Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding-type portable terminal including a first housing; a second housing coupled to the first housing so as to slide while facing the first housing; and a sliding module for slidably coupling the first and second housings to each other. The sliding module includes a sliding guide mounted on the first housing, the sliding guide having at least one slit extending in a longitudinal direction; a sliding plate mounted on the second housing, the sliding plate being slidably coupled to the sliding guide and facing the sliding guide; and a hook extending from the sliding plate so as to slide in the slit, the hook extending into the first housing via the slit, an end of the hook being bent so as to face an inner surface of the sliding guide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a swing hinge device for semi-automatically rotating a pair of facing housings of a mobile terminal on a step-by-step basis, for use in a mobile terminal having a first housing and a second housing with a display unit rotatable around a hinge axis extending in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the first housing, the swing hinge device includes a rotation member rotatable around the hinge axis; a plate-type swing hinge member rotatably connected to the rotation member to semi-automatically rotate the rotation member on a step-by-step basis; a power supply means mounted in the swing hinge member to supply power for semi-automatically rotating the rotation member; and at least one swing locking means formed along the perimeter of the swing hinge member to lock or release the rotation member for the step-by-step interrupted rotation of the rotation member.

Abstract: A keypad assembly for a portable terminal includes a first keypad assembly including a substrate formed with openings, and a second keypad assembly including a stick which extends through the substrate. The stick is substantially coplanar with keys on the first keypad.

Abstract: An illumination sensing device for a portable terminal is disclosed. The illumination sensing device includes a housing having a sensor hole extending through a side of the housing, a printed circuit board in the housing and connected to a backlight unit, an illumination sensor coupled with the printed circuit board and disposed in the sensor hole, and an optical guide disposed in the sensor hole and facing the illumination sensor. The illumination sensor senses light introduced through the optical guide from outside the housing, and the backlight unit is operated based on the light sensed by the illumination sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding-type portable terminal including a first housing; a second housing coupled to the first housing so as to slide while facing the first housing; and a sliding module for slidably coupling the first and second housings to each other. The sliding module includes a sliding guide mounted on the first housing, the sliding guide having at least one slit extending in a longitudinal direction; a sliding plate mounted on the second housing, the sliding plate being slidably coupled to the sliding guide and facing the sliding guide; and a hook extending from the sliding plate so as to slide in the slit, the hook extending into the first housing via the slit, an end of the hook being bent so as to face an inner surface of the sliding guide.

Abstract: An illumination sensing device for a portable terminal is disclosed. The illumination sensing device includes a housing having a sensor hole extending through a side of the housing, a printed circuit board in the housing and connected to a backlight unit, an illumination sensor coupled with the printed circuit board and disposed in the sensor hole, and an optical guide disposed in the sensor hole and facing the illumination sensor. The illumination sensor senses light introduced through the optical guide from outside the housing, and the backlight unit is operated based on the light sensed by the illumination sensor.

Abstract: A keypad assembly for a portable terminal includes a first keypad assembly including a substrate formed with openings, and a second keypad assembly including a stick which extends through the substrate. The stick is substantially coplanar with keys on the first keypad.

Abstract: Disclosed is a swing hinge device for semi-automatically rotating a pair of facing housings of a mobile terminal on a step-by-step basis, for use in a mobile terminal having a first housing and a second housing with a display unit rotatable around a hinge axis extending in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the first housing, the swing hinge device includes a rotation member rotatable around the hinge axis; a plate-type swing hinge member rotatably connected to the rotation member to semi-automatically rotate the rotation member on a step-by-step basis; a power supply means mounted in the swing hinge member to supply power for semi-automatically rotating the rotation member; and at least one swing locking means formed along the perimeter of the swing hinge member to lock or release the rotation member for the step-by-step interrupted rotation of the rotation member.

Abstract: A port cover unit located on a preferred region of an electronic component for protecting various ports exposed at the outside of the component. The port cover unit includes a cover housing, a sliding cover slidably attached to an upper end of the cover housing for partially opening or closing the cover housing, and a stationary cover attached to the upper end of the cover housing. The stationary cover is aligned with the sliding cover or is placed below the sliding cover depending on the position of the sliding cover. The port cover unit can be easily made utilizing the injection molding, whereby aesthetic appearance of the port cover unit is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cradle for use in portable communication devices, which is configured so as to be folded or unfolded by a single operation. The cradle includes a front cover onto which the portable communication device is placed, a rear cover provided at a rear surface of the front cover and adapted to support the front cover, a rear plate located at a rear side of the front cover so as to be folded toward or unfolded away from the front cover by a certain angle on the basis of a hinge axis of a hinge assembly provided at an upper end of the front cover. At least one link unit is provided between the front cover and the rear plate and adapted to allow the front cover and the rear plate to be folded toward or unfolded away from each other by a certain inclination angle.