WO2009002103A2

WO2009002103A2 - Sliding module and sliding device having the same

Info

Publication number: WO2009002103A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/003668
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kwang Hoon Choi
Original assignee: Mtx Hybrid Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-06-26
Filing date: 2008-06-26
Publication date: 2008-12-31
Also published as: WO2009002103A3

Abstract

Disclosed is a sliding module that provides sliding movement in multiple directions and a sliding device having the same for enabling a personal portable terminal to provide various types of operation modes. The sliding module includes a base including a first guide formed along a first direction, wherein both sides of the base are bent to form the first guide; a first sliding member sliding in the first direction with both sides thereof inserted to the first guide and including a second guide formed along a second direction that intersects the first direction; and a second sliding member sliding in the second direction with both sides thereof inserted to the second guide and selectively limited to slide in the second direction by the first guide.

Description

SLIDING MODULE AND SLIDING DEVICE HAVING THE

SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a sliding module, more particularly, to a sliding module that provides sliding movement in multiple directions and a sliding device having the same for enabling a personal portable terminal to provide various types of operation modes. Background Art

[2] A personal portable terminal generally designates a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a portable media player (PMP), a portable game player, or the like. The personal portable terminal is classified into a flip type, a folder type, and a slide type according to the operation mechanism of a housing thereof for opening and closing the personal portable terminal.

[3] Among them, the slide type of personal portable terminal according to the related art includes a main unit, a cover unit slidably moving in respect to the main unit, and a sliding module coupled to the main unit and the cover unit to allow the cover unit to slide in respect to the main unit.

[4] The sliding module includes a base coupled to the main unit, and a sliding member coupled to the base and the cover unit. The sliding member is slidable along the base. In addition, a coil spring may be disposed between the base and the sliding member so that the sliding member smoothly slides along the base using an elastic force of the coil spring.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] However, the sliding module according to the related art slides in only one direction.

In other word, the cover unit makes reciprocating motion in only one direction in respect to the main unit, thereby limiting an area of the main unit for a key pad. Therefore, it was difficult to secure a spacious area for disposing key pads or buttons on the main unit due to the sliding module according to the related art. It is also difficult to additionally dispose another functional key pads or buttons on the main unit in order to provide the personal portable terminal to the user with various functions. Technical Solution

[6] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a sliding module and a sliding device using the same that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the conventional art. [7] An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding module making motions in multiple directions and a personal portable terminal having the same for providing various function modes to the user.

[8] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sliding module providing sliding movements in intersectional directions such as in horizontal and vertical directions and a sliding device having the same for providing a plurality of areas for various types of key pads and buttons in the personal portable terminal.

[9] To achieve these object and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, there is provided a slide module includes a base, a first sliding member, and a second sliding member. The base may include a first guide formed along a first direction. Both sides of the base may be bent to form the first guide. The first sliding member may slide in the first direction with both sides thereof inserted to the first guide. The first sliding member may include a second guide formed along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second sliding member may slide in the second direction with both sides thereof inserted to the second guide. The second sliding member may be selectively limited to slide in the second direction by the first guide.

[10] The first guide may be formed on the both sides facing each other in the base, and the both sides of the first sliding member are inserted into the first guide. The second guide may be disposed at a space between the first guides formed at the both sides of the base. The second guide may be formed on both sides of the first sliding member that face each other and the both sides of the second sliding member are inserted to the second guide.

[11] The first guide may include a cut out portion that provides a path for the second sliding member to move in the second direction. The cut out portion may be formed across a predetermined portion of the first guide and prevents the first sliding member from moving on the base in the first direction while the second sliding member moves in the second direction. The first sliding member may include a protrusion that projects in the second direction and is inserted into the first guide.

[12] Both sides of the first sliding member may be bent to form the second sliding member. The second sliding member may include a guide flange at the both sides of the second sliding member, and the guide flange is bent downwardly and inserted into the second guide. The second sliding member may include a bent portion at both sides of the second sliding member, and the bent portion is bent downwardly and prevents the second sliding member from moving in the second direction while the second sliding member moves in the first direction.

[13] The sliding module may further include at least one of alignment guides formed in at least one of the first guide and the second guide. Wherein, the alignment guides may be made of a lubricant material. The first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[14] The sliding module may further include at least one of sliding rollers disposed on at least one of the base and the second sliding module. Wherein, at least one of the sliding rollers may roll in a sliding direction of the sliding module. The sliding rollers may be disposed in a pair with a predetermined gap between the sliding rollers.

[15] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a sliding device includes a sliding module, a cover unit, and a main unit. The base may include a first guide formed along a first direction. Both sides of the base may be bent to form the first guide. The first sliding member may slide in the first direction with both sides thereof inserted to the first guide. The first sliding member may include a second guide formed along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second sliding member may slide in the second direction with both sides thereof inserted to the second guide. The second sliding member may be selectively limited to slide in the second direction by the first guide. The cover unit may be coupled to the second sliding member of the sliding module, and the main unit may be coupled to the base of the sliding module.

[16] The sliding device may further include at least one of sliding rollers disposed on at least one of the cover unit and the main unit. Wherein, at least one of the sliding rollers may roll between the cover unit and the main unit in a sliding direction of the cover unit or the main unit.

[17] The at least one of sliding rollers may be disposed in a pair with a predetermined gap between the sliding rollers. At least one of the sliding rollers may be disposed on both of the cover unit and the main unit. The main unit and the cover unit may include guide grooves formed in a direction perpendicular to a direction that the sliding rollers roll and receiving the sliding rollers.

[18] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Advantageous Effects

[19] A sliding module and a personal portable terminal having the same in accordance with the present invention have the following advantageous effects.

[20] At first, the first sliding member and the second sliding member slide in respect to each other in an intersectional direction. This feature allows the personal portable terminal to be operable in multiple directions and to provide the user with various functional modes.

[21] More particularly, since the first sliding member and the second sliding member are slidably movable in respect to each other, a plurality of areas for keys and buttons can be selectively exposed to the user. Therefore, a designer and a manufacturer can put various types of functional key pads and buttons on the plurality of areas of the personal portable terminal. Accordingly, the user can enjoy various operation modes, such as, a game mode, a media player mode, a telephone mode, and the like after transforming an external form of the personal portable terminal, using the key pads and buttons exposed to the user.

[22] Secondly, while the first sliding member slides in respect to the second sliding member in one of the first and second directions, the movement of the first sliding member is strictly limited in the other. Therefore, the user can stably and securely transform the external form of the personal portable terminal.

[23] Thirdly, since sliding rollers are disposed between members that slide in respect to each other, the sliding rollers enable the sliding module to smoothly slide. In addition, a plurality of sliding rollers may be disposed at several areas on the sliding module or on a main unit and a cover unit in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. This feature prevents the main unit and the cover unit from being inclined in the horizontal or vertical directions. Therefore, the personal portable terminal can stably and securely provide various operation modes. Furthermore, the sliding rollers minimize friction between movable members. Therefore, minute vibration and noise are reduced when the personal portable terminal operates. Brief Description of the Drawings

[24] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention.

[25] In the drawings:

[26] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sliding module in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[27] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sliding module shown in Fig. 1;

[28] Fig. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the sliding module shown in Fig. 1;

[29] Figs. 4 through 6 are perspective views respectively showing that the sliding module slides along a second direction;

[30] Figs. 7 through 9 are perspective views respectively showing that the sliding module slides along a first direction intersecting the second direction;

[31] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding module in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[32] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the sliding module shown in Fig. 10; [33] Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the sliding module shown in Fig. 10;

[34] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing that a personal portable terminal having the sliding module shown in Fig. 1 slides along the second direction;

[35] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing that the personal portable terminal having the sliding module showing in Fig. 1 slides along the first direction;

[36] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a modified personal portable terminal sliding along the second direction; and

[37] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing that the personal portable terminal shown in Fig. 15 slides along the first direction. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[38] The advantages, features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which is set forth hereinafter. In the description of the specific embodiments, the same name and reference numeral are given to the same constituent element although it appears in different drawings.

[39] A sliding module 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 through 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sliding module in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sliding module shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the sliding module shown in Fig. 1.

[40] The sliding module 10 includes a base 100, a first sliding member 200 slidably coupled to the base 100, and a second sliding member 300 slidably coupled to the first sliding member 200. A sliding direction of the first sliding member 200 intersects a sliding direction of the second sliding member 300.

[41] The base 100 may be formed in a plate shape and include first guides 110 and 120 disposed on both sides of the base 100 to face each other. The both sides of the base 100 respectively bend upward and then bend inward to form the first guide 110 and 120, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The first guides 110 and 120 are arranged along a first direction. The first direction may be a horizontal direction or an X-axis direction shown in the drawings.

[42] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, first alignment guides 130 and 140 are disposed inside the first guides 110 and 120, respectively. The first alignment guides 130 and 140 are made of a lubricant material. Particularly, the first alignment guides 130 and 140 may be made from an engineering plastic (EP), such as, polyacetal (POM), poly phenylene oxide (PPO), polycarbonate (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and the like. However, the material of the first alignment guide 130 and 140 is not limited thereto. The first alignment guide 130 and 140 may be made of other materials having a good lubricant property.

[43] The first alignment guides 130 and 140 are inserted into the first guides 110 and 120, respectively. The first alignment guides 130 and 140 guide the first sliding member 200 to smoothly slide along the base 100 in a longitudinal direction of the first guides 110 and 120. The first alignment guides 130 and 140 minimize friction and noise generated when the first sliding member 200 slides along the base 100. Therefore, the user is enabled to smoothly slide the first sliding member 200 in respect to the base 100 with good feeling.

[44] A plurality of first holes 150 are formed on the base 100 to allow a main unit 30, shown in Figs. 13 through 16, to be coupled to the base 100 by a plurality of fastening members (not shown).

[45] The first sliding member 200 slides on the base 100 in the first direction, i.e., the X- axis direction, with both sides thereof inserted into the first alignment guides 130 and 140 which are disposed in the first guides 110 and 120. Particularly, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a protrusion 240 is projected from both sides of the first sliding member 200 in a second direction that intersects the first direction, respectively. Each protrusion 240 is inserted to the first alignment guides 130 and 140 disposed in the first guides 110 and 120 and guides the sliding movement of the first sliding member 200 in the first direction, i.e., the X-axis direction. The second direction may be a vertical direction or a Y-axis direction that is perpendicular to the first direction as shown in the drawings.

[46] A second guide 210 is formed at both sides of the first sliding member 200 along the second direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction. Specifically, each second guide 210 bends upwardly from the both sides of the first sliding member 200 and bends inwardly to face each other. The second guide 210 is disposed between the first guides 110 and 120 of the base 100 when the first sliding member 200 is assembled with the base 100 as shown in Fig. 1 and moves along with the first sliding member 200 between the first guides 110 and 120 in the first direction.

[47] An opening 260 is formed at the center portion of the first sliding member 200 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The opening 260 is formed in a form of 'L'. One side of the opening 260 extends in the first direction and the other side of the opening 260 extends in the second direction. The opening 260 allows a flexible printed circuits board (FPCB) and electric wires to pass therethrough in order to electrically connect a part formed on the main unit 40 and another parts formed on the cover unit 30, as shown in Figs. 13 to 16.

[48] A second alignment guide 230 is formed in the second guide 210 as shown in the

Figs. 1 to 3. The second alignment guide 230 is substantially made of the same material of the first alignment guides 130 and 140. The second alignment guide 230 reduces friction generated while the second sliding member 300 slides in respect to the first sliding member 200.

[49] The second sliding member 300 slides on the first sliding member 200 in the second direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction, with both sides thereof inserted to the second alignment guide 230 in the second guide 210. Particularly, a guide flange 310 is formed at both sides of the second sliding member 300. The guide flange 310 bends downwardly from the both sides of the sliding member 300 and then bends outwardly as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The guide flange 310 is inserted into the second alignment guide 230 disposed in the second guide 210 and guides the sliding movement of the second sliding member 300 in the second direction.

[50] A plurality of second holes 350 are formed on the second sliding member 300. The plurality of second holes 350 allows fastening members (not shown) to pass therethrough in order to couple the cover unit 30 shown in Figs. 13 to 16 to the second sliding member 300.

[51] The present invention is not limited to the specific and detailed shapes of the base

100, the first sliding member 200, and the second sliding member 300. However, it may be slightly modified to comply with various different design conditions for adapting the sliding module 10 to a personal portable terminal in accordance with the present invention.

[52] Although it is not shown in the drawings, an elastic member may be disposed between the base 100 and the first sliding member 200 and between the first sliding member 200 and the second sliding member 300 so that the first and second sliding members 200 and 300 can smoothly move by the elastic force of the elastic member. The specific and detailed shape and arrangement of the elastic member may be suitably modified by a designer to comply with various design conditions.

[53] A cut out portion 125 is formed on the first guide 120 to allow the guide flange 310 to pass therethrough when the second sliding member 300 slides in the second direction. The cut out portion 125 is formed across a predetermined portion of the first guide 120 so that the first guide 120 is divided into two pieces arranged in the X-axis direction by the cut out portion 125. In addition, a groove 145 is formed at a predetermined portion of the first alignment guide 140 corresponding to the cut out portion 125 as shown in Fig. 2.

[54] Since the first guides 110 and 120 are bent upwardly and the guide flange 310 of the second sliding member 300 is disposed between the first guide 110 and 120, the second sliding member 300 cannot always move in the second direction, i.e., the Y- axis direction. However, if the second sliding member 300 is located at a predetermined point where the guide flange 310 faces the cut out portion 125, the second sliding member 300 can move in the Y-axis direction because the cut out portion 125 provide a path for the guide flange 310 to proceed in the second direction, i.e., the Y- axis direction. While the second sliding member 300 slides in the second direction, an inner wall of the groove 145 may contact with the guide flange 310, thereby reducing friction and noise.

[55] The cut out portion 125 and the groove 145 are narrow and the guide flange 310 is inserted into the cut out portion 125 and the groove 145. Therefore, the cut out portion 125 and the guide flange 310 prevent the first and second sliding members 200 and 300 from moving along the base 100 in the first direction while the second sliding member 300 moves in the second direction. Accordingly, the sliding module 10 can stably make sliding motion.

[56] A bent portion 320 is formed at each of other two sides of the second sliding member

300. Each bent portion 320 extends downwardly from the corresponding side of the second sliding member 300 and is disposed between the first guides 110 and 120 when the first and second sliding members 200 and 300 move in the first direction as shown in Figs. 7 to 9. Therefore, the bent portion 320 and the first guides 110 and 120 prevent the second sliding member 300 from moving in the second direction in respect to the first sliding member 200 while the first sliding member slides along the base 100 in the first direction. Accordingly, the sliding module 10 can slide more stably.

[57] Hereinafter, operation of the sliding module 10 will be described with reference to

Figs. 4 through 9. Figs. 4 through 6 are perspective views showing that the sliding module slides in a second direction, and Figs. 7 through 9 are perspective views showing that the sliding module slides in a first direction that intersects the second direction.

[58] Firstly, it will be described how the sliding module 100 slides in the second direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction, with reference to Figs. 4 to 6.

[59] As shown in Fig. 4, as an initial position, the second sliding member 300 is located at a point where the guide flange 310 faces the cut out portion 125. When the user applies force to the second sliding member 300 in the Y-axis direction as shown in Fig. 5, the guide flange 310 placed left side in Fig. 5 moves forward in the Y-axis direction through the cut out portion 125. Therefore, the second sliding member 300 slides from a position shown in Fig. 4 to a position shown in Fig. 6 via a position shown in Fig. 5.

[60] The second alignment guide 230 and the second guide 210 guide the second sliding member 300 to smoothly slide. While the second sliding member 300 moves in the Y- axis direction as shown in Fig. 5, the guide flange 310 and the cut out portion 125 prevent the second sliding member 300 from moving in the X-axis direction about the first sliding member 200.

[61] In the present embodiment, a stopper may be formed on the main unit 30 and the cover unit 20 that are assembled with the sliding module 10 although it is not shown in the drawings. The stopper limits a sliding distance of the second sliding member 300 in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, a stopper may be disposed on the sliding module 10 for limiting a sliding distance of the second sliding member 300 in the Y-axis direction.

[62] Hereinafter, it will be described how the sliding module 100 slides in the first direction, i.e., the X-axis direction with reference to Figs. 7 to 9.

[63] As shown in Fig. 7, the first and second sliding members 200 and 300 move together in the X-axis direction when a user applies a force to the second sliding member 300. At this time, the first sliding member 200 slides with the protrusion 240 inserted to the first guide 110 and 120.

[64] Once the first and second sliding members 200 and 300 move in the X-axis direction, the second sliding member 300 cannot move in the Y-axis direction along the first sliding member 200 due to the first guide 110 and 120 of the base 100 and the bent portion 320 of the second sliding member 300. In other words, the second sliding member 300 is allowed to slide in the Y-axis direction by the cut out portion 125 only at the initial position shown in Figs. 4 and 7. However, the second sliding member 300 is restricted to move in the Y-axis direction by the bent portion 320 after the second sliding member 300 moves with the first sliding member 200 in the X-axis direction as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Meanwhile, Fig. 9 illustrates the first and the second sliding members 200 and 300 that reach at the end in the X-axis direction.

[65] Although it is not shown in the drawings, a stopper may be disposed on the main unit

30 and the cover unit 30 for limiting a sliding distance of the first sliding member 200 in the X-axis direction. Alternatively, the stopper may be disposed on the sliding module 10 for limiting a sliding distance of the first sliding member 200 in the X-axis direction.

[66] Hereinafter, a sliding module 20 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 10 through 12. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding module in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a sliding module shown in Fig. 10, and Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the sliding module shown in Fig. 10.

[67] Like the sliding module 10 according to the first embodiment, the sliding module 20 includes a base 400, a first sliding member 200 slidably coupled to the base 400, and a second sliding member 500 slidably coupled to the first sliding member 200. The sliding direction of the first sliding member 200 intersects the sliding direction of the second sliding member 500. General structures of the base 400 and the second sliding member 500 are substantially identical to like elements shown in Figs. 1 to 3. Therefore, the base 400 and the second sliding member 500 will be described based on the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[68] According to the second embodiment, at least one of the base 400 and the second sliding member 500 include sliding rollers 450 and 550. Fig. 10 illustrates an example that both of the base 400 and the second sliding member 500 include the sliding rollers 450 and 550, respectively. The sliding roller 450 rolls between the base 400 and the first sliding member 200 in the sliding direction of the first sliding member 200. The sliding roller 550 rolls between the first sliding member 200 and the second sliding member 500 in the sliding direction of the second sliding member 500.

[69] The sliding rollers 450 and 550 are disposed between the base 400 and the second sliding member 500, respectively, by corresponding coupling parts 460 and 560. Each of the coupling parts 460 and 560 includes, as shown in Fig. 10, a pair of projections 462 or 562 and a shaft 464 or 564.

[70] One of each pair of projections 462 or 562 is separated from the other at a predetermined distance that is slightly longer than a width of the sliding roller 450 or 550 in order to enable corresponding sliding roller 450 or 550 to be placed in the middle of each pair of projections 462 or 562. Each of the shafts 464 and 564 penetrates the center of each sliding roller 450 and 550, and both ends of each shaft 464 and 564 are supported by the corresponding pair of projections 464 and 562.

[71] Apertures are formed on the base 400 and the second sliding member 500. Each of the apertures is disposed between the projections 462 or 562. The sliding rollers 450 and 550 are placed between the projections 462 and 562, respectively, and pass through each of the apertures. The sliding roller 450 is rotatably coupled to the base 400 and rolls on a bottom surface of the first sliding member 200 when the first sliding member 200 slides along the base 400. The sliding roller 550 is rotatably coupled to the second sliding member 500 and rolls on a top surface of the first sliding member 200 when the second sliding member 500 slides about the first sliding member 200.

[72] In the second embodiment, the sliding rollers 450 and 550 enable the sliding module

20 to stably and smoothly make sliding movement between the base 400 and the first sliding member 200 and between the first sliding member 200 and the second sliding member 500.

[73] In the second embodiment, a pair of the sliding rollers 450 may be disposed on the base 400 with a predetermined gap between the sliding rollers 450 as shown in Fig. 10. Also, a pair of the sliding rollers 550 may be disposed on the second sliding member 500 with a predetermined gap between the sliding rollers 550 as shown in Fig. 10. Each pair of the sliding rollers 450 and 550 helps the sliding module 20 operate more stably by preventing the first sliding member 200 and the second sliding member 500 from being inclined in respect to the base 400 and the first sliding member 200when the first and second sliding members 200 and 500 slide.

[74] Fig. 10 shows an example that a pair of the sliding rollers 450 is disposed on the base

400 and a pair of the sliding rollers 550 is disposed on the second sliding member 500. Although it is not shown in the drawings, two or more pairs of the sliding rollers may be disposed on the base 400 and the second sliding member 500 in order to make the operation of the sliding module 20 more stable.

[75] Hereinafter, a personal portable terminal having the sliding module 10 and 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. Fig. 13 is a diagram of a personal portable terminal having the sliding module shown in Fig. 1, which slides in the second direction, and Fig. 14 is a diagram of a personal portable terminal having the sliding module showing in Fig. 1, which slides in the first direction.

[76] As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the personal portable terminal according to the present embodiment includes the sliding module 10, the cover unit 30 coupled to a top of the sliding module 10, and the main unit 40 coupled to a bottom of the sliding module 10. The personal portable terminal according to the present embodiment may include a sliding module 20 instead of the sliding module 10. The cover unit 30 is coupled to the second sliding member 300 of the sliding module 10, and the main unit 40 is coupled to the base 100 of the sliding module 10.

[77] The main unit 40 may include a plurality of input units. More particularly, the plurality of input units include a first input unit 42, a second input unit 44, and a third input unit 46 as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. The first input unit 42 may include a plurality of numeral and text buttons, a call button, an end button and the like, which enables a user to make a call or send a text message. The first input unit 42 is exposed to the user when the cover unit 30 moves in the Y-axis direction along with the second sliding member 300 and 500 as shown in Fig. 13. The second input unit 44 may include directional keys and the third input unit 46 may include functional and select buttons. The second and third input units 44 and 46 and a predetermined part of the first input unit 42 are exposed to the user when the cover unit 30 moves in the X-axis direction along with the first sliding member 200 as shown in Fig. 14.

[78] Since the sliding module 10 is selectively movable in the X-axis direction and in the

Y-axis direction as described above, various types of input units can be disposed in the personal portable terminal. Therefore, the personal portable terminal can provide the user with various types of operation modes. Although it is not shown in the drawings, the cover unit 30 and the main unit 40 may include a display module, a wireless telecommunication module, a camera module, a battery, a microphone, speakers, and the like.

[79] Figs. 15 and 16 show a personal portable terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a personal portable terminal that slides in the second direction, and Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the personal portable terminal of in Fig. 15 that slides in the first direction.

[80] The personal portable terminal shown in Figs. 15 and 16 also includes the cover unit

30, the main unit 40 and the sliding module 10. The personal portable terminal according to the present embodiment further includes at least one of sliding rollers in at least one of the cover unit 30 and the main unit 40. The sliding roller may include a first sliding roller 32 and a second sliding roller 34. The first and second sliding rollers 32 and 34 are disposed on the cover unit 30. Alternatively, the first and second sliding rollers 32 and 34 may be disposed on the main unit 40. The first sliding roller 32 rolls in the horizontal direction, i.e., the X-axis direction while the second sliding roller 34 rolls in the vertical direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 15.

[81] In the present embodiment, the sliding rollers 32 and 34 are disposed on at least one of the main unit 40 and the cover unit 30 while the sliding rollers 450 and 550 are provided on the sliding module 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figs. 10 to 12. As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the first and second sliding rollers 32 and 34 may be provided in a pair, and each pair of sliding rollers may be disposed with a predetermined gap between the sliding rollers.

[82] Although it is not shown in the drawings, guide grooves may be disposed in the main unit 40 in order to prevent the first sliding roller 32 from disturbing the sliding movement of the second sliding roller 34, and vice versa. More particularly, one of the guide grooves may be disposed on the main unit 40 in the vertical direction to accommodate the first sliding roller 32 that rolls in the horizontal direction. The other may be disposed on the main unit 40 in the horizontal direction to accommodate the second sliding roller 34 that rolls in the vertical direction.

[83] When the cover unit 30 slides on the main unit 40 in the horizontal direction, the first sliding roller 32 rolls on the main unit 40 in the horizontal direction after the first sliding roller 32 escapes from the one of the guide grooves arranged in the vertical direction. When the cover unit 30 slides on the main unit 40 in the vertical direction, the second sliding roller 34 rolls on the main unit 40 in the vertical direction after the second sliding roller 34 escapes from the other of the guide grooves arranged in the horizontal direction. The first and second sliding rollers 32 and 34 enable the personal portable terminal to make smooth and stable sliding movements.

[84] Although the first and second sliding rollers 32 and 34 are provided on the cover unit

30 in Figs. 15 and 16, the first and second sliding rollers 32 and 34 may be provided on the main unit 40.

[85] In the above, an example that the sliding device having the sliding module 10 or 20 is embodied as a personable potable terminal such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a portable media player (PMP), a portable game player, or the like. However, the sliding device in accordance with the present invention is not limited to the above and may be embodied as a compact case for various applications, such as, a compact case for cosmetic or the like.

[86] While the present invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[87] The above-described embodiments are not restrictive but illustrative only. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above description and it may be modified according to the scope of the following claims and equivalent range thereof.

Claims

[I] A sliding module comprising: a base including a first guide formed along a first direction, wherein both sides of the base are bent to form the first guide; a first sliding member sliding in the first direction with both sides thereof inserted to the first guide and including a second guide formed along a second direction that intersects the first direction; and a second sliding member sliding in the second direction with both sides thereof inserted to the second guide and selectively limited to slide in the second direction by the first guide. [2] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein the first guide is formed on the both sides facing each other in the base, and the both sides of the first sliding member are inserted into the first guide. [3] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein the second guide is disposed at a space between the first guides formed at the both sides of the base. [4] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein the second guide is formed on both sides of the first sliding member that face each other and the both sides of the second sliding member are inserted to the second guide. [5] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein the first guide includes a cut out portion that provides a path for the second sliding member to move in the second direction. [6] The sliding module of claim 5, wherein the cut out portion is formed across a predetermined portion of the first guide and prevents the first sliding member from moving on the base in the first direction while the second sliding member moves in the second direction. [7] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein the first sliding member includes a protrusion that projects in the second direction and is inserted into the first guide. [8] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein both sides of the first sliding member are bent to form the second sliding member. [9] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein the second sliding member includes a guide flange at the both sides of the second sliding member, and the guide flange is bent downwardly and inserted into the second guide. [10] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein the second sliding member includes a bent portion at both sides of the second sliding member, and the bent portion is bent downwardly and prevents the second sliding member from moving in the second direction while the second sliding member moves in the first direction.

[I I] The sliding module of claim 1, further comprising at least one of alignment guides formed in at least one of the first guide and the second guide, wherein, the alignment guides are made of a lubricant material.

[12] The sliding module of claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[13] The sliding module of claim 1, further comprising at least one of sliding rollers disposed on at least one of the base and the second sliding module, wherein, at least one of the sliding rollers roll in a sliding direction of the sliding module.

[14] The sliding module of claim 13, wherein the sliding rollers are disposed in a pair with a predetermined gap between the sliding rollers.

[15] An sliding device comprising: a sliding module including a base including a first guide formed along a first direction, wherein both sides of the base are bent to form the first guide; a first sliding member sliding in the first direction with both sides thereof inserted to the first guide and including a second guide formed along a second direction that intersects the first direction; and a second sliding member sliding in the second direction with both sides thereof inserted to the second guide and selectively limited to slide in the second direction by the first guide; a cover unit coupled to the second sliding member of the sliding module; and a main unit coupled to the base of the sliding module.

[16] The personal portable terminal of claim 15, further comprising at least one of sliding rollers disposed on at least one of the cover unit and the main unit, wherein, at least one of the sliding rollers roll between the cover unit and the main unit in a sliding direction of the cover unit or the main unit.

[17] The personal portable terminal of claim 16, wherein the at least one of sliding rollers are disposed in a pair with a predetermined gap between the sliding rollers.

[18] The personal portable terminal of claim 17, wherein at least one of the sliding rollers are disposed on both of the cover unit and the main unit, the main unit and the cover unit include guide grooves formed in a direction perpendicular to a direction that the sliding rollers roll and receiving the sliding rollers.