slider member 104 to open and expose for the sake of brevity. The camera lens (e.g., lens 364 shown in FIG. 15, etc.) may be hidden and protected by a portion of the portable communication terminal when the slide assembly 100 is in the closed position. The camera lens may be open and exposed for use when the slide assembly 100 is in the open position. The size, shape, position and number of windows and openings formed by one or more of the slider base and slider member may vary in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, generally circular, elliptical, triangular or polygonal shaped windows may be formed by one or both of the slide base and slider member.

7-9 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the slide assembly is disposed between the first body or member 244 and the second body or member 248 of the portable communication terminal (eg, terminal 340 shown in FIG. 10, etc.). The second body 248 has an opening 249 (FIG. 9).

The second body 248 is slidably coupled to the rail 253 (FIG. 9) by the slider member 251 (and its tab 261) so that the third body or member 250 (FIGS. 7 and 8) Is slidably coupled thereto, the rail 253 is located at least partially within the second body 248 and adjacent to it in the opening 249. In this illustrated embodiment, the rail 251 ) Is formed along one side of the opening 249.

The slider member 251 may be coupled to or integrally formed with the third body 250. The rail 253 may be coupled to or integrally formed with the second body 248. In some embodiments, mechanical fasteners (eg, screw fasteners, etc.), snaps to couple the slider member 251 to the third body 250 and / or to couple the rail 253 to the second body 248. Various techniques may be employed, such as formula insertion, adhesive bonding, welding, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the slider member 251 and the rail 253 allow the third body 250 to slidably move relative to the second body 248. FIG. 7 shows a closed position where a third body 250 is disposed over and covering the lens 264 of the Chemera. 8 shows an open position where the lens 264 of the camera is open and exposed for use.

In the illustrated embodiment, a stop member or movement preventing device is also provided to limit or prevent relative slide movement between the second and third bodies 248 and 250. In this example, the slider member 251 has first and second recesses or notches 255, 257 configured to engage the stop member or the movement preventing member 259. The member 259 may be made of an elastic material or other suitable material. The first notch 255 is coupled to the member 259 when the third body 250 is positioned over the camera lens 264 as shown in FIG. 7. The second notch 257 is positioned in the member 259 when the third body 250 is positioned as shown in FIG. 8 so that the camera lens 264 is not covered or hidden by the third body 250. Combined. In this way, the engagement of the members 259 to the corresponding notches 255 and 257 maintains the relative positions of the bodies 248 and 250 in the corresponding closed position (FIG. 7) or open position (FIG. 8). . Therefore, the third body 250 may be positioned to protect the camera lens 264 (FIG. 7) and then slidably positioned to expose the camera lens 264 (FIG. 8) for the user to shoot with the camera. And vice versa.

In other embodiments, other recesses or notches may be provided to engage the stop member or anti-movement member in various fully or partially open positions and closed positions, ie, any relative position relative to the third body of the second body. . In other embodiments, the slider member may have two or more or less notches. For example, a third recess or notch may be provided for engaging the stop / movement member in the second open position. In such embodiments, the slider member (and the third body coupled thereto) may be oriented in one direction (eg, downward in FIGS. 8 and 15, etc.) from the closed position (eg, in FIGS. 7, 13, etc.) with respect to the second body. It may be slidably moved to the second open position in the first open position and also in the opposite second direction (eg, upward in FIG. 14). In this way, the camera lens of the portable communication terminal can be protected in the closed position (eg, FIG. 7, FIG. 13, etc.) and also in the second open position (eg, FIG. 14), but in the first open position (eg, FIG. 15, etc.) for use. Similarly, a keypad (eg, keypad 360 shown in FIG. 12, etc.) may be protected or hidden in the closed position (eg, FIGS. 7, 13, etc.) and the first open position (eg, FIGS. 8, 15). However, it may be exposed for use in a second open position (eg, FIG. 14, etc.). In other embodiments, other combinations for slide movement in the same or different directions may be employed to protect, expose, or hide other components of the portable communication terminal.

As shown in FIGS. 7 through 9, the slider member 251 is formed independently of the bodies 248 and 250. In other embodiments, the slider member may be integrally formed with the body 248 or the body 250 or other components of the portable communication terminal.

When assembled into a portable communication terminal (eg, the terminal 340 shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, etc.), the slider member 251 may include the second body 248 and the third body 250 (FIGS. 7 and 8). Shown as dashed lines) are coupled to the third body 250 to be adjacent and slidably coupled. As shown in FIG. 9, the slider member 251 has a tab 261 extending through the opening 249 to engage the rail 253 on the opposite side of the second body 248. The combination of the tab 261 and the rail 253 prevents the third body 250 from forming or expanding a gap between the bodies 248 and 250 when the third body 250 is slidably moved relative to the second body 248. can do. In this exemplary embodiment, the fit between the bodies 248 and 250 does not depend on an elastic member that may lose elasticity over time as the number of slide movements increases over the service life of the slide assembly. Therefore, the fit between the bodies 248 and 250 can remain relatively constant over the service life of the portable communication terminal having the slide assembly disclosed herein.

In other embodiments of the present invention, different sizes, shapes, numbers, types of openings or rails may be employed to engage the tabs provided in the slider member. In addition, tabs of different sizes, shapes, numbers, or types may be employed in the slider member according to another embodiment of the present invention. The tab may be integrally formed with the slider member or may be a separate element attached to the slider member.

As an example, FIGS. 10-15 illustrate a portable communication terminal 340 in which embodiments of the slide assembly may be used. The portable communication terminal 340 may include one or more components (eg, slider member 102) similar to the components of the slide assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 or those shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. 104, a slider member 251, a rail 253, a stop member or a movement preventing member 259, and the like. In alternative embodiments, slide assemblies or components other than those shown in the figures may be provided.

10-15, the portable communication terminal 340 includes a first upper body or member 344, a second central body or member 348, and a third lower body or member 350. In this example, the first upper body 344 and the second central body 348 are slide assemblies 100 (FIG. 2, FIG. 2) to be slidably moved relative to each other as shown in comparison to FIGS. 10 and 11. 4 and 6) slidably coupled to each other. The second central body 348 and the third lower body 350 can be slidably moved relative to each other as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 13 to 15 of the slide assembly shown in FIGS. The slider members 251 and 253, the rail 253, and the movement preventing member 259 (Fig. 7) can be slidably coupled to each other.

Display 352 (eg, a liquid crystal display screen, etc.) is supported by or positioned on first upper body 344. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively, terminal 340 also includes first and second keypads 356 and 360. The first keypad 356 is supported by or located above the second central body 348. The second keypad 360 is supported by or positioned on the third lower body 350. The display 352 and keypads 356 and 360 may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (not shown) that is installed or accommodated in the terminal 340 (eg, contained within the central body 348). Therefore, the display 352 and the keypads 356, 360 enable the user to interface with the portable communication terminal 340 to perform various functions of the portable communication terminal 340. Portable communication terminal 340 may also include a camera having lens 364 (FIG. 15). The camera may be installed inside the terminal or received (eg, received inside the central body 348).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first keypad 356 (FIG. 11) is configured to have an alphabetic “QWERTY” keypad. The second keypad 360 (FIG. 12) is configured to have an Arabic numeric keypad with a symbol (#) and an asterisk (*) with numbers from 0 to 9.

11 shows that the second central body 348 slidably moves relative to the first upper body 344 so that the first keypad 356 is no longer hidden under the first upper body 34 (downward in FIG. 11). Shows the terminal 340 in its open position. Therefore, the first keypad 356 is exposed and accessible to the user. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the second keypad 360 is controlled by one or more of the first upper body 344 and the second central body 348 such that the second keypad 360 is not accessible to the user. It is covered and hidden under it.

12 and 14 show that the third lower body 350 is relative to the first upper body 344 and the second center body 348 so that the second keypad 360 is no longer hidden and is accessible to the user. The terminal 340 is shown in another open position after being slidably moved. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the first keypad 356 is covered by and hidden below the first upper body 344 such that the first keypad 356 is not accessible to the user.

The portable communication terminal 340 also opens the portable communication terminal 340 to expose the keypad 356 (FIG. 11), the keypad 360 (FIGS. 12 and 14) or the camera lens 364 (FIG. 15). Display 352 may be configured to turn on when. Display 352 is closed when terminal 340 is closed such that neither keypad 356 or keypad 360 or camera lens 364 is exposed as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13 (FIGS. 10 and 13). Can be turned off).

With continued reference to FIG. 15, another open position of the portable communication terminal 340 with the lens 364 of the camera open and exposed is shown. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 15 with FIG. 14, the camera lens 364 is directed to the third lower body 350 relative to the first and second bodies 344, 348 in a direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 14. It can be opened and exposed by sliding. Therefore, the third lower body 350 exposes the second keypad 360 in the first direction (upward in FIG. 14) and also exposes the second keypad in the opposite second direction (downward in FIG. 15). It can be slidably moved relative to other bodies 344, 348. With the camera lens 364 exposed, the user can use the camera for shooting, for example, by manipulating a button or key 368 (FIG. 10) supported or disposed by the first body 344. have. The lens 364 of the camera may move the third lower body 350 to other bodies 344, such that a portion of the third lower body 350 is positioned above the camera lens 364 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. 348 can be protected against debris (eg, dust, dirt, debris, etc.).

10-15 illustrate an example of a portable communication terminal in which various aspects of the present invention may be incorporated. However, since embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated into other electronic devices such as other mobile phones, e-mail devices, and the like, various aspects of the present invention are not limited to being used only for this portable communication terminal 340. In other embodiments, other combinations of slide movements in the same or different directions may be employed to protect, expose, or hide other components provided in one or both of the upper or lower body of the portable communication terminal.

Although not shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, the portable communication terminal 340 may include the slide mechanism 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6. In such exemplary embodiments, the first upper slider member 102 (FIG. 2) of the slide assembly 100 may be coupled to the first upper body 344 (FIG. 10) of the portable communication terminal 340. The second central body 348 of the portable communication terminal 340 is a relative slide between the first and second bodies 344, 348 of the portable communication terminal 340, as can be seen in FIG. It may be coupled to the second lower slider member 104 to allow opening and closing movement.

As noted above, the slider member 104 may have guides or tabs 108a and 108B that wrap around the lateral edge of the other slider member 102 along its lateral side. The first and second bias members 106 may be disposed on the other side opposite to one side of the slider member 102 on which the slider member 104 is disposed. The first and second bias members 106A, 106B may have first ends 107A, 107B connected to the slider member 102 by corresponding rotation supports 110A, 110B. The first and second bias members 106A, 106B are also connected to the corresponding one of the guide portions 108A, 108B of the slider member 104 by corresponding rotation supports 112A, 112B. 109B). In this exemplary embodiment, the first and second bias members 106A and 106B are not located directly between the slider members 102 and 104, but are located along the other side of the slider member 102, and thus, the first and second bias members. The bias members 106A and 106B remain hidden even when the slider members 102 and 104 are slidably moved to an open position with respect to each other and are not exposed or visible to the outside. However, in other embodiments, portable communication terminal 340 may be provided with other slide assemblies to allow various slide opening and closing movements of the first, second and third bodies 344, 348, 350.

Some terms herein are used for reference purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as "upper", "lower", "up", "down", "upper", "upper" and "lower" refer to the directions referenced in the drawings. Terms such as “front”, “rear” and “side” describe the orientation of a portion of a component within an arbitrary or consistent framework that becomes apparent with reference to the text and associated drawings that describe the associated component. Such terms may include words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and analogues. Likewise, terms such as "first", "second", and other ordinal terms referring to a structure do not imply order or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

In introducing elements, features, and example embodiments, a modifier such as “above” means that there are one or more such elements or features. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features in addition to those specifically mentioned. It should be further understood that the method steps, processes and actions described herein are not to be inferred that they must be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated unless specifically identified as the order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

The description of the invention is illustrative only and variations which do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such modifications should not be considered outside the scope of the present invention.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional slider assembly for a portable communication terminal.

2 is an exploded perspective view showing a slider assembly for opening and closing a portable communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3A, 3B and 3C show exemplary springs that may be used in the slider assembly shown in FIG. 2, respectively showing the springs in the closed state, during the opening and in the open state of the terminal.

4 is a front view of the slider assembly shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the slider assembly shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

6 is a plan view of the slider assembly shown in FIG.

7 is an internal perspective view of a portion of a portable communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which the body (shown in broken lines) is slidably moved to the closed position to cover the lens of the camera.

8 is another perspective view of the portable communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 with the body slidably moved to an open position to expose the camera lens.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the portable communication terminal shown in FIG. 8 and shows a tab extending through an opening of another body of the portable communication terminal.

10 is a perspective view of a portable communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closed state, which may include the slider assembly shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portable communication terminal shown in FIG. 10 in an open state in which an alphabetic QWERTY keypad is exposed and accessible to a user.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portable communication terminal shown in FIG. 10 with an Arabic numeric keypad exposed and accessible to a user.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the portable communication terminal shown in FIG. 10 in a closed state.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the portable communication terminal shown in FIG. 12 in an open state, showing the bottom of the lower body or member supporting the Arabic numeral keypad. FIG.

15 is a rear perspective view of the portable communication terminal shown in FIG. 14 with the lower body or member shown after being slidably moved in the opposite direction to open and expose the lens of the camera.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: slide assembly

102: first body

104: second body

106A and 106B: first and second bias members

107A, 107B: first end

108A, 108B: Guide Tab

109A, 109B: second end

110A, 110B, 112A, 112B: Rotating Support

114A, 114B: Guide member

116A, 116B: side

118A, 118B: protrusion

120A, 120B: Projection

244: first body

248: second body

249 opening

250: third body

251: slider member

253: rail

255: first notch

257: second notch

259: movement preventing member

264: Camera Lens

340: portable communication terminal

344: first upper body

348: second center body

350: third lower body

352 display

356: first keypad

360: second keypad

364: camera lens

Claims (36)

A slide assembly for opening and closing the portable communication terminal, A first slider member, A second slider member slidably coupled to the first slider member, At least one protrusion disposed along the first slider member in parallel with a slide movement direction of the first slider member with respect to the second slider member; At least one protrusion coupled with the at least one protrusion and disposed along the second slider member in parallel with a slide movement direction of the first slider member with respect to the second slider member, Engagement of the at least one protrusion to the at least one protrusion guides relative slide movement between the first and second slider members, perpendicular to the slide movement direction of the first slider member relative to the second slider member. To prevent relative movement between the first and second slider members in one direction Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, The at least one protrusion includes spaced apart first and second protrusions, The at least one protrusion includes a spaced first and second protrusion disposed between the spaced first and second protrusions, Contact between the first protrusion and the first protrusion causes relative movement between the first and second slider members in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of slide movement of the first slider member relative to the second slider member. Prevent, The first and the first in the second direction, wherein the contact between the second protrusion and the second protrusion is perpendicular to the slide moving direction with respect to the second slider member of the first slider member and is opposite to the first direction. 2 to prevent relative movement between slider members Slide assembly. The method of claim 2, The first slider member includes an intermediate step having a wall having an inner surface defining the spaced apart first and second protrusions. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, Further comprising at least one biasing device disposed on a first side of the first slider member, The second slider member is disposed along a second side of the first slider member opposite the first side. Slide assembly. The method of claim 4, wherein The at least one bias device includes at least one zigzag spring Slide assembly. The method of claim 4, wherein The at least one bias device includes a pair of springs disposed respectively along the first and second lateral edges of the first slider member. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, The second slider member has at least one guide tab disposed around an edge of the first slider member, and the edge of the first slider member is slidably received within the guide tab. Slide assembly. The method of claim 7, wherein And at least one zig-zag spring having a first end rotatably supported on the first slider member and a second end rotatably supported on the guide tab of the second slider member. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, The second slider member has first and second guide tabs disposed around the first and second edges of the first slider member, respectively, and the edges of the first slider member are the first and second guide tabs. Each slidably received within First and second zigzag springs each having a first end rotatably supported on the first slider member and a second end rotatably supported on the first or second guide tab of the second slider member, respectively. More containing Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, The first slider member has an opening, The second slider member includes an opening that is alignable with the opening of the first slider member by slidably moving the second slider member relative to the first slider member. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, And further comprising a third slider member having a tab slidably engaging the rail. Slide assembly. The slide assembly of claim 11, A first body coupled to the first slider member, A second body having the rail and coupled to the second slider member; A third body coupled to the third slider member, The first and second slider members allow relative slide movement between the first and second bodies, The third slider member and the rail allow relative slide movement between the second and third bodies. Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 11, The rail is located at least partially within the opening of the body of the portable communication terminal, The tab of the third slider member extends at least partially through the opening to slidably engage the rail Slide assembly. The method of claim 11, Further comprising a stop member and first and second recesses, The stop member engages the first recess when the tab is in a first position with respect to the rail and engages in the second recess when the tab is in a second position with respect to the rail. Slide assembly. The slide assembly of claim 1, A first body coupled to the first slider member, A second body coupled to the second slider member, The slide assembly permits relative slide movement between the first and second bodies to open and close the portable communication terminal. Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 15, At least one bias device disposed on the first side of the first slider member, The second slider member is opposed to the first slider member such that the at least one bias device is concealed by the first and second bodies to expose or be visible to the outside when the portable communication terminal is opened. Disposed along the second side of the Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 15, And a third body slidably coupled to the second body. Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 17, A display device supported by the first body; A first keypad supported by the first side of the second body, A camera having a lens aligned with an opening on a second side of the second body opposite the first side; Further comprising a second keypad supported by the third body Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 18, The second body has a first closed position in which the first keypad is covered by the first body and the second body is slidably moved relative to the first body so that the first keypad is exposed and accessible to the user. Slidably movable relative to the first body between second open positions, The third body has a first closed position in which the second keypad is covered by the second body and the camera lens is covered by the third body, and the third body is in a first direction with respect to the second body. Slidably to a second open position in which the second keypad is exposed and accessible to a user and the camera lens is covered by the third body, the third body relative to the second body; It is slidably moved in a second direction opposite to one direction so as to be slidable relative to the second body between third open positions where the second keypad is covered by the first body and the camera lens is exposed for use. Movable Portable communication terminal. A slide assembly for opening and closing a portable communication terminal having a first body and a second body, A first slider member having opposing first and second sides and engageable with the first body; A second slider member disposed along a second side of the first slider member and engageable with the second body; At least one bias device disposed on the first side of the first slider member such that it is not disposed between the first and second slider members. Slide assembly. The method of claim 20, The at least one bias device includes at least one zigzag spring Slide assembly. The method of claim 20, The at least one bias device includes a pair of springs disposed respectively along the first and second edge portions of the first slider member. Slide assembly. The method of claim 20, The second slider member has first and second guide tabs disposed around the first and second edges of the first slider member, respectively, and the edges of the first slider member are the first and second guide tabs. Each slidably received within The at least one biasing device has a first end rotatably supported on the first slider member and a second end rotatably supported on a first or second guide tab of the second slider member, respectively. With first and second zigzag spring Slide assembly. The slide assembly of claim 20, A first body coupled to the first slider member, A second body coupled to the second slider member, The slide assembly permits relative slide movement between the first and second bodies to open and close the portable communication terminal. Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 24, The at least one bias device is concealed by the first and second bodies so that the at least one bias device is not exposed or visible to the outside when the portable communication terminal is opened. Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 20, And further comprising a third slider member having a tab slidably engaging the rail. Slide assembly. The slide assembly of claim 26, A first body coupled to the first slider member, A second body having the rail and coupled to the second slider member; A third body coupled to the third slider member, The first and second slider members allow relative slide movement between the first and second bodies, The third slider member and the rail allow relative slide movement between the second and third bodies. Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 20, The rail is located at least partially within the opening of the body of the portable communication terminal, The tab of the third slider member extends at least partially through the opening to slidably engage the rail Slide assembly. The method of claim 20, Further comprising a stop member and first and second recesses, The stop member engages the first recess when the tab is in a first position with respect to the rail and engages in the second recess when the tab is in a second position with respect to the rail. Slide assembly. It is a portable communication terminal, The first body, The second body, A slide assembly for slidably coupling the first body to the second body and for opening and closing the portable communication terminal, The slide assembly, A first slider member having opposing first and second sides, A second slider member disposed along a second side of the first slider member and slidably coupled to the first slider member, Spaced first and second protrusions disposed along the first slider member in parallel with a slide movement direction of the first slider member with respect to the second slider member; Spaced first and second engagements between the spaced first and second protrusions and disposed along the second slider member in parallel to the slide movement direction of the first slider member relative to the second slider member; Turning, and First and second springs disposed on a first side of the first slider member so as not to be disposed between the first and second slider members, The first protrusion and the first protrusion contact each other to cause relative movement between the first and second slider members in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of slide movement of the first slider member with respect to the second slider member. Prevent, The first protrusion and the second protrusion in the second direction which is perpendicular to the direction of the slide movement with respect to the second slider member of the first slider member in contact with the second protrusion and the first direction; To prevent relative movement between slider members Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 30, The second slider member has first and second guide tabs disposed around the first and second edges of the first slider member, respectively, and the edges of the first slider member are the first and second guide tabs. Each slidably received within The first and second springs each have a first end rotatably supported on the first slider member and a second end rotatably supported on the first or second guide tab of the second slider member. Portable communication terminal. The method of claim 30, With the third body, And a third slider member coupled to the third body and having a tab slidably coupled to the rail of the second body to allow relative slide movement between the second and third bodies. Portable communication terminal. 33. The method of claim 32, The rail is located at least partially within the opening of the second body of the portable communication terminal, The tab of the third slider member extends at least partially through the opening to slidably engage the rail Portable communication terminal. 33. The method of claim 32, Further comprising a stop member and first and second recesses, The stop member engages the first recess when the tab is in a first position with respect to the rail and engages in the second recess when the tab is in a second position with respect to the rail. Portable communication terminal. 33. The method of claim 32, A display device supported by the first body; A first keypad supported by the first side of the second body, A camera having a lens aligned with an opening on a second side of the second body opposite the first side; Further comprising a second keypad supported by the third body Portable communication terminal. 33. The method of claim 32, The second body has a first closed position in which the first keypad is covered by the first body and the second body is slidably moved relative to the first body so that the first keypad is exposed and accessible to the user. Slidably movable relative to the first body between second open positions, The third body has a first closed position in which the second keypad is covered by the second body and the camera lens is covered by the third body, and the third body is in a first direction with respect to the second body. Slidably to a second open position in which the second keypad is exposed and accessible to a user and the camera lens is covered by the third body, the third body relative to the second body; It is slidably moved in a second direction opposite to one direction so as to be slidable relative to the second body between third open positions where the second keypad is covered by the first body and the camera lens is exposed for use. Movable Portable communication terminal.

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