KR102056375B1 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a terminal body having a display unit formed on a front surface thereof and a rear input unit including a first button portion exposed to a rear surface of the main body and receiving a push input of a first function, wherein the first button portion is formed with a colored layer. And an exposed part exposed to the outside, a knob part formed on the rear surface to fix the exposed part, and a body part surrounding the knob part and integrally formed with the exposed part.

Description

Mobile terminal {MOBILE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a user input unit for receiving a control command.

Terminals may be divided into mobile / portable terminals and stationary terminals according to their mobility. The mobile terminal may be further classified into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mount terminal according to whether a user can directly carry it.

As the terminal functions are diversified, for example, such a terminal is a multimedia player having a complex function such as taking a picture or a video, playing a music or video file, playing a game, or receiving a broadcast. Is being implemented.

Various new attempts have been applied in terms of hardware or software to implement the complex functions of such multimedia devices. For example, a user interface environment is provided for a user to search for or select a function easily and conveniently.

In addition, while the mobile terminal is regarded as a personal portable device for expressing its personality, various design forms are required. The design form also includes structural changes and improvements for the user to use the mobile terminal more conveniently. One of such structural changes and improvements can be considered for the operation unit.

However, the operation unit provided separately from the touch screen hinders slimming and simple design of the terminal. There is also a problem that the display area is reduced by the operation unit on the side of the terminal. Therefore, a new structure input method that can solve this problem can be considered.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of user input of a new type different from the conventional.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of the user by enabling the illumination to the rear input unit.

In order to achieve the above object, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal main body having a display unit formed on the front surface and a first button unit exposed to the rear surface of the main body to receive a push input of a first function. It includes a rear input portion, the first button portion, the exposed portion exposed to the outside and the colored layer is formed, a knob portion formed on the back to fix the exposed portion and the knob portion is formed integrally with the exposed portion It includes a body portion.

According to an example related to the present disclosure, the mobile terminal may further include a second button unit disposed adjacent to the first button unit and exposed to a rear surface of the main body to receive a push input of a second function.

According to an example related to the present invention, a first printed circuit board disposed in the terminal body and mounted with various electronic components, a shield can covering the first printed circuit board to shield the electronic component, and the The display device may further include a second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board and on which the rear input unit is formed.

According to an example related to the present invention, the second button part may be provided with a through hole for receiving the first button part.

According to an example related to the present invention, the exposed part may be made of stainless steel, and the body part may be made of a light transmissive material.

According to an example related to the present invention, the rear input unit is disposed on a rear surface of the first and second button portions, and a backing member having protrusions corresponding to the first and second button portions, respectively, formed on the rear surface thereof. A switch disposed below the member, the switches pressed to the protrusions to operate in a row, formed in a row, a plate formed on the second printed circuit board, a light source disposed on one or both sides of the switch, and at least a portion of the switch The light guide may further include a light guide that is formed to cover and is connected to the light source so as to emit light of the light source, and a light blocking member disposed at both ends of the upper portion of the light guide so that light is introduced only to the light guide.

According to an example related to the present invention, the light guide has a through hole formed in a portion corresponding to the protrusion, and the light guide is disposed in a direction crossing the line, so as to cover part or all of the switch. The switches may be connected by an air pass.

According to an example related to the present invention, the support member may include a partition portion that divides an area corresponding to the first button portion and an area corresponding to the second button portion, and the support member is made of a rubber material. It can be coupled to the first and second button portion by a hook formed on the edge, or coupled to the first and second button portion by bonding, and the locking wings to the edge so as to span the rear of the terminal body Can be formed.

According to an example related to the present invention, the plate, the light source, the light guide, the light blocking member, and the second printed circuit board may be integrally formed by the hook of the support member.

According to an example related to the present invention, the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are connected by a connector, and a key that assists the rigidity of the shield can between the shield can and the second printed circuit board. Plates may be placed.

According to an example related to the present disclosure, the second button portion may include a flat portion parallel to the rear surface, and an inclined portion inclined downwardly from the flat portion toward the through hole, and the first button portion may be larger than the rear surface. It may be formed to be recessed inward.

According to an example related to the present invention, the first function is a function related to on / off of power or activation of the display unit, and the second function is related to scrolling of output information of the display unit or sound output from the main body. Characterized in that it is a function related to scaling.

According to an example related to the present invention, a terminal body having a display unit formed on a front surface thereof, a first button portion exposed to a rear surface of the main body to receive a push input of a first function, and disposed adjacent to the first button portion, A rear input unit including a second button part exposed to a rear surface of the second button part to receive a push input of a second function, wherein the rear input part comprises: a supporting member for allowing the first and second button parts to be exposed to the outside through the inside; The flexible printed circuit board is attached to the back of the support member, the light source is installed in the area corresponding to the first and second button portion on the flexible printed circuit board, the pressing when pressing the first or second button portion, A mobile terminal comprising a switch disposed below the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the supporting member, the flexible printed circuit board, the light source, and the switch are integrally formed. It can provide groups.

According to an example related to the present invention, the display device may further include a support member positioned below the switch and supporting the switch when the switch is pressed.

The first button portion, the upper surface is formed with an exposed portion exposed to the outside, protrudes along the outside is exposed to the outside, characterized in that the movement to the outside by the second button portion is limited.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear input unit is disposed on the rear of the terminal, the front display can be formed to a larger screen.

In addition, through the shape of the rear input unit disposed on the rear side, the user can distinguish each button using a tactile sense or the like without seeing.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A and 2B are conceptual diagrams illustrating operations implemented by one embodiment of the present invention.
3A is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention;
3B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 3A.
4 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3B;
Figure 5 is a detailed exploded view showing the rear input unit associated with an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the rear input unit of FIG. 5 is coupled;
7 is a manufacturing process diagram of the first button unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal associated with one embodiment of the present invention;
9 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a rear input unit attached to a second printed circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
10 is an example of use of the light guide associated with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the coupling of the second printed circuit board and the support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a conceptual view showing a state in which the light guide is attached to the supporting member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the rear input unit coupled to the rear case related to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a perspective view of a cut away the rear input unit associated with an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a cross-sectional view of a rear input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is an exploded perspective view of a rear input unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a rear view of the rear input unit of FIG. 16;
18 is a sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 17.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other.

The mobile terminal described herein may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like.

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

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing 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 a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, a location information module 115, and the like. .

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 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 may include Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. As a short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like may be used.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) 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 the video call mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the front display unit 151 and / or the rear display unit 155.

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

The sensing unit 140 detects a current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, a location of the mobile terminal 100, presence or absence of a user contact, orientation of the mobile terminal, acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal, and the like. To generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to the external device may be sensed. The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 is used to generate an output related to visual, auditory or tactile senses, and includes a front display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154. May be included.

The front 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 shooting mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a photographed and / or received image, a UI, or a GUI.

The front display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display ( It may include at least one of a flexible display, a 3D 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 front display unit 151 may also be configured as a light transmissive structure. By this structure, the user can see the object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the front display unit 151 of the terminal body.

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

When the front 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 front display unit 151 outputs 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 front display unit 151 or capacitance generated at a specific portion of the front display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect not only the position and area of the touch but also the pressure at the touch.

When 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 front 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 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. Proximity sensors have a longer life and higher utilization than touch sensors.

Examples of the proximity sensor 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 the change of the electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the 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 touch.

The proximity sensor 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.

The sound 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, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output module 152 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 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

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

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

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 154 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 154 may not only deliver the haptic effect through direct contact, but may also be implemented to allow the user to feel the haptic effect through a muscle sense such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 154 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

A rear display unit 155 corresponding to the front display unit 151 is provided at the rear of the mobile terminal 100. The rear display unit 155 has a smaller size than the front display unit 151 and may be formed to display relatively simple information.

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 regarding vibration and sound of various patterns 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 disk, optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate 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, wired / wireless headset ports, external charger ports, wired / wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting devices with identification modules, audio input / output (I / O) ports, The video input / output (I / O) port, the earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM), and a universal user authentication module ( Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like. 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 a port.

The interface unit may be a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or various command signals input from the cradle by a user may be transferred. It may be a passage that is delivered to the terminal. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may be operated as signals 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, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. 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.

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.

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), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like. It may be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing other functions. These may be implemented by the controller 180.

In a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that allow at least one function or operation to be performed. The software code may be implemented by 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.

Referring to the user input unit 130 again, in the present invention, the user input unit 130 may be disposed at the rear of the terminal, and thus the front display may be formed into a larger screen. Hereinafter, the detailed structure in which the user input unit 130 is disposed on the rear surface and the operation implemented by the same will be described in more detail.

2A to 2B are conceptual diagrams illustrating operations implemented by the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the terminal includes a display unit 251 disposed on one surface, for example, a front surface of the main body. The display unit 251 may output a graphic user interface (GUI) of an application currently being executed, and the display unit 251 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch input to enable a touch input to the GUI. have. The display unit 251 outputs visual information implemented in the form of images, texts, icons, etc., like the GUI, but may be switched to a deactivated state after a predetermined time or by input of a specific control command. 2A illustrates a state in which the display unit 251 is inactivated during the music reproduction application.

On the other side of the main body, for example, the rear input unit 230 is disposed. The control command for the display unit 251 is received from the rear input unit 230. More specifically, when a push input is applied to any button 233 of the rear input unit 230, the display unit 251 is switched to the activated state. That is, the rear input unit 230 may be a power key for turning on and off the display unit 251. Therefore, the on / off of the terminal itself may also be performed by the button 233. According to the figure, the GUI of the music reproduction application is output while the display unit 251 is activated.

Referring to FIG. 2B, when a push input is applied to the other button 232 of the rear input unit 230 in the state of FIG. 2A, the volume bar VB is output and the volume is controlled by the operation of the other button 232. This is regulated. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above process, and a push input to another button 232 of the rear input unit 230 may be an input for adjusting the volume in the state of FIG. 2A.

According to the above example, the user can input the control command in the form of a push on the back of the terminal while looking at the display unit 251. In conclusion, the rear input unit at the rear of the terminal is configured to receive a push input, and in some cases, may serve as a power key and a volume key of the terminal.

Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the terminal performing the operations of FIGS. 2A to 2B will be described in more detail. 3A is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 3A.

The disclosed mobile terminal 200 has a mobile phone body in the form of a bar. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, a swivel type, and two or more bodies are coupled to be relatively movable.

The body includes a casing (casing, housing, cover, etc.) that forms an exterior. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 201 and a rear case 202 (see FIG. 4 above). Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed between the front case 201 and the rear case 202. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the front case 201 and the rear case 202.

The cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The display unit 251, the audio output unit 252, the camera module 221, and the like may be disposed in the terminal body, mainly the front case 201. Interfaces 270 and the like may be disposed on side surfaces of the front case 201 and the rear case 202.

The display unit 251 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 201. That is, the display unit is disposed in front of the terminal and is formed to show visual information. The audio output unit 252 and the camera module 221 are disposed in regions adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 251, and the front input unit 231 and the microphone 222 are disposed in regions adjacent to the other end.

The front input unit 231 may include a plurality of manipulation units as an example of the user input unit 130 (see FIG. 1). The operation units may also be referred to collectively as a manipulating portion, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user is operating with a tactile feeling. In this embodiment, the front input unit 231 is configured as a touch key. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a push key may be added to the front input unit 231.

In addition, the display unit 251 may form a touch screen together with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch screen may be a user input unit. Through this, a configuration without a front input unit in the front of the terminal is also possible. In this case, the mobile terminal may be configured such that an input operation to the terminal body is possible only through the display unit 251 and the rear input unit 230 to be described later.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a camera module 221 ′ may be additionally mounted on the rear of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 202. The camera module 221 ′ has a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 221 (see FIG. 3A) and may be a camera having different pixels from the camera module 221.

For example, the camera module 221 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 camera module 221 'photographs a general subject and does not transmit it immediately. In many cases, it is desirable to have a high pixel. The camera modules 221 and 221 ′ may be installed in the terminal body in a rotatable or pop-up manner.

A flash and a mirror may be further disposed adjacent to the camera module 221 ′. The flash shines toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera module 221 ′. The mirror allows the user to see his / her face or the like when photographing (self-photographing) the user using the camera module 221 '.

A sound output unit (not shown) may be further disposed on the rear side of the terminal body. The rear sound output unit may implement a stereo function together with the front sound output unit 252 (see FIG. 3A), and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

The terminal body is equipped with a power supply unit 290 for supplying power to the portable terminal 200. The power supply unit 290 may be built in the terminal body or may be directly detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

According to the illustration, the rear input unit 230 is disposed on the rear of the terminal body. The rear input unit 230 may be, for example, located under the camera module 221 ′.

The rear input unit 230 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200, and the input content may be variously set. For example, input commands such as power on / off, start, end, scroll, etc., adjust the volume of sound output from the sound output unit 252, or switch to the touch recognition mode of the display module 251. I can receive it.

The rear input unit 230 of the present invention is implemented in a form capable of push input. More specifically, the rear input unit 230 may be configured as a mechanical or physical button that is a relative concept for the touch screen. Hereinafter, the configuration of the rear input unit 230 will be described in more detail. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3B, FIG. 5 is a detailed exploded view of a rear input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rear input unit of FIG. 5 coupled thereto.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

First, the periphery of the rear input unit 230 will be described first. The terminal body includes a printed circuit board 281 (PCB). The printed circuit board 281 may be mounted to, for example, the front case 201 or the rear case 202, or may be mounted on a separate structure. The separate structure may form an intermediate case. Hereinafter, the front case 201 or the rear case 202 will be described based on a separate configuration, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cases 201 and 202 may be integrally formed.

The printed circuit board 281 is configured as an example of the controller 180 (see FIG. 1) for operating various functions of the mobile terminal. The printed circuit board 281 may be provided in plural and may perform a function of the controller 180 by combining with each other. In order to perform this function, the printed circuit board 281 is equipped with various electronic devices.

In addition, the printed circuit board 281 is electrically connected to an antenna (not shown), and is configured to process a radio signal corresponding to radio electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the antenna. The antenna is disposed between the structure and the printed circuit board 281 mainly transmits the radio signal through the rear case 202.

The printed circuit board 281 may be electrically connected to the camera module 221 ′. The rear case 202 is formed with a battery accommodating portion 292 for accommodating the battery 291, and a battery cover 204 covering the battery accommodating portion 292 is mounted in the case.

In addition, through holes are formed in the rear case 202 and the battery cover 204, and the camera module 221 ′ is disposed to face the outside through the through holes. The camera module 221 ′ is configured to capture an external image through the rear of the terminal.

Again, referring to the rear input unit 230, the rear input unit 230 is the display unit in the thickness direction of the main body so as to exclude that the groove is formed on the side of the terminal body along the longitudinal direction by the rear input unit Overlaid on 251 and exposed to the back side, not the side. Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the rear input unit 230 and the side structure of the terminal will be described in order.

The rear input unit 230 may be disposed between the camera module 221 ′ and the battery. The position of the rear input unit 230 may be a position overlapping with the front display unit 251 (see FIG. 3A). As a result, a feeling of using the input device on the rear surface of the display unit 251 may be realized. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the position of the rear input unit 230 may be changed. According to an embodiment, the battery cover 204 has a through hole H1 corresponding to the rear input unit 230. In addition, a through hole H2 corresponding to the through hole H1 may be formed in the rear case 202.

Referring to FIG. 5, the rear case 202 is equipped with a support member 231 which supports the rear input unit 230 by fitting the rear input unit 230 to the rear case 202. In more detail, the support member 231 is disposed at a position corresponding to the through hole H2, and at least a portion of the support member 231 is opened, whereby other components of the rear input unit 230 are formed. May be combined and exposed to the outside. At this time, a lower portion of the rear input unit 230 is provided with a printed circuit board 240 connected to the printed circuit board 281, the printed circuit board 240 is composed of a flexible printed circuit board, the support member 231 It is caught by). A switch 239 may be disposed on the flexible printed circuit board 240. The switches may be dome switches, piezoelectric switches, or the like.

In addition, the rear input unit 230 includes a first button unit 233 and a second button unit 232 corresponding to the switches. The first button unit 233 is exposed to the outside from the rear of the terminal, it is made to receive a push input of the first function. The first function may be a function related to on / off of power or activation of the display unit. Therefore, as described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2B, the first button unit 233 may be a power key of the terminal. Can be.

The second button unit 232 has keys 232c and 232d disposed on both sides of the first button unit 233, respectively, and receives a push input of a second function different from the first function. . As described above, the second function may be a function related to adjusting the size of the sound output from the main body of the terminal or a scroll function of the output information of the display unit.

Further, the second button portion 232 is inserted into the opened center portion of the support member 231, and the second wing portion 232 has a locking blade 232e along the outer circumferential surface of the second button portion 232 so as to be locked inside the edge portion. It can be protruding.

The first button part 233 is formed to pass through the second button part 232 between the keys 232c and 233d. That is, the through hole 232f is formed in the second button part 232. According to the illustration, the keys 232c and 232d are exposed to the outside.

More specifically, the keys 232c and 232d are respectively inclined toward the through hole 232f so as to form a height difference between the keys 232c and 232d and the first button portion 233. ). The inclined portion 232b is a surface adjacent to the first button portion 233 and may be formed of a curved surface. The first button portion 233 is formed in a shape that does not protrude outward from the end of the inclined portion 232b. This is to prevent the first button unit 233 from being pressed regardless of the user's intention. In addition, the keys 232c and 232d are formed with a flat portion 232a integrally formed with the inclined portion 232b at a portion adjacent to the support member 231. The first button part 233 and the second button part 232 may be made of different materials. Through such a structure and material, the user can more easily distinguish between the first button portion 233 and the second button portion 232.

In the above, the case in which the rear input unit 230 is composed of a plurality of buttons has been described, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the rear input unit 230 may have a single button. In addition, the following description illustrates a case where the rear input unit is a plurality of buttons, but a function defined by an input to any one of the plurality of buttons may be applied to the single button.

As shown, even if the first button portion 233 protrudes from the rear surface of the main body, when the rear surface of the main body contacts an external object, the first button portion 233 is opened by the inclined portion 232b. ) Is prevented from being pushed.

In addition, the rear input unit 230 may be configured to be illuminated to the outside. More specifically, the rear input unit 230 includes a switch 239, a light source 235, and a light guide 236.

The switches 239a and 239b may be provided in plurality in a row so as to correspond to the first and second button portions 233 and 232. The switches 239a and 239b are mounted to the plate 237, and the plate 237 is connected to the flexible printed circuit board 240. In this case, the switch 239 may be, for example, a dome switch or a piezoelectric switch.

The light source 235 is disposed adjacent to the switches 239a and 239b and may be an LED or the like. For example, the light source 235 includes first and second light sources 235a and 235b disposed at both sides of the row of the switch 239a, respectively. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the light source sources 235a and 235b are disposed on both sides of the switch 239a corresponding to the first button part 233.

The light guide 236 is formed to cover at least a portion of the switch 239a and is connected to the light source 235 to emit light of the light source 235. For example, the first and second light sources 235a and 235b are connected to both ends of the light guide 236, respectively, and the light guide 236 intersects the line formed by the switches 239a and 239b. It may be disposed in a direction to cover the switch 239a corresponding to the second button portion 232. In the above, the light sources 235a and 235b are formed on both sides of the light guide 236, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light sources may be provided only on one side of the light guide 236. However, in order to make the light quality uniform, it is preferable to arrange the light sources 235a and 235b on both sides of the light guide 236.

In this case, when the second button portion 232 is formed of a light-transmissive material, it is possible to transmit the light generated by the light source 235 to the outside. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10A, the first button part 233 may be made of a light-transmissive material, and a light guide 236 may be formed on the first button part 233. As shown in b, the first and second button portions 233 and 232 may both be made of a light-transmissive material, and the light guide 236 may be formed on the first and second button portions 233 and 232. As shown in FIG. 10C, the second button part 232 is formed of a light-transmissive material in order to transmit the light generated by the second button part 232 to the outside, and the second button part ( Light guide 236 may be formed on 232.

As described above, the button portion, in particular, the first button portion 233 is made of a light-transmissive material, and physical layer deposition (PVD) may be performed to form a colored layer to make the surface beautiful. In order to do this, the part which can fix an object is needed. In one embodiment of the present invention to form a knob portion 225 for this purpose. This will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, a knob part 225 is provided to perform physical vapor deposition on the exposed part 233a, which is attached to an adhesive part 225a adhered to the exposed part 233a. The physical vapor deposition is carried out while being fixed. (See b of FIG. 7) When physical vapor deposition is completed on the exposed part 233a and the colored layer 233c is formed, the knob part 225 is unnecessary. Remove it. The upper surface of the knob unit 225 may be made of stainless steel by physical vapor deposition. In order to easily remove the knob portion 225, a dotted line 225c is displayed on a portion of the knob portion 225 to cut the dummy portion 225b. After the dummy part 225b is removed, the body part 233b is formed transparently or semitransparently using the insert injection method (see FIG. 7C) of the adhesive part 225a integrally with the exposed part 233a. do. At this time, the body portion 233b may use a resin. The first button part 233 may be manufactured by the above-described process, whereby it is possible to illuminate the light using the light source 235.

In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the lower portion of the first button portion 233 and the second button portion 232 is provided with a support member 234, the support member 234 is the switch 239 The protrusion 234a protrudes toward the center, and a partition portion 234b is formed at a size corresponding to the first button portion 233 at the center thereof.

The partition part 234b partitions a portion corresponding to the first and second button parts 233 and 232 so that the first and second button parts 233 and 232 are pressed without affecting each other. The partition portion 234b may be formed in a slit shape. The support member 234 is made of a rubber material, and a through hole 236a may be formed in the light guide 236 so that the protrusion 234a corresponding to the switch 239 penetrates. According to this structure, the push force of the first button portion 233 can be more efficiently transmitted to the switch 239. In this case, the switch 239 is formed in a line, and includes a switch 239b corresponding to the first button part 233 and a switch 239a corresponding to the second button part 232, and the switch ( 239a is formed at both sides of the switch 239b.

In addition, the switches 239a and 239b are connected to each other by an air path 238 formed on the plate 237. The air path 238 is configured to generate air generated when the switch 239 is pressed. Provide a passage for movement. The light guide 236 is used to illuminate the outside, in an embodiment of the present invention may cover at least a portion of the switch 239 to enable illumination.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the present invention, a shield can (eg, a shield can) may be used to shield an electromagnetic interference (EMI) of an electronic component 275 (see FIG. 14) mounted on a first printed circuit board 281. shield can, 260. In addition, a key plate 250 is provided to withstand the pressure generated when the first and second button parts 233 and 232 are pressed. The key plate 250 is disposed between the shield can 260 and the second printed circuit board 240 to primarily support the first and second button portions 233 and 232 during pressurization. At the same time, it is possible to assist the rigidity of the shield can 260. In this case, the key plate 250 may be fixedly connected to the support member 224.

8 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a light guide 236 and a light blocking member 235c coupled to a second printed circuit board 240 according to an embodiment of the present invention. ) Is shown. The light blocking member 235c is intended to block light from being diffused only through the light guide 236 and to diffuse to other portions. In addition, a capacitor 273, a sim socket 277, a touch window driver chip 279, and the like are mounted on the second printed circuit board 240. The capacitor 273 is intended to mitigate or prevent malfunctions on the touch input and to stabilize electrical performance. The shim socket 277 inserts a sim card, which is a memory card, to interface with an external device. The touch window driving chip 279 performs a function of driving the touch sheet.

In addition, first and second connectors 271a and 271b are connected to the second printed circuit board 240 to electrically connect a touch pattern, and the second printed circuit board 240 It may be connected to the printed circuit board 281 by a third connector 271c, and may be electrically connected by the first and second connectors 271a and 271b, and the first and second connectors 271a and 271b. ) Is connected by a connection line 275. The second printed circuit board 240 may be coupled to the front case 201, in order to couple the printed circuit board 281 and the front case 201 in one embodiment of the present invention. A large number of bosses 205 are formed. The printed circuit board 281 may be coupled to the front case 201 by the boss 205. In this case, the second printed circuit board 240 is disposed to cover the printed circuit board 281.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11, the second printed circuit board 240 may be integrally formed with the supporting member 234 and coupled by a hook 234d. The plate 237, the light guide 236, the light source 235, the light blocking member 235c, and the key 239 may be integrally formed on the second printed circuit board 240, as shown in FIG. 12. As described above, the light guide 236 may be easily coupled by the pin guide 234c formed on the rear surface of the support member 234.

The method of connecting the first printed circuit board 281 and the second printed circuit board 240 in an embodiment of the present invention indirectly connects the first printed circuit board 281 and the second printed circuit board 240. It can be divided into a direct connection and a direct connection. The direct connection method does not have a bypass configuration and is connected in the shortest distance, and the indirect connection method excludes the direct connection method, and the first and second printed circuit boards 281 and 240 are connected to each other. It means the method of connection by the connector that is connected long.

14 is a cross-sectional view of the first button unit 233 cut in the width direction of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first printed circuit board 281 and the second printed circuit board 240 to the outside. It is for explaining a method of indirectly connecting in a manner of connecting by a long formed connector. In the direct connection method, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the second printed circuit board 240 may be long and connected to the first printed circuit board 281 by a connector formed thereon.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 13 and 15 illustrate a method of directly connecting the same. will be. 13 and 15, it can be seen that a connector 265 is installed between the first printed circuit board 281 and the second printed circuit board 240 to connect them. In this case, the connector 265 is formed through the shield can 260 to support the first and second button portions 233 and 232 together with the shield can 260.

On the other hand, when the light source is disposed on both sides as in the above embodiment, the light can be illuminated to the outside through the light source, the light guide, the light blocking member, the support member, and the button portion, which has a rather complicated path. Therefore, it is necessary to simplify it.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a rear input unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a rear view of the rear input unit of FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 17. This will be described with reference to.

As shown in FIG. 5, the rear input unit in FIG. 16 includes the support member 331 and the first and second button parts 333 and 332 in the same manner, and the shape and function are similar. However, in FIG. 16, the first and second button parts 333 and 332, the support member 331, the light source 335, and the flexible printed circuit board 340 may be integrally formed. That is, in FIG. 5, light sources 235a and 235b are provided at both sides of the switch 239, and the light is directed to the first and second button parts 233 and 232 through the light guide 236. While the substrate 240 and the first and second button parts 233 and 232 have to be configured separately, in the present embodiment, the light source 335 is used as the first and second button parts 333 of the flexible printed circuit board 340. And a switch 339 attached to a rear surface of the flexible printed circuit board 340. The switch 339 is pressurized when the first or second button parts 333 and 332 are pressed, and may be illuminated by the light source 335 when pressed.

As shown, the first button portion 333 has an exposed portion 333e on the seating portion 333b on the upper surface thereof, and a body portion 333a having a protrusion 333c formed to surround the exposed portion 333e. ) And a support member 331 is disposed outside the body portion 333a to restrict movement. In addition, when the switch 339 is pressed, a support member 338 is disposed to prevent the switch 339 from being excessively pressed, and when the light is turned on by the switch 339, the protrusion ( Light 360 is transmitted to the outside through 333c. As a result, the user can recognize that the button unit is pressed. The first button part 333 is seated inside the second button part 332 and supported together by the support member 338, and the body part 333a may be a transparent or translucent material.

Meanwhile, a recess 333d having a concave shape is formed at the center lower portion of the body 333a to allow the light source 335 to be inserted so that the light source 330 is pressed even when the first button 333 is pressed. 335 is not pressed, and the switch 339 may be a dome switch that is surface mounted on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board 340. The upper part of the flexible printed circuit board 340 is provided with a reflecting plate 350 so that the light 360 from the light source 335 is reflected to the outside through the protrusion 333c.

In addition, the flexible printed circuit board 340 may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 281 of FIG. 8, and a shield can 260 may be installed to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI).

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.

In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features.

Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the following claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. .

Claims (22)

A terminal body having a display unit formed on a front surface thereof; And
A first button portion exposed to the rear surface of the main body and receiving a push input of a first function, and a second button portion disposed adjacent to the first button portion and exposed to the rear surface of the main body and receiving a push input of a second function; Including a rear input unit,
The first button unit,
An exposed part in which a colored layer is formed and exposed to the outside;
A knob portion formed on the rear surface to fix the exposed portion; And
A body part surrounding the knob part and integrally formed with the exposed part,
The second button portion includes a through hole for receiving the first button portion,
The rear input unit,
A support member disposed on a rear surface of the first and second button portions, and a protrusion corresponding to the first and second button portions respectively formed on the rear surface;
A plate disposed under the support member, the switches being pressed by the protrusions to operate in a row, and formed on a second printed circuit board;
Light sources disposed at both sides of the switches;
A light guide disposed in a direction crossing the line formed by the switches and covering at least a portion of the switches, the light guide being connected to the light source to emit light of the light source,
The optical guide is a mobile terminal, characterized in that the through-hole is formed in a portion corresponding to the projection. delete The method of claim 1,
A first printed circuit board disposed in the terminal body and mounted with various electronic components;
A shield can covering the first printed circuit board to shield the electronic component; And
And a second printed circuit board electrically connected to the first printed circuit board and on which the rear input unit is formed. delete The method of claim 1,
The exposed part is a stainless steel material, the body is a mobile terminal, characterized in that made of a light-transmissive material. The method of claim 1,
The rear input unit,
And a light blocking member disposed at both ends of the upper part of the light guide to allow light to flow only into the light guide. delete delete The method of claim 1,
And the switches are connected by an airpass. The method of claim 1,
The support member,
The mobile terminal, characterized in that the partition portion for distinguishing the area corresponding to the first button portion and the area corresponding to the second button portion. delete delete delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
The second button unit,
And a flat portion parallel to the rear surface and an inclined portion inclined downward from the flat portion toward the through hole. The method of claim 16,
And the first button portion is formed to be recessed inwardly from the rear surface. The method of claim 1,
The first function is a function related to on / off of power or activation of the display unit, and the second function is a function related to scrolling of the output information of the display unit or adjusting the size of the sound output from the main body. Mobile terminal. delete delete delete delete

Images