KR20100015142A - Slider actuator assemblies with biasing elements for portable communication terminals - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A slider actuator assemblies with biasing elements for a portable communication terminal is provided to improve the durability by easing the fatigue due to the deformation. CONSTITUTION: The housings(110a,110b) have the central line. A part of the first connector is located inside the housing. The first connector is combined in the first main body the pivotally. The first connector has the first attachment point(190) of the outside of the housing. The first connector is parallel to slide in the central line of the housing. A second connector is located to face in the first connector. A biasing element(150) offers the biasing force inside the housing.

Description

SLID ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES WITH BIASING ELEMENTS FOR PORTABLE COMMUNICATION TERMINALS}

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

Wireless mobile terminals (e.g. mobile phones with digital cameras) have become popular in recent years. With the rapid popularization, the number of users has increased, and different users have various special preferences and tastes regarding the functionality and operability of the device, including the preference of the method of opening and closing the device.

According to the needs of users, various types of mobile communication terminals have been developed, such as a bar shape, a flip shape, a flip-up shape, and a folder shape. Of these various forms, folder forms have been the most widely used. The folder-type terminal has enough space to accommodate a wide LCD display module, and is convenient to carry in a folded small state.

A slider type terminal was also introduced. The slider-type terminal is equipped with an LCD display module having a size similar to that of an LCD display module generally provided in a folder-type terminal. The slider mechanism contributes to size reduction or miniaturization of the mobile communication terminal when combined with the mobile communication terminal. Conventional slider-type terminals have an auxiliary body or cover that can slide open and close relative to the main body.

1 is an exploded perspective view exemplarily illustrating a slider mechanism of a conventional mobile communication terminal. In this example, the first body 10 and the second body 20 are coupled to each other in a forward-backward direction or in a direction relative to each other in the front-rear direction. The first body 10 and the second body 20 are coupled to the torsion springs 31a and 31b. The second body 20 is formed to slide open and close semi-automatically by a restoring force and a biasing force acting by the torsion springs 31a and 31b. When the second body 20 slides far enough relative to the first body 10, the torsion springs 31a and 31b are exposed to the outside because they are located between the first and second bodies 10, 20. Exposed.

In another conventional slide type mobile communication terminal, a curved leaf spring or a spiral spring may be used as the slide actuator. An example of a conventional spiral spring actuator 40 is shown in FIG. Here, the spiral spring 40 has first and second ends 50, 60. The first end 50 of the spring is rotatably coupled to the case of the body and the second end 60 is rotatably coupled to the case of the slider. The spiral spring 40 also includes an elastic portion 70 disposed entirely between the first and second ends 50, 60. The elastic part 70 is arced or curved, and the spring 40 has a maximum elastic energy at the center of the elastic part 70.

 When the spiral spring 40 is rotatably coupled to the main body and the slider, the spiral spring 40 rotates between the first position 80a (see FIG. 3) and the second position 80c (see FIG. 3). The user can slide the mobile communication terminal by sliding the slider relative to the main body between the opening and closing positions. When the slider moves to a position such that the spiral spring 40 moves to the same position as the center position 80b between the first position 80a and the second position 80c, the elastic force of the elastic portion 70 moves the slider to the first position ( Push, drive, or bias to face in either of 80a) and second position 80c. Thus, when the user moves the slider from the closed position to the center relative to the body, the spring 40 exerts a biasing force on the slider and moves the slider to the open position semi-automatically.

When the slider is moved to the closed or open position, the maximum load may act on the elastic portion 70 of the spiral spring 40, in particular on the center of the curved portion or arc portion of the elastic portion 70. The slider may continuously move or slide to open and close the mobile communication terminal. Therefore, the maximum load continuously acts on the spiral spring 40 so that the elastic portion can be broken.

A slide actuator of a mobile communication terminal having a first body and a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing having a center line passing through a center point, and a first connector partially located in the housing. The first connector includes a first attachment point on the exterior of the housing to be rotatably coupled relative to the first body. The first connector may slide parallel to the centerline. The slide actuator also includes a second connector, a portion of which is located inside the housing. The second connector includes a second attachment point outside the housing to be rotatably coupled to the second body. The second connector is positioned opposite the first connector and can slide parallel to the centerline. The slide actuator also includes a biasing element in the housing. The biasing element is configured to generate a biasing force against movement toward the center of the first connector and the second connector.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the slide actuator of the mobile communication terminal having the first body and the second body includes a guide channel portion crossing the first direction. The slide actuator also includes a first connector with a portion located within the housing and a second connector with a portion located within the housing. The first connector includes a first tab that engages the guide channel portion and a first attachment point located outside the housing to rotatably couple to the first body. The first connector may slide along the guide channel portion. The second connector includes a second attachment point located outside the housing and a second tab engaged with the guide channel portion to be rotatably coupled to the second body. The second connector may be positioned opposite to the first connector and slide along the guide channel portion. The slide actuator also includes a biasing element configured to generate a biasing force against the movement of the first connector and the second connector toward the center of the guide channel portion within the housing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a slide actuator of a mobile communication terminal having a second body that can be slid relative to a first body includes a housing having first and second connectors.

The first and second connectors are formed to be attached to the first body and the second body, respectively. The first and second connectors are configured to extend or contract the slide actuator as the second body is moved relative to the first body. The slide actuator also includes a biasing element that is coupled within the haiing and is configured to generate a biasing force against the reduction of the slide actuator.

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

In the following specification, numerous specific details are used as examples of specific components, mechanisms, and methods for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that these details need not be used to limit the scope of the invention or to limit the scope of the invention. In development for practical execution, many practical and practical decisions are made to achieve the developer's practical goals, such as systemic and commercial conditions. Such development efforts can be complex and time consuming, but such development efforts are nevertheless common to those skilled in the art responsible for design, manufacture and production.

4 illustrates various exemplary components of a slide actuator 100 of a mobile communication terminal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the slide actuator 100 includes an upper housing 110a and a lower housing 110b. The upper housing 110a and the lower housing 110b are combined when the slide actuator 100 is assembled to form a housing 110. The upper housing 110a and the lower housing 110b (the housing 110 formed by them) have a center line A-A. Each of the upper housing 110a and the lower housing 110b includes a guide channel unit 170. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, each guide channel portion 170 of the upper housing 110a and the lower housing 110b includes a first guide channel 170a and a second guide channel 170b. Alternatively, the guide channel unit 170 may have a single guide channel.

4 and 5A to 5C, the first and second pressing pieces 130 and 140 may be partially accommodated in the housing 110 and may face each other across the center point 160. 110). The first and second pressing pieces 130 and 140, which may be referred to as connectors, may slide to move closer or farther from each other along the center line A-A. The first and second pressing pieces 130 and 140 may have tabs 180 engaged with the guide channel portion 170 so as to be guided along the center line A-A, respectively. The first and second pressing pieces 130 and 140 have first and second attachment points 190 and 200 (eg, through holes, openings, etc.). 5A-5C, when the slide actuator 100 is assembled, the first and second attachment points 190, 200 are exposed outward from the housing 110.

The slide actuator 100 includes a biasing element 150. The biasing element 140 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4 includes a first elastic biasing member 210 and a second elastic biasing member 220. The first and second elastic biasing members 210 and 220 are arc-shaped, respectively. When the first and second elastic members 210 and 220 are installed or fixed inside the housing 110, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the maximum convex portions of the respective elastic biasing members 210 and 220 are different from each other. The largest convex portions of the elastic biasing members 210 and 220 are opposed. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the biasing element 150 includes a pair of elastic biasing members 210, 220, but in other embodiments includes two or more or less than two elastic biasing members, or other suitable vias. It may comprise a singer means.

Hereinafter, the assembly and operation of the slide actuator 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A to 6C.

5A shows a partially assembled slide actuator 100. 5A shows the slide actuator 100 assembled but with the lower housing 110b removed for clarity. The first and second elastic biasing members 210 and 220 are coupled to the upper housing 110a by the slots of the housing connector 230. The first and second elastic biasing members 210 and 220 are wound through the slots of the housing connector 230 around the housing connector 230. When the lower housing 110b is coupled to the upper housing 110a through the housing connector 230, the elastic biasing members 210 and 220 are engaged with the housing 110 as a whole, and are constrained in a preferred position. Although specific methods for attaching the biasing element 150 have been described above, other embodiments may include other suitable methods or means, such as gluing, welding, mechanical fastening, and the like, for attaching the biasing element 150. In addition, the biasing element 150 may be coupled to other upper or lower housings 110a and 110b by other suitable means. When maintained in the position of FIG. 5A, the elastic biasing member 210 or 220 is bent in an arc toward the other elastic biasing member 210 or 220 from the housing connector 230. The arc portions of the resilient biasing members 210, 220 are held in close proximity to each other (but not physically in contact with or touching each other). In another embodiment, the elastic biasing members 210 and 220 may be formed or installed to contact or touch the arc portions of the elastic biasing members within the housing 110.

The first and second pressing pieces 130 and 140 are coupled to the upper housing 110a. The tabs 180 of the pressing pieces 130 and 140 are engaged with the guide channel portion 170. In detail, the tab 180 of the first pressing piece 130 is engaged with the first guide channel 170a, and the tab 180 of the second pressing piece 140 is engaged with the second guide channel 170b. Each of the pressing pieces 130 and 140 may include one or more tabs 180 having respective side surfaces engaged with the respective guide channel portions of the upper and lower housings 110a and 110b. In addition, when the slide actuator 100 is operated, in order to guide the movement of the pressing pieces 130 and 140 by sliding engagement of the tab 180 inside the guide channel portion 170, the tab 180 is It is also in contact with the biasing element 150. In the figure, the tabs are shown in a generally rectangular shape. However, unlike this, the tab 180 may have a tapered or small inner portion to reduce friction with the elastic biasing members 210 and 220. For example, the tab may have a wedge shape or a bullet shape.

After the lower housing 110b is coupled to the upper housing 110a, the pressing pieces 130 and 140 and the biasing element 150 are received inside the housing 110. In addition, the slide actuator 100 is installed to be used in the mobile communication terminal.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A-5C, the attachment points 190, 200 extend out of the housing 110. 6A through 6C, the slide actuator 100 is illustrated to be coupled to the first and second bodies 240 and 260 of the mobile communication terminal 250. 6A, 6B and 6C, the first and second bodies 240, 260 are placed between the closed position (see FIG. 6A), the central position (see FIG. 6B) and the open position (see FIG. 6C). The slides are moved relative to each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slide actuator is attached to the first and second bodies 240 and 260, respectively, by rivets and the like at the first and second attachment points 190 and 200, respectively. This rotation coupling allows the slide actuator 100 to rotate without being separated from the mobile communication terminal 250 at the attachment points 190 and 200, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. Thus, the slide actuator 100 rotates relative to the first body 240 relative to the first attachment point 190 and relative to the second body 260 relative to the second attachment point 200. Can rotate

Exemplary operation of the slide actuator 100 is shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. The lower housing 110b attached to the slide actuator 100 is omitted and does not show a state in which the slide actuator 100 is installed for use in the mobile communication terminal 250. 6A to 6C, the operation of the slide actuator 100 to which the lower housing 110b is attached is illustrated, and the slide actuator 100 is attached to the first and second bodies 240 and 260 of the mobile communication terminal 250. Is shown rotatably coupled through each pivot or point of attachment.

When the slide actuator 100 is in the first position as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, the pressing pieces 130, 140 extend farthest from the center point 160 (see FIG. 4) of the slide actuator 100. do. In the first position, the first attachment point 190 is positioned higher than the second attachment point 200. Depending on the shape of the mobile communication terminal and the relative positions of its components, the first location may be an open position or a closed position of the mobile communication terminal 250. For convenience, the first position herein is a closed position. In the closed position, the tab 180 is not in contact with the biasing element 150 but is only in direct physical light contact with the biasing element 150. The biasing element 150 is at or near a steady state because the distance between the elastic biasing members 210, 220 is, for example, set to a minimum or minimum gap compared to the central position shown in FIG. 5B. Thus, the load applied to the biasing element 150 in this closed position is, for example, minimal or minimum compared to the central position shown in FIG. 5B.

When the second body 260 slides relative to the first body 240 to open the mobile communication terminal 250 (for example, upward from the position of FIG. 6A toward the position of FIG. 6C), the slide actuator ( 100 rotates toward the center position shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B. The second attachment point 200 moves relative to the first attachment point 190 and moves in a direction toward the height of the first attachment point 190 in a straight line vertically upward from the first height 270. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second attachment point 200 is maintained at the same distance in the horizontal direction from the vertical side edge of the mobile communication terminal 250, and the second attachment point is shown in FIGS. 6A to 6B. Move vertically upward between the positions shown in FIG. Thus, in order to move the second attachment point 200 vertically while the first attachment point 190 is maintained at its original position relative to the first body 240, the pressing pieces 130 and 140 are coupled to each other. It is necessary to move relatively inward to each other so that the total length is shortened. While the second body 260 slides open or moves relative to the first body 240, the pressing pieces 130, 140 are forcibly slid toward the center point 160 of the slide actuator 100. The movement of the pressing pieces 130 and 140 toward the center point 160 is resisted by the elastic force of the elastic biasing members 210 and 220. When the user releases the second body 260 before reaching the central position (see FIG. 6B), the elastic biasing members 210 and 220 provide the biasing force to the pressing pieces 130 and 140, and then The second body 250 automatically returns to the first position or the closed position (see FIG. 6A). As such, a force against the second body 260 away from the closed position also helps to maintain the position when the second body 260 is in the closed position. When the second body 260 moves relative to the first body 240 to reach the central position shown in FIG. 6B, the separated distance of the central curved portion of the elastic biasing members 210 and 220 is maximum or It is the maximum. In this case, the elastic force applied to the pressing pieces 130 and 140 by the elastic biasing members 210 and 220 may also be maximum or maximum.

If the slide opening of the second body 250 with respect to the first body 240 continues and crosses the center position (see FIG. 6B) toward the open position (see FIG. 6C), the second attachment point 200 may be the first. It continues to move upwardly or perpendicularly relative to the attachment point 190 to a second height 280 that is higher than the first attachment point 190. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, the second attachment point 200 is maintained at the same distance in the horizontal direction from the vertical side edge of the mobile communication terminal 250, and the second attachment point is shown in FIGS. 6B to 6C. Move vertically upward between the positions shown in FIG. Thus, in order to move the second attachment point 200 vertically while the first attachment point 190 is maintained at its original position relative to the first body 240, the pressing pieces 130 and 140 are coupled to each other. It is necessary to move relative to each other outward so that the total length is longer. While the second body 260 slides open or moves relative to the first body 240 to the position shown in FIG. 6C, the pressing pieces 130, 140 are moved from the center point 160 of the slide actuator 100. It slides out of steel. In addition, the tab 180 of the pressing pieces 130 and 140 also moves inward with the slide of the pressing pieces 130 and 140 inward to move away from the elastic biasing members 210 and 220. The movement of the pressing pieces 130 and 140 toward the center point 160 is resisted by the elastic force of the elastic biasing members 210 and 220. When the user places the second body 260 beyond the central position (see FIG. 6B), the elastic biasing members 210 and 220 provide a biasing force for pushing the pressing pieces 130 and 140 outwards. Next, the second body 250 automatically moves to the third position or the open position (see FIG. 6C). Thus, once beyond the central position, the biasing element 150 resists the second body 260 from returning to the central or closed position. In addition, once the closed position is reached, the slide actuator 100 is placed in the same state as the closed position except that the slide actuator 100 is positioned at a different angle relative to the first and second bodies 240 and 260. In the case of closing the mobile communication terminal 250, the slide actuator operates in the same manner as in the case of opening the mobile communication terminal.

In the present embodiment, the dimensions of the mobile communication terminal 250 are formed such that the distance from the first height 270 to the second height 280 is about 36 mm. Thus, in this embodiment, the stroke distance, which is the distance at which the second body slides with respect to the first body, between the closed position and the open position is about 36 mm. In another embodiment, components of the mobile communication terminal, the slide actuator, or the mobile communication terminal or the slide actuator may have a stroke length of 36 mm or more or less. Further, in other embodiments, one or more components having a size larger or smaller than the component shown in FIG. 6A may be included. The dimensions described herein are for illustrative purposes only.

Above all, the slide actuator according to the present invention can stably open and close the mobile communication terminal. In addition, the slide actuator according to the present invention can be manufactured in a relatively less complicated and thin structure. In addition, the slide actuator according to the present invention can be improved in durability compared to the conventional actuator because fatigue is reduced by deformation.

Terms and descriptions such as "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "inward", "outward", etc., used to indicate the position of each component in this specification are to be regarded as such. It is not necessarily limited. Numerical terms such as "first", "second", and the like do not imply their time-series elements or order unless explicitly indicated in the text.

In introducing components, 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 elements 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. The description of the invention is illustrative only and variations which do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Individual components or features of each embodiment are not limited to particular embodiments, but may be substituted and used in selected embodiments, if possible, even if not specifically shown or described.

1 is an exploded view showing a slider mechanism of a mobile communication terminal according to the prior art;

2 shows a spiral spring slide actuator of a mobile communication terminal.

Figure 3 shows a spiral spring slide actuator according to the prior art shown in Figure 2 in three positions to show the movement when the mobile communication terminal is slide opening and closing.

4 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary components of a slide actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5A shows that the slide actuator of FIG. 4 is partially assembled and positioned in a first position (or closed position).

FIG. 5B shows that the slide actuator of FIG. 5A is located in a second position (or center position).

FIG. 5C shows that the slide actuator of FIG. 5A is located in a third position (or open position).

FIG. 6A illustrates that the mobile communication terminal and the slide actuator are positioned at a first position (or a closed position) in the embodiment in which the slide actuator of FIG. 4 is assembled to the mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 6B illustrates that the mobile communication terminal and the slide actuator of FIG. 6A are located at a second position (or a center position).

FIG. 6C illustrates that the mobile communication terminal and the slide actuator of FIG. 6A are located in a third position (or open position).

<Description of main parts of drawing>

A-A: Centerline 100: Slide Actuator

110: housing 130, 140: pressure piece

150: biasing element 160: center point

170: guide channel portion 180: tab

190, 200: attachment point 210, 220: elastic biasing member

240: first body 250: mobile communication terminal

260: second body 270: first height

280: second height

Claims (22)

It is a slide actuator of a mobile communication terminal having a first body and a second body, the second body is movable relative to the first body, A housing having a centerline having a center point, A first connector located a portion within the housing, the first connector having a first attachment point outside the housing to be rotatably coupled to the first body, the first connector being slidably movable relative to the housing generally parallel to the centerline of the housing Wow, A portion located within the housing and having a second attachment point outside the housing so as to be rotatably coupled to the second body, the housing being slidably movable relative to the housing generally parallel to the centerline of the housing; A second connector located opposite the first connector, A biasing element formed in the housing to provide a biasing force against movement towards the housing center point of the first connector and the second connector. Slide actuator of the mobile communication terminal comprising a. The method of claim 1, The biasing element is a slide actuator of a mobile communication terminal comprising a first elastic biasing member and a second elastic biasing member. The method of claim 2, And each of the first elastic biasing member and the second elastic biasing member includes an end portion coupled to the housing and a center portion having an arc shape. The method of claim 3, Each of the first elastic biasing member and the second elastic biasing member is coupled to the housing at a first coupling point and a second coupling point, A central portion of each of the first elastic biasing member and the second elastic biasing member has an arc shape facing the centerline of the housing between the corresponding first coupling point and the second coupling point. Slide actuator of mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 3, End portions of the first elastic biasing member are coupled to the housing opposite ends of the second elastic biasing member; Center portions of the first elastic biasing member and the second elastic biasing member are curved to face each other. Slide actuator of mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 1, The housing has a guide channel formed along the center line of the housing, The first connector has a first tab engaged with the guide channel, The second connector has a second tab engaged with the guide channel. Slide actuator of mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 1, The housing includes a first guide channel formed along a first portion of the center line and a second guide channel formed along a second portion of the center line. The first connector has a first tab slidably engaged with the first guide channel, The second connector has a second tab slidably engaged with the second guide channel. Slide actuator of mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 7, wherein The first guide channel and the second guide channel is a slide actuator of the mobile communication terminal is located on the surface facing the center point of the center line of the housing. A mobile communication terminal comprising a slide actuator of claim 1, a first body and a second body slidably coupled to the first body, wherein the second body is slid relative to the first body and opened and closed. The first connector pivotally couples to a first attachment point of the first body, The second connector pivotally couples to a second attachment point of the second body. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 9, The second body is slidably moveable relative to the first body between a closed position and an open position and a central position between the closed position and the open position, When the second body slides relative to the first body toward a central position, the first connector and the second connector slides inwardly toward a center point of the housing. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 10, The biasing force biases the second body to the closed position when the second body is between the closed position and the central position; The biasing force biases the second body to the open position when the second body is between the central and open positions. Mobile terminal. A slide actuator of a mobile communication terminal having a first body and a second body, A housing having at least one guide channel portion crossing the first direction; A part is located inside the housing and has a first attachment point on the outside of the housing to be rotatably coupled to the first body, and slidably engages the guide channel portion so that the first connector is along the guide channel portion. A first connector having a first tab that allows it to slide; A part is located inside the housing, and having a second attachment point on the outside of the housing to be rotatably coupled to the second body, and having a second tab slidably engaged with the guide channel portion. A second connector positioned opposite to the first connector and slidable along the guide channel portion; A biasing element formed in the housing to provide a biasing force against movement toward the housing center point of the first connector and the second connector. Slide actuator of the mobile communication terminal comprising a. The method of claim 12, The at least one guide channel unit includes a first guide channel and a second guide channel, The first tab is engaged with the first guide channel, The second tab is engaged with the second guide channel. Slide actuator of mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 13, The first guide channel and the second guide channel is a slide actuator of the mobile communication terminal is located on the opposite surface with respect to the center point of the housing. The method of claim 12, The biasing element is a slide actuator of a mobile communication terminal having a first elastic biasing member and a second elastic biasing member. The method of claim 15, And each of the first elastic biasing member and the second elastic biasing member includes an end portion coupled to the housing and a center portion having an arc shape. The method of claim 16, Each of the first elastic biasing member and the second elastic biasing member is coupled to the housing at a first coupling point and a second coupling point, A central portion of each of the first elastic biasing member and the second elastic biasing member has an arc shape facing the guide channel portion of the housing between a corresponding first coupling point and a second coupling point. Slide actuator of mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 16, End portions of the first elastic biasing member are coupled to the housing so as to face ends of the second elastic biasing member, Center portions of the first elastic biasing member and the second elastic biasing member are curved to face each other. Slide actuator of mobile communication terminal. A mobile communication terminal including a slide actuator of claim 12, a first body and a second body slidably coupled to the first body, wherein the second body is slid relative to the first body and opened and closed. The first connector pivotally couples to a first attachment point of the first body, The second connector pivotally couples to a second attachment point of the second body. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 19, The second body is slidably moveable relative to the first body between a closed position and an open position and a central position between the closed position and the open position, When the second body slides relative to the first body toward a central position, the first connector and the second connector slides inwardly toward a center point of the housing. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 20, The biasing force biases the second body to the closed position when the second body is between the closed position and the central position; The biasing force biases the second body to the open position when the second body is between the central and open positions. Mobile terminal. A slide actuator of a mobile communication terminal having a second body that is movable relative to the first body, A housing having a first connector and a second connector respectively attached to the first body and the second body, the first body and the second connector configured to expand and contract the slide actuator as the second body slides along the first body; A biasing element coupled within the housing, the biasing element being configured to generate a biasing force against the reduced length of the slide actuator. Slide actuator of mobile communication terminal.

Images