KR102117518B1 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal of the present invention comprises a front case having a display module; A middle case disposed on the rear surface of the front case; It has a front case and a rear case covering the rear surface of the middle case, the middle case is formed of a conductive metal, it characterized in that the slot is formed in a predetermined area.

Description

Mobile terminal {MOBILE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal.

Recently, a mobile terminal is required to secure communication quality so that it is lightweight and slim for users to easily carry, and it is convenient to implement various functions within the device.

The mobile terminal includes an antenna that transmits and receives wireless electromagnetic waves for wireless communication. The antenna of the mobile terminal may be divided into an external antenna exposed to the outside and an internal antenna installed inside the terminal. Initially, an external antenna was mainly used, but there is a disadvantage that it is easy to be damaged by external impact, and thus it is gradually trending toward a development direction with an internal antenna.

Since the built-in antenna is designed to be small in size so that it can be embedded in a mobile terminal, there is a problem that the radiation efficiency of the antenna is reduced, the frequency band is narrowed, and the antenna gain is reduced. In spite of these problems, the mobile terminal is required to be miniaturized and multi-functionalized due to its miniaturization and multi-functionality.

The present invention provides a mobile terminal using a predetermined area of a middle case formed of a conductive metal as an antenna.

The mobile terminal of the present invention comprises a front case having a display module; A middle case disposed on the rear surface of the front case; It has a front case and a rear case covering the rear surface of the middle case, the middle case is formed of a conductive metal, it characterized in that the slot is formed in a predetermined area.

The present invention is used as an antenna by forming a predetermined area of a middle case formed of a conductive metal in a slot shape. In particular, the middle case is a configuration that is recently added to increase the durability and strength of the mobile terminal. As a result, the present invention configures an antenna using a middle case without adding other parts, and thus can meet the miniaturization needs of the mobile terminal.

Further, the present invention can form a plurality of antennas in a predetermined area of the middle case. As a result, the present invention can meet the needs of miniaturization of the mobile terminal and can cover multiple bands using a plurality of antennas.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a rear view of the front panel of FIG. 3;
5 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing a part of the lower side of part A of FIG. 5;
7 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10A to 10C are graphs showing a voltage standing wave ratio according to frequency.
11 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to substantially the same components. In the following description, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known function or configuration related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted. The component names used in the following description are selected in consideration of the ease of writing the specification, and may be different from the names of actual products.

Mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mobile phone, a smart phone (smart phone), a tablet (tablet), a laptop computer (laptop computer), digital broadcasting terminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), navigation It may be implemented as a portable information device such as. However, it should be noted that the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be implemented as a fixed terminal such as a TV or a monitor.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit 110, an audio / video (A / V) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, and a sensing unit 140, It includes an output unit 150, a memory unit 160, an interface unit 170, a control unit 180 and a power supply unit 190. Since the components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has more components than those illustrated in FIG. 1 or more than the components illustrated in FIG. 1 It may have fewer components. Hereinafter, the components will be described in turn.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules that enable 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 a broadcast signal 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 that generates and transmits broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information or a server that receives previously generated broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information and transmits them to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, as well as a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal combined with a data broadcast signal.

The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or 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, it may exist in the form of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video BroadcastHandheld (DVBH).

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems, in particular, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting Terrestrial (DMBT), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting Satellite (DMBS), Media Forward Link Only (FLOF), Digital Video BroadcastHandheld DVBH ), A digital broadcasting signal can be received using a digital broadcasting system such as ISDBT (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast Terrestrial). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for the above-described digital broadcasting system as well as other broadcasting systems that provide broadcast signals.

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 wireless signals to and from 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 according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and the wireless Internet module 113 may be built in or external to the mobile terminal 100. Wireless Internet technology (Wireless LAN) (WiFi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) may be used.

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), and ZigBee may be used as short-range communication technology.

The location information module 115 is a module for confirming or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal 100. A representative example of the location information module is a Global Position System (GPS) module. According to the present technology, the GPS module 115 calculates information on a distance at which a point (object) is separated from three or more satellites, and information on a time when the distance information is measured, and then calculates the distance information. By applying the trigonometry to, it is possible to calculate three-dimensional position information according to latitude, longitude, and altitude for a point (object) at an hour. Furthermore, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the error of the calculated position and time information using another one satellite is also used. The GPS module 115 continuously calculates the current position in real time and uses it to calculate speed information.

The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, which may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving pictures obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a shooting mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display module 151.

The image frames processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory unit 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the terminal.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, or a voice recognition mode, and processes it as electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be converted into a form transmittable to a mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output. Various noise reduction algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal may be implemented in the microphone 122.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for the user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may be configured with a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / blackout), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like.

The sensing unit 140 includes a mobile terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, a location of the mobile terminal 100, presence or absence of user contact, orientation of the mobile terminal 100, acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal 100, and the like. ) Is sensed to generate 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 can sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. Further, the sensing function related to whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power or whether the interface unit 170 is coupled with an external device may be in charge. Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 may include a posture detection sensor 141 and / or a proximity sensor.

The output unit 150 is for generating output related to vision, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes a display module 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154. Can be.

The display module 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in a call mode, it displays a user interface (UI) or a graphical user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the photographed and / or received image or UI, GUI is displayed.

The display module 151 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode display (OLED), a field emission display, a plasma display panel And the like. Also, the display module 151 may be implemented as a flexible display, or may be implemented as a 3D display.

The display module 151 may be implemented as a transparent display. Typical examples of transparent displays include transparent LCDs and transparent OLEDs. In this case, the rear structure of the display module 151 may also be configured as a light transmissive structure. Due to this, the user can see an object located behind the mobile terminal 100 through an area occupied by the display module 151 of the mobile terminal 100.

Two or more display modules 151 may exist depending on the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, a plurality of display units may be spaced apart from one surface or integrally disposed in the mobile terminal 100, or may be respectively disposed on different surfaces.

When the display module 151 and a sensor detecting a touch operation (hereinafter referred to as a “touch sensor”) form a mutual layer structure (hereinafter, abbreviated as “touch screen”), the display module 151 is an output device. In addition, it can be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have a form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, or a touch pad.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display module 151 or capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display module 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect not only the touched position and area, 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 then transmits corresponding data to the controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 can know which area of the display module 151 has been touched, and the like.

A proximity sensor may be disposed in an inner area of the mobile terminal 100 wrapped by the touch screen or near 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 an object in the vicinity using mechanical force or infrared light without mechanical contact. Proximity sensors have a longer lifespan and higher utilization than contact sensors.

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 type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor.

When the touch screen is capacitive, it is configured to detect the proximity of the pointer due to a change in electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

"Proximity touch" means an action that is made to recognize that the pointer is located on the touch screen without touching the pointer on the touch screen, and "contact touch" means Refers to the act of actually touching the pointer on the touch screen. The location on the touch screen that is a proximity touch with a pointer refers to a location where the pointer corresponds vertically to the touch screen when the pointer is touched close.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (eg, proximity touch distance, proximity touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch time, proximity touch position, proximity touch movement state, etc.). Information corresponding to the sensed 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, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, or the like. The sound output module 152 outputs sound signals related to functions (eg, call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, and a buzzer.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and touch input. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event by vibrating in a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may also be output through the display module 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 tactile effect generated by the haptic module 154 is vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 154 are controllable. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or sequentially output.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 154 can be applied to effects caused by stimulation by pin arrays that vertically move with respect to the contact skin surface, effects caused by stimulation through the injection force or inhalation force of air through a spray or intake, and stimulation that rubs against the skin surface. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as an effect, an effect caused by stimulation through contact of an electrode, an effect caused by stimulation using electrostatic force, and an effect of reproducing a feeling of cold and warm using an element capable of absorbing heat or heating.

The haptic module 154 may not only transmit the tactile effect through direct contact, but may also implement the haptic effect through muscle sensation such as a user's finger or arm. Two or more haptic modules 154 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the portable terminal 100.

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

The memory unit 160 includes a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, and a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), At least one of Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), ReadOnly Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ReadOnly Memory (EEPROM), Programmable ReadOnly Memory (PROM) magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk It may include a storage medium of the type. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory unit 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a passage with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits it to each component inside the mobile terminal 100 or allows data inside the mobile terminal 100 to be transmitted to the external device. For example, wired / wireless headset port, external charger port, wired / wireless data port, memory card port, port for connecting devices equipped with an identification module, audio input / output (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 that stores various information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identification module (SIM), and a universal user authentication module ( Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM). The device provided with the identification module (hereinafter referred to as 'identification device') may be manufactured in a smart card format. Therefore, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through a port.

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

The controller 180 usually controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, it performs related control and processing for voice calls, data communication, video calls, and the like. The controller 180 may also include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the controller 180, or may be implemented separately from the controller 180.

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

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 to supply power required for the operation of each component.

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

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), It may be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing functions. 180).

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 can be implemented by software applications written in the appropriate programming language. In addition, the software code may be stored in the memory unit 160 and executed by the control unit 180.

2 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the front case and middle case of FIG. 3.

2 to 4 have been mainly described that the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is implemented as a bar type. However, the mobile terminal 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be implemented in a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, or a swivel type in which two or more bodies are movably coupled.

2 to 4, the mobile terminal 100 includes a case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming an exterior. In particular, the case of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present embodiment may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. The front case 101 and the rear case 102 may be formed to have side slopes so as to cover the side surface or the bottom surface of the terminal body, or may be formed in a vertically curved shape.

At least one intermediate case (s) may be disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, such as the middle case 103 shown in FIG. 3. The middle case 103 may be fixed to the front case 101 using screws or the like as shown in FIG. 4. The middle case 103 is formed of a conductive metal material to increase durability and strength of the mobile terminal.

At least one circuit board (s) 181 and a battery 191 may be disposed between the middle case 103 and the rear case 102 as shown in FIG. 3. The circuit board (s) 181 may be equipped with various types of electronic components as well as a plurality of control circuits. The circuit board (s) 181 may be embodied as a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit.

The front case 101 and the rear case 102 may be formed by injecting synthetic resin. The middle case 103 may be formed by die casting. Die-casting refers to a precision casting method in which a molten alloy is pressed into a metal mold that is precisely machined to exactly match the required casting shape to obtain the same casting as the mold. The metal used for die casting may be an alloy of zinc, aluminum, tin, copper, magnesium, etc., but it should be noted that it is not limited thereto.

A display module 151, an audio output module 152, a camera 121, user input units 131, 132, a microphone 122, an interface unit 170, etc. may be disposed on the front case 101. The display module 151 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 101. An acoustic output module 151 and a camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display module 151, and a first manipulation unit 131 and a microphone 122 are arranged in an area adjacent to the other end. . The second operation unit 132, the interface 170, and the like may be disposed on side surfaces of the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The operation units 131 and 132 may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates with a tactile feeling.

Contents input by the operation units 131 and 132 may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 131 receives a command such as a call or call termination, and the second operation unit 132 adjusts the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 152 or the display unit 151 You can receive commands such as switching to the touch recognition mode. The first operation unit 131 may be omitted, and may also be implemented as a touch UI by the display module 151.

A rear camera 121B may be additionally mounted on the rear case 102 as shown in FIG. 3. The rear camera 121B has a shooting direction substantially opposite to the front camera 121 and may be a camera having different pixels. For example, the front camera 121 has a low pixel so that the user's face is captured and transmitted to the other party in the case of a video call, etc., and the rear camera 121B photographs a general subject and does not immediately transmit it. In many cases, it is desirable to have high pixels. The front camera 121 or the rear camera 121B may be implemented to enable rotation or pop-up.

In addition to an antenna for mobile communication, an antenna for receiving broadcast signals may be additionally disposed on the side of the mobile terminal 100. In addition, the antenna forming part of the broadcast receiving module 111 may be installed to be withdrawn from the mobile terminal 100.

In addition, the mobile terminal 100 includes a power supply for receiving power. The power supply unit may be built in the mobile terminal 100, or may be configured to be detachable directly from the outside of the mobile terminal 100.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110 for broadcast reception, voice / data transmission, and GPS information transmission and reception, and an antenna for ensuring wireless communication performance. The mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a predetermined area of the middle case 103 formed of a conductive metal as an antenna as shown in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, a structure of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

5 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, it has been mainly described that the lower region of the middle case 103 is used as an antenna, but it should be noted that it is not limited thereto. For example, a side region or an upper region of the middle case 103 may be used as an antenna.

4, the middle case 103 may be fixed to the rear surface of the front case 101 using screws or the like. The front case 101 may be formed of plastic such as polycarbonate. The border 101a of the front case 101 may also be formed of the same material as the front case 101. The middle case 103 is formed of a conductive metal material to increase durability and strength of the mobile terminal. Due to this, the middle case 103 can be formed by die casting.

Referring to FIG. 5, a slot s1 is formed in a lower region of the middle case 103. For example, the slot s1 may be formed as an open-end slot having a “c” shape in which a space is formed in the middle and one end is opened. However, the slot s1 is not limited to this, and may be formed as a closed slot. Specifically, the present embodiment includes a protrusion 103a in which the middle case 103 is formed in its lower region as shown in FIG. 5, and a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter “FPCB”) is provided in the protrusion 103a. By connecting the latching box 104, an open-end slot s1 in which the opposite side of the protrusion 103a is opened can be formed. In this case, the middle case 103, the protrusion 103a, and the FPCB 104 may be formed in a "c" shape. At this time, the protrusion 103a and the FPCB 104 may be connected by a predetermined fastening means 105. As the fastening means 105, a conductive gasket or screw may be used. A number of circuits may be mounted on the FPCB 104, but is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 may be formed with a power supply (see 106 in FIG. 9) for electrically connecting the lower region of the middle case 103 in which the slot s1 is formed. The power supply unit (see 106 in FIG. 9) electrically connects the circuit board 181 and the slot s1 serving as an antenna. Since the middle case 103 is formed to cover most areas of the front case 101 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the middle case 103 can serve as a ground plane. Therefore, the slot s1 of the middle case 103 is radiated by the current supplied from the circuit board 181 to function as an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band.

After all, this embodiment forms a predetermined area of the middle case 103 formed of a conductive metal in the form of a slot s1 and uses it as an antenna. As a result, the present embodiment does not need to add other components to configure the antenna, so it can meet the miniaturization needs of the mobile terminal.

6A and 6B are side views showing a part of the lower side of part A in FIG. 5. 6A and 6B, an enlarged area in which the protrusion 103a of the middle case 103 is connected to the FPCB 104 is shown.

If there is a difference (D) between the height of the protrusion 103a and the height of the FPCB 104 as shown in FIG. 6A, the antenna performance when a predetermined area of the middle case 103 in the form of a slot (s1) is used as an antenna This will decrease. This is because the impedance value of the antenna is different from the design value due to the difference D between the height of the protrusion 103a and the height of the FPCB 104. Therefore, it is advantageous for antenna performance to connect the FPCB 104 with the protrusion 103a so that there is no difference D between the height of the protrusion 103a and the height of the FPCB 104 as shown in FIG. 6B.

7 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, it has been mainly described that the lower region of the middle case 103 is used as an antenna, but it should be noted that it is not limited thereto. For example, a side region or an upper region of the middle case 103 may be used as an antenna.

4, the middle case 103 may be fixed to the rear surface of the front case 101 using screws or the like. The front case 101 may be formed of plastic such as polycarbonate. The border 101a of the front case 101 may also be formed of the same material as the front case 101. The middle case 103 is formed of a conductive metal material to increase durability and strength of the mobile terminal. Due to this, the middle case 103 can be formed by die casting.

Referring to FIG. 7, a slot s1 is formed in a lower region of the middle case 103. For example, the slot s1 may be formed as an open-end slot having a “c” shape in which a space is formed in the middle and one end is opened. However, the slot s1 is not limited to this, and may be formed as a closed slot. Specifically, the slot s1 may be implemented as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the slot s1 may be formed such that the middle case 103 itself includes a slot s1 as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the middle case 103 includes a protrusion 103a formed in the lower region thereof, and a lead portion 103b drawn out from the protrusion 103a. The middle case 103, the protruding portion 103a, and the withdrawing portion 103b may be formed in a “c” shape. At this time, since the protrusion 103a and the lead-out portion 103b are formed at the same time when the middle case 103 is formed, in this embodiment, no means for fastening the protrusion 103a and the lead-out portion 103b is necessary.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 may be formed with a power supply (see 106 in FIG. 9) for electrically connecting the lower region of the middle case 103 in which the slot s1 is formed. The power supply unit (see 106 in FIG. 9) electrically connects the circuit board 181 and the slot s1 serving as an antenna. Since the middle case 103 is formed to cover most areas of the front case 101 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the middle case 103 can serve as a ground plane. Therefore, the slot s1 of the middle case 103 is radiated by the current supplied from the circuit board 181 to function as an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band.

After all, this embodiment forms a predetermined area of the middle case 103 formed of a conductive metal in the form of a slot s1 and uses it as an antenna. As a result, the present embodiment does not need to add other components to configure the antenna, so it can meet the miniaturization needs of the mobile terminal.

8 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, it has been mainly described that the lower region of the middle case 103 is used as an antenna, but it should be noted that it is not limited thereto. For example, a side region or an upper region of the middle case 103 may be used as an antenna.

4, the middle case 103 may be fixed to the rear surface of the front case 101 using screws or the like. The front case 101 may be formed of plastic such as polycarbonate. However, the rim 101a of the front case 101 may be formed of a conductive metal material. The middle case 103 is formed of a conductive metal material to increase durability and strength of the mobile terminal. Due to this, the middle case 103 can be formed by die casting. Further, the middle case 103 may be formed to contact the rim 101a of the front case 101.

Referring to FIG. 8, a slot s1 is formed in a lower region of the middle case 103. For example, the slot s1 may be formed as an open-end slot having a “c” shape in which a space is formed in the middle and one end is opened. However, the slot s1 is not limited to this, and may be formed as a closed slot. Specifically, the slot s1 may be implemented in any one of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the middle case 103 itself is formed to include the slot s1, and the middle case 103 can be formed to contact the rim 101a of the front case 101. In this case, the area of the slot antenna s1 shown in FIG. 8 may be widened. Due to the increased area of the antenna, the performance of the antenna can be improved.

In addition, in order to further improve the performance of the antenna, an area o1 corresponding to an area where one end of the slot s1 is opened among the edges 101a of the front case 101 may be opened. In addition, the slot antenna s1 may be directly exposed to the outside by the middle case 103 contacting the rim 101a of the front case 101 formed of a conductive metal. In this case, in the present embodiment, since there is no material in which the rim 101a of the front case 101 covers the slot antenna s1 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the performance of the antenna can be further improved.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 may be formed with a power supply (see 106 in FIG. 9) for electrically connecting the lower region of the middle case 103 in which the slot s1 is formed. The power supply unit (see 106 in FIG. 9) electrically connects the circuit board 181 and the slot s1 serving as an antenna. Since the middle case 103 is formed to cover most areas of the front case 101 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the middle case 103 can serve as a ground plane. Therefore, the slot s1 of the middle case 103 is radiated by the current supplied from the circuit board 181 to function as an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band.

After all, this embodiment forms a predetermined area of the middle case 103 formed of a conductive metal in the form of a slot s1 and uses it as an antenna. As a result, the present embodiment does not need to add other components to configure the antenna, so it can meet the miniaturization needs of the mobile terminal.

9 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 10A to 10C are graphs showing a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) according to frequency. In FIG. 9, it has been mainly described that the lower region of the middle case 103 is used as an antenna, but it should be noted that it is not limited thereto. For example, a side region or an upper region of the middle case 103 may be used as an antenna.

4, the middle case 103 may be fixed to the rear surface of the front case 101 using screws or the like. The front case 101 may be formed of plastic such as polycarbonate. The edge 101a of the front case 101 may be formed of the same material as the front case 101 or may be formed of a conductive metal material. As described in conjunction with FIG. 8, when the rim 101a of the front case 101 is formed of a conductive metal material, it is advantageous to improve the performance of the antenna than the rim of the front case 101 is formed of plastic. The middle case 103 is formed of a conductive metal material to increase durability and strength of the mobile terminal. Due to this, the middle case 103 can be formed by die casting.

Referring to FIG. 9, a slot s1 is formed in a lower region of the middle case 103. For example, the slot s1 may be formed as an open-end slot having a “c” shape in which a space is formed in the middle and one end is opened. However, the slot s1 is not limited to this, and may be formed as a closed slot. In FIG. 9, the slot s1 is substantially the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, but the slot s1 according to the present embodiment is implemented in any one of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8 Can be.

The mobile terminal 100 may be formed with a power supply unit 106 for electrically connecting the lower region of the middle case 103. The power supply unit 106 electrically connects the circuit board 181 and an area to serve as an antenna. One end of the power feeding unit 106 may be divided into a first feed line FL1 and a second feed line FL2. The first feed line FL1 may be formed as an area where the slot s1 is formed, and the second feed line FL2 may be formed as an opposite direction to the area where the slot s1 is formed. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the first feed line FL1 may be formed to penetrate a portion of the first slot s1, and the second feed line FL2 may be formed to penetrate a portion of the antenna area aa. have. The antenna area aa refers to an area that functions as an antenna by a current supplied from the second feed line FL2. In addition, the second feed line FL2 may be formed to contact the rim 101a of the front case 101.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first feed line FL1 and the second feed line FL2 have been mainly described as being separated from one end of the feeder 106, but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first feed line FL1 is connected to the first feeder, and the second feed line FL2 is connected to the second feeder to receive different currents.

The slot s1 is radiated by the current supplied from the first feed line FL1 to function as a first antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band. In addition, the antenna area aa connected to the second feed line FL2 is radiated by the current supplied from the second feed line FL2 and functions as a second antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band. In this case, the first antenna may be implemented as a slot antenna, and the second antenna may be implemented as a slot or loop antenna.

FIG. 10A shows the VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio) of the first antenna, FIG. 10B shows the VSWR of the second antenna, and FIGS. 10A to 10C show the VSWR of the first antenna and the second antenna. The first antenna is radiated at the first and third frequencies f1 and f3 as shown in FIG. 10A, and the second antenna is embodied at the second and fourth frequencies f2 and f4 as illustrated in FIG. 10B. In this case, the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment radiates at the first to fourth frequencies f1, f2, f3, and f4 as shown in FIG. 10C. As a result, the present embodiment can form the first and second antennas in a predetermined area of the middle case 103. As a result, this embodiment can meet the needs of miniaturization of the mobile terminal and cover multiple bands using the first and second antennas.

Meanwhile, in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the first antenna and the second antenna are mainly described to be implemented to satisfy multiple bands of the low frequency bands f1 and f2 and the high frequency bands f3 and f4, but are not limited thereto. It should be noted that it does not. For example, it is implemented such that the first antenna satisfies the first and second frequencies f1 and f2, which are low frequency bands, and the second antenna satisfies the third and fourth frequencies f3 and f4, which are high frequency bands. Can be. Alternatively, the first antenna may be implemented to satisfy the third and fourth frequencies (f3, f4), which are high frequency bands, and the second antenna to satisfy the first and second frequency bands (f1, f2), which are low frequency bands. Can be.

11 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, it has been mainly described that the lower region of the middle case 103 is used as an antenna, but it should be noted that it is not limited thereto. For example, a side region or an upper region of the middle case 103 may be used as an antenna.

4, the middle case 103 may be fixed to the rear surface of the front case 101 using screws or the like. The front case 101 may be formed of plastic such as polycarbonate. The edge 101a of the front case 101 may be formed of the same material as the front case 101 or may be formed of a conductive metal material. As described in conjunction with FIG. 8, when the rim 101a of the front case 101 is formed of a conductive metal material, it is advantageous to improve the performance of the antenna than the rim of the front case 101 is formed of plastic. The middle case 103 is formed of a conductive metal material to increase durability and strength of the mobile terminal. Due to this, the middle case 103 can be formed by die casting.

Referring to FIG. 11, a first slot s1 and a second slot s2 are formed in a lower region of the middle case 103. The first slot s1 is formed as an open-end slot having a “c” shape in which a space is formed in the center and one end is open, or a closed slot is formed. It might be. In FIG. 11, the slot s1 is substantially the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, but the first slot s1 according to the present embodiment is one of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8 It can be implemented as one. The second slot s2 may be formed as a closed slot having a space in the middle or an open-end slot like the first slot s1.

The mobile terminal 100 may be formed with a power supply unit 106 for electrically connecting the lower region of the middle case 103. The power supply unit 106 electrically connects the circuit board 181 and an area to serve as an antenna. One end of the power feeding unit 106 may be divided into a first feed line FL1 and a second feed line FL2. The first feed line FL1 may be formed as a region in which the first slot s1 and the second slot s2 are formed, and the second feed line FL2 may be formed in a direction opposite to the region in which the slot s1 is formed. have. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the first feed line FL1 is formed to penetrate a part of the first slot s1 and a part of the second slot s2, and the second feed line FL2 is provided with an antenna area aa ) May be formed to penetrate a part. The antenna area aa refers to an area that functions as an antenna by a current supplied from the second feed line FL2. The second feed line FL2 may be formed to contact the rim 101a of the front case 101.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first feed line FL1 and the second feed line FL2 have been mainly described as being separated from one end of the feeder 106, but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first feed line FL1 is connected to the first feeder, and the second feed line FL2 is connected to the second feeder to receive different currents.

The first slot s1 is radiated by the current supplied from the first feed line FL1 to function as a first antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band. The second slot s2 is radiated by the current supplied from the first feed line FL1 to function as a second antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band. In addition, the antenna area aa connected to the second feed line FL2 is radiated by the current supplied from the second feed line FL2 and functions as a third antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band. In this case, the first to third antennas may be implemented to radiate in different frequency bands. The first and second antennas may be implemented as slot antennas, and the third antenna may be implemented as slot or loop antennas.

As a result, the present embodiment can form the first to third antennas in a predetermined area of the middle case 103. As a result, this embodiment can meet the needs of miniaturization of the mobile terminal and cover multiple bands using the first to third antennas.

12 is an enlarged rear view of a portion A of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, it has been mainly described that the lower region of the middle case 103 is used as an antenna, but it should be noted that it is not limited thereto. For example, a side region or an upper region of the middle case 103 may be used as an antenna.

4, the middle case 103 may be fixed to the rear surface of the front case 101 using screws or the like. The front case 101 may be formed of plastic such as polycarbonate. The edge 101a of the front case 101 may be formed of the same material as the front case 101 or may be formed of a conductive metal material. As described in conjunction with FIG. 8, when the rim 101a of the front case 101 is formed of a conductive metal material, it is advantageous for improving the performance of the antenna than when the rim of the front case 101 is formed of plastic. The middle case 103 is formed of a conductive metal material to increase durability and strength of the mobile terminal. Due to this, the middle case 103 may be formed by die casting.

Referring to FIG. 12, a first slot s1 is formed in a lower region of the middle case 103. The first slot s1 is formed as an open-end slot having a “c” shape in which a space is formed in the center and one end is open, or a closed slot is formed. It might be. In FIG. 12, the slot s1 is substantially the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, but the first slot s1 according to the present embodiment is one of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8 It can be implemented as one.

The mobile terminal 100 may be formed with a power supply unit 106 for electrically connecting the lower region of the middle case 103. The power supply unit 106 electrically connects the circuit board 181 and an area to serve as an antenna. One end of the feeder 106 may be divided into a first feed line FL1, a second feed line FL2, and a third feed line FL3. The first feed line FL1 may be formed in a region in which the first slot s1 is formed, and the second feed line FL2 may be formed in a direction opposite to the region in which the slot s1 is formed. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the first feed line FL1 may be formed to penetrate a portion of the first slot s1, and the second feed line FL2 may be formed to penetrate a portion of the antenna area aa. have. The antenna area aa refers to an area that functions as an antenna by a current supplied from the second feed line FL2. The third feed line FL3 may be formed to be parallel to the rim 101a of the front case 101 by a predetermined length, and may be formed to contact the rim 101a of the front case 101. The second feed line FL2 may also be formed to contact the rim 101a of the front case 101.

Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first feed line FL1, the second feed line FL2, and the third feed line FL3 have been mainly described as being separated from one end of the feeder 106, but are not limited thereto. It should be noted that it does not. For example, the first feed line FL1 is connected to the first feeder, the second feed line FL2 is connected to the second feeder, and the third feed line FL3 is connected to the third feeder Therefore, different currents can be supplied.

The first slot s1 is radiated by the current supplied from the first feed line FL1 to function as a first antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band. The antenna area aa connected to the second feed line FL2 is radiated by the current supplied from the second feed line FL2 and functions as a second antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band. The third feed line FL3 is radiated by the current supplied to the third feed line FL3 to function as a third antenna capable of transmitting and receiving a predetermined band. In this case, the first to third antennas may be implemented to radiate in different frequency bands. The first antennas may be implemented as slot antennas, and the second antennas may be implemented as slot or loop antennas.

As a result, the present embodiment can form the first to third antennas in a predetermined area of the middle case 103. As a result, this embodiment can meet the needs of miniaturization of the mobile terminal and cover multiple bands using the first to third antennas.

As described above, the present invention is used as an antenna by forming a predetermined area of the middle case formed of a conductive metal in a slot shape. In particular, the middle case is formed of a conductive metal material to increase the durability and strength of the mobile terminal. As a result, the present invention configures an antenna using a middle case without adding other parts, and thus can meet the miniaturization needs of the mobile terminal.

Further, the present invention can form a plurality of antennas in a predetermined area of the middle case. As a result, the present invention can meet the needs of miniaturization of the mobile terminal, and can cover multiple bands using a plurality of antennas.

100: mobile terminal 101: front case
101a: Front case frame 102: Rear case
103: middle case 103a: protrusion
104: FPCB 105: fastening means
106: power supply unit 151: display module
181: circuit board 191: battery
s1: slot, first slot s2: second slot
FL1: first feed line FL2: second feed line

Claims (11)

A front case having a display module;
A middle case formed of a conductive metal, disposed on the rear surface of the front case, and having a protrusion projecting in the front case direction;
A rear case covering the rear surfaces of the front case and the middle case; And
It is provided with a printed circuit board located between the middle case and the front case,
The printed circuit board is a mobile terminal, characterized in that one end is connected to the projection, an open slot is formed on the opposite side of the projection. delete According to claim 1,
The protruding portion and the printed circuit board is a mobile terminal, characterized in that fastened by a fastening means. delete According to claim 1,
The slot,
A mobile terminal characterized in that the opposite side of the protrusion is open. According to claim 1,
The middle case,
Mobile terminal characterized in that it is formed to abut the rim of the front case. The method of claim 6,
A mobile terminal characterized in that an area corresponding to the opened area of the slot is opened among the borders of the front case. According to claim 1,
And a power supply unit electrically connecting a predetermined area of the middle case in which the slot is formed to a circuit board. The method of claim 8,
One end of the feed portion is divided into a first feed line and a second feed line,
The slot is supplied with current from the first feed line to function as a first antenna, and an area connected to the second feed line is supplied with current from the second feed line to function as a second antenna. terminal. The method of claim 8,
The slot includes a first slot and a second slot,
One end of the feed portion is divided into a first feed line and a second feed line,
The first slot functions as a first antenna by receiving current from the first feed line, and the second slot functions as a second antenna by receiving current from the first feed line, and the second feed line The connected area is a mobile terminal characterized in that it functions as a third antenna by receiving current from the second feed line. The method of claim 8,
The slot includes a first slot and a second slot,
One end of the feed portion is divided into first to third feed lines,
The first slot receives current from the first feed line and functions as a first antenna, and an area connected to the second feed line functions as a second antenna receiving current from the second feed line. 3 The feed line is a mobile terminal characterized in that it functions as a third antenna by the current supplied to the third feed line.

Images