WO2008136613A1

WO2008136613A1 - Hinge module for folder type portable terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2008136613A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/002504
Authority: WO
Inventors: Si Wan Kim
Original assignee: Laird Technologies Map Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-05-04
Filing date: 2008-05-02
Publication date: 2008-11-13
Also published as: KR100810496B1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a hinge module of a folder type portable terminal, which can automatically open the folder type terminal by a simple button operation. The hinge module comprises: a hollow button; a first elastic member longitudinally disposed in the hollow of the button; a shaft longitudinally disposed next to the elastic member; a shaft cam disposed at the side opposing the button in the longitudinal direction; a sub cam with a part or all of its inner side disposed to rotate around the outer side of the shaft cam; a holder cam with a part of its one side seized between the shaft cam and the sub cam; and a second elastic member longitudinally disposed next to the holder cam to elastically restore the holder cam.

Description

Description HINGE MODULE FOR FOLDER TYPE PORTABLE TERMINAL

Technical Field

[1] The present invention generally relates to a hinge module for a folder type portable terminal, and more particularly to a hinge module for automatically opening and closing the sub body of a folder type portable terminal relative to its main body by operation of a button. Background Art

[2] Recently, the number of users of portable terminals has been increasing. Thus, supplementary functions according to the user's preference are desired for the opening and closing operations, in addition to the inherent functions of the portable terminals.

[3] In order to meet such demands, the portable terminals were developed from general bar type to flip type, flip up type and folder type. However, the folder type terminals are mostly preferred in the recent days. This is because the folder type terminal has enough space to employ a wide LCD module as a display device. In addition, since the folder type terminal can be folded in half for easy carry, its portability is clearly better than other terminals.

[4] Among these portable terminals, the folder type terminal has a hinge module mounted thereto, which enables a sub body to open and close relative to a main body by pivoting around a predetermined axis. The hinge module functions to open and close the sub body to a predetermined angle relative to the main body. It also functions to maintain a predetermined angle of the sub body to the main body in the open state. Generally, such hinge modules open and close the sub body to an angle of approximately 160° relative to the main body.

[5] Prior to use, however, the user of a folder type portable terminal had to open the terminal by applying a force to the sub body with one or both hands. When using a folder type portable terminal with only one hand, some of the opening operation has to be conducted with only one hand. Thus, the opening operation itself is not easy. Further, there is a risk of dropping the portable terminal when the opening operation has failed. When using both hands, the opening operation may be easily conducted. However, since both hands are used, the other hand needs to be free of any objects for a safe opening operation. Particularly, if the user is a worker or a disabled person who can use only one hand, then the use of the folder type terminal will be highly inconvenient.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [6] The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. The objective of the present invention is to provide a hinge module for a folder type portable terminal, which can automatically open a sub body of a folder type portable terminal relative to a main body by simple button operation of a user.

[7] Further, another objective of the present invention is to provide a hinge module for a folder type portable terminal, which can be easily assembled to the pivoting portion of the folder type portable terminal while automatically opening and closing the sub body relative to the main body. Technical Solution

[8] In order to achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a hinge module for a folder type portable terminal. The hinge module comprises: a hollow button (20) with a part or all of its one side opened; a first elastic member (30) longitudinally disposed in the hollow of the button (20); a shaft (40) longitudinally disposed next to the elastic member (30); a shaft cam (50) provided with rotation cam surfaces of shaft cam side (56a, 56b), which are disposed at the side opposing to the button (20) in the longitudinal direction with different inclination at both sides of an inflection portion (54); a sub cam (60); a holder cam (70) with a part of its one side seized between the inflection portion (54) of the shaft cam (50) and an inflection portion (66) of the sub cam (60); and a second elastic member (80) longitudinally disposed next to the holder cam (70) to elastically restore the holder cam (70).

[9] The button (20) is provided with one or more linear movement members (22) in the longitudinal direction. A part of the shaft (40) pertains to the hollow of the button (20). The inner side of the shaft cam (50) is fitted to couple with the shaft (40). A part or all of the inner side of the sub cam (60) is disposed to rotate around the outer side of the shaft cam (50). The sub cam (60) is provided at a part of its one side with a rotation inducing portion of the sub cam side (64) having an inclined surface (62) to contact a part of the linear movement member (22) and rotate to a predetermined angle by the linear movement of the linear movement member (22). The sub cam (60) is provided at its other side with a rotation cam surface of the sub cam side (68) having different inclinations at both sides of the inflection portion (66) of a predetermined angle. The sub cam (60) is provided with the rotation cam surface of the sub cam side (68) having the same orientation as the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56).

[10] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hinge module further comprises a housing (90) that receives some or all of the constitutional elements.

[11] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the housing (90) corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the holder cam (70) such that the housing (90) rotates in accordance with the rotation of the holder cam (70).

[12] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more linear movement members (22) of the button (20) are provided with a guide slot inducing a rotation of sub cam (26), wherein a helical rotation cam surface (24) of a predetermined orientation is formed.

[13] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a linear movement guide portion (52) is provided on the outer side of the shaft cam (50) such that the linear movement member (22) of the button (20) can linearly move in the longitudinal direction.

[14] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, one surface (56a) of the rotation cam surfaces of the shaft cam side (56a, 56b) has a gentle slope of a helical shape, while the other surface (56b) has a steep slope.

[15] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side (58) with a predetermined range is provided at the central end of the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56).

[16] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angle of the holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side (58) is below 20°.

[17] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sub cam (60) is provided with a holder cam receiving slot of the sub cam side (68) within the range of the receiving slot of the shaft cam (58).

[18] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holder cam (70) is provided with a helical rotation cam surface of the holder cam side (74), which has the same rotation orientation as the inclined surface of the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56a).

[19] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elasticity of the first elastic member (30) is smaller than that of the second elastic member (80).

[20] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic member (30) and the second elastic member (80) are compression springs.

[21] As described above, the hinge module for a folder type portable terminal according to the present invention enables the sub body to be automatically opened relative to the main body by a simple button operation. In addition, the hinge module for a folder type portable terminal according to the present invention is configured to be easily assembled in the pivoting portion of the folder type portable terminal.

Advantageous Effects

[22] The hinge module for a folder type portable terminal according to the present invention enables the sub body to be automatically opened relative to the main body by a simple button operation. Further, the assembling process thereof is very simple. Brief Description of the Drawings

[23] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hinge module for a folder type portable terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [24] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge module for a folder type portable terminal shown in Figure 1. [25] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a button cover used in the hinge module shown in

Figures 1 and 2. [26] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a button used in the hinge module shown in Figures

1 and 2. [27] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a shaft cam used in the hinge module shown in

Figures 1 and 2. [28] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sub cam used in the hinge module shown in

Figures 1 and 2. [29] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a holder cam used in the hinge module shown in

Figures 1 and 2. [30] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a housing used in the hinge module shown in

Figures 1 and 2. [31] Figure 9 is a drawing illustrating that the hinge module for a folder type portable terminal according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is assembled to a cellular phone. [32] Figure 10 is an illustrative drawing of the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention when the folder type portable terminal is closed. [33] Figure 11 is an illustrative drawing of the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention when the folder type portable terminal starts to open by a button operation of a user. [34] Figure 12 is an illustrative drawing of the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention when the folder type portable terminal is completely opened (160°). [35] Figure 13 is an illustrative drawing of the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention when the folder type portable terminal is closed (120°) after complete opening. [36] Figure 14 is an illustrative drawing of the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention after the folder type portable terminal is completely closed.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [37] The terms used herein, i.e., "main body" and "sub body," have relative meanings respectively indicating the stationary portion of the portable terminal and the opening or closing portion of the portable terminal in view of a user. Generally, a key pad, a receiver and a main board for performing various functions are embodied in the main body. A liquid crystal screen, a receiver and the like are installed in the sub body. The main body and the sub body are electrically connected with a flexible PCB.

[38] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The hinge module according to the present invention is applied to a folder type portable terminal having a main body as described above and a sub body that can move relative to the main body in a hinge method as described above.

[39] A hinge module for a folder type portable terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figures 1 and 2. Each constitutional elements used in the hinge module shown in Figures 1 and 2 are depicted in Figures 3 to 8.

[40] Referring Figure 2 along with Figures 1 and 3 to 8, the hinge module (1) for a folder type portable terminal according to the present invention comprises: a button (20); a first elastic member (30) disposed next to the button (20); a shaft (40) disposed next to the first elastic member (30); a shaft cam (50) fitted to couple with the shaft (40); a sub cam (60) disposed to rotate around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft cam (50); a holder cam (70); and a second elastic member (80). Further, a hinge module (1) for the folder type portable terminal according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a button cover (10) to cover the button (20). Furthermore, a hinge module (1) for the folder type portable terminal according to the more preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing (90), which receives some or all of the constitutional elements and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the holder cam (70).

[41] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the button (20) is provided in the longitudinal direction with one or more linear movement members (22). Some of one or more linear movement members (22) are provided with a guide slot inducing rotation of the sub cam (26), wherein a helical rotation cam surface (24) of a predetermined orientation is formed. In this embodiment, the two linear movement members (22) without the guide slot inducing rotation of the sub cam (26) guide the linear movement of the button (20) while pressing the inclined surface (62) of the sub cam (60) to rotate the sub cam (60) to a predetermined angle. The two linear movement members (22) having the guide slot inducing rotation of the sub cam (26) guide the linear movement of the button (20) while guiding a rotation inducing portion of the sub cam side (64), which is provided in the sub cam (60) as described below, to the inner side of the guide slot. The two linear movement members (22) having the guide slot inducing rotation of the sub cam (26) finally function to naturally withdraw the sub cam (60) in the direction opposite to the button pressing direction with the assistance of the second elastic member (80) described below.

[42] As shown in Figure 2, an elastic member (30) (referred to as "first elastic member" to distinguish from the elastic member described below) is longitudinally disposed in the hollow of the button (20). Since the first elastic member (30) is provided to return the button (20) in situ, it preferably has a smaller elasticity than that of the second elastic ember (80).

[43] As shown in Figure 2, a shaft (40) is longitudinally disposed next to the first elastic member (30). The shaft (40) should be disposed on the same axis as the button (20) and the first elastic member (30). When the hinge module (1) according to the present invention is assembled, a part of the shaft (40) is disposed within the hollow of the button (20).

[44] A shaft cam (50) is fitted to couple with the shaft (40), as shown in Fig. 2. The shaft cam (50) is provided with inclined surfaces (56a, 56b) having different inclinations at both sides of the inflection portion (54) at the opposing side in the longitudinal direction of the button (20) as shown in Figures 2 and 5. As shown in Figure 2, a helical inclined surface (56a) with a gentle slope is provided on the front side of the right direction, whereas an inclined surface (56b) with a steep slope is provided on the back side of the right direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, a linear movement guide portion (52) is provided on the outer side of the shaft cam (50), thus enabling the linear movement of the linear movement member (22) of the button (20) in the longitudinal direction. The linear movement guide member (52) enables the linear movement member of the button side (22) to linearly move in the longitudinal direction. The linear movement guide member (52) also fixes the shaft cam (50) to the housing (90) described below. As such, a part of the outer side of the linear movement guide portion (52) is preferably formed to comply with the inner peripheral surface of the housing (90) described below. A holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side (58) is provided at the central end of the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56) within a predetermined range, preferably below 20°. It intends to fix the sub body after the sub body is opened to a predetermined angle relative to the main body and also to be easily closed to a predetermined angle by handling of a user.

[45] A sub cam (60) is disposed on the outer side of the shaft cam (50) to rotate around the outer peripheral surface thereof. As shown, a rotation inducing portion of the sub cam side (64) is provided on one side of the sub cam (60) to guide the rotation and withdrawal of the sub cam (60) according to the shape of the helical surface of a guide slot inducing the rotation of the sub cam (26). An inclined surface (62) is provided on a part of the outer side of the rotation inducing portion of the sub cam side (64) in order to contact a part of the linear movement member of the button side (22) and to rotate to a predetermined angle by the linear movement of the linear movement member (22). Further, on the other side of the sub cam (60), rotation cam surfaces of the sub cam side (68) with different inclinations are provided at both sides of the inflection portion (66) of a predetermined angle. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a rotation cam surface with a gentle slope is provided on the front side of the right direction, whereas a rotation cam surface with a steep slope is provided on the back side of the right direction. A holder cam receiving slot of the sub cam side (69) is provided at the inner end of the holder cam receiving slot of the sub cam side (68) corresponding to the holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side (58) denoted as reference numeral 58 a. This is to fix the sub body after the sub body is opened to a predetermined angle relative to the main body.

[46] A holder cam (70) is provided next to the sub cam (60). On the holder cam (70), the rotation cam surfaces of the holder cam side (74) are provided with different inclinations at both sides of the inflection portion (72). A rotation cam surface of the holder cam side (74) is formed in a helical shape, which has the same rotation orientation as the inclined surface of the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56a). Another rotation cam surface of the holder cam side (74) has a steep slope, which is different from the rotation cam surface of the holder cam side (74) described above. When assembling the hinge module (1) of the folder type portable terminal according to the present invention, a part of one side, i.e., the inflection portion (72), is seized between the inflection portion (54) of the shaft cam (50) and the inflection portion of the sub cam (60).

[47] Next to the holder cam (70), an elastic member (80) (referred to as the "second elastic member" to distinguish from the first elastic member described above) is longitudinally disposed, as shown in Fig. 2. The second elastic member (80) restores the holder cam (70) elastically. For smooth opening and closing movement of the sub body to the main body as well as for easy operation of the button (20) of a user, the elasticity of the first elastic member (30) is preferably smaller than that of the second elastic member (80). A representative example of the first elastic member and the second elastic member is compression springs.

[48] A housing (90), which is formed as shown in Figures 1 and 2, receives some or all of the elements that constitute some or all of the present invention. The inner peripheral surface of the housing (90) corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the holder cam (70) such that the housing (90) rotates in accordance with the rotation of the holder cam (70). When the housing (90) is employed, the rotation of the sub body follows the rotation of the housing (90) and the housing (90) follows the rotation of the holder cam (70). That is, the radius of rotation of the sub body is influenced by the rotation of the holder cam (70).

[49] Figure 9 shows that the hinge module (1) of the folder type portable terminal according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is assembled to a cellular phone.

[50] Referring to Figure 9, the hinge module (1) of the folder type portable terminal according to the present invention is mounted in an empty space where the sub body (300) rotates relative to the main body (200). Although not shown, some or all of the outer peripheral surfaces of the housing (90) must comply with the inner peripheral surface of the empty space so that the sub body (300) rotates relative to the main body (200). Alternatively, the housing (90) may be directly fixed in the empty space.

[51] Hereinafter, the operation of the hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to the present invention is described with reference to Figures 10 to 14.

[52] Figure 10 is an illustrative drawing showing the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention when the folder type portable terminal is closed. Figure 11 is an illustrative drawing showing the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention when the folder type portable terminal starts to open by a button operation of a user. Figure 12 is an illustrative drawing showing the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention when the folder type portable terminal is completely opened (160°). Figure 13 is an illustrative drawing showing the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention when the folder type portable terminal is closed (120°) after complete opening. Figure 14 is an illustrative drawing showing the movement of the hinge module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention after the folder type portable terminal is completely closed.

[53] Referring to the drawings above, when the button (20) is not operated by a user in the hinge module (1) of the folder type portable terminal according to the present invention, an end of the linear movement member of the button side (22) is maintained to contact the upper end of the inclined surface of the sub cam side (62) (see area A in Figure 10). Further, the inflection portion (72) of the holder cam (70) is locked in a slot where the inflection portion (54) of the shaft cam (50) and the inflection portion (66) of the sub cam (60) cross. This is to prevent the rotation of the holder cam (70) (see area B in Figure 10).

[54] Then, as the user presses the button (20), the linear movement member of button side

(22) is linearly moved in the button pressing direction (forward direction) along the inclined surface (62) provided by the sub cam (60), thereby rotating the sub cam (60). At this time, the rotation inducing portion of the sub cam side (64) is guided to the guide slot inducing th rotation of the sub cam (26) along the inner helical rotation cam surface (24) of the guide slot inducing the rotation of the sub cam (26) provided by the other linear movement member (22). That is, the sub cam (60) is withdrawn and rotated in a predetermined angle (approximately 20°) while performing the pressing operation of the button (20). The previously locked inflection portion (72) of the holder cam (70) is released by the rotation and withdrawal movement of the sub cam (60). The holder cam (70) rotates along the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56) with a gentle slope in the shaft cam (50). In this embodiment, the holder cam (70) rotates in an angle of 160°. The sub cam (60) starts to restore along with the rotation ( see Figure 11).

[55] After the holder cam (70) rotates in a predetermined angle, the inflection portion (72) of the holder cam (70) is received in the holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side (58) provided by the shaft cam (50) and the holder cam receiving slot of sub cam side (68) provided by the sub cam (60). Accordingly, the holder cam (70) is fixed without any movement. At this time, the range of the holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side (58) is below 20° (see Figure 12). The sub body is automatically opened and fixed relative to the main body by such a movement. The holder cam (70) may be directly mounted on the folder type portable terminal. However, for a simple assembly, it will be preferable that the holder cam (70) is integrally coupled to the housing and moves integrally with the housing (see Figure 12).

[56] Thereafter, when the folder type portable terminal is closed from a completely open state by the operation of the user's hand, the holder cam (70) rotates along the contacted surface between the rotation cam surface of the holder cam side (74) and the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56) of the shaft cam (50). At this time, the inflection portion (72) of the holder cam (70) is fixed and temporarily stopped at the holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side denoted as reference numeral 58b. Then, the holder cam (70) continuously rotates along the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (74). When the holder cam (70) is positioned at the inflection portion (66) of the sub cam (60), it is rotated in an angle of 20° to the sub cam (60) direction. Finally, the inflection portion (72) of the holder cam (70) is again seized between the inflection portion (54) of the shaft cam (50) and the inflection portion (66) of the sub cam (60). As a result, the holder cam (70) is locked again and the sub body is closed relative to the main body (see Figures 13 and 14). At this time, while the sub cam (60) is restored and rotated along the helical rotation cam surface (24) provided inside the guide slot inducing rotation of the sub cam (26) of the button (20), the closing is conducted with a clicking feeling of the holder cam (70).

[57] Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is understood that changes and variations may be made by those skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims that follow.

Claims

[1] A hinge module of a folder type portable terminal, comprising: a hollow button (20) with a part or all of its one side opened, the button (20) being provided with one or more linear movement members (22) in a longitudinal direction; a first elastic member (30) longitudinally disposed in the hollow of the button (20); a shaft (40) longitudinally disposed next to the elastic member (30), a part of the shaft pertaining to the hollow of the button (20); a shaft cam (50) provided with rotation cam surfaces of a shaft cam side (56a, 56b) disposed at a side opposing the button (20) in the longitudinal direction with a different inclination at both sides of an inflection portion (54), the inner side thereof being fitted to couple with the shaft (40); a sub cam (60), a part or all of the inner side thereof being disposed to rotate around the outer side of the shaft cam (50), the sub cam (60) provided at a part of its one side with a rotation inducing portion of a sub cam side (64) having an inclined surface (62) to contact a part of the linear movement member (22) and rotate to a predetermined angle by the linear movement of the linear movement member (22), the sub cam (60) provided at its other side with a rotation cam surface of a sub cam side (68) having different inclinations at both sides of an inflection portion (66) of a predetermined angle; a holder cam (70) with a part of its one side seized between the inflection portion (54) of the shaft cam (50) and the inflection portion (66) of the sub cam (60); and a second elastic member (80) longitudinally disposed next to the holder cam (70) to elastically restore the holder cam (70).

[2] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 1, further comprising a housing (90) configured to receive some or all of the constitutional elements.

[3] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 2, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the housing (90) corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the holder cam (70) such that the housing (90) rotates in accordance with the rotation of the holder cam (70).

[4] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 1, wherein one or more linear movement members (22) of the button (20) are provided with a guide slot inducing rotation of the sub cam (26), wherein a helical rotation cam surface (24) of a predetermined orientation is formed.

[5] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 1, wherein a linear movement guide portion (52) is provided on the outer side of the shaft cam (50) such that the linear movement member (22) of the button (20) can linearly move in the longitudinal direction.

[6] TThe hinge module of a folder type portable terminal according to Claim 1, wherein one surface (56a) of the rotation cam surfaces of the shaft cam side (56a, 56b) has a gentle slope of a helical shape, and wherein another surface (56b) has a steep slope.

[7] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 1, wherein a holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side (58) with a predetermined range is provided at the central end of the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56).

[8] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 7, wherein the angle of the holder cam receiving slot of the shaft cam side (58) is below 20°.

[9] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the sub cam (60) is provided with a holder cam receiving slot of the sub cam side (68) within the range of the receiving slot of the shaft cam (58).

[10] The hinge module of a folder type portable terminal according to Claim 1, wherein the holder cam (70) is provided with a helical rotation cam surface of the holder cam side (74), which has the same rotation orientation as the inclined surface of the rotation cam surface of the shaft cam side (56a).

[11] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 1, wherein the elasticity of the first elastic member (30) is smaller than that of the second elastic member (80).

[12] The hinge module of the folder type portable terminal according to Claim 11, wherein the first elastic member (30) and the second elastic member (80) are compression springs.