KR102037928B1 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display module for displaying visual information, a window stacked on the display module, and a case supporting the window in contact with a side end of the window, wherein the case is made of a metal material. And an injection molded injection molded to surround at least a portion of the frame and the frame.

Description

Mobile terminal {MOBILE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a structure of a terminal case coupled to a window.

As terminals are diversified, for example, terminals are implemented in the form of a multimedia player having complex functions such as taking a picture or video, playing a music or video file, playing a game, and receiving a broadcast. have.

Terminal can move It may be divided into a mobile terminal (portable terminal) and a stationary terminal depending on whether or not. A portable terminal is a portable device that is portable and has one or more functions for making voice and video calls, inputting and outputting information, and storing data.

In order to support and increase the function of such a terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and / or the software part of the terminal.

Recently, in order to provide a simpler appearance and a more convenient user interface, a display tends to be formed on the front of the terminal. In particular, as multimedia functions are important to the terminal, a terminal capable of displaying a larger screen in the same area is preferred. However, as the size of the display increases, the width of the terminal case also increases, making it difficult for users to hold the terminal with one hand. Accordingly, a mobile terminal structure capable of increasing rigidity while minimizing a bezel of a display may be considered.

The present invention is to provide a mobile terminal that can increase the rigidity of the terminal while reducing the width of the bezel by using a different display coupling structure.

In order to solve the above problems, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, a display module for displaying visual information, a window stacked on the display module and a case in contact with the side end of the window to support the window And the case includes a frame formed of a metal material and an injection member injection molded to surround at least a portion of the frame.

As an example related to the present invention, the frame is included in at least one sidewall of the sidewalls of the case.

As another example related to the present invention, the mobile terminal further includes an antenna for communication disposed to be adjacent to one side wall.

As another example related to the present invention, the one side wall may be formed of an injection member.

As another example related to the present invention, the frame includes a hole penetrating the frame to improve the radio sensitivity of the communication antenna.

As another example associated with the present invention, the frame is made of copper.

As another example related to the present invention, the frame is formed such that the holes are repeated at regular intervals.

As another example related to the present invention, the hole has a polygonal shape having a plurality of edges.

As another example associated with the present invention, the frame includes a first connection portion connecting a second edge having a distance farthest from the first edge.

As another example related to the present invention, the frame includes a second connection part connecting the first connection part and the third corner.

As another example of the present invention, the window may include a first region overlapping the touch pattern and a second region corresponding to an outside of the first region, and the touch pattern may include the touch pattern and the flexible circuit board. Connection lines for connecting the plurality of the second area is disposed is formed integrally with the display module to reduce the size.

As yet another example associated with the present invention, the sidewalls include a first groove formed between the case and the side end of the window so that the adhesive can be easily introduced.

As another example associated with the present invention, the mobile terminal further includes a second groove that is pied toward the inside of the sidewall from the first groove to reduce the flow of the adhesive into the terminal.

As another example associated with the present disclosure, the sidewalls may further include protrusions protruding upward from one surface of the first groove.

As another example related to the present invention, the protrusion is formed to contact the lower surface of the window.

The mobile terminal according to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above may minimize the area of the window side bezel by changing the laminated bonding method of the existing window and the case to the window side bonding method.

In addition, the present invention can minimize the thickness of the case physically necessary to secure the strength of the terminal case by applying an insert chassis metal (Insert Sash Metal) structure to the terminal case.

In addition, a hole is formed in a metal frame inserted into the terminal case, thereby reducing the antenna radiation performance deteriorated by the metal frame.

In addition, the present invention is formed with a groove between the terminal case and the side end of the window, it is easy to inject the adhesive during the window side bonding, it is possible to prevent the injected adhesive flows into the terminal.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal associated with one embodiment of the present invention;
2A is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal associated with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A; FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view of portion F of FIG. 2A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of portion F of FIG. 2A in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 2A;
7 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A;
8A and 8B are conceptual views illustrating a case fabrication principle of an insert sash metal structure of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are only for easily understanding the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not to be construed as limiting the technical spirit disclosed in the present specification by the accompanying drawings.

The mobile terminal described herein includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant, a portable multimedia player, a navigation, a slate PC , Tablet PC, ultrabook, and the like. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, etc., except when applicable only to mobile terminals.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a detection unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, and an interface. The unit 170, the controller 180, and the power supply unit 190 may be included. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, so that 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 that enable wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and a network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of the broadcast receiving module 111, the mobile communication module 112, the wireless internet module 113, the short range communication module 114, and the location information module 115. Can be.

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

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal having a data broadcast signal combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

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

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

The broadcast receiving module 111 may include, for example, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO), and Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-H). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as Handheld and Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for not only the above-described digital broadcasting system but also other broadcasting systems.

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

The mobile communication module 112 is configured to implement a video call mode and a voice call mode. The video call mode refers to a state of making a call while viewing the other party's video, and the voice call mode refers to a state of making a call without viewing the other party's image. In order to implement the video call mode and the voice call mode, the mobile communication module 112 is configured to transmit and receive at least one of audio and video.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access and may be embedded or external to the mobile terminal 100. Wireless Internet technologies include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and more. This can be used.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. Short range communication technologies include Bluetooth ™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and Near Field Communication (NFC). Can be.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a Global Position System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module.

Referring to FIG. 1, the A / V 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 image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may 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 an external device through the wireless communication unit 110. In addition, the position information of the user may be calculated from the image frame obtained by the camera 121. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided according to the use environment.

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

The user input unit 130 generates input data according to a control command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 applied from the user. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (constant voltage / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit (or the sensing unit 140) may be configured such as an open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, a position of the mobile terminal 100, presence or absence of user contact, orientation of the mobile terminal, acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal, and the like. The current state is detected to generate a detection signal (or sensing signal) for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the sensing unit 140 may detect whether the slide phone is opened or closed when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone. In addition, the sensing unit 140 may detect whether the power supply unit 190 supplies power or whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device.

The output unit 150 is used to generate an output related to visual, auditory or tactile senses, and may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 153, an alarm unit 154, and a haptic module 155. have.

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

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 (flexible). display, a 3D display, or an e-ink display.

Some of these displays can be configured to be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen from the outside. This may be referred to as a transparent display. A representative example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparant OLED). The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be configured as a light transmissive structure. With this structure, the user can see the object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

According to an implementation form of the mobile terminal 100, two or more display units 151 may exist. For example, the plurality of display units 151 may be spaced apart or integrally disposed on one surface of the mobile terminal 100, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

In addition, the display unit 151 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit 152 for displaying a stereoscopic image.

Here, the stereoscopic image represents a three-dimensional stereoscopic image, and the three-dimensional stereoscopic image represents a gradual depth and reality in which an object is placed on a monitor or a screen. This is a video that lets you feel the same as space. 3D stereoscopic images are implemented using binocular disparity. Binocular parallax means the parallax made by the position of two eyes that are separated. When the two eyes see different two-dimensional images and the images are transferred to the brain through the retina and are fused, the depth and reality of the stereoscopic image can be felt. .

The stereoscopic display unit 152 may be a three-dimensional display method such as stereoscopic (glasses), auto stereoscopic (glasses), projection (holographic). Stereoscopic methods commonly used in home television receivers include Wheatstone stereoscope.

Examples of the auto stereoscopic method include a parallax barrier method, a lenticular method, an integrated imaging method, a switchable lens, and the like. Projection methods include reflective holographic methods and transmissive holographic methods.

Generally, a 3D stereoscopic image is composed of a left image (left eye image) and a right image (right eye image). A top-down method in which the left and right images are arranged up and down in one frame according to the way in which the left and right images are merged into three-dimensional stereoscopic images. L-to-R (left-to-right, side by side) method to be arranged as a checker board method to arrange the pieces of the left and right images in the form of tiles, a column unit of the left and right images Or an interlaced method of alternately arranging rows, and a time sequential (frame by frame) method of alternately displaying left and right images by time.

In addition, the 3D thumbnail image may generate a left image thumbnail and a right image thumbnail from the left image and the right image of the original image frame, respectively, and combine them to generate one 3D thumbnail image. In general, a thumbnail refers to a reduced image or a reduced still image. The left image thumbnail and the right image thumbnail generated as described above are displayed with a left and right distance difference on the screen by a depth corresponding to the parallax of the left image and the right image, thereby representing a three-dimensional space.

The left image and the right image necessary for implementing the 3D stereoscopic image may be displayed on the stereoscopic display 152 by a stereoscopic processor (not shown). The stereo processing unit receives a 3D image and extracts a left image and a right image therefrom, or receives a 2D image and converts the image into a left image and a right image.

On the other hand, when the display unit 151 and a sensor for detecting a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as a “touch sensor”) form a mutual layer structure (hereinafter referred to as a “touch screen”), the display unit 151 outputs the same. In addition to the device can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect not only the position and area where the touch object is touched on the touch sensor but also the pressure at the touch. Here, the touch object is an object applying a touch to the touch sensor and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen or a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of a mobile terminal surrounded by the touch screen or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141 may be provided as an example of the sensing unit 140. The proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object present in the vicinity without using a mechanical contact by using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 141 has a longer life and higher utilization than a contact sensor.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the touch screen is configured to detect the proximity of the pointer by a change in an electric field according to the proximity of a conductive object (hereinafter, referred to as a pointer). In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an act of allowing the pointer to be recognized without being in contact with the touch screen so that the pointer is located on the touch screen is referred to as a "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "contact touch." The position at which the proximity touch is performed by the pointer on the touch screen means a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen when the pointer is in proximity proximity.

The proximity sensor 141 detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, and a proximity touch movement state). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

When the stereoscopic display unit 152 and the touch sensor form a mutual layer structure (hereinafter, referred to as a “stereoscopic touch screen”), or when the stereoscopic display unit 152 and the 3D sensor detecting a touch operation are combined with each other. The stereoscopic display unit 152 may also be used as a three-dimensional input device.

As an example of the 3D sensor, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, a stereoscopic touch sensing unit 142, an ultrasonic sensing unit 143, and a camera sensing unit 144.

The proximity sensor 141 measures the distance between a sensing object (for example, a user's finger or a stylus pen) and a detection surface to which a touch is applied without mechanical contact by using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The terminal recognizes which part of the stereoscopic image is touched using this distance. In particular, when the touch screen is capacitive, the proximity of the sensing object is detected by a change in electric field according to the proximity of the sensing object, and the touch screen is configured to recognize a three-dimensional touch using the proximity.

The stereoscopic touch sensing unit 142 is configured to detect the strength or duration of the touch applied to the touch screen. For example, the three-dimensional touch sensing unit 142 detects a pressure to apply a touch, and if the pressure is strong, recognizes it as a touch on an object located farther from the touch screen toward the inside of the terminal.

The ultrasonic sensing unit 143 uses ultrasonic waves to recognize position information of the sensing object.

The ultrasonic sensing unit 143 may be formed of, for example, an optical sensor and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The optical sensor is configured to detect light, and the ultrasonic sensor is configured to detect ultrasonic waves. Because light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, the time that light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than the time that ultrasonic waves reach the ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, the position of the wave generation source can be calculated using the time difference from the time when the ultrasonic wave reaches the light as the reference signal.

The camera sensing unit 144 includes at least one of a camera 121, a photo sensor, and a laser sensor.

For example, the camera 121 and the laser sensor are combined with each other to sense a touch of a sensing object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. When the distance information detected by the laser sensor is added to the 2D image photographed by the camera, 3D information may be obtained.

As another example, a photo sensor may be stacked on the display element. The photo sensor is configured to scan the movement of the sensing object in proximity to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor mounts a photo diode and a transistor (TR) in a row / column and scans contents mounted on the photo sensor by using an electrical signal that varies according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor calculates coordinates of the sensing object according to the amount of change of light, and thereby obtains the position information of the sensing object.

The sound output module 153 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output module 153 may also output a sound signal related to a function (for example, a call signal reception sound or a message reception sound) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 153 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and touch input. The alarm unit 154 may output a signal for notifying occurrence of an event by using a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the sound output module 153, and thus the display unit 151 and the sound output module 153 may be classified as part of the alarm unit 154. .

The haptic module 155 generates various tactile effects that a user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 155 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 155 may be controlled by the user's selection or the setting of the controller. For example, the haptic module 155 may output different synthesized vibrations or sequentially output them.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 155 may be configured to provide a pin array that vertically moves with respect to the contact skin surface, a jetting force or suction force of air through the jetting or suction port, grazing to the skin surface, contact of the electrode, electrostatic force, and the like. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as effects by the endothermic and the reproduction of a sense of cold using the elements capable of endotherm or heat generation.

The haptic module 155 may not only transmit the haptic effect through direct contact, but also may implement the user to feel the haptic effect through the muscle sense such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 155 may be provided according to configuration aspects of the mobile terminal 100.

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

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), RAM random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic It may include a storage medium of at least one type of a disk and an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may be operated in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

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

On the other hand, the identification module is a chip that stores a variety of information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, a user identification module (UIM), subscriber identity module (SIM), universal user authentication And a universal subscriber identity module (USIM). A device equipped with an identification module (hereinafter referred to as an 'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Therefore, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 170.

In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 170 serves as a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or inputted from the cradle by a user. Various command signals may be a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 is transmitted. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, control and processing related to voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like are performed. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for playing multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the controller 180 or may be implemented separately from the controller 180.

 In addition, the controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing a writing input or a drawing input performed on the touch screen as text and an image, respectively.

In addition, when the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute a lock state for limiting input of a user's control command to applications. In addition, the controller 180 may control the lock screen displayed in the locked state based on the touch input sensed by the display unit 151 in the locked state.

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

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented 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 include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). It may be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing other functions. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the controller 180 itself.

According to the software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

The software code may be implemented as a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

2A is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

2A and 2B, the mobile terminal 100 includes a terminal body 104 in a bar shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various structures such as a watch type, a clip type, a glasses type, or a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, a swivel type, in which two or more bodies are relatively movable. have.

The body includes a case (frame, housing, cover, etc.) that forms an exterior. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are built in the space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one intermediate case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, and the battery cover 103 covering the battery 191 may be detachably attached to the rear case 102. have.

The cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin, or may be formed of metal, for example, stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

The front surface of the terminal body, the display unit 151, the first sound output module 153, the first camera 121, the first operation unit 221 is disposed, the side of the microphone 122, the interface unit 170 ), The second operation unit 132 may be provided.

The display unit 151 is configured to display (output) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) for visually representing information, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) ), At least one of a flexible display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensing means to receive a control command by a touch method. When a touch is made to any place on the display unit 151, the touch sensing means may be configured to detect the touch and input content corresponding to the touched position. The content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers or menu items that can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensing means is formed to be translucent so that the visual information output from the display unit 151 can be seen, and may include a structure for increasing the visibility of the touch screen in a bright place. According to FIG. 2A, the display unit 151 occupies most of the front surface of the front case 101.

The first sound output module 153 and the first camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151, and the first operation unit 221 and the microphone 122 in an area adjacent to the other end. ) Is placed. The second manipulation unit 132 (see FIG. 2B), the interface unit 170, and the like may be disposed on the side of the terminal body.

The first sound output module 153 may be implemented in the form of a receiver for transmitting a call sound to the user's ear or a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or reproduction sounds of multimedia.

Sound generated from the first sound output module 153 may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between the structures. In this case, the holes formed independently for the sound output may not be visible or hidden, so that the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 may be simplified. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a hole for emitting the sound may be formed in the window.

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

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 and may include first and second manipulation units 221 and 132. The first and second manipulation units 221 and 132 may also be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any tactile manner, such as a touch, push, or scroll, in which the user operates with a tactile feeling. Can be.

In the drawing, the first operation unit 221 is illustrated as a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first manipulation unit 221 may be a push key or a combination of a touch key and a push key.

The contents input by the first and / or second manipulation units 221 and 132 may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 221 receives a command such as a menu, a home key, a cancellation, a search, etc., and the second operation unit 132 adjusts the volume of the sound output from the first sound output module 153 or A command such as switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 may be input.

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

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for allowing the mobile terminal 100 to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface unit 170 is a wired or wireless connection terminal for connecting to the earphone, a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), Bluetooth port (Bluetooth Port), wireless LAN port (Wireless) LAN Port) and the like, or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 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), a memory card for storing information.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a second camera 121 ′ may be additionally mounted on the rear of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 102. The second camera 121 ′ may be a camera having a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121 (see FIG. 2A), and having different pixels from the first camera 121.

For example, the first camera 121 has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call, and the second camera 121 'captures a general subject and transmits it immediately. In many cases, it is desirable to have a high pixel. The first and second cameras 121 and 121 'may be installed in the terminal body so as to be rotatable or pop-up.

The flash 123 and the mirror 124 are further disposed adjacent to the second camera 121 ′. The flash 123 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121 '. The mirror 124 allows the user to see his / her own face or the like when the user wants to photograph himself (self-photographing) using the second camera 121 '.

The second sound output module 153 'may be further disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The second sound output module 153 ′ may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output module 153 (see FIG. 2A), and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

An antenna (not shown) for receiving a broadcast signal may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. An antenna that forms part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (refer to FIG. 1) may be installed to be pulled out of the terminal body.

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 embedded in the terminal body or detachably configured from the outside of the terminal body. In this figure, the battery cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to limit the detachment of the battery 191, and to protect the battery 191 from external shocks and foreign matters. .

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention in which the display unit 151 and the front case 101 are coupled will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the case refers to the front case 101. However, this is for convenience of description, and in the structure in which the display unit 151 is coupled to the rear case 102 or the intermediate case, the case may not be referred to as the front case only.

3 is a cross-sectional view of portion F of FIG. 2A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the display unit includes a window 200 and a display module 201.

The display unit may further include a touch pattern. The touch pattern may be manufactured integrally with the display module 201 by introducing an incell touch LCD method. According to the in-cell touch LCD method, since the touch pattern is not stacked on one surface of the window 200, the amount of protrusion of the window 200 may be minimized.

More specifically, the window 200 includes a first area overlapping the touch pattern and a second area corresponding to an outer edge of the first area. When the touch pattern is formed to be stacked on one surface of the window 200, connection lines connecting the touch pattern and the flexible circuit board should be disposed in the second area. In the in-cell touch LCD method, the size of the second area can be reduced.

The display module 201 is seated in a set mechanism. The set mechanism may be a printed circuit board 182. As shown, the set mechanism, the display module 201 and the window 200 are sequentially stacked. The double-sided tape is disposed between the set mechanism and the back surface of the display module 201 and the engagement is maintained by the adhesive force of the double-sided tape. In addition, the window 200 and the display module 201 may be coupled to each other by the transparent adhesive means 202 such as an OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive) or OCR (Optically Clear Resin).

Adhesive means such as OCA or OCR is formed of a transparent material, so the density is low, the bonding strength is less than double-sided tape. Therefore, in the prior art, the edge of the window 200 and the housing of the display module 201 are coupled by a double-sided tape to firmly couple the window 200 and the display module 201 to each other.

At this time, the double-sided tape needs a space that can be disposed with a width of at least 0.8 mm or more. When the mobile terminal is viewed from the front, the outside of the area 200a on which the screen is displayed may be referred to as a bezel. When using a double-sided tape as in the related art, the bezel is increased as much as the space in which the double-sided tape is disposed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, by changing the stacking bonding method of the window 200 and the case to the side bonding method of the window 200 to the coupling structure that can be strongly coupled to the window 200 to the terminal body It is about.

As shown, the side end of the window 200 is fixed in contact with the side wall of the case. The side wall includes a frame 301 formed of a metal material and an injection member 302 which is injection molded to surround at least a part of the frame 301.

The side end of the window 200 may be fixed to the side wall of the case with a double-sided tape. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the side end of the window 200 and the side wall of the case may be bonded by the adhesive 203.

4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of portion F of FIG. 2A according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first groove 303a is formed on the sidewall of the case so that the adhesive 203 easily flows between the case and the side end of the window 200. The first groove 303a is recessed in the thickness direction of the side wall of the case. In order to improve the aesthetics of the external appearance of the terminal, the first groove 303a may be formed to be closer to the side end of the window 200 toward the top. That is, it may be difficult to determine the existence of the first groove 303a from the outside.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lower end of the first groove 303a further includes a second groove 303b which is formed into the case side wall. The second groove 303b provides a space in which the adhesive 203 flowing down by gravity may be stuck. That is, it is possible to prevent the devices from malfunctioning by flowing into the terminal by the fluidity before the adhesive 203 is hardened.

The second groove 303b may be formed to have a circular cross section as shown in order to maximize the space in which the adhesive 203 accumulates.

Referring to FIG. 5, the sidewalls of the case further include a protrusion 302a protruding upward from one surface of the first groove 303a. As shown, the protrusion 302a protrudes to form a layer on the lower surface of the first groove 303a.

The protrusion 302a prevents the first groove 303a and the second groove 303b from filling the terminal along the lower surface of the window 200 after the adhesive 203 is filled. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface of the protrusion 302a is formed to contact the lower surface of the window 200.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 6, the sidewall of the case includes a frame 301 formed of a metal material and a plastic material formed to surround at least a portion of the frame 301.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plastic material may be an injection member 302 which is injection molded to surround the frame 301.

6A and 6B show a frame 301 having a hole structure. The hole structure refers to a structure capable of maximizing the size of the hole 303 penetrating the metal frame 301. Through this structure, antenna performance reduction due to the metal frame 301 can be minimized.

In order to minimize antenna performance reduction, the frame may have one large hole in the middle, but the size of the hole 303 may be reduced and repeated at regular intervals in consideration of securing the rigidity of the case together with the antenna performance.

The hole 303 may be circular as shown in FIG. 6 (b) or may have a polygonal shape having a plurality of edges. 6 (a) shows an embodiment in the case of four corners.

6 (c) and 6 (d) show a frame 301 having a bridge structure. The bridge structure refers to a structure including a connecting portion that crosses the hole 303, and is a structure that is more impact resistant than the hole structure.

As shown, the bridge structure may be a structure including a connecting portion connecting the corners in the frame 301 of the hole structure. Referring to FIG. 6 (d), the frame 301 includes a first connector 301b connecting the second corner having the longest distance from the first corner. In addition, the frame 301 may further include a second connecting portion 301a connecting the first connecting portion 301b and the third corner. The impact applied to the terminal by the first connection part 301b and the second connection part 301a may be dispersed. For example, since a hole is formed in the middle of the frame, when the terminal is subjected to an impact such as falling, the frame may be distorted and the case may be damaged. However, the warpage of the frame can be prevented by the connection across the hole, and the durability of the case can be increased.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

As shown, the case includes a left side wall 101a, a right side wall 101c, an upper side wall 101b, and a lower side wall 101d. The frame 301 is included in at least one sidewall of the sidewalls.

The broadcast signal receiving antenna 116 may be disposed at one side of the rear case separately from the antenna for a call or the like. The antenna 116 may be installed to be pulled out to the rear case.

In general, when the antennas are disposed close to a space in which electrical elements are mounted, such as the display module 201, the radiation efficiency of the antenna tends to be reduced. Therefore, when the terminal case is used as part of the radiator, satisfactory antenna performance can be realized while maximizing space efficiency of the terminal.

As shown, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a communication antenna 210 adjacent to any one side wall (101d) of the terminal. The communication antenna 210 may use a portion of the case formed along the side of the terminal body as part of the conductive member.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one side wall 101d adjacent to the communication antenna 210 may not include the metal frame 301. That is, the one side wall 101d is made of only a plastic material. The other side walls 101a, 101b, and 101c except for the one side wall 101d are formed to include a metal frame 301, thereby securing rigidity of the terminal case. Also, since the metal frame 301 is not included in one side wall 101d adjacent to the communication antenna, the performance of the communication antenna is prevented from being degraded by the metal.

The antenna has excellent radiation performance in the order of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) materials. One side wall 101d adjacent to the communication antenna does not include a metal frame 301, and the other side walls 101a, 101b, and 101c include a frame 301 made of copper, aluminum, magnesium, or iron. The antenna radiation performance can be improved.

8A and 8B are conceptual views illustrating a case fabrication principle of an insert sash metal structure of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8A, a frame of metal material 301 is first inserted between the upper mold 401 and the lower mold 402, and then covers at least a portion of the frame 301 as shown in FIG. 8B. Injection member 302 is injection molded so that.

That is, by introducing an insert sash metal structure rather than a one body metal structure in which the entire side wall is made of metal, the antenna performance by metal while minimizing the side wall thickness of the case required for securing strength Minimize this degradation.

The above-described mobile terminal is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or some of the embodiments so that various modifications can be made. have.

Claims (15)

A display module for displaying visual information;
A window stacked on the display module; And
A case supporting the window in contact with a side end of the window,
The case,
A frame formed of a metal material; And
An injection member is injection molded to surround at least a portion of the frame,
The frame is included in at least one of the side walls of the case, the mobile terminal further comprises a communication antenna disposed to be adjacent to one side wall. delete delete Claim 4 has been abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 1,
The one side wall is a mobile terminal, characterized in that consisting of the injection member. The method of claim 1,
The frame,
And a hole penetrating the frame so as to improve radio sensitivity of the communication antenna. Claim 6 has been abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 5,
The frame is a mobile terminal, characterized in that made of copper. Claim 7 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 5,
The frame is characterized in that the hole is formed to be repeated at a predetermined interval. Claim 8 has been abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 7, wherein
The hole,
A mobile terminal comprising a polygonal shape having a plurality of corners. Claim 9 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 8,
The frame,
And a first connection portion connecting a second edge having a distance farthest from the first edge. Claim 10 has been abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 9,
The frame,
And a second connector connecting the first connector and the third corner. Claim 11 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 1,
The window includes a first area overlapping the touch pattern and a second area corresponding to an outer edge of the first area,
And the touch pattern is integrally formed with the display module to reduce the size of the second area in which connection lines connecting the touch pattern and the flexible circuit board are arranged. Claim 12 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 1,
The sidewalls,
A mobile terminal comprising a first groove formed between the case and the side end of the window so that the adhesive can be easily introduced. Claim 13 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 12,
And a second groove that pies from the first groove toward the inside of the sidewall to reduce the flow of the adhesive into the terminal. Claim 14 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 13,
The sidewalls,
The mobile terminal further comprises a protrusion protruding upward from one surface of the first groove. Claim 15 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 14,
The projection is
A mobile terminal, characterized in that formed in contact with the lower surface of the window.

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