Patent Publication Number: US-2012033365-A1

Title: Sliding module for portable communication device

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to a Korean Patent Application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 6, 2010 and assigned Serial No. 10-2010-0076039, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a sliding module for a portable communication device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A “portable communication device” generally refers to a device that enables a user to conduct wireless communication with the other party. Depending on their designs, portable communication devices are typically classified, into a bar type, a flip type, and a folder type. A bar-type terminal has a single housing shaped into a bar. A flip-type terminal is configured so as to have a bar-shaped housing and a flip that are rotatably engaged with each other by a hinge device. A folder-type terminal includes a folder that is rotatably engaged with a single bar-shaped housing. 
     According to opening mechanisms, portable communication devices are classified into a rotation type and a sliding type. Two housings are opened or closed by rotating, face to face, in a rotation-type terminal, whereas two housings are opened or closed by making a lengthwise movement, face to face, in a sliding-type terminal. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a sliding module  1  includes a sliding housing (not shown) that slides from a body housing (not shown), a main member  2  provided at the body housing, and a sliding member  3  provided at the sliding housing, in engagement with the main member  2  to move on the main member  2  in a conventional sliding-type portable communication device. 
     Guide rails  3   a  shaped into “ ” are formed at both ends of the sliding member  3 , and guide members  2   a  shaped into “ ” are formed at both ends of the main member  2  for engagement with the guide rails  3   a.    
     The guide rails  3   a  and the guide members  2   a  are formed of a metal. While the guide rails  3   a  are sliding on the guide members  2   a,  their metallic friction may make noise or produce scratches, thereby making the sliding unsmooth. 
     To avert this problem, outer portions  4  of the guide members  2   a  are formed of polyacetal (PolyOxyMethylene (POM)) resin through insert molding. 
     As shown, the “ ”-shaped guide members are coated on the inner and outer surfaces by insert molding which in turn causes the sliding module to become thicker in the conventional sliding-type portable communication device. In addition, scratches are produced only at contact portions between the guide members and the guide rails in the sliding module of the conventional sliding-type portable communication device. 
     Accordingly, as evolving trend demands a slimmer communication device, there exists a need for fabricating a thin device at a contact portion between a guide member and a guide rail, without insert-molding of the contact portion to make the device chic and smaller. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to address at least the problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a sliding module in a sliding-type portable communication device, in which a thin sheet portion is formed at a contact portion of a guide member that contacts a guide rail without insert-molding of the contact portion, thus reducing the thickness of the contact portion of the guide member to make it stylish and slick while increasing the strength of the product. 
     Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a sliding module in a sliding-type portable communication device, in which a thin sheet portion is formed at a guide member in order to reduce friction and scratches between the guide member and a guide rail during sliding, thus improving sliding and sensitivity of a product. 
     Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a sliding module in a sliding-type portable communication device, in which a contact portion is formed at a guide member that contacts a guide rail to thereby obviate the need for insert-molding a portion of the guide member that contacts the guide rail, thus make a product slim and small and also reduce friction and scratches of the product. 
     A further aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a sliding module in a sliding-type portable communication device, in which a thin layer is formed at a guide rail by coating the guide rail with pigment in order to make a product slim and small, reduce friction of the product, and increase the abrasion-proofness of the product. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a sliding module includes a main member, a sliding member for sliding in engagement with the main member, guide members formed at both ends of the main member, and guide rails slidably engaged with the guide rails in a portable communication device, in which a contact engagement portion is provided at a guide member, a rail contact portion is provided at a guide rail, and a sheet portion is provided at the contact engagement portion to slide the guide rail, in engagement with the rail contact portion. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sliding module includes a main member, a sliding member for sliding in engagement with the main member, guide members formed at both ends of the main member, and guide rails slidably engaged with the guide rails in a portable communication device, in which a contact engagement portion is provided at a guide member, a rail contact portion is provided at a guide rail, and a contact portion is provided at the rail contact portion to slide the guide rail, in engagement with the contact engagement portion. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a sliding module includes a main member, a sliding member for sliding in engagement with the main member, guide members formed at both ends of the main member, and guide rails slidably engaged with the guide rails in a portable communication device, in which a contact engagement portion is provided at a guide member, a rail contact portion is provided at a guide rail, and a thin layer is formed at the guide rail to slide the guide rail, in engagement with the contact engagement portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side sectional view of a sliding module in a conventional sliding-type portable communication device; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the sliding module in the conventional sliding-type portable communication device; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a sliding module in a sliding-type portable communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an engaged state of the sliding module according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of a part A illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a non-engaged state of the sliding module according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the engaged state of the sliding module according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment of a sheet portion in the sliding-type portable communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a sliding module in a sliding-type portable communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an engaged state of the sliding module in the sliding-type portable communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of a part B illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a non-engaged state of the sliding module in the sliding-type portable communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the engaged state of the sliding module in the sliding-type portable communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of an engaged state of a sliding module in a sliding-type portable communication device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features and structures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 7 , a sliding module  10  for a portable communication device (not shown) includes a main member  11 , a sliding member  12  for sliding in engagement with the main member  11 , guide members  11   a,  guide rails  12   a,  contact engagement portions  20 , rail contact portions  30 , and sheet portions  40 . The guide members  11   a  are formed at both ends of the main member  11  so that the guide members  11   a  can slide along the guide rails  12   a  when it engages with the guide rails  12   a.  The guide rails  12   a  are formed at both ends of the sliding member  12  so that the guide rails  12   a  can slide during the engagement with the guide members  11   a.  The contact engagement portions  20  are provided at the guide members  11   a  to be slidably engaged with the later-described rail contact portions. The rail contact portions  30  are provided at the guide rails  12   a  to be slidably engaged with the contact engagement portions  20 . The sheet portions  40  are provided at the contact engagement portions  20  to slide the guide rails  12   a  in relation with the rail contact portions  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the contact engagement portions  20  are extended to a predetermined length to contact the rail contact portions  30 . The contact engagement portions  20  are thinner than insert-molded portions C 1  of the guide members  11   a.  The sheet portions  40  are shaped into “ ” or “ ” so as to surround the contact engagement portions  20 . 
     The sheet portions  40  are formed of polyimide (PI), Teflon, or other material such as polyacetal. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8  illustrating another embodiment of the sheet portions  40 , each of the sheet portions  40  includes first and second sheets  41  and  42  that contact frictional surfaces of a rail contact portion  30 . 
     The sliding module according to the embodiment of the present invention is applicable mainly to, but not limited to a portable communication device (not shown). Thus, the inventive sliding module may be applicable to various types of terminals such as a bar type, a folder type, a swing type, and a sliding type. 
     A portable communication device according to the present invention covers a broad range of devices including mobile communication terminals operating in compliance with communication protocols for various communication systems, other information communication devices such as a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an MP3 player, a navigator, a game console, a laptop computer, an advertisement board, a TV, a digital broadcasting player, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and a smart phone, electronic devices, multimedia devices, and their applications. 
     An operation of the sliding module having the above-described configuration in the portable communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 8 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 7 , the sliding module  10  of the portable communication device (not shown) includes the main member  11 , the sliding member  12  that slides in engagement with the main member  11 , the guide members  11   a  formed at both ends of the main member  11 , the guide rails  12   a  formed at the sliding member  12  to slide in engagement with the guide members  11   a,  the contact engagement portions  20 , the rail contact portions  30 , and the sheet portions  40 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the contact engagement portions  20  are provided at the guide members  11   a,  extended to a predetermined length so that the contact engagement portions  20  may be brought into contact with the rail contact portions  30 . The contact engagement portions  20  are thinner than the insert-molded portions C 1  of the guide members  11   a,  and the extended contact engagement portions  20  are inserted into the sheet portions  40 . 
     In this state, the contact engagement portions  20  inserted into the sheets  40  are slidably engaged with the rail contact portions  30 . 
     When the sliding member  12  slides, the guide rails  12   a  also slide, that is, the rail contact portions  30  of the guide rails  12   a  also slide, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     Because the contact engagement portions  20  have the sheet portions  40  on their frictional surfaces, the rail contact portions  30  are brought into contact with the sheet portions  40 . The resulting decrease in friction and scratches attributed to the use of the sheet portions  40  in turn improves the movement and sensitivity of the sliding member  12 . 
     In addition, since the sheet portions  40  are formed thin, the product can be made slim and small, compared to a conventional sliding module whose thickness is increased due to insert molding. As a result, the product as a whole may have a slimmer stylish look and an increased strength. A thickness of the sheet portion ranges from 0.03 to 0.05 mm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8  illustrating another embodiment of the sheet portions  40 , each of the sheet portions  40  includes the first and second sheets  41  and  42 . The first and second sheets  41  and  42  are provided on the top and bottom surface of a contact engagement portion  20 , thus contacting the frictional surfaces of the contact engagement portion  20 . 
     As the first and second sheets  41  and  42  of the sheet portions  40  contact the frictional surfaces of the contact engagement portions  20 , they in turn reduce friction caused by sliding, thus improving the sliding and further reducing scratches. 
     Hereinafter, an operation of the sliding module having the above-described configuration in the portable communication device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 9 to 13 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 to 13 , a sliding module  100  of a portable communication device (not shown) includes the main member  11 , the sliding member  12  that slides in engagement with the main member  11 , the guide members  11   a  formed at both ends of the main member  11 , the guide rails  12   a  formed at the sliding member  12  to slide in engagement with the guide members  11   a,  contact engagement portions  110 , rail contact portions  120 , and contact portions  140 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the contact engagement portions  110  are provided at the guide members  11   a,  extended to a predetermined length so that the contact engagement portions  110  may be brought into contact with the rail contact portions  120 . The extended contact engagement portions  110  are thinner than the insert-molded portions C 1  of the guide members  11   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the contact portions  140  are inserted into the rail contact portions  120 . In this state, the extended contact engagement portions  110  are slidably engaged with the contact portions  140 . 
     Because contact protrusions  150  are formed at the contact engagement portions  110  to contact frictional surfaces of the contact portions  140 , the contact protrusions  150  are brought into contact with the frictional surfaces of the contact portions  140 , when they are engaged with the contact portions  140 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     Then, when the sliding member  12  slides, the guide rails  12   a  also slide, that is, the rail contact portions  120  of the guide rails  12   a  also slide. At the same time, the contact portions  140  provided at the rail contact portions  120  move along. 
     Because the contact portions  140  slide in contact with the contact protrusions  150 , friction and scratches between the contact engagement portions  110  and the rail contact portions  120  are reduced, thus improving the movement and sensitivity of the sliding member  12 . 
     In addition, since the contact portions  140  are formed to a thickness of 0.05 mm at the rail contact portions  120  of the guide rails  12   a  without insert molding, the product as a whole can be made slim and small which in turn accomplishes a better look to the product as a whole and an increased strength. 
     An operation of the sliding module having the above-described configuration in the portable communication device according to a further embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the sliding module  10  of a portable communication device (not shown) includes the main member  11 , the sliding member  12  that slides in engagement with the main member  11 , the guide members  11   a  formed at both ends of the main member  11 , the guide rails  12   a  formed at the sliding member  12  to slide in engagement with the guide members  11   a,  the contact engagement portions  20 , the rail contact portions  30 , and thin layers  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the contact engagement portions  20  are provided at the guide members  11   a,  extended to a predetermined length so that the contact engagement portions  20  may be brought into contact with the rail contact portions  30 . The contact engagement portions  20  are thinner than the insert-molded portions C 1  of the guide members  11   a.    
     The thin layers  200  are coated on the guide rails  12   a.  The thin layers  200  are formed of pigment. Alternatively, the thin layers  200  may be formed to be sheets. 
     The pigment is fingerprint-proof. The pigment is formed of polyimide or Teflon. 
     In this state, the contact engagement portions  20  are slidably engaged with the rail contact portions  30  coated with the thin layers  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , when the sliding member  12  slides, the guide rails  12   a  also slide, that is, the rail contact portions  30  of the guide rails  12   a  also slide. 
     Because the contact engagement portions  20  have the thin layers  200  coated on their frictional surfaces, the thin layers  200  contact the contact engagement portions  20 . Thus, friction is reduced and abrasion-proofness is increased. As a consequence, the movement and sensitivity of the sliding member  12  are improved. 
     As the guide rails  12   a  have the thin layers  200  formed of pigment, the product can be made more slim and smaller. 
     It may further be contemplated that sheet portions (not shown) are formed on the thin layers  200  coated on the rail contact portions  30 . Thus, when the sheets are worn out by repeated sliding of the guide rails  12   a  for a long time, the thin layers  200  are then used, thus decreasing friction and increasing abrasion-proofness. 
     While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.