WO2020209444A1

WO2020209444A1 - Mobile terminal and auxiliary device coupled thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2020209444A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/008523
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김항석; 김동성; 박병덕; 천세훈
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2019-04-11
Filing date: 2019-07-10
Publication date: 2020-10-15

Abstract

Introduced is an auxiliary device comprising: a terminal case in which a first display of a mobile terminal is seated to face a first direction; a foldable cover comprising a second display exposed through a surface thereof; a hinge part for selectively connecting or disconnecting the terminal case and the foldable cover and relatively pivoting the terminal case and the foldable cover; and a case circuit part arranged inside the terminal case such that one side thereof is exposed to the outside of the terminal case and the other side thereof is electrically connected to the mobile terminal.

Description

[Correction 18.07.2019 according to Rule 26] 　Mobile terminal and auxiliary device coupled thereto

The present invention relates to an auxiliary device that has a display panel and can be used by being coupled to a mobile terminal, and to a terminal set including the same.

Terminals can be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals depending on whether they can be moved. Again, mobile terminals can be divided into handheld terminals and vehicle mounted terminals depending on whether the user can directly carry them.

As the functions are diversified, such a terminal is in the form of a multimedia player with complex functions such as, for example, taking photos or videos, playing music or video files, and receiving games and broadcasts. It is being implemented.

In order to support and increase the function of the terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and/or the software part of the terminal. In recent years, in order to realize a more convenient and comfortable multimedia environment, the development of a new type of mobile terminal structure has been actively made.

The present invention is to provide a new structure of a mobile terminal capable of implementing a more convenient user interface environment using two displays.

The present invention utilizes two displays by attaching an auxiliary device to a mobile terminal, and provides a structure in which the two displays can be folded and unfolded.

It is possible to provide a structure of an auxiliary device that can be commonly used for various types of mobile terminals.

The auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal case in which a first display of a mobile terminal is seated in a first direction, a foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface, the terminal case and the folder A hinge portion that selectively connects or separates the cover, and is disposed in the terminal case and a hinge portion that rotates the terminal case and the foldable cover relatively, so that one side is exposed to the outside of the terminal case, and the other side is electrically connected to the mobile terminal. It may include a case circuit connected to.

The hinge part may include a rotating part coupling the foldable cover and a rotating shaft as a medium, and a coupling part selectively connected to or separated from one side of the terminal case.

The coupling part may be coupled to one side of the terminal case such that the second display faces the first direction or the second display faces a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The coupling part and one side surface of the terminal case may be coupled through at least one magnetic material.

A plurality of magnetic bodies may be disposed, and may be disposed to be symmetric with respect to the center of the coupling portion.

The coupling portion and one side of the terminal case may be coupled through at least one latch structure.

A plurality of latch structures may be disposed, and may be disposed to be symmetric with respect to the center of the coupling portion.

One side surface of the terminal case may be symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal central axis of the terminal case and formed in a curved surface, and the coupling portion may be formed in a curved surface corresponding to a shape of one side surface of the terminal case.

One side is electrically connected to the second display, the other side is disposed with a cover circuit part exposed to the center of the coupling part, and one side of the case circuit part is disposed on one side of the terminal case corresponding to the position of the other side of the cover circuit part And, the mobile terminal and the second display may be electrically connected by contacting the other side of the cover circuit part with one side of the case circuit part.

The case circuit unit includes a terminal coupling terminal provided in the terminal case and provided to contact an interface (I/F) terminal of a mobile terminal, and a cable coupling terminal connected to the terminal coupling terminal and exposed to the outside of the terminal case. Can include.

The terminal coupling terminal may be rotatably disposed on at least a portion of the terminal case, and the mobile terminal may be connected to the terminal coupling terminal and then mounted on the terminal case according to the rotation of the terminal coupling terminal.

The rotating portion may be coupled to any one side edge of the coupling portion.

The latch structure may include a latch that is formed in the coupling portion and is slidable, a button that slides the latch, and a latch groove that is formed on one side of the terminal case and is coupled to the latch.

The latch structure is formed in the coupling portion, a guide protrusion for guiding a coupling position between the coupling portion and one side of the terminal case, and formed on one side of the terminal case, and formed in correspondence with the position of the guide protrusion. It may include a guide groove.

A terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first display, a mobile terminal through which the first display is exposed, and a terminal case in which the first display of the mobile terminal is mounted in a first direction. , A foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface, a hinge portion for selectively connecting or separating the terminal case and the foldable cover, and relatively rotating the terminal case and the foldable cover, and the terminal It is disposed in the case, one side is exposed to the outside of the terminal case, the other side may include a case circuit part electrically connected to the mobile terminal.

According to the present invention, various embodiments may provide a more convenient user environment by using two first displays.

Various embodiments of the present invention may combine or remove an extended display as needed.

Various embodiments of the present invention can provide an auxiliary device including a second display that can be commonly used for various types of mobile terminals.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the second display may be fixed at various angles according to the user's usage environment.

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

2 is a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal set related to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a perspective view showing a terminal case and a foldable cover of an auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention separated.

5 is a perspective view showing a terminal case, a foldable cover, and a mobile terminal separated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing a terminal case and a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a view showing a foldable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a view showing a coupling portion when a second display of a foldable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled with a terminal case so that the second display faces a different direction from the first display.

8B is a view showing one side of a terminal case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C is a view showing the coupling part when the second display of the foldable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the terminal case so that the second display faces the same direction as the first display.

9A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a case circuit unit and a mobile terminal are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9B is a view of FIG. 9A viewed along the direction A-A.

10A is a diagram illustrating a case in which an accessory of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded in a first state.

FIG. 10(b) is a view as viewed along the direction B-B of FIG. 10(a).

11A is a diagram illustrating a case where a terminal auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention is unfolded in a first state.

FIG. 11(b) is a view viewed along the C-C direction of FIG. 11(a).

12A is a diagram illustrating a case in which an auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded in a second state.

FIG. 12(b) is a view viewed along the D-D direction of FIG. 12(a).

13A is a diagram illustrating a case where an auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention is unfolded in a second state.

FIG. 13(b) is a view viewed along the E-E direction of FIG. 13(a).

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but identical or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of preparation of the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinguished from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications included in the spirit and scope of the present invention It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may exist in the middle. Should be. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features. It is to be understood that the presence or addition of elements or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, does not preclude in advance.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190. And the like. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential for implementing the mobile terminal, and thus, the mobile terminal described in the present specification may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, among the components, the wireless communication unit 110 may be configured between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between. In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast reception 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 input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting an image signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, or an audio input unit, and a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example, , A touch key, a mechanical key, etc.). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, information on surrounding environments surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 includes a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity. G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint sensor (finger scan sensor), ultrasonic sensor (ultrasonic sensor) , Optical sensor (for example, camera (see 121)), microphone (microphone, see 122), battery gauge, environmental sensor (for example, barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radiation detection sensor, It may include at least one of a heat sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating an output related to visual, auditory or tactile sense, and includes at least one of the display unit 151, the sound output unit 152, the hap tip module 153, and the light output unit 154 can do. The display unit 151 may implement a touch screen by forming a layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen can function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, and can provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage between various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and a device equipped with an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input/output (I/O) port, an input/output (video I/O) port, and an earphone port. The mobile terminal 100 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device in response to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications driven by the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of delivery for basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (eg, incoming calls, outgoing functions, message reception, and outgoing functions). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operation related to the application program, the controller 180 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to a user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170.

Also, in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components discussed with reference to FIG. 1. Furthermore, in order to drive the application program, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 with each other.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power to each of the components included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170.

2 is a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal 100 related to the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 of the present invention may be implemented as a bar-shaped terminal body as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a form in which the mobile terminal 100 can be combined with an auxiliary device is sufficient. . As an example, a mobile terminal in the form of a smart watch may also be applied to the present invention. In this case, the terminal case of the auxiliary device is coupled to the rear surface of the smart watch mobile terminal, and the foldable cover is hinged to the terminal case so as to be rotatable. The front of the mobile terminal will be optionally covered.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (for example, a frame, a housing, a cover, etc.) forming an exterior. As shown, the mobile terminal 100 may include a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are disposed in an inner space formed by the combination of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

A display unit 151 is disposed on the front of the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, the window 151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted on the front case 101 to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some cases, electronic components may be mounted on the rear case 102 as well. Electronic components that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include a removable battery, an identification module, and a memory card. In this case, a rear cover 103 for covering the mounted electronic component may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Accordingly, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic components mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.

As shown, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102, a part of the side surface of the rear case 102 may be exposed. In some cases, when the rear case 102 is combined, the rear case 102 may be completely covered by the rear cover 103. Meanwhile, the rear cover 103 may be provided with an opening for exposing the camera 121b or the sound output unit 152b to the outside.

These

cases

101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection of synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

Unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an inner space for accommodating various electronic components, the mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the inner space. In this case, a unibody mobile terminal 100 in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the rear may be implemented.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproof unit (not shown) that prevents water from permeating into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof unit is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, and the combination thereof It may include a waterproof member for sealing the inner space.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a display unit 151, first and second

sound output units

152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, a light output unit 154, and first and second sound output units.

Cameras

121a and 121b, first and

second operation units

123a and 123b, microphone 122, interface unit 160, and the like may be provided.

In the following, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, and a light output unit ( 154), a first camera 121a and a first operation unit 123a are disposed, a second operation unit 123b, a microphone 122, and an interface unit 160 are disposed on the side of the terminal body, and the terminal body The mobile terminal 100 in which the second sound output unit 152b and the second camera 121b are disposed on the rear surface of will be described as an example.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as necessary, or may be disposed on different sides. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side of the terminal body rather than on the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to such execution screen information. .

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display. display), a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist depending on the implementation type of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may have a plurality of display units spaced apart or integrally disposed on one surface, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display unit 151 so as to receive a control command by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 180 may be configured to generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on this. Content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers, or menu items that can be indicated or designated in various modes.

On the other hand, the touch sensor is configured in the form of a film having a touch pattern and is disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or a metal wire patterned directly on the rear surface of the window 151a. May be. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or may be provided inside the display.

In this way, the display unit 151 may form a touch screen together with a touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1 ). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first manipulation unit 123a.

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver that transmits a call sound to the user's ear, and the second sound output unit 152b is a loud speaker that outputs various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ) Can be implemented.

A sound hole for emitting sound generated from the first sound output unit 152a may be formed in the window 151a of the display unit 151. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between structures (eg, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101). In this case, the externally formed hole for sound output is not visible or hidden, so that the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 may be more simple.

The light output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying when an event occurs. Examples of the event include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, e-mail reception, and information reception through an application. When the user's event confirmation is detected, the controller 180 may control the light output unit 154 to terminate the light output.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or moving image obtained by an image sensor in a photographing mode or a video call mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 and may be stored in the memory 170.

The first and

second manipulation units

123a and 123b are an example of a user input unit 123 that is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may also be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion. have. The first and

second operation units

123a and 123b may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates while receiving a tactile feeling such as touch, push, and scroll. In addition, the first and

second manipulation units

123a and 123b may also be employed in a manner in which the first and

second manipulation units

123a and 123b are operated without a user's tactile feeling through proximity touch, hovering touch, or the like.

In this drawing, the first manipulation unit 123a is illustrated as being a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a push key (mechanical key) or may be configured as a combination of a touch key and a push key.

Contents input by the first and

second manipulation units

123a and 123b may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives commands such as menu, home key, cancel, search, etc., and the second operation unit 123b is output from the first or second

sound output units

152a, 152b. Commands such as adjusting the volume of sound and switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 may be input.

Meanwhile, as another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body. This rear input unit is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and input contents may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on/off, start, end, scroll, etc., control the volume of sound output from the first and second

sound output units

152a and 152b, and touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 You can receive commands such as conversion of. The rear input unit may be implemented in a form capable of inputting by a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. As an example, when the user holds the terminal body with one hand, the rear input unit may be disposed on the rear upper end of the terminal body so that the user can easily manipulate the terminal body using the index finger. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.

When the rear input unit is provided on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new type of user interface can be implemented using the rear input unit. In addition, when the touch screen or the rear input unit described above replaces at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front of the terminal body, and the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured with a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing a user's fingerprint, and the controller 180 may use fingerprint information detected through the fingerprint recognition sensor as an authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be embedded in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.

The microphone 122 is configured to receive a user's voice and other sounds. The microphone 122 may be provided in a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 becomes a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 is a connection terminal for connection with other devices (eg, earphones, external speakers), a port for short-range communication (eg, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port (Bluetooth Port), a wireless LAN port, etc.], or at least one of a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket for accommodating an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM), or a memory card for storing information.

A second camera 121b may be disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix format. Such a camera may be referred to as an'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, an image may be photographed in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and an image of better quality may be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 illuminates light toward the subject when photographing the subject with the second camera 121b.

A second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed on the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a, and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be provided in the terminal body. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or may be formed in a case. For example, an antenna forming a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (refer to FIG. 1) may be configured to be retractable from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in a film type and attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or configured to be detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. In addition, the battery 191 may be configured to enable wireless charging through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

On the other hand, in this drawing, the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to limit the separation of the battery 191, and to protect the battery 191 from external shock and foreign substances. It is illustrated. When the battery 191 is configured to be detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal set related to the present invention.

As described above, the terminal set of the present invention is divided into a mobile terminal 100 and an auxiliary device 300, and the auxiliary device 300 again includes a terminal case 310 and a foldable cover 320. A first display 151 is provided in the mobile terminal 100 and a second display 321 is provided in the foldable cover 320, respectively.

The controller 180 is provided in the mobile terminal 100 and controls the operations of the first display 151 and the second display 321. That is, the controller controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 as described in FIG. 1, and in addition to this, also controls the operation related to the output of the second display 321. The controller 180 may include an application processor (AP) or a system-on-chip (SOC) physical form.

The memory 170 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be used for the operation of the first display 151 and furthermore the second display 321. For example, a game application stored in the memory 170 of the mobile terminal 100 is driven by signal processing and calculation of the controller 180, and data for screen output is output to the first display 151 or an auxiliary device. It may be transmitted to 300 and output to the second display 321.

The power supply unit 190 of the mobile terminal 100 may supply power for the operation of the auxiliary device 300 as well as the operation of the internal configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

That is, the second display 321 of the auxiliary device 300 may be driven depending on the application processor, the memory 170 and the power supply unit 190 of the mobile terminal 100. However, if necessary, a volatile memory for temporarily storing data, a small power supply unit, etc. may be provided, so that it may be used auxiliary for operation control. In particular, the foldable cover 320 may be provided with a second display control unit 322 for controlling the output of the second display 321. The second display control unit 322 may convert data received from the mobile terminal 100 and output it to the second display 321 or perform other auxiliary tasks required for outputting the second display 321. Furthermore, the auxiliary device 300 may include a touch panel corresponding to the second display 321 to generate, process, and transmit an input signal through the touch panel.

In addition, the auxiliary device 300 and the mobile terminal 100 are provided with a magnet and a hall sensor for sensing mutual coupling, and a user interface that starts interlocking with the second display 321 May be output to the first display 151 or power supply to the second display 321 may be started.

The auxiliary device 300 and the mobile terminal 100 are electrically connected to supply power and transmit/receive data. More specifically, the second display 321 of the foldable cover 320 is electrically connected to the mobile terminal 100 to receive power and transmit and receive data. The terminal case 310 serves to electrically connect both components between the foldable cover 320 and the mobile terminal 100.

A circuit configuration provided in the foldable cover 320 for driving the second display 321 is defined as a cover circuit unit 323, and a circuit configuration provided in the terminal case 310 is defined as a case circuit unit 313.

The foldable cover 320 and the terminal case 310 may each have a coupling terminal to connect the cover circuit unit 323 and the case circuit unit 313. For classification, the former is defined as a coupling terminal on the cover side and the latter as a coupling terminal on the case side. The charging port 161 of the mobile terminal 100 may be connected to the terminal coupling terminal 315 of the terminal case 310. Meanwhile, the terminal case 310 additionally has a cable coupling terminal 317 to separately provide a point at which an external cable can be connected.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a terminal case 310 and a foldable cover 320 of an auxiliary device 300 (see FIG. 3) according to an embodiment of the present invention separated, and FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the terminal case 310, the foldable cover 320, and the mobile terminal 100 separately.

In describing the auxiliary device 300 and the terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first direction refers to the direction in which the first display 151 of the mobile terminal 100 faces and means the front of the mobile terminal 100 can do. The second direction according to an embodiment may mean a rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 as a direction opposite to the first direction. In the description of the auxiliary device 300 and the terminal set 10 (refer to FIG. 3) according to an embodiment, the first direction to the second direction have been defined and described, but the direction is not limited thereto. If changed, the rest can be changed in response.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 5, the auxiliary device 300 (see FIG. 3) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a terminal case 310, a foldable cover 320, and a hinge part 330. .

The terminal case 310 according to an embodiment is a cradle on which the mobile terminal 100 is mounted, and is formed to cover the rest of the mobile terminal 100 except for the surface on which the first display 151 is located. I can. The first display 151 of the mobile terminal 100 may be mounted on the terminal case 310 to face the first direction. The terminal case 310 may be formed as a separate component from the mobile terminal 100 as shown in FIG. 5, and if necessary, the terminal case 310 and the mobile terminal 100 may be integrally formed.

A case circuit unit (not shown) may be disposed in the terminal case 310 according to an exemplary embodiment. One side of the case circuit unit may be exposed to the outside of the terminal case 310 to be connected to other components, and the other side 313b may be electrically connected to the mobile terminal 100 within the terminal case 310. The case circuit unit 313 may receive power from the mobile terminal 100 seated in the terminal case 310 and transmit power to other parts, or may serve as a path for transferring information between the mobile terminal 100 and other parts. have.

The foldable cover 320 according to an exemplary embodiment includes the second display 321 and may serve as a cover for the terminal case 310. The foldable cover 320 may rotate by being combined with the terminal case 310 through the hinge part 330. That is, the foldable cover 320 is rotated from the folding state in which the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are overlapped to the unfolded state in which the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are arranged side by side. It can operate similarly to the cover of the mobile terminal 100. When the foldable cover 320 according to the embodiment is combined with the terminal case 310, the second display 321 and the first display 151 may be combined to face the same direction based on the unfolding state. In addition, the second display 321 and the first display 151 may be combined to face opposite directions. For example, when the first display 151 faces in the first direction, the second display 321 may be coupled to face the first direction or the second display 321 to face the second direction.

The hinge part 330 according to an embodiment may include a rotating part 331 and a coupling part 333. The hinge part 330 may be folded and unfolded by relatively rotating the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320, and may be selectively coupled or separated.

The rotating part 331 according to an embodiment may be coupled to the foldable cover 320 or to one edge of the terminal case 310. The rotating part 331 may be coupled to one axis of the foldable cover 320 or the main case via a rotation axis, for example, coupled to one edge of the foldable cover 320 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 Can be. The rotation axis may provide a rotation center during the folding and unfolding process of the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320. The rotation unit 331 according to an embodiment may include a free stop function that can be fixed at an arbitrary angle desired by the user during the folding and unfolding process.

The coupling part 333 according to an embodiment may be coupled to or separated from one side of the terminal case 310. For example, when the rotating portion 331 of the hinge portion 330 is formed to be coupled to one edge of the foldable cover 320, the coupling portion 333 may be coupled to one side of the terminal case 310. Alternatively, when the rotating portion 331 of the hinge portion 330 is formed to be coupled to one edge of the terminal case 310, the coupling portion 333 may be coupled to one side of the foldable cover 320.

The coupling portion 333 according to an embodiment and one side of the terminal case 310 may be coupled through a magnetic body 340. For example, a first electrode of the magnetic material 340 (eg, N-pole, 341a, see FIG. 8) is disposed on the coupling part 333, and the second electrode of the magnetic material 340 is disposed on one side of the terminal case 310. (Example: S-pole, 341b, see FIG. 8) can be arranged and coupled through attractive force between the positive electrodes. The coupling part 333 according to an embodiment and one side of the terminal case 310 may be fastened using a latch structure 350 to be described later. By disposing a physical fastening structure between the coupling part 333 and the terminal case 310, a more reliable coupling state may be secured. The magnetic body 340 and the latch structure 350 according to an exemplary embodiment may be used simultaneously or individually, and may be arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the center of the coupling portion 333. Through this, the coupling unit 333 may be selectively coupled to or separated from one side of the terminal case 310, and the second display 321 and the first display 151 may be coupled in the same direction or differently. have.

6 is a view showing a state in which the mobile terminal 100 is seated in the terminal case 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a foldable cover 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a drawing.

A magnetic body 340, a latch structure 350, and a cover in the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330 coupled to one side of the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention A part of the circuit part 323 (see FIG. 3) and the case circuit part 313 (see FIG. 3) may be disposed.

The coupling part 333 according to an embodiment may be formed to correspond to the shape of one side of the terminal case 310. Referring to FIG. 6, one side surface of the terminal case 310 may be formed as a whole curved surface, and may be formed to have a symmetrical curved surface shape in which a center line portion between the front and rear surfaces protrudes. Referring to FIG. 7, the coupling portion 333 may also be formed in a concave curved surface corresponding to the curved shape of one side of the terminal case 310.

In the magnetic body 340 according to an embodiment, a first electrode (eg, an N-pole, 341a) is disposed on the coupling portion 333, and a second electrode (eg, an S-pole) is disposed on one side of the terminal case 310 corresponding thereto. , 341b) can be arranged to couple through the attractive force between the anodes. At least one or more of such a set of magnetic bodies 340 may be disposed, and may be disposed to be symmetrical with respect to the center of the coupling portion 333 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 7. For example, an even number of sets of magnetic bodies 340 may be provided and arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the center of the coupling portion 333. Through this, even if the second display 321 and the first display 151 are coupled to face the same direction or face opposite directions, the coupling state of the coupling portion 333 and one side of the terminal case 310 is You can keep it the same.

The latch structure 350 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a latch 351, a latch groove 355, and a button 353. The latch 351 according to an embodiment is disposed on the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330, and a latch groove 355 may be formed on one side of the terminal case 310 corresponding thereto. The latch 351 is inserted into the latch groove 355 to form a physical fastening structure, thereby maintaining a stable coupling state between the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320. The button 353 is a configuration for releasing the coupling state of the latch 351 and the latch groove 355, and may be integrally formed with the latch 351 or may be arranged in a separate configuration. Referring to FIG. 7, the button 353 is formed integrally with the latch 351, and the latch 351 can be slid and moved to release the coupling state with the latch groove 355.

The latch structure 350 according to an embodiment may further include a guide protrusion 357 and a guide groove 355. The guide protrusion 357 is formed on either the coupling part 333 of the hinge part 330 or one side of the terminal case 310, and the guide groove 355 corresponds to the position of the guide protrusion 357 It may be formed on one side of the case 310 or on either side of the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, a guide protrusion 357 is formed on the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330, and a guide groove 355 is formed on one side of the terminal case 310. Can be formed. At least one guide protrusion 357 and the guide groove 355 may be formed, and may be disposed to be symmetrical with respect to the center of the coupling portion 333. The guide protrusion 357 and the guide groove 355 may serve to adjust a coupling position in a process in which the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330 and one side surface of the terminal case 310 are coupled. The guide groove 355 may be formed integrally with the latch groove 355. The guide groove 355 is integrally formed with the latch groove 355 to share the groove, thereby occupying a minimum area within a limited space, thereby improving the degree of freedom of component arrangement.

Referring to FIG. 6, a side surface of the terminal case 310 according to an exemplary embodiment may be formed to expose a side 313a of the case circuit part 313. Referring to FIG. 7, in the foldable cover 320, a cover circuit portion 323 having one side electrically connected to the second display 321 and the other side 323b exposed at the center of the coupling portion 333 is disposed. Can be. The other side of the cover circuit part 323 and one side of the case circuit part 313 contact each other, so that the mobile terminal 100 and the second display 321 may be electrically connected. The other side 323b of the cover circuit part 323 and the one side 313a of the case circuit part 313 may have a Pogo Pin shape and a terminal shape. Through the connection of the case circuit part 313 and the cover circuit part 323, the second display 321 can receive power from the mobile terminal 100 mounted on the terminal case 310, and information from the mobile terminal 100 Can be delivered.

8A to 8C illustrate one side of the terminal case 310 and the coupling portion 333 according to the direction in which the foldable cover 320 is coupled to the terminal case 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention. ). Specifically, FIG. 8B is a view showing one side of a terminal case 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8A is a foldable cover 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention. ) Is a view showing the coupling portion 333 when coupled with the terminal case 310 so that the second display 321 faces the same direction as the first display 151, and FIG. 8(c) is a different It is a view showing the coupling portion 333 when combined with the terminal case 310 facing the direction.

Referring to (a) to (c) of FIG. 8, the magnetic body 340, the guide protrusion 357, and the latch around the other side 323b of the cover circuit part 323 located at the center of the coupling part 333 The 351 may be arranged to be symmetrical. Correspondingly, the magnetic body 340, the latch groove 355, and the guide groove 355 may be disposed to be symmetrical around one side 313a of the case circuit part 313 exposed on one side of the terminal case 310. . Therefore, regardless of the direction in which the foldable cover 320 and one side of the terminal case 310 are coupled, the first and

second electrodes

341a and 341b of the magnetic body 340, the guide protrusion 357, and the guide groove The positions of the 355, the latch 351, and the latch groove 355 may always correspond.

9A is a view showing a state in which the case circuit unit and the mobile terminal 100 are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a view viewed along the direction A-A of FIG. 9A.

The other side of the case circuit part 313 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a terminal coupling terminal 315 and a cable coupling terminal 317. The terminal coupling terminal 315 according to an embodiment may be inserted into an interface terminal of the mobile terminal 100 to be electrically connected to the mobile terminal 100, and receives power and data from the mobile terminal 100 to the cover circuit unit. I can deliver. The interface terminal of the mobile terminal 100 may typically be a USB-C type terminal, and correspondingly, the terminal coupling terminal 315 may also be formed as a USB-C type, but is not limited thereto, and power and data transmission If possible, it can be applied in various ways.

The cable coupling terminal 317 according to an exemplary embodiment may be electrically connected to the terminal coupling terminal 315 to be exposed to the outside of the terminal case 310. The cable coupling terminal 317 may be an external input terminal that enables electrical connection to the mobile terminal 100 from the outside of the terminal case 310. The cable coupling terminal 317 may be provided in a form in which a cable for external input is inserted and fixed, or may be provided in a manner in which a connection state is maintained by magnetic force.

The terminal coupling terminal 315 according to an embodiment is rotatably disposed in a part of the terminal case 310, inserted into the interface of the mobile terminal 100, and then rotated to the mobile terminal 100 in the terminal case 310. Can be settled.

FIG. 10A is a view showing a case where the auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded in a first state, and FIG. 10B is a view viewed along the BB direction of FIG. 10A. .

The first state according to an embodiment may mean a state in which the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are combined so that the first display 151 and the second display 321 face the same direction. .

When the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are in the folded state as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10B, the mobile terminal 100 can be protected from six surfaces. have.

Figure 11 (a) is a view showing a case where the auxiliary device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is unfolded in a first state, and Figure 11 (b) is a CC direction of Figure 11 (a) It is a view taken along.

When the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are unfolded as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11B, both the first display 151 and the second display 321 can be utilized. have. In the process of converting from folding to unfolding, the foldable cover 320 may be fixed at an angle selected by the user to increase the utilization of the first display 151 and the second display 321.

12(a) is a view showing a case where the auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded in a second state, and FIG. 12(b) is a view viewed along the DD direction of FIG. 12(a) .

The second state according to an embodiment may mean a state in which the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are combined so that the first display 151 and the second display 321 face different directions. .

As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12B, the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are converted to a folding state, so that the foldable cover 320 is used in the process of using only the mobile terminal 100. Can be prevented from being disturbed.

FIG. 13(a) is a view showing a case where the auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention is unfolded in a second state, and FIG. 13(b) is a view viewed along the EE direction of FIG. 13(a) to be.

When the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are in the unfolded state as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13B, an image displayed through a camera module disposed at the rear of the mobile terminal 100 It is possible to take a picture while confirming through the second display 321. There is an advantage of being able to perform both rear shooting and self shooting with one camera module.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms within the scope not departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A terminal case in which the first display of the mobile terminal is seated in a first direction;

A foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface;

A hinge part selectively connecting or separating the terminal case and the foldable cover, and relatively rotating the terminal case and the foldable cover; And

And a case circuit unit disposed in the terminal case to expose one side to the outside of the terminal case and the other side to be electrically connected to the mobile terminal.
The method of claim 1,

The hinge part,

A rotating unit coupled to the foldable cover and a rotating shaft as a medium; And

Auxiliary device comprising; a coupling part selectively connected or separated from one side of the terminal case.
The method of claim 2,

The coupling part,

An auxiliary device coupled to one side of the terminal case so that the second display faces the first direction or the second display faces a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The method of claim 3,

An auxiliary device in which the coupling part and one side of the terminal case are coupled through at least one magnetic material.
The method of claim 4,

A plurality of magnetic bodies are arranged, and the auxiliary device is arranged to be symmetric with respect to the center of the coupling portion.
The method of claim 4,

An auxiliary device in which the coupling portion and one side of the terminal case are coupled through at least one latch structure.
The method of claim 6,

A plurality of the latch structures are arranged, and the auxiliary device is arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the center of the coupling portion.
The method of claim 2,

An auxiliary device in which one side of the terminal case is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal central axis of the terminal case and has a curved surface, and the coupling portion has a curved surface corresponding to a shape of one side of the terminal case.
The method of claim 2,

One side is electrically connected to the second display, the other side is disposed a cover circuit portion exposed to the center of the coupling portion,

One side of the case circuit part is disposed on one side of the terminal case corresponding to the other side of the cover circuit part,

An auxiliary device in which the mobile terminal and the second display are electrically connected by contacting the other side of the cover circuit and one side of the case circuit.
The method of claim 1,

The case circuit unit,

A terminal coupling terminal provided in the terminal case and provided to contact an interface (I/F) terminal of a mobile terminal; And

Auxiliary device including; a cable coupling terminal connected to the terminal coupling terminal and exposed to the outside of the terminal case.
The method of claim 10,

The terminal coupling terminal is rotatably disposed on at least a portion of the terminal case, and the mobile terminal is connected to the terminal coupling terminal and then mounted on the terminal case according to the rotation of the terminal coupling terminal.
The method of claim 2,

The rotation unit auxiliary device coupled to any one side edge of the coupling unit.
The method of claim 7,

The latch structure,

A latch formed in the coupling portion and capable of sliding;

A button for sliding the latch; And

Auxiliary device comprising; a latch groove formed on one side of the terminal case and coupled to the latch.
The method of claim 13,

The latch structure,

A guide protrusion formed on the coupling portion to guide a coupling position between the coupling portion and one side of the terminal case; And

Auxiliary device comprising; a guide groove formed on one side of the terminal case and formed corresponding to the position of the guide protrusion.
A mobile terminal including a first display and exposing the first display through one surface;

A terminal case mounted so that the first display of the mobile terminal faces a first direction;

A foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface;

A hinge part selectively connecting or separating the terminal case and the foldable cover, and relatively rotating the terminal case and the foldable cover; And

A case circuit unit disposed in the terminal case to expose one side to the outside of the terminal case and the other side to be electrically connected to the mobile terminal.
The method of claim 15,

The hinge part,

A rotating unit coupled to the foldable cover and a rotating shaft as a medium; And

Terminal set comprising; a coupling unit selectively connected to or separated from one side of the terminal case.
The method of claim 16,

The coupling part,

A terminal set coupled to one side of the terminal case such that the second display faces the first direction or the second display faces a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The method of claim 17,

One side is electrically connected to the second display, the other side is disposed a cover circuit portion exposed to the center of the coupling portion,

One side of the case circuit part is disposed on one side of the terminal case corresponding to the other side of the cover circuit part,

A terminal set in which the mobile terminal and the second display are electrically connected by contacting the other side of the cover circuit and one side of the case circuit.
The method of claim 15,

The case circuit unit,

A terminal coupling terminal provided in the terminal case and provided to contact an interface (I/F) terminal of a mobile terminal; And

Terminal set including; a cable coupling terminal connected to the terminal coupling terminal and exposed to the outside of the terminal case.
The method of claim 19,

The terminal coupling terminal is rotatably disposed on at least a portion of the terminal case, and the mobile terminal is connected to the terminal coupling terminal and then mounted on the terminal case according to the rotation of the terminal coupling terminal.