KR101912690B1 - Portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a window including a hole and a signal input part disposed in the hole, covering a surface of a terminal having a housing constituting the external appearance. Wherein the signal input portion receives the first key to limit direct contact with the window of the first key and at least one surface exposed by the hole and formed of metal and to move with the first key And a second key coupled to the mobile terminal.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE TERMINAL [0002]

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal comprising an input key whose surface is formed of a metal.

A mobile terminal is a portable electronic device that is portable and has one or more functions of voice and video call function, information input / output function, and data storing function.

As the functions of the mobile terminal are diversified, the mobile terminal is implemented in the form of a multimedia device having complicated functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, and reception of a game and a broadcast.

Various new attempts have been made in terms of hardware or software to implement the complex functions of multimedia devices.

In recent years, in order to enhance the appearance of the mobile terminal, the front surface is covered with a window made of a glass material. Further, the input means disposed at the lower portion of the mobile terminal is formed by a touch or a button.

When the input means is formed in a button shape, it is formed of various materials in order to enhance the appearance of the mobile terminal. The pushing of the button type input means may cause a risk of damage due to impact and friction with the window of the glass material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to improve visual appearance and appearance of appearance and improve durability.

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above-mentioned problem includes a window and a signal input unit. The window includes a hole covering one surface of a terminal having a housing constituting the external appearance. The signal input portion is disposed in the hole. The signal input unit includes a first key and a second key. The first key is formed of a metal with at least one side exposed by the hole. The second key accepts the first key to limit direct contact of the first key with the window. The second key is coupled to move with the first key.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first key includes a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the first key toward the second key. The second key includes a depression recessed from a side surface of the second key to correspond to the protrusion.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal includes a fixing member formed at a lower portion of the signal input portion and coupled to the housing, such that the signal input portion is coupled to the housing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a circuit board facing the signal input unit and a switch unit formed on the circuit board. The fixing member includes a pressing portion protruding from the lower surface of the fixing member toward the switch portion to press the switch portion when the signal input portion is pressed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the signal input unit is pressed or released, the fixing member has elasticity so that the pressing unit presses or releases the switch unit.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first key includes a plurality of regions corresponding to a plurality of signals. The switch unit includes a plurality of dome switches and a plurality of dome switches. The pressing portion includes a plurality of pushing protrusions that protrude from the fixing member toward the plurality of dome switches.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal includes a light emitting unit for providing light under the signal input unit. The second key has a key formed of a light-transmitting material, and the light passes through the second key and is emitted to the outside.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the hole includes a first hole and a second hole. The signal input unit includes first and second input keys. The first and second input keys include the first and second keys, respectively. The first and second input keys are respectively disposed in the first and second holes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first key further includes a recessed portion formed at an obtuse angle on the front surface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the engraved portion is filled with a non-metallic material.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first key includes a plating unit formed by plating on the front surface.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the first key comprises at least one corner. The second key is formed to surround the corner to protect the inner circumferential surface of the hole overlapping the corner.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer periphery of the first key is formed in a first shape, and the outer periphery of the second key is formed in a second shape. The first shape is a reduced shape of the second shape.

According to the present invention having the above-described structure, it is possible to improve the visual quality of the appearance by using the first key formed of metal, and to prevent the impact between the window and the first key, including the second key, It is possible to prevent damage due to friction.

According to the present invention, the surface of the first key can be processed to express various appearance.

Further, according to the present invention, a single key can be pressed to form a plurality of signals to be input, thereby simplifying the appearance and simplifying the process of the input key.

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.
Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of Figure 2;
4 is a perspective view of the signal input of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment.
5 is a cross-sectional view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 taken along line I-I ', according to one embodiment.
Figure 6a is a perspective view of the signal input of Figure 2 according to another embodiment;
Figure 6b is a perspective view of the signal input of Figure 2 according to another embodiment;
Figure 6c is a perspective view of the signal input of Figure 2 according to yet another embodiment;
FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the signal input of FIG. 2 according to another embodiment; FIG.
7A is a cross-sectional view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 taken along line I-I 'according to another embodiment;
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 taken along line I-I 'according to another embodiment;
8 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment.
9 is a perspective view of the signal input of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to different embodiments in the same or similar configurations. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), a Media Forward Link Only Broadcast-Handheld (ISDB-T), Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be adapted to other broadcasting systems as well as the digital broadcasting system described above.

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

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

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

The short-range communication module 114 refers to a module for short-range communication. Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as a short range communication technology.

The position information module 115 is a module for obtaining the position of the mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a Global Position System (GPS) module.

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

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ Two or more cameras 121 may be provided depending on the use environment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of these displays may be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen through. This can be referred to as a transparent display, and a typical example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparent OLED) and the like. The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be of a light transmission type. With this structure, the user can see an object located behind the terminal body 201 through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body 201.

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

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

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

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

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is surrounded by the touch screen. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or a nearby object without mechanical contact using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays. The proximity sensor has a longer life span than the contact sensor and its utilization is also high.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. And to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field along the proximity of the pointer when the touch screen is electrostatic. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 154 may include a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a spraying force or a suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, a touch on the skin surface, contact with an electrode, And various tactile effects such as an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using an endothermic or exothermic element can be generated.

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

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

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM A disk, and / or an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

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

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

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 170 may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or various commands A signal may be a path through which the signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal. The various command signals or the power source input from the cradle may be operated as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly mounted on the cradle.

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

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

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

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

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of a processor, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electronic units for performing other functions. In some cases, The embodiments described may be implemented by the control unit 180 itself.

According to a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented with separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. Software code can be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code is stored in the memory 160 and can be executed by the control unit 180. [

2 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

1, 2 and 3, the mobile terminal 100 includes a terminal body 201 of a bar shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, and a swing type in which two or more bodies are coupled to be movable relative to each other. Further, the mobile terminal described herein may be any portable electronic device having a camera and flash, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a Personal Digital Assistants ), A PMO (Portable Multimedia Player), and the like.

The terminal body 201 includes a case (which may be referred to as a casing, a housing, a cover, and the like) that forms an appearance. The case may be divided into a front case (202) and a rear case (203) covering a surface opposite to the front case. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed between the front case 202 and the rear case 203. The cases may be formed by injection molding a synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti) or the like.

A power supply unit 222, a rear camera unit 221, and a second sound output unit 225 are disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body 201.

The power supply unit 222 supplies power to the mobile terminal 200. The power supply unit 222 may be embedded in the terminal body 201 or may be detached from the terminal body 201 directly.

A flash 223 is disposed adjacent to the rear camera unit 221. The flash 223 may be disposed adjacent to the rear camera unit 221. The flash 223 illuminates the subject toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the rear camera 230.

A mirror 224 may be disposed adjacent the flash 224. The mirror allows the user to illuminate the user's own face or the like in the case where the user intends to photograph (self-photograph) himself / herself by using the rear camera unit 221. [

The second sound output unit 225 may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 211 disposed on the front surface of the terminal body 201 and may be used for implementing a speakerphone mode during a call .

The rear camera unit 221 may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the front camera unit 216 disposed on the front side and may be a camera having different pixels from the front camera unit 216. [

For example, the front camera unit 216 has low pixels so that it is easy to capture a face of a user in the case of a video call or the like and transmit the face to the other party. The rear camera unit 221 photographs a general subject and immediately transmits It is preferable to have a high pixel. The front and rear camera units 216 and 230 may be installed on the terminal body 201 to be rotatable or pop-upable.

A side key 214, interface units 212 and 225, and an acoustic input unit 213 are disposed on the side surface of the front case 202.

The side key 214 may be collectively referred to as an operation unit and is capable of receiving a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200. The side key 214 may be employed in any manner as long as the user is operating in a tactile manner with a tactile impression. The content input by the side key 214 can be variously set. For example, by the side key 214, commands such as control of the image input units 216 and 230, size adjustment of the sound output from the sound output units 211 and 225, or switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 210, Input can be received.

The sound input unit 213 may be implemented, for example, in the form of a microphone to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface units 215 and 225 are paths for enabling the mobile terminal 200 related to the present invention to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface units 215 and 225 may include a connection terminal for connecting to an earphone by wire or wireless, a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port, A wireless LAN port, etc.), or power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal 200. The interface units 215 and 225 may be implemented in the form of a socket for receiving an external card such as a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) or a User Identity Module (UIM) or a memory card for storing information.

The terminal body 201 includes a display unit 210, a first sound output unit 211, a signal input unit 230, and a front camera unit 216.

The display unit 210 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) module, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) module, and an e-paper for visually expressing information. The display unit 210 may include touch sensing means for inputting data by a touch method. Hereinafter, the display unit 210 including the touch sensing unit will be referred to as a 'touch screen'. If any one of the touches on the touch screen 210 is touched, the contents corresponding to the touched position are input. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, an instruction in various modes, a menu item which can be designated, and the like. The touch sensing means is formed in a translucent manner so that the display portion can be seen, and a structure for enhancing the visibility of the touch screen in a bright place may be included. Referring to FIG. 2, the touch screen 210 occupies most of the front surface of the front case 202.

The first sound output unit 211 may be implemented as a receiver for delivering a call sound to a user's ear or a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds.

The front camera unit 216 processes an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 151. [

The image frame processed by the front camera 216 can be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ The front camera 216 may be provided in two or more depending on the use environment.

The signal input unit 230 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200 and may include a plurality of input keys. The input keys may also be referred to as a manipulating portion and may be employed in any manner as long as the user has a tactile sense and operates in a tactile manner.

For example, a dome switch or touch screen capable of receiving a command or information by a push or touch operation of a user, a touch pad, or a wheel, a jog type or a joystick for rotating a key . The contents input by the signal input unit 230 can be variously set. For example, to enter start, end, scroll, and the like.

The mobile terminal 200 of the present invention includes a signal input unit 230 for inputting commands or information by pressing an input key and a dome switch. In FIG. 2, the signal input unit 230 includes the first through third input keys 230a, 230b, and 230c, but is not limited thereto. The specific structure of the signal input unit 230 will be described below.

4 is a perspective view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 taken along line I-I 'according to an embodiment.

2, 4 and 5, the signal input unit 230 includes a first key 231, a second key 232, and a fixed member 240 input switch 250.

The first key 231 and the second key 232 are disposed in holes formed in the window 210 '. The first key 231 and the second key 232 may protrude from the surface of the window 210 '. If the appearance of the first key 231 and the second key 232 is small, the user or the like can be easily pressed.

The thickness of the second key 232 is set to about 0.6 cm or more so as to be disposed in a hole (not shown) of the window 210 'and a hole (not shown) of the prototype case 202 formed to correspond to the hole .

The first key 231 is formed such that its front surface is exposed to the outside. The first key 231 is formed of a metal. For example, the metal may comprise aluminum (Al). In this case, the first metal 231 may be formed by numerical control (NC). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may include stainless steel (STS), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and metal alloys. The outer surface of the first metal 231 exposed to the outside of the first key 231 is not limited to the above-described shape, but may be formed to display an input signal.

Because metals emit visible light of all colors entering the metal, almost all metals have a silver-white luster. Therefore, it is possible to form the metal in the signal input unit disposed on the front surface of the mobile terminal, and to improve the sense of quality by the reflected light.

The second key 232 is formed to surround the first key 231. That is, the window 210 'and the first key 231 are not in direct contact with each other. The second key 232 is formed of a non-metal. The base metal may include, but is not limited to, rubber, plastic, and silicone. The second key 232 may be formed through an injection molding process.

The front surface of the first key 231 may protrude from the front surface of the second key 232. That is, the step height of the first key 231 and the second key 232 may be about 0.05 mm or more. The distance between the outer circumferential surface of the first key 231 and the outer circumferential surface of the second key 232, that is, the thickness of the second key 232 may be about 0.6 mm or more.

When the front surface of the first key 231 protrudes from the front surface of the second key 232, the possibility that the first key 231 is pressed in a diagonal direction rather than perpendicular to the inner direction of the terminal body 201 . If the second key 232 is too thin, the contact between the first key 231 and the window 210 'can not be effectively prevented. Accordingly, the first key 231 is moved to stably protect the window 210 'from impact or friction that may be applied to the window 210'.

The first key 231 is formed of a metal, and the window 210 'is formed of a tempered glass. Therefore, if you hit or rub against each other, you may be damaged. However, in the present invention, the second key 232 surrounds the first key 231, so that the first key 231 and the window 210 'are not in contact with each other. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the damage caused by the impact or friction between the first key 231 and the window 210 '.

The first key 231 includes a protrusion protruding from the side of the first key 231 toward the second key 232. The second key 232 includes a depression recessed corresponding to the protrusion. The protrusion and the depression are coupled. Accordingly, the first key 231 and the second key 232 can be moved together even when only one of the first key 231 and the second key 232 is pressed.

The fixing member 240 includes first and second engaging holes 241 and 242 and a pressing protrusion 243. The fixing member 240 is engaged with a lower portion of the first and second keys 231 and 232 and is fixed to the front housing 202 so that the first and second keys 231 and 232 are fixed to the front housing 202. [ (202).

The outer periphery of the fixing member 240 is formed to be larger than the outer periphery of the first key 231. First and second engaging grooves 241 and 242 are formed in areas of the fixing member 240 that are not overlapped with the first and second keys 231 and 232. The front housing 202 is formed with coupling protrusions corresponding to the first and second coupling grooves 241 and 242. Therefore, the fixing member 240 is fixed to the front housing 202 to prevent the first and second keys 231 and 232 from moving.

The fixing member 240 includes the pressing protrusion 243 protruding from the lower portion of the fixing member 240. The pushing protrusion 243 protrudes in a direction opposite to the first and second keys 231 and 232. When the user presses the first and second keys 231 and 232, the pushing protrusion 243 is moved and deformed to press the input switch 250. Therefore, the pushing protrusion 243 can be moved and deformed. Further, when the user or the like releases the pressing of the first and second keys 231 and 232, the position of the pressing projection 243 can be restored. Therefore, the fixing member 240 may be formed to have elasticity. Therefore, the fixing member 240 may be formed of rubber.

The input switch 250 is formed to overlap with the first and second keys 231 and 232. The input switch 250 includes a circuit board 252, an internal contact terminal 253, a dome switch 251 and an external contact terminal 254.

The dome switch 251 is formed on the circuit board 252. The inner contact terminal 253 is formed in the dome switch 251 and the outer contact terminal 254 is formed in an area where the dome switch 251 and the circuit board 252 are in contact with each other.

When at least one of the first and second switches 231 and 232 is pressed by a user, the pressing projection 243 moves and the dome switch 251 is pressed. Therefore, a signal is input in contact with the internal contact terminal 253.

6A is a perspective view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 6A, the signal input unit 230 includes the first and second keys 231 and 232 and the fixing member 240. In this embodiment, the first key 231 includes an engraved portion 233 formed at a front surface exposed to the outside. The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may include components similar to those of Figs. 4 and 5, except for the engraved portion 233, do.

The engraved portion 233 is formed by engraving the entire surface of the first key 231 with a certain depth and shape. The shape can be formed by crossing a long and thin shape as shown in FIG. 6A. However, the shape of the engraved portion 233 is not limited thereto. In addition, the engraved portion may be filled with a non-metallic material. The non-metallic material may be formed of the same material as the second key 232.

The signal inputted by the engraved portion 233 can be expressed without forming any additional display on the signal input portion 230. [ In addition, the intaglio part 233 can provide a sense of beauty added to the unique texture of the user or the like.

6B is a perspective view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 according to another embodiment.

2, 4, 5, and 6B, the signal input unit 230 includes a first key 231, a second key 232, and a fixing member 240, and the first key 231 Includes a plating portion 234 formed on the entire surface. The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may include components similar to those of FIGS. 4 and 5 except for the plating unit 234, and description thereof will be omitted in FIGS. 4 and 5, do.

A plating unit 234 is formed on the entire surface exposed to the outside of the first key 231 through a plating process. The signal input to the plating unit 234 can be expressed, and there is no limitation on the form to be plated. Plating can be used to form a texture of at least two metals.

6C is a perspective view of the signal input portion of FIG. 2 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6C, the signal input unit 230 includes a first key 231, a second key 232, and a fixing member 240. The outer periphery of the first key 231 is formed in a first shape, and the outer periphery of the second key 232 is formed in a second shape. The first shape is formed in a reduced shape of the second shape. The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may include components similar to those of FIGS. 4 and 5 except for the shape of the second key 232, I'll give it a try.

According to the present embodiment, the area occupied by the second key 232 formed of a non-metal is reduced. Accordingly, as the area occupied by the window 210 'and the first key 231 formed of metal increases from the front of the mobile terminal, the quality of the appearance of the mobile terminal can be improved.

6D is a perspective view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6D, the signal input unit 230 includes a first input key 230a, a second input key 230b, and a third input key 230c. The first to third input keys 230a, 230b and 230c include first keys 231a, 231b and 231c and second keys 232a, 232b and 232c, respectively. In addition, the signal input unit 230 includes a fixing member 240.

The first to third input keys 230a, 230b, and 230c are spaced apart from each other, and different signals may be input. Although the first to third input keys 230a, 230b and 230c are described in this embodiment, the number of input keys is not limited. The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may include components similar to those of FIGS. 4 and 5 except that the signal input unit 230 includes a plurality of input keys, 4 and the description of Fig. 5.

The fixing member 240 is coupled to the lower portions of the first to third input keys 230a, 230b, and 230c. The first to third input keys 230a, 230b and 230c are coupled to the fixing member 240, and the fixing member 240 is formed as a single member.

The fixing member 240 includes a pressing part protruding from the fixing member 240. The pressing portion includes first to third pressing projections 243a, 243b, 243c which overlap with the first to third input keys 230a, 230b, 230c, respectively. Although not shown in FIG. 6D, first through third pushbuttons 243a, 243b, and 243c are provided under the first through third input keys 230a, 230b, and 203c, respectively. .

The fixing member 240 may be elastically formed to press only the first to third switches when any one of the first to third input keys 230a, 230b, and 203c is pressed.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 taken along line I-I 'according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 7A, the signal input unit 230 includes a first key 231, a second key 232, a fixing member 240, an input switch 250, 260). The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may include components similar to those of FIGS. 4 and 5, except for the insulating layer 260, and the description thereof is omitted from the description of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 .

The insulating layer 260 is formed on the exposed front surfaces of the first and second keys 231 and 232. The insulating layer 260 may be formed only on the exposed front surface of the first key 231.

The first key 231 is formed of metal, and a current can flow from the outside to the inside or from the inside to the outside. Accordingly, the insulating layer 260 may be formed on the first key 231 exposed directly to the outside to shield the electrical current. However, the insulating layer 260 may be formed of a light-transmitting material that allows light to pass therethrough in order to maintain metallicity reflected by the light. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the metallic property of the first key 231, which is exposed, and to prevent the surface area of the metal part from being damaged due to the use of the signal input unit 230.

7B is a cross-sectional view of the signal input unit of FIG. 2 taken along line I-I 'according to another embodiment. The signal input unit 230 includes a first key 231, a second key 232, a fixing member 240, an input switch 250, and a light emitting unit 270. The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may include components similar to those of FIGS. 4 and 5 except for the light emitting portion 270, and the description thereof is omitted from the description of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 .

8 is a front view of the mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. The light emitting unit 270 may be formed below the second key 232. The second key 232 may be formed of a light-transmitting material to allow the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 270 to be emitted to the outside .

It is a perspective view. 9 is a perspective view of the signal input unit of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment.

2, 4, 8 and 9, the mobile terminal includes a terminal body 201, a sound output unit 211 of the display unit 210, an acoustic input unit 213, interfaces 212 and 225, A front camera unit 216, and a signal input unit 230. The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may include components similar to those of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2 except for the signal input unit 230, and the description thereof is omitted in the description of FIG.

The signal input unit 230 includes the first and second keys 231 and 232. The first key 231 includes a first area 231 'in which a first signal is input and a second area 231' 'in which a second signal is input.

 As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the first and second regions 231 'and 231' 'can be separately displayed by the engraved portion, the plating portion, and the like. The first key 231 can be moved and modified so that the first area 231 'or the second area 231' 'can be selectively depressed. The first and second regions 231 'and 231' 'may be simultaneously moved and deformed.

The fixing member 240 includes first and second pressing projections 243 'and 243' 'which are respectively superimposed on the first and second regions 231' and 231 ''. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the first and second pressing protrusions 243 'and 243' 'are formed under the first and second regions 231' and 231 ' 2 switches are formed. The first and second regions 231 'and 231' 'for receiving the first and second signals are formed in the first key 231. However, the number of the input signals and the corresponding pressure The number of possible regions is not limited.

A metal key including a property of reflecting light can be widely formed, and the appearance can be enhanced. It is possible to form a plurality of signals through the integrally formed key, thereby simplifying the appearance. Also, it is possible to reduce the process of forming holes in the window for disposing the input keys.

The mobile terminal described above can be applied to not only the configuration and method of the embodiments described above but also all or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications may be made to the embodiments It is possible.

Claims (14)

A window covering one surface of a terminal having a housing constituting an appearance, the window including a hole;
And a signal input unit disposed in the hole,
Wherein the signal input unit comprises:
A first key having at least one surface exposed by the hole and formed of a metal;
And a second key for receiving the first key to limit direct contact of the first key with the window,
The second key is formed to surround the first key and includes a depression recessed from the front surface toward the thickness direction,
Wherein the first key is formed to protrude from the side surface of the first key toward the second key so as to correspond to the depressed portion, and is coupled to move with the second key. delete The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising a fixing member formed at a lower portion of the signal input unit and coupled to the housing, the signal input unit being coupled to the housing. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the housing includes a circuit board facing the signal input unit and a switch unit formed on the circuit board,
Wherein the fixing member includes a pressing part protruding from the lower surface of the fixing member toward the switch part to press the switch part when the signal input part is pressed. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the fixing member is resilient to press or release the switch unit when the signal input unit is pressed or released. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the first key includes a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of signals,
Wherein the switch unit includes a plurality of dome switches each overlapping with the plurality of areas,
Wherein the pressing portion includes a plurality of pushing protrusions protruding from the fixing member toward the plurality of dome switches. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a light-emitting unit provided below the signal input unit,
Wherein the second key is formed of a light transmitting material, and the light passes through the second key and is emitted to the outside. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the hole includes a first hole and a second hole,
Wherein the signal input portion comprises first and second input keys, respectively, disposed in the first and second holes, each of the first and second input keys including the first and second keys,
Wherein the first and second input keys are coupled to the fixing member, and the fixing member is formed as a single member. 8. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a light-transmitting insulating layer is formed on a front surface of the first key. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an engraved portion formed at a front face of the first key at an engraved angle. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the engraved portion is filled with a non-metallic material. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a plating unit formed on the front surface of the first key. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first key includes at least one corner and the second key is formed to surround the corner to protect the inner circumferential surface of the hole overlapping the corner. [2] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an outer periphery of the first key is formed in a first shape, an outer periphery of the second key is formed in a second shape, and the first shape is a reduced shape of the second shape .

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