WO2006098590A1

WO2006098590A1 - Sliding unit and electronic device using it

Info

Publication number: WO2006098590A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/000944
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong Chul Choo
Original assignee: Jong Chul Choo
Priority date: 2005-03-16
Filing date: 2006-03-15
Publication date: 2006-09-21

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a sliding unit and an electronic device using the same, which can connect, in sliding manner, a transmitting part with a receiving part of a cellular phone that opens/closes the transmitting part and the receiving part in sliding manner, by connecting each section with the transmitting part and the receiving part of the sliding-type cellular phone. The sliding unit for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone in accordance with the present invention, in sliding manner, can prevent shock from being applied to the receiving part of the cellular phone or the upper slider from being separated from the lower slider, by stably supporting up/down sliding actions of the upper slider, and furthermore it can increase efficiency of manufacturing processes of the upper slider while enhancing the percentage of completion of a product.

Description

SLIDING UNIT AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING IT

Technical Field

[1] The present invention generally relates to a sliding unit and an electronic device which can connect a transmitting part with a receiving part of a cellular phone, in sliding manner, more specifically, to a sliding unit and an electronic device which can connect a transmitting part with a receiving part of a cellular phone for opening/closing the transmitting part and the receiving part in sliding manner since each section is connected to the transmitting part and the receiving part of the sliding-type cellular phone. Background Art

[2] A prior cellular phone uses a folder structure of being open/closed by a hinge installed between a receiving part where an LCD screen is disposed and a transmitting part where key buttons are disposed. Also, in theses days, a cellular phone(sliding-type cellular phone) that pushes up a receiving part where an LCD screen is installed in order to let a user make a call has been suggested and is widely used.

[3] An example of the prior sliding-type cellular phone is illustrated in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the prior sliding-type cellular phone consists of a receiving part(l) where an LCD screen is installed and a transmitting part(5) where number keys of the cellular phone are installed.

[4] The prior cellular phone uses a method of embedding a pigtail-shaped tension spring inside so as to push up the receiving part. In this case, as the receiving part(l) of the cellular phone is pushed up, the receiving part(l) where the LCD is installed may be suddenly pushed up by tension of the spring, causing a problem that impact of a certain load is applied to the cellular phone during opening/closing actions of the cellular phone. Furthermore, noise and a gap can be produced. And, there exist insecure factors that the tension spring may be cut to cause malfunction inside the cellular phone, thus it can induce a breakdown of the cellular phone or reduce a cellular phone life. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] It is therefore an object of the prevention invention to provide a sliding unit that connects a transmitting part with a receiving part of a cellular phone in sliding manner for increasing efficiency of manufacturing processes, as preventing an upper slider from moving in an instant when the receiving part of the cellular phone is pushed up or down. [6] That is, it is an object of the present invention to provide the sliding unit, which can prevent an end section of sliding, namely, a part where the upper slider stops, from being damaged by shock applied to the receiving part, which is caused when the upper slider instantly moves, prevent the upper slider from being separated from a lower slider when the upper slider moves up and down, and increase the percentage of completion of a product and efficiency of manufacturing processes by manufacturing the upper slider through an insert molding method.

Technical Solution

[7] To accomplish the above object, the sliding unit that connects the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone, in sliding manner, according to the present invention, in sliding manner, the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone for supporting sliding opening/closing actions of the receiving part and the transmitting part by being installed on the sliding cellular phone, which opens/ closes the receiving part where an LCD screen is installed and the transmitting part where number keys are installed, by mutually sliding both parts, comprising:

[8] a lower slider mounted on either the transmitting part or the receiving part, and forming a flat plate type; an upper slider mounted on the rest one of the transmitting part and the receiving part, and covering both sides of the lower slider together with a rail shaft, and sliding in vertical direction along the lower slider by being mounted on the lower slider;

[9] and an elastic member whose overall length is varied by a predetermined elastic power, and supporting the vertical-directional sliding action of the upper slider since both sections thereof are coupled with a first fixing groove and a second fixing groove, respectively;

[10] and wherein the lower slider includes the rail shaft mounted as covering both sides of the lower slider, and the first fixing groove pierced on an inner side at a predetermined distance from a first side, and the upper slider includes a frame forming an external shape of the upper slider and having the second fixing groove pierced on an inner side at a predetermined distance from a second side opposing the first side of the lower slider and separation preventing ends extended to a lower area of the lower slider, and two insert members formed under both side sections of the frame through an insert molding method, respectively, and having rail shaft insertion grooves caved in such that the rail shaft can be mounted on mutually opposed surfaces.

[11] Desirably, the insert members are made of engineering plastic materials, and both side sections of the frame constitute a structure bent in 'sequare without a right side' shape.

[12] In addition, a first embodiment of the elastic member, comprising: more than one of first supporting pipes forming a pipe shape in which the inside is pierced, and whose first sections are open while second sections are blocked;

[13] more than one of first insertion bars doing horizontal motion since first sections thereof are inserted/coupled into/with the open first sections of the first supporting pipes, respectively;

[14] more than one of second supporting pipes forming a pipe shape in which the inside is pieced, and whose first sections are open while second sections are blocked; more than one of second insertion bars doing horizontal motion since first sections thereof are inserted/coupled into/with the open first sections of the second supporting pipes, respectively;

[15] plural springs mounted inside the first supporting pipes and the second supporting pipes, and supporting the first sections of the first insertion bars and the second insertion bars, respectively;

[16] a first cap portion mutually connecting the exposed second sections of the first insertion bars, respectively, and being coupled with the first fixing groove; a second cap portion mutually connecting the exposed second sections of the second insertion bars, respectively, and being coupled with the second fixing groove; and

[17] a cover portion covering the outer circumference of the respective first supporting pipes and second supporting pipes, and mutually fixing the respective first supporting pipes and second supporting pipes;

[18] and wherein the first and second supporting pipes are disposed in turns, and the corresponding respective sections of the first and second supporting pipes are disposed in opposite direction. A second embodiment of the elastic member, comprising:

[19] two rods coupled with the first fixing groove and the second fixing groove as forming a long bar shape, and including fixing shafts whose sections make a circle in first sections; plural springs coupled with second sections of each rod, respectively;

[20] a body portion including two guide portions inversely caved in each rod on an upper side, while the respective rods are coupled; and a cover portion covering the guide portions by being mounted on an upper side of the body portion; and wherein the respective guide portions are disposed in opposite way while being crossly disposed in horizontal direction, and each rod moves in horizontal direction along each guide portion while the second sections of each rod are supported by each spring.

[21] Then, a third embodiment of the elastic member, comprising: more than one of first elastic parts having a predetermined elastic power, and forming a long bar shape; and more than one of second elastic parts forming a long bar shape as having a predetermined elastic power, and being disposed by opposing the respective first elastic parts;

[22] and wherein the respective first and second elastic parts mutually make a radial shape, while both sections thereof are coupled together. [23]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[24] The disclosed inventions will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show important sample embodiments of the invention and which are incorporated in the specification hereof by reference, wherein: [25]

[26] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating one example of a prior sliding-type cellular phone;

[27] Fig. 2 is a perspective view for describing an operation of a first embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [28] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [29] Fig. 4 is a diagram for describing an upper slider in accordance with the present invention; [30] Fig. 5 is a diagram for describing a first embodiment of an elastic member in accordance with the present invention; [31] Fig. 6 is a perspective view for describing an operation of a second embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [32] Fig. 7 is a diagram for describing a second embodiment of an elastic member in accordance with the present invention; [33] Fig. 8 is a perspective view for describing an operation of a third embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [34] Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing a third embodiment of an elastic member in accordance with the present invention; [35] Fig. 10 through Fig. 12 are diagrams illustrating one example of a prior two-stage sliding cellular phone; [36] Fig. 13 is a basic diagram illustrating a configuration of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention;

[37] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating features that a rail shaft separated from a multistage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention is installed; [38] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cut surface of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [39] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a spring portion that drives a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [40] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a plane of internal configurations of the spring portion in accordance with the present invention of Fig. 16; [41] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating features that the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention illustrated in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 is operated; [42] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of expanding a configuration of an "A" part in (a) of

Fig. 18; [43] Fig. 20 is an execution drawing of a case that a rail processing method of processing rails with aluminum materials is used in a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [44] Fig. 21 is an execution drawing of a case that a lower slider is used with stainless steel in a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [45] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [46] Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [47] Fig. 24 is a sectional view of A-A direction of the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention illustrated in Fig. 22; [48] Fig. 25 is a diagram for describing an elastic member in accordance with the present invention; [49] Fig. 26 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [50] Fig. 27 is a diagram for describing an assembling process of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [51] Fig. 28 is a state diagram for describing an operation of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [52] Fig. 29(a) through Fig. 29(c) are perspective views showing an operational state of a sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [53] Fig. 30 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [54] Fig. 31 (a) through Fig. 31(e) are perspective views showing an assembling process of a sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [55] Fig. 32(a) through Fig. 32(d) are sectional views showing an operational state of a sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [56] Fig. 33 is a cut sectional view of a terminal where a mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention is installed, which is seen from the front side; [57] Fig. 34 is an internal diagram of a terminal where the mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention of Fig. 33 is installed, which is seen from a plane; [58] Fig. 35 illustrates an internal detailed diagram((b) showing a state of a sub body of a handset, in which a mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention is installed, being open by sliding from a main body, which is seen from the front side, and illustrates a left-sided diagram (a) showing a state of the sub body of the handset in accordance with the present invention being open, which is seen from the left side; [59] Fig. 36 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [60] Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lower slider in the sliding unit in accordance with the present invention of Fig. 36; [61] Fig. 38 is a perspective view for describing an operation of a first embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit, and wherein (a) is a diagram illustrating a state that an upper slider(30) is lifted up along a lower slider(20), and (b) is a diagram illustrating a state that the upper slider is lifted down along the lower slider; [62] Fig. 39 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit; [63] Fig. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention; [64] Fig. 41 is a coupled perspective view of an upper slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention; [65] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a lower slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention; [66] Fig. 43 is a perspective view of an upper slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention; [67] Fig. 44 is a vertically cut sectional view showing that an upper slider and a lower slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention are coupled together; [68] Fig. 45 illustrates a partial cut sectional view of a lower slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention, illustrating a cut sectional view of B-B' direction of Fig. 42; and [69] Fig. 46 is a diagram for describing one embodiment of an elastic member in accordance with the present invention, and wherein (a) is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention, and (b) is a perspective view of the one embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention. [70]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [71] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which typical embodiments of the invention are shown. [73] Fig. 2 is a perspective view for describing an operation of a first embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[74] Fig. 2(a) is a diagram illustrating that an upper slider(30) in accordance with the present invention is lifted up along a lower slider(20), and Fig. 2(b) is a diagram illustrating that the upper slider in accordance with the present invention is lifted down along the lower slider.

[75] Besides, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[76] Fig. 3(a) is a diagram illustrating an embodiment that a rail shaft(22) is coupled from an upper part of the lower slider(20), and Fig. 3(b) is a diagram illustrating an embodiment that the rail shaft is coupled from a lower part of the lower slider.

[77] Furthermore, Fig. 4 is a diagram for describing an upper slider in accordance with the present invention.

[78] Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view for describing a configuration of an upper slider(30), and Fig. 4(b) is a sectional view showing a state that the upper slider and a lower slider(20) are coupled together.

[79] The first embodiment of the cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention illustrated in Fig. 2 through Fig. 4 is applied with a first embodiment(40) of an elastic member.

[80] Referring to Fig. 2 through Fig. 4, the first embodiment of the cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention will be described as follows.

[81] The cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention comprises: a flat plate-type lower slider(20); an upper slider(30) sliding up and down along the lower slider by being mounted on the lower slider; and an elastic member(40) supporting the up/down directional sliding actions of the upper slider since both sections thereof are mounted on the lower slider and the upper slider, respectively.

[82] The lower slider(20) is fixed to a receiving part(l) of a sliding cellular phone, where an LCD screen and a voice output part are installed, and the upper slider(30) is fixed to a transmitting part(5) of the sliding cellular phone, where key buttons and a voice input part are installed.

[83] Thus, Fig. 2(a) shows that the receiving part of the sliding cellular phone is pushed down to let the transmitting part be in closed state, while Fig. 2(b) shows that the receiving part is pushed up to let the transmitting part be in open state.

[84] Meanwhile, it is needless to say that the lower slider(20) can be fixed to the transmitting part(5) and the upper slider(30) can be fixed to the receiving part. From now on, for convenience sake, the embodiment that the lower slider(20) is fixed to the receiving part(l) of the sliding cellular phone and the upper slider(30) is fixed to the transmitting part(5) of the sliding cellular phone will be concentrically described.

[85] The lower slider(20) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part for inducing up/down directional sliding actions of the upper slider(30) as forming a flat plate type, being mounted with the rail shaft(22) functioning as rails on which the upper slider can slide down. The rail shaft(22) is mounted in a type covering both side sections of the lower slider, and is desirably formed in 'U' shape.

[86] In a different way, it is also possible to comprise two separated-type rail shafts to be coupled to right/left sides of the lower slider, respectively. In the meantime, as shown in Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b), the rail shaft(22) can be mounted in upper or lower direction of the lower slider(20).

[87] As shown in Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b), since the rail shaft(22) in accordance with the present invention is in 'U' shape, one-time insertion work is available when both rails are assembled once, thereby improving productivity. That is, because the rail shaft(22) functioning as rails is in 'U' shape, an effect that rails are installed on both sides can be realized by inserting the one rail shaft.

[88] Also, the rail shaft(22) can function as an antenna on the cellular phone. Namely, the rail shaft can be used as a substitute for the antenna.

[89] And, the 'U'-shaped rail shaft(22) is in a structure that both rails are connected together, thus it can tolerate external power or any transformation.

[90] In the present invention, it is possible to comprise shock-absorbing members(23) capable of doing a shock-absorbing action when the upper slider bumps against an upper end and a lower end of the lower slider owing to the up/down sliding actions of the upper slider. A fixing groove(24), which is pierced to make one section of the elastic member(40) inserted thereinto, is formed on an inner side at a predetermined distance from one of right/left sides of the lower slider(20).

[91] On the other hand, it is desirable to use an engineering plastic material for the lower slider(20). Engineering plastics are high-intensity plastics used as industrial/structural materials, being more malleable than aluminum and stronger than steel. Also, the plastics are high-functional resins having a high-molecular structure, which have a stronger chemical resistance than gold and silver.

[92] Efficiency and characteristics of the engineering plastics vary according to their chemical structures. And, the engineering plastics are mainly divided into five types such as polyamide, polyacetyl, polycarbonate, PBT(PoIy Butylene Terepthalate) resin, and modified PPO (Poly Phenylene Oxide). Unlike prior plastics which are low- molecular materials with approximately tens of or hundreds of molecular weight, the above engineering plastics are in common that they are high-molecular materials with hundreds of thousands of or millions of molecular weight.

[93] Therefore, the engineering plastics are excellent in impact resistance, wear resistance, heat resistance, cold resistance, chemical resistance, and electric insulating properties as well as intensity and elasticity, thereby being applicable to various fields including cameras, clock parts, airplane structural members, electronics, etc., as well as home supplies and general merchandise.

[94] Meanwhile, it has been already developed FRPs(Fiber Reinforced Plastics), which are complex materials showing a stronger property, by mixing the engineering plastics with glass fiber or carbon fiber.

[95] In case materials which contain iron are used for the lower slider(20) or the upper slider(30), there leads a problem that effects reception and transmission of radio waves of the cellular phone.

[96] However, once the engineering plastics are used, any hindrance does not occur in reception and transmission of radio waves since iron is not contained in the engineering plastics.

[97] In addition, since the engineering plastics can be produced through an injection molding method, mass production is available. For example, it is available to produce more than one million to two millions of engineering plastics with one mold set.

[98] If aluminum is used as before, mass production is not easy in terms of material characteristics because operations are carried out through extruding, drawing, and die casting molding. For instance, hundred thousands of or two hundred thousands of productions only can be available with one mold set, resulting in a lot of investments.

[99] On the aspect of product characteristics, if aluminum is used, there is no difference in fixed state, but the prior plastics may be easily bent or transformed by external impact, particularly impact by distortion and dropping.

[100] However, if the engineering plastics are used, the engineering plastics are excellent in power of restitution with a lot of elasticity compared to iron when external shock or distortion or impact is applied, since they are plastic series. As a result, working inferiority caused by product transformation may be reduced.

[101] The upper slider(30) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part sliding up and down along the lower slider by being mounted on the lower slider(20), and more specifically, both side sections of the upper slider are mounted as covering both side sections of the lower slider together with the rail shaft(22). The upper slider(30) consists of a frame(32) forming an external shape of the upper slider, and insert members(36) made through an insert molding method on an inner side of the frame.

[102] The frame(32) in accordance with the present invention forms a configuration that both sections thereof are bent in 'square without a right side' shape, and a fixing groove(34) pierced such that the rest section of the elastic member(40) can be inserted thereinto is formed on an inner side at a predetermined distance from one of right/left sides of the frame.

[103] It is desirable to make the frame(32) with a stainless steel material for insert molding of the insert members and intensity maintenance, and to prevent transformation and corrosion as reducing bending or thickness. On the other hand, the respective fixing grooves(24,34) of the lower slider(20) and the upper slider(30) are formed on inner sides opposite to each other.

[104] That is to say, the respective fixing grooves(24,34) of the lower slider and the upper slider are disposed in opposition to each other. For instance, if the fixing groove(24) of the lower slider is formed on the left, the fixing groove(34) of the upper slider is formed on the right, and vice versa.

[105] Moreover, the respective fixing grooves(24,34) should not be formed on the same extension line in horizontal direction. It is because the upper slider(30) needs to move up and down.

[106] The insert members(36) in accordance with the present invention are configuration parts made through an insert molding method on inner sides of both side sections of the frame(32), in a concrete way, on inner sides of certain sections bent in 'square without a right side' shape of both side sections on the frame, being equipped with rail shaft insertion grooves(37) caved in such that the rail shaft(22) can be inserted thereinto, on mutually opposed sides.

[107] It is desirable to make the insert members(36) with engineering plastic materials. In the meantime, lower areas of the frame(32) are extended in a direction opposing to each other to form separation preventing ends(38) under the insert members(36). The separation preventing ends(38) prevent the upper slider from being separated from the lower slider by covering both side sections of the lower slider when the upper slider and the lower slider are coupled together.

[108] As stated above, the upper slider(30) can build up the insert members(36) by making the engineering plastics through the insert molding method on inner sides of both side sections of the frame(32) made of the stainless material, thus efficiency of manufacturing processes of the upper slider can be enhanced while the percentage of completion of the product may be increased.

[109] If the overall upper slider(30) is made with a metal material like aluminum, precise configuration parts such as the rail shaft insertion grooves(37) and the separation preventing ends(38) should be manufactured, thus it can increase a level of difficulty of process, leading to difficulty in mass production.

[110] Likewise, in case of the rail shaft insertion grooves(37), they must be fully contacted with the rail shaft(22), but there may be a gap between the rail shaft insertion grooves and the rail shaft by nature of process, deteriorating the percentage of completion of the product as increasing a defective proportion. [111] Furthermore, since both rail shaft insertion grooves and rail shaft are made of metal materials, noise may be created during a sliding action of the upper slider due to friction between the metal materials, while wear gets serious.

[112] On the contrary, if the insert members(36) are made through the insert molding method according to the present invention, productivity may be largely increased thanks to an easy fabrication, and the rail shaft insertion grooves(37) are precisely manufactured in accurate size and shape because the insert members can be made by forming the engineering plastics.

[113] Accordingly, the rail shaft(22) is contacted with the rail shaft insertion grooves(37), enhancing the percentage of completion of the product.

[114] Besides, it is possible to remarkably reduce problems like noise or wear because the rail shaft made of the metal material and the rail shaft insertion grooves made of the engineering plastics can be contacted together. Also, since the insert members(36) are made on the inner sides of both side sections of the frame after formation of the frame(32), the separation preventing ends(38) can be made without a separate process.

[115] The elastic member(40) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part supporting up/down directional sliding actions of the upper slider(30), connecting the lower slider with the upper slider since each section thereof is combined with the respective fixing grooves(24,34) of the lower slider and the upper slider, respectively.

[116] Referring to Fig. 5, configurations and operations of the elastic member(40) and operations of the cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the same will be fully described below.

[117] Fig. 5 is a diagram for describing a first embodiment of an elastic member in accordance with the present invention.

[118] Fig. 5(a) is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention, and Fig. 5(b) is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention.

[119] Referring to Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b), configurations and operations of the first embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention will be described as follows.

[120] An elastic member(40) in accordance with the present invention comprises: first supporting pipes(41) where springs(43) are mounted inside; first insertion bars(42) whose one section is inserted into open sections of the first supporting pipes; second supporting pipes(44) where springs(46) are mounted inside; second insertion bars(45) whose one section is inserted into open sections of the second supporting pipes; and a cover portion(47) covering outer circumferences of the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) to fix/support the supporting pipes.

[121] The first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) are pipe-shaped configuration parts whose inside is pierced, having a structure that first sections are open while the rest of second sections are blocked. The first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) have the same configuration, and are disposed in opposite direction.

[122] That is, in a direction that the first sections of the first supporting pipes(41) are disposed, the second sections of the second supporting pipes(44) are disposed. Besides, the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) are disposed by turns.

[123] Therefore, the supporting structures are in a structure that each supporting pipe disposed in opposite direction is adjacent to each other and disposed in turns, so that the elastic member(40) can be configured in stable and poised way.

[124] And, the springs(43,46) are mounted inside the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44), respectively, then each one end of the springs is supported by the blocked second sections of the supporting pipes.

[125] The first insertion bars(42) and the second insertion bars(45) are configuration parts inserted into the open first sections of the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44), respectively, making the diameter of each insertion bar less than that of the respective supporting pipes.

[126] Sections of the respective insertion bars(42,45) inserted into the open first sections of the respective supporting pipes(41,44) are supported by the springs(43,46), respectively. So, each insertion bar can do elastic motion in horizontal direction along the supporting pipes, and the overall length of the elastic member(40) may be adjusted in horizontal direction according to the movement of the respective insertion bars.

[127] In the meantime, so as to prevent the respective insertion bars(42,45) from being separated from the respective supporting pipes(41,44), suspending hooks(not shown) are formed in coupled parts of each supporting pipe and each insertion bar, respectively.

[128] The cover portion(47) is a configuration part for stably supporting the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44), being equipped in a type covering the outer circumference of each supporting pipe.

[129] That is to say, the cover portion fixes the supporting pipes by covering, as a whole, the outer circumference of some parts in which the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) disposed in opposite direction with each other are overlapped together, thereby preventing the respective supporting pipes(41,44) from shaking or being separated due to movement of the insertion bars(42,45). As a result, it is possible to stably maintain elastic motion of the entire elastic member(40).

[130] The first supporting pipes(41), the first insertion bars(42), the second supporting pipes(44), and the second insertion bars(45) are comprised in more than one, re- spectively, and wherein each exposed one section of the respective first insertion bars(42) is connected/fixed together by a first cap portion(48), and likewise, each exposed one section of the respective second insertion bars(45) is connected/fixed together by a second cap portion(49).

[131] The first and second cap portions(48,49) are configuration parts of the elastic member(40), which are applied with the external force, making the same directional insertion bars move at the same time by mutually fixing adjacent insertion bars.

[132] Concretely, the first cap portion(48) holds together sections of the respective first insertion bars(42), which are adjacent to each other, so that the respective first insertion bars can move equally when the force is applied from the exterior.

[133] Likewise, the second cap portion(49) holds together sections of the respective second insertion bars(45), so that the respective second insertion bars can move simultaneously and equally by the external force. And, on a lower side of the first cap portion(48) and an upper side of the second cap portion(49), fixing projections(48a,49a) coupled with the fixing groove(24) of the lower slider(20) and the fixing groove(34) of the upper slider(30), respectively, are individually comprised.

[134] Desirably, sections of the coupled parts between the respective fixing grooves(24,34) and the fixing projections(48a,49a) of the first and second cap portions are made in circular shape, so that the respective fixing projections coupled with the respective fixing grooves can be rotated according to movement of the upper slider.

[135] Though the embodiment that the first supporting pipes(41) and the first insertion bars(42), and the second supporting pipes(44) and the second insertion bars(45) are comprised by two, respectively, is illustrated in Fig. 5, unlike the above embodiment, it is also possible to variously transform configurations and the number of the respective supporting pipes(41,44) and the respective insertion bars(42,45).

[136] For example, it is available to comprise 2 of the first supporting pipes(41) and two of the first insertion bars(42) while comprising three of the second supporting pipes(44) and three of the second insertion bars(45), respectively.

[137] Thus, the dimensions of elastic power of the elastic member may be freely controllable, and elastic motion of the elastic member can be stably maintained even in case of having a high elastic power.

[138] Meanwhile, the elastic member(40) should not be affected by elastic power in a state of fully lifting up the upper slider(30)(when the sliding-type cellular phone is closed) or of fully lifting down the upper slider (when the sliding-type cellular phone is open).

[139] That is, positions of the fixing grooves of the upper slider and the lower slider should be controlled, not to apply external force (pressure) to a spring of the elastic member while the upper slider is fully lifted up or fully lifted down. In a concrete way, a distance between the fixing grooves of the upper slider and the lower slider should be the same as the overall length of the elastic member(40) in a state that any pressure is not applied, while the upper slider is lifted up or down.

[140] Operations of the cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention by opening/closing actions of the sliding cellular phone, that is, up/down directional sliding actions of the upper slider and operations of the elastic member will be described below.

[141] If a receiving part is lifted up in a state of a user putting down the receiving part, that is, the sliding cellular phone being closed, the upper slider(30) is lifted down along the rail shaft(22) by being led by the receiving part. At this time, the fixing projection(48a) of the first cap portion(48) of the elastic member(40) coupled with the fixing groove(24) of the lower slider(20) is rotated along the fixing groove, while the fixing projection(49a) of the second cap portion(49) coupled with the fixing groove(34) of the upper slider(30) is also rotated along the fixing groove, and is lifted down by being led by the upper slider.

[142] While the upper slider(30) is lifted up, a state that a distance between the fixing grooves of the upper slider and the lower slider is the farthest, that is, the same distance as the length of the elastic member(40) when pressure is not applied may be acquired.

[143] On the contrary, as the upper slider gets lowered down, a distance between both fixing grooves gets narrow little by little, thus the external force(pressure) of pushing both cap portions(48,49) of the elastic member(40) is produced to make the respective first and second insertion bars(42,45) pushed inside the first and second supporting pipes(41,44), thereby compressing the springs(43,46).

[144] Accordingly, the user can meet with resistance when lifting up the receiving part as much as elastic power of the springs, preventing the upper slider(30) from being suddenly lowered down.

[145] The distance between the fixing grooves of the upper slider(30) and the lower slider(20) is the shortest at a middle spot, that is, when both fixing grooves(24,34) are located on the same horizontal line. On this occasion, the springs(43,46) can be compressed to the maximum.

[146] However, once the upper slider(30) passes through the middle spot, the distance between both fixing grooves becomes wider, reducing the external power applied to both cap portions(48,49) of the elastic member(40). Therefore, the first and second insertion bars(42,45) inserted into the first and second supporting pipes(41,44) are pushed out by restoring forces of the springs(43,46). As a result, the length of the elastic member is gradually extended.

[147] In other words, when the upper slider(30) is pushed down up to the middle spot, the upper slider is automatically pushed down while the length of the elastic member is extended by the restoring forces of the springs(43,46). So, it is possible to prevent any shock from being applied to the receiving part since the upper slider can be stably lowered down by the springs.

[148] After the upper slider(30) is fully lowered down, the first and second insertion bars(42,45) cannot be separated from the first and second supporting pipes(41,44) by the suspending ends of the elastic member(40), therefore the separation of the upper slider can be prevented because the upper slider cannot be lowered down any more. In addition, the exposed state of the first and second insertion bars(42,45) is supported by the respective springs unless a separate external force is applied, thus it can prevent the upper slider from being lowered down. Accordingly, the open state of the receiving part may be stably maintained.

[149] In case the user lowers down the receiving part to close the receiving part, the fixing projection(49a) of the second cap portion(49) is lifted up along the fixing groove(34) owing to upward movement of the upper slider(30). As a result, the length of the elastic member(40) is gradually reduced while the first and second insertion bars(42,45) are pushed inside the first and second supporting pipes(41,44). That is, the springs(43,46) are compressed.

[150] On the other hand, once the upper slider(30) passes through the middle spot, the first and second insertion bars(42,45) are pushed out by the restoring forces of the springs(43,46), and the upper slider is automatically lifted up as the elastic member(40) is gradually extended. Therefore, it is available to prevent the upper slider from suddenly moving, as well as to prevent the upper slider from being separated to the above of the lower slider.

[151] Fig. 6 is a perspective view for describing an operation of a second embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[152] Fig. 6(a) is a diagram illustrating a state that an upper slider(30) in accordance with the present invention is lifted up along a lower slider(20), and Fig. 6(b) is a diagram illustrating a state that the upper slider in accordance with the present invention is lifted down along the lower slider.

[153] The second embodiment of the cellular phone sliding unit illustrated in Fig. 6 is applied with the second embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention, and configurations and operations of other configuration parts are the same as stated above. Thus, hereinafter, description will be given by focusing on the second embodiment of the elastic member.

[154] The second embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 7.

[155] Fig. 7 is a diagram for describing the second embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention. [156] Fig. 7 (a) is a coupled perspective view of the second embodiment of the elastic member, and Fig. 7(b) is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the elastic member.

[157] Referring to Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b), the second embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention will be described below.

[158] The second embodiment(50) of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention comprises: two rods(51) which are in long bar shape; a body portion(55) where guide portions(56) for guiding horizontal movement of each rod are caved in on an upper side, respectively; and a cover portion(58) covering the upper side of the body portion.

[159] That is, the second embodiment(50) of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention performs an operation for varying the overall length through actions that the two rods(51) mounted on the body portion(55) go into the inside of the body portion or go out of the body portion, respectively. To do this, springs(54) having predetermined elastic power are mounted in each one section(52) of the respective rods(51) mounted in the guide portions(56).

[160] Now, for convenience sake, the two rods(51) are called a first rod and a second rod, individually. And, each configuration part will be described as follows.

[161] First of all, the first and second rods(51) constitute a long bar shape, and are disposed by being symmetrical in mutually identical shape. At this time, the respective rods are disposed in crossed state without being disposed on a mutually identical line.

[162] Also, concave groove portions(52a) are formed in each one section(52) of the respective rods(51) where the springs(54) are mounted, so that the springs can be stably mounted thereon. Concretely, each one section(52) is formed in trident shape, and the springs(54) are inserted into the concave groove portions(52a) formed between middle branches(52b) and both-sided branches, then it is desirable to form the middle branches(52b) to be longer, to some extent, than both-sided branches.

[163] In addition, fixing shafts(53) coupled with the fixing grooves(24,34) of the lower slider(20) and the upper slider(30) are disposed in the rest of each one section of the respective rods(51). Like the fixing projections(48a,49a) formed in the first and second cap portions(48,49) of the first embodiment(40) of the elastic member illustrated in Fig. 5, sections of the fixing shafts(53) form a circular shape to make the fixing shafts function as rotational shafts while being coupled with the fixing grooves(24,34).

[164] Meanwhile, it is possible to modify each one section(52) of the first and second rods(51) to a type that two branches are formed, rather than the trident shape in which three branches are made.

[165] In this case, each one section of the first and second rods gets to be in a shape that the middle branches(52b) do not exist in the above embodiment. And, the springs(54) would be mounted on the two branches, each. Accordingly, since the first rod and the second rod are supported by two springs, each, it can more increase elasticity compared to the embodiment of mounting the springs on the middle branches only.

[166] Next, the body portion(55) is a configuration part where the first and second rods(51) are mounted, comprising the two guide portions(56) caved in such that each rod can be set, on an upper side. So, the respective guide portions(56) are formed in reversed shape of each one section(52) of the set first and second rods(51), and the springs(54) are individually disposed in areas(56a) of the guide portions, which correspond to the middle branches(52b), from each one section of the first and second rods.

[167] As shown above, the first rod and the second rod are disposed in mutually crossed way instead of being disposed on the same line. To do this, the respective guide portions(56) are also disposed in crossed way without being disposed on the same line.

[168] For example, if the guide portion where the first rod is mounted is formed on the left, the guide portion where the second rod is mounted is formed on the right. Thus, compared to a form that the two guide portions(56) are disposed on the same line, the overall length of the body portion(55) can be reduced in half, approximately. As a result, the overall length of the second embodiment(50) of the elastic member can be proper to be applicable to the cellular phone sliding unit.

[169] Furthermore, suspending ends(not shown) for preventing each rod from being separated from the body portion by elasticity of the springs(54) are comprised in the coupled parts between the body portion(55) and the respective rods(51).

[170] On the other hand, a plurality of coupling projections(57) protruded in predetermined size toward an upper part to couple the body portion with the cover portion(58) are disposed on the upper side of the body portion(55).

[171] The cover portion(58) is a configuration part for covering the upper side of the body portion(55), and more specifically, it covers an upper area open by the guide portions(56). The cover portion(58) has a plurality of coupling grooves(59) pierced or caved in such that each coupling projection can be inserted thereinto, at positions equivalent to the respective coupling projections(57) of the body portion.

[172] Moreover, setting grooves(58a), which are caved in semicircular shape such that the fixing shafts(53) of the first and second rods(51) compressed inside the body portion(55) through the guide portions can be located, are disposed in both sections of the cover portion(58), which are equivalent to the guide portions(56).

[173] In a state that the external force, that is, horizontal pressure for the respective rods(51) is not applied to the second embodiment(50) of the elastic member, each one section(52) of each rod inserted into the body portion(55) is supported by the springs(54) within the guide portions(56). Accordingly, areas of the respective rods(51) except each one section(52) get to be in exposed state outside the body portion. [174] To be concrete, because the springs(54) disposed in the areas(56a) equivalent to the middle branches(52b) of each one section of the respective rods(51) in the guide portions(56) support the concave groove portions(52a) of each one section of the respective rods, the state that certain areas of the respective rods are exposed outside the body portion, that is, a state that the second embodiment(50) of the elastic member is relaxed can be stably maintained. [175] As stated above, the above state of the second embodiment(50) of the elastic member would correspond to a state that the upper slider(30) of the cellular phone sliding unit is fully lifted up or lifted down on the lower slider(20), that is, a state that the sliding cellular phone is fully open or closed. [176] In the meantime, when horizontal pressure is applied to the respective rods(51) of the second embodiment(50) of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention, each rod becomes in contracted state by being inserted into the inside of the body portion(55). [177] Concretely, the respective rods(51) exposed outside the body portion(55) compress the springs(54) as going into the inside of the body portion along the guide portions(56) by the horizontal pressure. [178] As a result, the second embodiment(50) of the elastic member may gradually become shorter in overall length. The above state of the second embodiment(50) of the elastic member corresponds to a state that the upper slider(30) of the cellular phone sliding unit is moving up or down along the lower slider(20), that is, a state that the sliding cellular phone is in the middle of being open or closed. [179] Fig. 8 is a perspective view for describing an operation of a third embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention. [180] Fig. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating a state that an upper slider(30) is lifted up along a lower slider(20), and Fig. 8(b) is a diagram illustrating a state that the upper slider is lifted down along the lower slider. [181] The third embodiment of the cellular phone sliding unit illustrated in Fig. 8 is applied with the third embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention, and configurations and operations of other configuration parts are the same as stated above. Thus, hereinafter, description will be given by focusing on the third embodiment of the elastic member. [ 182] The third embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 9. [183] Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing the third embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention. [184] Fig. 9(a) is a diagram illustrating the third embodiment of the elastic member in a state that an upper slider(30) is fully lifted up along a lower slider(20), and Fig. 9(b) is a diagram illustrating the third embodiment of the elastic member in a state that the upper slider is located at a middle spot of the lower slider, then Fig. 9(c) is a diagram illustrating the third embodiment of the elastic member in a state that the upper slider is fully lifted down along the lower slider.

[185] Referring to Fig. 9(a) to Fig. 9(c), the third embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention will be described as follows.

[186] The third embodiment(60) of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention comprises more than one of first elastic parts(62a) and more than one of second elastic parts(64a) having predetermined elastic power and constituting a long bar shape, and wherein both sections(62b,64b) of the first elastic parts and the second elastic parts are in mutually coupled state.

[187] The first elastic parts(62a) and the second elastic parts(64a) form a radial shape as being opposed together. Therefore, the first elastic parts(62a) and the second elastic parts(64a) constitute a bow-like shape, respectively. Besides, both coupled sections(62b,64b) of the first elastic parts and the second elastic parts are coupled with the fixing grooves(24,34) of the lower slider(20) and the upper slider(30), individually.

[188] An operation of the third embodiment(60) of the elastic member in accordance with up/down sliding actions of the upper slider(30) of the present invention will be described below.

[189] First, when the upper slider(30) located in an upper part of the lower slider(20) is lowered down, pressure that compresses both coupled sections of the first elastic parts(62a) and the second elastic parts(64a) is applied. Thus, right/left widths of the first and second elastic parts get narrower and contracted, shortening the elastic member(60) in overall length.

[190] Meanwhile, if the upper slider passes through a middle spot of the lower slider, that is, the spot at which both fixing grooves(24,34) form the same extension line in horizontal direction, the contracted first elastic parts(62a) and second elastic parts(64a) are restored to the original state to make the right/left widths extended.

[191] Accordingly, the overall length of the elastic member(60) gets increased, while the upper slider(30) is pushed down, so that the upper slider goes down by being automatically slidden.

[192] Next, even in case the upper slider(30) located in a lower part of the lower slider(20) is pushed up, pressure is applied to the elastic member(60) until the upper slider reaches the middle spot, thereby contracting the first elastic parts(62a) and the second elastic parts(64a).

[193] On the contrary, if the upper slider(30) passes through the middle spot, the pressure applied to the elastic member(60) is released to make the first elastic parts and the second elastic parts restored, thus the upper slider is pushed up.

[194] As stated until now, the sliding unit for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone in accordance with the present invention, in sliding manner, can stably support up/down sliding actions of the upper slider, thereby preventing shock from being applied to the receiving part of the cellular phone or preventing the upper slider from being separated from the lower slider, as well as increasing the percentage of completion of a product as enhancing efficiency of manufacturing processes of the upper slider.

[195] In other words, the sliding unit for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone in accordance with the present invention:

[196] First, since the elastic member for supporting the up/down sliding actions of the upper slider is comprised, resistance can be created as much as elastic power of the elastic member when a receiver of the sliding cellular phone is lifted up or down, thereby preventing the receiver from suddenly moving and preventing shock from being applied to the receiving part;

[197] Second, if the receiver is lifted up or down in certain height, the receiver can automatically move by the restoring force of the elastic member, realizing user convenience;

[198] Third, since the lower slider is manufactured by using engineering plastics, it is possible to obtain excellent effects in terms of intensity, flexibility, productivity, and economic efficiency, as well as to more improve transceiving sensitivity of radio waves of the cellular phone;

[199] Fourth, in case of the upper slider, insert members are made on a frame made of a stainless material through an insert molding method by using the engineering plastics, thus manufacturing processes of the upper slider are easy while configuration parts that need precise formation like rail shaft insertion grooves can be easily manufactured, thereby tremendously improving production efficiency;

[200] Fifth, thanks to the formation through the insert molding method, a precise manufacturing process is available to make the rail shaft insertion grooves of the upper slider contacted with a rail shaft, thereby increasing the percentage of completion of a product;

[201] Sixth, since the rail shaft made of a metal material is contacted with the rail shaft insertion grooves made of engineering plastic materials, it can remarkably reduce generation of noise during the sliding action of the upper slider or wear of the product;

[202] Seventh, separation preventing ends are comprised in a lower part of the upper slider, thereby preventing the upper slider from being separated from the lower slider;

[203] Eighth, since the insert members are made after formation of the frame, the separation preventing ends can be formed without a separate formation; and

[204] Finally, various types of elastic members may be applicable, having wide application.

[205] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi-stage sliding unit.

More specifically, it is about a multi-stage sliding unit, in which the up/down part of a main body is divided into two parts in the middle part of the main body to make a sub body slide, when the sub body slides along the main body in a sliding-type cellular phone.

[206] As portable wireless terminals are gradually popularized all over the world, portable terminals having various functions and designs are produced to meet the users' wishes.

[207] At first, the portable terminals were started with bar-type terminals, and have been developed to flip-type, flip-up type, and folder-type terminals. Recently, a slide-type portable terminal having a type that a sub body (hereinafter, 'upper slider' slides up and down in length direction of the terminal on a main body (hereinafter, 'lower slider' has been developed to satisfy variable tastes of cellular phone users.

[208] Lately, in addition to a function of making calls only with a cellular phone, games or TV functions have been added. Thus, so as to realize multiple functions on one cellular phone at the same time, the main body part of the cellular phone is segmented, so that function keys related to telephone functions are disposed in one part while function keys related to games or TV functions are disposed in the other part. Then, the sub body part can cover the function keys related to the telephone functions or the function keys related to games as sliding in length direction of the main body part.

[209] Fig. 10 through Fig. 12 are diagrams illustrating one example of a prior 2-stage sliding cellular phone.

[210] Referring to Fig. 10 through Fig. 12, Fig. 10 shows a state that a receiving part(l) is not slidden, illustrating that the receiving part(l) does not slide upward or downward. Fig. 11 shows that a receiving part(l) is slidden upward to make a transmitting part(5) located downward, so that the user can make a call. Fig. 12 shows a case that a receiving part(l) slides downward to make the prior sliding cellular phone be in game mode. A numerical reference 7 refers to a game button.

[211] Like above, since the receiving part(l) can slide in upper direction or down direction, the cellular phone can be used for calling and gaming purposes or other purposes.

[212] It is therefore an object of another embodiment of the present invention to provide a multi-stage sliding unit.

[213] To accomplish the above object, the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention consists of a lower slider(40) which is a main body, and an upper slider(20) which is a sub body sliding along a length direction of the lower slider(40), being characterized that:

[214] rail portions which are installed at both side edges of the length direction of the lower slider(40); wherein edges of the upper slider attached on the rail portions,

[215]

[216] the lower slider(40) is divided into upper and lower parts in the length direction, and grooves are formed at central spots of the upper and lower parts, respectively, in the vicinity of one-sided edge of the length direction of the lower slider(40);

[217] upper and lower spring portions(30,31) are inserted into the respective upper and lower grooves, one by one, so that the inserted spring portions can be rotated while being inserted into the grooves; and

[218] if the upper slider(20) slides by being inserted into the lower slider(40), based on a middle part in the length direction of the lower slider(40), the upper slider(20) is applied with tension of the upper spring portion(30) when sliding to the upper part of the lower slider(40), and the upper slider(20) is applied with tension of the lower spri ng portion(31) when sliding to the lower part of the lower slider(40).

[219] The respective spring portions(30,31) are characterized that: two tension bars installed inside are located to be applied with tension of springs in opposite direction; cylinder-shaped rivets are installed at the end of one tension bar, and the rivets are inserted into the grooves such that the spring portions can rotate in the grooves, and cylinder-shaped sliding rollers are installed at the end of the other tension bar, then latches are extended at the end of the other tension bar; and wherein the rail portions are long and thin shafts.

[220] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which typical embodiments of the invention are shown.

[221] Fig. 13 is a basic diagram illustrating a configuration of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[222] Referring to Fig. 13, if an upper slider(20) slides upward along a rail shaft(50) like shown in Fig. 11 in a state that the upper slider(20) is located in the central part of a length direction of a lower slider(40) into which the rail shaft(50) is inserted in the multi-stage sliding cellular phone, the cellular phone can be used for cellular phone purposes. And, if the upper slider(20) slides downward like Fig. 12, the cellular phone can be used for other purposes like games or camera.

[223] Referring to Fig. 13, the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present inve ntion has a moving configuration as sliding in upper, middle, and lower directions along the rail shaft(50) when the rail shaft(50) having a 'square without a right side' shape is inserted into both side edges of the lower slider(40) corresponding to the main body part and the upper slider(20) corresponding to the sub body part is inserted into the lower slider(40).

[224] Two spring portions(30,31) are inserted into the lower slider(40) of the present invention in order to be rotated by pivoting on respective pivoting rivets(70,71). The structure of the spring portions(30,31) is illustrated in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, in detail.

[225] Seen in Fig. 13, the pivoting rivets(70,71) installed at the end of a left-sided rotational tension bar(33) of the respective upper and lower spring portions(30,31) are installed to rotate only on the pivoting rivets(70,71), on one side in length direction of the lower slider(30), respectively, and a sliding roller(35) is installed at the end of a right-sided mobile tension bar(32) of the spring portions(30,31).

[226] Two guide holes(60,61) are formed along the other-sided edge side in the length direction of the lower slider(40), individually. Respective sliding rollers(35,36) of the respective spring portions(30,31) move up and down along the guide holes(60,61) by being inserted into the guide holes(60,61) formed up and down on a right edge side of the lower slider(40). On this occasion, certain tension is applied to the spring portions(30,31).

[227] Two pairs of hook pins(10, 11) are installed on the inner side of the upper slider(20).

Latches(31) extended from the end of the mobile tension bar(32) are suspended on each pair of the hook pins(10,l 1). When the upper slider(20) moves as sliding upward in the middle part of the length direction of the lower slider(40), the latch(31) of the u pper spring portion(30) located on the top side is suspended on the upper hook pins(lθ) located on the top side, and moves by being pushed upward along the upper guide hole(60) by tension of the upper spring portion(30).

[228] And, if the upper slider(20) slides to the lower part of the length direction of the lower slider(40), the latch(31) of the upper spring portion(30) located on the top side is separated from the upper hook pins(lθ), and the latch of the lower spring portion(31) located on the bottom side is suspended on the other pair of the lower hook pins(l 1) located on the bottom, which are formed on the upper slider(20), and moves as sliding downward by tension of the lower spring portion(31) along the lower guide hole(61) into which the sliding roller(36) of the lower spring portion(31) located in the lower part is inserted.

[229] As above, the core of present invention features in:

[230] supposing that the lower slider is divided into two parts to have a uniform length in length direction;

[231] forming holes in certain parts adjacent to the edge part of the length direction of the lower slider (40) among middle spots of the divided parts;

[232] enabling the pivoting rivets(70,71) installed in an end section of the rotational tension bar(33) of the two spring portions(30,31) to be rotated by being inserted into the respective holes of the lower slider(40), individually; [233] forming the independent guide holes(60,61) in each part to make the guide holes lengthily extended in the length direction of the lower slider(40), in the vicinity of the opposite-sided edge of the respective holes into which the pivoting rivets(70,71) are inserted; and

[234] inserting the sliding rollers(35,36) of the respective spring portions(30,31) into the respective guide holes(60,61), so that the sliding rollers can slide along the lengthily extended guide holes(60,61).

[235] In a structure that the respective spring portions(30,31) move by being individually suspended on the hook pins(10,l 1) of the upper slider(20) along the respective guide holes(60,61), two pairs of the hook pins(10,l 1) are disposed on the inner side of the upper slider(20), so that the respective latches(31) installed to connect with the sliding rollers(35) can be suspended on each pair of the hook pins(10, 11).

[236] In Fig. 13, if the upper slider(20) slides upward on the right side from the center of the lower slider(40), the latch(31) extended on the mobile tension bar(32) of the spring portion(30) disposed on the top side is suspended on the upper hook pins(lθ), thus tension is applied to the upper spring portion only, which is located on the top side, and the upper slider slides along the upper guide hole(60) located on the top side.

[237] In Fig. 13, if the upper slider(20) slides downward on the left side of the lower slider(40), tension is applied to the lower spring portion(31) only, which is located on the bottom side, while the sliding roller(36) of the lower spring portion(31) moves in down direction along the lower guide hole(61) located on the bottom side, and at this time, the lower hook pins(l 1) of the upper slider(20) become suspended on the latch of the lower spring portion(31) located on the bottom side.

[238] "A" of Fig. 13 expansively illustrates features that the sliding roller(35) is rolled by being inserted into the guide hole(61).

[239] And, contact portions(55) of both side edges, which are directly contacted with the rail shaft(50) by being inserted into the lower slider(40) on the upper slider(20) are injection-molded with engineering plastics of POM, or can be separately formed with plastics such that the contact portions can be fixed by being inserted into the inside of both side edges of the upper slider(20).

[240] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating features that the rail shaft separated from the multistage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention of Fig. 13 is installed.

[241] Referring to Fig. 14, unlike Fig. 13, one pair of separated rail shafts(51) are installed to contact with both edges of a length direction of the lower slider(40).

[242] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cut surface of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[243] Referring to Fig. 15, a rail shaft(50) is installed to contact with both edge parts of a lower slider(40), and an upper slider(20) is inserted to closely slide on the rail shaft(50). Both edges of the upper slider(20) are bent inward in 'square without a right side' shape, respectively, and contact portions(55) made of plastics of POM are filled in the inside bent in 'square without a right side' shape.

[244] The contact portions(55) are configured to make the upper slider(20) smoothly slide to the maximum, by minimizing friction in contacted parts between the upper slider(20) and the rail shaft(50) when the upper slider(20) slides in contacted state along the rail shaft(50).

[245] The POM is called poly oxy methylene, poly acetal or acetal resin, then its chemical formula is (-O-CH2-)n.

[246] The POM belongs to the engineering plastics with superior properties such as fatigue resistance, solidarity, and wear resistance, which cannot be found in other materials. Therefore, thanks to its excellent mechanical property, the POM is largely used to various plastic gears/bearing series, fastener series, driving parts of electronic equipment, and buckles of bags.

[247] The contact portions(55) of the present invention can be manufactured through injection molding together with the upper slider(20), and also it is possible to fix the contact portions(55) by inserting the contact portions into the inside of both-sided edges of the upper slider(20) after the contact portions(55) only are separately formed with plastics.

[248] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a spring portion that drives a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention. For explanatory convenience, an upper spring portion(30) only will be described.

[249] Referring to Fig. 16, the spring portion(30) of the present invention is installed, in order that two tension bars(32,33) are applied with tension in opposite direction, respectively, inside the spring portion(30). A pivoting rivet(70) is disposed at the end of the left-sided rotational tension bar(33), while a sliding roller(35) is installed by a roller rivet(34) at the end of the right-sided mobile tension bar(32).

[250] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a plane of an internal configuration of the spring portion in accordance with the present invention of Fig. 16.

[251] Referring to Fig. 17, Fig. 17(a) shows a state that the respective tension bars(32,33) are applied with the force toward the spring portion(30) from the exterior like arrow directions, so that respective springs(80) inserted into spring supporting bars(86) of each tension bar are compressed, and Fig. 17(b) illustrates a state that the springs(80) are not applied with the force from the exterior, that is, not applied with tension.

[252] The two springs(80), each, are inserted into the spring supporting bars(86) of the respective tension bars(32,33). The individual springs(80) are located in setting grooves(88), which are formed by twos up and down, respectively, and stoppers(82) formed on the tension bars(31,33) are suspended on ends(84) to prevent the tension bars(31,33) from being separated from the spring portions(30,31).

[253] A latch(31) is formed by being extended at the end of the mobile tension bar(31).

[254] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating features that the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention illustrated in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 is operated.

[255] Referring to Fig. 18, Fig. 18(a) illustrates a state that an upper slider(20) is pushed up, and Fig. 18(b) illustrates a state that the upper slider(20) is located in the middle part of a lower slider(40), then Fig. 18(c) illustrates features that the lower slider(40) is located by going down to the lower part of the lower slider(40).

[256] As in Fig. 18(a), in case the upper slider(20) is located on top of the lower slider(40), the lower slider(40) can be applied with tension by the upper spring portion(30) only. At this point, it is seen that the latch(31) of the upper spring portion(30) is suspended on the pair of the upper hook pins(lθ) only of the upper slider(20). An expanded drawing for the "A" part is illustrated in Fig. 19.

[257] As in Fig. 18(b), if the upper slider(20) is located in the middle part in length direction of the lower slider(40), the latch(31) of the upper spring portion(30) is suspended on the pair of the upper hook pins(lθ) while the latch of the lower spring portion(31) is suspended on the pair of the lower hook pins(l 1).

[258] As in Fig. 18(c), when the upper slider(20) slides down the lower slider(40), the latch(31) of the upper spring portion(30) is separated from the upper hook pins(lθ), and the latch only of the lower spring portion(31) slides to the lower part of the lower slider(40) in a state of being suspended on the lower hook pins(l 1).

[259] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of expanding a configuration of the A part in Fig.

18(a).

[260] Referring to Fig. 19, it is expansively illustrated features that a latch(31) of the mobile tension bar(32) is applied with tension of the upper spring portion(30), in a state of the latch(31) being suspended on upper hook pins(lθ) formed on the inner side of the upper slider (20).

[261] In Fig. 18(a), if the upper slider(20) is located on top of the lower slider(40), the latch of the lower spring portion(31) is not suspended on the lower hook pins(ll) of the upper slider(20), thus influence of tension of the lower spring portion(31) is not applied.

[262] Fig. 20 is an execution drawing of a case that a rail processing method of processing rails with aluminum materials is used in a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[263] Referring to Fig. 20, the rail shafts (50,51 ) like the embodiment of Fig. 13 and Fig.

14 are not separately installed in both side edges of a length direction of a lower slider(40), and rail portions(53) are convexly formed along both side edges of the lower slider(40) in other embodiment of the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention illustrated in Fig. 20.

[264] The rest configurations of the above embodiment are the same as configurations of basic executional examples of Fig. 13 and Fig. 14.

[265] Fig. 21 is an execution drawing of a case that a lower slider is used with stainless steel in a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[266] Referring to Fig. 21, rail plates(54) functioning as rails to make an upper slider(20) slide are formed on both side edges in length direction of a lower slider(40), respectively.

[267] Contact portions(55) are installed in the inner part of both side edges of the upper slider.

[268] The contact portions(55) of the present invention are disposed on the inner side of both edges of the upper slider(20) after POM which is a part of engineering plastics is injection-molded or separately made.

[269] Thus, in case of another embodiment of the present invention of Fig. 21, there is also no need to insert separate rail shafts into the lower slider(40) like the embodiment of Fig. 20, and the rail plates(54) are made on the lower slider from manufacture.

[270] In order to reduce friction of the contact portions(55) contacted while sliding with the rail plates(54) of the lower slider(40) on the upper slider(20), plastics(what is called, POM) for rail guiding are disposed on the inner side of bent-shaped edges of the upper slider(20).

[271] Fig. 21 (a) shows features that the upper slider(20) is pushed up on the lower slider(40). In this case, the upper slider(20) is applied with tension of the upper spring portion(30) only.

[272] Fig. 21(b) shows features that the latches(31) of the spring portions(30,31) are suspended on the upper and lower hook pins(10, 11) of the upper slider(20), individually, when the upper slider(20) is located in the middle part of the lower slider(40).

[273] Fig. 21(c) shows features that the upper slider(20) is pushed down on the lower slider(40). In this case, the upper slider(20) is applied with tension of the lower spring portion(31) only.

[274] The multi-sliding unit in accordance with the present invention can be applicable to various fields such as cellular phones, PDAs, etc., enabling the upper slider(20) to slide at upper, middle, and lower positions of the lower slider(40) by the two spring portions(30,31), which are independently installed in upper and lower parts of the lower slider (40).

[275] According to the present invention, the upper slider is applied with tension by the spring portions independently installed in the upper and lower parts, thus once the user puts forth the user's strength slightly for the upper slider(20), the upper slider(20) can automatically slide in upper and lower directions at a central position of the lower slider(40). So, the user can feel as if the upper slider(20) automatically slides up and down.

[276] Besides, when the upper slider(20) slides on the lower slider(40), the upper slider(20) slides in a state that the contact portions(55) of the upper slider are contacted with rail shafts(50,51) installed at both edges of the lower slider(40), thus there leads no problem that the upper slider(20) shakes on both sides in case the upper slider(20) slides along the lower slider(40). In other words, the effect that the upper slider(20) slides while being fully engaged with the rail shafts(50,51) of the lower slider(40) without any gap can be acquired.

[277] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi-stage sliding unit, and more specifically, to a sliding unit for opening/closing a transmitting part by letting an upper slider slide in length direction of a lower slider by being mounted between a receiving part and the transmitting part of a slide-type portable phone, and wherein the lower slider is divided into two up/down sliding areas in the middle part, so that the upper slider slides in multi stages.

[278] As the spread and the usage of portable phones are increased all over the world, portable phones having various additional functions and being applied with diverse designs are produced to meet the users varied wishes and create demand.

[279] Particularly, for the above portable phones, the opening/closing method of transmitting parts of the portable phones have been developed on the aspect of size and design as well as their functional usage. At first, the portable phones were started with bar-type phones, and have been developed to flip-type, flip-up type, and folder-type phones.

[280] Recently, a slide-type portable phone, in which a transmitting part is open/closed accordingly as a receiving part of the portable phone slides up and down in length direction of the transmitting part, has been suggested. Specially, the demand and the utility for the above slide-type portable phone are in the course of increasing gradually, thanks to the good points that such a slide-type portable phone can meet the users changing tastes and it is easy to have and use various functions with the slide-type portable phone.

[281] On the other hand, in addition to basic telephone functions, there is a diversity of functions like games or TV functions added to the portable phones. So as to more effectively use the above functions, a slide-type portable phone for sliding a receiving part in length direction of a transmitting part in multi stages has been suggested, instead of the existing type that opens/closes the transmitting part by sliding the receiving part in one direction of the transmitting part. For instance, there is the Korea Registered Utility Model No. 0367293 (slide portable terminal for up/down driving). [282] In the case of the above registered utility model, a transmitting part(5) of the portable phone is segmented, so that function keys related to telephone calls are disposed in one part while additional function keys related to games or TV reception are disposed in the other part.

[283] Accordingly, since the function keys related to the telephone calls are open or the function keys related to the additional functions like games are open by letting the receiving part(l) slide in multi stages for a length direction of the transmitting part(5), diverse functions may be simultaneously embodied in one portable phone while the user can use the phone in optimum state.

[284] However, in case of the prior multi-stage slide type portable phone like the above registered utility model, a type that the receiving part moves along rails of the transmitting part has been used. Therefore, the user should wholly slide the receiving part in manual way, causing inconvenience for the user to operate the sliding action of the receiving part.

[285] Likewise, even though stoppers are disposed at each stage where the receiving part should stop, the user has to slide the receiving part by directly pushing it with the user's hand. As a result, it is not easy to dispose the receiving part at the exact position, and furthermore, the position of the receiving part cannot be stably supported, causing the r eceiving part to move or shake by movement.

[286] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multi-stage sliding unit, in which a lower slider is divided into two up/down sliding areas in the middle part to make an upper slider slide in multi stages when the upper slider slides in length direction of the lower slider by being mounted between a receiving part and a transmitting part of a slide-type portable phone.

[287] To achieve the above object, the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention opens/closes a transmitting part in multi stages by sliding a receiving part in multi stages by being mounted between the transmitting part and the receiving part of a portable phone, comprising:

[288] a lower slider forming a flat plate type, and including guide rails on which, when the lower slider is divided into an upper area and a lower area in the middle part for a length direction, the upper area and the lower area constitute a shape that a '>' - shaped side and a '<' - shaped side are disposed as opposing each other on an inner side at a predetermined distance from both sides of the lower slider, respectively;

[289] an upper slider mounted as covering both sides of the lower slider, and sliding in the length direction of the lower slider; and an elastic member mounted on a lower side of the upper slider, and wherein both sections are coupled by being inserted into both opposing sides of the guide rails, and supporting the sliding action of the upper slider as the length of the elastic member is varied according to an interval between both opposing sides of the guide rails by elastic power of springs disposed inside.

[290] Desirably, the lower slider further comprises a rail shaft mounted as covering both sides of the lower slider, and at this moment, both side sections of the upper slider form a 'square without a right side' shape, and the upper slider includes insert members formed on the inner side of both side sections of the upper slider, and being equipped with rail shaft coupling grooves caved in, respectively, so that the rail shaft can be closely coupled with the grooves on opposing sides. It is desirable to make the insert members with POM materials through an insert molding method.

[291] Also, the upper slider includes an elastic member coupling groove caved to an upper part from a lower side, and the elastic member includes coupling projections mounted on the elastic member coupling groove by being protruded in predetermined size on an upper side.

[292] In the meantime, the elastic body comprises: a body portion forming a pipe shape, and being mounted on the upper slider; plural rods forming a long bar shape, and being mounted on the body portion, individually, in a state that certain areas of the rods are exposed to both sections of the body portion; and more than one spring supporting sections of each rod inserted into the inside of the body portion, by being mounted inside the body portion; and wherein the length of the exposed areas of each rod is varied by elastic power of the springs according to an interval between both opposing sides of the guide rails.

[293] In addition, the elastic member further comprises plural wheels closely coupled with the guide rails by being pivotally coupled with the exposed sections of each rod.

[294] On this occasion, projections slopingly protruded up and down at predetermined inclined angle are disposed on both sides where the guide rails are opposed, and the respective wheels include grooves that constitute an equivalent shape to the projections by being slopingly caved up and down at inclined angle along the outer circumference, or include grooves slopingly caved up and down at predetermined inclined angle on both sides where the guide rails are opposed.

[295] Then, the respective wheels include projections that constitute an equivalent shape to the grooves by being slopingly protruded up and down at inclined angle along the outer circumference.

[296] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which typical embodiments of the invention are shown.

[297] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[298] Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention. [299] And Fig. 24 is a sectional view of A-A direction of the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention illustrated in Fig. 22.

[300] As illustrated in Fig. 22 through Fig. 24, a multi-stage sliding unit(lOO) in accordance with the present invention comprises: a lower slider(lθ) forming a flat plate type; an upper slider(20) sliding in length direction of the lower slider by being mounted on the lower slider; and an elastic member(30) supporting the sliding action of the upper slider by being mounted between the lower slider and the upper slider.

[301] The lower slider(lθ) is fixed to a receiving part(l) of a slide-type portable phone where an LCD screen and a voice output part are installed, and the upper slider(20) is fixed to a transmitting part(5) where key buttons and a voice input part are installed.

[302] Meanwhile, it is needless to say that the lower slider(lθ) can be fixed to the transmitting part(5) while the upper slider(20) is fixed to the receiving part(l). From now on, description will be given on the basis of an embodiment that the lower slider is installed in the receiving part(l) and the upper slider is installed in the transmitting part(5).

[303] The lower slider(lθ) in accordance with the present invention forms a flat plate type, and consists of a rail shaft(12) functioning as rails during a sliding action of the upper slider(20), and guide rails(18) for coupling the elastic member(30) and guiding up/down movement of the elastic member. Moreover, the lower slider(lθ) can further comprise shock-absorbing members in upper and lower sections so as to absorb shock when the upper slider(20) bumps against the upper section or lower section of the lower slider as sliding.

[304] It is desirable to use engineering plastic materials for the lower slider(lθ) in accordance with the present invention. Engineering plastics are high-intensity plastics used as industrial/structural materials, being more malleable than aluminum and stronger than steel. Also, the plastics are high-functional resins having a high- molecular structure, which have a stronger chemical resistance than gold and silver.

[305] Efficiency and characteristics of the engineering plastics vary according to their chemical structures. And, the engineering plastics are mainly divided into five types such as polyamide, polyacetyl, polycarbonate, PBT(PoIy Butylene Terepthalate) resin, and modified PPO(PoIy Phenylene Oxide). Unlike prior plastics which are low- molecular materials with approximately tens of or hundreds of molecular weight, the above engineering plastics are in common that they are high-molecular materials with hundreds of thousands of or millions of molecular weight.

[306] Therefore, the engineering plastics are excellent in impact resistance, wear resistance, heat resistance, cold resistance, chemical resistance, and electric insulating properties as well as intensity and elasticity, thereby being applicable to various fields including cameras, clock parts, airplane structural members, electronics, etc., as well as home supplies and general merchandise.

[307] Meanwhile, it has been already developed FRPs(Fiber Reinforced Plastics), which are complex materials showing a stronger property, by mixing the engineering plastics with glass fiber or carbon fiber.

[308] In case materials which contain iron are used for the lower slider(lθ) or the upper slider(20), there leads a problem that effects reception and transmission of radio waves of the portable phone. However, once the engineering plastics are used, any hindrance does not occur in reception and transmission of radio waves since iron is not contained in the engineering plastics.

[309] In addition, since the engineering plastics can be produced through an injection molding method, mass production is available. For example, it is available to produce more than one million to two millions of engineering plastics with one mold set.

[310] If aluminum is used as before, mass production is not easy in terms of material characteristics because operations are carried out through extruding, drawing, and die casting molding. For instance, hundred thousands of or two hundred thousands of productions only can be available with one mold set, resulting in a lot of investments.

[311] On the aspect of product characteristics, if aluminum is used, there is no difference in fixed state, but the prior plastics may be easily bent or transformed by external impact, particularly impact by distortion and dropping.

[312] However, if the engineering plastics are used, the engineering plastics are excellent in power of restitution with a lot of elasticity compared to iron when external shock or distortion or impact is applied, since they are plastic series. As a result, working inferiority caused by product transformation may be reduced.

[313] The rail shaft(12) in accordance with the present invention is mounted as covering both sides of the lower slider(lθ), and functions as rails when the upper slider(20) does the sliding action in length direction of the lower slider. At this point, the rail shaft(12) is contacted with rail shaft coupling grooves(24) of insert members(22) of the upper slider(20).

[314] The rail shaft(12) is mounted in a type covering both side sections of the lower slider(lθ) by constituting a 'U' shape, or can be coupled with right/left sides of the lower slider, individually, by being formed in two separated types. Desirably, the rail shaft(12) should be in the 'U' shape. In this case, the rail shaft(12) can be selectively mounted in upper or lower direction of the lower slider(lθ), and is fixed/mounted by a rail shaft setting groove(14) and rail shaft insertion grooves(lό).

[315] Therefore, rails can be made on both sides of the lower slider(lθ) through one-time insertion work, thereby improving productivity. And, because both-sided rails of the lower slider are connected together, durability for the external force or transformation may be enhanced. The rail shaft(12) can function as an antenna of a portable phone. [316] The guide rails(18) in accordance with the present invention are formed as opposing each other on the inner side at a predetermined distance from both sides of the lower slider(lθ), thereby coupling the elastic member(30) while guiding movement of the elastic member in accordance with the sliding action of the upper slider(20).

[317] The guide rails(18) on both sides of the lower slider(lθ) are configured as opposing each other in a shape rotating "W" at 90 degree respectively. In a concrete way, when the guide rails are divided into an upper area and a lower area in the middle part for the length direction of the lower slider(lθ), a '>' -shaped side and a '<' -shaped side constitute a mutually opposing structure, then the upper area and the lower area are symmetrical to each other.

[318] Accordingly, a distance between the guide rails(18) on both sides of the lower slider(lθ) gets farther in an upper section, a middle part, and a lower section of the lower slider, and a middle spot between the upper area and the lower area gets narrower. The elastic member(30) is inserted between the guide rails(18), and more specifically, two rods(34) exposed to right and left sides of the elastic member are individually inserted into the right/left guide rails. On this occasion, wheels(40) are comprised in sections of the respective rods(34), so as to easily couple the guide rails(18) with the rods(34) and reduce the frictional force when the elastic member(30) moves along the guide rails.

[319] Fig. 24 illustrates an embodiment that mutually opposing sides of guide rails(18) form a groove shape caved toward external right/left sides, and wheels(40) mounted on respective rods(34) of an elastic member(30) are inserted into the grooves. At this point, it is desirable that the caved grooves of the guide rails form predetermined up/ down inclined angles, while the wheels(40) are slopingly formed up and down at the same angles as the inclined angles of the grooves.

[320] Since the wheels(40) can be closely contacted with the grooves of the guide rails(18), it is possible to stably install and operate the elastic member(30) between the guide rails, and to prevent the elastic member from being separated from the guide rails. Besides, so as to prevent the elastic member(30) from being separated from the guide rails(18), a distance between the right/left guide rails(18) should be the same as or narrower than the overall length of the elastic member when the external force is not applied to the two rods(34) of the elastic member(30), that is, when the elastic member is relaxed.

[321] The upper slider(20) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part for sliding in multi stages, in length direction of the lower slider while being mounted on the lower slider(lθ), forming both side sections of the upper slider to be bent in 'square without a right side' shape so as to stably cover both sides of the lower slider.

[322] Desirably, both side sections of the upper slider(20) are mounted as covering both sides of the lower slider(lθ) together with a rail shaft(12). Moreover, insert members(22) closely coupled with the rail shaft(12) by filling spaces between both sides of the lower slider(lθ) and the rail shaft(12) are mounted in inner spaces of both side sections having a 'square without a right side' shape of the upper slider(20). Then, an elastic member coupling groove(26) for mounting the elastic member(30) is formed in a certain area on a lower side of the upper slider. At this time, the insert members(22) are made in inner spaces of both side sections of the upper slider through an insert molding method, and the elastic member coupling groove(26) forms a shape caved toward an upper part from the lower side of the upper slider(20), or forms a shape pierced up and down.

[323] Meanwhile, it is desirable to make the upper slider(20) with a stainless steel material for insert molding of the insert members(22) and intensity maintenance, and to prevent transformation and corrosion as reducing bending or thickness.

[324] The insert members(22) in accordance with the present invention are configuration parts made on inner sides of both side sections of the upper slider(20), more specifically, in the inner spaces of sections bent in 'square without a right side' shape of both side sections of the upper slider, through an insert molding method, being equipped with rail shaft coupling grooves(24) caved such that the rail shaft(12) can be inserted thereinto, respectively, on each mutually opposing side.

[325] It is desirable to make the insert members with POM materials. POM is a part of engineering plastics, and is called poly oxy methylene, poly acetal or acetal resin, then its chemical formula is expressed in (-O-CH2-)n. POM has superior properties such as fatigue resistance, solidarity, and wear resistance, which cannot be found in other materials. Thanks to its excellent mechanical property, the POM is largely used to various plastic gears/bearing series, fastener series, driving parts of electronic equipment, and buckles of bags.

[326] The upper slider(20) in accordance with the present invention is equipped with the insert members(22) on the inner side of both side sections through the insert molding method, thereby increasing efficiency of manufacturing processes as increasing the percentage of completion of a product.

[327] Namely, since the insert members(22) of the upper slider, that need precise formation to be contacted with the rail shaft(12), are made by forming POM materials through the insert molding method, productivity of the product can be tremendously increased thanks to easy manufacture.

[328] Also, the rail shaft coupling grooves(24) having the exact size and shape are formed on both opposing sides of the insert members to be contacted with the rail shaft(12), thereby enhancing the percentage of completion of the product.

[329] Furthermore, because the rail shaft made of a metal material and the insert members(22) made of POM materials which are parts of the engineering plasties are generally contacted together, noise or wear does not occur during the sliding action of the upper slider(20), while sliding sensitivity can be remarkably improved.

[330] The elastic member(30) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part for supporting the sliding action of the upper slider by being mounted between the lower slider(lθ) and the upper slider(20), and wherein the two rods(34) are exposed to both sections of the body portion(32), individually, and coupling projections(38) are protruded on an upper side of the body portion.

[331] The two rods(34) exposed outside the body portion(32) are supported by springs comprised within the body portion. And, like above, the wheels(40) for minimizing the frictional force and noise when the elastic member(30) moves along the guide rails in contact with the guide rails(18) are mounted in sections of the respective rods(34), individually.

[332] The coupling projections(38) are inserted into the elastic member coupling groove(26) of the upper slider(20), so that the elastic member(30) in accordance with the present invention can be mounted on the upper slider. Likewise, the elastic me mber(30) is mounted between the guide rails(18) of the lower slider(lθ) by the wheels(40) and the respective rods(34) in both sections of the body portion(32). Accordingly, when the upper slider(20) slides in length direction of the lower slider(lθ), the elastic member(30) moves along the guide rails(18) together with the upper slider. Configurations and operations of the elastic member will be more fully described below.

[333] Fig. 25 is a diagram for describing an elastic member in accordance with the present invention.

[334] Fig. 25(a) is a plane figure of the elastic member, and Fig. 25(b) is a sectional view showing a state that the elastic member is relaxed. And Fig. 25(c) is a sectional view showing a state that the elastic member is contracted.

[335] Also, Fig. 25(d) and Fig. 25(e) are plane figures of another embodiment of the elastic member, and Fig. 25(f) is a side view of another embodiment of the elastic member.

[336] As shown in Fig. 25(a) through Fig. 25(c), an elastic member(30) in accordance with the present invention comprises: a body portion(32) forming a predetermined pipe shape;

[337] two rods(34) forming a long bar shape, and being exposed to both sections of the body portion, respectively; a spring(36) supporting unexposed sections of the respective rods by being comprised inside the body portion; coupling projections(38) protruded in predetermined size on an upper side of the body portion; and wheels(40) mounted in exposed sections of the respective rods. [338] At this moment, it is needless to say that the wheels(40) are pivotally combined with the sections of the respective rods(34). And, it is possible to comprise one or two springs(36). In this case, it is available to form the inside of the body portion(32) as one open space and to comprise the one spring(36) in the open space, so that the one spring can support both two of the rods(34), or it is possible to form the inside of the body portion(32) as two spaces divided right and left and to comprise springs in each of the two spaces, so that the respective springs can individually support the respective rods(34).

[339] As shown above, the elastic member(30) in accordance with the present invention is mounted between the upper slider and the lower slider, since the coupling projections(38) are inserted into the elastic member coupling groove(26) of the upper slider(20) and both rods(34) and the wheels(40) are inserted between the guide rails(18) of the lower slider(lθ).

[340] Accordingly, the elastic member(30) can move along the guide rails(18) by being led by the upper slider when the upper slider(20) slides in length direction of the lower slider(lθ).

[341] On this occasion, an interval between the guide rails(18) is varied for the length direction of the lower slider(lθ), thus pressure applied to the elastic member in horizontal direction can also change by a position of the elastic member(30). On the other hand, in case of the respective exposed rods(34) of the elastic member(30), sections of the rods which are not exposed by the spring(36) are supported, individually. So, the respective rods appear and disappear inside the body portion(32) as much as certain length according to the interval between the guide rails(18), so that the overall length of the elastic member can be fitted to the interval between the guide rails.

[342] In a concrete way, if the interval between the guide rails(18) gets narrower in moving direction of the elastic member(30), the horizontal pressure applied to the elastic member gets higher. Thus, as the respective rods(34) are pushed into the inside of the body portion(32), a contracted state of the spring(36) being compressed like shown in Fig. 25(c) is created, and accordingly, the overall length of the elastic member gets reduced.

[343] On the contrary, if the interval between the guide rails(18) gets wider in the moving direction of the elastic member(30), the horizontal pressure applied to the elastic member gets lower or released. Thus, the respective rods(34) inserted into the inside of the body portion(32) become in relaxed state of being pushed outside the body portion by the restoring force of the spring(36) like shown in Fig. 25(b), and accordingly, the overall length of the elastic member gets increased.

[344] Therefore, the elastic member(30) is contracted or relaxed according to the interval between the guide rails(18), thereby automatically sliding the upper slider by the elastic power or preventing the upper slider from shaking at designated position or moving in random way.

[345] The elastic member(30) in accordance with the present invention can be modified in various shapes and configurations. Representative examples will be described in reference to Fig. 25(d) through Fig. 25(f).

[346] First, Fig. 25(d) and Fig. 25(e) are embodiments having plural rods(34) in both sections of a body portion(32), individually, Fig. 25(d) illustrates the embodiment having the two rods in both sections of the body portion, respectively, and Fig. 25(e) illustrates the embodiment having 3 rods in both sections of the body portion, respectively. In this case, though not shown in the drawing, it is to be sure that springs(36) can be comprised as many as the corresponding number of pairs of the respective rods, inside the body portion(32).

[347] That is to say, the respective rods(34) disposed in the same sections of the body portion(32) are mutually supported by the separate springs(36). Thus, overall elasticity of the elastic member(30) can largely increase to double in the embodiment of Fig. 25(d) and to triple in the embodiment of Fig. 25(e), compared to the elastic member illustrated in Fig. 25(a) through Fig. 25(c), thereby being applicable, for example, to a multi-stage sliding unit that needs high elasticity like the multi-stage sliding unit(lOO) applied to the portable phone which is heavy or large in size.

[348] In the meantime, it is also possible to configure the body portion(32) in separated type like the rods(34). Concretely, in case of Fig. 25(d), it is available to configure two body portions(32) having the rods(34) in both sections, each, like illustrated in Fig. 25(a) through Fig. 25(c), and in case of Fig. 25(e), it is also available to configure three body portions.

[349] At this time, separate cover portions for covering the plural body portions(32) to combine the covered body portions are required, and the coupling projections(38) would be located on upper sides of the cover portions. Meanwhile, though the wheels(40) can be individually comprised in every section of the respective rods(34), it is desirable that the wheels are individually disposed in both sections of the elastic member one by one, in order to make the elastic member(30) have a compact size and to prevent movement between the plural wheels from being disturbed or consistency of actions from being distracted.

[350] In this case, sections of the plural rods(34) exposed to each section of the body portion(32) are united into one section, then the wheels are mounted on the united section, respectively. Another embodiment of the elastic member illustrated in Fig. 25(d) and Fig. 25(e) can be applied as an elastic member of the multi-stage sliding unit(lOO) illustrated in Fig. 22 through Fig. 24 without special modifications. [351] Fig. 25(f) is a modified embodiment for the configuration of wheels(40), showing the embodiment that grooves caved along the outer circumference of the wheels are formed. At this time, the grooves can be slopingly formed up and down at predetermined angle. Like shown in Fig. 25(f), it is desirable to mount the wheels(40) at sectional lower ends of the respective rods(34).

[352] The embodiment of the elastic member(30) illustrated in Fig. 25(f) will be more fully described in the description of Fig. 26 below.

[353] Meanwhile, it is to be sure that the elastic member(30) can be modified in various configurations and types, in addition to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 25(d) through Fig. 25(f).

[354] Fig. 26 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention, showing the sectional view of the multi-stage sliding unit applied with another embodiment of the elastic member illustrated in Fig. 25(f).

[355] As shown in Fig. 26, another embodiment(lOO) of the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention forms a projection shape in which mutually opposing sides of guide rails(18) are protruded, and is equipped with grooves caved along the outer circumference on wheels(40) of an elastic member(30) coupled with the guide rails. In this case, it is desirable that projections of the guide rails(18) are slopingly formed as making predetermined up/down inclined angles, and that the grooves of the wheels(40) are also slopingly formed up and down at the same inclined angles as the projections to be contacted with the guide rails.

[356] Therefore, since the wheels(40) can cover the guide rails(18) as contacting with the guide rails(18), installation and operations of the elastic member(30) may be stably supported, and the frictional force and noise created when the elastic member moves along an upper slider(20) can be considerably reduced.

[357] Likewise, configurations and operations of other configuration parts of another embodiment(lOO) in the multi-stage sliding unit are the same as stated above, thus detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[358] Fig. 27 is a diagram for describing an assembling process of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 27, the assembling process of the multi-stage sliding unit(lOO) in accordance with the present invention will be described as follows.

[359] First, coupling projections(38) of an elastic member(30) are inserted into an elastic member coupling groove(26) of an upper slider(20), so that the upper slider and the elastic member are combined together.

[360] And, the upper slider(20) combined with the elastic member(30) is combined with a lower slider(lθ). At this point, a side section having a square without a right side shape of the upper slider(20) covers a side of the lower slider(lθ), and both rods(34) of the elastic member(30) and wheels(40) are inserted between guide rails(18) of the lower slider.

[361] Next, a rail shaft(12) is mounted through a rail shaft setting groove(14) and rail shaft insertion grooves(lό) of the lower slider(lθ). In this case, the mounted rail shaft is contacted by being inserted into rail shaft coupling grooves(24) individually formed on opposing sides of insert members(22) of the upper slider(20).

[362] On the other hand, the above assembling process shows the embodiment of assembling the multi-stage sliding unit(lOO), and it is needless to say that each stage can be modified in any sequence. For instance, it is possible to combine the lower slider with the upper slider(20) after the rail shaft(12) is inserted into the lower slider(lθ).

[363] Fig. 28 is a state diagram for describing an operation of a multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention, showing 3 stages, for instance, Fig. 28(a) illustrates a state that an upper slider is located in a middle part of a lower slider, Fig. 28(b) illustrates a state that the upper slider is pushed up to an upper section of the lower slider, and Fig. 28(c) illustrates a state that the upper slider is pushed down to a lower section of the lower slider.

[364] Referring to Fig. 28(a) through Fig. 28(c), the operation of the multi-stage sliding unit(lOO) in accordance with the present invention will be described as follows.

[365] First, while the receiving part(l) of the slide-type portable phone is closed, the multi-stage sliding unit(lOO) in accordance with the present invention shows that an upper slider(20) is located in the middle of a lower slider(lθ) like shown in Fig. 28(a).

[366] At this time, an elastic member(30) is located in the middle part of guide rails(18), and an interval between both guide rails at the corresponding location becomes maximum, thus pressure is not applied in horizontal direction of the elastic member or pressure becomes minimum. In addition, since the interval between both guide rails up and down gets narrower in the middle part of the guide rails(18), the upper slider(lθ) does not move up and down by the elastic supporting force of a spring(36) inside the elastic member(30) unless a separate external force is applied.

[367] So, the receiving part(l) can be stably maintained in closed state without moving up and down or shaking.

[368] Next, when the receiving part(l) of the slide-type portable phone is pushed down, a transmitting part(5) is pushed up, in opposite direction, so that the upper slider(20) fixed to the transmitting part can slide up along the lower slider (10) by the external force.

[369] More specifically, the upper slider(20) slides along a rail shaft(12) of the lower slider(lθ) by rail shaft coupling grooves(24) formed in insert members(22), and the elastic member(30) also moves along the guide rails(18) by being led by the upper slider. That is to say, the elastic member moves at an upper area in the middle part of the guide rails.

[370] In this case, because the upper area of the guide rails forms a structure that a '> '- shaped side and a '<'-shaped side are mutually opposed, the interval between the guide rails gradually gets narrower up to a middle spot of the upper area. Accordingly, in order to fit the overall length of the elastic member(30) to the interval between the guide rails, horizontal pressure applied to the elastic member gradually gets higher, so that rods(34) exposed to both sections of a body portion(32) are gradually pushed inside the body portion to compress the spring(36).

[371] As a result, the elastic member(30) is contracted little by little, and is gradually decreased in overall length, then such a contracted state reaches the peak at the middle spot of the upper area of the guide rails(18). On the other hand, if the elastic member passes through the middle spot of the upper area of the guide rails, the interval between the guide rails gets wider again, thus the horizontal pressure applied to the elastic member may be gradually reduced as well.

[372] So, pressure for the spring(36) inside the body portion(32) can be reduced accordingly, enabling the rods(34) of both sections, which are contracted inside the body portion, to be pushed outside by the restoring force of the spring being restored as much as the reduced pressure. Therefore, the rods are pushed outside as much as the widened interval between the guide rails(18). In the long run, the elastic member(30) gradually gets longer in overall length as being relaxed slowly.

[373] Likewise, since both rods(34) are forcibly pushed outside by the restoring force of the spring(36), the elastic member(30) is automatically lifted up while the upper slid er(20) combined with the elastic member also slides up to an upper section of the lower slider(lθ) in automatic way, leading the state like Fig. 28(b). Thus, if the user puts down the receiving part(l) in half, approximately, the rest part automatically moves to open the receiving part.

[374] In addition, as shown in Fig. 28(b), the elastic member(30) is located in an upper section of the guide rails(18) while the upper slider(20) is disposed in an upper section of the lower slider(lθ). At this time, the interval between the guide rails gradually gets narrower under the upper section of the guide rails.

[375] Therefore, the upper slider(20) does not move downward by the elastic supporting force of the spring(36) inside the elastic member(30) unless another external force is applied, resulting that the open state of receiving part(l) can be also stably maintained without shaking.

[376] Furthermore, if the receiving part(l) of the slide-type portable phone is pushed up, the transmitting part(5) is pushed down, in opposite way, thus the upper slider(20) fixed to the transmitting part goes down by being slidden downward along the lower slider(lθ) by the external force.

[377] In this case, the elastic member(30) mounted on the upper slider(20) moves a lower area in the middle part of the guide rails(18), and wherein like the upper area, the lower area of the guide rails also forms a structure that a '>'-shaped side and a '<'-shaped side are mutually opposed.

[378] Accordingly, the interval between the guide rails gradually gets narrower up to a middle spot of the lower area, making horizontal pressure applied to the elastic member(30) also increase little by little. As a result, both rods(34) are pushed inside the body portion(32) to compress the spring(36). Such a contracted state reaches the peak at the middle spot of the lower area of the guide rails(18).

[379] On the other hand, if the elastic member(30) passes through the middle spot of the lower area of the guide rails(18), the interval between the guide rails gets wider again, thereby reducing the horizontal pressure applied to the elastic member. So, as the spring(36) inside the body portion(32) is restored as much as the reduced pressure, a relaxed state of both rods(34) being pushed outside is acquired.

[380] Besides, since both rods(34) are forcibly pushed outside by the restoring force of the spring(36), the elastic member(30) and the upper slider(20) combined with the elastic member automatically slide down to the lower section of the lower slider(lθ), being in the state like shown in Fig. 28(c). Thus, once the user lifts up the receiving part(l) in half, approximately, the rest part automatically moves to open the receiving part.

[381] Meanwhile, the elastic member(30) is located in a lower section of the guide rails(18) while the upper slider(20) is disposed in a lower section of the lower slider(lθ), as shown in Fig. 28(c), and at this moment, the interval between the guide rails gradually gets narrower, on top of the lower section of the guide rails. Therefore, the upper slider(20) does not move upward by the elastic supporting force of the spring(36) inside the elastic member(30) unless another external force is applied. Accordingly, the open state of the receiving part(l) can be also stably maintained without shaking.

[382] As mentioned so far, as for the slider for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone in accordance with the present invention, in sliding manner, the rail shaft(22) in accordance with the present invention is in 'U' shape like illustrated in Fig. 23(a) and Fig. 23(b). For that reason, an insertion work may be available at a time while both rails are assembled by one-time work, thereby improving productivity.

[383] Namely, since the rail shaft(22) functioning as rails is in 'U' shape, rails can be installed on both sides by inserting the one rail shaft. [384] In addition, the rail shaft(22) can function as an antenna on the cellular phone. That is to say, the rail shaft can be usable on behalf of the antenna.

[385] Then, the 'U' shaped rail shaft(22) has a structure that both rails are connected together, thereby excellently enduring outside power or any transformation.

[386] Likewise, the up/down sliding actions of the upper slider can be stably supported, thus it is possible to prevent impact from being applied to the receiving part of the cellular phone or the upper slider from being separated from the lower slider. Also, it can increase efficiency of manufacturing processes of the upper slider while enhancing the percentage of completion of a product.

[387] In other words, the multi-stage sliding unit in accordance with the present invention has the following merits:

[388] First, because the upper slider can determine multi-stage positions in length direction of the lower slider by being mounted between the receiving part and the transmitting part of the cellular phone, the receiving part may be open in lower direction as well as in upper direction, thereby largely increasing practical use of the portable phone;

[389] Second, since each multi-stage position of the upper slider on the lower slider is determined and supported by the elastic power of the elastic member, the determined position of the upper slider can be stably maintained unless the external force is applied, and it is available to prevent the upper slider from shaking or moving;

[390] Third, since the insert members made of POM materials, which are engineering plastic series, are formed in parts closely contacted with the rail shaft of the lower slider, noise and wear caused by friction between the insert members and the rail shaft during the sliding action of the upper slider can be tremendously reduced, while sliding sensitivity may be largely improved;

[391] Fourth, since the insert members are formed through an insert molding method, they can be easily manufactured, resulting in mass production, and furthermore, precise manufacture of rail shaft coupling grooves is available, thereby increasing the percentage of completion of the product;

[392] Fifth, because wheels pivotally coupled with sections of each rod of the elastic member are comprised, the frictional force and noise can be minimized when the elastic member moves along the guide rails;

[393] Sixth, each wheel of the elastic member and each side of the guide rails can be stably coupled together by forming a groove shape with projections, thus it is possible to prevent the elastic member from being separated from the guide rails, as well as to enable the projections and the grooves to be inclined up and down at the same inclined angles, so that the wheels and the guide rails can be closely contacted together, thereby stably maintaining the coupled state; [394] Seventh, since the opposing sides of the upper area and the lower area of the guide rails constitute the '>' -shaped and '<'-shaped configurations, respectively, the interval between the guide rails gets narrower when the upper slider slides, causing resistance against pressure applied to the spring.

[395] Thus, it can prevent impact from being applied to the portable phone, which is caused when the upper slider suddenly goes up. Also, the interval between the guide rails gets wider if the external force is applied up to the middle spot of the upper area or the lower area, therefore it is possible to automatically slide the upper slider for the rest area by the restoring force of the spring;

[396] Eighth, since plural rods and springs of each section of the elastic member are comprised, elastic intensity of the elastic member can be increased, thereby being easily applied to the portable phone which is heavy and large in size;

[397] Ninth, various modifications are possible, for instance, the rods and the number of the springs of the elastic member, and the shape of the wheels and coupling projections may be diversely modified or a cover portion that covers the body portion can be additionally equipped; and

[398] Finally, it can be easily applied to various terminals having a sliding opening/ closing type such as portable phones, PDAs, etc.

[399] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a sliding unit, and more specifically, to a sliding unit where a rotational frame opens/closes a transmitting part as sliding along a length direction of a slider by being mounted between a receiving part and the transmitting part of a slide-type portable phone, and where the slider rotates in horizontal direction when the rotational frame is disposed in a lower section of the slider by sliding.

[400] As the spread and the usage of portable phones are gradually expanded, portable phones having various functions and designs are produced to meet the users' requirements.

[401] The opening form of the above portable phones has been gradually developed, and in a concrete way, starting from bar-type phones, flip-type, flip-up type, and folder- type phones have been developed. Recently, a slide-type portable phone, in which a transmitting part is open/closed accordingly as a receiving part of the portable phone slides up and down in length direction of the transmitting part, has been suggested. Specially, the demand and the utility for the above slide-type portable phone are in the course of increasing gradually, thanks to the good points that such a slide-type portable phone can meet the users changing tastes and it is easy to have and use various functions with the slide-type portable phone.

[402] On the other hand, in addition to basic telephone functions, there is a diversity of functions like games or TV functions added to the portable phones. So as to more ef- fectively use the above functions, except for opening/closing the transmitting part by simply pushing up the receiving part of the portable phone, a sliding unit which can modify the pushed-up receiving part in various usage types like the receiving part is rotated in horizontal direction, is requested. However, the prior sliding unit could not provide various usage types of the portable phone, making it difficult to effectively use various functions of the portable phone. Accordingly, there were problems that the users' requirements could not be satisfied.

[403] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sliding unit, where a rotational frame opens/closes a transmitting part as sliding in length direction of a slider by being mounted between a receiving part and the transmitting part of a slide- type portable phone, and which can rotate the slider in horizontal direction when the rotational frame is disposed in one section of upper and lower ends of the slider by sliding, then can prevent the slider from rotating or moving in horizontal direction while the rotational frame slides.

[404] To attain the above object, the sliding unit in accordance with the present invention opens/closes the transmitting part by sliding the receiving part by being mounted between the transmitting part and the receiving part of the portable phone, comprising: a slider body forming a flat plate type, and consisting of a setting groove caved on an upper side and a rotation preventing groove lengthily caved in length direction of the slider body at a certain area of the setting groove;

[405] a rotational frame sliding in the length direction of the slider body by being set in the setting groove as forming a disk type, and consisting of a guide groove caved on an upper side in rounded shape along an edge part and a rotation preventing projection inserted into the rotation preventing groove by being protruded from a lower side in predetermined size;

[406] a slider cover covering the at least setting groove of the upper side of the slider body, and consisting of an exposing groove pierced in length direction of the slider cover to make a certain area of the upper side of the rotational frame exposed and a guide projection inserted into the guide groove by being protruded to a lower part in predetermined size, in one section of the exposing groove; and

[407] an elastic member supporting the sliding action of the rotational frame by being mounted between the rotational frame and the slider body.

[408] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which typical embodiments of the invention are shown.

[409] Fig. 29(a) through Fig. 29(c) are perspective views showing an operated state of a sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[410] Fig. 29(a) is a perspective view showing a state that a rotational frame is disposed in an upper section of a slider, Fig. 29(b) is a perspective view showing a state that the rotational frame is disposed in a lower section of the slider, and Fig. 29(c) is a perspective view showing a state that the slider is rotated at 90 degree in horizontal direction.

[411] Also, Fig. 30 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[412] As shown in Fig. 29(a) through Fig. 30, a sliding unit(lOO) in accordance with the present invention comprises a flat plate-type slider(30), a rotational frame(lθ) sliding in length direction of the slider by being mounted on the slider as forming a disk type, and an elastic member(60) supporting the sliding action of the rotational frame by being mounted between the slider and the rotational frame.

[413] In addition, the slider(30) is composed of a slider body(40) where the rotational frame(lθ) is set, and a slider cover(50) covering an edge part(12) of the rotational frame(lθ) by being mounted in an upper part of the slider body. The slider(30) is fixed to a receiving part(l) where an LCD screen and a voice output part are installed, in a slide-type portable phone, and the rotational frame(lθ) is fixed to a transmitting part(5) where key buttons and a voice input part are installed.

[414] It is to be sure that the slider(30) can be fixed to the transmitting part(5) while the rotational frame(lθ) is fixed to the receiving part(l).

[415] From now on, description will be given on the basis of an embodiment that the slider is fixed to the receiving part and the rotational frame is fixed to the transmitting part.

[416] Moreover, the slider(30) is rotated at 90 in horizontal direction while the rotational frame(lθ) is slidden and disposed in one section of upper and lower ends of the slider(30), so that the receiving part(l) can be disposed in horizontal direction. Hereinafter, description will be given on the basis of an embodiment that the slider is rotated in horizontal direction while the rotational frame is disposed in a lower section of the slider.

[417] The rotational frame(lθ) in accordance with the present invention forms a disk type, and wherein a central part(14) is protruded to an upper part compared to the edge part(12). The rotational frame(lθ) is mounted on the slider(30), more specifically, the edge part(12) of the rotational frame is inserted between the slider body (40) and the slider cover(50). On this occasion, the central part(14) of the rotational frame(lθ) is exposed to an open space of the slider cover.

[418] Shock-absorbing member insertion grooves(18) are formed at the edge part(12) of the rotational frame(lθ), while shock-absorbing members(16) are inserted into the shock-absorbing member insertion grooves. The shock-absorbing members(16) absorb impact created when inner sides of the edge part(12) and the slider(30) are contacted together while the rotational frame(lθ) slides, and prevent wear and noise on the inner sides of the edge part and the slider.

[419] In addition, the rotational frame(lθ) comprises: a guide groove(20) for guiding a horizontal rotation of the slider when the rotational frame is disposed in the lower section of the slider(30);

[420] an elastic member coupling groove(22) where one section of the elastic member(60) is mounted;

[421] an FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) insertion groove(24) into which an FPCB connected for data transmission between the receiving part(l) and the transmitting part(5) of the portable phone is inserted; and

[422] a rotation preventing projection(26) preventing the slider from rotating or moving during the rotational frame sliding. Each configuration part will be described below.

[423] The guide groove(20) in accordance with the present invention is a groove for supporting the horizontal rotation of the slider in a state that the rotational frame(lθ) is disposed in the lower section of the slider(30), being caved in on an upper side of the rotational frame.

[424] In a concrete way, a guide projection(54) of the slider(30), which will be described below, is inserted into the guide groove(20), and the guide projection moves along the guide groove during the rotation of the slider, and guides the rotation of the slider.

[425] To do this, the guide groove(20) consists of a first area(20a) straightly extended to an inner side at a certain distance from an outer side of the edge part(12) of the rotational frame(lθ), and a second area(20b) formed in rounded shape, in a type of detouring the central part(14) in rotational direction of the slider, by being connected with the first area. At this moment, the second area(20b) is formed as much as the angle at which the slider(30) is rotated in horizontal direction, and desirably, at the angle of 90 degree.

[426] Also, it is desirable that the width of the first area(20a) is identical with that of the guide projection(54), and the width of the second area(20b) is identical with the thickness of the guide projection.

[427] Therefore, if the rotational frame(lθ) is slidden and disposed in the lower section of the slider(30), the guide projection(54) is drawn to the end of the first area(20a), and if the slider is rotated in the horizontal direction, the guide projection drawn to the end of the first area is drawn along the second area(20b) of the guide groove. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the rotational direction and angle of the slider(30) according to a direction and an angle of the guide groove(20).

[428] The elastic member coupling groove(22) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part on which one section of the elastic member(60) is mounted, being caved in as forming a circular section on a lower side of the rotational frame(lθ). [429] And, the FPCB insertion groove(24) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part into which an FPCB for data transmission between the receiving part(l) and the transmitting part(5) of the portable phone is inserted, being formed as piercing through the rotational frame(lθ) up and down. The FPCB insertion groove(24) enables the FPCB to smoothly operate without being twisted or disconnected during the sliding action of the rotational frame(lθ) or the rotation of the slider(30).

[430] The rotation preventing projection(26) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part for preventing the slider(30) from rotating in horizontal direction or moving in the middle of the rotational frame(lθ) sliding, being protruded in predetermined size from a lower side of the rotational frame(lθ). The rotation preventing projection(26) moves along a rotation preventing groove(48) of the slider(30), which will be described below, according to movement of the rotational frame(lθ), while being inserted into the rotation preventing groove.

[431] So, while the rotational frame(lθ) is disposed in an upper section or middle section instead of the lower section of the slider(30), it is possible to prevent the slider from rotating in horizontal direction by the rotation preventing projection(26) and the rotation preventing groove(48), as well as to prevent rattling caused by movement between the rotational frame and the slider.

[432] The slider(30) in accordance with the present invention is a structure that the rotational frame(lθ) is mounted and slidden, and consists of the slider body (40) forming a plate type and where the rotational frame is set, and the slider cover(50) covering the edge part(12) of the rotational frame by being mounted on top of the slider body.

[433] Namely, the rotational frame(lθ) is set in a setting groove(42) caved in length direction of the slider(40), and the slider cover(50) covering the at least setting groove of an upper side of the slider body is mounted as covering the upper side of the slider body to make the rotational frame mounted.

[434] In this case, the protruded central part(14) of the rotational frame(lθ) is exposed to an upper part of the slider cover through an exposing groove(52) pierced up and down in length direction of the slider cover(50). So, the setting groove(42) of the slider body(40) and a length-directional space of the slider(30) formed by the slider cover(50) can function as rails to support the sliding action of the rotational frame(lθ).

[435] The slider body(40) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part forming a lower side of the slider(30), and wherein the setting groove(42) in which the rotational frame(lθ) is set is caved in length direction on an upper side, and the elastic member coupling groove(44) on which one section of the elastic member(60) is mounted, the FPCB insertion groove(46) into which the FPCB is inserted, and the rotation preventing groove(48) into which the rotation preventing projection(26) of the rotational frame is inserted are positioned in the setting groove.

[436] The setting groove(40) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part caved in length direction of the slider body (40) such that the rotational frame(lθ) can be set like above.

[437] Desirably, so as to prevent the rotational frame(lθ) from moving right and left, the width of the setting groove(42) is formed equally to the diameter of the rotational frame including the edge part(12). Furthermore, edge parts of upper and lower ends of the setting groove(42) are rounded in the same shape as the edge part(12) of the rotational frame(lθ), so that the edge part(12) of the rotational frame can be set in the edge parts of the setting groove(42) when the rotational frame is disposed in an upper section or lower section of the slider(30).

[438] The elastic member coupling groove(44) in accordance with the present invention is caved in at a certain area of the setting groove(42) such that one section of the elastic member(60) can be inserted thereinto. More specifically, of both sections of the elastic member(60), the rest one section which is not mounted in the elastic member coupling groove(22) of the rotational frame(lθ) is mounted in the elastic member coupling groove(44).

[439] Besides, the FPCB insertion groove(46) in accordance with the present invention is pierced up and down at the certain area of the setting groove(42) such that the FPCB can be inserted thereinto, and at this time, the FPCB is inserted into and passes through the FPCB insertion groove(24) of the rotational frame(lθ) and the FPCB insertion groove(46), to connect the receiving part(l) with the transmitting part(5) of the portable phone. The FPCB insertion groove(46) also enables the FPCB to smoothly operate without being twisted or disconnected during the sliding action of the rotational frame(lθ) or the rotation of the slider(30).

[440] The rotation preventing groove(48) in accordance with the present invention is caved, so that the rotation preventing projection(26) protruded from the lower side of the rotational frame can be inserted thereinto while the rotational frame(lθ) is set.

[441] The rotation preventing groove(48) is formed along the path in which the rotation preventing projection(26) moves, when the rotational frame(lθ) slides and the slider(30) is rotated in horizontal direction.

[442] Concretely, the rotation preventing groove(48) consists of a first area(48a) caved in by being straightly extended to a lower section from a certain area of the setting groove(42), and a second area(48b) rounded along an lower-end edge part of the setting groove(42) from the end of the first area.

[443] That is to say, the rotation preventing groove(48) forms a similar shape to an alphabet letter 'b'. On this occasion, the first area(48a) is extended to an area where the rotation preventing projection(26) is disposed, in case the rotational frame(lθ) is dispo sed in an upper section of the slider(30).

[444] Also, it is desirable that the second area(48b) is formed as much as the angle at which the rotation preventing projection(26) moves, during the horizontal rotation of the slider(30). Therefore, when the rotational frame(lθ) slides in length direction of the slider(30), the rotation preventing projection(26) also moves along the first area(48a) of the rotation preventing groove(48), and if the rotational frame is disposed in a lower section of the slider, the rotation preventing projection is located in a lower section of the first area(48a).

[445] Besides, if the slider(30) is rotated in horizontal direction, the rotation preventing projection(26) moves along the second area(48b) of the rotation preventing groove(48). To be exact, since the slider is rotated while the rotational frame is fixed, the second area(48b) of the rotation preventing groove(48) will become in a state of moving by taking the rotation preventing projection(26).

[446] In the meantime, it is desirable that the width of the first area(48a) and the second area(48b) of the rotation preventing groove(48) is set equally to the width of the rotation preventing projection(26). In this way, the slider(30) is not rotated when the rotational frame(lθ) slides, and also no movement is made, thus the rotational frame can stably slide without rattling, and can stably operate without moving even in case of the rotation of the slider.

[447] Moreover, it is possible to prevent the rotational frame(lθ) from sliding by coupling the rotation preventing projection(260 with the second area(48b) of the rotation preventing groove(48) in a state of the slider being rotated in horizontal direction.

[448] The slider cover(50) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part for mounting the rotational frame(lθ) as being mounted by covering the at least setting groove(42) of the upper side of the slider body(40), and wherein the exposing groove(52) is pierced in length direction such that the central part(14) of the rotational frame(lθ) can be exposed to the upper part, and the guide projection(54) for guiding the horizontal rotation of the slider(30) by being inserted into the guide groove(20) of the rotational frame is protruded from a lower part as a lower-end edge part of the exposing groove.

[449] The exposing groove(52) in accordance with the present invention is pierced up and down in length direction of the slider cover(50), in order that the central part(14) of the rotational frame(lθ) can be exposed outside. In this case, it is desirable that the width of the exposing groove(52) is formed equally to the width of the central part(14) of the rotational frame. On the other hand, the central part(14) of the rotational frame in the present invention is formed to make sections thereof be straight-line right/left sides, by cutting both of right/left circular sections. [450] In this case, an upper end and right/left edge parts of the exposing groove(52) should be identical with the form of the central part(14).

[451] More specifically, the upper-end edge part of the exposing groove should be rounded equally to an upper end of the central part(14), and the right/left edge parts should be formed in a straight line that forms the same width as the width between right/left sides of the central part.

[452] Meanwhile, because the slider should be rotated in horizontal direction when the rotational frame(lθ) is disposed in the lower section of the slider(30), a lower-end edge part of the exposing groove(52) should be formed in circular shape having the same diameter as a circular shape of upper and lower ends of the central part(14).

[453] Therefore, it is available to prevent the rotational frame from moving, since right/ left sides of the central part(14) can be contacted together by the right/left edge parts of the exposing groove(52) while the rotational frame(lθ) slides. And, if the rotational frame is disposed in the lower section of the slider(30), right/left areas of the central part(14) get wider by the lower-end edge part of the exposing groove, thus it does not impede the rotation of the slider.

[454] The guide projection(54) in accordance with the present invention is disposed on an extension line of a zero direction of the first area(20a) that forms a straight type in the guide groove(20) of the rotational frame(lθ), at the lower-end edge part of the exposing groove(52), and is protruded toward the lower part.

[455] In detail, a certain area of the lower-end edge part of the exposing groove(52) is bent downward to form the guide projection(54). At this time, the protruded height of the guide projection(54) is the same as the caved depth of the first area(20a) and the second area(20b) of the guide groove(20). Likewise, it is the same as mentioned above that the width of the guide projection(54) is the same as that of the first area(20a) of the guide groove(20) and the thickness of the guide projection is the same as the width of the second area(20b) of the guide groove.

[456] When the rotational frame(lθ) accesses the lower section of the slider by sliding downward along the slider(30), the guide projection(54) is gradually led to the first area(20a) of the guide groove(20), and if the rotational frame is located in the lower section of the slider, the guide projection becomes in a state of being led to the end of the first area of the guide groove. At this point, if the slider(30) is rotated in the horizontal direction, the guide projection(54) moves as drawing a curved line along the rounded second area(20b) of the guide groove(20). Accordingly, the slider(30) can rotate in the horizontal direction on the rotational frame(lθ).

[457] The elastic member(60) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part for supporting the sliding action of the rotational frame by being mounted between the rotational frame(lθ) and the slider(30), and wherein two rods are protruded to both sections, respectively, and the two rods are supported by a predetermined spring inside the elastic member. So, the two rods do elastic motion in length direction of the elastic member(60), individually.

[458] One section of the two rods of the elastic member(60) is mounted on the elastic member coupling groove(22) of the rotational frame(lθ), and the rest one section is mounted on the elastic member coupling groove(44) of the slider body (40). In this case, each section of the two rods is pivotally combined with the respective elastic member coupling grooves(22,44).

[459] Fig. 31 (a) through Fig. 31(e) are perspective views showing an assembling process of a sliding unit in accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 31 (a) through Fig. 31(e), a sliding unit(lOO) in accordance with the present invention will be described as follows.

[460] First, after shock-absorbing members(16) are inserted into shock-absorbing member insertion grooves(18) of a rotational frame(lθ) like shown in Fig. 31 (a), a section of one rod of an elastic member(60) is mounted in an elastic member coupling groove(22) formed on a lower side of the rotational frame like shown in Fig. 31(b).

[461] Next, like shown in Fig. 31(c), a section of the rest one rod of the elastic member(60) is mounted in an elastic member coupling groove(44) of a slider body(40), and the rotational frame(lθ) is set in a setting groove(42) of the slider body. At this moment, the rotational frame is disposed as being contacted with an upper-end edge part of the setting groove(42) of the slider body, and a rotation preventing projection(26) formed on a lower side of the rotational frame is inserted into a rotation preventing groove(48) of the slider body.

[462] Next, like shown in Fig. 31(d), a slider cover(50) is mounted in an upper part of the slider body(40). On this occasion, the central part(14) of the rotational frame(lθ) is exposed outside through an exposing groove(52) of the slider cover.

[463] Finally, like shown in Fig. 31(e), the slider body(40) and the slider cover(50) are coupled together by using coupling means like screws.

[464] Fig. 32(a) through Fig. 32(d) are sectional views showing an operated state of a sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[465] Fig. 32(a) is a sectional view showing a state that a rotational frame is disposed in an upper section of a slider.

[466] Fig. 32(b) is a sectional view showing a state that the rotational frame slides along the slider.

[467] Fig. 32(c) is a sectional view showing a state that the rotational frame is disposed in a lower section of the slider by sliding, and Fig. 32(d) is a sectional view showing a state that the slider is rotated at 90 in horizontal direction by pivoting on the rotational frame. [468] Especially, in Fig. 32(a) through Fig. 32(d), a receiving part(l) and a transmitting part(5) of a slide-type portable phone are displayed together in thick line, illustrating a disposed state of the receiving part and the transmitting part according to an operation of the sliding unit(lOO) in accordance with the present invention.

[469] Referring to Fig. 32(a) through Fig. 32(d), the operation of the sliding unit in accordance with the present invention will be described below.

[470] If the receiving part(l) is pushed up so as to open the transmitting part(5), a rotational frame(lθ) disposed at an upper end of a slider(30) is lowered down. At this point, since a distance between the elastic member coupling grooves(22,44) is reduced by movement of the rotational frame(lθ), pressure is applied to each rod of an elastic member(60), so that the respective rods go inside to compress a spring inside the elastic member.

[471] The pressure applied to each rod of the elastic member becomes in maximum state when an interval between the elastic member coupling grooves(22,44) is minimum(when the elastic member coupling grooves are mutually disposed on horizontal extension line).

[472] Also, a rotation preventing projection(26) of the rotational frame(lθ) also moves along the straight-type first area(48a) of a rotation preventing groove(48) of the slider body (40). At this time, because a horizontal direction of the rotational frame and the slider body is fixed and guided by the rotation preventing projection and the rotation preventing groove, it is not possible to rotate the rotational frame or the slider in horizontal direction, while the rotational frame can be slidden without moving.

[473] Meanwhile, if the receiving part(l) passes through a spot at which the interval between the elastic member coupling grooves(22,44) is minimum by being continuously pushed up, the interval between the elastic member coupling grooves gradually gets farther, resulting that the pressure applied to each rod of the elastic member(60) can get weaker little by little.

[474] Hence, the spring inside the elastic member is restored to the original length and pushes each rod outside, and accordingly, the rotational frame(lθ) automatically slides down to be located in the lower section of the slider(30). Consequently, if the receiving part(l) is pushed up to some extent, the receiving part can be automatically pushed up by the elastic power of the elastic member (60).

[475] In the meantime, a guide projection(54) of the slider cover(50) is disposed on vertical-directional extension line of the first area(20a) that forms a straight type of a guide groove(20) of the rotational frame(lθ). Therefore, if the rotational frame accesses the lower section of the slider, the guide projection is led to the first area of the guide groove, and when the rotational frame is disposed in the lower section of the slider, the guide projection becomes in a state of being led to the end of the first area of the guide groove. On this occasion, the rotation preventing projection(26) is also disposed at the end of the first area(48a) of the rotation preventing groove(48).

[476] If the receiving part is rotated in horizontal direction while the receiving part(l) is fully pushed up, the guide projection(54) is led to the rounded second area(20b) of the guide groove(20), and moves as drawing a curved line along the second area of the guide groove.

[477] In this case, the rotation preventing projection(26) also moves as drawing a curved line along the rounded second area(48b) of the rotation preventing groove(48). Thus, the receiving part(l) can be stably rotated in horizontal direction, so that the receiving part and the transmitting part(5) are disposed as forming a mutually perpendicular shape.

[478] On the other hand, in a state that the receiving part(l) is rotated in horizontal direction, that is, the state of the slider(30) being rotated in horizontal direction, the guide projection(54) and the guide groove(20), and the rotation preventing projection(26) and the rotation preventing groove(48) are mutually supported, therefore it is not possible to push up the rotational frame(lθ) to slide it.

[479] So as to close the open receiving part(l), the receiving part turned in horizontal direction should be turned in opposite direction such that the receiving part and the transmitting part(5) can be disposed in parallel. In this case, the guide projection(54) moves along the second area(20b) of the guide groove(20) in opposite direction to be located at the end of the first area(20a), and the rotation preventing projection(26) also moves along the second area(48b) of the rotation preventing groove(48) in opposite direction to be located at the end of the first area(48a).

[480] Next, if the receiving part(l) is pushed down, the guide projection(54) is separated by moving along the first area(20a) of the guide groove(20) as the rotational frame(lθ) goes up, then the rotation preventing projection(26) moves along the first area(48a) of the rotation preventing groove(48). Furthermore, as the rotational frame goes up, the interval between the elastic member coupling grooves(22,44) is reduced to make each rod of the elastic member(60) compress the spring again.

[481] And, if the rotational frame passes through a spot at which the interval between the elastic member coupling grooves is minimum, the rotational frame is automatically pushed up by the restoring force of the spring. Consequently, after the receiving part(l) is lowered down to some extent, it is closed by being automatically pushed down.

[482] Like mentioned so far, the sliding unit in accordance with the present invention can open/close the transmitting part by sliding the receiving part up and down, and can vertically dispose the transmitting part and the receiving part by rotating the receiving part in horizontal direction while the transmitting part is open, by pushing up the receiving part, thereby providing an appropriate arrangement when various functions of a portable phone are used, because various arrangement types can be offered.

[483] That is to say, the sliding unit in accordance with the present invention has the following merits:

[484] First, the rotational frame can be stably and easily slidden, by using the elastic member, and the slider can be rotated in horizontal direction when the rotational frame is disposed in one section of upper and lower ends of the slider;

[485] Second, since the guide projection moves along the rounded second area of the guide groove while the rotation preventing projection also moves along the rounded second area of the rotation preventing groove when the rotational frame is disposed in one section of the slider, the horizontal rotation of the slider may be stably guided;

[486] Third, in case the slider is rotated in the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent the rotational frame from sliding, by mutual support between the guide projection and the second area of the guide groove and between the rotation preventing projection and the second area of the rotation preventing groove;

[487] Fourth, since the rotation preventing projection moves along the straight-type first area of the rotation preventing groove during the sliding action of the rotational frame, it is available to prevent the slider from rotating in horizontal direction during the sliding action of the rotational frame;

[488] Fifth, since both sides of the central part of the rotational frame are supported in right/left directions by the edge parts of the exposing groove of the slider cover and the rotation preventing projection is supported in right/left directions by the first area of the rotation preventing groove, the sliding action of the rotational frame can be stably maintained while rattling caused by movement can be prevented;

[489] Sixth, by mounting the shock-absorbing members on the edge part of the rotational frame, impact between the rotational frame and the slider can be absorbed during the horizontal rotation of the slider and the sliding action of the rotational frame, thereby preventing wear and noise;

[490] Seventh, it is possible to insert an FPCB that connects the receiving part with the transmitting part through the rotational frame and the FPCB insertion groove of the slider body, and also to prevent the FPCB from being damaged by being twisted or stretched owing to the sliding action of the rotational frame and the horizontal rotation of the slider;

[491] Eighth, since the sliding action of the rotational frame can be supported by the elastic member, the receiving part can automatically move by the elastic power of the elastic member if the receiving part is pushed up or down to some extent, and also resistance is created as much as the elastic power of the elastic member when the receiving part is lifted up or down, thus it can prevent the receiving part from suddenly moving. Consequently, it is available to prevent shock from being applied to the portable phone or the portable phone from being damaged; and

[492] Finally, it can use the guide projection and the guide groove in parallel with the rotation preventing projection and the rotation preventing groove or can selectively apply them, and modify the rotation preventing projection and the rotation preventing groove. Furthermore, the shape of the rotational frame and the slider cover can be variously modified, while a variety of options may be given, for instance, diverse elastic members can be applicable.

[493]

[494] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a mainspring-type sliding unit, and in terminals such as cellular phones, PDAs, and others that the user can easily carry with hand, wherein main body parts and sub body parts are open as sliding, more specifically, to a mainspring-type sliding unit having a driving form that a sub body slides along a main body, and in which a mainspring is united with a slider to make the sub body automatically slide to open as the mainspring unwinds by pressing a switch in case the sub body is open, and in which the mainspring winds to lock when the sub body is pressed by hand in case the sub body is closed.

[495] As portable wireless terminals are gradually popularized all over the world, portable terminals having various functions and designs are produced to meet the users' wishes.

[496] At first, the portable terminals were started with bar-type terminals, and have been developed to flip-type, flip-up type, and folder-type terminals. Recently, a slide-type portable terminal having a type that a sub body slides up and down in length direction of the terminal on a main body has been developed to meet the changing tastes of cellular phone users.

[497] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mainspring-type sliding unit.

[498] To attain the above object, the mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention is a sliding-type handset where a sub body(60) slides along a length direction of an upper side of a main body (10), and the sliding unit is installed on a side where the main body (10) and the sub body (60) are contacted together, being characterized that: the sliding unit consists of a lower slider(40) fixed to the sub body(60) and an upper slider(20) sliding along a length direction of the lower slider(40) by being inserted into the lower slider(40), and one side of the upper slider(20) is fixed to the main body (10);

[499] the center of a mainspring(50) is installed on the other side of the upper slider(40) to be fixed on the other side, and a latch(55) is disposed at the end of the mainspring(50), then the latch(55) is inserted into a suspending groove(57) formed as a groove in a lower section of the sub body (60); and

[500] an opening/closing switch(25) is installed on one side of the main body(lθ), and an opening/closing latch 1 (26) is disposed on the opening/closing switch while an opening/closing latch 2 (27) is disposed on a side equivalent to a side of the opening/ closing switch on the sub body(60), and the opening/closing latch 1 and the opening/ closing latch 2(26,27) are locked when the main body (10) and the sub body (60) are contacted each other.

[501] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which typical embodiments of the invention are shown

[502] Fig. 33 is a cut sectional view of a terminal where a mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention is installed, which is seen from the front side.

[503] Fig. 34 is an internal diagram of the terminal where the mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention of Fig. 33 is installed, which is seen from a plane.

[504] Referring to Fig. 33 and Fig. 34, the terminal equipped with the mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention consists of a main body (10) where number key buttons of a cellular phone are installed if the cellular phone is given as an example, and a sub body(60) where a display part composed of LCD is installed, as sliding up and down along the main body(lθ).

[505] And, an opening/closing switch(25) functioning as a switch to make the sub body(60) slide is positioned in a left-sided edge part of the main body(lθ). An opening/closing latch 1 (26) is positioned on the opening/closing switch(25), and an opening/closing latch 2 (27) configured to be engaged with the opening/closing latch 1 (26) is positioned on the inner side of a left-sided edge part of the sub-body(60).

[506] The sliding unit consisting of an upper slider(20), a lower slider(40), and a mainspring(50) that drives the upper slider(20) to slide in length direction along the lower slider(40) is positioned on a side where the main body (10) and the sub body (60) of the cellular phone in accordance with the present invention are contacted together.

[507] The upper slider(20) moves together with the main body(lθ) by being fixed thereto, while the lower slider(40) moves together with the sub body(60) by being fixed thereto.

[508] The upper slider(20) is inserted into both edges of the lower slider(40) to slide along both edges of a length direction of the lower slider(40), and an internal empty space is formed between the inserted upper slider(20) and the lower slider(40). Then, the mainspring(50) is fixed to the upper slider(20) in the internal empty space where the upper slider(20) is inserted into the lower slider(40), and a latch(55) is positioned at the end part of a spring of the mainspring(50), to be always suspended on a suspending groove(57) formed as a groove on one side of the bottom of the lower slider(40).

[509] Likewise, since the latch(55) formed at the end of the mainspring(50) fixed to the upper slider(20) is suspended on the suspending groove(57) of the lower slider(40), the lower slider(40) can slide accordingly as the mainspring(50) goes up by being pushed as winding by tension, in a state that a separate external force is not applied(see Fig. 35).

[510] Fig. 34(a) illustrates a state that the opening/closing latch 1(26) of the opening/ closing switch and the opening/closing latch 2(27) of the sub body(60) are almost open, which is caused when the opening/closing switch(25) installed on the main body(lθ) is slightly pressed. Fig. 34(b) illustrates features that the opening/closing latch 1(26) and the opening/closing latch 2(27) are engaged together, so that the sub body (60) is locked on the main body (10).

[511] Fig. 34(a) and Fig. 34(b) are front views illustrating a sliding unit installed between the main body (10) and the sub body (60) in a state that the main body (10) is located downward and the sub body(60) is located upward. However, in this case, even though the opening/closing switch(25) is illustrated in full line as if it is installed on the sub body(60) located in an upper part, the opening/closing switch is substantially installed on the main body (10) located in a lower part.

[512] That is, the opening/closing switch is illustrated in full line instead of a dotted line so as to describe operations of the opening/closing latches 1 and 2 (26,27).

[513] Fig. 35 illustrates an internal detailed diagram((b) showing a state of a sub body of a handset, in which a mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention is installed, being open by sliding from a main body, which is seen from the front side, and illustrates a left-sided diagram (a) showing a state of the sub body of the handset in accordance with the present invention being open, which is seen from the left side.

[514] Referring to Fig. 35, a sub body(60) where a display part like LCD is installed is in a state of sliding upward a main body(lθ) by tension of a mainspring(50) as a locked opening/closing latch 2(27) is unlocked from an opening/closing latch 1(26), which is caused when the user presses an opening/closing switch(25).

[515] When the user of the cellular phone presses the opening/closing switch(25), the locked opening/closing latch 2(27) is unlocked from the opening/closing latch 1(26), and the wound mainspring(50) unwinds, then a latch(55) at the end of the mainspring(50), which is suspended on a suspending groove(57) of the sub body(60), pulls up the sub body (60) to the top of the main body (10) by tension of the mainspring(50).

[516] Though the opening/closing switch(25) is illustrated in full line in Fig. 35(b) as if the switch is installed on the sub body(60), it is just for description. Substantially, the switch is installed on a side of the main body(lθ) like shown in Fig. 35(a).

[517] Referring to Fig. 35(a), the upper slider(20) is fixed to the main body(lθ) while the lower slider(40) is fixed to the sub body(60), and the mainspring(50) is fixed to the main body(lθ) together with the upper slider(20), then the latch(55) only at the end of the mainspring(50) is suspended on the suspending groove(57) formed on the bottom of the sub body(60).

[518] The lower slider(40) has a rectangular form which is long in length and short in width, and the upper slider(20) slides along the lower slider(40) while being inserted into both side edges of the lower slider(40), and has a configuration that horizontal and vertical lengths are rarely different from each other.

[519]

[520] [Modified Example]

[521] In the present invention, a display part consisting of LCD can be disposed on the main body (10), and a button part consisting of buttons may be disposed on the sub body(60), when necessary.

[522] Fig. 36 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a mainspring-type sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[523] Referring to Fig. 36, it is illustrated that a coil spring(51) like a piano steel wire, a hard steel wire, and a stainless steel wire, which are wire rods made for spring purpose, is used in a mainspring(50). The mainspring(50) used for the present invention can be used as a leaf spring(52) of the mainspring by rolling a long iron plate having narrow width, or may be used as the mainspring by rolling the coil spring(51) made of a metal steel wire used for spring purpose, or can be used as the mainspring by mixing both iron plate and coil spring(51) together and rolling them.

[524] Fig. 36(a) illustrates features that maximum tension is applied to the mainspring(50) by applying the external force to an upper slider(20) like shown in Fig. 34, illustrating that the upper slider(20) is lowered down on the bottom of a lower slider(40) as the tension is applied to the mainspring(50) by the external force, and that the mainspring(50) is rolled to apply the maximum tension to the leaf spring(52) of the mainspring(50) from a latch(55) of the coil spring(51) suspended in a suspending groove(57).

[525] Fig. 36(b) illustrates features that the upper slider(20) is lifted up along the lower slider(40) as the leaf spring(52) is released by the tension applied to the mainspring(50) when the upper slider(20) is free from the external force.

[526] Fig. 36(c) illustrates features that the sliding unit in accordance with the present invention is seen from the front side.

[527] Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lower slider in the sliding unit in accordance with the present invention of Fig. 36.

[528] In the present invention, as well as metal used for the spring inside the mainspring(50), plastics may be used to manufacture the spring. In this case, the spring can be made of poly acetal(POM), poly propylene(PP), poly ethylene(PE), and engineering plasties.

[529] A sliding-type handset using the mainspring in accordance with the present invention can be applied to various portable terminal fields such as cellular phones, PDAs, and terminals with Bluetooth functions, using the mainspring for a driving device of the sliding unit that slides the handset.

[530] Since the mainspring is used as a driving mean of the sliding unit in the present invention, the sub body(60) of the cellular phone can smoothly slide instead of suddenly sliding to the top of the main body (10) when sliding, thus the user using the handset can experience a smoother feeling.

[531] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a sliding unit and an electronic device using the same, and more specifically, in a slide-type portable phone, to a sliding unit and an electronic device using the same in which a sliding contact portion is anodized while an opposing contact portion is anodized and elec- trodeposited.

[532] As the spread and the usage of portable phones are increased all over the world, portable phones having various additional functions and being applied with diverse designs are produced to meet the users varied wishes and create demand.

[533] Particularly, for the above portable phones, the opening/closing form of transmitting parts of the portable phones have been developed on the aspect of size and design as well as their functional usage. At first, the portable phones were started with bar-type phones, and have been developed to flip-type, flip-up type, and folder-type phones. Recently, a slide-type portable phone, in which a transmitting part is open/ closed accordingly as a receiving part of the portable phone slides up and down in length direction of the transmitting part, has been suggested. Specially, the demand and the utility for the above slide-type portable phone are in the course of increasing gradually, thanks to the good points that such a slide-type portable phone can meet the users changing tastes and it is easy to have and use various functions with the slide- type portable phone.

[534] The prior slide-type portable phone in Fig. 1 consists of a receiving part(l) where an LCD screen is installed and a transmitting part(5) where number keys of the cellular phone are installed.

[535] Generally, a manual sliding type that the user pushes up and down the portable phone with hand has a structure that guide rails are disposed on a lower side of the receiving part(l) and projections for sliding the receiving part(l) in connection with the guide rails are formed in the central part on an upper side of the transmitting part(5).

[536] On the contrary, an automatic sliding type that the receiving part(l) is automatically lifted up to the utmost upper end with the force of a spring once the user slightly pushes up the receiving part with hand is generally adopted with a separate sliding unit and a spring structure appropriate therefor.

[537] However, in case of the sliding unit used in the prior automatic sliding type, the receiving part(l) is not exactly combined with the transmitting part(5), resulting that a gap of the receiving part moving right and left is created when the receiving part slides to an upper end. Consequently, product quality may deteriorate, and furthermore there is a weak point that a structure of the sliding unit is complex.

[538] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sliding unit and a cellular phone using the same, in which a receiving part and a transmitting part are exactly combined together, not to create any gap of the receiving part moving right and left while sliding to an upper end.

[539] It is another object of the present invention to provide a sliding unit having a simple structure and an electronic device using the same.

[540] In a sliding unit having an upper slider sliding along a lower slider, the sliding unit in accordance with the present invention is characterized that: the lower slider is in- tegratedly formed by consisting of a flat plate-type body portion and two supporting parts stacked on the body portion and of which some parts of the supporting parts are protruded at the same intervals to an outer side along a length direction on both-sided ends of the body portion; and the upper slider is in 'square without a right side' shape in which both side sections thereof cover some protruded parts of the supporting parts of the lower slider.

[541] Besides, the present invention provides a sliding unit for anodizing at least one of upper and lower sliders by sulfuric acid, and for additionally conducting electrodeposit coating by amino acryl resin for one of the two sliders.

[542] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which typical embodiments of the invention are shown.

[543] First of all, though the inventor of the present application has applied for a first patent before the application date of the present application, a sliding unit suggested in the Korean Patent Application No. 2005-0021868, which has not been open to the public yet, as of the application date of the present application, will be described as follows.

[544] Fig. 38 is a perspective view for describing an operation of a first embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit.

[545] Fig. 38(a) is a diagram illustrating a state that an upper slider(30) is lifted up along a lower slider(20), and Fig. 38(b) is a diagram illustrating a state that the upper slider is lifted down along the lower slider. [546] Also, Fig. 39 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a cellular phone sliding unit.

[547] The cellular phone slider comprises the flat plate-type lower slider(20), the upper slider(30) sliding up and down along the lower slider by being mounted on the lower slider, and an elastic member(40) supporting the up/down sliding actions of the upper slider since both sections thereof are mounted on the lower slider and the upper slider, individually.

[548] The upper slider(30) slides up and down as rubbing against a side of the lower slider(20), adopting a configuration that a rail shaft(22) is roughly inserted into the side of the lower slider(20) in order that the sliding action can be conducted with little friction.

[549] Fig. 39(a) suggests a configuration that the rail shaft(22) is inserted from an upper direction, and Fig. 39(b) suggests a configuration that the rail shaft(22) is inserted from a lower direction.

[550] The elastic member(40) is configured, that sections thereof are inserted into a through hole(34) formed on the upper slider(30) and a through hole(24) formed on the lower slider(20), respectively, to combine with the sliders. In case of the sliding unit, the above rail shaft(22) should be assembled after being manufactured separately from the lower slider(20) and the upper slider(30), thus it has a weak point of complex manufacturing processes.

[551] Therefore, the present invention suggests a configuration that a contacted part between the upper slider(20) and the lower slider(30) is anodized, without comprising a separate rail shaft.

[552] Fig. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention.

[553] Fig. 41 is a coupled perspective view of an upper slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention.

[554] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a lower slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention, and Fig. 43 is a perspective view of an upper slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention.

[555] Fig. 44 is a vertically cut sectional view showing that an upper slider and a lower slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention are coupled together.

[556] Fig. 44 illustrates a cut sectional view that an elastic member is not inserted, for descriptive convenience, and shows a cut sectional view of A-A direction of Fig. 41.

[557] Fig. 45 illustrates a partial cut sectional view of a lower slider of a cellular phone upper slider unit in accordance with the present invention, illustrating a cut sectional view of B-B' direction of Fig. 42. [558] From now on, referring to Fig. 40 through Fig. 45, the upper slider unit of the present invention will be described as follows.

[559] The cellular phone sliding unit in accordance with the present invention comprises a flat plate-type lower slider(20), an upper slider(30) sliding up and down along the lower slider by being mounted on the lower slider, and an elastic member(40) supporting the up/down sliding actions of the upper slider since both sections thereof are mounted on the lower slider and the upper slider, individually.

[560] The lower slider(20) consists of a flat plate-type body portion(25), and two supporting parts(26) disposed in a shape of being stretched out such that some parts thereof can be protruded at the same intervals to an outer side more than the body portion(25), along a length direction of both-sided ends of the body portion(25). And, some parts of the supporting parts(26), which are protruded more externally than the body portion(25), may function as convex guides(27).

[561] To smoothly combine the elastic member(40), it is desirable that the width of the respective supporting parts(26) is formed to be smaller than about 1/3 of the width of the body portion(25), and desirably, less than 1/6. A fixing groove(24) pierced to make one section of the elastic member(40) inserted is formed on an inner side at a predetermined distance from one of right/left sides of the body portion(25), on which the supporting parts(26) are not united.

[562] Fig. 45 illustrates the sectional view of B-B' of the lower slider(20) shown in Fig.

41, showing configurations of a body portion(25) and supporting parts(26) in more detail.

[563] The supporting parts(26) are protruded to an outer side more than the body portion(25) as much as the length 'L' and are stacked in an upper part as much as the thickness 't2'.

[564] Now, a processing method of the lower slider(20) will be described below. First, aluminum is NC(Numerical Control)-processed, forming the shape of the body portion(25) and the supporting parts(26) like shown in Fig. 42 and Fig. 45(step 1).

[565] The processed lower slider(20) is immersed in a sodium hydroxide solution having

5 to 20 weight% for about 30 to 60 seconds, at 40°C to 80°C, to eliminate impurities like oil during the processing, and surface planarization of removing some burrs remaining during the processing is carried out(step 2). The lower slider is CD-corroded for about 120 seconds at 110°C to be surface-treated for good appearance (step 3-1).

[566] Next, in order to neutralize the CD etching solution, the lower slider is immersed in a nitric acid solution having 10 to 50 weight%, then extracted(step 3-2). Next, the lower slider(20) is anodized for about 10 minutes at 16V applied voltage, with 130mA + 5% electric current, at 21°C + 1°C approximately, with 15 weigth% of sulfuric acid(step 4). [567] When the anodizing treatment is finished, a thin oxide film having uniform thickness is created on the surface of the lower slider(20), and fine holes are made by the oxide film to increase surface hardness. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sliding parts from being worn away even in case of frequent sliding actions.

[568] At this time, since too many fine holes are created on the surface of the anodized lower slider(20), it is desirable to additionally progress a hole-sealing treatment for sealing the fine holes by letting the lower slider immerse for 10 minutes with the use of top sealers by sealants(step 5). Then, the lower slider is dried for about 10 minutes at 150°C (step 6). Finally, the lower slider is complete by polishing the convex guides(step 7). The convex guides may gloss through the polishing in the step 7.

[569] The upper slider(30) in accordance with the present invention is a configuration part sliding up and down along the convex guides(27) of the lower slider by being mounted on the lower slider(20), having a rough shape of square without a right side such that both side sections thereof can cover portions of the convex guides(27) of the lower slider.

[570] The upper slider(30) is composed of a frame(32) that constitutes an external shape of the upper slider, and concave guides(37) whose surface is treated, as areas contacted with the convex guides(26). In addition, shock preventing materials(38) adhering to four edges of the upper slider(30) are comprised to prevent shock during collision with other components in case of the up/down sliding actions of the upper slider(30).

[571] The frame(32) is in a type that both sections thereof are bent in square without a right side shape, and the fixing groove(34) pierced to make the rest one section of the elastic member(40) inserted is formed on an inner side at a predetermined distance from one of right/left sides of the frame(32). Then, the concave guides(37) formed through surface treatment as sliding areas by being equivalent to the convex guides(27) are disposed on the inner side of the 'square without a right side' shape of the frame(32).

[572] Meanwhile, the respective fixing grooves(24,34) of the lower slider(20) and the upper slider(30) are formed on inner sides in opposition to each other. That is, the respective fixing grooves(24,34) of the lower slider and the upper slider are opposed to each other.

[573] For example, when the fixing groove(24) of the lower slider is formed on the left, the fixing groove(34) of the upper slider is formed on the right, and vice versa. Also, the respective fixing grooves(24,34) should not be formed on the same extension line in horizontal direction. It is because the upper slider(30) should move up and down.

[574] Now, a processing method of the upper slider(30) will be described as follows.

First, the shape of aluminum is processed to make the shape of the frame(32) and the concave guides(37) like shown in Fig. 43(step 1). [575] The processed upper slider(30) is immersed in a sodium hydroxide solution having

5 to 20 weight% for 30 to 60 seconds, at 40°C to 80°C, to eliminate impurities like oil during the processing, and surface planarization of removing some burrs remaining during the processing is carried out(step X).

[576] The planarized upper slider(30) is immersed in 25g/L ammonium fluoride for 60 to

120 seconds, at 60°C, and surface corrosion is conducted to decorate the external surface(step 3).

[577] Next, in order to remove the etching solution by neutralizing it, the upper slider is immersed in a nitric acid solution having 10 to 50weight%(step 4).

[578] Then, the upper slider is anodized for about 10 minutes at 16 V applied voltage, with 130 mA+5% electric current, at 21°C +1°C approximately, with 15 weight% of sulfuric acid(step 5).

[579] When the anodizing treatment is finished, a thin oxide film having uniform thickness is created on the surface of the upper slider(30), and fine holes are made by the oxide film to increase surface hardness. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sliding parts from being worn away even in case of frequent sliding actions.

[580] At this time, since too many fine holes are created on the surface of the anodized upper slider(30), it is desirable to additionally progress a hole-sealing treatment for sealing the fine holes by letting the upper slider immerse for 10 minutes with the use of top sealers as sealants(step 6).

[581] Then, after water and paints (watersoluble amino acryl resin) are mixed together in the weight ratio of about 4: 1, the paints are immersed for 25 to 60 seconds at 170 V to conduct electrodeposit coating(step 7).

[582] If the amino acryl resin is coated on the surface of the anodized and hole-sealed upper slider(30), surface roughness can be more reduced, thus the upper slider(30) can much more smoothly slide along the lower slider(20).

[583] On this occasion, it is essential to pay attention that, if the surface of the lower slider(20) as well as the upper slider(30) is coated with the amino acryl resin, both surfaces may be too smooth, disabling slider roles. It is a similar phenomenon to the principles that both glass plates do not slide each other if glass surfaces having too little surface roughness slide together in contacted state. Finally, the upper slider is dried for about 80 minutes at 200°C, and complete (step 8).

[584] Even though the lower slider(20) is anodized while the upper slider(30) is anodized and electrodeposit-coated in the present invention, an opposite case can be easily modified and executed for those who may be concerned in the corresponding fields of the present invention. Namely, it does not make a difference whether the lower slider(20) is anodized and electrodeposit-coated while the upper slider(30) is anodized.

[585] Fig. 46 is a diagram for describing one embodiment of an elastic member in accordance with the present invention.

[586] Fig. 46(a) is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention, and Fig. 46(b) is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention.

[587] Referring to Fig. 46(a) and Fig. 46(b), configurations and operations of the one embodiment of the elastic member in accordance with the present invention will be described below.

[588] An elastic member(40) in accordance with the present invention comprises: first supporting pipes(41) where springs(43) are mounted inside; first insertion bars(42) whose each one section is inserted into open sections of the first supporting pipes; second supporting pipes(44) where springs(46) are mounted inside; second insertion bars(45) whose each one section is inserted into open sections of the second supporting pipes; and a cover portion(47) fixing/supporting the supporting pipes by covering outer circumferences of the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44).

[589] The first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) are pipe-shaped configuration parts whose inside is pierced, having a structure that first sections thereof are open while the rest second sections are blocked. The first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) have the same configurations, and are disposed in mutually opposite direction.

[590] In other words, the second sections of the second supporting pipes(44) are disposed in a direction that the first sections of the first supporting pipes(41) are disposed. Furthermore, the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) are disposed in turns. Thus, each supporting pipe disposed in opposite direction is adjacent to each other and disposed in turns, so that the elastic member(40) can be configured in stable and poised way. And, the springs(43,46) are mounted inside the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44), respectively, then each one end of the springs is supported by the blocked second sections of the supporting pipes.

[591] The first insertion bars(42) and the second insertion bars(45) are configuration parts inserted into the open first sections of the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44), respectively, making the diameter of each insertion bar less than that of the respective supporting pipes.

[592] Sections of the respective insertion bars(42,45) inserted into the open first sections of the respective supporting pipes(41,44) are supported by the springs(43,46), respectively. So, each insertion bar can do elastic motion in horizontal direction along the supporting pipes, and the overall length of the elastic member(40) may be adjusted in horizontal direction according to the movement of the respective insertion bars.

[593] In the meantime, so as to prevent the respective insertion bars(42,45) from being separated from the respective supporting pipes(41,44), suspending hooks(not shown) are formed in coupled parts of each supporting pipe and each insertion bar, respectively.

[594] The cover portion(47) is a configuration part for stably supporting the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44), being equipped in a type covering the outer circumference of each supporting pipe. That is to say, the cover portion fixes the supporting pipes by covering, as a whole, the outer circumference of some parts in which the first supporting pipes(41) and the second supporting pipes(44) disposed in opposite direction with each other are overlapped together, thereby preventing the respective supporting pipes(41,44) from shaking or being separated due to movement of the insertion bars(42,45). As a result, it is possible to stably maintain elastic motion of the entire elastic member (40).

[595] The first supporting pipes(41), the first insertion bars(42), the second supporting pipes(44), and the second insertion bars(45) are comprised in more than one, respectively, and wherein each exposed one section of the respective first insertion bars(42) is connected/fixed together by a first cap portion(48), and likewise, each exposed one section of the respective second insertion bars(45) is connected/fixed together by a second cap portion(49).

[596] The first and second cap portions(48,49) are configuration parts of the elastic member(40), which are applied with the external force, making the same directional insertion bars move at the same time by mutually fixing adjacent insertion bars.

[597] Concretely, the first cap portion(48) holds together sections of the respective first insertion bars(42), which are adjacent to each other, so that the respective first insertion bars can move equally when the force is applied from the exterior. Likewise, the second cap portion(49) holds together sections of the respective second insertion bars(45), so that the respective second insertion bars can move simultaneously and equally by the external force.

[598] And, on a lower side of the first cap portion(48) and an upper side of the second cap portion(49), fixing projections(48a,49a) coupled with the fixing groove(24) of the lower slider(20) and the fixing groove(34) of the upper slider(30), respectively, are individually comprised.

[599] Desirably, sections of the coupled parts between the respective fixing grooves(24,34) and the fixing projections(48a,49a) of the first and second cap portions are made in circular shape, so that the respective fixing projections coupled with the respective fixing grooves can be rotated according to movement of the upper slider.

[600] Though the embodiment that the first supporting pipes(41) and the first insertion bars(42), and the second supporting pipes(44) and the second insertion bars(45) are comprised by two, respectively, is illustrated in Fig. 46, unlike the above embodiment, it is also possible to variously transform configurations and the number of the respective supporting pipes(41,44) and the respective insertion bars(42,45).

[601] For example, it is available to comprise the first supporting pipes(41) and the first insertion bars(42) by two while comprising the second supporting pipes(44) and the second insertion bars(45) by three, respectively. Thus, the dimensions of elastic power of the elastic member may be freely controllable, and elastic motion of the elastic member can be stably maintained even in case of having a high elastic power.

[602] Meanwhile, the elastic member(40) should not be affected by elastic power in a state of fully lifting up the upper slider(30)(when the sliding-type cellular phone is closed) or of fully lifting down the upper slider(when the sliding-type cellular phone is open). That is, positions of the fixing grooves of the upper slider and the lower slider should be controlled, not to apply external force(pressure) to a spring of the elastic member while the upper slider is fully lifted up or fully lifted down.

[603] In a concrete way, a distance between the fixing grooves of the upper slider and the lower slider should be the same as the overall length of the elastic member(40) in a state that any pressure is not applied, while the upper slider is lifted up or down.

[604] The sliding unit in accordance with the present invention can be applied to portable electronic equipments such as cellular phones, PDAs, etc., which use upper slider and lower slider modules, as well as to be used for electronic equipments such as notebook computers, pentops, etc., which are relatively big in size.

[605] Since the sliding unit that does not use a separate rail shaft can be provided according to the present invention, it is possible to simplify assembling processes, thereby reducing a manufacturing cost. Moreover, any defect caused from a complex- structured sliding unit may be decreased.

[606] Also, by suggesting a structure that the concave guides of the upper slider are contacted along convex guides formed in length direction of the lower slider, it is available to provide a sliding unit and an electronic device using the same, where the receiving part can be exactly combined with the transmitting part, not to create any gap of the receiving part moving right and left while sliding to an upper end.

[607]

Industrial Applicability

[608] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical preferred em bodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitations, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

[1] A sliding unit for connecting, in sliding manner, a transmitting part with a receiving part of a cellular phone that supports sliding opening/closing actions of the receiving part and the transmitting part, by being installed on the sliding cellular phone open/closed by mutually sliding the receiving part where an LCD screen is installed and the transmitting part where number keys are installed, comprising: a lower slider mounted on either the transmitting part or the receiving part, and forming a flat plate type; wherein the lower slider, comprising: a rail shaft mounted as covering both sides of the lower slider; and a first fixing groove pierced on an inner side at a predetermined distance from a first side; an upper slider mounted on the other one of the transmitting part and the receiving part, covering both sides of the lower slider together with the rail shaft, and sliding in vertical direction along the lower slider by being mounted on the lower slider; wherein the upper slider, comprising: a frame forming an external shape of the upper slider, and having a second fixing groove pierced on an inner side at a predetermined distance from a second side opposing the first side of the lower slider and separation preventing ends extended to a lower area of the lower slider; and two insert members formed under both side sections of the frame through an insert molding method, respectively, and having rail shaft insertion grooves caved in such that the rail shaft can be mounted on mutually opposed surfaces; and an elastic member whose overall length is varied by a predetermined elastic power, and supporting the vertical-directional sliding action of the upper slider since both sections thereof are coupled with the first fixing groove and the second fixing groove, respectively.

[2] The sliding unit for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone, in sliding manner, of claim 1, wherein the insert members are made of engineering plastic materials.

[3] The sliding unit for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone, in sliding manner, of claim 1, wherein both side sections of the frame are in a structure bent in 'sequare without a right side' shape.

[4] The sliding unit for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone, in sliding manner, of claim 1, wherein the elastic member, comprising: more than one of first supporting pipes forming a pipe shape in which the inside is pierced, and whose first sections are open while second sections are blocked; more than one of first insertion bars doing horizontal motion since first sections thereof are inserted/coupled into/with the open first sections of the first supporting pipes, respectively; more than one of second supporting pipes forming a pipe shape in which the inside is pieced, and whose first sections are open while second sections are blocked; more than one of second insertion bars doing horizontal motion since first sections thereof are inserted/coupled into/with the open first sections of the second supporting pipes, respectively; plural springs mounted inside the first supporting pipes and the second supporting pipes, and supporting the first sections of the first insertion bars and the second insertion bars, respectively; a first cap portion mutually connecting the exposed second sections of the first insertion bars, respectively, and being coupled with the first fixing groove; a second cap portion mutually connecting the exposed second sections of the second insertion bars, respectively, and being coupled with the second fixing groove; and a cover portion covering the outer circumference of the respective first supporting pipes and second supporting pipes, and mutually fixing the respective first supporting pipes and second supporting pipes; and wherein the first and second supporting pipes are disposed in turns, and the corresponding respective sections of the first and second supporting pipes are disposed in opposite direction.

[5] The sliding unit for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone, in sliding manner, of claim 1, wherein the elastic member, comprising: two rods coupled with the first fixing groove and the second fixing groove as forming a long bar shape, and including fixing shafts whose sections make a circle in first sections; plural springs coupled with second sections of each rod, respectively; a body portion including two guide portions inversely caved in each rod on an upper side, while the respective rods are coupled; and a cover portion, in which the respective guide portions are disposed in opposite direction while being crossly disposed in horizontal direction, and covering the guide portions by being mounted on an upper side of the body portion; and wherein the respective rods move in horizontal direction along the respective guide portions in a state of the second sections thereof being supported by each spring.

[6] The sliding unit for connecting the transmitting part with the receiving part of the cellular phone, in sliding manner, of claim 1, wherein the elastic member, comprising: more than one of first elastic parts having a predetermined elastic power, and forming a long bar shape; and more than one of second elastic parts forming a long bar shape as having a predetermined elastic power, and being disposed by opposing the respective first elastic parts; and wherein the respective first and second elastic parts mutually make a radial shape, while both sections thereof are coupled together.

[7] A multi-stage sliding unit consisting of a lower slider(40) which is a main body, and an upper slider(20) which is a sub body sliding along a length direction of the lower slider(40), being characterized that: rail portions sliding which are formed at both side edges of the length direction of the lower slider(40); the lower slider(40) is divided into upper and lower parts in the length direction, and grooves are formed at central spots of the upper and lower parts, respectively, in the vicinity of one-sided edge of the length direction of the lower slider(40); upper and lower spring portions(30,31) are inserted into the respective upper and lower grooves, one by one, so that the inserted spring portions can be rotated while being inserted into the grooves; and if the upper slider(20) slides by being inserted into the lower slider(40), based on a middle part in the length direction of the lower slider(40), the upper slider(20) is applied with tension of the upper spring portion(30) when sliding to the upper part of the lower slider(40), and the upper slider(20) is applied with tension of the lower spring portion(31) when sliding to the lower part of the lower slider(40).

[8] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 7, wherein the respective spring portions(30,31) are characterized that: two tension bars installed inside are located to be applied with tension of springs in opposite direction; cylinder-shaped rivets are installed at the end of one tension bar, and the rivets are inserted into the grooves such that the spring portions can rotate in the grooves; cylinder-shaped sliding rollers are installed at the end of the other tension bar; and latches are extended at the end of the other tension bar.

[9] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 7, wherein the rail portions are long and thin shafts.

[10] A multi-stage sliding unit that opens/closes a transmitting part in multi stages by sliding a receiving part in multi stages by being mounted between the transmitting part and the receiving part of a portable phone, comprising: a lower slider forming a flat plate type; wherein the lower slider, comprising: guide rails where, when the lower slider is divided into an upper area and a lower area in the middle part for a length direction of the lower slider, the upper area and the lower area constitute a shape that a '>'-shaped side and a '<' - shaped side are disposed as opposing each other on an inner side at a predetermined distance from both sides of the lower slider, respectively; an upper slider mounted as covering both sides of the lower slider, and sliding in the length direction of the lower slider; and an elastic member mounted on a lower side of the upper slider, and wherein both sections are coupled by being inserted into both opposing sides of the guide rails, and supporting the sliding action of the upper slider as the length of the elastic member is varied according to an interval between both opposing sides of the guide rails by elastic power of springs disposed inside.

[11] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 10, wherein the lower slider further comprises a rail shaft mounted as covering both sides of the lower slider.

[12] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 11, wherein both side sections of the upper slider form a 'square without a right side' shape, and the upper slider includes insert members formed on the inner side of both side sections of the upper slider, and being equipped with rail shaft coupling grooves caved in, respectively, so that the rail shaft can be closely coupled on opposing sides, individually.

[13] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 12, the insert members are made of POM materials, and are formed through an insert molding method.

[14] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 10, wherein the upper slider includes an elastic member coupling groove caved to an upper part from a lower side, and the elastic member includes coupling projections mounted on the elastic member coupling groove by being protruded in predetermined size on an upper side.

[15] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 10, wherein the elastic member, comprising: a body portion forming a pipe shape, and being mounted on the upper slider; plural rods forming a long bar shape, and being mounted on the body portion, individually, in a state that certain areas of the rods are exposed to both sections of the body portion; and more than one spring supporting sections of each rod inserted into the inside of the body portion, by being mounted inside the body portion; and wherein the length of the exposed areas of each rod is varied by elastic power of the springs according to an interval between both opposing sides of the guide rails.

[16] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 15, wherein the elastic member further comprises plural wheels closely coupled with the guide rails by being pivotally coupled with the exposed sections of each rod.

[17] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 16, wherein the guide rails include projections slopingly protruded up and down at predetermined inclined angle on both opposing sides, and wherein the respective wheels include grooves that constitute an equivalent shape to the projections by being slopingly caved up and down at the inclined angle along the outer circumference.

[18] The multi-stage sliding unit of claim 16, wherein the guide rails include grooves slopingly caved in up and down at predetermined inclined angle on both opposing sides, and wherein the respective wheels include projections that constitute an equivalent shape to the grooves by being slopingly protruded up and down at the inclined angle along the outer circumference.

[19] A sliding unit for opening/closing a transmitting part by sliding a receiving part by being mounted between the transmitting part and the receiving part of a portable phone, comprising: a slider body forming a flat plate type; wherein the slider body, comprising: a setting groove caved on an upper side; and a rotation preventing groove lengthily caved in length direction of the slider body at a certain area of the setting groove; a rotational frame sliding in the length direction of the slider body by being set in the setting groove as forming a disk type; wherein the rotational frame, comprising: a guide groove caved on an upper side in rounded shape along an edge part; and a rotation preventing projection inserted into the rotation preventing groove by being protruded from a lower side in predetermined size; a slider cover covering the at least setting groove of the upper side of the slider body; wherein the slider cover, comprising: an exposing groove pierced in length direction of the slider cover to make a certain area of the upper side of the rotational frame exposed; and a guide projection inserted into the guide groove by being protruded to a lower part in predetermined size, in one section of the exposing groove; and an elastic member supporting the sliding action of the rotational frame by being mounted between the rotational frame and the slider body.

[20] As a sliding-type handset where a sub body(60) slides along a length direction of an upper side of a main body(lθ), a mainspring-type sliding module is equipped with a sliding unit installed on a contacted surface on which the main body (10) and the sub body(60) are united together, being characterized that: the sliding unit consists of a lower slider(40) fixed to the sub body(60) and an upper slider(20) sliding along a length direction of the lower slider(40) by being inserted into the lower slider(40); one side of the upper slider(20) is fixed to the main body (10); the center of a mainspring(50) is installed on the other side of the upper slider(40) to be fixed on the other side, and a latch(55) is disposed at the end of the mainspring(50), then the latch(55) is inserted into a suspending groove(57) formed as a groove in a lower section of the sub body (60); an opening/closing switch(25) is installed on one side of the main body(lθ), and an opening/closing latch 1(26) is disposed on the opening/closing switch while an opening/closing latch 2(27) is disposed on a side equivalent to a side of the opening/closing switch on the sub body(60), and the opening/closing latch 1 and the opening/closing latch 2(26,27) are locked when the main body(lθ) and the sub body(60) are contacted each other.

[21] The mainspring-type sliding unit of claim 20, wherein the sliding-type handset is one of cellular phones, PDAs, or all terminals portable with hand.

[22] A sliding unit having an upper slider sliding along a lower slider, being characterized that: the lower slider is integratedly formed by consisting of a flat plate-type body portion and two supporting parts stacked on the body portion and of which some parts of the supporting parts are protruded at the same intervals to an outer side along a length direction on both-sided ends of the body portion; and, the upper slider is in 'square without a right side' shape in which both side sections thereof cover some protruded parts of the supporting parts of the lower slider.

[23] The sliding unit of claim 22, wherein the upper slider and the lower slider are made of aluminum.

[24] The sliding unit of claim 23, wherein at least one of the lower slider and the upper slider is anodized.

[25] The sliding unit of claim 23, wherein the lower slider and the upper slider are anodized, while at least one of the lower slider and the upper slider is further electrodeposit-coated.

[26] The sliding unit of claim 24 or 25, wherein the anodizing is conducted by sulfuric acid.

[27] The sliding unit of claim 25, wherein the electrodeposit-coating is executed by amino acryl resin.

[28] An electronic device including a sliding unit having an upper slider sliding along a lower slider, the sliding unit, being characterized that: the lower slider is integratedly formed by consisting of a flat plate-type body portion and two supporting parts stacked on the body portion and of which some parts of the supporting parts are protruded at the same intervals to an outer side along a length direction on both-sided ends of the body portion; the upper slider is in 'square without a right side' shape in which both side sections thereof cover some protruded parts of the supporting parts of the lower slider; and the lower slider and the upper slider are anodized, and at least one of the lower slider and the upper slider is electrodeposit-coated.