Patent Publication Number: US-2010107367-A1

Title: Rotary hinge module and folder type mobile communication terminal having the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0108462, filed on Nov. 3, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a rotary hinge module and a folder type mobile communication terminal having the same, and more particularly to a hinge module allowing a rotating movement as well as a basic folding movement, and a folder type mobile communication terminal having such a hinge module. 
     2. Discussion of the Background 
     Generally, mobile communication terminals may be classified into bar type terminals, flip type terminals, and folder type terminals, in aspect of their appearances. 
     A bar type terminal has one body housing in which data input/output (I/O) units and transceiver modules are mounted. However, the bar type terminal may suffer from malfunction of its keypad since the keypad serving as a data input means is always exposed to the outside. Also, the bar type terminal may not be easily designed into a small size since its transmitter and receiver should be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. 
     A flip type terminal includes a body, a flip and a hinge module connecting the body to the flip. A data I/O unit and a transceiver module are mounted at the body of the flip type terminal, and the flip covers a keypad serving as the data I/O unit. Thus, it is possible to reduce malfunction of the keypad. However, the flip type terminal also has a limitation that it cannot be easily designed to a small size since a sufficient distance should be ensured between the transmitter and the receiver. 
     A folder type terminal includes a body, a folder and a hinge module connecting the body with the folder, and the folder is opened or closed by unfolding or folding the folder from/to the body with respect to the hinge module. Generally, a data input unit such as a keypad is provided at the body. In a standby state, the folder is closely arranged to the body, so any malfunction of the keypad may be reduced. And, in a call mode, the folder is unfolded from the body with respect to the hinge module, so that a sufficient distance may be ensured between a transmitter and a receiver, which permits a terminal to be manufactured with a smaller size. 
     The hinge module of the flip type terminal or the folder type terminal is configured to allow a folding or unfolding movement of the folder from/to the body, i.e. a folder movement. 
     There are some types of proposed folder type terminals, which allow a rotating movement as well as a folding movement, but such terminals are provided with one hinge module for the folding movement and a separate hinge module for the rotating movement. Thus, during a rotating movement, the folder may be nearly entirely separated from the body. Further, in the above terminals, after the folder makes a rotating movement (e.g., 180 degrees rotation), the folder and the body do not make a constant slope, so the terminal may not be stably placed on a table or the like. Thus, a user should grip or handle the terminal in order to watch a moving picture or the like on a screen of the terminal. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a rotary hinge module compatible for various specifications and designs of mobile communication terminals, and a folder type mobile communication terminal having the rotary hinge module. 
     Additional features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a rotary hinge module, comprising a hinge holder comprising a housing with a receiving space; a first elastic member and a cam member disposed in the receiving space of the hinge holder; and a rotary shaft disposed in the receiving space, the rotary shaft disposed through the first elastic member, the cam member, and the receiving space to be rotatable and vertically moveable, wherein the rotary shaft has a rotating cam which is disposed on and corresponds to the cam member. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also discloses a folder type mobile communication terminal, comprising a body; a folder; and a rotary hinge module installed at a portion where the body contacts the folder, wherein the rotary hinge module comprises a hinge holder comprising a housing with a receiving space; a first elastic member and a cam member disposed in the receiving space of the hinge holder; and a rotary shaft disposed in the receiving space, the rotary shaft disposed through the first elastic member, the cam member, and the receiving space to be rotatable and vertically moveable, wherein the rotary shaft has a rotating cam which is disposed on and corresponds to the cam member, and wherein an upper portion of the rotary shaft is disposed in the folder to allow a folding movement and a rotating movement of the body and the folder. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a rotary hinge module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing the rotary hinge module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view showing the rotary hinge module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view showing a folder type mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a partially enlarged sectional view of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view showing the folder type mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a folder is opened by 90 degrees. 
         FIG. 5B  is a partially enlarged sectional view of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view showing the folder type mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the folder is opened by 180 degrees. 
         FIG. 6B  is a partially enlarged sectional view of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view showing the folder type mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the folder is rotated by 90 degrees. 
         FIG. 7B  is a partially enlarged sectional view of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view showing the folder type mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the folder is rotated by 180 degrees. 
         FIG. 8B  is a partially enlarged sectional view of  FIG. 8A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “on” another element, it can be directly on or directly connected to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a rotary hinge module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing the rotary hinge module of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3  is a sectional view showing the rotary hinge module of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3 , a rotary hinge module includes a hinge holder  10 , which has a housing  11  with a receiving space  11   a , and connection members  12  extending from both sides of the housing  11  and fixed thereto. An elastic member  20  and a cam member  30  are accommodated in the receiving space  11   a  of the hinge holder  10 . A rotary shaft  40  is provided through the elastic member  20 , the cam member  30 , and the receiving space  11   a , and the rotary shaft  40  is vertically movable in the receiving space  11   a  and rotatable with respect to the elastic member  20 , the cam member  30 , and the receiving space  11   a . A support  50  is coupled to an upper portion of the rotary shaft  40 . 
     A coupling hole  12   a  is respectively formed in the connection member  12 , such that the hinge holder  10  may be fixed in a body with a coupling member. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , an elastic member  21  is provided at a lower portion of the rotary shaft  40  located out of and below the receiving space  11   a  of the hinge holder  10 , and a ring member  60  is provided below the elastic member  21 . 
     A rotating cam  41  is formed at the rotary shaft  40  corresponding to the cam member  30 , and the rotating cam  41  contacts the cam member  30 . 
     A protrusion  31  and a protrusion  41   a  are respectively formed on the cam member  30  and the rotating cam  41 . 
     Also, a circular projection  42  is formed at a lower end of the rotary shaft  40  to support the ring member  60  and the elastic member  21  while the rotary shaft  40  is inserted therein. 
     The hinge module of this exemplary embodiment may be applied to a mobile communication terminal, particularly a folder type mobile communication terminal. 
     In more detail, as shown in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B , the hinge module is installed at a contact portion of a body  110  and a folder  120  of a folder type mobile communication terminal  100 . The body  110  includes a hinge holder  10 , elastic members  20 ,  21 , a cam member  30 , and a ring member  60  therein. An upper portion of a rotary shaft  40  that passes through a receiving space  11   a  in the housing  11  of the hinge holder  10  extends to the folder  120  through the body  110 . A support  50  coupled to an upper end of the rotary shaft  40  is also provided in the folder  120 . 
     Inclined surfaces  111 ,  121  are respectively arranged at contact portions between the body  110  and the folder  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the folder  120  has an end with a curved surface  123 , which has a second radius d 2  greater than a first radius d 1  that is a distance from a center O of the support  50  to a linear surface  122  of the folder  120 . In other words, the curved surface  123  has a semicircular shape. 
     When the folder  120  is already rotated in one direction, continuing to rotate the folder  120  in that same direction successively may cause wirings or the like in the folder  120  to be twisted. Since the folder  120  is intended to be rotated back to its original position without causing this wirings or the like in the folder  120  to be twisted, the body  110  may have a stopper such as a projection at a certain position therein such that the folder  120  may not be rotated further in the same direction after being rotated by a certain angle. The folder type mobile communication terminal  100  of this exemplary embodiment may have an extension at one side of the rotary shaft  40  such that the folder  120  may not be rotated past a certain angle since the projection obstructs the rotation. However, this configuration may be modified into various structures or shapes, not limited to the above. 
       FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate that the folder  120  is opened with respect to the body  110 , and an end of the folder  120  is configured vertically with respect to an end of the body  110 . Referring to  FIG. 5B , the folder  120  has a semicircular end in its section as mentioned above, and the second radius d 2  from the center of the support  50  to the curved surface  123  is greater than the first radius d 1  from the center of the support  50  to the linear surface  122 . Thus, if the folder  120  is configured in a vertical direction, the rotary shaft  40  is lifted up by a difference in length between the second radius d 2  and the first radius d 1 . 
     As the rotary shaft  40  moves up, the ring member  60  hooked up and supported by the projection  42  formed at the lower end of the rotary shaft  40  is also moved up to compress the elastic member  21 . If the rotary shaft  40  moves up, the rotating cam  41  of the rotary shaft  40  in contact with the cam member  30  is also moved up. This causes the elastic member  20  elastically supported at a lower portion of the cam member  30  to expand, and the cam member  30  is also moved up due to a repulsive force against the elastic member  20 , so the cam member  30  continuously remains in contact with the rotating cam  41  of the rotary shaft  40 . 
     In this state, as shown in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B , if the folder  120  is completely unfolded and in a substantially horizontal state with the body  110 , the lifted rotary shaft  40  is moved down again. In other words, as the linear surface  122  of the folder  120  encounters the inclined surface  111  of the body  110  again, the radius is decreased, so the rotary shaft  40  moves down. 
     At this time, the rotary shaft  40  moves down more rapidly with the assistance of the compressed elastic member  21 . If the rotating cam  41  of the rotary shaft  40  moves down, the cam member  30  arranged below is also moved down along a length direction of the rotary shaft  40 , so the elastic member  20  provided in the housing  11  is compressed. 
     If a user rotates the opened folder  120  (by 90 degrees) for watching a moving picture or the like as shown in  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B , the rotary shaft  40  provided in the body  110  is rotated with respect to the hinge holder  10 . The upper end of the rotary shaft  40  is coupled with the support  50  that is provided in the folder  120  and extended and fixed in a width direction of the folder  120 . Thus, if the folder  120  is rotated, the support  50  is rotated, and accordingly the rotary shaft  40  is rotated together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , if the rotary shaft  40  is rotated, the rotating cam  41  formed at the rotary shaft  40  is rotated, and the protrusion  41   a  formed on the rotating cam  41  and the protrusion  31  of the cam member  30 , arranged to cross each other, encounter each other. Thus, the cam member  30  moves down by a protruding height of the protrusion  41   a  formed on the rotating cam  41  and the protrusion  31  of the cam member  30 , thereby compressing the elastic member  20 . At this time, the rotary shaft  40  receives a downward force due to the elastic member  21  located out of and below the housing  11 , so the folder  120  keeps its location without freely moving due to the downward force. 
     In this state, if the folder  120  is rotated further (by 180 degrees), the rotary shaft  40  is rotated again as shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B , and the protrusion  41   a  formed on the rotating cam  41  and the protrusion  31  of the cam member  30  are arranged to cross each other again, so the rotating cam  41  and the cam member  30  are closely arranged to each other again. Thus, due to the elastic member  20 , which is compressed by a measurement of the protruding height of the protrusion  41   a  formed on the rotating cam  41  and the protrusion  31  of the cam member  30 , the cam member  30  is moved up in a length direction of the rotary shaft  40 . In this state, the inclined surface  121  of the folder  120  contacts the inclined surface  111  of the body  110 . Thus, the folder  120  is inclined slightly upward with respect to the body  110 , and a user may watch a moving picture or the like more conveniently. 
     If a user intends to close the folder  120  back to its initial state, the user may rotate the folder  120  in a direction opposite to the above rotating operation. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.