WO2008041793A1

WO2008041793A1 - An apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2008041793A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/004130
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ki-Hyun Keum; Chang-Ki An
Original assignee: Khvatec. Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-10-02
Filing date: 2007-08-28
Publication date: 2008-04-10

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal. In the first embodiment, a linear elastic force of a resilient means is converted into a rotational torque using a lever action and the converted torque acts as a linear elastic force for pushing a sub plate sliding on a main plate. In the second embodiment, a protrusion member is fixed to either one of the main or sub plate and a pair of latching members are fixed to the other one so as to be se¬ lectively latched with the protrusion member when the sub plate moves. In the third embodiment, a lubricant member is attached to a first or second plate so as to reduce friction with the resilient member along the traveling trajectory thereof. The fourth embodiment includes a cylindrical bearing to which the end portion of a resilient member, and a rivet having a hook to pass through the first or second plate and then be rotatably connected to the central portion of the bearing. The end portion of the resilient member can be easily to the plate and re- working is enabled. The fifth embodiment allows the display unit of a folder type portable terminal to be opened in one-touch mode.

Description

AN OPENING AND CLOSING MECHANISM FOR CELLULAR

PHONE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an apparatus for opening and closing a slide-type portable terminal, in which a linear elastic force of a resilient means is converted into a rotational torque using a lever action and the converted rotational torque is applied to generate a linear elastic force to push a sub body.

[2] The present invention relates to prevention of dusts and friction noises by reducing the friction noises occurring between a plate and a torsion spring.

[3] The present invention relates to an improvement in the assembling efficiency of an opening and closing apparatus by making the end portion of a resilient member to be easily assembled to a plate and allowing re-working.

[4] The present invention relates to a one-touch mechanism for opening and closing a folder type portable terminal. Background Art

[5] A slide type terminal is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Application No.

2003-0000136 entitled "A slide type portable wireless communications terminal."

[6] The terminal disclosed in the above application includes a guide means for guiding a sub-body on a main body and at least one resilient means installed between the sub- body and the main body such that its resilient force can be exerted in opening or closing direction with respect to a certain sliding point of the sub-body. In addition, when the sub-body is completely opened and closed, it can remain in its opened or closed state due to the resilient means, without any separate stopper.

[7] This resilient means employs a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the main body and the other end thereof is fixed to the sub-body.

[8] In this terminal, one end of the torsion spring is fixed to the main body and the other end thereof is fixed to the sub-body, and thus the resiliency of the torsion spring is exerted over the whole moving distance of the sub-body. Thus, the torsion spring is compressed and stretched repeatedly over a wide range of amplitude.

[9] Therefore, the torsion spring expandable over a wide length is used, but this torsion spring has a smaller resilient force. In order to compensate for the deficient resilient force, two torsion springs are employed.

[10] Thus, since the torsion spring is deformed in a wide range inherently and thus easily degraded due to fatigue caused by repeated operations. Consequently, the torsion spring comes to lose its normal function or leads to a failure within a shorter period of time. [11] On the other hand, in the conventional opening and closing apparatus, the sub body and the main body make collision with each other when they are moved to a maximum position in the closing or opening direction. In order to alleviate this collision, a damper is installed in the front end and rear end of the main body, i.e., at the contact point with the sub body to mitigate the impact. [12] However, this type of slider mechanism increases the number of parts and assembling procedures to decrease the productivity. [13] Furthermore, recently, as the opening and closing mechanism becomes extremely slim, the torsion has come to have a further limited space for its up-and-down movement. Thus, with the torsion spring installed in a portable terminal, the torsion spring remains in contact with either one or both of the upper and lower plates. [14] Typically, the torsion spring is formed of a high strength metallic wire and the upper and lower plates are formed of an aluminum or plastic material through an injection molding process. [15] When in use of the portable terminal, the torsion spring makes friction with the upper or lower plate and thus abrades the plates having a relatively lower hardness to generate fine dusts. These dusts contaminate inside of the portable terminal or become harmful to the users. [16] In addition, in case where the upper or lower plate is formed of a metallic material of higher hardness, the torsion spring and the plate make serious noises to provide discomfort to the users. [17] On the other hand, usually the end of the torsion spring is fixed to the sliding block using a rivet and a bushing. [18] This riveting work can not be easily automated due to the shape of the torsion spring, but is manually carried out to thereby extend the assembling time. In addition, this manual riveting process is complicated to increase the defect rate of products. [19] Further, in case where the assembling of the torsion spring or the riveting work become defective, re- working on the riveted portion is rarely possible to dispose of the entire product. [20] On the other hand, a typical folder type portable terminal adopts a semi-automatic mode where a user opens the folder up to around 80°and then the remaining 80°is spontaneously opened by means of a spring force. [21] Further, when closing the folder, the user closes the folder until a transition point and thereafter the remaining 80°is automatically closed by means of the spring force. [22] However, this type of conventional folder type terminal is configured such that a user uses his or her fingers to open the folder directly from the main body, thereby causing inconvenient to the user. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[24] The present invention has been made in order to solve at least part of the problems in the art. The first object of the invention is to improve durability of an elastic device, which is to generate an elastic force to open and close a sub body in a slide type portable terminal, by reducing displacement of the elastic device.

[25] The second object of the invention is to improve the assembling efficiency by stopping a sub plate sliding on a main plate using a less number of stoppers to thereby reduce the number of the stoppers and dampers.

[26] The third object of the invention is to prevent dusts and friction noises by reducing the friction noises occurring between a plate and a torsion spring.

[27] The fourth object of the invention is to improve the assembling efficiency of an opening and closing apparatus by making the end portion of a resilient member to be easily assembled to a plate and allowing re-working.

[28] The fifth object of the invention is to provide a one-touch mechanism for opening and closing a folder type portable terminal.

[29]

Technical Solution

[30] In order to accomplish the above objects, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising an elastic device, in which a lever action is employed to convert a linear elastic force of an elastic means into a rotational torque, which is then applied to push a sub plate configured to slide on a main plate.

[31] In one embodiment, the elastic device comprises: a base frame; an action link pivotally coupled to the base frame through a rotation shaft; and a resilient means one end of which is supported on the base frame and the other end of which is connected to one end of the action link to generate an elastic force to the other end of the action link, wherein one of the base frame and the action link is supported on the main plate and the other one thereof is supported on the sub plate to exert a pushing force to the sub plate.

[32] In one embodiment, the elastic device comprises: a base frame; a pair of action links pivotally coupled to the base frame through a pair of rotation shafts; and a plurality of resilient means one end of which is supported on the base frame and the other end of which is connected to one end of the respective action links to generate an elastic force to the other end of the action link, wherein one of the action links is supported on the main plate and the other one thereof is supported on the sub plate to exert a pushing force to the sub plate.

[33] In one embodiment, the elastic device comprises: a base frame; a pair of action links pivotally coupled to the base frame through a pair of rotation shafts; and a plurality of resilient means one end of which is connected to one end of one of the action links and the other end of which is connected to one end of the other one of the action links to exert an elastic force to the other ends of the action links, wherein one of the action links is supported on the main plate and the other one thereof is supported on the sub plate to exert a pushing force to the sub plate.

[34] In one embodiment, the resilient means includes a tension spring.

[35] In one embodiment, both ends of the tension spring is formed with a head portion having a larger diameter, and the action link and the base frame is formed with a latch portion to which the head portion is latched when the tension spring is inserted and then turned.

[36] In one embodiment, the rotation shaft is formed in an end portion of the base frame so as to protrude, the action link is formed with an inert groove to which the rotation shaft and part of the base frame are inserted, and a shaft hole is formed from the inner side of the insert groove towards the outside thereof such that the rotation shaft is rotatably coupled to the shaft hole.

[37] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal having a main plate and a sub plate sliding on the main plate, wherein a protrusion member is fixed in one of the main plate and the sub plate and a pair of latching members is fixed to the other one of the main plate and the sub plate in such a way that the protrusion member is placed between the latching members and selectively latched with the respective latching members when the sub plate moves.

[38] In one embodiment, a buffering damper is combined with at least one of the protrusion member and the latching member.

[39] In one embodiment, the protrusion member is formed of a rib erected from the floor, a bracket is combined to the rib in order to reinforce the supporting force towards the direction of contacting with the latching member, and the damper is combined around the rib and the bracket.

[40] In one embodiment, a first latching portion is formed in the rib so as to prevent the bracket from escaping to the upper side thereof, and a second latching portion is formed in the bracket so as to prevent the damper from escaping to the upper side thereof.

[41] In one embodiment, the bracket is formed with a slant face downwardly converging such that when the latching member impacts the damper being contacted, the damper is pushed downwards of the bracket to thereby prevent the damper from escaping. [42] In one embodiment, the rib is provided with a space formed in the center thereof so as to pass the latching member, and the main plate or the sub plate to which the latching member is fixed is formed with an opening so as to pass the damper towards the rib side.

[43] In one embodiment, the protrusion member is formed of a rivet fastened to the floor and the damper is combined around the rivet.

[44] In one embodiment, the main plate or the sub plate to which the latching member is fixed is provided with an opening formed so as to pass the damper towards the protrusion member side.

[45] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising: a first plate to be fixed to a main body of the portable terminal; a second plate to be fixed to a sub body of the portable terminal; and a resilient member for exerting a force for the second plate to be slid on the first plate, wherein the first plate or the second plate is provided with a lubricant member attached along moving trajectory of the resilient member so as to reduce friction with the resilient member.

[46] In one embodiment, the lubricant member is formed of a Teflon material.

[47] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising: a first plate to be fixed to a main body of the portable terminal; a second plate to be fixed to a sub body of the portable terminal; a resilient member for exerting a force for the second plate to be slid on the first plate, a cylindrical bearing to which an end portion of the resilient member; and a rivet passing through the first plate or the second plate and then rotatably combing with the center portion of the bearing, the rivet having a hook.

[48] In one embodiment, the bearing is provided with a connection groove formed along the outer circumferential face of the bearing so as to have a diameter larger than that of the resilient member.

[49] According to another aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising: a first linear motion member performing a linear movement; a rotary housing being rotated by the linear movement of the first linear motion member; a first spring disposed between the first linear motion member and the rotary housing; a rotary cam member one side of which is fixedly mounted inside of the rotary housing and in the other side of which a first rotary cam face is formed so as to become inclined along the circumferential face thereof; a second linear motion member performing a linear movement in contact with the first rotary cam face; a fixed housing having an opening formed at one side thereof to receive the second linear motion member; a second spring disposed between the other side of the fixed housing and the second linear motion member; and a central shaft passing through the centers of the first linear motion member, the rotary housing, the second spring, the rotary cam member, the second linear motion member, the fixed housing, and the second spring, wherein the rotary housing and the rotary cam member rotate together by means of the linear movement of the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member moves linearly along the first rotary cam face.

[50] In one embodiment, the second linear motion member is provided with a second rotary cam face formed so as to correspond to the first rotary cam face, the second rotary cam face includes a most-protruding transition point to one side of which a long slant face is formed and to the other side of which a short slant face is formed, and the first rotary cam face of the rotary cam member passes the short slant face and the transition point of the second rotary cam face when the rotary housing and the rotary cam member are rotated by the linear movement of the first linear motion member.

[51] In one embodiment, the first linear motion member is formed with a first slant protrusion, and the rotary housing is formed with a second slant protrusion corresponding to the first slant protrusion, wherein the first slant protrusion pushes the second slant protrusion by means of the linear movement of the first linear motion member to thereby rotate the rotary housing.

[52] In one embodiment, a guide protrusion is formed in an outer circumferential face of the second linear motion member, and the fixed housing is formed with a guide groove into which the guide protrusion is inserted and slides therein.

Advantageous Effects

[53] According to the present invention, in a slide type portable terminal, a linear elastic force of a resilient means is converted into a rotational torque using a lever action and the converted rotational torque is applied to generate a linear elastic force to push a sub body. Thus, the displacement of the elastic means can be reduced to thereby improve its durability.

[54] A sub plate sliding on a main plate can be stopped using a less number of stoppers.

Thus, the number of the stoppers and dampers can be reduced to thereby improve the assembling efficiency.

[55] A torsion spring does not cause friction directly with the plate, but a sliding member. Thus, fine dusts and friction noises can be avoided.

[56] The end portion of a resilient member can be easily assembled to a plate and reworking is allowed, thereby avoiding waste of parts. Thus, the assembling efficiency of an opening and closing apparatus can be improved.

[57] A user can open and close a folder type portable terminal in a manner of one-touch, thereby providing convenience to users.

[58] Brief Description of the Drawings

[59] Further objects and advantages of the invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [60] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an elastic device according to a first embodiment of the invention; [61] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the elastic device of Fig. 1 when it is assembled; [62] Figs. 3 and 4 are exploded and enlarged perspective views of the elastic device of

Fig. 1;

[63] Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the action link in Fig. 3;

[64] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the elastic device of Fig. 3 when assembled;

[65] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the elastic device of Fig. 3 when in use;

[66] Figs. 9 to 11 are plan view showing the elastic device of Fig. 1 when it is applied;

[67] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an elastic device according to a second embodiment of the invention; [68] Figs. 13 to 15 are plan view showing operations of the elastic device of Fig. 12 when it is applied; [69] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing an elastic device according to a third embodiment of the invention; [70] Figs. 17 to 19 are plan view showing operations of the elastic device of Fig. 16 when it is applied; [71] Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an elastic device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; [72] Figs. 21 to 23 are plan view showing operations of the elastic device of Fig. 20 when it is applied; [73] Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view showing an opening and closing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[74] Fig. 25 is a partially assembled perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 24;

[75] Figs. 26 and 27 are perspective views showing operations of the apparatus of

Fig.24; [76] Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing a major component in the apparatus of Fig.

24;

[77] Fig. 29 is a sectional view of Fig. 28;

[78] Fig. 30 is an exploded perspective view showing an opening and closing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; [79] Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing a major component in the apparatus of Fig. 30; [80] Fig. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing an opening and closing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

[81] Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing major portions in the apparatus of Fig. 32.

[82] Fig. 34 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 32 when assembled.

[83] Fig. 35 is an exploded perspective views showing an opening and closing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; [84] Figs. 36 to 38 are perspective views showing assembling of the apparatus of Fig.

35;

[85] Fig. 39 is a sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 38;

[86] Fig. 40 shows the internal structure of an opening and closing apparatus for a portable terminal according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; [87] Fig. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing a one-touch opening and closing apparatus in the ninth embodiment of the invention; [88] Fig. 42 is a perspective view showing a first linear motion member in the ninth embodiment of the invention; [89] Fig. 43 is a perspective view showing a rotary housing in the ninth embodiment of the invention; [90] Fig. 44 is a perspective view showing a rotary cam member in the ninth embodiment of the invention; [91] Fig. 45 is a perspective view showing a second linear motion member in the ninth embodiment of the invention; [92] Fig. 46 is a perspective view showing a fixed housing in the ninth embodiment of the invention;

[93] Fig. 47 shows operation of the first linear motion member when it is pressed;

[94] Fig. 48 shows operation of the rotary housing when it is rotated 90°;and

[95] Fig. 49 shows operation of the rotary housing upon completion of rotation.

[96]

Mode for the Invention [97] Hereafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [98] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an opening and closing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of Fig. 1 when it is assembled. Figs. 3 and 4 are exploded and enlarged perspective views showing an elastic device in the apparatus of Fig. 1. [99] Referring to the figures, the elastic device includes a base frame 10, a pair of rotation shafts 14 fixed to both ends of the base frame 10 respectively, a pair of action links 20 pivotally coupled to the respective rotation shafts 14, and multiple elastic means one end of which is supported on the base frame 10 and the other end of which is coupled to one end of the action link 20 to thereby exert an elastic force to the action link 20. [100] One of the action links 20 is pivotally coupled to a main plate 50 through a rotation pin 30 and the other one thereof is pivotally coupled to a sub plate 60 through a rotation pin 30 to exert a pushing force on the sub plate 60. [101] The elastic means employs a tension spring 40. Two elastic means are provided at each side for strengthening. [102] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the tension spring 40 is formed with a head portion 42 at both ends thereof. The head portion 42 has a larger diameter than other remaining portion thereof. Formed in the action link 20 and the base frame 10 is a latch portion

12, 26 with which the head portion 42 is latched. [103] When assembling the tension spring 40, the tension spring 40 is vertically inserted into the latch portion 26 in such a way that the head portion 42 of the tension spring is received into the latch portion, as shown in Fig. 5. Then, the tension spring 40 is turned as shown in Fig. 6 such that the head portion 42 is prevented from being released from the latch portion of the action link or the base frame. [104] In the same manner as above, the other end of the tension spring 40 is assembled into the latch portion 12 of the base frame 40. [105] The rotation shaft 14 is formed in the end portions of the base frame 10 so as to protrude. An insert groove 22 is formed in the action line 20 so as to receive the rotation shaft 14 and part of the base frame 10. Formed in the action link is a shaft hole

24 through which the rotation shaft 14 passes from inside to outside to be rotatably combined with the action link. [106] The base frame 10 and the action link 20 may be formed of a plastic material through an injection molding process, thereby enabling cost-saving. [107] Therefore, the insert groove 22 of the action link 20 can be enlarged temporarily so as to receive the rotation shaft 14 of the base frame 10 and restored to its original form after the rotation shaft 14 is engaged into the shaft hole 24. [108] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the elastic device of Fig. 3 when assembled.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the elastic device of Fig. 3 when in use. [109] Rotation torque of the action link 20 varies with the distance between the latch portion 26 and the shaft hole 24, and the distance between the shaft hole 24 and the rotation pin 30. [110] That is, if the distance between the latch portion 26 and the shaft hole 24 is longer than the distance between the shaft hole 24 and the rotation pin 30, the displacement of the tension spring 40 becomes larger and the displacement of the rotation pin 30 becomes smaller, but a stronger force is generated. [I l l] On the contrary, if the distance between the latch portion 26 and the shaft hole 24 is smaller than the distance between the shaft hole 24 and the rotation pin 30, the displacement of the rotation pin 30 becomes larger and the displacement of the tension spring 40 becomes smaller. Thus, the elastic force of the tension spring 40 is to be increased. [112] The main plate 50, to which one of the action links 20 is coupled, is combined to the main body of a portable terminal, and the sub plate 60 is combined to the sub body of the terminal. [113] In this embodiment, a tension spring 40 is employed. However, adjusting the distance between the base frame 10 and the action link 20, a compression spring, a leaf spring or a torsion spring may be used.

[114] Hereafter, operation of the above apparatus will be explained.

[115] When not in use, one end of the tension spring 40 is coupled to the base frame 10 and the other end thereof is coupled to one end of the action link 20 to thereby draw one end of the action link 20 towards the base frame 10. [116] Thus, the action link 20 is turned about the rotation shaft 14 and the outer ends of the respective action links 20 are biased to move away from each other. [117] The outer ends of the respective action link 20 are rotatably connected to the main plate 50 and the sub plate 60 by means of the rotation pin 30 to generate a pushing force on the sub plate 60. [118] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, in case where the sub plate 60 is closed on the main plate 50, the pushing force of the action link 20 acts such that the sub plate 60 remains closed on the main plate 60. [119] As shown in Fig. 10, at the initial state where the sub plate 60 is being opened from the main plate 50, the pushing force of the action link 20 acts to be resistant against opening of the sub plate 60. During this course of action, the outer ends of the action links 20 become closer and the tension spring 40 expands. [120] In addition, during the opening of the sub plate 60, if it passes through a transition point, the pushing force of the action link 20, generated by the tension spring 40, acts to open the sub plate 60 and thus the sub plate 60 can be opened automatically. [121] Finally, as shown in Fig. 11, when the sub plate 60 is completely opened from the main plate 50, the pushing force of the action link 20 acts such that the sub plate 60 can be retained at the open state from the main plate 50.

[122] Hereafter, a second embodiment of the invention will be explained.

[123] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an elastic device according to the second embodiment of the invention. [124] The elastic device of second embodiment has a similar construction to the first embodiment, except that the tension spring 40 is configured to draw two action links in opposite direction to each other. [125] One of the action links 20 is pivotally connected to the main plate 50 by means of the rotation pin 30 and the other one of the action links 20 is pivotally coupled to the sub plate 60 by means of the rotation pin 10, thereby generating a force to push the sub plate 60. [126] Figs. 13 to 15 are plan view showing operations of the elastic device of Fig. 12 when it is applied. In Fig. 13, the sub plate 60 is closed on the main plate 50. In Fig.

14, the sub plate 60 is being opened from the main plate 50. In Fig. 15, the sub plate 60 is completely opened from the main plate 50.

[127] Hereafter, a third embodiment of the invention will be explained.

[128] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing an elastic device according to the third embodiment of the invention. [129] In this embodiment, the elastic device includes a base frame 10, a pair of action links 20 pivotally coupled to the base frame 10 by means of a pair of rotation shaft 14, and four tension springs 40 one ends of which are coupled to one end of one of the action links 20 and the other ends of which are coupled to one end of the other one of the action links 20 to exert an elastic force to the other end of the respective action links 20. [130] One of the action links 20 is supported on the main plate 50 and the other one thereof is supported on the sub plate 60. [131] The remaining structure is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. [132] Figs. 17 to 19 are plan view showing operations of the elastic device of Fig. 16 when it is applied. In Fig. 17, the sub plate 60 is closed on the main plate 50. In Fig.

18, the sub plate 60 is being opened from the main plate 50. In Fig. 19, the sub plate 60 is completely opened from the main plate 50.

[133] Hereafter, a fourth embodiment of the invention will be explained.

[134] Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an elastic device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. [135] The elastic device of fourth embodiment includes a base frame 10, an action link 14 shaft-rotatably coupled to the base frame 10 through a rotation shaft 14, and four tension springs 40 one ends of which are supported on the base frame 10 and the other end of which is supported on the action link 20 to thereby generate an elastic force to the other end of the action link 20. [136] One of the base frame 10 and the action link 20 is supported on the main plate 50 and the other end of the base frame 10 and the action link 20 is supported on the sub plate 50 so as to exert a pushing force on the sub plate 60. [137] The remaining structure is the same as in the first embodiment.

[138] Figs. 21 to 23 are plan view showing operations of the elastic device of Fig. 20 when it is applied. In Fig. 21, the sub plate 60 is closed on the main plate 50. In Fig. 22, the sub plate 60 is being opened from the main plate 50. In Fig. 23, the sub plate 60 is completely opened from the main plate 50.

[139] Hereafter, a fifth embodiment of the invention will be explained, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[140] Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view showing an opening and closing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 25 is a partially assembled perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 24. Figs. 26 and 27 are perspective views showing operations of the apparatus of Fig.24. Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing a major component in the apparatus of Fig. 24. Fig. 29 is a sectional view of Fig. 28.

[141] The opening and closing apparatus for portable terminals includes a main plate 110, a sub plate 120 sliding on the main plate 110, a resilient member 130 for exerting an elastic force on the sub plate 120, and a stopper for limiting the travel range of the sub plate 120.

[142] In the fifth embodiment, the stopper is configured in such a manner that a protrusion member is fixed to the main plate 110, and a pair of latch members is fixed on the sub plate 120. The protrusion member is placed between the latch members such that the protrusion member is latched selectively on the latch member when the sub plate 120 travels.

[143] The protrusion member is formed of a rib 112 cut-out and erected from the main plate 110. A bracket 140 is combined with the rib 112 to reinforce the rib when the latch member contacts the rib. A damper 150 made of a rubber material is disposed in a way to embrace the rib 112 and the bracket 140.

[144] The latch member is composed of a pair of latching plates 122 and 124, which is formed by cutting out and bending part of the sub plate 120.

[145] The rib 112 is formed with a first latching portion 114 to prevent the bracket 140 from escaping in upward direction. The bracket 140 is closely contacted with the rib 112 due to the pressure from the damper 150. Thus, if the first latching portion 114 is positioned in the upper side of the bracket 140, the bracket 140 can not be released upwardly.

[146] In addition, the bracket 140 is formed with a second latching portion 142 for preventing the damper 150 from being released upwardly. The damper 150 is closely contacted with the bracket 140 by means of the pressure. Thus, if the second latching portion 142 is placed above the damper 150, the damper 150 can not be escaped towards the upper side thereof.

[147] Furthermore, formed in the bracket 140 is a slant face 144 converging downwardly. Therefore, when the latching plates 122 and 124 collide with the damper 150 with the damper 150 contacted, the damper 150 is pushed downwards of the bracket 140 to thereby avoid the damper 150 from escaping. [148] The rib 110 is formed with a space in the center so as to pass the latching plates 122 and 124. The sub plate 120 is formed with an opening to pass the damper 150 towards the rib 112 side. [149] When assembling the main plate 110 and the sub plate 120 with each other, the end portions of the sub plate 120 and the main plate 110 are combined and pushed to each other so as to overlap the main and sub plates 110 and 120. During this course of action, the latching plates 122 and 124 at one side pass between the ribs 112, thereby not interrupting the assembling of the sub plate 120. [150] In addition, upon completion of assembling the main and sub plates 110 and 120, the bracket 140 and the damper 150 are assembled to the rib 110 through the opening. [151] On the other hand, this embodiment is illustrated such that a protrusion member is fixed in the main plate 110 and a latch member is fixed in the sub plate 120. However, the latch member may be fixed in the main plate 110 and the protrusion member may be fixed in the sub plate 120. [152] Hereafter, operation of the apparatus having the above construction will be explained. [153] Referring to Fig. 26, when the apparatus is closed, the sub plate 120 is pushed to one end and closed and the closed sub plate remains closed by means of the elastic force of the resilient member 130.

[154] At this time, the latching plate 122 remains in contact with the damper 150.

[155] Referring to Fig. 27, when the user pushes and opens the sub plate 120, the resilient member 130 generates an elastic force towards the opening direction. [156] Therefore, if the sub plate 120 moves on the main plate 110 and reach the open position, the latching plate 124 at the opposite side contacts the damper 150, thereby preventing further advancement of the sub plate 120. [157] During this course of action, the damper 150 is slightly pushed downwardly by means of the slant face 144 formed in the bracket 140. Therefore, the damper 150 can prevent the rib 112 and the bracket 140 from escaping towards the upper side thereof. [158] In addition, due to the resiliency of the resilient member 130the sub plate 120 remains open and the latching plate 124 remains in contact with the damper 150. [159] On the other hand, the closing of sub plate 120 is carried out in the reverse orders to the above procedures. [160] In this embodiment, the stopper is constituted of a single damper 150, which contacts the respective latching plates 122 and 124 when opening and closing operations, to thereby stop the movement of the sub plate 120. [161] Further, the damper 150 is hidden behind the sub plate 120 and not exposed to the outside.

[162] Hereafter, a sixth embodiment of the invention will be explained.

[163] Fig. 30 is an exploded perspective view showing an opening and closing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing a major component in the apparatus of Fig. 30.

[164] The sixth embodiment of the invention is similar to the fifth one, except for the configuration of a protrusion member. [165] In the sixth embodiment, the protrusion member is formed of a rivet 160 fastened in a main plate 110. A damper 170 is combined around the rivet 160. [166] Formed in the sub plate 120 is an opening through which the damper 170 pass towards the protrusion member. [167] Other remaining construction and operation are similar to those in the fifth embodiment and thus details thereon will not be repeated here. [168] Hereafter, the seventh embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. [169] Fig. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing a slide opening and closing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing major portions in the apparatus of Fig. 32. Fig. 34 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 32 when assembled. [170] The opening and closing apparatus of this embodiment includes a first plate 210 to be fixed to the main body of a portable terminal, a second plate 220 to be fixed to the sub body of a portable terminal, and a torsion spring 230 for generating a force for the second plate 220 to enable to slide on the first plate 210. [171] End portions of the torsion spring 230 are rotatably connected to a bearing 252.

Each bearing 252 is fixed in the first and second plates 210 and 220 respectively by means of a rivet 250. [172] The first and second plates 210 and 220A is provided with a thin lubricant member

240 attached along moving trajectory of the torsion spring 230, thereby reducing the friction in-between. [173] The lubricant member is formed of Teflon having a low friction coefficient and providing a smooth surface. This lubricant member 240 is attached to the first plate

210 using an adhesive. [174] The lubricant member 240 may be selectively attached to either the first or second plates or both, according to the contact condition between the torsion spring 230 and the first plate 210 or the second plate 220. [175] When the apparatus is completely assembled, the torsion spring 230 remains in contact with the lubricant member 240. [176] Hereafter, operation of the above apparatus will be explained.

[177] If the second plate 220 is made to slide in order to use the portable terminal, the torsion spring 230 does not contact directly with the first plate 210, but with the lubricant member 240, i.e., a friction occurs between the torsion spring and the lubricant member. [178] However, the lubricant member 240 is formed of a Teflon material having a smooth surface, and thus not significantly abraded or easily worn out. [179] Therefore, fine dust or friction noises do not occur, which is caused by abrasion in the conventional structures. [180] Hereinafter, an eighth embodiment of the invention will be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [181] Fig. 35 is an exploded perspective views showing an opening and closing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. Figs. 36 to 38 are perspective views showing assembling of the apparatus of Fig. 35. Fig. 39 is a sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 38. [182] The end portion of a torsion spring 310, which is a resilient member, is bent into a circular form and coupled around the cylindrical bearing 320. [183] Formed at the center of the bearing 320 is a circular center hole 322. Formed around the bearing 320 is a circular connection groove 326, which has a diameter larger than the end portion 312 of the spring. Thus, a slight gap can be provided between the end portion 312 and the connection groove 326. Accordingly, the end portion 312 tends to be squeezed towards the center of the connection groove 326, to thereby further strengthen the connection force. [184] This bearing 320 is made of a material such as POM, PC or the like having a high abrasion resistance. [185] A through-hole 302 is formed in the plate 300. A rivet 330 passes through the through-hole and the center hole of the bearing 320. The rivet 330 is provided with a hook 332 which is latched with the upper edge of the center hole 322 of the bearing

320.

[186] The rivet 330 is made of a metallic material having a good restoring force.

[187] Formed in the upper edge of the center hole 322 of the bearing 320 is a groove 324 with which the hook 332 is latched and prevents the hook 332 from protruding from the bearing 320.

[188] Hereafter, operations of the above-constructed apparatus will be explained.

[189] Referring to Figs. 35 and 36, the torsion spring 310 is assembled as follows. First, the end portion 312 of the torsion spring 310 is inserted into the connection groove 326 of the bearing 320. [190] In addition, as shown in Figs. 37 and 38, the hook 332 of the rivet 330 passes through the through-hole 302 from under the plate 300 and then passes through the center hole 322 of the bearing 320, and then is latched into the groove 324.

[191] Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 39, the end portion 312 of the torsion spring 310 is rotatably coupled around the bearing 320.

[192] In this way, the coupling between the hook 332 of the rivet 330 and the bearing 320 completes the assembling of the torsion spring 310 into the plate 300.

[193] In case where the torsion spring 310, the bearing 320 or the rivet 330 has a defect, the rivet 330 can be released from the plate 300 by pressing the hook 332 of the rivet 330. Thus, only defective components can be replaced and other good ones can be reused.

[194] On the other hand, when the opening and closing apparatus is being used, the end portion 310 of the torsion spring 310 rotates around the hook 332, along with the bearing 320.

[195] Thus, abrasion of the plate 300 or the rivet 330, due to the end portion 312 of the torsion spring 310, can be prevented.

[196] Hereafter, a ninth embodiment of the invention will be explained, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[197] Fig. 40 shows the internal structure of an opening and closing apparatus for a portable terminal according to a ninth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing a one-touch opening and closing apparatus in the ninth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 42 is a perspective view showing a first linear motion member in the ninth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 43 is a perspective view showing a rotary housing in the ninth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 44 is a perspective view showing a rotary cam member in the ninth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 45 is a perspective view showing a second linear motion member in the ninth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 46 is a perspective view showing a fixed housing in the ninth embodiment of the invention.

[198] Referring to Figs. 40 to 46, the apparatus of the invention includes a first linear motion member 410, a rotary housing 420, a first spring 430, a rotary cam member 440, a second linear motion member 450, a fixed housing 460, a second spring 470 and a central shaft 480.

[199] The first linear motion member 410 is inserted into the rotary housing 420 so as to linearly move along the rotary housing 420. The first linear motion member 410 is provided with a button (not shown) disposed at one end of the first linear motion member.

[200] As shown in Figs. 40 to 42, formed in the other end of the first linear motion member 410 is a first slant protrusion 415.

[201] The first slant protrusion 415 is composed of a slant face formed at one side thereof and a vertical face formed at the opposite side thereto. The first slant protrusion 415 is formed so as to protrude towards the rotary housing 420. [202] The rotary housing 420 is configured to rotate by means of the linear movement of the first linear motion member 410. For this purpose, the rotary housing 420 is formed with a second slant protrusion 425 corresponding to the first slant protrusion 415, as shown in Fig. 40. [203] That is, the second slant protrusion 425 is formed so as to protrude in the inner side of the rotary housing 420 and has a slant face to be contacted with the slant face of the first slant protrusion 415. [204] Therefore, as the first linear motion member 410 performs a linear movement, the slant faces of the first and second slant protrusions 415 and 425 contact each other and then the first slant protrusion 415 pushes the second slant protrusion 425 to rotate the second slant protrusion 425 and the rotary housing 420. [205] Disposed between the first linear motion member 410 and the rotary housing 420 is a first spring 430 for restoring the first linear motion member 410 into its original position. [206] More specifically, a support portion 427 is formed at the inner center of the rotary housing 420. The second slant protrusion 425 is formed in the support portion 427 so as to protrude towards the first linear motion member 410. The first spring 430 is disposed between the first linear motion member 410 and the support portion 427 of the rotary housing 420. [207] This rotary housing 420 is to be connected to the display unit 510 of a portable terminal, which includes a main body 520 and the display unit 510. [208] Referring to Fig. 40, the rotary cam member 440 is mounted on the rotary housing

420. One side of the rotary cam member 440 is fixedly mounted internally on the rotary housing 420 and the other side thereof is formed with a first rotary cam face 442 formed with inclination along the circumference thereof. [209] A rectangular groove is formed in the inner side of the rotary housing 420 and in the outer side of the rotary cam member 440 so that the rotary cam member 440 can be fixedly mounted on the rotary housing 420. [210] That is, the rotary cam member 440 is configured to rotate along with the rotary housing 420 when it rotates. [211] As illustrated in Figs. 41 and 44, the first rotary cam face 442 formed in the other side of the rotary cam member 440 is formed to be inclined at 180°intervals. [212] The first rotary cam face 442 includes a most-protruding transition point, to one side of which a long slant face is formed and to the other side of which a short slant face is formed. The long slant face is extended along the outer circumferential face to the opposite most-protruding transition point. [213] The second linear motion member 450 is configured to perform a linear movement in contact with the first rotary cam face 442 of the rotary cam member 440. Formed in the second linear motion member 450 is a second rotary cam face 452 corresponding to the first rotary cam face 442 of the rotary cam member 440.

[214] The second rotary cam face 452 includes a most-protruding transition point 457, to one side of which a long slant face 459 is formed and to the other side of which a short slant face 458 is formed.

[215] Therefore, the short slant face of the first cam face 442 is in contact with the short slant face 458 of the second rotary cam face 452. When the first linear motion member 410 carries out a linear movement to rotate the rotary housing 420 and the rotary cam member 440, the short slant face of the first rotary cam face 442 passes the short slant face 458 and the transition point 457 of the second rotary cam face 452. Thereafter, the long slant face of the first rotary cam face 442 comes to slide along the long slant face 459 of the second rotary cam face 452.

[216] The second linear motion member 450 is slidably mounted inside of the fixed housing 460. The fixed housing 460 is provided at one side thereof with an opening through which the second linear motion member 450 is mounted.

[217] In addition, a guide protrusion 455 is formed in the outer circumferential face of the fixed housing 460. Formed in the inner circumferential face of the fixed housing 460 is a guide groove 465 into which the guide protrusion 455 is inserted and slides thereon.

[218] The fixed housing 460 is connected with the main body 520 of a portable terminal having a display unit 510.

[219] Disposed between the other side of the fixed housing 460 and the second linear motion member 450 is a second spring 470 for exerting an elastic force on the second linear motion member 450.

[220] The central shaft 480 is mounted so as to pass through the centers of the first linear motion member 410, the rotary housing 420, the second spring 470, the rotary cam member 440, the second linear motion member 450, the fixed housing 460, and the second spring 470, thereby serving as a rotational center.

[221] Hereafter, operation of the above structure will be explained.

[222] Fig. 47 shows operation of the first linear motion member 410 according to the ninth embodiment of the invention when it is pressed. Fig. 48 shows operation of the rotary housing 420 according to the ninth embodiment of the invention when it is rotated 90°. Fig. 49 shows operation of the rotary housing 420 upon completion of rotation.

[223] In case of a portable terminal having a main body 520 and a display unit 510, the rotary housing 420 is combined with the display unit 510 and the fixed housing 460 is combined with the main body 520. [224] Fig. 40 shows the portable terminal when closed, i.e., when the display unit 510 is not rotated.

[225] At this time, the first linear motion member 410 is far away from the second slant protrusion 425 due to the elastic force of the first spring 430. The second linear motion member 450 is biased towards the rotary cam member 440 by means of resiliency of the second spring 470 and thus the short slant face 458 of the second rotary cam face 452 of the second linear motion member 450 is in contact with the short slant face of the first rotary cam face 442.

[226] For this purpose, the second spring 470 is mounted under compression.

[227] Therefore, the rotary housing 420 remains un-rotated relative to the fixed housing

460.

[228] At this time, the outer circumferential face of the rotary housing 420 and the fixed housing 460 is provided with a stopper 428, 68 formed such that rotation of the rotary housing 420 is limited to a certain angle.

[229] If a user presses a button disposed in one side of the first linear motion member

410, the first linear motion member 410 moves linearly towards the rotary housing 420, as shown in Fig. 47.

[230] At this time, the first slant protrusion 415 formed in the first linear motion member

410 becomes in contact with the second slant protrusion 425 of the rotary housing 420 and pushes the second slant protrusion 425 to rotate the rotary housing 420.

[231] Due to rotation of the rotary housing 420, the rotary cam member 440 fixed to the rotary housing 420 rotates together.

[232] As the rotary cam member 440 rotates, the short slant face of the first rotary cam face 442 passes the short slant face 458 and the transition point 457 of the second rotary cam face 452. By means of the resiliency of the second spring 470, the second linear motion member 450 moves towards the rotary cam member 440 and thus the long slant face 459 of the second rotary cam face 452 of the second linear motion member 450 comes to contact the long slant face of the first rotary cam face 442.

[233] When the first rotary cam face 442 of the rotary cam member 440 passes beyond the transition point 457 of the second rotary cam face 452 of the second linear motion member 450, the rotary housing 420 and the rotary cam member 440 are rotate around 25 degrees such that the display unit is rotated about 25 degrees with respect to the main body 520.

[234] As shown in Fig. 48, if the user releases the button, the first linear motion member

410 is restored into its original position by means of elastic restoring force of the first spring 430 and the second linear motion member 450 moves linearly due to elastic restoring force of the second spring 470.

[235] By the linear movement of the second linear motion member 450, the long slant face 459 of the second rotary cam face 452 and the long slant face of the first rotary cam face 442 becomes in contact with each other. Thus, the first rotary member rotates and thus the rotary housing 420 and the display unit 510 rotate around 90 degrees together.

[236] As shown in Fig. 49, if the rotary housing 420 and the display unit 510 are rotated completely, i.e., rotated around 160 degrees, the second rotary cam face 452 of the linear motion member and the first rotary cam face 442 of the rotary cam member 440 reach at the lowest position.

[237] At this time, as mentioned above, since a stopper 428, 68 is formed in the outer face of the rotary housing 420 and the fixed housing 460 and thus rotation of the rotary housing 420 is limited within certain degrees of angle.

[238] Therefore, if the user pushes the first linear motion member 410 without necessity of rotating the display unit 510, the rotary housing 420 and the display unit 510 are automatically rotated, thereby enabling easy opening of the terminal.

[239] In order to close the opened terminal, the user turns the display unit 510 in the opposite direction to when it opens and then the display unit 510 is closed on the main body 520.

[240]

Industrial Applicability

[241] As described above, according to the present invention, in a slide type portable terminal, a linear elastic force of a resilient means is converted into a rotational torque using a lever action and the converted rotational torque is applied to generate a linear elastic force to push a sub body. Thus, the displacement of the elastic means can be reduced to thereby improve its durability.

[242] A sub plate sliding on a main plate can be stopped using a less number of stoppers.

[243] A torsion spring does not cause friction directly with the plate, but a sliding member. Thus, fine dusts and friction noises can be avoided.

[244] The end portion of a resilient member can be easily assembled to a plate and reworking is allowed, thereby avoiding waste of parts. Thus, the assembling efficiency of an opening and closing apparatus can be improved.

[245] A user can open and close a folder type portable terminal in a manner of one-touch, thereby providing convenience to users.

[246] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] An apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising an elastic device, in which a lever action is employed to convert a linear elastic force of an elastic means into a rotational torque, which is then applied to push a sub plate configured to slide on a main plate.

[2] The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastic device comprises: a base frame; an action link pivotally coupled to the base frame through a rotation shaft; and a resilient means one end of which is supported on the base frame and the other end of which is connected to one end of the action link to generate an elastic force to the other end of the action link, wherein one of the base frame and the action link is supported on the main plate and the other one thereof is supported on the sub plate to exert a pushing force to the sub plate.

[3] The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastic device comprises: a base frame; a pair of action links pivotally coupled to the base frame through a pair of rotation shafts; and a plurality of resilient means one end of which is supported on the base frame and the other end of which is connected to one end of the respective action links to generate an elastic force to the other end of the action link, wherein one of the action links is supported on the main plate and the other one thereof is supported on the sub plate to exert a pushing force to the sub plate.

[4] The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastic device comprises: a base frame; a pair of action links pivotally coupled to the base frame through a pair of rotation shafts; and a plurality of resilient means one end of which is connected to one end of one of the action links and the other end of which is connected to one end of the other one of the action links to exert an elastic force to the other ends of the action links, wherein one of the action links is supported on the main plate and the other one thereof is supported on the sub plate to exert a pushing force to the sub plate.

[5] The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the resilient means includes a tension spring.

[6] The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein both ends of the tension spring is formed with a head portion having a larger diameter, and the action link and the base frame is formed with a latch portion to which the head portion is latched when the tension spring is inserted and then turned.

[7] The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rotation shaft is formed in an end portion of the base frame so as to protrude, the action link is formed with an inert groove to which the rotation shaft and part of the base frame are inserted, and a shaft hole is formed from the inner side of the insert groove towards the outside thereof such that the rotation shaft is rotatably coupled to the shaft hole.

[8] An apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal having a main plate and a sub plate sliding on the main plate, wherein a protrusion member is fixed in one of the main plate and the sub plate and a pair of latching members is fixed to the other one of the main plate and the sub plate in such a way that the protrusion member is placed between the latching members and selectively latched with the respective latching members when the sub plate moves.

[9] The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein a buffering damper is combined with at least one of the protrusion member and the latching member.

[10] The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the protrusion member is formed of a rib erected from the floor, a bracket is combined to the rib in order to reinforce the supporting force towards the direction of contacting with the latching member, and the damper is combined around the rib and the bracket.

[11] The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein a first latching portion is formed in the rib so as to prevent the bracket from escaping to the upper side thereof, and a second latching portion is formed in the bracket so as to prevent the damper from escaping to the upper side thereof.

[12] The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein a first latching portion is formed in the rib so as to prevent the bracket from escaping to the upper side thereof, and a second latching portion is formed in the bracket so as to prevent the damper from escaping to the upper side thereof.

[13] The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the rib is provided with a space formed in the center thereof so as to pass the latching member, and the main plate or the sub plate to which the latching member is fixed is formed with an opening so as to pass the damper towards the rib side.

[14] The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the protrusion member is formed of a rivet fastened to the floor and the damper is combined around the rivet.

[15] The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the main plate or the sub plate to which the latching member is fixed is provided with an opening formed so as to pass the damper towards the protrusion member side.

[16] An apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising: a first plate to be fixed to a main body of the portable terminal; a second plate to be fixed to a sub body of the portable terminal; and a resilient member for exerting a force for the second plate to be slid on the first plate, wherein the first plate or the second plate is provided with a lubricant member attached along moving trajectory of the resilient member so as to reduce friction with the resilient member.

[17] The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the lubricant member is formed of a Teflon material.

[18] An apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising: a first plate to be fixed to a main body of the portable terminal; a second plate to be fixed to a sub body of the portable terminal; a resilient member for exerting a force for the second plate to be slid on the first plate, a cylindrical bearing to which an end portion of the resilient member; and a rivet passing through the first plate or the second plate and then rotatably combing with the center portion of the bearing, the rivet having a hook.

[19] The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the bearing is provided with a connection groove formed along the outer circumferential face of the bearing so as to have a diameter larger than that of the resilient member.

[20] An apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising: a first linear motion member performing a linear movement; a rotary housing being rotated by the linear movement of the first linear motion member; a first spring disposed between the first linear motion member and the rotary housing; a rotary cam member one side of which is fixedly mounted inside of the rotary housing and in the other side of which a first rotary cam face is formed so as to become inclined along the circumferential face thereof; a second linear motion member performing a linear movement in contact with the first rotary cam face; a fixed housing having an opening formed at one side thereof to receive the second linear motion member; a second spring disposed between the other side of the fixed housing and the secon d linear motion member; and a central shaft passing through the centers of the first linear motion member, the rotary housing, the second spring, the rotary cam member, the second linear mo tion member, the fixed housing, and the second spring, wherein the rotary housing and the rotary cam member rotate together by means of the linear movement of the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member moves linearly along the first rotary cam face.

[21] The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second linear motion member is provided with a second rotary cam face formed so as to correspond to the first rotary cam face, the second rotary cam face includes a most-protruding transition point to one side of which a long slant face is formed and to the other side of which a short slant face is formed, and the first rotary cam face of the rotary cam member passes the short slant face and the transition point of the second rotary cam face when the rotary housing and the rotary cam member are rotated by the linear movement of the first linear motion member.

[22] The apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the first linear motion member is formed with a first slant protrusion, and the rotary housing is formed with a second slant protrusion corresponding to the first slant protrusion, wherein the first slant protrusion pushes the second slant protrusion by means of the linear movement of the first linear motion member to thereby rotate the rotary housing.

[23] The apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein a guide protrusion is formed in an outer circumferential face of the second linear motion member, and the fixed housing is formed with a guide groove into which the guide protrusion is inserted and slides therein.