KR20090080426A - Module for expanding function of portable terminal and mobile terminal having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An extension module and a portable terminal equipped with the same are provided to enhance use convenience by forming a proper arrangement with the portable terminal. A first part(110) mounts a portable terminal to surround at least one part of one side of the portable terminal. A second part(120) mounts a function unit(140) for providing at least one function among the functions related to the portable terminal. A connection part(130) connects the first and second parts to arrange the portable terminal mounted on the first part across the second part in a first state.

Description

Expansion module and mobile terminal having same {MODULE FOR EXPANDING FUNCTION OF PORTABLE TERMINAL AND MOBILE TERMINAL HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to an expansion module for extending the functions of a portable terminal and a portable terminal having the same.

A portable terminal is a portable electronic device that is portable and has one or more functions such as voice and video call, information input and output, and data storage.

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

Many new attempts are being applied to these multimedia devices in terms of hardware or software to implement complex functions. For example, a user interface environment is provided for a user to search for or select a function easily and conveniently.

However, considering the portability of the portable terminal, it is difficult to equip devices that provide functions such as input / output to the portable terminal, such as various user interfaces, so that the user cannot satisfy various needs for using the terminal. This will follow.

In addition, in realizing the function, it is desirable to consider the use environment that is more suitable for the user.

One object of the present invention is to provide an expansion module and a portable terminal having the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide various functions to the terminal through the expansion module or to supplement the existing functions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to make the expansion module have an appropriate arrangement with the terminal (or the main body) to improve user convenience.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a more convenient environment in which the portable terminal performs a variety of functions according to the user's needs, the user in the use state.

An extension module for a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object is a first portion to which the portable terminal can be mounted so that at least a portion of one surface of the portable terminal is wrapped, and a function related to the portable terminal. And a second portion on which a functional unit providing at least one of the functions is mounted. The portable terminal may be detachably fixed to the first part by a fixing part formed on the first part. The first and second portions are connected by a connecting portion, and the connecting portion allows the portable terminal mounted on the first portion in the first state to be disposed along the crossing direction with respect to the second portion.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion, the second portion is rotated about at least one portion of the connecting portion in the first state to wrap at least one portion of the other surface opposite to one surface of the portable terminal Allow two states. At least a portion of an interface for exchanging data and / or power between the portable terminal and the functional unit may extend through at least a portion of the connection portion. At least one portion of the first and second portions may be formed of leather.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting portion, as long as the third portion is connected to the first and second portions, and the first or second portion and the third portion is disposed on the respective portions that meet It includes a pair of hinge modules. The first portion, the third portion, and the second portion may have a form that is sequentially bent by the pair of hinge modules in the first state. The hinge modules comprise first and second elements rotatably connected to each other and extending to the first and third portions, respectively, and a third rotatably connected to the second element and extending to the second portion. It can contain elements.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting portion, the third portion extending bent from the first and second portions, respectively, and disposed in the third portion of the first portion and the third portion And a hinge module for causing one region to rotate relative to the other region of the second portion and the third portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the functional unit has a function of inputting information into the portable terminal, a function of outputting information received from the portable terminal, and functions of controlling the input and / or output function. It provides at least one of the functions. The functional unit may comprise a keypad having a qwerty key arrangement.

A portable terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having a wireless communication module and an expansion module which is detachably coupled to the main body and configured as described above.

According to an aspect of the present invention, at least one of the outputs of the portable terminal is changed upon or after coupling with the expansion module. If the main body includes a display unit for outputting visual information, the combination may change the output direction from the display unit to the landscape direction from the display unit.

As the expansion module according to the present invention configured as described above includes a functional unit that provides a function related to a portable terminal, it is possible to implement a function that could not be properly implemented due to constraints on portability under fewer restrictions. This allows the same portable terminal to be used in a form in which a specific function is reinforced according to the type of expansion module, so that a user who wants to implement the specific function can provide greater satisfaction.

In addition, the expansion module is provided with a connecting portion for arranging the first portion and the second portion in a state where they cross in one state, so that the relationship between the portable terminal mounted on the first portion and the user is convenient for the user. To be set.

As the portable terminal according to the present invention includes the above expansion module mounted on the main body, it can be used only in the main body itself or in an expanded form by the expansion module.

Hereinafter, a portable terminal according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar configurations in different embodiments, and the description thereof is replaced with the first description.

1 is a perspective view showing a front surface of a portable terminal 10 having an expansion module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Cases (casings, housings, covers, etc.) forming the exterior of the main body of the terminal 10 are formed by the front case 11 and the rear case 12. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the front case 11 and the rear case 12. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the front case 11 and the rear case 12. The cases may be formed by injecting a synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The front case 11 may include a display unit 13, a first sound output unit 14, a first image input unit 15, a first manipulation unit 16, a sound input unit 17, and the like.

The display unit 13 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) module, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) module, and the like that visually express information. The display unit 13 may further include a touch screen to enable input of information by a user's touch.

The first sound output unit 14 may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker. The first image input unit 15 may be implemented in the form of a camera module for capturing an image or a video of a user.

The first operation unit 16 receives a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sound input unit 17 may be implemented in the form of a microphone, for example, to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

A second operation unit 22, an interface 23 (see FIG. 2B), a broadcast signal receiving antenna 30, and the like may be disposed on the rear case 12 mounted on the rear side of the portable terminal 10.

The second operation unit 22 may be installed on the side of the rear case 12. It is preferable that the second operation part 22 is disposed on the side not wrapped by the expansion module 100 in view of the convenience of operation (see FIG. 2B). In addition to the first manipulation unit 16, the second manipulation unit 22 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion, and may be adopted in any manner as long as the user is tactile in a tactile manner. . For example, the operation unit may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch screen that can receive a command or information by a user's push or touch operation, a touch pad, or a wheel or jog method that rotates a key, or a manipulation method such as a joystick. Or the like.

In functional terms, the first operation unit 16 is a menu key for inputting a menu such as start, end, confirmation, and the like, and the second operation unit 22 is configured to activate the first image input unit 15 in addition to the scroll function. It can act as a hot-key that performs the same special function.

The interface 23 serves as a passage for allowing the portable terminal to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface 23 is wired or wirelessly, and a connection terminal for connecting with an earphone, a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA port), a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port ( wireless LAN port), or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal. The interface 23 may be a card socket that accommodates an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) and a memory card for storing information.

An antenna 30 for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed on one side of the rear case 12 in addition to an antenna for a call or the like. The antenna 30 may be installed in the rear case 12 to be pulled out.

Referring to FIG. 1, the portable terminal 10 is coupled with an expansion module 100 that provides additional or extended functions related thereto. In order to allow a user to select from the viewpoint of portability or function expansion, either in case of using only the mobile terminal 10 itself or in the case of using the expansion module 100 in combination with the mobile terminal 10 (the main body), 100 is preferably detachably coupled to the mobile terminal 10.

The expansion module 100 may include a first portion 110 in which the mobile terminal 10 is mounted, and a second portion in which a function unit 140 providing at least one of functions related to the portable terminal 10 is mounted. 120, and a connecting portion 130 connecting the first and second portions 110 and 120. If at least a portion of the first to third portions 110 to 130 is formed of a material different from the portable terminal 10, for example, leather or the like, the expansion may be extended compared to the case where only the portable terminal 10 is used. A new feeling can be formed as it is combined with the module 100.

The first portion 110 surrounds one surface of the portable terminal 10, specifically, the surface formed by the rear case 12. Unlike the drawing, the first portion 110 may be formed so as to surround only a portion of the rear case 12.

A fixing band 113 is disclosed in this embodiment as a fixing portion for detachably coupling the portable terminal 10 to the first portion 110. The fixing band 113 is disposed at the corner side of the first portion 110 to wrap and fix the corner portion of the mobile terminal 10. If the first portion 110 is formed in a square shape corresponding to the shape of the portable terminal 10, it is preferable that the fixing band 113 is formed at all four corners for stable fixing to the portable terminal 10. It is also possible for the fixing band 113 to be formed in fewer than four.

The second portion 120 may have a size corresponding to the first portion 110. The second unit 120 is equipped with a functional unit 140. The function unit 140 may provide a function of inputting information (signal, command, etc.) to the portable terminal 10 or a function of outputting information received from the portable terminal 10. The functional unit 140 may provide a function of controlling at least one of the input and output functions of the information. For the control function, an additional computing device, a microprocessor, or the like for assisting the control unit 40 (FIG. 8) embedded in the portable terminal 10 may be employed as the function unit 140.

In this embodiment, a keypad having a qwerty arrangement is employed as the functional unit 140. By adopting the keypad of the QWERTY key array as the function unit 140, the user can enter information (letters and numbers, etc.) more conveniently and quickly in writing an e-mail or writing a document.

The connecting portion 130 allows the first and second portions 110 and 120 to be arranged (arranged) in a direction intersecting with each other in the first state. The connector 130 includes a third portion 131 and a pair of hinge modules 132 and 133. The third portion 131 may extend integrally in the first and second portions 110 and 120, and the hinge modules 132 and 133 may be in contact with the portion where the first and third portions 110 and 131 meet. The second and third portions 120 and 131 are positioned at the intersections. In the first state, by the hinge modules 132 and 133, the first part 120-the third part 131-the second part 120 are in a bent or zigzag form sequentially.

By this arrangement, the portable terminal 10 mounted on the first portion 110, specifically, the display portion 13, has a functional unit 140 (arranged substantially in parallel with the second portion 120) and a user. It is possible to achieve a suitable angle for the operation (information input) of the. Even when watching a broadcast or an image through the display unit 13, when the second part 120 is a part placed on a table or a desk, the user can view the display unit 13 at a more comfortable or suitable angle. .

2A is a side view illustrating a second state in which the expansion module 100 of FIG. 1 surrounds the portable terminal 10, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the second state viewed from the front of the portable terminal 10.

Referring to these drawings, the connecting portion 130 may cover at least a portion of the other surface of the mobile terminal 10 (opposite side of the surface wrapped by the first portion 110) in the first state. Allow. To this end, the second portion 120 is rotated about at least a portion of the connecting portion 130.

In this second state, since the volume of the portable terminal 10 and the expansion module 100 is minimized, portability of the user is improved. As the three surfaces are wrapped by the expansion module 100, the expansion module 100 serves as a protective cover, so that the mobile terminal 10 is more securely protected from external shocks or stimuli. This second state may be suitable when the mobile terminal 10 operates in the standby mode.

The second state may be used not only for the standby mode but also for the call mode and the like. To this end, opening holes 124 to 126 corresponding to the first sound output unit 14, the first image input unit 15, and the sound input unit 126 may be formed in the second portion 120. The opening holes 124 to 126 allow the user to substantially use the first sound output unit 14 and the like even in the second state.

In the second state, the user may obtain simple information from the mobile terminal 10 such as the current time and the remaining battery level through the auxiliary display unit 127 mounted on the outer surface of the second portion 120.

If music is being played on the mobile terminal 10, the user can listen to the music through the sound output unit 14 and the aperture hole 124, and at the same time, the music is played through the display unit 127. You can also check the information. When the music or the like is selected or the volume is adjusted through the second operation unit 22 disposed on the side of the portable terminal 10, the user changes the second state to the first state or the like during the playback of the music and thus the portable terminal ( There is little need for the front of 10) to be exposed to the outside.

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state in which the expansion module 100 of FIG. 1 forms one plane.

Referring to this figure, the entirety of the expansion module 100 extends in parallel with the portable terminal 10. However, it is also possible to rotate the first portion 110 around the hinge module 132 so that the second portion 120 and the portable terminal 10 are arranged in a direction crossing each other.

Hinge modules 132 and 133 each comprise a pair of elements rotatably connected to each other. Morphically, one element may be rotatably inserted into another element.

Specifically, the hinge modules 132 and 133 may include a first element 134 extending to the first portion 110 and a third element extending to the third portion 131. 136 is made rotatably coupled to each other. The second hinge module 133 consists of a second element 135 extending into the second portion 120 and a third element 136 above. If the first to third portions 110, 120, 131 are made of two layers of leather, the elements 134 to 136 may be metallic members extending between the leathers.

4 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a specific configuration of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 4, a power supply unit 21, a second image input unit 24, and the like may be further disposed in the rear case 12 of the portable terminal 10.

The power supply 21 is mounted to the rear case 12 to supply power to the portable terminal. The power supply unit 21 may be coupled to the rear case 12 to be detachable for charging, for example, as a rechargeable battery.

The second image input unit 24 may be a camera having a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first image input unit 15 (see FIG. 1) and having different pixels from the first image input unit 15. For example, the first image input unit 15 has a low pixel so that it is easy to take a picture of a user and transmit it to a counterpart in a video call, and the second image input unit 24 immediately photographs a general subject. It is preferable to have a high pixel because it is not transmitted in many cases.

The flash 25 and the mirror unit 26 are further disposed adjacent to the second image input unit 24. The flash 25 emits light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second image input unit 24. The mirror unit 26 allows the user to see his / her own face or the like when the user wants to photograph himself (self-photographing) by using the second image input unit 24. The second sound output unit 27 outputs sound together with or independently of the first sound output unit 14.

The rear case 12 may have a terminal portion 28 adjacent to the power supply 21. The terminal unit 28 is a configuration for exchanging a power source or a power source and data with the expansion module 100. The terminal unit 28 may be selectively opened and closed by the door 29 because the terminal unit 28 is preferably not exposed to the outside when the portable terminal 10 is used independently. The door 29 is movably mounted to the rear case 12 in a sliding manner or a swinging manner to open and close the terminal portion 28. If the terminal portion 28 is formed inside the outer surface of the rear case 12 and the door 29 has an outer surface that matches the outer surface of the rear case 12 when the terminal portion 28 is wrapped, the terminal portion 28 is exposed. If not, the appearance of the mobile terminal 10 is desirable to be clean.

In the above description, the first operation unit 16 and the like have been described as being mounted to the front case 11, and the second operation unit 22 and the like are mounted to the rear case 12, but are not necessarily limited to such a position. For example, the second operation unit 22 may be disposed in the front case 11 adjacent to the first operation unit 16. Even if the second image input unit 24 is not separately provided, the first image input unit 15 may be rotatably configured to shoot up to the photographing direction of the second image input unit 24.

Now, when the portable terminal 10 looks at the configuration of the corresponding expansion module 100 of the terminal portion 28, the expansion module 100 also includes the terminal portions 112 and 123. One of the terminals 112 and 123 is formed to be exposed to the first portion 110 to be directly connected to the terminal portion 28 of the portable terminal 10.

If the functional unit 140 mounted on the second portion 120 is detachably mounted to the recess 122 formed in the body 121, the inner wall defining the recess 122 of the body 121 is different. The terminal unit 123 may be formed.

The terminal portion 123 and the preceding terminal portion 112 are electrically connected to each other by a signal cable 137 such as an FPCB. The signal cable 137 generally extends through the third portion 131. It is preferable that the signal cable 137 is flexible and does not cause a problem such as disconnection of the circuit due to deformation of the connection unit 130.

Corresponding to the terminal portion 123, the terminal portion 142 should also be formed on the side of the body 141 of the functional unit 140. The terminal unit 142 is connected to the terminal unit 123 when the functional unit 140 is mounted in the recess 122 and the terminal unit 112 is connected to the terminal unit 28 of the portable terminal 10, thereby providing a functional unit. The circuit 140 and the portable terminal 10 are connected in a circuit.

5 is a perspective view illustrating a separated state of the portable terminal 10 and the expansion module 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As a fixing part for fixing the portable terminal 10 to the expansion module 200, a fixing screw 214 is mounted to the expansion module 200. The fixing screw 214 may be directly rotatable to the first part 110, etc., but in this embodiment, the fixing screw 214 is coupled to the support part 213 protruding from the first part 110. I adopt it. As such, the set screw 214 is aligned along a direction that is substantially parallel to the first portion 110.

In response to the fixing screw 214, a screw hole 31 is formed on the side surface of the portable terminal 10. When the side surface of the portable terminal 10 is supported by the support portion 213, and the fixing screw 214 is tightened to screw the screw hole 31, the portable terminal 10 is fixed to the expansion module 200. However, the present invention is not limited to screwing, but instead of the fixing screw 214, an elastically compressible projection is adopted and the projection is forcibly inserted into a hole formed in the mobile terminal 10 and then expanded again in the hole. Configuration to maintain a fixed state is also possible. This will be understood by those skilled in the art, and further illustration or description will be omitted.

Unlike the previous embodiment, the game keypad 240 is employed as the functional unit in this embodiment.

6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the portable terminal 10 is mounted in the expansion module 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to this figure, the portable terminal 10 is a fixing part for fixing to the expansion module 300, and the fixing hook 313 is employed in this embodiment. The fixing hook 313 extends from the first portion 110 and has a form in which the free end is bent. In order to securely fix the portable terminal 10, the fixing hooks 313 may be formed at four corner portions of the first portion 10.

The connecting portion 330 of the expansion module 300 is disposed at the portions where they meet with the first and second extensions 331 and 332 extending bent at the first portion 110 and the second portion 120, respectively. Hinge module 333 to be included.

In the first state, the first portion 110-the first extension portion 331-the second extension portion 332-the second portion 120 are sequentially bent or zigzag.

In this embodiment, the speaker 340 is employed as the functional unit. The speaker 340 may have a larger output than the sound output units 14 and 27 of the portable terminal 10, and thus may be suitable for a user focusing on listening to music through the portable terminal 10.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second state in which the expansion module 300 of FIG. 6 surrounds the portable terminal 10.

Referring to this figure, the expansion module 300 surrounds three sides of the portable terminal 10, and the hinge module 333 is positioned to correspond to the center of the side surface of the portable terminal 10.

The hinge module 333 includes a first element 334 and a second element 335 rotatably coupled to each other. The second element 334 extends to the first extension 331 and the second element 334 extends to the second extension 332. The first and second extensions 331 and 332 are formed to maintain an angle, eg, 90, with the first portion 110 or the second portion 120, respectively.

The hinge module 333 may employ a click hinge or a free stop hinge. In this case, the angle between the portable terminal 10 and the function unit 340 may be adjusted according to the user's convenience. The same may be applied to the foregoing embodiments. Click or free-stop hinges are well understood by those skilled in the art, and thus no further explanation or illustration of the actuation mechanism is omitted.

The portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the bar type shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and can be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, and a swing type.

8 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a wireless communication module 41, an operation unit 16 and 22, an image input unit 15 and 24, an audio input unit 17, and a display unit 13. , Sound output unit 14, 27, sensing unit 46, interface 23, broadcast receiving module 45, memory 44, power supply unit 21, expansion module interface 150, state sensing unit ( 160, the functional units 140, 240, 340, and the control unit 40.

The controller 40 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 40 additionally controls the operation of the portable terminal 10 related to the present invention in addition to the normal function control.

The wireless communication module 41 transmits / receives a radio signal with a mobile communication base station through an antenna. For example, under the control of the controller 40, the transmitter 42 is responsible for transmitting and receiving voice data, text data, video data, and control data, and modulates and transmits a signal to be transmitted, and a receiver for demodulating the received signal. 43).

The operation units 16 and 22 are configured as shown in FIG. 1 to provide the control unit 40 with key input data input by the user for controlling the operation of the terminal. The operation units 16 and 22 include a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The image input units 15 and 24 process image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame is converted into image data displayable on the display unit 13 and output to the display unit 13.

The image frames processed by the image input units 15 and 24 are stored in the memory 44 under the control of the controller 40 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless transceiver 41.

The sound input unit 17 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 is converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the wireless communication module 41 and output to the wireless communication module in the call mode. In the recording mode, the processed voice data is output to be stored in the memory 44. The sound input unit 17 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The display unit 13 displays and outputs information processed by the portable terminal. For example, when the mobile terminal is in the call mode, the control unit 40 displays and outputs a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the mobile terminal displays and outputs the captured image, UI, or GUI under the control of the controller 40. When the display unit 13 includes a touch screen, the display unit 13 is used as an input device in addition to the output device.

The sound output units 14 and 27 are sound data or memory 44 received from the wireless communication module 41 under the control of the control unit 40 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. ) Converts the sound data stored in) and outputs it to the outside.

In addition, the sound output units 14 and 27 output sound signals related to functions (for example, call signal reception sounds and message reception sounds) performed in the portable terminal. The sound output units 14 and 26 may include a speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, and the like.

The sensing unit 46 generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the portable terminal by detecting a current state of the portable terminal such as an open / closed state of the portable terminal, a location of the portable terminal, presence or absence of a user contact. For example, when the portable terminal is in the form of a slide phone, whether the slide phone is opened or closed is sensed so as to output a sensing result to the controller 40 to control the operation of the terminal. In addition, the power supply 21 is responsible for the sensing function associated with whether or not the power supply, the interface 25 is coupled to the external device.

The interface 23 may be connected to a mobile terminal such as a wired / wireless headset, an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a card socket (eg, a memory card, a SIM / UIM card), or the like. It serves as an interface with the device. The interface 23 receives data from an external device or is supplied with power and transmits the data to each component inside the portable terminal or transmits data within the portable terminal to the external device.

If a short range wireless communication module such as a Bluetooth module is employed as the interface 23, data exchange between the portable terminal 10 and the expansion modules 100, 200, and 300 may be performed in a wireless manner without passing through the terminal units 28, 112, 123, and 142.

In response to the interface 23, the expansion module 100, 200, 300 is also provided with the expansion module interface 150. The expansion module interface 150 may also be a short range wireless communication module. Alternatively, if only the terminal parts 28, 112, 123, and 142 are used, the expansion module interface 150 may be the terminal parts 112 and 123 or terminals to which the terminal part 142 is added.

The memory 44 may store a program for processing and controlling the control unit 40, and provides a function for temporarily storing input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). It can also be done. The memory 44 stores a program for controlling the operation of the portable terminal according to the present invention. This memory 44 includes the concepts of generally known hard disks, card type memory (eg SD or XD memory, etc.), flash memory, RAM, ROM, and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 45 receives a broadcast signal transmitted through a satellite or terrestrial wave, converts the broadcast signal into a broadcast data format that can be output to the sound output units 14 and 27 and the display unit 13, and outputs it to the control unit 40. . In addition, the broadcast receiving module 45 receives additional data related to the broadcast (for example, an EPG (electric program guide), a channel list, etc.). The broadcast data and additional data converted by the broadcast receiving module 45 may be stored in the memory 44.

The power supply unit 21 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the control unit 40 to supply power for operation of each component. The power supply unit 21 exchanges power with the function units 140, 240, 340 through the expansion module interface 150. In some cases, the power supply unit 21 may be charged by the functional units 140, 240, and 340.

The functional units 140, 240, and 340 exchange data with the main body through the control unit 40. As a result, functions such as input / output or charging by the functional units 140, 240, 340 are controlled by the controller 40.

Information regarding the state, such as whether the expansion module 100, 200, 300 is coupled to the portable terminal 10 or separated from the portable terminal 10, or whether the expansion module 100, 200, 300 is the first or second state after being combined, is received by the state sensing unit 160. The controller 40 is sensed and transferred to the controller 40, and the controller 40 controls the operation according to the states of the expansion modules 100, 200, and 300 based on the information.

For example, when the controller 40 recognizes the second state through the state sensor 160, the controller 40 cuts off the power to the display 13 and applies power to the auxiliary display 127 (FIG. 2B). Can be controlled. In addition, an input device such as the QWERTY keypad 140 may be cut off to prevent a false input from being folded. When the expansion modules 100, 200, 300, and 400 are in the first state again, the controller 40 may control the two display units 13 and 127 in the opposite direction.

Referring to FIG. 9, the controller 40 determines whether the portable terminal 10 is coupled to the expansion modules 100, 200, and 300 based on the detection result of the state sensing unit 160, and if so, the portable terminal 10. Will change at least one of the output forms. For example, the output direction of the display unit 13 is a portrait direction when the portable terminal 10 is used independently (see FIG. 5), and then after the portable terminal 10 is coupled with the expansion modules 100, 200, and 300. May be changed in the landscape direction (see FIG. 1). This will be a change in accordance with the user's intention to use the QWERTY keypad 140 or the game keypad 240 as a functional unit or to watch a movie or the like through the display unit 13.

Further, if it is detected that the second state in the combined state of the expansion module (100, 200, 300), the control unit 40 may control the output of the sound output unit 14 to be higher than the level set before coupling. This makes it possible to overcome this even if a small constraint is placed on the output of the sound output section 14 by the opening hole 124 of the second portion 120.

If it is determined that the portable terminal 10 is separated from the expansion modules 100, 200, and 300 through the state sensing unit 160, the controller 40 may output an output direction of the display 13 or an output level of the sound output unit 14. Return to its original state. Through this, the user can use the environment using the portable terminal 10 independently without any operation from the case of using the expansion module (100, 200, 300).

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

1 is a perspective view showing a front surface of a mobile terminal having an expansion module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating a second state in which the expansion module of FIG. 1 surrounds a portable terminal.

2B is a front view of the second state as viewed from the front of the mobile terminal,

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the expansion module of FIG. 1 is unfolded to form one plane;

4 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a specific configuration of FIG.

5 is a perspective view illustrating a separated state of a portable terminal and an expansion module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a perspective view illustrating a portable terminal mounted on an expansion module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second state in which the expansion module of FIG. 6 surrounds the portable terminal.

8 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;

9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a portable terminal according to the present invention.

Claims (16)

A first portion to which the portable terminal is mountable so that at least a portion of one surface of the portable terminal is wrapped; A second portion to which a functional unit which provides at least one of the functions related to the portable terminal is mounted; And And a connecting portion connecting the first and second portions such that the portable terminal mounted on the first portion in the first state is arranged in a direction crossing with respect to the second portion. The method of claim 1, The connection part allows the second part to be rotated about at least one part of the connection part in the first state so as to be in a second state surrounding at least one part of the other surface opposite to one surface of the portable terminal. Expansion module for a mobile terminal. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The connecting portion, A third portion connected to the first and second portions; And A pair of hinge modules respectively disposed at portions where the first or second portion and the third portion meet, And the first portion, the third portion, and the second portion are bent sequentially by the pair of hinge modules in the first state. The method of claim 3, The hinge modules, First and second elements rotatably connected to each other and extending to the first and third portions, respectively; And And a third element rotatably connected to said second element and extending to said second portion. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The connecting portion, A third portion extending bent from the first and second portions, respectively; And And a hinge module disposed in the third part and configured to allow one area of the first part and the third part to rotate relative to the other part of the second part and the third part. Expansion module for. The method according to claim 1 or 2, At least one portion of the first and second portions is an expansion module for a mobile terminal, characterized in that formed of leather. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The functional unit provides at least one of a function of inputting information into the portable terminal, a function of outputting information received from the portable terminal, and a function of controlling the input and / or output function. Expansion module for mobile terminal.  The method of claim 7, wherein And said functional unit comprises a keypad having a QWERTY arrangement.  The method according to claim 1 or 2, And at least one portion of an interface for the exchange of data and / or power between the portable terminal and the functional unit extends through the third portion. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And a fixing part formed on the first part to detachably fix the portable terminal to the first part. A main body having a wireless communication module; And Removably coupled to the main body, consisting of an expansion module for providing an extended function to the portable terminal, The expansion module, A first portion to which the main body is mounted so that at least one portion of one surface of the main body is wrapped; A second portion to which a functional unit providing at least one of the functions related to the main body is mounted; And And a connecting portion connecting the first and second portions so that the main body mounted on the first portion in the first state is arranged in a direction crossing with respect to the second portion. The method of claim 11, The connecting portion, A third portion connected to the first and second portions; And A pair of hinge modules respectively disposed at portions where the first or second portion and the third portion meet, And the first portion, the third portion, and the second portion are sequentially bent by the pair of hinge modules in the first state. The method of claim 11, The connecting portion, A third portion extending bent from the first and second portions, respectively; And And a hinge module disposed in the third part and configured to allow one area of the first part and the third part to rotate relative to the other part of the second part and the third part. . The method of claim 11, The functional unit provides at least one of a function of inputting information into the main body, a function of outputting information received from the main body, and a function of controlling the input and / or output function. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 11, And at least one of the outputs of the portable terminal changes upon or after coupling with the expansion module. The method of claim 15, The main body includes a display unit for outputting visual information, The change of the output is a portable terminal, characterized in that the output direction in the display unit is changed to the portrait direction to the landscape direction.

Images