KR20100090601A - Double slidable slide assembly for portable terminals - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A slide assembly for portable terminal capable of double slide is provided to form long slide distance by a first slider member and a second slider member, thereby obtaining an improved serviceability by more widen exposed surface. CONSTITUTION: A first slider member(104) is combined to a base member to be capable of slide for sliding a first sliding distance against a base member(108) between a first position and a second position. A second member(106) is combined to a second body. The second member is combined to the first slider member to be capable of slide for sliding a second sliding distance against the first slider member between a third position and fourth position.

Description

DOUBLE SLIDABLE SLIDE ASSEMBLY FOR PORTABLE TERMINALS}

The present invention relates to a slide assembly, and more particularly, to a slide assembly for slidably opening and closing a mobile terminal such as a portable communication terminal and a portable electronic device.

Portable terminals (eg, mobile phones, etc.) are a popular communication method. And the opening and closing operation of the terminal is important. Many portable terminals use a bar type, a flip type, a slide type, a flip-up type, and the like. In a flip type terminal, a spring element used to individually bias the first and second bodies of the terminal to be rotatable together when the terminal is opened and closed may be coupled to the first and second bodies of the terminal. In the slide type terminal, a spring element used to slidably bias the first and second bodies of the terminal separately when the terminal is opened and closed may be coupled to the first and second bodies of the terminal.

1A and 1B show a conventional slide assembly for use in, for example, a slide type portable terminal. The slide assembly 1 has first and second sliding elements 2, 3. The first sliding element 2 is coupled to the first body or main body of the portable terminal. The second sliding element 3 is coupled to a second body, which may have a display device (eg, a liquid crystal display (LCD) module). The first and second sliding elements 2, 3 are slidably coupled to each other. The second sliding element 3 comprises one end of the first sliding element 2 (closed position of the slide assembly shown in FIG. 1A) and the other end of the first sliding element 2 (of the slide assembly shown in FIG. 1B). In the open position) to be slidably and elastically moved. In order to provide elastic movement of the second sliding element 3, a bias element or a spring element (not shown) is arranged between the first and second sliding elements 2, 3. The spring element has a maximum displacement in the closed and open positions of the slide assembly. The orientation of the spring element changes with the slide movement of the second sliding element 3 with respect to the first sliding element 2.

According to various aspects of the invention, it can be used to slidably couple the first body and the second body such that the first body of the portable terminal slidably moves relative to the second body of the portable terminal for opening and closing of the portable terminal. Exemplary embodiments of a slide assembly are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the slide assembly includes a base member, a first slider member and a second slider member. The base member is formed to be coupled to the first body of the portable terminal. The first slider member is slidably coupled to the base member such that the first slider member slides the first slide distance with respect to the base member between the first position and the second position. The second slider member is formed to be coupled to the second body of the portable terminal. The second slider member is coupled to the first slider member such that the second slider member slides a second slide distance with respect to the first slider member between the third and fourth positions. The slide distance of the slide assembly between the closed position where the first and second slider members are in their first and third positions and the open position where the first and second slider members are in their respective second and fourth positions is determined by It is the sum of the first and second slide distances.

In another exemplary embodiment, the slide assembly includes a base member, a first slider member, and a second slider member. The base member has a bracket. The first slider member has first and second guide parts. The second slider member has a second guide shaft parallel to the first guide shaft. The first slider member is slidably coupled to the base member by a first guide shaft mounted on the bracket and slidably coupled to the first guide portion. The second slider member is slidably coupled to the first slider member by a second guide shaft mounted to the second slider member and slidably coupled to the second guide portion.

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.

Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings described herein are for the purpose of illustrating selected embodiments only and are not intended to illustrate all possible embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Corresponding reference numerals in the drawings indicate corresponding parts.

As mentioned above, FIGS. 1A and 1B show a conventional slide assembly 1 having first and second sliding elements 2, 3 slidably coupled to one another. The first sliding element 2 may be coupled to the first body or main body of the portable terminal, and the second sliding element 3 may include a display device (eg, a liquid crystal display (LCD) module, etc.). It may be coupled to the second body of the portable terminal. The second sliding element 3 slides between one end of the first sliding element 2 (closed state shown in FIG. 1A) and the other end of the first sliding element 2 (open state shown in FIG. 1B). It is moved elastically if possible.

For this conventional slide assembly, the inventors have recognized that the slide distance or stroke of the second sliding element 3 is limited to the dimensions of the first sliding element 2 in the slide direction. In other words, the second sliding element 3 cannot slide beyond the first sliding element. Therefore, the portable terminal in which the conventional slide assembly 1 is installed has a short slide distance. Therefore, the exposure range of the upper surface of the main body of the portable terminal is limited to the short slide distance of the second body, thereby providing inefficient use of the portable terminal and limited keypad arrangement on the main body. Further, even if the slide assembly is deformed to have a long slide distance for the purpose of countering this problem, the second sliding element still does not move beyond the first sliding element. In addition, since such a slide assembly becomes large, the engagement of the sliding elements can be weakened and the sliding elements can be easily shaken. In addition, in order to avoid exposing parts lying between the sliding elements (eg, springs, flexible printed circuit boards, etc.) to the outside, the slide distances or strokes between the sliding elements are conventional slide assemblies. It must be restricted in (10).

Thus, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be provided that solve the problems of the prior art. For example, example embodiments may include slide assemblies that allow for longer slide distances or strokes. As such, a portable terminal equipped with such a slide assembly may have a wider exposed surface to improve usability and provide a more efficient keypad arrangement. Exemplary embodiments may include a slider assembly that enables longer slide distances or strokes of the slide member to facilitate mounting of the LCD module. Exemplary embodiments may include a slide assembly that allows the second slider member to be moved to a larger dimension in the slide direction more reliably without shaking. Exemplary embodiments may include a slide assembly that prevents (or at least reduces) external exposure of parts when the slider mechanism is in the fully open position.

2-6 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a slide assembly implementing one or more aspects of the present invention. The slide assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be used in, for example, a slide type portable terminal to facilitate opening and closing of the slide of the portable terminal. Portable terminals are within the scope of the present invention, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), global positioning systems (GPS), media devices, LCD displays, monitors, pagers, and other electronic devices. Device and the like. However, the slide assembly of the present invention may be installed in other devices within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated slide assembly 100 includes first and second slider members 104 and 106. The first slider member 104 is slidably coupled to the base member 108. The second slider member 106 is slidably coupled to the first slider member 104. As shown in FIG. 2 and described below, two link springs 110 are also provided to allow elastic movement of the first and second slider members 104, 106.

For example, the base member 108 may be a first body or main body (eg, shown in FIG. 7A, etc.) of a portable terminal (eg, indicated by reference numeral 300 in FIG. 7A) on which a keypad, an operation panel, or the like is disposed. And indicated at 302). As an example, a fastener 109 (eg, rivets shown in FIG. 2) may be used to couple the base member 108 to the main body. The second slider member 106 may be coupled to a second body or second portion (eg, a display screen, such as the LCD module 304 shown in FIG. 7A) of the portable terminal. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the electronic components can be electrically connected, for example, for operation via a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). 7A and 7B illustrate an example of a mobile terminal 300 that may use the slide assembly disclosed herein, the slide assembly may be used in addition to, or in addition to, those shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. .

In use, the slide assembly 100 can slidably couple the first and second bodies of the portable terminal to slidably move the first body relative to the second body for opening and closing of the portable terminal. As disclosed herein, the slide assembly 100 provides a longer slide distance by a double slide operation achieved by sliding the first slide member 104 against both the second slide member 106 and the base member 108. Can be achieved. That is, the total slide distance of the slide assembly 100 may include a first slide distance or a first stroke that the first slider member 104 slides with respect to the base member 108, and the second slider member 106 includes the first slide member. The sum of the second slide distance or the second stroke slid relative to 104 is obtained. Due to this overall long slide distance or stroke, the portable terminal with the slide assembly 100 can have a wider exposed surface to provide improved usability and more efficient keypad placement.

Referring to FIG. 2, the base member 108 may include one or more brackets 116 or one or more brackets 116 may be formed. In particular embodiments, the base member 108 may have brackets 118 and 120 at the side ends of the base member 108. These brackets 118, 120 may be formed of any suitable material, such as, for example, steel, plastics, metals, alloys, combinations thereof, and the like within the scope of the present invention.

A system (eg, male and female track system, etc.) may be provided for slidably coupling the first slider member 104 to the base member 108 to achieve a relatively smooth slide movement between them. have. A system (eg, male and female track system, etc.) may also be provided for coupling the second slider member 106 to the first slider member 104 while achieving a relatively smooth slide movement therebetween. have.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the side ends of the first slider member 104 may include first and second guide portions 122 and 124 or first and second guide portions 122 and 124 may be formed. Can be. The first and second guide parts 122 and 124 may include through holes, tracks, and grooves for accommodating the first and second guide shafts 126 and 128, respectively. In this example, the first guide shaft 126 is mounted or disposed on the bracket 116, and the second guide shaft 128 is on the side of the second slider member 106 parallel to the first guide shaft 126. Mounted or arranged.

Therefore, the first slider member 104 penetrates the first guide portion 122 to the first guide shaft 126 mounted to the bracket 116 (eg, mounted through the through hole of the bracket 116). It is slidably coupled to the base member 108 by. In addition, the second slider member 106 slides through the second guide portion 124 to the first slider member 104 by a second guide shaft 128 mounted to the second slider member 106. Combined.

Preferably, the length of the first guide portion 122 is shorter than the length of the first guide shaft 126. Therefore, the first slider member 104 is the first position where the first guide portion 122 is in contact with the bracket 118 and the first guide portion 122 is slidably moved to contact the opposite bracket 120. It is slidably moved relative to the base member 108 between the second positions. In alternative embodiments, guides and guide shafts of various lengths may be used.

Preferably, the length of the second guide portion 124 is shorter than the length of the second guide shaft 128. Therefore, the second slider member 106 has a third position where the second guide portion 124 is in contact with the distal end portion of the second guide shaft 128 and the second guide portion 124 has a position of the second guide shaft 128. It is slidably moved relative to the first slider member 104 between fourth positions in contact with the opposite proximal end. In alternative embodiments, guides and guide shafts of various lengths may be used.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first guide portion 122 is shown mounted or disposed at a generally side end of the first slider member 104. The second guide portion 124 is shown mounted or disposed at the end of the first slider member 104 opposite the first guide portion 122. In addition, the second guide shaft 128 is illustrated as being disposed or mounted on the second slider member 106 through the second guide portion 124. Alternatively, one or more second guide shafts may be mounted or disposed on the second slider member via the track system, or one or more second guide shafts may be mounted on the first slider member or second guide portion via the track system. Other arrangements may be provided, such as or as disposed. In other embodiments, one or more second guide portions may be provided, mounted or disposed on the first guide portion or the first slider member, using various methods or means within the scope of the present invention. In addition, other configurations for mounting or arranging the guide shaft and the guide portion may be used within the scope of the present invention.

Base member 108, first guide portion 122, first guide shaft 126, first slider member 104, second guide portion 124, second guide shaft 128 or second slider member 106 may be formed of the same, similar or different materials. For example, the base member 108, the first guide portion 122, the first guide shaft 126, the first slider member 104, the second guide portion 124, the second guide shaft 128 or the first 2 slider member 106 may be formed from steel, plastic, metal, alloy, combinations thereof, and the like within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated slide assembly 100 also includes a damper 130. The damper 130 may be disposed at the end of the bracket 116 and the end of the second guide shaft 128 to, for example, cushion or reduce the impact sound of the slider members 104 and 106.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the slide assembly may also include at least one first bias element 110, such as an elastic element or a spring element. In an embodiment, the slide assembly has one or more first bias elements. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two link springs 110 are provided.

The slide assembly may also have one or more fasteners, such as rivets. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the slide assembly 100 has first and second rivets 112, 114. The first rivet 112 may be coupled to the base member 108, and the second rivet 114 may be coupled to the second slider member 106. With continued reference to FIG. 2, each link spring 110 has base ends 110a and ends 110b rotatably supported in combination with first and second rivets 112, 114, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, a groove may be formed around the rivet in which the end of the at least one first bias element is wrapped and supported. Further, preferably, in order to minimize (at least reduce) the total thickness of the portable terminal, the rivet has a height equal to or less than the thickness in the cross section of the at least one first bias element. In other embodiments, the at least one first bias element may be coupled to the slide assembly by alternative means such as snap insertion, adhesive bonding, welding, or the like.

2 and 3, the slide assembly 100 may include at least one second biasing member 132 such as an elastic element or a spring element. 2 and 3, at least one second bias element 132 is coupled to the first slider member 104 by a bracket 133 and a fastener 135 (eg, rivets, etc.). A plate spring. End 137 of leaf spring 132 may be coupled to base member 108 by a fastener (eg, rivet 109 shown in FIG. 2) or other means. The leaf spring 132 is disposed between the lower side of the first slider member 104 and the upper side of the base member 108. In this exemplary embodiment, the leaf spring 132 operates to assist in opening the first slider member 104 relative to the base member 108. For example, when the leaf spring 132 has a weaker elasticity than the link spring 110 (refer to FIG. 2), the leaf spring 132 exerts an elastic biasing force in the opening direction to the first slider member 104. Can be assisted to slidably open the first slider member 104 relative to the base member 108. In other embodiments, the at least one second bias element may be coupled to the slide assembly by alternative means such as snap insertion, adhesive bonding, welding, or the like.

4 to 6, an exemplary process in which the slide assembly 100 according to the illustrated embodiment can be used to open and close the portable terminal will be described. When the slide assembly 100 is in the closed state (see FIG. 4), the first slider member 104 is in a first position where the first guide portion 122 contacts the bracket 118, and the second slider member 106 is in the third position where the second guide portion 124 is in contact with the distal end of the second guide shaft 128.

As can be seen in comparison with FIGS. 4 and 5, the first slider member 104 has a second position where the first guide portion 122 contacts the bracket 120 from the first position (see FIG. 4). 5) and slidable relative to the base member 108. While the first slider member 104 slides through the first guide shaft 126 and the first guide portion 122 with respect to the base member 108 between the first and second positions, the second slider member ( 106 may remain stationary, but such is not required.

As can be seen in comparison with FIGS. 5 and 6, the second slider member 106 has a first slider member 104 and a base member from a third position (see FIG. 5) to a fourth position (see FIG. 6). Slidable with respect to 108 via second guide shaft 128 and second guide portion 124. In the third position as shown in FIG. 5, the second guide portion 124 is in contact with the distal end of the second guide shaft 128. In the fourth position as shown in FIG. 6, the second guide portion 124 contacts the opposite proximal end of the second guide shaft 128. Therefore, FIG. 6 shows the fully opened position of the slide assembly 100, while FIG. 4 shows the fully closed position.

When the second slider member 106 moves relative to the first slider member 104 and the base member 108 to open the slide assembly 100, the second slider member 106 is the elastic force of the link spring 110. The semi-automatically reaches the fourth position. In addition, the leaf spring 132 acts on the first slider member 104 in this process, so that the first slider member 104 reaches the second position more reliably.

Therefore, when the slide assembly 100 is fully open, the second slider member 106 includes a slide distance or stroke at which the first slider member 104 slides between the first position and the second position, and the second slider member. The 106 is slidably moved relative to the base member 108 by a distance that is the sum of the slide distance or the stroke that slides between the third position and the fourth position. As such, the slide assembly 100 can realize a relatively long slide distance or stroke.

The slide distance of the first slider member 104 is added to the slide distance of the second slider member 106. Since the second slider member 106 is slidably moved relative to the base member 108 in a telescoping manner, the slide assembly 100 can achieve a longer slide distance. As such, the portable terminal having the slide assembly 100 may have a wider exposed surface, thereby providing improved usability and more efficient keypad arrangement. Since the leaf spring 132 exerting an elastic force in the direction of opening the first slider member 104 is disposed between the base member 108 and the first slide member 104, the second slider member 106 is at maximum. The slide can be moved more reliably to the slide position or the fourth slide position. Since the link spring 110 is placed under the first slider member 104, the link spring 110 is not exposed to the outside when the slide assembly is in the fully open state.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for 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. They can also be modified in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Embodiments are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are disclosed, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed and that the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and none should be inferred as limiting the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, well known processes, well known device structures and well known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising”, “comprising” and “having” are inclusive and thus describe the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, actions, components or parts, but with one or more other features. It does not exclude the presence or addition of parts, integrals, steps, actions, components, parts or groups thereof. 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.

When one component or layer is referred to as being “on”, “coupled”, or “connected” to another component or layer, it may be directly on or directly coupled to or connected to another component or layer; There may be intervening components or layers. On the other hand, when one component is referred to as being "directly on" another component or layer, "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to it, there may be no intervening components or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between components (eg, "between" and "directly between", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.) should be interpreted in the same way. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the items listed in relation thereto.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers or parts, but such components, parts, regions, layers or parts may be used herein. It should not be limited to these terms. These terms may only be used to identify one component, part, region, layer or portion with another region, layer or portion. Terms such as “first” and “second” and other ordinal terms, as used herein, do not mean a sequence or sequence unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, the first component, part, region, layer or portion may be referred to as the second component, component, region, layer or portion without departing from the teachings of the embodiments.

Spatial terms such as “inside”, “outer”, “bottom”, “bottom”, “bottom”, “top”, “top”, etc., may be described herein as shown in the drawings of one element or feature. When describing a relationship to an element or feature, it may be used for convenience of description. Spatial terms are intended to include other orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, when the apparatus of the figure is turned upside down, elements described as being "below" or "below" other components or features will be oriented "up" of the other components or features. Thus, for example, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatial terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

1A is a perspective view in a closed position of a conventional slide assembly.

1B is a perspective view in an open position of the conventional slide assembly of FIG. 1A.

2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of a slide assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view showing a first slider member slidably coupled to the base member of the slide assembly shown in FIG. 2, wherein the first slider member is slidably moved from the first closed position to the second position; Shows.

4 is an upward perspective view in the closed position of the slide assembly shown in FIG. 2 assembled;

5 is a top perspective view of the slide assembly shown in FIG. 4 in an intermediate or partial open position in which the first slider member is slidably moved relative to the base member from the first position to the second position.

6 is a top perspective view of the slide assembly shown in FIG. 5 in a fully open position in which the second slider member is slidably moved relative to the first slider member and the base member from a third position to a fourth position.

7A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary portable terminal.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 7A.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: slide assembly

104: first slider member

106: second slider member

108: base member

110: link spring

112, 114: Rivets

118, 120 bracket

122: first guide part

124: second guide portion

126: first guide shaft

128: second guide shaft

130: damper

300: mobile terminal

302: first body

304: second body

Claims (22)

A slide assembly for slidably coupling the first body and the second body so that the first body of the portable terminal is slidably movable relative to the second body of the portable terminal for opening and closing of the portable terminal, A base member formed to be coupled to the first body; A first slider member slidably coupled to the base member to slide a first slide distance with respect to the base member between a first position and a second position; A second slider member formed to be coupled to the second body and slidably coupled to the first slider member to slide a second slide distance with respect to the first slider member between a third position and a fourth position; Including, Of the slide assembly between the closed position where the first and second slider members are in the first and third positions, respectively, and the open position where the first and second slider members are in the second and fourth positions, respectively. Slide distance is the sum of the first and second slide distance Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, The first and second guide shafts, And first and second guide portions slidable along the first and second guide shafts to slidably couple the first slider member to the base member and the second slider member, respectively. Slide assembly. The method of claim 2, The first and second guide shafts are longer than the first and second guide portions, respectively. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, Each of the base member and the second slider member includes a first guide shaft and a second guide shaft, The first slider member includes first and second guide portions configured to slidably receive the first and second guide shafts, respectively. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, The base member has at least one bracket on which at least one first guide shaft is mounted, The second slider member has at least one second guide shaft mounted to the second slider member, The first slider member includes first and second guide parts slidable along the first and second guide shafts, respectively. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, A bracket provided at the side end of the base member; A first guide shaft mounted to the bracket, A second guide shaft mounted to the second slider member in parallel with the first guide shaft; Further comprising a first and a second guide portion provided on the side end portion of the first slider member, The first slider member is slidably coupled to the base member by the first guide shaft mounted on the bracket and slidably received in the first guide part. The second slider member is slidably coupled to the first slider member by the second guide shaft mounted on the second slider member and slidably received in the second guide portion. Slide assembly. The method of claim 6, When the first slider member is in the first position, the first guide portion contacts the bracket on the distal side, When the first slider member slidably moves from the first position to the second position, the first guide portion contacts the bracket on the opposite proximal side, When the second slider member is in the third position, the second guide portion is adjacent to the proximal end of the second guide shaft, When the second slider member is slidably moved from the third position to the fourth position, the second guide portion is adjacent to the opposite proximal end of the second guide shaft. Slide assembly. The method of claim 6, And a damper coupled to the bracket and the second guide shaft to reduce impact sounds of the first and second slider members. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, At least one bias element that assists sliding the second slider member toward the fourth position by applying a biasing force to the second slider member in an open direction; Slide assembly. 10. The method of claim 9, The at least one bias element includes at least one link spring. Slide assembly. The method of claim 10, The at least one link spring includes first and second link springs having end portions rotatably coupled to the base member and the second slider member, respectively. Slide assembly. The method of claim 11, The first and second link springs are disposed under the first slider member so that the first and second link springs are not exposed to the outside when the slide assembly is fully opened. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, And at least one biasing element for providing a biasing force in the opening direction to the first slider member to assist in sliding the first slider member toward the second position. Slide assembly. The method of claim 13, The at least one bias element comprises a leaf spring Slide assembly. The method of claim 14, The leaf spring is disposed between the lower side of the first slider member and the upper side of the base member. Slide assembly. The method of claim 1, The sliding direction of the first slider member relative to the base member is parallel to the slide direction of the second slider member relative to the first slider member. Slide assembly. A mobile communication device comprising the slide assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, And the first and second bodies slidably coupled to each other by the slide assembly such that the first body is slidably movable relative to the second body for opening and closing the portable communication device. Mobile communication device. The method of claim 17, The display apparatus may further include a user input device coupled to one of the first and second bodies and a display coupled to the other of the first and second bodies. Mobile communication device. A base member having a bracket, A first slider member having first and second guide parts, A second slider member having a second guide shaft parallel to the first guide shaft, The first slider member is slidably coupled to the base member by the first guide shaft mounted to the bracket and slidably coupled to the first guide portion. The second slider member is slidably coupled to the first slider member by the second guide shaft mounted to the second slider member and slidably coupled to the second guide portion. Slide assembly. The method of claim 19, The first slider member slides a first slide distance with respect to the base member between a first position and a second position, The second slider member slides a second slide distance with respect to the first slider member between a third position and a fourth position, Of the slide assembly between the closed position where the first and second slider members are in the first and third positions, respectively, and the open position where the first and second slider members are in the second and fourth positions, respectively. Slide distance is the sum of the first and second slide distance Slide assembly. A portable communication device comprising the slide assembly according to claim 19 or 20, And the first and second bodies slidably coupled to each other by the slide assembly such that the first body is slidably movable relative to the second body for opening and closing the portable communication device. Mobile communication device. The method of claim 21, The display apparatus may further include a user input device coupled to one of the first and second bodies and a display coupled to the other of the first and second bodies. Mobile communication device.

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