WO2007018399A1 - Sliding type opening and closing apparatus for use in portable telephone - Google Patents

Sliding type opening and closing apparatus for use in portable telephone Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007018399A1
WO2007018399A1 PCT/KR2006/003115 KR2006003115W WO2007018399A1 WO 2007018399 A1 WO2007018399 A1 WO 2007018399A1 KR 2006003115 W KR2006003115 W KR 2006003115W WO 2007018399 A1 WO2007018399 A1 WO 2007018399A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
locking
closing apparatus
linking
sliding type
linking member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2006/003115
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Sung-Hyun Ka
Seong Sik Kang
Original Assignee
Phoenix Korea Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020050072983A external-priority patent/KR20070018349A/en
Priority claimed from KR1020050078966A external-priority patent/KR20070024237A/en
Application filed by Phoenix Korea Co., Ltd. filed Critical Phoenix Korea Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2007018399A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007018399A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/3888—Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0235—Slidable or telescopic telephones, i.e. with a relative translation movement of the body parts; Telephones using a combination of translation and other relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0237—Sliding mechanism with one degree of freedom

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an opening and closing apparatus using a sliding mechanism, and more particularly, to a sliding type opening and closing apparatus capable of opening or closing at least some portions of two units by allowing the two units to be coupled with each other and to be slid relative to each other.
  • a portable telephone which is opened and closed by means a sliding mechanism comprises two case units and a sliding type opening and closing apparatus for linking the two case units such that they are capable of being slid relative to each other.
  • a conventional sliding type opening and closing apparatus mounted to a portable telephone is configured to allow one case unit to be slid relative to the other case unit only in one direction when the portable telephone is closed.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding type opening and closing apparatus capable of opening or closing at least some portions of two units by allowing the two units to be coupled with each other and to be slid relative to each other.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a sliding type opening and closing apparatus for use in a portable telephone including two case units slidable relative to each other, which allows the two case units to be linked to each other such that the case units can be slid relative to each other in both directions when the portable telephone is closed.
  • a sliding type opening and closing apparatus for coupling first and second units moved relative to each other along a moving axis and causing at least a portion of the first or second unit to be opened or closed through a relative sliding movement between the first and second units, which comprises a first linking member linked to the first unit, a second linking member linked to the second unit and slid relative to the first linking member, an elastic force- imparting member including an elastic member for providing an elastic force between the first and second linking members, and a movement limit control means for controlling a sliding movement of the second linking member relative to the first linking member.
  • a first interval where the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member applies a force for moving the second linking member relative to the first linking member in a first direction and a second interval where the elastic member of the elastic force- imparting member applies a force for moving the second linking member relative to the first linking member in a second direction opposite to the first direction are provided, and the movement limit control means includes a fixed locking portion provided in one of the first and second linking members to limit the sliding movement of the second linking member relative to the first linking member in the second direction within the second interval and an adjustment member provided in the other of the first and second linking members and including a movable locking portion linked to the fixed locking portion, the adjustment member being capable of moving relative to the fixed locking portion to be released from a locking state between the fixed and movable locking members.
  • the fixed locking portion of the movement limit control means is a locking track which is provided in the first linking member and formed with a passage extending along the moving axis, and the movable locking portion of the movement limit control means is provided in the second linking member and positioned within the passage of the locking track by an external force.
  • the adjustment member of the movement limit control means may further include an elastic member for applying the force such that the movable locking portion can move away from the passage of the locking track.
  • the adjustment member of the movement limit control means may further include a moving shaft with which the movable locking portion is coupled and which can be moved in a direction of the force applied by the elastic member of the adjustment member, and the locking track of the movement limit control means may further include an opening portion which opens toward the passage and through which the moving shaft passes.
  • the locking track of the movement limit control means includes two locking wings between which the opening portion is formed.
  • the locking wings and the movable locking portion of the adjustment member may be positioned within a space defined between the first and second linking members.
  • the fixed locking portion of the movement limit control means is provided in the second linking member
  • the adjustment member of the movement limit control means includes an adjustment lever provided in the first linking member and rotated about a rotating axis along an interval between first and second positions, and a locking state between the fixed and movable locking portions is maintained when the adjustment lever is placed at the first position whereas the locking state is released when the adjustment lever is placed at the second position.
  • the movement limit control means may further include an adjusting elastic member for applying the force such that the adjustment lever can be rotated toward the first position.
  • the adjustment lever may be provided within a space defined between the first and second linking members.
  • the first linking member is preferably provided with a circular-arc track hole which is centered about the rotating axis, and the adjustment member may further include an adjustment protrusion protruding outward from the first linking member through the track hole and coupled to the adjustment lever.
  • the adjustment lever includes a hook-shaped extension to which the fixed locking portion is caught, and an outer side of the extension is provided with an inclined portion which cooperates with the fixed locking portion to cause the adjustment lever to be rotated toward the second position.
  • the adjustment lever is provided outside of the first linking member.
  • the first linking member is provided with a circular-arc track hole which is centered about the rotating axis, and the movable locking portion which is coupled to the adjustment lever through the track hole and cooperates with the fixed locking portion is positioned within the space between the first and second linking members.
  • the fixed locking portion may include an inclined surface which cooperates with the movable locking portion to cause the adjustment lever to be rotated toward the second position.
  • the adjustment lever may protrude outward from a side surface of the first linking member.
  • the elastic force-imparting member includes a first coupling body having a rotating coupling portion rotatably coupled with the first linking member and a second coupling body having a rotating coupling portion rotatably coupled with the second linking member, the first and second coupling bodies are coupled to be linearly movable relative to each other, and the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member applies the force such that the rotating coupling portions of the first and second coupling bodies can move away from each other.
  • the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is a tension spring
  • the first and second coupling bodies of the elastic force-imparting member have locking portions to which both ends of the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member are caught, respectively
  • the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is installed between the locking portions of the first and second coupling bodies, and the locking portions of the first and second locking bodies are positioned close to the rotating coupling portions of the second and first coupling bodies, respectively, such that a distance between the locking portions of the first and second coupling bodies is changed in inverse proportion to a distance between the rotating coupling portions of the first and second coupling bodies.
  • first and second coupling bodies are plate members and at least one elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is provided at each side of the first or second coupling body.
  • Each of the first and second coupling bodies may include a track hole extending along a relative linear movement direction and a coupling pin which passes through the track hole to couple the two coupling bodies with each other.
  • the portable telephone can be used more conveniently because the two case units thereof can be slid relative to each other in both directions when the portable telephone is closed.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portable telephone mounted with a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 (a) is a perspective view illustrating a state where the portable telephone of Fig. 1 is completely closed, and (b) is a view illustrating a first state of the opening and closing apparatus when the portable telephone is completely closed.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an elastic force-imparting member shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 (a) is a perspective view illustrating a state where a second unit of the portable telephone shown in Fig. 1 is moved upward relative to a first unit thereof to open a keypad provided in the first unit, and (b) is a view illustrating a second state of the opening and closing apparatus when the second unit is moved upward relative to the first unit.
  • Fig. 5 (a) is a perspective view illustrating a state where the second unit is moved downward relative to the first unit from a closed state of the portable telephone shown in Fig. 4, and (b) is a view illustrating a third state of the opening and closing apparatus when the second unit is moved downward relative to the first unit.
  • Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective and plan views illustrating a first state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 6, respectively.
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a second state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a third state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective and plan views illustrating a first state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 11, respectively.
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a second state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 11.
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a third state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 11.
  • Figs. 1 to 5 show a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • a portable telephone 12 comprises a first unit 14 provided with a keypad 13, a second unit 16 provided with a liquid crystal display 15, and an opening and closing apparatus 20 for coupling the two units 14 and 16 with each other.
  • a front surface is defined by a surface on which the liquid crystal display 15 of the second unit 16 in the portable telephone 12 is provided.
  • the two units 14 and 16 are coupled with each other by means of the opening and closing apparatus 20 in such a manner that a front surface of the first unit 14 is brought into contact with a rear surface of the second unit 16 such that they face each other, and the second unit 16 is slid relative to the first unit 14 along a moving axis 100.
  • the second unit 16 is provided with a penetration hole 17 through which an adjustment button 90 to be described later is exposed to the outside.
  • On the front surface of the first unit 14 along the moving axis 100 are disposed the keypad 13 and a coupling portion 11 with which a first linking member 30 of the opening and closing apparatus 20 is coupled.
  • a downward side is defined by a side to which the keypad 13 of the first unit 14 in the portable telephone 12 is disposed along the moving axis 100
  • an upward side is defined by a side to which the coupling portion 11 with which the first linking member 30 of the opening and closing apparatus 20 is coupled is disposed along the moving axis. That is, the moving axis 100 extends upward and downward, and the second unit 16 of the portable telephone 12 is slid relative to the first unit 14 of the portable telephone upward and downward.
  • the opening and closing apparatus 20 includes the first linking member 30, a second linking member 40, an elastic force-imparting member 50, and a movement limit control means having a locking track portion 35 and a locking adjustment portion 70.
  • the first linking member 30 includes a coupling plate 32 and first and second guides 34 and 36.
  • the coupling plate 32 is generally shaped as a rectangular plate, and both side ends thereof are bent forward to surround the first and second guides 34 and 36.
  • the top end of the coupling plate 32 is provided with the locking track portion 35 serving as one of the components of the movement limit control means.
  • the locking track portion 35 is formed by means of two locking wings 351 and 352 which are bent such that they are raised forward from the coupling plate 32.
  • a passage 353 extending in parallel with the moving axis 100 is formed behind the two locking wings 351 and 352, and an opening portion 354 open to the passage 353 extends between along the two locking wings 351 and 352 in parallel with the moving axis 100.
  • a first coupling body 52 of the elastic force-imparting member 50 is pivotally coupled with the coupling plate 32 as described later.
  • the coupling plate 32 is provided with a passage hole 37 through which wires (not shown) for electrically linking the first and second units 14 and 16 to each other can pass.
  • the first and second guides 34 and 36 are shaped as an elongated rod and provided with track grooves 341 and 361, respectively.
  • the first and second guides 34 and 36 are coupled to both sides of the coupling plate 32, respectively, such that the track grooves can be opposite each other.
  • Two inserting wings 43 and 44 of a moving plate 42 of the second linking member 40 are slidably inserted into the track grooves 341 and 361 of the first and second guides 34 and 36, respectively.
  • the second linking member 40 includes the moving plate 42 and the locking adjustment portion 70 coupled with the moving plate 42.
  • the locking adjustment portion 70 is the other of the components of the movement limit control means.
  • the moving plate 42 is generally shaped as a rectangular plate, and both side ends thereof are provided with the inserting wings 43 and 44 bent backward.
  • the two inserting wings 43 and 44 are inserted into the track grooves 341 and 361 of the first and second guides 34 and 36 of the first linking member 30, respectively, such that they can be moved along the moving axis 100.
  • a second coupling body 54 of the elastic force-imparting member 50 is pivo tally coupled with the moving plate 42 as described later.
  • the coupling plate 32 is provided with a passage hole 45 through which wires (not shown) for electrically linking the first and second units 14 and 16 to each other can pass.
  • the moving plate 42 is provided with a passage hole 46 into which the locking adjustment portion 70 can be inserted to be coupled with the moving plate 42.
  • the moving plate 42 is coupled to the rear surface of the second unit 16.
  • the locking adjustment portion 70 includes a moving guide 71, a moving shaft 72, a locking portion 73, an elastic member 74, a washer 75 and an adjustment button 90.
  • the moving guide 71 is inserted into the passage hole 46 of the moving plate 42 and then fixed thereto, and it is also provided with a penetration hole 711 therein.
  • the moving shaft 72 is guided through the penetration hole 711.
  • the moving shaft 72 is inserted into the penetration hole 711 of the moving guide 71 such that it can be moved forward and backward. Further, the moving shaft 72 can be moved upward and downward along the moving axis 100 through the opening portion 354 defined between the two locking wings 351 and 352 of the coupling plate 32.
  • the locking portion 73 is located in a space between the moving plate 42 and the coupling plate 32, and is coupled with one side end of the moving shaft 72. The moving shaft 72 is caught into the moving plate 42 to prevent the locking portion 73 from being outwardly separated. The locking portion 73 can be moved forward and backward along the moving shaft 72 within the space between the moving plate 42 and the coupling plate 32.
  • the elastic member 74 is a compression coil spring and both ends thereof are brought into contact with the moving guide 71 and the washer 75, respectively.
  • the elastic member 74 applies an elastic force for causing the moving shaft 72 to be moved forward.
  • the washer 75 is coupled with the moving shaft 72 to prevent the elastic member 74 from being separated from the shaft.
  • the adjustment button 90 is brought into contact with the washer 75 and exposed to the outside through the penetration hole 17 of the second unit 16.
  • the elastic force-imparting member 50 includes the first coupling body 52, the second coupling body 54 and four elastic members 56.
  • the first and second coupling bodies 52 and 54 are shaped as identical plate members and are coupled with each other by means of two coupling pins 58.
  • Each of the two coupling bodies 52 and 54 has a track hole 59 which extends in a direction along which the two coupling pins 58 are disposed.
  • Each of the two coupling pins 58 is slidably coupled with its corresponding track hole 59 such that the two coupling bodies 52 and 54 can be linearly moved relative to each other.
  • Both ends of the first and second coupling bodies 52 and 54 along their moving direction are provided with rotating coupling portions 521 and 541 and elastic member locking portions 522 and 542, respectively.
  • the rotating coupling portion 521 of the first coupling body 52 and the rotating coupling portion 541 of the second coupling body 54 are located opposite to each other. Accordingly, as the two rotating coupling portions 521 and 541 approach each other, the elastic member locking portions 522 and 542 move away from each other, whereas as the two rotating coupling portions 521 and 541 move away from each other, the elastic member locking portions 522 and 542 approach each other.
  • the rotating coupling portion 521 of the first coupling body 52 is slidably coupled with the coupling plate 32 of the first linking member 30, whereas the rotating coupling portion 541 of the second coupling body 54 is slidably coupled with the moving plate 42 of the second linking member 40.
  • the elastic member locking portion 522 of the first coupling body 52 and the elastic member locking portion 542 of the second coupling body 54 are caught to and coupled with both ends of the elastic members 56, respectively. It is shown in the figures that either end of the elastic members 56 is separated from the elastic member locking portion 522.
  • Each of the elastic members 56 is a tension coil spring, and two elastic members 56 are located at each side such that all four elastic members 56 can be coupled with the two coupling bodies 52 and 54.
  • the elastic members 56 apply an elastic force in a direction in which the distance between the elastic member locking portion 522 of the first coupling body 52 and the elastic member locking portion 542 of the second coupling body 54 can be reduced, and thus, the elastic force is applied in a direction in which the rotating coupling portions 521 and 541 move away from each other.
  • the portable telephone 12 is completely closed such that the two units 14 and 16 are superimposed against each other.
  • a state of the opening and closing apparatus 20 is shown in Fig. 2 (b).
  • the locking portion 73 of the locking adjustment portion 70 is brought into contact with top ends of the two locking wings 351 and 352 of the coupling plate 32, thereby preventing the second unit 16 of the portable telephone 12 from being moved downward relative to the first unit 14 along the moving axis 100.
  • the elastic force-imparting member 50 causes the force to be applied to the second unit 16 of the portable telephone 12 such that the second unit 16 can be moved downward relative to the first unit 14.
  • the force is used to reliably maintain the closed state of the portable telephone 12.
  • the second unit 16 is moved upward relative to the first unit 14 if a user applies an external force to move the second unit 16 relative to the first unit 14 upward in an arrow direction along the moving axis 100.
  • the portable telephone 12 goes beyond a neutral state where the elastic members 56 of the elastic force-imparting member 50 are maximally stretched, the portable telephone 12 is automatically opened such that the keypad 13 can be opened as shown in Fig. 4. If the adjustment button 90 is pushed at a state shown in Fig.
  • the locking portion 73 of the locking adjustment portion 70 is moved into the passage 353 defined behind the locking wings 351 and 352 of the coupling plate 32, to thereby reach a state where the second unit 16 can be moved downward relative to the first unit 14. As shown in Fig. 5, the second unit 16 reaches a state where the second unit 16 is moved downward relative to the first unit 14 along the moving axis 100.
  • Figs. 6 to 10 show a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Since the opening and closing apparatuses according to the first and second embodiments are identical to each other in view of their constitutions except the movement limit control means, only the configuration and operation of the movement limit control means according to the second embodiment will be described in detail hereinafter.
  • the movement limit control means according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustment lever 200a pivotally coupled with a first linking member 30a, an adjusting elastic member 160a for applying an elastic force to the adjustment lever 200a, and a locking member 300a coupled with a second linking member 40a.
  • a coupling plate 32a of the first linking member 30a is provided with a locking protrusion 31a which protrudes forward. One end of the adjusting elastic member 160a is caught and coupled to the locking protrusion 31a.
  • the coupling plate 32a is provided with a circular-arc track hole 33a.
  • An adjustment protrusion 90a protruding outward through the track hole 33a is coupled with the adjustment lever 200a.
  • the adjustment lever 200a is coupled with the coupling plate 32a to be rotated or pivoted about a rotating axis 150a.
  • the rotating axis 150a passes through the center of the circular-arc track hole 33a of the coupling plate 32a.
  • the adjustment lever 200a includes a body 210a, which extends along a moving axis 100a and to which the adjustment protrusion 90a is coupled, and first and second extensions 201a and 202a which extend from both ends of the body 210a, respectively.
  • One end of the first extension 201a is connected to one end of the adjusting elastic member 160a.
  • the second extension 202a is shaped into a hook and an outer surface 203 thereof is inclined relative to the moving axis 100a.
  • the adjusting elastic member 160a is a tension coil spring and both ends thereof are connected to the locking protrusion 31a of the coupling plate 32a and the first extension 201a of the adjustment lever 200a, respectively.
  • the adjusting elastic member 160a provides a rotational force capable of rotating the adjustment lever 200a about the rotating axis 150a in one direction.
  • the second extension 202a extends to be inclined in the form of a hook such that it can be caught by the locking member 300a.
  • the rotating range of the adjustment lever 200a is limited by a range where the adjustment protrusion 90a is moved along the track hole 33 a, and the adjustment lever 200a is moved between a first position where the adjustment lever 200a is caught by the locking member 300a and a second position where the adjustment lever 200a is released from the locking state.
  • the locking member 300a is shaped into a ring and is rotatably coupled to a moving plate 42a of the second linking member 40a.
  • An inner portion of the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a is caught by the locking member 300a.
  • the downward movement of the second linking member 40a in an arrow direction relative to the first linking member 30a is limited.
  • the adjusting elastic member 160a causes the adjustment lever 200a to be kept locked into the locking member 300a.
  • the adjustment lever 200a can be rotated by an external force, and thus, it can be released from the locking state where the adjustment lever 200a is locked into the locking member 300a.
  • the locking member 300a coupled with the second linking member 40a is locked into the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a coupled with the first linking member 30a.
  • An elastic force- imparting member 50a provides a force for moving the second linking member 40a downward (as shown in the figures) relative to the first linking member 30a, but the movement of the second linking member 40a is limited by the mutual operation of the adjustment lever 200a and the locking member 300a.
  • Such a state corresponds to a first state of a sliding type portable telephone mounted with the opening and closing apparatus 20a, where the two units of the portable telephone are completely closed as shown in Fig. 2 (a).
  • the second state of the sliding type portable telephone mounted with the opening and closing apparatus 20a is identical with the state of Fig. 4 (a) where the two units are completely opened. If the user pushes the adjustment protrusion 90a in an arrow direction from the state shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the adjustment lever 200a is rotated against the elastic force of the adjusting elastic member 160a such that the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a can be released from the locking member 300a.
  • the second linking member 40a is automatically moved downward relative to the first linking member 30a along the moving axis 100a and a third state can be then realized as shown in Fig. 10.
  • the third state of the sliding type portable telephone mounted with the opening and closing apparatus 20a is identical with the state shown in Fig. 5 (a). If the second linking member 40a is moved upward relative to the first linking member 30a from the state shown in Fig. 10, the locking member 300a cooperates with the inclined outer portion 203a of the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a to rotate the adjustment lever 200a such that the opening and closing apparatus 20a can be returned to the state shown in Fig. 8.
  • Figs. 11 to 15 show a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Since the opening and closing apparatuses according to the first and third embodiments of the present invention are identical to each other in view of their constitutions except the movement limit control means, only the configuration and operation of the movement limit control means according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter. Referring to Figs.
  • the movement limit control means includes an adjustment lever 200b coupled with a first linking member 30b to be rotatable about a rotating axis 150b, an adjusting elastic member 160b for applying an elastic force to the adjustment lever 200b, first and second coupling members 80b and 90b, a circular locking member 400b, and a locking member 500b provided in a second linking member 40b.
  • a coupling plate 32b of the first linking member 30b is provided with first and second circular-arc track holes 38b and 39b.
  • the two track holes 38b and 39b are formed to have an identical center through which the rotating axis 150b passes.
  • the circular locking member 400b is coupled with the adjustment lever 200b through the first track hole 38b.
  • the circular locking member 400b is positioned within a space between the coupling plate 32b of the first linking member 30b and a moving plate 42b of the second linking member 40b, and it can be moved along the first track hole 38b.
  • the circular locking member 400b cooperates with the locking member 500b and is rotatably coupled with the adjustment lever 200b positioned behind the first linking member 30b.
  • the moving range of the circular locking member 400b is determined by the first track hole 38b.
  • the first coupling member 80b is rotatably coupled with the adjustment lever 200b through the second track hole 39b.
  • the second coupling member 90b is rotatably coupled with the coupling plate 32b. Both ends of the adjusting elastic member 160b are coupled with the first and second coupling members 80b and 90b, respectively.
  • the adjustment lever 200b is a generally diamond-shaped plate and coupled with a back surface of the first linking member 30b to be rotatable about the rotating axis 150b.
  • the rotating axis 150b passes through the centers of the first and second track holes 38b and 39b of the first linking member 30b.
  • One end of the adjustment lever 200b protrudes outward from one side of the first linking member 30b.
  • the adjusting elastic member 160b causes a force to be exerted on the adjustment lever 200b such that it can be rotated in one direction.
  • the locking member 500b has a predetermined thickness, and a side wall thereof includes a locking plane 501b which cooperates with the circular locking member 400b and an inclined plane 502b which is connected to the locking plane 501b at a certain angle.
  • FIGs. 12 and 13 show a first state of the opening and closing apparatus 20b.
  • the circular locking member 400b coupled with the first linking member 30b is brought into contact with the locking plane 501b of the locking member 500b coupled with the second linking member 40b.
  • An elastic force-imparting member 50b provides a force for causing the second linking member 40b to move downward relative to the first linking member 30b as shown in the figures, but the movement of the second linking member 40b is limited by the mutual operation of the circular locking member 400b and the locking member 500b.
  • the second linking member 40b is moved upward relative to the first linking member 30b and a second state where the second linking member 40b is completely moved upward as shown in Fig. 14 can be achieved accordingly. If the protruding end of the adjustment lever 200b is pushed in an arrow direction from the state shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the adjustment lever 200b is rotated against the elastic force of an adjusting elastic member (not shown), and thus, the circular locking member 400b can move away from the locking member 500b.
  • the second linking member 40b is automatically moved downward relative to the first linking member 30b along the moving axis 100b and a third state can be achieved as shown in Fig. 15. If the second linking member 40b is moved upward relative to the first linking member 30b from the state shown in Fig. 15, the circular locking member 400b cooperates with the inclined plane 502b of the locking member 500b to rotate the adjustment lever 200b such that the opening and closing apparatus 20b can be returned to the state shown in Fig. 13.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sliding type opening and closing apparatus for coupling first and second units moved relative to each other along a moving axis and causing at least a portion of the first or second unit to be opened or closed through a relative sliding movement between the first and second units. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus of the present invention comprises a first linking member linked to the first unit, a second linking member linked to the second unit and slid relative to the first linking member, an elastic force-imparting member including an elastic member for providing an elastic force between the first and second linking members, and a movement limit control means for controlling a sliding movement of the second linking member relative to the first linking member.

Description

SLIDING TYPE OPENING AND CLOSING APPARATUS FOR USE IN PORTABLE TELEPHONE
Technical field
The present invention relates to an opening and closing apparatus using a sliding mechanism, and more particularly, to a sliding type opening and closing apparatus capable of opening or closing at least some portions of two units by allowing the two units to be coupled with each other and to be slid relative to each other.
Background Art
A portable telephone which is opened and closed by means a sliding mechanism comprises two case units and a sliding type opening and closing apparatus for linking the two case units such that they are capable of being slid relative to each other. A conventional sliding type opening and closing apparatus mounted to a portable telephone is configured to allow one case unit to be slid relative to the other case unit only in one direction when the portable telephone is closed. However, in order to use the portable telephone more conveniently, it is necessary to provide an opening and closing apparatus for linking the two case units with each other such that the case units can be slid relative to each other in both directions when the portable telephone is closed.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding type opening and closing apparatus capable of opening or closing at least some portions of two units by allowing the two units to be coupled with each other and to be slid relative to each other.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sliding type opening and closing apparatus for use in a portable telephone including two case units slidable relative to each other, which allows the two case units to be linked to each other such that the case units can be slid relative to each other in both directions when the portable telephone is closed. Technical Solution
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sliding type opening and closing apparatus for coupling first and second units moved relative to each other along a moving axis and causing at least a portion of the first or second unit to be opened or closed through a relative sliding movement between the first and second units, which comprises a first linking member linked to the first unit, a second linking member linked to the second unit and slid relative to the first linking member, an elastic force- imparting member including an elastic member for providing an elastic force between the first and second linking members, and a movement limit control means for controlling a sliding movement of the second linking member relative to the first linking member. Further, a first interval where the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member applies a force for moving the second linking member relative to the first linking member in a first direction and a second interval where the elastic member of the elastic force- imparting member applies a force for moving the second linking member relative to the first linking member in a second direction opposite to the first direction are provided, and the movement limit control means includes a fixed locking portion provided in one of the first and second linking members to limit the sliding movement of the second linking member relative to the first linking member in the second direction within the second interval and an adjustment member provided in the other of the first and second linking members and including a movable locking portion linked to the fixed locking portion, the adjustment member being capable of moving relative to the fixed locking portion to be released from a locking state between the fixed and movable locking members.
Preferably, the fixed locking portion of the movement limit control means is a locking track which is provided in the first linking member and formed with a passage extending along the moving axis, and the movable locking portion of the movement limit control means is provided in the second linking member and positioned within the passage of the locking track by an external force.
The adjustment member of the movement limit control means may further include an elastic member for applying the force such that the movable locking portion can move away from the passage of the locking track. The adjustment member of the movement limit control means may further include a moving shaft with which the movable locking portion is coupled and which can be moved in a direction of the force applied by the elastic member of the adjustment member, and the locking track of the movement limit control means may further include an opening portion which opens toward the passage and through which the moving shaft passes.
Preferably, the locking track of the movement limit control means includes two locking wings between which the opening portion is formed.
The locking wings and the movable locking portion of the adjustment member may be positioned within a space defined between the first and second linking members. Preferably, the fixed locking portion of the movement limit control means is provided in the second linking member, the adjustment member of the movement limit control means includes an adjustment lever provided in the first linking member and rotated about a rotating axis along an interval between first and second positions, and a locking state between the fixed and movable locking portions is maintained when the adjustment lever is placed at the first position whereas the locking state is released when the adjustment lever is placed at the second position.
The movement limit control means may further include an adjusting elastic member for applying the force such that the adjustment lever can be rotated toward the first position.
The adjustment lever may be provided within a space defined between the first and second linking members.
The first linking member is preferably provided with a circular-arc track hole which is centered about the rotating axis, and the adjustment member may further include an adjustment protrusion protruding outward from the first linking member through the track hole and coupled to the adjustment lever.
Preferably, the adjustment lever includes a hook-shaped extension to which the fixed locking portion is caught, and an outer side of the extension is provided with an inclined portion which cooperates with the fixed locking portion to cause the adjustment lever to be rotated toward the second position. Preferably, the adjustment lever is provided outside of the first linking member. Preferably, the first linking member is provided with a circular-arc track hole which is centered about the rotating axis, and the movable locking portion which is coupled to the adjustment lever through the track hole and cooperates with the fixed locking portion is positioned within the space between the first and second linking members.
The fixed locking portion may include an inclined surface which cooperates with the movable locking portion to cause the adjustment lever to be rotated toward the second position. The adjustment lever may protrude outward from a side surface of the first linking member.
Preferably, the elastic force-imparting member includes a first coupling body having a rotating coupling portion rotatably coupled with the first linking member and a second coupling body having a rotating coupling portion rotatably coupled with the second linking member, the first and second coupling bodies are coupled to be linearly movable relative to each other, and the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member applies the force such that the rotating coupling portions of the first and second coupling bodies can move away from each other.
Preferably, the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is a tension spring, the first and second coupling bodies of the elastic force-imparting member have locking portions to which both ends of the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member are caught, respectively, the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is installed between the locking portions of the first and second coupling bodies, and the locking portions of the first and second locking bodies are positioned close to the rotating coupling portions of the second and first coupling bodies, respectively, such that a distance between the locking portions of the first and second coupling bodies is changed in inverse proportion to a distance between the rotating coupling portions of the first and second coupling bodies.
More preferably, the first and second coupling bodies are plate members and at least one elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is provided at each side of the first or second coupling body.
Each of the first and second coupling bodies may include a track hole extending along a relative linear movement direction and a coupling pin which passes through the track hole to couple the two coupling bodies with each other.
Advantageous Effect
All the aforementioned objects of the present invention can be achieved by the constitution of the present invention. More specifically, the portable telephone can be used more conveniently because the two case units thereof can be slid relative to each other in both directions when the portable telephone is closed.
Brief Description of Drawings
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portable telephone mounted with a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 (a) is a perspective view illustrating a state where the portable telephone of Fig. 1 is completely closed, and (b) is a view illustrating a first state of the opening and closing apparatus when the portable telephone is completely closed.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an elastic force-imparting member shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 (a) is a perspective view illustrating a state where a second unit of the portable telephone shown in Fig. 1 is moved upward relative to a first unit thereof to open a keypad provided in the first unit, and (b) is a view illustrating a second state of the opening and closing apparatus when the second unit is moved upward relative to the first unit. Fig. 5 (a) is a perspective view illustrating a state where the second unit is moved downward relative to the first unit from a closed state of the portable telephone shown in Fig. 4, and (b) is a view illustrating a third state of the opening and closing apparatus when the second unit is moved downward relative to the first unit.
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective and plan views illustrating a first state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 6, respectively.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a second state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a third state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective and plan views illustrating a first state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 11, respectively.
Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a second state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a third state of the opening and closing apparatus shown in Fig. 11.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figs. 1 to 5 show a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a portable telephone 12 comprises a first unit 14 provided with a keypad 13, a second unit 16 provided with a liquid crystal display 15, and an opening and closing apparatus 20 for coupling the two units 14 and 16 with each other. A front surface is defined by a surface on which the liquid crystal display 15 of the second unit 16 in the portable telephone 12 is provided. The two units 14 and 16 are coupled with each other by means of the opening and closing apparatus 20 in such a manner that a front surface of the first unit 14 is brought into contact with a rear surface of the second unit 16 such that they face each other, and the second unit 16 is slid relative to the first unit 14 along a moving axis 100. The second unit 16 is provided with a penetration hole 17 through which an adjustment button 90 to be described later is exposed to the outside. On the front surface of the first unit 14 along the moving axis 100 are disposed the keypad 13 and a coupling portion 11 with which a first linking member 30 of the opening and closing apparatus 20 is coupled. A downward side is defined by a side to which the keypad 13 of the first unit 14 in the portable telephone 12 is disposed along the moving axis 100, whereas an upward side is defined by a side to which the coupling portion 11 with which the first linking member 30 of the opening and closing apparatus 20 is coupled is disposed along the moving axis. That is, the moving axis 100 extends upward and downward, and the second unit 16 of the portable telephone 12 is slid relative to the first unit 14 of the portable telephone upward and downward. The opening and closing apparatus 20 includes the first linking member 30, a second linking member 40, an elastic force-imparting member 50, and a movement limit control means having a locking track portion 35 and a locking adjustment portion 70. The first linking member 30 includes a coupling plate 32 and first and second guides 34 and 36. The coupling plate 32 is generally shaped as a rectangular plate, and both side ends thereof are bent forward to surround the first and second guides 34 and 36. The top end of the coupling plate 32 is provided with the locking track portion 35 serving as one of the components of the movement limit control means. The locking track portion 35 is formed by means of two locking wings 351 and 352 which are bent such that they are raised forward from the coupling plate 32. A passage 353 extending in parallel with the moving axis 100 is formed behind the two locking wings 351 and 352, and an opening portion 354 open to the passage 353 extends between along the two locking wings 351 and 352 in parallel with the moving axis 100. A first coupling body 52 of the elastic force-imparting member 50 is pivotally coupled with the coupling plate 32 as described later. The coupling plate 32 is provided with a passage hole 37 through which wires (not shown) for electrically linking the first and second units 14 and 16 to each other can pass. The first and second guides 34 and 36 are shaped as an elongated rod and provided with track grooves 341 and 361, respectively. The first and second guides 34 and 36 are coupled to both sides of the coupling plate 32, respectively, such that the track grooves can be opposite each other. Two inserting wings 43 and 44 of a moving plate 42 of the second linking member 40 are slidably inserted into the track grooves 341 and 361 of the first and second guides 34 and 36, respectively.
The second linking member 40 includes the moving plate 42 and the locking adjustment portion 70 coupled with the moving plate 42. The locking adjustment portion 70 is the other of the components of the movement limit control means. The moving plate 42 is generally shaped as a rectangular plate, and both side ends thereof are provided with the inserting wings 43 and 44 bent backward. The two inserting wings 43 and 44 are inserted into the track grooves 341 and 361 of the first and second guides 34 and 36 of the first linking member 30, respectively, such that they can be moved along the moving axis 100. A second coupling body 54 of the elastic force-imparting member 50 is pivo tally coupled with the moving plate 42 as described later. The coupling plate 32 is provided with a passage hole 45 through which wires (not shown) for electrically linking the first and second units 14 and 16 to each other can pass. The moving plate 42 is provided with a passage hole 46 into which the locking adjustment portion 70 can be inserted to be coupled with the moving plate 42. The moving plate 42 is coupled to the rear surface of the second unit 16. The locking adjustment portion 70 includes a moving guide 71, a moving shaft 72, a locking portion 73, an elastic member 74, a washer 75 and an adjustment button 90. The moving guide 71 is inserted into the passage hole 46 of the moving plate 42 and then fixed thereto, and it is also provided with a penetration hole 711 therein. The moving shaft 72 is guided through the penetration hole 711. The moving shaft 72 is inserted into the penetration hole 711 of the moving guide 71 such that it can be moved forward and backward. Further, the moving shaft 72 can be moved upward and downward along the moving axis 100 through the opening portion 354 defined between the two locking wings 351 and 352 of the coupling plate 32. The locking portion 73 is located in a space between the moving plate 42 and the coupling plate 32, and is coupled with one side end of the moving shaft 72. The moving shaft 72 is caught into the moving plate 42 to prevent the locking portion 73 from being outwardly separated. The locking portion 73 can be moved forward and backward along the moving shaft 72 within the space between the moving plate 42 and the coupling plate 32. When the locking portion 73 is located forward, the locking portion 73 is caught into the two locking wings 351 and 352 of the coupling plate 32 to thereby prevent the moving plate 42 from being moved downward, whereas when the locking portion 73 is located backward, the locking portion 73 is moved through the passage 353 formed behind the two locking wings 351 and 352 of the coupling plate 32 to thereby allow the moving plate 42 to be moved downward. The elastic member 74 is a compression coil spring and both ends thereof are brought into contact with the moving guide 71 and the washer 75, respectively. The elastic member 74 applies an elastic force for causing the moving shaft 72 to be moved forward. The washer 75 is coupled with the moving shaft 72 to prevent the elastic member 74 from being separated from the shaft. The adjustment button 90 is brought into contact with the washer 75 and exposed to the outside through the penetration hole 17 of the second unit 16.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, the elastic force-imparting member 50 includes the first coupling body 52, the second coupling body 54 and four elastic members 56. The first and second coupling bodies 52 and 54 are shaped as identical plate members and are coupled with each other by means of two coupling pins 58. Each of the two coupling bodies 52 and 54 has a track hole 59 which extends in a direction along which the two coupling pins 58 are disposed. Each of the two coupling pins 58 is slidably coupled with its corresponding track hole 59 such that the two coupling bodies 52 and 54 can be linearly moved relative to each other. Both ends of the first and second coupling bodies 52 and 54 along their moving direction are provided with rotating coupling portions 521 and 541 and elastic member locking portions 522 and 542, respectively. The rotating coupling portion 521 of the first coupling body 52 and the rotating coupling portion 541 of the second coupling body 54 are located opposite to each other. Accordingly, as the two rotating coupling portions 521 and 541 approach each other, the elastic member locking portions 522 and 542 move away from each other, whereas as the two rotating coupling portions 521 and 541 move away from each other, the elastic member locking portions 522 and 542 approach each other. The rotating coupling portion 521 of the first coupling body 52 is slidably coupled with the coupling plate 32 of the first linking member 30, whereas the rotating coupling portion 541 of the second coupling body 54 is slidably coupled with the moving plate 42 of the second linking member 40. The elastic member locking portion 522 of the first coupling body 52 and the elastic member locking portion 542 of the second coupling body 54 are caught to and coupled with both ends of the elastic members 56, respectively. It is shown in the figures that either end of the elastic members 56 is separated from the elastic member locking portion 522. Each of the elastic members 56 is a tension coil spring, and two elastic members 56 are located at each side such that all four elastic members 56 can be coupled with the two coupling bodies 52 and 54. The elastic members 56 apply an elastic force in a direction in which the distance between the elastic member locking portion 522 of the first coupling body 52 and the elastic member locking portion 542 of the second coupling body 54 can be reduced, and thus, the elastic force is applied in a direction in which the rotating coupling portions 521 and 541 move away from each other. There are provided a first interval where the elastic force-imparting member 50 can automatically move the second linking member 40 relative to the first linking member 30 in one direction and a second interval where the elastic force-imparting member 50 can automatically move the second linking member 40 in the opposite direction. Hereinafter, the operation of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 2, 4 and 5. Referring first to Fig. 2 (a), the portable telephone 12 is completely closed such that the two units 14 and 16 are superimposed against each other. At this time, a state of the opening and closing apparatus 20 is shown in Fig. 2 (b). Referring to Fig. 2 (b), the locking portion 73 of the locking adjustment portion 70 is brought into contact with top ends of the two locking wings 351 and 352 of the coupling plate 32, thereby preventing the second unit 16 of the portable telephone 12 from being moved downward relative to the first unit 14 along the moving axis 100. Further, the elastic force-imparting member 50 causes the force to be applied to the second unit 16 of the portable telephone 12 such that the second unit 16 can be moved downward relative to the first unit 14. However, since the movement of the second unit 16 is limited, the force is used to reliably maintain the closed state of the portable telephone 12. The second unit 16 is moved upward relative to the first unit 14 if a user applies an external force to move the second unit 16 relative to the first unit 14 upward in an arrow direction along the moving axis 100. Further, if the portable telephone 12 goes beyond a neutral state where the elastic members 56 of the elastic force-imparting member 50 are maximally stretched, the portable telephone 12 is automatically opened such that the keypad 13 can be opened as shown in Fig. 4. If the adjustment button 90 is pushed at a state shown in Fig. 2, the locking portion 73 of the locking adjustment portion 70 is moved into the passage 353 defined behind the locking wings 351 and 352 of the coupling plate 32, to thereby reach a state where the second unit 16 can be moved downward relative to the first unit 14. As shown in Fig. 5, the second unit 16 reaches a state where the second unit 16 is moved downward relative to the first unit 14 along the moving axis 100.
Figs. 6 to 10 show a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Since the opening and closing apparatuses according to the first and second embodiments are identical to each other in view of their constitutions except the movement limit control means, only the configuration and operation of the movement limit control means according to the second embodiment will be described in detail hereinafter. Referring to Figs. 6 to 8, the movement limit control means according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustment lever 200a pivotally coupled with a first linking member 30a, an adjusting elastic member 160a for applying an elastic force to the adjustment lever 200a, and a locking member 300a coupled with a second linking member 40a. A coupling plate 32a of the first linking member 30a is provided with a locking protrusion 31a which protrudes forward. One end of the adjusting elastic member 160a is caught and coupled to the locking protrusion 31a. The coupling plate 32a is provided with a circular-arc track hole 33a. An adjustment protrusion 90a protruding outward through the track hole 33a is coupled with the adjustment lever 200a. The adjustment lever 200a is coupled with the coupling plate 32a to be rotated or pivoted about a rotating axis 150a. The rotating axis 150a passes through the center of the circular-arc track hole 33a of the coupling plate 32a. Thus, the adjustment protrusion 90a coupled with the adjustment lever 200a can be moved along the track hole 33a. The adjustment lever 200a includes a body 210a, which extends along a moving axis 100a and to which the adjustment protrusion 90a is coupled, and first and second extensions 201a and 202a which extend from both ends of the body 210a, respectively. One end of the first extension 201a is connected to one end of the adjusting elastic member 160a. The second extension 202a is shaped into a hook and an outer surface 203 thereof is inclined relative to the moving axis 100a. The adjusting elastic member 160a is a tension coil spring and both ends thereof are connected to the locking protrusion 31a of the coupling plate 32a and the first extension 201a of the adjustment lever 200a, respectively. The adjusting elastic member 160a provides a rotational force capable of rotating the adjustment lever 200a about the rotating axis 150a in one direction. The second extension 202a extends to be inclined in the form of a hook such that it can be caught by the locking member 300a. The rotating range of the adjustment lever 200a is limited by a range where the adjustment protrusion 90a is moved along the track hole 33 a, and the adjustment lever 200a is moved between a first position where the adjustment lever 200a is caught by the locking member 300a and a second position where the adjustment lever 200a is released from the locking state. The locking member 300a is shaped into a ring and is rotatably coupled to a moving plate 42a of the second linking member 40a. An inner portion of the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a is caught by the locking member 300a. When the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a is caught by the locking member 300a, the downward movement of the second linking member 40a in an arrow direction relative to the first linking member 30a is limited. The adjusting elastic member 160a causes the adjustment lever 200a to be kept locked into the locking member 300a. The adjustment lever 200a can be rotated by an external force, and thus, it can be released from the locking state where the adjustment lever 200a is locked into the locking member 300a.
Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, the locking member 300a coupled with the second linking member 40a is locked into the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a coupled with the first linking member 30a. An elastic force- imparting member 50a provides a force for moving the second linking member 40a downward (as shown in the figures) relative to the first linking member 30a, but the movement of the second linking member 40a is limited by the mutual operation of the adjustment lever 200a and the locking member 300a. Such a state corresponds to a first state of a sliding type portable telephone mounted with the opening and closing apparatus 20a, where the two units of the portable telephone are completely closed as shown in Fig. 2 (a). If a user applies an external force enough to move the second linking member 40a upward relative to the first linking member 30a along the moving axis 100a from the state shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the second linking member 40a is moved upward relative to the first linking member 30a and a second state can be then realized as shown in Fig. 9. The second state of the sliding type portable telephone mounted with the opening and closing apparatus 20a is identical with the state of Fig. 4 (a) where the two units are completely opened. If the user pushes the adjustment protrusion 90a in an arrow direction from the state shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the adjustment lever 200a is rotated against the elastic force of the adjusting elastic member 160a such that the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a can be released from the locking member 300a. If such a state is achieved, the second linking member 40a is automatically moved downward relative to the first linking member 30a along the moving axis 100a and a third state can be then realized as shown in Fig. 10. The third state of the sliding type portable telephone mounted with the opening and closing apparatus 20a is identical with the state shown in Fig. 5 (a). If the second linking member 40a is moved upward relative to the first linking member 30a from the state shown in Fig. 10, the locking member 300a cooperates with the inclined outer portion 203a of the second extension 202a of the adjustment lever 200a to rotate the adjustment lever 200a such that the opening and closing apparatus 20a can be returned to the state shown in Fig. 8.
Figs. 11 to 15 show a sliding type opening and closing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Since the opening and closing apparatuses according to the first and third embodiments of the present invention are identical to each other in view of their constitutions except the movement limit control means, only the configuration and operation of the movement limit control means according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter. Referring to Figs. 11 to 13, the movement limit control means includes an adjustment lever 200b coupled with a first linking member 30b to be rotatable about a rotating axis 150b, an adjusting elastic member 160b for applying an elastic force to the adjustment lever 200b, first and second coupling members 80b and 90b, a circular locking member 400b, and a locking member 500b provided in a second linking member 40b. A coupling plate 32b of the first linking member 30b is provided with first and second circular-arc track holes 38b and 39b. The two track holes 38b and 39b are formed to have an identical center through which the rotating axis 150b passes. The circular locking member 400b is coupled with the adjustment lever 200b through the first track hole 38b. The circular locking member 400b is positioned within a space between the coupling plate 32b of the first linking member 30b and a moving plate 42b of the second linking member 40b, and it can be moved along the first track hole 38b. The circular locking member 400b cooperates with the locking member 500b and is rotatably coupled with the adjustment lever 200b positioned behind the first linking member 30b. The moving range of the circular locking member 400b is determined by the first track hole 38b. The first coupling member 80b is rotatably coupled with the adjustment lever 200b through the second track hole 39b. The second coupling member 90b is rotatably coupled with the coupling plate 32b. Both ends of the adjusting elastic member 160b are coupled with the first and second coupling members 80b and 90b, respectively. The adjustment lever 200b is a generally diamond-shaped plate and coupled with a back surface of the first linking member 30b to be rotatable about the rotating axis 150b. The rotating axis 150b passes through the centers of the first and second track holes 38b and 39b of the first linking member 30b. One end of the adjustment lever 200b protrudes outward from one side of the first linking member 30b. The adjusting elastic member 160b causes a force to be exerted on the adjustment lever 200b such that it can be rotated in one direction. The locking member 500b has a predetermined thickness, and a side wall thereof includes a locking plane 501b which cooperates with the circular locking member 400b and an inclined plane 502b which is connected to the locking plane 501b at a certain angle.
Hereinafter, the operation of the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Figs. 12 and 13 show a first state of the opening and closing apparatus 20b. Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, the circular locking member 400b coupled with the first linking member 30b is brought into contact with the locking plane 501b of the locking member 500b coupled with the second linking member 40b. An elastic force-imparting member 50b provides a force for causing the second linking member 40b to move downward relative to the first linking member 30b as shown in the figures, but the movement of the second linking member 40b is limited by the mutual operation of the circular locking member 400b and the locking member 500b. If a user applies an external force to cause the second linking member 40b to move upward relative to the first linking member 30b along a moving axis 100b from the state shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the second linking member 40b is moved upward relative to the first linking member 30b and a second state where the second linking member 40b is completely moved upward as shown in Fig. 14 can be achieved accordingly. If the protruding end of the adjustment lever 200b is pushed in an arrow direction from the state shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the adjustment lever 200b is rotated against the elastic force of an adjusting elastic member (not shown), and thus, the circular locking member 400b can move away from the locking member 500b. It such a state is achieved, the second linking member 40b is automatically moved downward relative to the first linking member 30b along the moving axis 100b and a third state can be achieved as shown in Fig. 15. If the second linking member 40b is moved upward relative to the first linking member 30b from the state shown in Fig. 15, the circular locking member 400b cooperates with the inclined plane 502b of the locking member 500b to rotate the adjustment lever 200b such that the opening and closing apparatus 20b can be returned to the state shown in Fig. 13.
Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention and such various modifications and changes would also be included into the present invention.

Claims

1. A sliding type opening and closing apparatus for coupling first and second units moved relative to each other along a moving axis and causing at least a portion of the first or second unit to be opened or closed through a relative sliding movement between the first and second units, comprising: a first linking member linked to the first unit; a second linking member linked to the second unit and slid relative to the first linking member; an elastic force-imparting member including an elastic member for providing an elastic force between the first and second linking members; and a movement limit control means for controlling a sliding movement of the second linking member relative to the first linking member, wherein a first interval where the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member applies a force for moving the second linking member relative to the first linking member in a first direction and a second interval where the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member applies a force for moving the second linking member relative to the first linking member in a second direction opposite to the first direction are provided, and the movement limit control means includes a fixed locking portion provided in one of the first and second linking members to limit the sliding movement of the second linking member relative to the first linking member in the second direction within the second interval and an adjustment member provided in the other of the first and second linking members and including a movable locking portion linked to the fixed locking portion, the adjustment member being capable of moving relative to the fixed locking portion to be released from a locking state between the fixed and movable locking members.
2. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed locking portion of the movement limit control means is a locking track which is provided in the first linking member and formed with a passage extending along the moving axis, and the movable locking portion of the movement limit control means is provided in the second linking member and positioned within the passage of the locking track by an external force.
3. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adjustment member of the movement limit control means further includes an elastic member for applying the force such that the movable locking portion can move away from the passage of the locking track.
4. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the adjustment member of the movement limit control means further includes a moving shaft with which the movable locking portion is coupled and which can be moved in a direction of the force applied by the elastic member of the adjustment member, and the locking track of the movement limit control means further includes an opening portion which opens toward the passage and through which the moving shaft passes.
5. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking track of the movement limit control means includes two locking wings between which the opening portion is formed.
6. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking wings and the movable locking portion of the adjustment member are positioned within a space defined between the first and second linking members.
7. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed locking portion of the movement limit control means is provided in the second linking member, the adjustment member of the movement limit control means includes an adjustment lever provided in the first linking member and rotated about a rotating axis along an interval between first and second positions, and a locking state between the fixed and movable locking portions is maintained when the adjustment lever is placed at the first position whereas the locking state is released when the adjustment lever is placed at the second position.
8. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the movement limit control means further includes an adjusting elastic member for applying the force such that the adjustment lever can be rotated toward the first position.
9. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the adjustment lever is provided within a space defined between the first and second linking members.
10. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first linking member is provided with a circular-arc track hole which is centered about the rotating axis, and the adjustment member further includes an adjustment protrusion protruding outward from the first linking member through the track hole and coupled to the adjustment lever.
11. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the adjustment lever includes a hook-shaped extension to which the fixed locking portion is caught, and an outer side of the extension is provided with an inclined portion which cooperates with the fixed locking portion to cause the adjustment lever to be rotated toward the second position.
12. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the adjustment lever is provided outside of the first linking member.
13. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first linking member is provided with a circular-arc track hole which is centered about the rotating axis, and the movable locking portion which is coupled to the adjustment lever through the track hole and cooperates with the fixed locking portion is positioned within the space between the first and second linking members.
14. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the fixed locking portion includes an inclined surface which cooperates with the movable locking portion to cause the adjustment lever to be rotated toward the second position.
15. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the adjustment lever protrudes outward from a side surface of the first linking member.
16. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the elastic force-imparting member includes a first coupling body having a rotating coupling portion rotatably coupled with the first linking member, and a second coupling body having a rotating coupling portion rotatably coupled with the second linking member, the first and second coupling bodies being coupled to be linearly movable relative to each other, and the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member applies the force such that the rotating coupling portions of the first and second coupling bodies can move away from each other.
17. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is a tension spring, the first and second coupling bodies of the elastic force-imparting member have locking portions to which both ends of the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member are caught, respectively, the elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is installed between the locking portions of the first and second coupling bodies, and the locking portions of the first and second locking bodies are positioned close to the rotating coupling portions of the second and first coupling bodies, respectively, such that a distance between the locking portions of the first and second coupling bodies is changed in inverse proportion to a distance between the rotating coupling portions of the first and second coupling bodies.
18. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first and second coupling bodies are plate members and at least one elastic member of the elastic force-imparting member is provided at each side of the first or second coupling body.
19. The sliding type opening and closing apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of the first and second coupling bodies includes a track hole extending along a relative linear movement direction and a coupling pin which passes through the track hole to couple the two coupling bodies with each other.
PCT/KR2006/003115 2005-08-09 2006-08-08 Sliding type opening and closing apparatus for use in portable telephone WO2007018399A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2005-0072983 2005-08-09
KR1020050072983A KR20070018349A (en) 2005-08-09 2005-08-09 Sliding type opening and closing apparatus for use in portable telephone
KR1020050078966A KR20070024237A (en) 2005-08-26 2005-08-26 Sliding type opening and closing apparatus for use in portable telephone
KR10-2005-0078966 2005-08-26

Publications (1)

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WO2007018399A1 true WO2007018399A1 (en) 2007-02-15

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008108545A1 (en) * 2007-03-02 2008-09-12 Laird Technologies Map Co., Ltd. An opening and closing mechanism for electronic equipments

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6151485A (en) * 1996-02-26 2000-11-21 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited Radio telephone
KR200367293Y1 (en) * 2004-08-05 2004-11-09 백남용 Up and down direction slide mobile terminal
KR200376773Y1 (en) * 2004-12-02 2005-03-11 (주)하이텍파츠 Slider assembly for sliding-type moblie phone
KR20050067717A (en) * 2003-12-29 2005-07-05 주식회사 엠투시스 Sliding type opening and closing mechanism of cellular phone

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6151485A (en) * 1996-02-26 2000-11-21 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited Radio telephone
KR20050067717A (en) * 2003-12-29 2005-07-05 주식회사 엠투시스 Sliding type opening and closing mechanism of cellular phone
KR200367293Y1 (en) * 2004-08-05 2004-11-09 백남용 Up and down direction slide mobile terminal
KR200376773Y1 (en) * 2004-12-02 2005-03-11 (주)하이텍파츠 Slider assembly for sliding-type moblie phone

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008108545A1 (en) * 2007-03-02 2008-09-12 Laird Technologies Map Co., Ltd. An opening and closing mechanism for electronic equipments

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