WO2010023558A2

WO2010023558A2 - Slide assemblies with liquid dampers for use in slidably opening and closing portable terminals

Info

Publication number: WO2010023558A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/006991
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chung Keun Yoo; Ki Won Yi
Original assignee: Laird Technologies Korea Yh
Priority date: 2008-08-28
Filing date: 2009-08-28
Publication date: 2010-03-04
Also published as: WO2010023558A3; KR20100025953A

Abstract

A slide assembly includes first and second slider members. The second slider member is coupled to the first slider member and slidable relative to the first slider member between a closed position and an open position. The first slider member includes an arm stopper having first and second side portions. The second slider member includes a slot extending along a sliding direction of the slide assembly. A housing is coupled to the first slider member. A rotator is rotably mounted within the housing. Also within the housing is a liquid damping substance with a viscosity for resisting rotation of the rotator. An arm is coupled to the rotator such that the rotator rotates when the arm is pivoted. The arm is slidably engaged with the slot such that the arm moves linearly relative the slot until a corresponding end portion of the slot causes the arm to pivot generally between the first and second side portions of the arm stopper. The liquid damping substance generates a damping force generally opposing the rotation of the rotator. The damping force helps reduce the sliding speed of the second sliding member relative to the first sliding member when the slide assembly is approaching the open position or the closed position.

Description

SLIDE ASSEMBLIES WITH LIQUID DAMPERS FOR USE IN SLIDABLY OPENING AND CLOSING PORTABLE

TERMINALS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a PCT International Application of (and claims priority to) Korean Application No. 10-2008-0084720 filed August 28, 2008. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to slide assemblies with liquid dampers for use in slidably opening and closing portable terminals, such as electronic devices, etc.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Portable terminals {e.g., cellular phones, etc.) are popular modes of communication. And, operation to open and close the terminals is important. Many portable terminals utilize a flip-type opening and closing construction. In these terminals, spring elements may be coupled to first and second bodies of the terminals for use in pivotably biasing the bodies apart and together when opening and closing the terminals. Other portable terminals utilize a slide-type opening and closing construction. In these slide- type terminals, spring elements may be coupled to first and second bodies of the terminals for use in slidably biasing the bodies apart and together when opening and closing the terminals.

[0005] FIG. 1 , for example, illustrates a conventional slide assembly for use in a slide-type portable terminal. As shown, the slide assembly includes a first slider member or body 1 and a second slider member or body 2. The first and second slider members 1 and 2 are slidably coupled to each other. The second slider member 2 is configured to slidably and resiliency move between one end portion of the first slider member 1 (a closed position of the slide assembly) and an opposite end portion of the first slider member 1 (an open position of the slide assembly). To provide a resilient movement of the second slider member 2, a biasing or spring component 3 is disposed between the first and second slider members 1 , 2. The spring component 3 has a maximum displacement at the open and closed positions of the slide assembly. The orientation of the spring component 3 is changed along with the sliding movement of the second slider member 2 relative to the first slider member 1. Rubber bumpers 4 are provided at the end portions of the first slider member 1 for dampening the impact of the second slider member 2 into and against the first slider member 1 when the second slider member 2 approaches the closed and open positions.

SUMMARY

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0007] According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of slide assemblies for use in slidably opening and closing portable terminals. In one example embodiment, a slide assembly includes first and second slider members. The second slider member is coupled to the first slider member and slidable relative to the first slider member between a closed position and an open position. The first slider member includes an arm stopper having first and second side portions. The second slider member includes a slot extending along a sliding direction of the slide assembly. A housing is coupled to the first slider member. A rotator is rotably mounted within the housing. Also within the housing is a liquid damping substance with a viscosity for resisting rotation of the rotator. An arm is coupled to the rotator such that the rotator rotates when the arm is pivoted. The arm is slidably engaged with the slot such that the arm moves linearly relative the slot until a corresponding end portion of the slot causes the arm to pivot generally between the first and second side portions of the arm stopper. The liquid damping substance generates a damping force generally opposing the rotation of the rotator. The damping force helps reduce the sliding speed of the second sliding member relative to the first sliding member when the slide assembly is approaching the open position or the closed position. Other aspects relate to portable communications terminals that include slide assemblies.

[0008] Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to dampers reducing sliding speed of a first slide member relative to a second slider member of a slide assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, a damper includes a housing and a rotator rotably mounted within the housing, Also within the housing is a liquid damping substance having a viscosity for resisting rotation of the rotator. An arm is coupled to the rotator such that pivoting movement of the arm rotates the rotator. Other aspects relate to slide assemblies and portable communications terminals that include such dampers.

[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art slide assembly having rubber bumpers, which may be used for slidably opening and closing a slide-type electronic device;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a damper for a slide assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the damper shown in FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the damper shown in FIG. 2 taken along the plane A-A in FIG. 2;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower case of the damper shown in FIG. 2, and illustrating the lower case's recessed portion which may be filled with a liquid dampening substance {e.g., silicon oil, etc.);

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower case, rotator, and O-ring of the damper shown in FIG. 2, and illustrating the rotator mounted to the lower case of FIG. 5 and the O-ring installed onto the rotator;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the lower case and upper case of the damper shown in FIG. 2, where the upper case is installed and adjoined onto the lower case of FIG. 6 with the rotator, liquid dampening substance, and O-ring generally between the upper and lower cases; [0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the upper and lower cases shown in FIG. 7, but after sealing the circular gap between the upper and lower cases;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the damper's arm coupled to the rotator by the engagement of the rotator's fitting shaft (also shown in FIG. 8) into the hole of the arm;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the arm bonded to the protruding portion of the rotator's fitting shaft that protrudes outwardly beyond the hole in the arm as shown in FIG. 10;

[0021] FIG. 1 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary slide assembly in which has been assembled the damper shown in FIG. 2, and illustrating the slide assembly in a closed position;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 1 1 with the slide assembly illustrated in an open position;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the damper shown in FIG. 2, and illustrating the two different positions of the damper's arm in the respective closed position and open position; and

[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective of the damper shown in FIG. 13 with the upper case and arm removed to illustrate the rotational direction of the rotator from the closed position to the open position.

[0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] As noted above, FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional slide assembly having rubber dampers 4 disposed at the end portions of the first slider member 1. With this conventional slide assembly, the inventors hereof have recognized that the rubber dampers 4 only serve as cushions for the impact or shock exerted by the second slider member 2 against the first slider member 1 , such that the rubber dampers 4 do not cause the second slider member 2 to smoothly or gradually decelerate while approaching the closed position or the open position. As such, the second slider member 2 strikes the first slider member 1 with a certain impact when the second slider member 2 is moved to the closed position or to the open position. Thus, the impact force is allowed to be transmitted to various parts mounted on the slider members. Accordingly, the inventors hereof have recognized a need for and disclosed herein various slide assemblies with dampers {e.g., silicon oil, etc.) that are capable of smoothly or gradually decelerating the second slider member while it approaches the closed position and open position relative to the first slider member.

[0028] With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 2 through 14 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a damper 100 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The damper 100 may be used in a slide assembly (FIGS. 1 1 and 12), which, in turn, may be used, for example, with a slide-type portable terminal to facilitate or help with slidably opening and closing of the portable terminal. Portable terminals may include, for example, portable communications terminals such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc., other electronic devices, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustrated damper 100 generally includes a lower case or housing portion 104 and an upper case or housing portion 108. The lower case 104 includes a recessed portion 1 12 (FIG. 3) for accommodating or receiving a liquid dampening substance {e.g., silicon oil, etc.). When the damper 100 is assembled, the lower and upper case 104 and 108 collectively form a housing or enclosure with a space or cavity therebetween for holding a liquid damping substance {e.g., silicon oil, etc.). The lower case 100 also includes an upwardly protruding pin, member, or protrusion 1 16 within the recessed portion 1 12. In this particular example, the lower case's recessed portion 1 12 and protrusion 1 16 are generally circular. Other embodiments may include a lower case with a different configuration, such as a lower case having a non-circular receiving portion and/or non-circular protrusion. The lower case 104 and upper case 108 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, steel, plastics, metals, alloys, combinations thereof, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The damper 100 further includes a rotator 120, which cooperates with the liquid damping substance disposed in the damping space between the lower case 104 and upper case 108. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotator 120 includes a base 124 that is generally plate-shaped. The rotator 120 also includes a fitting shaft 128 that extends upwardly from about a central portion of the rotator's base 124. The fitting shaft 128 is configured to extend outwardly through a hole 132 (FIG. 3) in the upper case 108 when the lower case 104 and upper case 108 are assembled to each with the rotator's base 124 therebetween. With continued reference to FIG. 4, a bottom surface of the rotator 120 includes the generally circular recessed portion 136 corresponding to the pin protrusion 1 16 of the lower case 104. The rotator 120 is rotatably mounted to the lower case 104 by positioning the rotator's recessed portion 136 on the lower case's pin protrusion 1 16, such that the rotator 120 is rotatable about the pin protrusion 116. The rotator 120 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, Polyoxymethylene Acetal Polymer (POM) Injection Molding, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a sealing member 140 is disposed between a top surface of the rotator 120 and a bottom surface of the upper case 108 to inhibit leakage of the liquid damping substance {e.g., silicon oil, etc.) through the opening 132 of the upper case 108 from the damping space or cavity defined between lower case 104 and upper case 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 140 is a silicon rubber O-ring. Alternative sealing members made from other suitable materials may also be used.

[0032] The rotator 120 may be coupled to a slider member of a slide assembly by means of an arm 144. As shown in FIG. 3, the arm 144 is generally flat and elongate in shape and includes generally rounded longitudinal end portions 148 and 152. The arm 144 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, steel, a plastic material, a metal material, an alloy, a combination thereof, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] At the proximal end portion 148, the arm 144 has a fitting hole or opening 156 (FIG. 3) configured to couple or mate with the fitting shaft 128 of the rotator 120. At the arm's other end portion 152, the arm 144 has another hole or opening 160 to which a rivet 164 {e.g., steel rivet, etc.) is coupled. In turn, the rivet 164 may contact a portion of a slider member when the damper 100 is used with a slide assembly. Alternative embodiments may include an arm 144 that integrally defines an engagement member or portion thereof that takes the place of the rivet 164.

[0034] With reference now to FIGS. 5 through 100, a description will now be provided of an exemplary process by which the damper 100 may be fabricated. First, a damping substance {e.g., silicon oil, etc.) is poured or otherwise added into the recessed portion 1 12 of the lower case 104 (FIG. 5). Next, the rotator 120 (FIG. 6) may be rotatably mounted to the lower case 104 by fitting or engaging the lower case's pin protrusion 1 16 into the recessed portion 136 (FIG. 4) on the bottom of the rotator 120. The O-ring 140 is fitted to the rotator 120.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper case 108 may then be installed and adjoined {e.g., spot welded, etc.) onto the lower case 104. By way of example, the upper case 108 may be spot welded to the lower case 104. Alternative embodiments may include other suitable methods or means for attaching the upper case 108 to the lower case 104, such as gluing, welding, mechanical fasteners, etc.

[0036] The interface or gap between the lower case 104 and upper case 108 may be sealed, such as by silicon caulking 168 (FIG. 8). Alternative embodiments may include other suitable methods or means for sealing the gap between the lower case 104 and upper case 108.

[0037] The arm 144 (FIG. 9) may be coupled to the rotator 120 by way of the engagement of the rotator's fitting shaft 128 into the arm's fitting hole 156. The arm 144 may then be more permanently coupled or bonded to the rotator 120, for example, by thermal bonding 172 (FIG. 10). That is, the portion of the rotator's fitting shaft 128 that protrudes outwardly beyond the hole 156 in the arm 144 may be thermally bonded, etc. to each other. A rivet 164 may then be attached to the arm 144 via the hole 160.

[0038] With reference now to FIGS. 1 1 and 12, the damper 100 may be installed or assembled in a slide assembly, which, in turn, may be used, for example, with a slide-type portable terminal to facilitate or help with slidably opening and closing of the portable terminal. As shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12, the slide assembly includes a first body or slider member 176 and a second body or slider member 180, which is slidably movable with respect to the first slider member 176. The slide assembly also includes a biasing component 184, such as an elastic or spring component. A track system {e.g., a male and female track system, etc.) may be provided for slidably coupling the first slider member 176 to the second slider member 180 and for achieving a relatively smooth sliding movement between the first and second slider members 176, 180. By way of further example, a user input device (e.g., keypad, etc.) may be supported by the first slide member 176, and a display device (e.g., LCD display screen, etc.) may be supported by the second slide member 180. In this example, the electronic components supported by the first and second slider members 176 and 180 may be electrically connected for operation, for example, through a flexible PCB. FIGS. 1 1 and 12 illustrate but one example of a slide assembly in which the damper 100 may be used, as the damper 100 may be used with other slide assemblies including different, additional, and other components than what is show in FIGS. 1 1 and 12.

[0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 1 and 12, the lower case 104 of the damper 100 may be secured to the first slider member 176. The first slider member 176 includes a dovetail groove-shaped arm stopper 187, in which the arm 144 of the damper 100 is disposed. As shown by comparing FIGS. 1 1 and 12, the arm 144 is pivotable generally between the generally opposing side portions 185 and 186 of the dovetail groove-shaped arm stopper 187. The side portions 185, 186 of the arm-stopper 187 are thus operable as stops that limit the pivoting motion of the arm 144 by way of contact between the arm 144 and the corresponding side portion 185 or 186 of the dovetail groove-shaped arm stopper 187 depending on whether the slide assembly is closed (FIG. 11 ) or open (FIG. 12).

[0040] The second slider member 180 includes a slot 190 extending along and parallel with the sliding direction. The rivet 164 of the damper 100 is within the slot 190 such the rivet 164 is slidably moveable linearly along the slot 190. The slot 190 includes generally opposed end portions 192, 194. The slots' end portions 192, 194 are operable as stops by way of contact between the rivet 164 and the corresponding end portion 192 or 194 of the slot 190 depending on whether the second slider member 180 is being slidably moved relative to the first slider member 176 towards the closed position (FIG. 11 ) or towards the open position (FIG. 12).

[0041] For example, when the second slider member 180 approaches the open position (FIG. 12) of the slide assembly from the closing position, the rivet 164 slides along the slot 190 and is brought into contact with the lower end portion 194 of the slot 190. With continued sliding movement of the second slider member 180 relative to the first slider member 176, the contact between rivet 164 and the lower end portion 194 of the slot 180 will cause the arm 144 to pivot accommodate the sliding of the second member 180 generally linearly upwardly from the position shown in FIG. 1 1 to the position shown in FIG. 12. With sufficient pivoting motion of the arm 144, the rivet 164 will contact the upper side portion 185 of the arm stopper 187, thus preventing any further pivotal movement (in the clockwise direction in FIG. 12) of the arm 144. In the fully open position, the rivet 164 will thus be locked in place generally between the lower end portion 194 of the slot 190 and the upper side portion 185 of the arm stopper 187. Accordingly, the second slider member 180 is thus allowed to be located at the open position with respect to the first slider member 176 by means of the rivet 164, the arm 144, and the arm stopper 187. During the sliding movement of the second slider member 180 towards the open positioned, the contact between the lower end portion 194 of the slot 190 and the rivet 164 causes the arm 144 (and rotator 120 coupled thereto as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 14) to pivot or rotate from the arm position shown in FIG. 1 1 to the arm position shown in FIG. 12. While the rotator 120 is being rotated, the rotator's outer lateral sides and top and bottom sides rotate against the resistance of the silicon oil (or other suitable liquid dampening substance) within the space defined between the lower and upper cases 104, 108. Thus, when the second slider member 180 approaches the open position, the sliding movement of the second slider member 180 is smoothly decelerated by the rotation of the rotator 120 against the resistance of the silicon oil.

[0042] When sliding in the opposite direction towards the closed position (FIG. 1 1 ), the sliding movement of the second slider member 180 is also smoothly decelerated by way of the silicon oil and rotator 120. More specifically, as the second slider member 180 approaches the closed position, the upper end portion 192 of the slot 190 and the rivet 164 contact each other. With that contact, continued sliding movement of the second slider member 180 causes the arm 144 (and rotator 120 coupled thereto) to rotate or pivot from the arm position shown in FIG. 12 to the arm position shown in FIG. 1 1. While the rotator 120 is being rotated, the rotator's outer lateral sides and top and bottom sides rotate against the resistance of the silicon oil (or other suitable liquid dampening substance) with the space defined between the lower and upper cases 104, 108. Thus, when the second slider member 180 approaches the closed position, the sliding movement of the second slider member 180 is smoothly decelerated by the rotation of the rotator 120 against the resistance of the silicon oil. Eventually, the rivet 164 will contact the lower side portion 186 of the arm stopper 187, thus preventing any further pivotal movement (in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 11 ) of the arm 144. In the fully closed position, the rivet 164 will also be held in place generally between the upper end portion 192 of the slot 190 and the lower side portion 186 of the arm stopper 187.

[0043] As described above and shown in FIG. 13, the arm 144 of the damper 100 is allowed to pivot between two positions defined by the side portions 185, 186 (FIGS. 1 1 and 12) of the arm stopper 187 with the damping action taking place during such pivoting movement of the arm, which causes the rotation of the rotator 120 against the resistance of the silicon oil. Thus, the sliding movement of the second slider member 180 is smoothly decelerated in the vicinity of the closed and open positions of the slide assembly.

[0044] The damping torque may be controlled by way of the viscosity of the silicon oil or other liquid damping substance and overall shape of the rotator 120. For example, a more viscous damping substance than silicon oil may be used in those embodiments in which a greater damping torque is desirable. Conversely, a less viscous damping substance than silicon oil may be used in those embodiments in which a lesser damping torque is desirable.

[0045] Some embodiments are configured or sized dimensionsally such that the rivet 164 travels a linear distance (vertical distance in FIG. 13) of about 6.60 millimeters while the arm 144 pivots (clockwise rotation in FIG. 13) about thirty degrees shown in FIG. 13. Other embodiments may be configured such that the linear distance traveled by the rivet and/or angular rotation of the arm is greater than or less than 6.60 millimeters and thirty degrees, respectively In addition, other embodiments may include one or more components that have a relative sizing that is smaller or larger relative to the other components than what is shown in the figures. Dimensions have been disclosed herein as examples for purpose of illustration only.

[0046] Among other things, a damper according to the present disclosure may be used with a slide assembly such that when the second slider member 180 is slidably moved relative to the first slider member 176 between the closing and open positions of the slide assembly, the sliding movements of the second slide member 180 may be smoothly decelerated by the damper 100 in the vicinity of the closed and open positions. Accordingly, an impact or shock exerted upon the slide assembly by the sliding movements of the second slider member 180 may thus be dampened and mitigated by the damper 100.

[0047] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied 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.

[0048] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0050] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "engaged to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion {e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0051] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0052] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A damper for reducing sliding speed of a first slide member relative to a second slider member of a slide assembly when approaching an open position or a closed position of the slider assembly, the damper comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to one of the first and second slider members; a rotator rotably mounted within the housing; a liquid damping substance within the housing and having a viscosity for resisting rotation of the rotator; an arm coupled to the rotator such that pivoting movement of the arm rotates the rotator.

2. The damper of claim 1 , wherein the liquid damping substance comprises silicon oil.

3. The damper of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes: a lower case having a recessed portion for receiving the liquid dampening substance therein; an upper case coupled to the lower case.

4. The damper of claim 3, wherein: the lower case includes an upwardly protruding pin; the rotator includes a recessed portion engagably receiving the pin of the lower case therein, such that the rotator is rotatable about the pin.

5. The damper of claim 3, wherein: the rotator includes a base and a fitting shaft that extends upwardly from the base; the upper case includes an opening through which extends a portion of the fitting shaft of the rotator; the arm includes an opening in which is engaged the portion of the fitting shaft of the rotator extending through the opening of the upper case.

6. The damper of claim 5, wherein the arm is bonded to the fitting shaft of the rotator by thermal bonding.

7. The damper of claim 5, further comprising a sealing member disposed relative to the opening in the upper case to inhibit leakage of the liquid damping substance through the opening in the upper case.

8. The damper of claim 3, wherein the upper case is welded to the lower case.

9. The damper of claim 3, further comprising silicon caulking within a gap generally between the upper case and the lower case.

10. The damper of claim 1 or 2, wherein the arm is generally flat and elongate and includes generally rounded first and second end portions, the first end portion including an opening engaged with the rotator, the second end portion including an opening engaged with a rivet.

1 1. The damper of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a rivet coupled to the arm and slidably received within a slot defined by at least one of the first and second sliding members.

12. A slide assembly including the damper of claim 1 or 2, a first slider member, a second slider member coupled to the first slider member and being slidable relative to the first slider member between a closed position and an open position, wherein the housing is coupled to the first slider member, and the arm is coupled to second slider member such that the arm pivots when the second slider member is slidably moved relative to the first slider member and approaches the open position or closed position, whereby the pivotal movement of the arm rotates the rotator within the liquid damping substance thereby generating a damping force generally opposing the rotation of the rotator, such that the damping force helps reduce the sliding speed of the second sliding member relative to the first sliding member.

13. A portable communications terminal including the slide assembly of claim 12 for slidably opening and closing the portable communications terminal.

14. A slide assembly for use in slidably opening and closing an electronic device, the slide assembly comprising: a first slider member including an arm stopper having first and second side portions; a second slider member coupled to the first slider member and being slidable relative to the first slider member between a closed position and an open position, the second slider member including a slot extending along a sliding direction of the slide assembly, the slot having generally opposing end portions; a housing coupled to the first slider member; a rotator rotably mounted within the housing; a liquid damping substance within the housing and having a viscosity for resisting rotation of the rotator; an arm coupled to the rotator such that the rotator rotates when the arm is pivoted, the arm slidably engaged with the slot such that the arm moves linearly relative to the slot until a corresponding end portion of the slot causes the arm to pivot from one of the first and second side portions of the arm stopper towards the other one of said first and second side portions of the arm stopper; whereby the liquid damping substance generates a damping force generally opposing the rotation of the rotator and that is transmitted via the arm for helping reduce the sliding speed of the second sliding member relative to the first sliding member when the slide assembly is approaching the open position or the closed position.

15. The slide assembly of claim 14, wherein the liquid damping substance comprises silicon oil.

16. The slide assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the arm stopper includes a dovetail configuration.

17. The slide assembly of claim 14 or 15, further comprising a biasing member coupled between the first and second slide members.

18. The slide assembly of claim 14 or 15, further comprising a rivet coupled to the arm and slidably engaged within the slot such that the rivet slides along the slot until contact between the rivet and a corresponding end portion of the slot causes the arm to pivot from one of the first and second side portions of the arm stopper towards the other one of said first and second side portions of the arm stopper.

19. The slide assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the housing includes: a lower case having a recessed portion for receiving the liquid dampening substance therein; an upper case coupled to the lower case.

20. The slide assembly of claim 19, wherein: the lower case includes an upwardly protruding pin; the rotator includes a recessed portion engagably receiving the pin of the lower case therein, such that the rotator is rotatable about the pin.

21. The slide assembly of claim 19, wherein: the rotator includes a base and a fitting shaft that extends upwardly from the base; the upper case includes an opening through which extends a portion of the fitting shaft; the arm includes an opening in which is engaged the portion of the fitting shaft extending through the opening of the upper case.

22. A portable communications terminal including the slide assembly of claim 20, and further comprising a user input device coupled to one of the first and second slider members and a display coupled to the other one of the first and second slider members.

23. The slide assembly of claim 20, wherein the slide assembly is configured such that the arm begins to pivot when the slide assembly is about 6.60 millimeters away from the open position or closed position of the slide assembly.