KR101889478B1 - Front frame, mobile terminal comprising it and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A front frame, a mobile terminal including the front frame, and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A front frame of the present invention, a mobile terminal including the front frame, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided with a window layer located on the front side; An LCD layer located below the window layer; And a front frame supporting at least one of the window layer and the LCD layer, wherein the front frame comprises: a first part of a first material forming an outer circumference of the front frame; A second part of a second material coupled to the first part to form an inner circumference of the first part, and a second part of the second material, which is injected into the coupling part of the first and second parts, And a second part that is a part of the second part. According to the present invention, it is possible to design a slim design by configuring the parts constituting the front frame with different materials.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a front frame, a mobile terminal including the front frame, and a manufacturing method thereof. [0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a front frame, a mobile terminal including the front frame, and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a front frame capable of designing slim designs by configuring parts constituting a front frame, To a mobile terminal and a manufacturing method thereof.

A terminal such as a personal computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile phone has various functions, for example, a multimedia device having a complex function such as photographing or photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of music or a moving picture file, (Multimedia player).

The terminal can move And may be divided into a mobile terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal can be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mount terminal according to whether the user can directly carry the mobile terminal.

In order to support and enhance the functionality of the terminal, it is contemplated to improve the structural and / or software portion of the terminal.

Recently, a variety of terminals including mobile terminals provide a complex and various functions, and the menu structure is also becoming complicated. In addition, a function of displaying various digital documents including a web page is added to a mobile terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a front frame which can be slimly designed by constructing parts constituting a front frame from different materials, a mobile terminal including the front frame, and a manufacturing method thereof.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal including: a window layer positioned on a front surface; An LCD layer located below the window layer; And a front frame supporting at least one of the window layer and the LCD layer, wherein the front frame comprises: a first part of a first material forming an outer circumference of the front frame; A second part of a second material coupled to the first part to form an inner circumference of the first part, and a second part of the second material, which is injected into the coupling part of the first and second parts, And a third part of the second embodiment.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a front frame comprising: a first part of a first material forming an outer peripheral part; A second part of a second material coupled to the injection molded first part to form an inner periphery of the first part; And a front part including a third part which is injected into the coupling parts of the first and second parts and couples the first and second parts.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a mobile terminal, including the steps of: injection molding a front frame; Temporarily bonding the front frame and the blocking plate of a different material to the coupling portion of the injection-molded front frame; And insert-inserting the shield plate into the front frame with a material different from that of the front frame and the shield plate to the joint between the shield plate and the front frame.

The front frame, the mobile terminal including the same, and the method of manufacturing the same according to the present invention have the effect of designing slim parts by configuring the parts constituting the front frame with different materials.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 1;
3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2;
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the mobile terminal of Figure 3;
5 is an exploded view of the front case of Fig.
Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the front case of Fig. 4;
7 is a perspective view of the front frame of Fig.
Fig. 8 is a view showing an assembling process of the front case of Fig. 6;
9 is a view illustrating a process of assembling the front case according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a view illustrating a process of assembling a front case according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view showing a process of assembling a front case according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The above objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and similarities. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. Further, numerals (e.g., first, second, etc.) used in the description process of this specification are only an identifier for distinguishing one component from another component

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role.

The mobile terminal described in this specification may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), navigation and the like. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like, unless the configuration is applicable only to a mobile terminal.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an audio / video input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory unit 160, An interface unit 170, a control unit 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. The components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential, and a mobile terminal having more or fewer components may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for enabling wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and the network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may refer to a server for generating and transmitting broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information, or a server for receiving broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information generated by the broadcast management server and transmitting the generated broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast-related information may refer to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or information related to a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast-related information may exist in various forms. For example, an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) of a DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) or an ESG (Electronic Service Guide) of a DVBH (Digital Video BroadcastHandheld).

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems. In particular, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a digital multimedia broadcasting broadcasting (DMBT), a digital multimedia broadcasting satellite (DMBS), a media forward link only (MediaFLO), a digital video broadcasting ), And ISDBT (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast Terrestrial). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be adapted to other broadcasting systems that provide broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcasting system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory unit 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives radio signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and the wireless Internet module 113 can be embedded in the mobile terminal 100 or externally. WLAN (WiFi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and the like can be used as wireless Internet technologies.

The short-range communication module 114 refers to a module for short-range communication. Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as the short distance communication technology.

The location information module 115 is a module for confirming or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal. A typical example of the location information module is a GPS (Global Position System) module. According to the current technology, the GPS module 115 calculates information on a distance (distance) from three or more satellites to one point (entity), information on the time when the distance information is measured, , Three-dimensional position information according to latitude, longitude, and altitude of one point (individual) in one hour can be calculated. Further, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the error of the calculated position and time information using another satellite is also used. The GPS module 115 continues to calculate the current position in real time and uses it to calculate speed information.

Referring to FIG. 1, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or moving image obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 151. [

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory unit 160 or may be transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ The camera 121 may be equipped with two or more cameras according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal through a microphone in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and processes it as electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. Various noise reduction algorithms may be implemented in the microphone 122 to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for a user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static / static), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 senses the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of user contact, the orientation of the mobile terminal, And generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it is possible to sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, it may be responsible for a sensing function related to whether the power supply unit 190 is powered on, whether the interface unit 170 is connected to an external device, and the like. Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 may include an orientation sensor 141 and / or a proximity sensor.

The output unit 150 is for generating output related to the visual, auditory or tactile sense and includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154 .

The display unit 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in the call mode, a UI (User Interface) or a GUI (Graphic User Interface) associated with a call is displayed. When the mobile terminal 100 is in the video communication mode or the photographing mode, the photographed and / or received video or UI and GUI are displayed.

The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display And may include at least one.

Some of these displays may be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen through. This may be referred to as a transparent display. A typical example of the transparent display is a transparent LCD or the like. The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be of a light transmission type. With this structure, the user can see an object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

There may be two or more display units 151 according to the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. For example, in the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of display portions may be spaced apart from one another or may be disposed integrally with each other, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 is connected to a display unit 151 and a sensor for sensing a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as 'touch sensor') having a mutual layer structure It can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or a capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor can be configured to detect not only the position and area to be touched but also the pressure at the time of touch.

If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. Thus, the control unit 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is enclosed by the touch screen. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or a nearby object without mechanical contact using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays. The proximity sensor has a longer life span than the contact sensor and its utilization is also high.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor.

And to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field along the proximity of the pointer when the touch screen is electrostatic. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the act of recognizing that the pointer is positioned on the touch screen while the pointer is not in contact with the touch screen is referred to as "proximity touch & The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "contact touch. &Quot; The position where the pointer is proximately touched on the touch screen means a position where the pointer is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the pointer is touched.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). Information corresponding to the detected proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The audio output module 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory unit 160 in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output module 152 outputs an acoustic signal related to a function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events that occur in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, touch input, and the like. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than the video signal or the audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal can also be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 154 is vibration. The intensity and pattern of the vibration generated by the hit module 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 154 may be configured to perform various functions such as an effect of stimulation by a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to a contact skin surface, an effect of stimulation by air spraying force or suction force through a jet opening or a suction opening, A variety of tactile effects such as an effect of stimulation through contact of an electrode, an effect of stimulation by an electrostatic force, and an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using a heat absorbing or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 154 can be implemented not only to transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact but also to feel the tactile effect through the muscles of the user's finger or arm. The haptic module 154 may include two or more haptic modules 154 according to the configuration of the portable terminal 100.

The memory unit 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory unit 160 may store data related to vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory unit 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory) At least one of a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read- Lt; / RTI > type of storage medium. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory unit 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or receives power from the external device to transfer the data to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or to transmit data in the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip for storing various information for authenticating the use right of the mobile terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a general user authentication module A Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the port.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or various command signals input by the user to the cradle may be transmitted It can be a passage to be transmitted to the terminal. The various command signals or the power source input from the cradle may be operated as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The control unit 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, voice communication, data communication, video communication, and the like. The control unit 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the control unit 180 or may be implemented separately from the control unit 180. [

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components.

The various embodiments described herein may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing functions. In some cases such embodiments may be implemented using a controller 180 < / RTI >

According to a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that perform at least one function or operation. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. Also, the software codes may be stored in the memory unit 160 and executed by the control unit 180. [

2 is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 1;

As shown, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a bar-shaped body. The bar-shaped body may be formed by injection molding a synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti) or the like.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled.

In the mobile terminal 100, the front case 101 and the battery cover 102 may be exposed to the outside when the assembly is completed.

The front case 101 may be a front portion of the mobile terminal 100. [ The front case 101 may include a display 151, an audio output unit 152, a front camera 121a, a user input unit 131, a microphone 122, an interface 170, and the like.

The display 151 may be positioned on the front surface of the front case 101. The display 151 may display various information necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal 100. The display 151 may represent a 2D image and / or a 3D image.

The sound output unit 152 may be a speaker for outputting a sound or the like. There may be a plurality of sound output units 151. For example, a plurality of sound output units 152 may be provided for outputting digitized sounds or outputting a ring tone.

The front camera 121a may be positioned to photograph the user side. For example, the user can make a video call with another user based on his or her own image captured through the front camera 121a.

The user input unit 131 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation units. The user input unit 131 is sensed electrostatically and light may be generated when a user's input is applied.

The user input unit 131 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion, or may be a tactile manner in which the user operates with a tactile impression. For example, it may be a physical button.

The user input unit 131 may have a high frequency of use or a main function. For example, functions such as start, end, and sound control of the mobile terminal 100 and / or the application may be assigned to the user input unit 131.

The microphone 122 may be a device for acquiring a voice or the like of the user. The microphone 122 may be located on the lower side of the mobile terminal 100.

The interface 170 may include a USB port or the like for connection with an external device.

3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2;

As shown therein, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the battery cover 102 exposed on the rear surface thereof. An earphone jack 171, an antenna 124, and a 3D camera 121b may be positioned on the rear surface of the battery cover 102 exposed.

The earphone jack 171 may be an interface for outputting sound output from the mobile terminal 100 through an earphone. The earphone jack 171 may include a terminal for receiving an operation signal capable of adjusting the function of the mobile terminal 100 through a button provided on the earphone, as well as a terminal for transmitting an acoustic signal.

The antenna 124 may be used to acquire a broadcast signal for watching the DMB or the like. For example, in order to smoothly receive a broadcast signal, a user can take out the antenna 124 from the body and use it.

The 3D camera 121b may be located on the rear side of the mobile terminal 100. [ Although the 3D camera 121b will be described in detail in the corresponding part, the 3D camera 121b can take a stereoscopic image.

The 3D camera 121b can photograph an image with a plurality of cameras. For example, the first camera 221 and the second camera 223. The first camera 221 and the second camera 223 may include a first camera 221 and a second camera 223, respectively. The images photographed through the first and second cameras 221 and 223 may include a left eye image and a right eye image. The left eye image and the right eye image are output through a display capable of expressing a 3D image, so that the user can feel a three-dimensional feeling.

The camera flash 123 may be positioned adjacent to the 3D camera 121b. The camera flash 123 can be operated at the time of image capturing.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the mobile terminal of Figure 3;

The mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cover 102, a rear case 103, and a front case 101 as shown in FIG.

The battery cover 102 may be coupled to the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100. That is, it means that it can be coupled to the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 to protect internal parts such as the battery 250 and the like. The battery cover 102 can be formed by injecting a polycarbonate (PC) material. The battery cover 102 may be provided with a coupling hole or the like to which the 3D camera 121b or the like can be coupled.

The rear case 103 substantially constitutes the mobile terminal 100 body. That is, the front case 101 and the rear case 103 may be combined to constitute the body of the mobile terminal 100, which will be described below. The rear case 103 may be provided with a battery coupling hole 251 to which the battery 250 can be coupled.

The front case 101 may constitute the front side of the mobile terminal 100. [ In the front case 101, the main PCB 230 and the 3D camera 121b may be positioned. In addition, the front case 101 may include a window layer (242 in Fig. 5) and an LCD layer (243 in Fig. 5).

5 is an exploded view of the front case of Fig.

The front case 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a front frame 241, a window layer 242, an LCD layer 243, and an insert (not shown) on the front frame 241. [ and a blocking plate 244 to be injected.

The front frame 241 can constitute the skeleton of the front case 101. The front frame 241 may be injection molded using a magnesium (Mg) alloy or the like. Injection molding using a magnesium alloy can easily maintain the quality of a product to a certain level or higher. That is, when injection is performed using a magnesium alloy, it is also possible to perform injection for a relatively complicated shape. However, in the case of injection using a magnesium alloy, injection at a certain thickness or less may not be easy. For example, in the case of 0.4 mm or less, the rigidity of an injection molded article using a magnesium alloy may not be secured. Therefore, the front frame 241 may have a complicated shape such as various ribs while forming the overall skeleton, and injection molding using magnesium may be performed on components having a predetermined thickness or more.

The window layer 242 may be substantially located on the front surface of the front case 101. The window layer 242 may be made of tempered glass or the like and may be in a substantially transparent state. Since the window layer 242 is provided on the front surface of the prototype case 101, the user's satisfaction with the mobile terminal 100 can be enhanced. For example, it is expected that the touch feeling of the mobile terminal 100 can be improved, and that the degree of completeness in design can be increased.

The window layer 242 may be coupled to the coupling groove 253 provided in the front case 101 to correspond to the size of the window layer 242. The joining of the window layer 242 to the engaging groove 253 may be accomplished by using an interference fit and / or an adhesive material.

The LCD layer 243 can be coupled to the lower side of the front frame 241. For example, it means that the window layer 242 is coupled to one side of the front frame 241 and the LCD layer 243 is coupled to the other side.

The LCD layer 243 can display an image based on the control signal of the control unit (180 in Fig. 1). The LCD layer 243 can display a two-dimensional image and / or a three-dimensional image. The size of the LCD layer 243 is substantially the same as the display window area 255 provided in the front frame 241.

The blocking plate 244 may be coupled to the front frame 241 under the LCD layer 243. The blocking plate 244 can be insert-injected into the front frame 241. That is, it is a separate part produced through a separate process, but it means that it can be treated as one part when the assembly process is completed.

The front frame 241 forms the outer peripheral portion of the front case 101 and the shield plate contacts the inner peripheral portion of the front case 101. [ As shown in Fig.

The blocking plate 244 may be formed of a material different from that of the front frame 241. For example, the front frame 241 may be a magnesium (Mg) alloy, while the blocking plate 244 may be a plate-shaped metal. Because of the metal plate shape, the blocking plate 244 can be formed by press working.

The blocking plate 244 can directly affect the thickness of the entire mobile terminal 100. [ That is, since the blocking plate 244 constitutes one layer of various structures ranging from the window layer 242 to the battery cover (102 of FIG. 4), the thickness of the blocking plate 244 is equal to the thickness of the entirety of the mobile terminal 100 It can directly affect the thickness. Therefore, it is necessary to design the thickness of the blocking plate 244 itself to be as small as possible so as to minimize influence on the performance.

The blocking plate 244 may be made of a metal. For example, the shield plate 244 may be made of stainless steel (SUS). When the shielding plate 244 is made of stainless steel, the thickness of the shielding plate 244 can be designed to be about 0.2 mm. That is, it means that the required rigidity can be satisfied even in the case of the blocking plate 244 having a thickness of 0.2 mm.

The blocking plate 244 can be insert-injected into the front frame 241 as described above. When the blocking plate 244 is insert-injected into the front frame 241, the accessories which were two parts before injection can become substantially one part after injection.

Since the blocking plate 244 is made of stainless steel, the front frame 241 can be manufactured with a relatively thin thickness. The front frame 241 is made of a magnesium alloy, so that it is possible to produce a complex shaped component while maintaining a certain strength. Therefore, the required quality can be increased while the thickness of the entire mobile terminal 100 is reduced.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the front case of Fig. 4;

The front case 101 of the mobile terminal 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is constructed such that the blocking plate 244 is temporarily coupled to the front frame 241 and then a polycarbonate ) Sealing material 245 can be formed by injection molding.

The blocking plate 244 may be a plate-shaped stainless steel material. Since the shield plate 244 is made of stainless steel, the thickness T of the shield plate 244 can be made thinner than that of the magnesium plate.

The blocking plate 244 may be formed by pressing or the like. The barrier plate 244 made of stainless steel can be formed thinly. However, due to the nature of the material, molding into a complicated shape may be difficult. Therefore, in the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, only the shield plate 244 of the front case 101 may be made of stainless steel.

Since the front frame 241 constitutes the external shape of the front side of the mobile terminal 100 and accommodates various internal accessories, the front frame 241 can be designed in a complicated shape. Accordingly, the front frame 241 can be formed by injecting a magnesium alloy material.

The front frame 241 and the shield plate 244 can be separately rewritten. Since the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 are separately manufactured, the following effects can be expected. That is, the front frame 241, which is an injection product, may twist due to the nature of the material and the difference in cooling rate during cooling to room temperature. When the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 are integrally formed, if the front frame 241 is twisted, the blocking plate 244 is also twisted. If distortion occurs in the plate-shaped blocking plate 244, the quality of the product may be affected. Therefore, when the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 are integrally formed, the defective rate of the product can be increased.

When the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 are separately manufactured and an insert is injected, the twisting phenomenon described above can be prevented in advance. That is, since the blocking plate 244 is coupled to the front frame 241 that has been cooled to room temperature, defective product can be prevented. The front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 may be joined by temporarily sealing the blocking plate 244 to the front frame 241 and then injecting the sealing material 245 into the engaging portion 257 .

The sealing material 245 may be a polycarbonate (PC) material. When the polycarbonate is injected into the engaging portion 257 of the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244, the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 can be substantially one member.

7 is a perspective view of the front frame of Fig.

As shown in the figure, the front frame 241 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a display window area 255 at a central portion thereof.

An engaging portion 257 may be provided around the display window region 255. The engaging portions 257 may be continuously disposed around the display window area 255 or may be discontinuously disposed around the display window area 255. [

Fig. 8 is a view showing an assembling process of the front case of Fig. 6;

As shown in the figure, the front case according to an embodiment of the present invention can be assembled by inserting a shield plate 244 into the front frame 241.

The blocking plate 244 can be temporarily connected to the front frame 241 as shown in Fig. 8 (a). The coupling can be made by the elasticity of the blocking plate 244 itself. For example, one side and the other side of the blocking plate 244 press the front frame 241, respectively, so that the blocking plate 244 can be coupled to the front frame 241.

The sealing member 245 can be injected into the engaging portion after the blocking plate 244 is joined to the front frame 241 as shown in Fig. 8 (b). When the sealing material is injected, the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 can be fully engaged.

The blocking plate 244 can be made of stainless steel to have a relatively thin thickness, and the front frame 241 can be made of a magnesium alloy so that a complicated shape can be also injected. Accordingly, it is possible to design a complicated inner and outer pipe while satisfying the demand for the slim thickness required for the mobile terminal 100. [

9 is a view illustrating a process of assembling the front case according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in this figure, in the front case according to another embodiment, when the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 are coupled together, the hook 261 at the end of the blocking plate 244 is engaged with the front frame 241, As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9A, a hook 261 may be provided at the end of the blocking plate 244. The hook 261 may have a shape in which the end of the blocking plate 244 is bent in one direction.

As shown in Fig. 9 (b), the hook 261 can be engaged with the engaging groove 262. Fig. When the hook 261 is coupled to the engaging groove 262, the blocking plate 244 can naturally be joined to the front frame 241.

The sealing member 245 can be injected into the engagement portion of the coupled blocking plate 244 and the front frame 241 as shown in Fig. 9 (c). When the sealing material 245 is injected, the blocking plate 244 and the front frame 241 can be completely engaged.

10 is a view illustrating a process of assembling a front case according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the front case according to another embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a structure for more rigid coupling.

As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the blocking plate 244 may be provided with at least one sealing material injection hole 265. The sealing material injection hole 265 may be provided at the end of the blocking plate 244.

10 (b), when the sealing material 245 is injected after the blocking plate 244 is joined to the front frame 241, the sealing material 245 can pass through the sealing material injection hole 265 have. Therefore, when the injected sealing material 245 is cured, the coupling between the front frame 241 and the blocking plate 244 can be made more rigid.

11 is a view showing a process of assembling a front case according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawings, the front case according to another embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a structure for making the coupling more robust.

As shown in FIG. 11 (a), an elastic deformation portion 267 may be provided at the end of the blocking plate 244.

As shown in Fig. 11 (b), when the blocking plate 244 is engaged, the shape of the elastic deformation portion 267 can be deformed. When the elastic deforming portion 267 is deformed and the elastic force is accumulated, the blocking plate 244 presses the front frame 241. When the blocking plate 244 presses the front frame 241, the coupling between the blocking plate 244 and the front frame 241 can be firmly established.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, such modifications or variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

100: mobile terminal 110: wireless communication unit
140: sensing unit 151: display unit
180:

Claims (15)

A window layer located on the front side;
An LCD layer located below the window layer; And
And a front frame supporting at least one of the window layer and the LCD layer,
The front frame includes:
A first part formed by injection molding a magnesium alloy forming an outer peripheral portion of the front frame,
A second part of a plate-shaped metal material coupled to the injection-molded first part to form an inner circumferential part of the first part,
And a third part of a polycarbonate material which is injected into the coupling parts of the first and second parts to join the first and second parts,
Wherein the first and second parts are coupled through a temporary coupling part before coupling by the third part,
Wherein the temporary combining unit comprises:
At least one coupling groove provided at least one point of the first part,
And at least one coupling protrusion provided at at least one point of the second part to correspond to the at least one coupling groove,
Wherein the first part and the second part of the second part are temporarily joined to each other by pressing the first part by self-elasticity. delete delete delete delete delete ◈ Claim 7 is abandoned due to registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
The engaging projection
And a hook coupled to the coupling groove. ◈ Claim 8 is abandoned due to the registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the temporary combining unit comprises:
Wherein at least a part of an end of the second part is elastically deformed and presses the first part. ◈ Claim 9 is abandoned upon payment of registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
The second part comprises:
And at least one through hole through which the third part injected into the coupling part can be injected. delete delete delete delete ◈ Claim 14 is abandoned due to registration fee. Injection molding a front frame;
Temporarily bonding the front frame and the blocking plate of a different material to the coupling portion of the injection-molded front frame; And
And inserting the blocking plate into the front frame with a material different from that of the front frame and the blocking plate to the coupling portion between the blocking plate and the front frame,
Wherein the front frame is made of an injection molded magnesium alloy material,
The blocking plate is a plate-shaped metal material processed by press working,
The coupling portion
At least one coupling groove provided at least one point of the front frame and at least one projection provided at at least one point of the blocking plate corresponding to the at least one coupling groove,
Wherein the blocking plate has a first side and a second side pressing and pressing the front frame, respectively, due to self-elasticity. delete

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