Torsion spring, elastic device and sliding apparatus and portable appliance utilizing the device

Disclosed is an elastic device which is suitable for a sliding opening/closing apparatus of a portable appliance. The elastic device includes a first torsion spring including a first spiral part which is wound as a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion and a first extension arm extending from an outer portion of the first spiral part; a second torsion spring including a second spiral part which is wound as a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion thereof and a second extension arm extending from an outer portion of the second spiral part. The elastic device also includes a connection member connecting one of both ends of the first torsion spring and one of both ends of the second torsion spring with each other. The elastic device may have a smaller thickness in comparison with that of a conventional torsion spring having a vertical overlapping portion thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a torsion spring, an elastic device, and a sliding opening/closing apparatus and a portable appliance using the device, and more particularly to a torsion spring and an elastic device which are suitable for a sliding opening/closing apparatus of a portable appliance such as wireless phone, a PDA, and a PMP, etc. and a sliding opening/closing apparatus and a portable appliance using the same.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As consumers prefer apparatuses having a smaller thickness, it has been a problem in portable appliances to reduce thickness thereof.

FIG. 1is a plain view illustrating a conventional sliding opening/closing apparatus, andFIG. 1is an enlarged front view of a conventional torsion spring.

As shown, the sliding opening/closing apparatus10includes a guide member12having a guide part11formed therein, a slide member16movably installed in the guide member12, and a torsion spring20rotatably assembled between the guide member12and the slide member16. The torsion spring20is contracted while rotating depending on if the slide member16is moved along the guide part11by external force. Meanwhile, when the external force is removed, the torsion spring20is expanded while rotating so as to push the slide member16toward a longitudinal direction of the guide part11.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional torsion spring20is made in an integrally shape by winding a part of a spring wire22having a large amount of elastic force such as a steel wire, or by winding the part of a spring wire22while making a spiral shape thereof. The conventional torsion spring20includes a spiral part24formed by winding the spring wire22in a circular-shape or a spiral shape and a extension arm26extending toward an exterior of the spiral. A typical spring wire used for the torsion spring20of the sliding opening/closing apparatus10usually has a diameter thereof of 0.5 mm. So as to reduce thickness of the sliding opening/closing apparatus10, a spring wire22having a diameter of 0.45 mm may also be used. When the torsion spring is made of a spring wire22having a diameter smaller than 0.45 mm, the amount of torsion moment which can push the slide member16decreases, and the torsion spring also tends while being inverted due to a vertical overlapping portion thereof. In this case, the torsion spring20generates a large amount of frictional force against the guide member12or the slide member16while rotating, thereby making it difficult to assemble. Such a torsion spring20can not be used in the sliding opening/closing apparatus10.

Particularly, in the conventional torsion spring10, the extension arm26is arranged in such a manner that the extension arm26is slanted from the spiral part24to the exterior of the spiral part24due to a vertical overlapping portion thereof. Because of this, when the extension arm26is rotated, one side portion of the spiral part24is naturally left. Because of this reason, an interval more than two times the diameter of the spring wire22is needed between the guide member12and the slide member16. An interval as a space for typical operation needs to have a height as much as three times the diameter of the spring wire22. This is an obstacle to reduce a thickness of a finished product such as a slide opening/closing apparatus10or a portable phone in which a slide opening/closing apparatus is installed.

Generally, an interval between the guide member12and the slide member16is kept to be a little more than two times the diameter of the spring wire22by considering the smoothly rational operation of the torsion spring20. For example, if the diameter of the spring wire22is 0.5 mm, the interval between the guide member12and the slide member16has to be at least 1.5 mm.

Also, in the conventional torsion spring as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, since the extension arm26extending from the spiral part is inevitably located out of the spiral part, it is difficult to wind up the torsion spring many times. If winding times decreases, dispersion of stress and elastic force caused by torsion moment of the spiral part are also reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and the present invention provides an elastic device, which can reduce the thickness of a torsion spring thereof in comparison with that of a conventional spring.

Also, the present invention provides an elastic device which can disperse stress and can increase elastic force caused by torsion moment of a torsion spring.

Also, the present invention provides an elastic device which can prevent a used spring wire from being inverted due to vertical overlapping when a diameter of the spring wire is reduced.

Also, the present invention provides an elastic device which can adjust the amount of elastic force caused by torsion moment by means of the same torsion spring.

Also, the present invention provides a sliding opening/closing apparatus which can have a thickness thereof smaller than a conventional sliding opening/closing apparatus.

Also, the present invention provides a sliding opening/closing apparatus which can employ a spring wire having a diameter thereof relatively smaller than a diameter of a conventional spring wire.

Also, the present invention provides a portable appliance which can have a reduced thickness thereof by employing an elastic device according to the present invention.

Also, the present invention provides a torsion spring used for assembling an elastic device according to the present invention.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elastic device including: a torsion spring having a spiral part wound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion of the spiral part; an arm member connected with one or the other end of the torsion spring, the arm member changing a degree of winding of the spiral part depending on a rotational angle respective to the torsion spring and being provided with elastic force caused by torsion moment corresponding to the degree of winding of the spiral part.

A pair of elastic devices can be connected with each other through arm members in such a manner that elastic devices can be rotated at a predetermined angle.

It is preferable that the torsion spring has a first spiral part and a second arm member which are wound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion, in which the first arm member and the second arm member being integrally formed in such a manner of each outer end of the first arm member and the second arm member being connected with each other, and has a first arm member connected with an inner end of the first spiral part and a second arm member connected with an inner end of the second spiral part.

A connection member supporting one end of the first arm member connected with an inner end of the first spiral part and one end the second arm member connected with an inner end of the second spiral part so that the one end of the first arm member and the one end the second arm member can be rotated, the connection member connecting the first arm member and the second arm member with each other.

The arm member having a first spiral part wound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion, and a second spiral part wound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion, the second arm member being separated from the first spiral part and arranged side by side with the first spiral part on an equal plan,

the arm member has a first are member connected with one end of the first spiral part and a second are member connected with one end of the second spiral part,

the elastic device further comprises a connection member supporting one end of the first arm member connected with the first spiral part and one end the second are member connected with the second spiral part so that the one end of the first are member and the one end the second are member can be rotated, the connection member connecting the first arm member and the second arm member with each other,

the other end of the first spiral part and the other end of the second spiral part can be held by the connection member.

The connection member preferably has a first stopper and a second stopper for limiting rotational range of the first arm member and the second arm member, wherein the first arm member and the second arm member have a first latching jaw and a second latching jaw, respectively, which are locked into the stoppers so that rotational ranges of the first latching jaw and the second latching jaw are limited.

The connection member preferably includes a torsion spring-seating recess having a first spiral part-seating recess for receiving the first spiral part and a second spiral part-seating recess for receiving the second spiral part.

As the case may be, the first arm member preferably has a first spiral part-seating recess for receiving the first spiral part and a second spiral part-seating recess for receiving the second spiral part.

The torsion spring may be made of a spring wire having a thickness-reduction part, the spring wire having a width larger than a thickness through a vertical pressing, cutting, or drawing.

Multiple torsion springs may be installed side by side in the arm member at an interval, the arm member has a seating recess which receives a connecting portion where the torsion spring is connected so as to support it, and allows the arm member to be rotated.

It is preferable that the first spiral part and the second spiral part have thickness different from each other.

The arm member or a connection member is preferably a sheet member having a thickness thereof below two times the thickness of the torsion spring

It is preferable that The arm member has a first sheet member and a second sheet member facing each other while having an interval having one end of the torsion spring between the first sheet member and the second sheet member,

a gap formed at one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member, one end of the torsion spring being able to be inserted into the gap, and a torsion spring connecting protrusion is formed at both sides of the gap in such a manner that the torsion spring connecting protrusion is pressed toward an interior to protrude,

one end or the other end of the torsion spring is engaged with the gap so as to be connected with the arm member.

A first sheet member and a second sheet member are assembled with each other while facing each other and having one end of the torsion spring between the first sheet member and the second sheet member, wherein a first rim is formed at the first sheet member in periphery of at least both sides of the first sheet member along a longitudinal direction of the arm member, among whole periphery of the first sheet member, except for periphery for allowing the torsion spring to be rotated, the first rim being curved toward the second sheet member, coupling protuberances being formed at an interval on the first rim, wherein a second rim is formed at the second sheet member in periphery of at least both sides of the second sheet member along a longitudinal direction of the arm member, among periphery of the second sheet member, except for periphery for allowing the torsion spring to be rotated, the second rim being curved toward the first sheet member, coupling grooves being formed at an interval on a lower part of periphery of the second rim, the coupling protuberances being curved and engaged with the coupling grooves so as to enable the first sheet member and the second sheet member not to separated from each other.

The torsion spring connection protrusion may be formed at both the first sheet member and the second sheet members.

In this case a torsion spring coupling protrusion in one side protrudes, at a high degree, and a torsion spring coupling protrusion in the other side protrudes at a low degree.

A first torsion spring having a first spiral part wound toward an inner direction while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion and a first extension arm extending from an outer portion of the first spiral part; a second torsion spring having a second spiral part wound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion, the second spiral part being arranged side by side with the first spiral part on an equal plan, and a second extension arm extending from an outer portion of the second spiral part; and a connection member connecting one of both ends of the first torsion spring and one of both ends of the second torsion spring with each other. The connection member is connected with an inner end inside of a spiral of the first spiral part and with an inner end inside of a spiral of the second spiral part, respectively.

The connection member may be connected with the inner end of the first spiral part and the inner end of the second spiral part, respectively.

It is preferable that the connection member includes the first sheet member and the second sheet member which are assembled with each other while facing each other at an interval and having one end of the first torsion spring and one end of the second torsion spring between the first sheet member and the second sheet member,

wherein a gap formed at one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member, one end of the first torsion spring and one end of the second torsion spring being able to be inserted into the gap, and a torsion spring connecting protrusion is formed at both sides of the gap in such a manner that the torsion spring connecting protrusion is pressed toward an interior to protrude,

one end or the other end of the first torsion spring and one end or the other end of the second torsion spring are engaged with the gap so as to be connected with the connection member.

It is preferable that the connection member includes the first sheet member and the second sheet member which are assembled with each other while facing each other at an interval and having one end of the first torsion spring and one end of the second torsion spring between the first sheet member and the second sheet member,

a first rim is formed at the first sheet member in periphery of at least both sides of the first sheet member along a longitudinal direction of the arm member, among whole periphery of the first sheet member except for periphery for allowing the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring to be rotated, the first rim being curved toward the second sheet member, coupling protuberances being formed at an interval on the first rim,

a second rim is formed at the second sheet member in periphery of at least both sides of the second sheet member along a longitudinal direction of the arm member, among whole periphery of the second sheet member except for periphery for allowing the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring to be rotated, the second rim being curved toward the first sheet member, coupling grooves being formed at an interval on a lower part of periphery of the second rim, the coupling protuberances being curved and engaged with the coupling grooves so as to enable the first sheet member and the second sheet member not to separated from each other.

The torsion spring connection protrusion may be formed at both the first sheet member and the second sheet members.

It is more preferable that pressed protrusions are formed at a position of the first sheet member or the second sheet member in which the first torsion spring and the second torsion springs are connected with each other, the pressed protrusions protruding toward each other and increasing strength of the connection member and stability of connection of the two sheet members.

The connection member preferably includes a torsion spring-seating recess for receiving the first spiral part and a second spiral part-seating recess for receiving the second spiral part.

As the case may be, the connection member can be connected with an end of the first spiral part and an end of the second spiral part, respectively.

As the case may be, the connection member can be connected with an end of the first spiral part and an inner end of the second spiral part, respectively.

A spiral part can be further formed in at least one of the first extension arm and an end of the second extension arm, the spiral part being wound toward an interior of the spiral part without a vertical overlapping portion of the spiral part.

A cover assembled with an upper surface of the connection member can be included, and the connection member preferably has a thickness below two times thickness of the first torsion spring.

A thickness of the first torsion spring and a thickness of the second torsion spring can be different from each other.

It is preferable that connection recesses are formed at portions of the connection member, the first torsion spring being connected with the second torsion spring at the portions, the connection recesses receiving each connecting portion of the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring so as to support the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring, wherein a stopper is formed at each exposed portion of connection recesses, a stopper allowing the first extension arm and the second extension arm to extend to an exterior and limiting rotational angle of the first extension arm and the second extension arm.

A sliding opening/closing apparatus according to the present invention including: a slide member having a guide part; a guide member installed in such a manner as to move along the guide member; and the elastic device arranged between the guide member and the slide member, the elastic device having one end rotatably connected with the guide member and the other end rotatably connected with the slide member so that the elastic device provides elastic force caused by torsion moment, the slide member being push in a first direction or a second direction of the guide member by the torsion moment, according to a position of the slide member respective to the guide member.

A portable appliance, according to the present invention, having a sliding opening/closing mechanism, which includes: a slide member having a guide part; a guide member installed in such a manner as to move along the guide member; and the elastic device as claimed in claim26, which is arranged between the guide member and the slide member, the elastic device having one end rotatably connected with the guide member and the other end rotatably connected with the slide member so that the elastic device provides elastic force caused by torsion moment, the slide member being push in a first direction or a second direction of the guide member by the torsion moment, according to a position of the slide member respective to the guide member, the slide member being moved caused by external force pushing up and drawing down the slide member.

A torsion spring according to the present invention, which includes a first spiral part wound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion, the first spiral part having one end arranged at an inner portion of the first spiral part; and a second spiral part wound at an outer extension part of the first spiral part while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion, the second spiral part having one end arranged at an inner portion of the second spiral part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 3is a plan view illustrating one embodiment of an elastic device according to the present invention, andFIGS. 4 and 5are perspective views illustrating modified embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 3, respectively.

As shown in the drawings, the elastic device100according to the present invention includes a torsion spring110having a spiral part112wound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion. The spiral part112is wound at least one time. The spiral part112is preferably wound one and a half times, and more preferably wound more than two times.

The torsion spring110can be constructed without an extension arm as shown inFIG. 3, and can be constructed as a configuration having an extension arm114as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

The elastic device100according to the present invention includes an arm member130. This arm member130has one side thereof connecting with one end of the torsion spring110. The arm member130changes the degree of winding of the spiral part112depending on a rotational angle respective to the torsion spring110, and is provided with elastic force in a rotational direction, which is caused by torsion moment corresponding to the degree of winding. Such an arm member130can be connected with one end of the torsion spring110positioned at an interior of the spiral part112as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, and can be also connected with one end of an extension arm114of the torsion spring110as shown inFIG. 5.

Although it is difficult for the elastic device100as shown inFIG. 3being used in a sliding opening/closing apparatus having a long sliding distance, the elastic device100can be used in a sliding opening/closing apparatus having a short sliding distance and providing sliding force in one direction. Furthermore, the elastic device100is also used as a component of an apparatus, for example, a rotation slide apparatus which is installed between two members, so as to provide rotational force in one direction.

In the elastic device100shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the length of the extension arm114of the torsion spring110and the length of the arm member130can be adjusted depending on necessity.

A plastic plate or a metal plate, which has a thickness thereof smaller than a thickness of the torsion spring110, may be used as the arm member130. If possible, such a member preferably has a thickness thereof less than two times the thickness of the torsion spring110, and more preferably, has a thickness thereof less than one and a half times thickness of the torsion spring110. A connection member150which will be described later has a thickness similar to such a thickness. Since the arm member130has a large width thereof along a direction that the arm member130is forced, the thickness of the arm member130can be very small. The arm member130has the first spiral part-seating recess132or a extension arm-connecting recess134formed in a portion thereof at which the torsion spring110is positioned, which has a thickness similar to the thickness of the torsion spring110. In this time, the thickness of a portion of the arm member130, which is positioned at a lower part of the torsion spring110, is smaller than the thickness of the torsion spring110, and an upper surface of the torsion spring110is positioned equally to an elevation of a surface of a highest part the arm member130. The arm member130can have a thickness less than two times the diameter of a spring wire used of the torsion spring110. Accordingly, the elastic device100according to the present invention may be made in a thickness which is approximately equal to the thickness of the arm member130.

Particularly, there is an advantage in that the elastic device100according to the present invention can have a thickness smaller than a conventional torsion spring having a vertical overlapping portion thereof. In a case of a thickness of an elastic device being no important, an elastic device having a thickness more than two times the thickness of the torsion spring110can be used.

Since the elastic device100according to the present invention has no overlapping portion of a spring wire, even though the torsion spring is made of a spring wire having a diameter below 0.45 mm, the torsion spring is not twisted due to a vertical overlapping portion thereof while being inverted. Particularly, there is an effect in that the elastic device100according to the present invention can be made of a spring wire having a diameter thereof respectively smaller than a conventional spring wire.

Such effects are applied to embodiments which will be described later, even though such effects will not be mentioned therein.

FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an elastic device according to the present invention.

As the case may be, the torsion spring110may include the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112b, which are integrally connected with each other, as shown inFIG. 6. Particularly, the torsion spring110has the first and second spiral parts112aand112b. The first spiral part112ais wound while making a spiral shape without an overlapping portion thereof. The second spiral part112bis formed at an opposite side of the first spiral part112ato be connected with the first spiral part112a, and is wound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion thereof. The first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bare integrally connected with each other.

AS shown inFIG. 6, one end of the torsion spring110is positioned at an interior of the first spiral part112a, and the other end of the torsion spring110is positioned at an interior of the second spiral part112b.

As shown, an inner end of the first spiral part112ais connected with the first arm member130a, and an inner end of the second spiral part112bis connected with the second arm member130b. Of course, the first arm member130ahas to have a holding part by which the inner end of the first spiral part112acan be supported, and the second arm member130bhas to have a holding part by which the inner end of the second spiral part112bcan be supported. Most of the time, although a distance between a position where the first arm member130ais connected with the torsion spring110and a position where the second arm member130bis connected with the torsion spring110has to be longer than a distance between two free ends of both arm members130aand130b, depending on each case, later distance can be longer than the former distance oppositely so that an elastic device having such a structure can be used as a spring of a predetermined apparatus or as a component of an elastic body.

The first spiral part-seating recess132afor receiving the first spiral part112ais formed at a portion with which the first spiral part112ais connected at the first arm member130a. The second spiral part-seating recess132bfor receiving the second spiral part112bis formed at a portion which the second spiral part112bis connected at the second arm member130b. Such first and second arm members130aand130bmay have a thickness thereof much smaller than the thickness of the torsion spring110. For example, when the torsion spring110is made of a spring wire of 0.5 mm, it is possible to use the first and second arm members130aand130b, which have a thickness thereof of about 0.2 mm˜1.0 mm.

In a case of the arm member being made of sheet material having high strength, such as metal material without a spiral part-seating recess, material having a very small thickness such as 0.2 mm can used for the arm member. Of cause, in a case of a thickness of the arm member being not important, the arm member can have a thickness of more than two times the thickness of the torsion spring.

The torsion spring110of the elastic device110as shown inFIG. 6doesn't also have a vertical overlapping portion thereof. Therefore, even through the torsion spring110is made of a spring wire (W), such a steel wire having a diameter less than 0.45 mm, a phenomenon that the torsion spring110tends to be inverted due to twisting thereof does not occurs. In this case, as a wire for a typical torsion spring, a wire having a diameter of 0.35 mm or 0.3 mm can be used for making the torsion spring110of the elastic device100according to the present invention.

FIG. 7is a plan view illustrating another embodiment of an elastic device according to the present invention,FIG. 8is an exploded perspective view of the elastic device shown inFIG. 7, andFIG. 9is a rear perspective view of the elastic device shown inFIG. 8.

As shown inFIGS. 7 to 9, the elastic device according to the present invention includes a torsion spring110having the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112b, which are integrally formed as described inFIG. 6, and includes the first arm member130aand the second arm member130b, which are connected with each inner end of the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112b, respectively. The elastic device also includes a connection member150receiving the torsion spring110to support it and connecting the first arm member130aand the second arm member130bwith each other.

The distance of a connecting portion between the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112b, and a curve angle thereof respective to each spiral part, etc., can be variously changed. In the torsion spring110shown inFIG. 7, a connecting portion thereof has a short distance and has a shape which is rapidly curved at a 90 degree angle respective to each direction of both spiral parts.

A torsion spring-seating recess152for receiving the torsion spring is formed in the connection member150. The torsion spring-seating recess152includes the first spiral part-seating recess152afor receiving the first spiral part112a, and the second spiral part-seating recess152bfor receiving the second spiral part112b. Connection member holes154aand154b, which are for rotatably supporting one end of the first arm member130aand one end of the second arm member130b, are formed at each central part of the first spiral part-seating recess152aand the second spiral part-seating recess152b, respectively. Also, arm member holes135aand135bare formed at each corresponding position of the first arm member130aand the second arm member130b, respectively. Hinge pins170aand170bare inserted, respectively, through the arm member holes135aand135band the connection member holes154aand154b, and the first arm member130aand the second arm member130bis rotatably supported by each of the hinge pins170aand170b. The hinge pins170aand170bcan be fixed in the connection member150and also can be rotated along the first arm member130aand the second arm member130b. A portion where the first arm member130aand the second arm member130bare connected with the connection member150is formed while having a step so as to have a thickness smaller than other part of the connection part150.

As shown, the connecting member150includes the first stopper156aand the second stopper156b, which have a shape of a long hole for limiting each rotational range of the first arm member130aand the second arm member130b, and are formed along each circumference of the connection member holes154aand154b, respectively. The first and second latching parts136aand136bare formed at each corresponding position of the first arm member130band the second arm member130b. The first and second latching parts136aand136bare inserted into the first stopper156aand the second stopper156bof a shape of a long hole, respectively, so that each rotational range thereof is limited. The first and second stoppers156aand156band the first and second latching parts136aand136bare changed with each position thereof, respectively, and they can also be changed into another shape.

FIG. 10is an exploded perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 8.

As the case may be, the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bare wound less than the winding times in the above-mentioned embodiment, so that the rest of the elastic device is equal to the above-mentioned embodiment.

FIG. 11is an exploded perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 8, andFIG. 12is an exploded rear perspective view illustrating the modified embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 11.

As shown, the torsion spring110can have the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bwhich are formed separately with each other. In this case, each outer end of the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bis fixed in the connection member150, respectively. In order to accomplish this, each outer end of the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bis curved while making a “U” shape, and “U” shape grooves158aand158bare formed at the central part of one side of the connection part150. Each inner end of the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bmay be interposed between each latching part136aand136b, which protrude from each lower surface of the first arm member130aand the second arm member130b, respectively, in each lower direction, and each of the protrusions138aand138bso as to be fixed in the first arm member130aand the second arm member130b, respectively. The rest of the elastic device is the same as what has been described inFIGS. 8 to 10.

FIG. 13is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an elastic device according to the present invention, andFIGS. 14 to 16are perspective views illustrating a modified embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 13.

The elastic device of the embodiments illustrating inFIGS. 13 to 16includes the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110b, which are formed separate from each other.

The first torsion spring110ahas the first spiral part112awound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion thereof, and has a first extension arm114aextending outward from one end of the first spiral part112a.

The second torsion spring110bis arranged while facing the first torsion spring110a, and has a shape symmetrical to the first torsion spring110a. Such second torsion spring110bhas the second spiral part112bwound while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion thereof, and has the second extension arm114bextending outward from the second spiral part112b.

Although each end of the first extension arm114aand the second extension arm114bcan have a circularly curved shape as shown, each end can also have a shape curved in an upper direction or lower direction so as to be inserted into a slot, etc., which is formed in a member in which the first extension arm114aand the second extension arm114bare installed, and is operated.

When the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bare assembled with the connection part150, so as to enable the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bto be forced against the connection part150, the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bcan be formed in such a manner that each inner part thereof is gradually elevated or in such a manner that each inner end thereof is a little elevated.

As shown, the connection part150is assembled between the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110b. As shown inFIG. 13, each inner end of the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bcan be assembled with the connection part150, respectively, while having an interval between them. Also, as shown inFIG. 14, each end of the first extension arm114aand the second extension arm114bcan be assembled with the connection part150, respectively, while having an interval between them. Also, as shown inFIG. 15, such two methods can be combined. Also, as the case may be, as shown in the embodiment of the first extension arm114aor the second extension arm114bofFIG. 13or as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 16, it is possible for the elastic device to include the first extension arm114aor the second extension arm114bhaving outer ends thereof further having spiral parts116aand116bwithout a vertical overlapping portion thereof, respectively. In a case of an inner end of the first spiral part112aor an inner end of the second spiral part112bbeing assembled with the connection member150, the first spiral part-seating recess152aand/or the second spiral part-seating recess152bfor receiving the first spiral part112aand/or the second spiral part112bare/is preferably formed at each corresponding portion of the connection part150. In the case of the outer end of first extension arm114aor the outer end of the second extension arm114bbeing assembled with the connection member150, a connecting recess152cor152dis preferably formed at each corresponding portion of the connection part150.

Connection member stoppers156cand156dare preferably formed in the connection member150so as to limit each rotational range of the first extension arm114aand the second extension arm114b. The connection member stoppers156cand156dare slanted at an acute angle or have each locking portion in which a part seated in the connection member150of each of the first extension arm114aand the second extension arm114bis locked so that it is preferable to prevent the first extension arm114aand the second extension arm114bto be separated. In an initial state of each external force of the first extension arms114aof the first torsion spring110aand second extension arms114bof the second torsion spring110bbeing removed, the first and second extension arms114aand114bcan be unfolded equally to the second extension arm114billustrated by a dotted line as shown inFIG. 3. However, by considering elastic force, etc. caused by torsion moment, which is necessary for operation of a slid member, the first and second extension arms114aand114bare assembled in such a manner that the first and second extension arms114aand114bare sufficiently rotated so as to be locked in the connection member stoppers156cand156d, respectively. Therefore, By adjusting rotational angles is formed when portions seated in the connection member150of the first extension arm114aand the second extension arm114bare locked in the connection member stoppers156cand156d, respectively, the amount of elastic force caused by torsion moment of the elastic device100can be adjusted. This is one of the big advantages of the elastic device according to the present invention.

At this time, although a distance between both the outer ends of the first extension arm114and the second extension arm114bis longer than the distance between a position where the first extension arm114ais seated in the connection part150and a position where the second extension arm114bis seated in the connection part150in most of the cases of the elastic device100, depending on each case, the latter distance can be oppositely longer than the former distance so that an elastic device having such a structure can be used as a spring of a predetermined apparatus or as a component of an elastic body.

FIGS. 17 and 18are sectional views illustrating an example of a sectional shape, except for a circular shape, of a spring wire used for constructing a torsion spring.

The torsion spring is formed of a spring wire (W), which is made of metal having a large amount of elastic force, and has a circular-shaped section thereof. However, in order to reduce the thickness of the torsion spring, a predetermined processing can be done before or after the torsion spring is produced. Specifically, a raw spring wire (w) having a circular sectional shape may be subjected to a vertical pressing, cutting, or drawing, so as to produce a finished spring wire having a sectional shape having a width larger than a thickness thereof. For example, as shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, the finished spring wire has at least one thickness reduction part118, which is a flat surface formed at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the spring wire. Furthermore, as the case may be, it would be easily understood that the torsion spring may be made of a spring wire having another polygonal-shaped section such as a square-shaped section.

FIG. 19is a view illustrating an example of operation of an elastic device according to the present invention.

In the elastic device100according to the present invention, one end of the first arm member130ais assembled with a guide member210in such a manner that the one end of the first arm member130acan be rotated, and one end of the second arm member130bis assembled with a slide member216in such a manner that the one end of the second arm member130bcan be rotated. In this state, when the slid member216is forced toward an upper direction thereof by external force, the second arm member130bmoves in the upper direction so as to push the connection member150toward the upper direction, and the connection member150pushed the first arm member130ain a counterclockwise direction. Of course, the connection member150allows the first arm member130aand the second arm member130bto be rotated. Accordingly, the first arm member130ais rotated in a counterclockwise direction. A supporting end s2of the second arm member130bconnected with the slide member216is elevated along with the slide member216. As a result, the elastic device100is contracted up to a height of the supporting end s1of the first arm member130a. When the elastic device100is contracted, a torsion spring as far as the reduced-distance of elastic device100, which is in an inner part forming a spiral shape thereof, is rotated to be pressed, and elastic force caused by torsion moment corresponding to the movement of the torsion spring is stored. After the supporting end s2of the second arm member130bpasses the supporting end s1of the first arm member130a, even though external force is moved, the first arm member130aand the second arm member130bare unfolded from each other by elastic force caused by torsion moment of the elastic device100so as to push the slide member216in the upper direction thereof. As such, after the elastic device100is completely unfolded, if the user wants the slide member216to move in a lower direction thereof, counter operation of the above-described operation is performed.

FIGS. 20 to 23are plan views illustrating embodiments of a sliding opening/closing apparatus with which an elastic device according to the present invention is equipped, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 20, a pair of the elastic devices100according to the present invention are arranged between the guide member210and the slide member216while facing each other and having an interval between them. InFIG. 20the first arm member130ais assembled with a guide member210including a guide part211in such a manner that the first arm member130acan be rotated, and the second arm member130bis assembled with a slide member216which can move along the guide part211in such a manner that the second arm member130bcan be rotated at a standstill.

The elastic devices100are contracted or expanded while rotating according to a location where the side member216has been moved respective to the guide member210. When external force is removed from the slid member216, the elastic devices100are rotated and expanded so as to perform a function for pushing the slid member216in the first direction of the guide part211(an upper direction of the slid member216) or the second direction of the guide part211(a lower direction of the slid member216).

Since the elastic devices100according to the present invention can have a smaller thickness thereof as compared with a conventional elastic device, an interval between the guide member210and the slid member216is contracted more than that of the conventional elastic device, thereby securing a smaller thickness of a finished product such as an sliding opening/closing apparatus or a slide phone, etc. In comparison with the conventional elastic device, winding times of a spiral part can increase so that stress exerted to a torsion spring can be dispersed to the whole of the elastic device, and can prevent concentration of the stress.

As the case may be, the sliding opening/closing apparatus200according to the present invention can have a structure including a pair of elastic devices100according to the present invention arranged in left and right sides parallel with each other between the guide member210and the slid member216as shown inFIG. 21. The rest things are of the elastic device is the same what has been described inFIG. 20.

Furthermore, as the case may be, the sliding opening/closing apparatus200according to the present invention can have a structure including a pair of elastic devices100, which are diagonally opposed to each other while being partially overlapped each other between the guide member210and the slid member216, as shown inFIG. 22.

As shown inFIG. 23, the sliding opening/closing apparatus200according to the present invention can have a structure including one elastic device100, which is a bigger size compared with that the above-mentioned embodiments, arranged between the guide member210and the slid member216, as shown inFIG. 22.

FIG. 24is a view illustrating a modified embodiment of the torsion spring shown inFIG. 7.

A connection portion113between the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bcan have a relatively longer length and can have a shape formed in such a manner that each spring wire extending along a direction of a approximate tangent line respective to spiral direction of a corresponding spiral part is connected with each other. It can be easily understood that the length of the connection portion is shorter than that inFIG. 24.

FIG. 25is an exploded perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 13, andFIG. 26is a perspective view illustrating a state of the elastic device shown inFIG. 25, in which the elastic device is assembled.

As the case may be, a cover160is assembled with an upper surface of the connection member150in which the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bare installed, so that the connection member150can be covered. In this case, the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bcan be covered by the cover160, so that the first spiral part112aand the second spiral part112bare not exposed, and only the first extension arm114aand the second extension arm114bare exposed.

FIG. 27is an exploded perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 25, andFIG. 28is a perspective view illustrating a state of assembled the elastic device shown inFIG. 27.

The elastic device100shown inFIGS. 27 and 28includes the second torsion spring110bof the embodiment shown inFIGS. 25 and 26installed in a changed direction. The rest things are of the elastic device is the same what has been described inFIGS. 25 and 26.

FIG. 29is a perspective view illustrating another modified embodiment of the embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 4.

As the case may be, an elastic device100according to the present invention can have two torsion springs110installed in the arm member130side by side parallel to each other. In such a structure of the elastic device100, an elastic device100providing elastic force caused by a relatively larger amount of torsion moment can be made, and winding times of each spiral part112of each torsion spring110can be adjusted. Therefore, the user can variously select the amount of elastic force caused by torsion moment. This is very advantageous in designing an apparatus.

FIGS. 30 to 32are views illustrating a sliding opening/closing apparatus, in which an elastic device according to the present invention is mounted between a main body of the apparatus and a cover thereof.FIG. 30is a view illustrating the sliding opening/closing apparatus in which the cover is closed respective to the main body, andFIG. 31is a view illustrating the sliding opening/closing apparatus in which the cover is opened respective to the main body by half.

FIGS. 30 to 32illustrate a state of a sliding opening/closing apparatus300according to the present invention being actually employed in a slide phone. The sliding opening/closing apparatus300according to the present invention includes a main body310thereof, a cover320, and an elastic device100installed between the main body310and the cover320. The elastic device100described inFIG. 26is employed as the elastic device100.

The main body310includes a guide part (not shown) formed along a longitudinal direction thereof, and the cover320is assembled with the guide part so as to slide along upper and lower directions. As used herein, the main body310functions as a guide member of the sliding opening/closing apparatus300according to the present invention, and the cover320functions as a slide member.

The elastic device100according to the present invention has one end thereof rotatably assembled with the main body310and the other end rotatably assembled with the cover320.

In a state shown inFIG. 30, the user pushes the cover320in an upper direction of the main body, the elastic device100is rotated in a counterclockwise direction while centering a supporting point of the first extension arm114aof the first torsion spring110asupported by the main body310, and the second extension arm114bof the second torsion spring110bconnected with the cover320is rotated while centering the supporting point so as to be raised in the upper direction. A supporting point of the second extension arm114blinearly moves. In a state shown inFIG. 30, the elastic device100is contracted until the elastic device100becomes a state shown inFIG. 31, so that the supporting positions of the first and second extension arms114aand114bare closed each other. In a state beyond the state shown inFIG. 31, when external force is removed, the elastic device100pushes the cover320in an upper direction of the main body while the first and second extension arm114aand114bare unfolded from each other, so that the cover320can be opened as shown inFIG. 32. Meanwhile, the cover320can be closed by a counter operation of the operation of opening the cover320.

FIG. 33is a view illustrating another embodiment of a sliding opening/closing apparatus, in which an elastic device is mounted.

As shown inFIG. 33, the sliding opening/closing apparatus300according to the present invention can have a structure including a pair of elastic devices100arranged in directions opposite to each other, respectively, while facing each other between the main body310and the cover320.

Additional types of an elastic device100and a scheme for arranging an elastic device100can be variously changed depending on necessity as described throughFIGS. 20 to 23. The above-described elastic devices can also be constituted in a sliding opening/closing apparatus according to the present invention, which can have a structure including a single elastic device or more than a pair of elastic devices arranged at a proper position between a guide member and a slid member parallel to each other in left and right directions or diagonal to each other in upper and lower directions, depending on the condition of a desired product to be made.

FIG. 34is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an elastic device according to the present invention, andFIG. 35is an exploded perspective view of the elastic device shown inFIG. 34.

A torsion spring as shown inFIGS. 34 and 35includes a spiral part112and an extension arm114as described above.

An arm member130has the first sheet member131aand the second sheet member131bassembled with each other in such a manner as to facing each other and have an interval between them in which one end of the torsion spring110is disposed so as to allow the torsion spring to move.

As shown, protrusions131dfor coupling the torsion spring are formed at one end of the first sheet member131a. The protrusions131dare formed at both sides of a gap131cinto which an inner end of the torsion spring110can be inserted, which is pressed toward an interior to extend from an inner surface of the first sheet member131a. The inner end of the torsion spring is engaged with this gap131cso as to be coupled with the arm member130.

The first rim131eis formed in the first sheet member131aat both sides along a longitudinal direction thereof while curved toward the second sheet member131b, except for a portion of the first sheet member131afor allowing the torsion spring110to be rotated to be moved and the other end of the first sheet member131ato be connected with other component. Coupling protuberances131fare formed at an interval on the first rim131e. A connection hole131gfor allowing the arm member30to be connected with other components is formed on the arm member. The circumferential portion of this connection hole131gis pressed to protrude toward an interior of the arm member30.

The second rim131bis formed in the second sheet member131bin both sides along a longitudinal direction thereof while curved toward the first sheet member131a, except for a portion of the second sheet member131bfor allowing the torsion spring110to be rotated and allowing the other end of the second sheet member131bto be connected with other components. Coupling grooves131jare formed at an interval in a lower part of the second rim131j, which allow the coupling protuberances131fto be curved and engaged therewith so as not to allow the first sheet member131aand the second sheet member131bto be separated from each other.

A gap hole131kis formed in the second sheet member131bwhile having a width larger than the gap131cand larger enough to support both sides of an upper part of a torsion spring coupling protrusion131d. It is preferable that the periphery portion of the gap hole131kis pressed to protrude at a low degree toward an interior of the second sheet member131b. In such a case, the gap131cof the torsion spring coupling protrusion131dis not large so that the torsion spring110can be supported. The upper part of a torsion spring coupling protrusion131dcan be inserted into the gap hole131kso that the torsion spring coupling protrusion131dcan have a sufficient high elevation. A connection hole131mfor allowing the arm member130to be connected with other component is formed on the arm member130opposite to the gap hole131k.

FIG. 36is an exploded perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment of the embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 35.

As the case may be, a spring wire of the torsion spring110can have a square-shaped section which is not a circular-shaped section. The torsion spring110can be made in such a manner that the hinge member115is molded to be inserted into an end of the extension arm114of the torsion spring110. The rest things are of the elastic device is the same what has been described inFIGS. 34 and 35.

As used herein, the torsion spring coupling protrusions131d, the coupling protuberances131f, and coupling grooves131jcan be formed at the first sheet member131aand the second sheet member131bin such a manner that their original positions are changed with each other between the first sheet member131aand the second sheet member131btherein.

FIG. 37is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an elastic device according to the present invention, andFIG. 38is an exploded perspective view of the elastic device shown inFIG. 37.

The first torsion spring110aincludes the first spiral part112aand the first extension arm114a, and the second torsion spring110bincludes the second spiral part112bthe second extension arm114b.

A connection member150includes the first sheet member151aand the second sheet member151b, which face each other while having an interval for allowing each one end making a spiral shape of the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bto be disposed between them, so that the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bcan be moved.

As shown, torsion spring coupling protrusions151dare formed at both side portions of the first sheet member150a. The torsion spring coupling protrusions151dare formed at both sides of each of the gap holes151c, into which outer ends of the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bcan be inserted, respectively, in such a manner that the torsion spring coupling protrusions151dare pressed to protrude toward an interior of the first sheet member150a. Each of the outer ends of the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bare engaged with the corresponding gap holes151cso as to be connected with the connection member150, respectively.

The first rim151eis formed in the first sheet member151aat both sides along a longitudinal direction thereof while being curved toward the second sheet member151b, except for a portion of the first sheet member151afor allowing the first and second torsion springs110aand110bto move while rotating. Coupling protuberances150fare formed on the first rim151eat an interval.

The second rim151iis formed in the second sheet member151bat both sides along a longitudinal direction thereof while being curved toward the first sheet member151a, except for a portion of the second sheet member151bfor allowing the first and second torsion springs110aand110bto be rotated. Coupling grooves151jare formed at an interval in a lower part of the second rim151j, which allow the coupling protuberances151fto be curved and engaged therewith so as not to allow the first sheet member151aand the second sheet member151bto be separated from each other.

Gap holes151kare formed in the second sheet member151bwhile having a width larger than the gap151cand larger enough to support both sides of an upper part of each of the torsion spring coupling protrusions151d, respectively. It is preferable that the periphery portion of the gap hole151kprotrudes toward an interior of the second sheet member151b. In such a case, the gaps151cof the torsion spring coupling protrusions151ddo not become larger so that the torsion springs110aand110bcan be supported. The upper parts of the torsion spring coupling protrusions151dcan be inserted into the gap holes151k, respectively, so that the torsion spring coupling protrusions151dcan have a sufficiently high elevation.

As shown, pressed protrusions151nand151hare formed in the longitudinal direction of the first and second sheet members151aand151b, respectively, in such a manner that the pressed protrusions151nand151hprotrude from exterior surfaces of the first and second sheet members151aand151b, respectively, toward each other at each position where the first and second torsion springs110aand110bare connected with each other. The pressed protrusions151nand151hincrease the strength of the connection member150and stability of connection of the two sheet members.

As used herein, the torsion spring coupling protrusions151dand the coupling protuberances151fcan be formed at the first sheet member151aand the second sheet member151bin such a manner that their positions are changed with each other.

FIG. 39is an exploded perspective view of the elastic device shown inFIG. 37.

As the case may be, each spring wire of the first and second torsion springs110aand110bcan have a square-shaped section which is not a circular-shaped section. The first and second torsion springs110aand110bcan be made in such a manner that hinge member115sare molded to be inserted into ends of the first and second extension arms114aand114bof the first and second torsion springs110aand110b, respectively. The rest things are of the elastic device is the same what has been described inFIGS. 37 and 38.

FIG. 40is a perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment the embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 37.

As shown inFIG. 40, an elastic device100according to the present invention can includes the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bwhich have directions thereof opposite to each other. The rest things of the structure are equal to description throughFIGS. 37 and 38.

FIG. 41is a perspective view illustrating another modified embodiment of the embodiment of the elastic device shown inFIG. 37, andFIG. 42is an exploded perspective view of the elastic device shown inFIG. 41.

The first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110b, which are shown inFIGS. 41, and41are equal to the description throughFIGS. 37 and 38.

As shown, depending on each case, the first sheet member151aand the second sheet member151bcan be connected with each other in such a manner that their contact portions thereof are point-welded by means of laser soldering, etc. in a state of them being assembled with each other while facing each other, without the coupling protuberances formed in the first rim151eand the coupling grooves formed in a lower part of the second rim151i, which have been described above.

When the first sheet member151aand the second sheet member151bare synthetic resins, they can be point-welded by high frequency bonding so as to be connected to each other.

As shown, the torsion spring coupling protrusions151dare formed at both side portions of the first sheet member150a. The torsion spring coupling protrusions151dare formed at each both sides of gap holes151c, into which outer ends positioned at a center of a spiral shape of the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bcan be inserted, respectively, in such a manner that the torsion spring coupling protrusions151dare pressed to protrude toward an interior of the first sheet member150a. Each of the outer ends of the first torsion spring110aand the second torsion spring110bare engaged with the gap holes151cso as to be connected with the connection member150, respectively.

As shown, the second sheet member151bmay have a structure without a gap hole, different from the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 43is a plan view illustrating another embodiment of an elastic device according to the present invention.

As the case may be, an elastic device according to the present invention can have a structure including a pair of elastic devices100as shown inFIG. 34which are connected to each other through arm members. End portions of the arm member130, which are opposite to the torsion springs110, are coupled in such a manner that they can be rotated at a predetermined angle. In such a case, depending on a distance between two positions where each inner end located at the centers of a spiral shapes of the torsion springs110is connected with the arm member130, there can be two divided areas of an area where elastic force can been acted and an area where elastic force can not been acted.

Of course, it is not necessary for the two elastic devices to be connected with each other through the ends of the arm member130.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the first and second spiral parts and the first and second torsion springs can be formed of spring wires having diameters different from each other, i.e. they can be made while having heights different from each other, as the case may be.

In such a case, because elastic forces at left and right sides become different from each other, degrees of rotation or torsion in both the sides also become different from each other. Therefore, such a structure can be properly used where an arm member or an elastic arm in one of both sides needs to be firstly rotated or curved, or where an arm member or an elastic arm in one of both sides needs to be rotated or curved at a low degree. Furthermore, since it can be visually identified which one of arm members or elastic arms in both sides will be firstly rotated or curved, an easy assembling procedure thereof can be secured.

As described above, an elastic device according to the present invention includes a torsion spring wound by while making a spiral shape without a vertical overlapping portion thereof, and a sheet arm member or a connection member which are connected with the torsion spring, thereby having a smaller thickness compared with a conventional torsion spring having a vertical overlapping thereof. Accordingly, a sliding opening/closing apparatus according to the present invention, and a portable apparatus such a sliding phone, etc. in which such a sliding opening/closing apparatus according to the present invention is employed, can be slimmed.

An elastic device according to the present invention can be designed by adjusting a rotational angle formed when an extension arm is locked in a stopper, so that amount of elastic force caused by torsion moment of the elastic device is easily adjusted.

Also, in the present invention, since at least one end of a torsion spring is located at an interior positioned at a center of a spiral shape of a spiral part, winding times of the spiral part of the torsion spring can increased. Accordingly, lifecycles of the torsion spring, elastic device, and sliding opening/closing apparatus can be increased.

Furthermore, in a case where a steel wire having a diameter smaller than 0.45 mm is used in a conventional torsion spring because of a vertical overlapping portion thereof, force causing the torsion spring to be inverted by twist thereof is generated. Meanwhile, since an elastic device according to the present invention does not have a vertical overlapping portion thereof, although a torsion spring is made by using a steel wire having a relatively smaller diameter thereof such as a diameter of 0.35 mm or 0.3 mm, smaller than 0.45 mm, force causing the torsion spring to be inverted by twist thereof is not generated. Particularly, the elastic device according to the present and a sliding opening/closing apparatus using the same can have a very small thickness thereof.