KR100976117B1

KR100976117B1 - Slide actuator assemblies for portable communications terminals

Info

Publication number: KR100976117B1
Application number: KR1020080085868A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 조훈
Original assignee: (주)엘티엠에이피
Priority date: 2008-09-01
Filing date: 2008-09-01
Publication date: 2010-08-16
Also published as: KR20100026745A; WO2010023553A3; WO2010023553A2

Abstract

A slide actuator for a mobile communication terminal having a first body and a second body slidably movable relative to the first body is provided. The slide actuator of the exemplary embodiment includes a guide rail assembly for coupling to the first body and the second body of the portable communication terminal. The bias assembly is coupled to the guiderail assembly. The guide rail assembly includes a guide rod. The guide rail assembly is configured to convert the linear movement of the second body with respect to the first body into the rotational movement of the guide rod. The bias assembly is configured to couple to the first body. The bias assembly is configured to provide a biasing force toward the first and second rotational rest positions of the guide rod.

Mobile communication terminal, mobile phone, slide assembly, slide actuator, cam hinge

Description

SLID ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES FOR PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS TERMINALS}

The present invention relates to a slide actuator assembly for a mobile communication terminal.

Portable wireless communication terminals (eg, mobile phones with digital cameras, etc.) are becoming more and more popular. In addition to the increasing popularity, the individual preferences and tastes of users related to the function and operation of the device are also increasing, such as the number of users and various user preferences regarding the manner of opening and closing the device.

To meet the needs of these users, various types of mobile communication terminals have been developed such as bar type, flip type, flip-up type, and folder type. Among these types, the folder type is widely used. The folder type terminal has a space sufficient to accommodate a wide LCD display module while being folded for good portability into a compact state.

Also, a slider type terminal has been introduced. The slider type terminal may be equipped with an LCD display module having a size similar to that of the LCD display module normally provided in the folder type terminal. The slide assembly may contribute to the size reduction or miniaturization of the portable communication terminal with which it is incorporated. Conventional slider-type terminals have a subbody or cover that can be slidably opened and closed on the main body.

As an example, Figure 1 is a plan view of a slider mechanism for a conventional mobile communication terminal. In this example, the stationary plate (or first body) 20 and the operation plate (or second body) 30 are slidably coupled to each other. The operation plate 30 is configured to slidably move between one end of the fixed plate 20 (ie, the closed position of the slide module) and the other end of the fixed plate 20 (ie, the open position of the slide module). . The operation plate 30 is slidably coupled to the rails 21 provided at both edges of the fixed plate 20. The operation plate 30 is configured to slidably open and close automatically by an elastic force and a biasing force applied by the actuator module 10 disposed between the fixed plate 20 and the operation plate 30. One end of the actuator module 10 is rotatably coupled to the fixed plate 20, and the other end thereof is rotatably coupled to the operation plate 30. When the operation plate 30 is slidably moved, the orientation of the actuator module 10 relative to the fixed plate 20 and the operation plate 30 is changed. By sliding the operation plate 30 from the closed position or the open position, the actuator module 10 is compressed against the expansion force or biasing force of the actuator module 10. The actuator module 10 has a maximum displacement at the open position and the closed position of the slide module, and has a minimum displacement at approximately halfway between the open position and the closed position. After approximately halfway between the open and closed positions, the movement of the operation plate 30 is aided by the expansion force of the actuator module 10.

In this conventional slider mechanism, the actuator module 10 must be rotated over a wide range on the fixed plate 20 in order to perform the semi-automatic slide movement of the operation plate 30. Therefore, the internal design of the slide type portable terminal is considerably limited for the rotation of the actuator module 10. In addition, since the fixed plate 20 and the operation plate 30 are slidably coupled to each other through the rail 21, the movement plate 30 may be shaken or rattled in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction. In addition, the resistance of the slide movement is large and wear also occurs.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a slide actuator is disclosed that can be used in a portable communication terminal having a first body and a second body that is slidably movable relative to the first body. In one exemplary embodiment, the slide actuator includes a guide rail assembly for coupling to the first body and the second body of the portable communication terminal. The bias assembly is coupled to the guiderail assembly. The guide rail assembly includes a guide rod. The guide rail assembly is configured to convert the linear movement of the second body with respect to the first body into the rotational movement of the guide rod. The bias assembly is configured to couple to the first body. The bias assembly is configured to provide a biasing force toward the first and second rotational rest positions of the guide rod.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the slide actuator includes a guide rail assembly for coupling to the first body and the second body of the portable communication terminal. The bias assembly is coupled to the guiderail assembly. The guide rail assembly includes a guide rod, a first guide element for connecting to the first body, and a second guide element for connecting to the second body. The guide rail assembly is configured to convert the linear movement of the second guide element from the first longitudinal end of the guide rod to the second longitudinal end of the guide rod into the rotational movement of the guide rod. The bias assembly includes a housing, a first cam element, a second cam element, and an elastic element. The housing is configured to be connected to the first body. The bias assembly is configured to provide a biasing force toward the first rotational rest position and the second rotational rest position of the guide rod.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the slide actuator comprises a guide rail assembly and a bias assembly. The guide rail assembly includes a guide rod coupled to the bias assembly. The guide rail assembly is configured to be attached to the first and second bodies of the portable communication terminal. The bias assembly is configured to attach to the first body. The guide rail assembly is configured to rotate the guide rod between the first and second rotational positions when the second body is slidably moved relative to the first body. The bias assembly generates a biasing force toward the first rotational position, which assists the rotation of the guide rod when the guide rod is between the first rotational position and the intermediate position between the first and second rotational positions, the guide rod being in the intermediate position. It is engaged to generate a biasing force toward the second rotational position which assists the rotation of the guide rod when it is between the second rotational positions.

Other areas of application will be apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding reference numerals in the drawings indicate corresponding parts.

In order to facilitate a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed and should not be inferred as limiting the scope of the invention. When developing to be implemented in practice, many specific decisions related to implementation must be made, such as satisfying system- or project-related requirements. Such development efforts can be complex and time consuming for those skilled in the art, but are routine tasks related to design, fabrication and manufacturing.

Disclosed herein are slide actuators in accordance with various exemplary embodiments used in connection with a mobile communication terminal. 2A and 2B, such a slide actuator can be used in a portable communication terminal such as, for example, a mobile phone 60. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the mobile phone 60 includes a first body 62 (also referred to as a main body) and a second body 64 (often referred to as a slider body). The first body 62 and the second body 64 may be electrically connected for operation, for example via a flexible PCB. The second body 64 is coupled to the first body 62 so as to be able to move up and down (eg, slide) with respect to the first body 62 to open and close the mobile phone 60. In another exemplary embodiment, the portable communication terminal may include a slider body integrally formed with the main body, a slider body formed separately from the main body and fixed to the main body.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second body 64 of the exemplary mobile phone 60 is equipped with an external screen 66 for displaying various operations of the mobile phone 60. And, the first body 62 of the mobile phone 60 has a keypad on the surface 68 for executing various functions associated with the mobile phone 60. When the mobile phone 60 is in the closed position (shown in FIG. 2A), the keypad (and surface 68) may be covered by the second body 64 to avoid unintended contact or actuation. When exposing the keypad (and surface 68) for use, the mobile phone 60 is opened in the open position (shown in FIG. 2B) by sliding the second body 64 upward as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. ) Can be moved.

As used herein, the terms "first body" and "second body" should be understood to mean and mean a fixed portion and a sliding portion of the portable communication terminal, respectively, when the user opens and closes the terminal. However, the user may also choose to move the first body away from the second body while holding the second body stationary to achieve opening and closing of the terminal. Alternatively, the user may open and close the terminal by moving both the first and second bodies with respect to each other. Therefore, the specific manners and examples that the user selects to open and close the terminal should not be considered limiting the scope of the invention.

In addition, although the mobile phone 60 may be opened by sliding the second body 64 upward with respect to the first body 62, slides in other orientations are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, the second body 64 can slide laterally or laterally (ie, in a direction perpendicular to the slide directions shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) with respect to the main body 62 (the first body). . In such an embodiment, sliding the second body 64 to an open position exposes the surface on which the keypad or other component may be provided in the longitudinal direction (ie along the side) of the mobile phone 60.

For convenience and clarity of description, a slide actuator according to various exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the portable communication terminal (ie, cellular phone 60 and related components) shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and discussed above. It should be understood that the slide actuator disclosed herein can be used in connection with a number of other mobile communication terminals, without limitation, and reference to "mobile phone 60" may be replaced by referring to "mobile communication terminal".

3 to 7, the slide actuator according to the present invention will be described. 3 and 4 show the slide actuator in the first position and FIG. 7 shows the slide actuator of FIGS. 3 and 4 in the second position. The first position and the second position correspond to the closed position and the open position of the mobile phone 60 shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, respectively. However, as an alternative, the first position and the second position may be referred to as the open position and the closed position of the mobile phone 60 shown in Figs. 2B and 2A, respectively. The intermediate position (approximate intermediate between the first position and the second position) of the slide actuator shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This intermediate position corresponds to the position of the mobile phone 60 in the middle between the fully closed position of FIG. 2A and the fully open position of FIG. 2B.

A slide actuator 100 for a mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The slide actuator 100 can be used in a cell phone 60 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) having a first body 62 and a second body 64. The second body 64 is slidably movable relative to the first body 62.

As shown in FIG. 3, the slide actuator 100 includes a guide rail assembly 102 and a biasing assembly 104. The guiderail assembly 102 is configured to couple to both the first body 62 and the second body 64, as described in more detail below. The guide rail assembly 102 includes a guide rod 106 and is configured to convert the linear movement of the second body 64 relative to the first body 62 to the rotational movement of the guide rod 106. The bias assembly 104 is configured to be connected to the first body 62 of the mobile phone 60. The bias assembly 104 is configured to provide a biasing force towards the first and second rotational rest positions of the guide rod 106. 3 and 4 show the guide rod 106 in the first rotary stop position. 7 shows the guide rod 106 in the second rotary stop position.

As shown in FIG. 4, which shows a portion of the slide actuator 100 of FIG. 3, the bias assembly 104 includes a first cam element 108a and a second cam element 108b (collectively a cam element or cam hinge). Reference 108). Each cam element 108 may have a cylindrical shape and is housed in a cylindrical housing 109. The longitudinal end of each cam element 108 is generally flat, and the other end of the longitudinal direction of each cam element 108 is two peaks (or convex parts) spaced about 180 degrees (collectively 110). )). Two valleys (or recesses) (collectively referred to as valleys 112) are located between the two governments 110 of each cam element 108 and are also spaced about 180 degrees apart. In FIG. 4, the top 110a and valley 112a of the first cam element 108a are shown. Similarly, the top 110b and valley 112b of the second cam element 108b are shown. Second cam 110 and valley 112 each of cam elements 108 is not shown in FIG. 4. The tip 110 and valley 112 of the cam element 108 are substantially the same size and shape, so that the cam elements 108 complementarily engage to form a stable cylindrical shape at two rotational positions spaced about 180 degrees apart. . As shown in FIG. 4, the government 110a and the government 110b are aligned (ie, engaged, mated or complementarily joined) to the valley 112a and the valley 112b, respectively.

Continuing reference is made to FIG. 4. The bias assembly 104 includes a bias guide rod 114 and an elastic element 116. The first longitudinal end of the bias guide rod 114 is coupled to the closed end 117 of the housing 109, and the second longitudinal end of the bias guide rod 114 passes through at least a portion of the cam element 108. do. The elastic element 116 may be a coil spring, a compression spring or any other suitable elastic element, the elastic element 116 of the bias guide rod 114 between the closed end 117 and the first cam element 108a. Is placed around. The first cam element 108a is coupled to the housing 109 by a protrusion 118 constrained in the slot 119 within the housing 109. This engagement prevents rotational movement of the first cam element 108a but allows the first cam element 108a to slide along the longitudinal direction of the bias guide rod 114. The elastic element 116 resists the slide movement of the first cam element 108a towards the closed end 117 and applies a force to bias the first cam element 108a toward the second cam element 108b. . When the cam element 108 is engaged as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this biasing force is fixedly connected to the second cam element 108b and the first cam element 108a together with the engagement of the cam element 108. It is against the rotational movement of the guide rod 106.

As shown in FIG. 3, the guide rail assembly 102 includes first and second guide elements 120, 122 disposed around the guide rod 106. The first guide element 120 is configured to be connected to the first body 62 of the mobile phone 60, and the second guide element 122 is configured to be connected to the second body 64 of the mobile phone 60. The first and second guide elements 120, 122 may include adhesives, welding, mechanical fasteners (eg, screws, etc.), press-fit connections, snap-insert connections, bearing connections, and the like. May be connected to the mobile phone 60 by any suitable means. When attached to the mobile phone 60 as described herein, the housing 109 and the first guide element 120 of the bias assembly 104 are coupled to the first body 62 of the mobile phone 60, and the second The guide element 122 is coupled to the second body 64 of the mobile phone 60. Thus, when the second body 64 of the mobile phone 60 is slidably moved relative to the first body 62, the second guide element 122 together with the second body 64 of the slide actuator 100. Slidably move with respect to the rest. The first guide element 120 is disposed around the guide rod 106 to allow free rotation in the first guide element 120 of the guide rod 106. However, the second guide element 122 is coupled to the guide rod 106 to prevent free rotation of the guide rod 106.

The guide rod 106 includes a pair of helical guides 124 that cross from the first end 126 of the guide rod 106 to the second end 128 of the guide rod 106. Alternatively, in some embodiments of the slide actuator 100, the guide rod 106 may include more or fewer spiral guides 124. The helical guide 124 is a helical groove in the guide rod 106. The second guide element 122 includes one or more ball bearings (not shown) that ride in or are confined to the groove. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the spiral guide 124 may be composed of a spiral ridge and the second guide element 122 may include a recess that engages the spiral ridge. Each spiral guide 124 traverses about 180 degrees from the outer circumferential surface of the guide rod 106 from the first end 126 to the second end 128. Since the second guide element 122 is slidably moved without allowing rotation, the engagement of the spiral guide 124 and the second guide element 122 forces the guide rod 106 to rotate. Thus, the linear movement of the second guide element 122 from the first end 126 to the second end 128 is converted to a rotational movement of about 180 degrees of the guide rod 106.

In the first rotary stop position of the slide actuator 100 shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the mobile phone 60 is in the closed position. The elastic element 116 is generally in a resting state (eg, in a relaxed state, a minimum tension state, an uncompressed or least compressed length, etc.). The cam element 108 and the resilient element 116 may move any movement of the second body 64 upward with respect to the first body 62 (eg, any of the second body 64 to open the mobile phone 60). To resist). Thus, the slide actuator 100 operates to hold the mobile phone 60 in the closed position.

In order to open the mobile phone 60 (and move the slide actuator 100 to the second rotational resting position), the user moves the second body 64 with respect to the first body 62 (eg, slides, etc.). To begin. This simultaneously moves the second guide element 122 (which is coupled to the second body 64) in a straight line towards the first guide element 120. When the second guide element 122 is moved toward the first guide element 120 from the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second guide element 122 starts to forcibly rotate the guide rod 106. This rotation of the guide rod 106 starts to rotate the second cam element 108b to which the guide rod 106 is fixedly engaged in the same direction of rotation. The government 110b starts to climb the valley 112a toward the government 110a. This slides the first cam element 108a away from the second cam element 108b toward the closed end 117 of the housing 109. The elastic element 116 applies a biasing force that forces the first cam element 108a toward the second cam element 108b while resisting compression. The configuration of the cam element 108 and the elastic element 116 biases the cam element 108 and the guide rod 106 toward the first rotational stop position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. At this point, when the user releases the second body 64, the second body 64 returns to the closed state and likewise the slide actuator 100 returns to the state shown in FIGS. On the other hand, when the user continues to move the second guide element 122 and the second body 64 toward the first guide element 120, the second body 64 is halfway between the open position and the closed position, the slide actuator ( 100 reaches the position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In FIG. 5, the slide actuator 100 is shown with the second guide element 122 in the middle between the first end 126 and the second end 128 of the guide rod 106. As discussed above, this represents the position where the mobile phone 60 is halfway between the open and closed positions. The guide rod 106 is rotated about 90 degrees from the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The top portion 110a and the top portion 110b of the cam elements 108 are aligned and in contact with each other as shown in FIG. 6. The first cam element 108a is at a minimum distance from the closed end 117 of the housing 109 and the elastic element 116 has a maximum displacement. This intermediate position is the neutral point (switch point, equilibrium position, etc.). If the top portion 110a and the top portion 110b are completely aligned, the biasing force does not bias the second cam element 108b and the guide rod 106 in any direction of rotation. If the user releases the second body 64 at this neutral point, the second body 64 is theoretically held midway between the open and closed positions. However, because the cam elements are not complete and it is difficult to align the second body 64 exactly in its position and there is vibration or movement, such a thing will not happen in practice, and the second body 64 will probably have either an open or closed position. Will be biased towards one position.

The movement of the second body 64 toward the closed position when the mobile phone 60 is in the intermediate position automatically disengages the slide actuator 100 from the neutral point to automatically close the mobile phone 60 in the manner described above.

The movement of the second body 64 toward the open position when the cellular phone 60 is in the intermediate position causes the slide actuator 100 to be disengaged from the neutral point to automatically open the cellular phone 60. More specifically, when the user continues to move the second guide element 122 and the second body 64 toward the first guide element 120 so that the second body 64 passes the midpoint, the second cam element 108b continues to be biased toward the second rotational stop position shown in FIG. 7, through which the guide rod 106, the second guide element 122, and the second body 64 move. Thus, when the user places the second body 64 at one point between the intermediate position and the open position, the second body 64 continues to move toward the open position and the slide actuator 100 rotates in the second rotation shown in FIG. The guide rod 106 is continuously rotated toward the rest position.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the second rotary stop position, the second guide element 122 is positioned adjacent to the first guide element 120, and the guide rod 106 is rotated in the first rotation of FIGS. 3 and 4. It is rotated about 180 degrees from the rest position. The cam elements 108 are realigned and engaged with the first rotational rest position. In FIG. 7 the second cam element 108b is rotated about 180 degrees from the position of FIGS. 3 and 4. Thus, the second stage 110b '(not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) of the second cam element 108b is located about 180 degrees away from the first stage 110b. The second government 110b ′ mates with the first valley 112a of the first cam element 108a. Similarly, the second valley 112b ′ of the second cam element 108b mates with the first government 110a of the first cam element 108a. The elastic element 116 is in a resting state (e.g., in a relaxed state, a minimum tension state, an uncompressed or least compressed length, etc.) in the second rotational stop position shown in FIG. The cam elements 108 and the elastic element 116 resist the movement of the second body 64 relative to the first body 62 (eg, the movement of the second body 64 to close the mobile phone 60). do. Thus, the slide actuator 100 operates to hold the mobile phone 60 in the open position.

To close the mobile phone 60, the user can move the second body 64 toward the closed position with respect to the first body 62. This operation is substantially similar to the operation for opening the above-mentioned mobile phone 60, and thus will not be described further.

Although the above discussion has discussed one slide actuator 100 coupled to a mobile phone 60, in some embodiments one or more slide actuators 100 may be used in one mobile phone 60.

In some embodiments, the slide actuator 100 may have a stroke of 36 mm (ie, the distance by which the second guide element 122 moves from the first rotational rest position to the second rotational rest position). The diameter of the guide rod 106 may be about 2 mm, and the diameter of the bias assembly 104 may be about 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the overall length of the slide actuator 100 may be about 51.6 mm.

It should be understood that the slide actuator of the present invention does not change its orientation in the manner described above with respect to some known slide actuators. Thus, it is not necessary to form an operating space for the actuator module of the portable communication terminal, and the design constraints imposed by such operating space are reduced or eliminated. Further, when the slide actuator according to the present invention is used in the portable communication terminal, the slide joint structure for the operation plate (second body) and the fixed plate (main body) can be eliminated. In particular, when two slide actuators according to the present invention are used on opposite sides of a portable communication terminal, the slide actuators may replace known actuators and slide joints (including slide joint rails).

In particular, the slide actuator according to the present invention can allow the second body or the slidable body of the portable communication terminal to slide accurately and smoothly without shaking and rattle in the slide direction.

As used herein, terms such as "up", "down", "inside", "outward", "inward", "outward", etc., refer to the location of each element as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is not necessarily limited to such a location. As used herein, terms such as "first", "second", and other ordinal terms do not imply order or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

In introducing elements, features, and example embodiments, modifiers such as “above” mean that there are one or more such elements or features. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional components or features in addition to those specifically mentioned. It should be further understood that the method steps, processes and actions described herein are not to be inferred that they must be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as the order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment, although not specifically shown or described, are not limited to that particular embodiment and, where applicable, are compatible and may be used in the selected embodiment.

1 is a schematic plan view of a slider mechanism for a conventional mobile communication terminal.

2A is a plan view of an exemplary slide-type portable communication terminal into which the slide actuator of the present invention may be incorporated, showing the mobile communication terminal in a closed position.

FIG. 2B is a plan view similar to FIG. 2A with the portable communication terminal in an open position;

3 is a perspective view of a slide actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the slide actuator in a first position.

4 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the slide actuator of FIG. 3.

5 is a perspective view of the slide actuator of FIG. 3 with the slide actuator in an intermediate position.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the slide actuator of FIG. 5. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the slide actuator of FIG. 3 with the slide actuator in a third position.

60: cell phone

62: first body

64: second body

100: slide actuator

102: guide rail assembly

104: bias assembly

106: guide rod

108: cam element

110: government

112: valley

114: bias guide rod

116: elastic element

120: first guide element

122: second guide element

Claims

A slide actuator for a mobile communication terminal having a first body and a second body slidably movable relative to the first body,

A guide rail assembly coupled to the first and second bodies of the portable communication terminal, the guide rail assembly having a guide rod and configured to convert linear movement of the second body relative to the first body into rotational movement of the guide rod; ;

A bias assembly coupled to the guide rail assembly, the bias assembly coupled to the first body and configured to provide a biasing force toward a first rotational rest position and a second rotational rest position of the guide rod.

Slide actuator comprising a.

The method of claim 1,

The bias assembly has a first cam element and a second cam element fixedly coupled to the guide rod,

The first and second cam elements are engaged when the guide rod is in the first rotational stop position and the second rotational stop position.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 2,

The bias assembly has an elastic element coupled to the first cam element,

The elastic element is configured to apply a linear force for biasing the first cam element toward the second cam element in a direction parallel to the guide rod.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 3,

The bias assembly is configured to be connected to the first body of the mobile communication terminal and has a housing for the first and second cam elements and the elastic element.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 3,

The elastic element includes a compression spring

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 3,

The elastic element includes a coil spring

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 1,

The guide rail assembly includes a first guide element configured to be connected to the first body,

And a second guide element coupled to the second body and configured to slide relative to the guide rod.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 7, wherein

The guide rod has at least one spiral guide groove crossing the longitudinal length of the guide rod from the first end of the guide rod to the second end of the guide rod.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 8,

The at least one spiral guide groove traverses over half of the outer circumferential surface of the guide rod between the first end and the second end.

Slide actuator.

10. The method of claim 9,

The at least one second guide element such that a linear movement of the second guide element between the first and second ends of the guide rod causes a rotational movement of the guide rod between the first and second rotational rest positions Coupled to the spiral guide groove of

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 10,

The second guide element has at least one ball bearing constrained in the at least one spiral guide groove.

Slide actuator.

A mobile communication terminal comprising a slide actuator of claim 1, a first body, and a second body,

The bias assembly is connected to the first body,

The guide rail assembly is connected to the first and second bodies to allow the second body to slide relative to the first body to open and close the mobile communication terminal.

Mobile communication terminal.

The method of claim 12,

The second body is slidable relative to the first body between a closed position, an open position and an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position,

The guide rod rotates between the first rotational stop position and the second rotational stop position when the second body slidably moves between the closed position and the open position.

Mobile communication terminal.

The method of claim 13,

The biasing force biases the second body toward the closed position when the second body is between the closed position and the intermediate position,

The biasing force biases the second body towards the open position when the second body is between the intermediate position and the open position.

Mobile communication terminal.

The method of claim 12,

Further comprising the slide actuator of claim 1 as a second slide actuator,

The bias assembly of the second slide actuator is connected to the first body, and the guide rail assembly of the second slide actuator is connected to the first and second bodies.

Mobile communication terminal.

Coupled to the first and second bodies of the mobile communication terminal, the guide rod and the first guide element coupled to the first body and the second guide element coupled to the second body, A guide rail assembly configured to convert a linear movement of the second guide element from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end of the guide rod into a rotational movement of the guide rod;

A housing coupled to the guide rail assembly, the housing configured to be connected to the first body, a first cam element, a second cam element, and an elastic element, toward the first rotational rest position and the second rotational rest position of the guide rod. A bias assembly configured to provide a bias force

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 16,

The first rotational stop position of the guide rod is the position of the guide rod when the second guide element is at the first longitudinal end of the guide rod,

The second rotational stop position of the guide rod is the position of the guide rod when the second guide element is at the second longitudinal end of the guide rod.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 17,

The first rotational stop position and the second rotational stop position are spaced apart by 180 degrees of rotation of the guide rod.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 17,

The biasing assembly applies the biasing force such that the second guide element is between the first longitudinal end and the midpoint of the guide rod intermediate between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end. Biasing the guide rod toward the first rotational rest position, and biasing the guide rod toward the second rotational rest position when the second guide element is between the midpoint and the second longitudinal end position.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 19,

The guide rod has at least one helical guide that crosses from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end.

Slide actuator.

21. The method of claim 20,

The at least one spiral guide traverses over half of the outer circumferential surface of the guide rod.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 21,

The second guide element is configured to couple to the at least one spiral guide

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 22,

The second guide element includes at least one ball bearing constrained in the at least one spiral guide.

Slide actuator.

The method of claim 16,

The elastic element includes a coil spring

Slide actuator.

A portable communication terminal comprising the slide actuator of claim 16, a first body, and a second body.

The bias assembly is connected to the first body,

The first guide element is connected to the first body,

The second guide element is connected to the second body to allow the second body to slide relative to the first body to open and close the portable communication terminal.

Mobile communication terminal.

The method of claim 25,

Mobile communication terminal.

The method of claim 26,

Mobile communication terminal.

A mobile communication terminal comprising the slider actuator of claim 16 as a first slide actuator, the slider actuator of claim 16 as a second slide actuator, a first body, and a second body,

Each bias assembly of the first and second slide actuators is connected to the first body, each first guide element of the first and second slide actuators is connected to the first body, and the first and second Each second guide element of the slide actuator is connected to the second body to allow the second body to slide relative to the first body to open and close the mobile communication terminal.

Mobile communication terminal.

A slide actuator for a mobile communication terminal having a second body slidably movable relative to a first body,

A guide rail assembly and a bias assembly,

The guide rail assembly includes a guide rod coupled to the bias assembly, and configured to attach to the first and second bodies of the mobile communication terminal.

The bias assembly is configured to be attached to the first body,

The guide rail assembly is configured to rotate the guide rod between a first and second rotational position when the second body is slidably moved relative to the first body,

The bias assembly applies a biasing force to assist the rotation of the guide rod toward the first rotational position when the guide rod is between an intermediate position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position and the first rotational position. and,

The bias assembly applies a biasing force to assist the rotation of the guide rod toward the second rotational position when the guide rod is between the intermediate position and the second rotational position.

Slide actuator.