KR20100027541A - Portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A portable terminal is provided to relieve or prevent flow of the first and second bodies due to a setting gap of the first and second bodies by an elastic module. CONSTITUTION: The first body(110) and the second body(120) are combined to realize an open state or a close state by sliding. In the open state or the close state, an elastic module(150) elastically pressurizes at least one of the first and second bodies. Therefore, the elastic module restricts the flow of the first and second bodies.

Description

Mobile terminal {PORTABLE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a slide type portable terminal in which one body is slid and moved relative to another body.

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.

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 to the above attempts, a method of further improving the function of the hardware or the like, for example, a combination of solid hardware or the like may be considered.

One object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal in which the flow of the body is relaxed or prevented in an open state or a closed state.

Another object of the present invention is to make it easier to manage the tolerance of the portable terminal in which the flow of the body is limited.

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object includes a first body, a second body and an elastic module. The first and second bodies are coupled to implement an open or closed state by sliding. The elastic module is configured to elastically press at least one of the first and second bodies when in an open or closed state to limit the flow of the first and / or second bodies.

According to one aspect of the invention, the elastic module includes a protrusion and an elastic structure. The protrusion is formed to protrude from either of the first and second bodies. The elastic structure is formed on the other of the first and second bodies, and is formed to elastically press the protrusion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the first body forms both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the protrusion is formed in an area adjacent to one end of the first body. The elastic structure is formed in a portion corresponding to the protrusion in the open state of the second body. The protrusion and the elastic structure may be spaced apart from each other with a distance STROKE between an open state and a closed state.

According to another aspect of the invention, the elastic module is formed in the non-exposed areas of the first and second bodies which are covered with respect to each other in the open and closed states. The elastic module can include first and second elastic structures. The first and second elastic structures are formed in the first and second bodies, respectively, and are formed to elastically press against each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a slide module. The slide module is disposed between the first and second bodies and is configured to slidably engage the first and second bodies. The protruding portion and the elastic structure of the elastic module may be formed on both sides of the first and the second body facing each other symmetrically about the slide module, respectively.

According to another aspect of the invention, the elastic structure is formed inclined with respect to the sliding direction. The elastic structure is formed so that the elastic deformation due to contact with the protrusion gradually occurs when sliding in the open state. The elastic structure may be integrally formed with a case forming an appearance of the other of the first and second bodies.

The portable terminal according to the present invention configured as described above relieves or prevents the flow of the first and second bodies due to the setting gap of the first and second bodies by the elastic module. In addition, it is possible to improve the reliability of the mobile terminal through this.

In addition, the elastic structure is formed so that the elastic deformation gradually occurs, the tolerance management is easier. Through this, the defective rate for the manufacture of the mobile terminal can be lowered.

In addition, since the elastic structure portion is formed integrally with the case forming the appearance of the body, the manufacturing cost is reduced.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the portable terminal which concerns on this invention is demonstrated in detail with reference to 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. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1 is a perspective view of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The portable terminal of the present invention includes first and second bodies 110 and 120 coupled to implement an open state or a closed state by sliding.

Referring to this figure, the portable terminal includes a first body 110 and a second body 120 configured to be slidable in at least one direction on the first body 110. However, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and may be applied to various types of portable terminals such as a bar type, a folder type, a swing type, a swivel type, and the like.

A state in which the first body 110 is disposed to overlap the second body 120 may be referred to as a closed configuration, and as shown in the drawing, the first body 110 may be referred to as the second body 120. The exposed state of at least a portion of the may be referred to as an open configuration (open configuration).

The portable terminal operates mainly in the standby mode in a closed state, but the standby mode may be released by a user's operation. In addition, although the portable terminal operates mainly in a call mode or the like in an open state, the portable terminal may be switched to a standby mode by a user's operation or a lapse of a predetermined time.

The case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming the exterior of the first body 110 is formed by the front case 111 and the rear case 112. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the front case 111 and the rear case 112. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the front case 111 and the rear case 112. 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 display body 113, the sound output unit 114, the first image input unit 115, or the first manipulation unit 116 may be disposed on the first body 110, specifically, the front case 111.

The display unit 113 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) module, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) module, a transparent OLED (TOLED) module, and the like, which visually express information.

In addition, the display unit 113 may further include a touch screen to enable input of information by a user's touch. In addition, the display 113 may be formed to generate various tactile effects that a user can feel when touched. This may be implemented by a haptic module that works with the display 113. Vibration is a representative example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module. The haptic module may be disposed in various ways according to the configuration of the portable terminal as well as the display 113.

The sound output unit 114 may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker.

The first image input unit 115 may be implemented in the form of a camera module for capturing an image or a video of a user.

The first operation unit 116 receives a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Like the first body 110, the front case 121 and the rear case 122 may form a case of the second body 120.

The second manipulation unit 123 may be disposed on the front surface of the second body 120, specifically, the front case 121.

The third operation unit 124, the first sound input unit 125, and the interface 126 may be disposed on at least one of the front case 121 and the rear case 122.

The first to third manipulation units 116, 123, and 124 may be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed 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 116 is for inputting a command such as start, end, scroll, and the like, and the second operation unit 123 is for inputting numbers, letters, symbols, and the like. In addition, the third manipulation unit 124 may operate as a hot-key that performs a special function such as activation of the first image input unit 115.

The first sound input unit 125 may be implemented in the form of a microphone, for example, to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface 126 serves as a passage for allowing a portable terminal related to the present invention to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface 126 may be wired or wirelessly, and a connection terminal for connecting to 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 126 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.

On the rear case 122 side, a power supply unit 127 for supplying power to the portable terminal is mounted. The power supply unit 127 may be detachably coupled for charging, for example, as a rechargeable battery.

2 is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, a second image input unit 128 may be additionally mounted on the rear surface of the rear case 122 of the second body 120. The second image input unit 128 may be a camera having a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first image input unit 115 (refer to FIG. 1) and having different pixels from the first image input unit.

For example, the first image input unit 115 has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call, and the second image input unit 128 immediately photographs a general subject. It is preferable to have a high pixel because it is not transmitted in many cases.

The flash 129 and the mirror unit 130 are further disposed adjacent to the second image input unit 128. The flash 129 emits light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second image input unit 128. The mirror unit 130 allows the user to see his / her own face or the like when photographing (self-photographing) the user by using the second image input unit 128.

The second sound output unit 131 may be further disposed on the rear case 122.

The second sound output unit 131 may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 114 (refer to FIG. 1), and may be used for a call in a speakerphone mode.

An antenna 132 for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed on one side of the rear case 122 in addition to an antenna for a call or the like. The antenna 132 may be installed to be withdrawn from the second body 120.

A portion of the slide module 140 that slidably couples the first body 110 and the second body 120 to the rear case 112 side of the first body 110 is disposed.

The other part of the slide module 140 may be disposed on the front case 121 side of the second body 120 and may not be exposed to the outside as shown in the drawing.

In the above description, the second image input unit 128 is disposed on the second body 120, but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, at least one or more of the components 128 to 132 described as disposed on the rear case 122, such as the second image input unit 128, may be disposed on the first body 110, mainly the rear case 112. It is also possible to be mounted. In such a case, there is an advantage that the configuration (s) arranged in the rear case 112 in the closed state are protected by the second body 120. In addition, even if the second image input unit 128 is not separately provided, the first image input unit 115 may be rotatably configured to allow shooting up to the shooting direction of the second image input unit 128.

3 is an exploded view illustrating the portable terminal of FIG. 1 separated into a first body 110 and a second body 120.

The slide module 140 is mounted between the first body 110 and the second body 120. The slide module 140 guides the first body 110 to slide in relation to the second body 120. The slide module 140 may be formed such that when the user slightly pushes the first body 110, the first body 110 slides with respect to the second body 120 by itself.

The slide module 140 includes a first slide member 141 fixed to the first body 110. The second slide member 142 is coupled to the first slide member 141 so as to be slidable. The second slide member 142 is fixed to the fixing part 143 of the second body 120. An elastic member may be mounted between the first and second slide members 141 and 142. The elastic member deforms elastically when the first slide member 141 slides with respect to the second slide member 142. When the first slide member 141 moves a predetermined distance, the elastic member is formed to continue to move in the direction in which the first slide member 141 is moved by the restoring force. The slide module 140 is formed to be stopped at a predetermined position when the portable terminal slides from the closed state to the open state. Referring to this figure, the second slide member 142 is stopped adjacent to one end of the first slide member 141, and this time is in an open state. If the second slide member 142 stops adjacent to the other end of the first slide member 141, this will be in a closed state.

An elastic module 150 is disposed between the first and second bodies 110 and 120 to restrict the flow of the first and / or second bodies 110 and 120. The elastic module 150 includes a protrusion 151 and an elastic structure 152.

The protrusion 151 is formed to protrude from any one of the first and second bodies 110 and 120. Referring to this drawing, the protrusion 151 is formed in the first body 110. The protrusion 151 may protrude from one surface of the rear case 112 facing the second body 120. For example, the protrusion 151 may be integrally formed with the rear case 112, or may be separately provided and mounted on the rear case 112.

 The elastic structure 152 is formed on the other of the first and second bodies 110 and 120, and is formed to elastically press the protrusion 151. Referring to this figure, referring to this figure, the elastic structure 152 is formed in the second body 120. The elastic structure 152 may be provided on one surface of the front case 121 facing the first body 110.

The elastic structure 152 may be integrally formed with the front case 121. Through this, the manufacturing cost of the elastic module 150 is reduced. The protrusion 151 may be formed of a material having a higher rigidity than the elastic structure 152. Through this, the elastic deformation of the elastic structure 152 is more easily generated.

However, the slide module 140 is not limited to the rear case 112 of the first body 110 and the front case 121 of the second body 120. For example, the elastic module 150 may be formed on at least a portion of the slide module 140. The protrusion 151 may be attached to the first slide member 141 by, for example, bonding, heat fusion, or injection. The elastic structure 152 may be formed, for example, in the form of a leaf spring that is bent at a portion of the second slide member 142. Through this, the elastic module 150 may be integrated with the slide module 140.

The protrusion 151 and the elastic structure 152 may be formed on both sides of the surfaces of the first and second bodies 110 and 120 facing each other symmetrically about the slide module 140. Accordingly, the first body 110 is prevented from swinging from side to side after being opened with respect to the second body 120.

The first body 110 forms both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the protrusion 151 is formed in the region 133 adjacent to one end of the first body 110. The elastic structure 152 is formed at a portion corresponding to the protrusion 151 in a state where the portable terminal device is open. Through this, the elastic structure 152 elastically presses the first body 110 to restrict the flow of the first and / or second bodies 110 and 120 in the open state.

4A is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the closed state of the portable terminal of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the open state of the portable terminal by sliding the first body 110 in the state of FIG. 4A.

A predetermined setting gap G is formed between the first and second bodies 110 and 120 so that the first body 110 moves smoothly with respect to the second body 120. In the open state by the set gap G, the first slide member 141 (refer to FIG. 3) may be rotated R by a predetermined size about one end of the first slide 110 or one end of the first body 110.

Referring to the drawings, the elastic structure 152 may be formed in the form of a leaf spring protruding from the second body 120. The elastic structures 152 and the protrusions 151 are formed such that the protruding heights are smaller than the set gap G, respectively. The sum of the protruding heights of the elastic structure 152 and the protrusion 151 is formed to be larger than the set gap (G). As a result, the elastic structure 152 and the protrusion 151 form an overlap L having a predetermined size. The elastic structure 152 elastically deforms by the overlap L to elastically press the protrusion 151.

The elastic structure 152 elastically presses the protrusion 151 to relieve or prevent the flow of the first body 110 by the rotation (R). In addition, it is possible to improve the reliability of the mobile terminal through this.

The elastic structure 152 is formed to be inclined with respect to the sliding direction M of the first body 110. The elastic structure 152 starts to contact the protruding portion 151 during sliding from the closed state to the open state due to the inclination, and the elastic deformation due to the contact gradually increases. The elastic structure 152 is the largest elastic deformation in the open state.

By the elastic mechanism, the protrusion 151 and the elastic structure 152 collide with each other at the moment when the first body 110 is slid and opened to alleviate or prevent occurrence of an impact.

In addition, even if the overlap L is greater, the sliding operation of the portable terminal does not affect the other. If the sum of the protruding heights of the elastic structures 152 and the protrusions 151 is smaller than the set gap G, the elastic structures 152 and the protrusions 151 do not contact each other. Therefore, tolerance management of the elastic module 150 is important. When the overlap L is sufficiently given, the allowable range of tolerance for fabrication of the elastic structure 152 and the protrusion 151 becomes wider. Therefore, the tolerance management of the portable terminal is easier. Through this, the defective rate for the manufacture of the mobile terminal can be lowered.

Referring to the drawings, the first and second bodies 110 and 120 are formed with non-exposed areas 134 covering each other in both an open state and a closed state. The elastic module 150 is formed in the non-exposed area 134 so as not to be exposed to the outside.

5A and 5B are partial cross-sectional views illustrating a closed state and an open state of another embodiment of the portable terminal of FIG. 1.

Protruding portions 251 formed in pairs on both sides of the first body 210 symmetrically about the slide module 140 (see FIG. 3) include first to third protrusions 251a, 251b, and 251c. The first to third protrusions 251a, 251b, and 251c are spaced apart from each other with a distance S. STROKE between an open state and a closed state.

The elastic structures 252 formed in pairs on both sides of the second body 220 to correspond to the protrusion 251 may include first and second elastic structures 252a and 252b. The first and second elastic structures 252a and 252b are spaced apart from each other at a distance S between an open state and a closed state.

Referring to the drawings, the first and second elastic structures 252a and 252b contact the second and third protrusions 251b and 251c in the closed state, respectively, and the first and second protrusions 251a in the open state, respectively. 251b). Accordingly, the protrusion 251 and the elastic structure 252 elastically press the first body 210 at four points regardless of whether they are open or closed. Through this, the flow of the first body 210 in the open state can be more firmly restricted. In addition, the first body 210 may be restricted from being shaken with respect to the second body 220 even in the closed state.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the portable terminal of FIG. 1.

The elastic module 350 includes first and second elastic structures 352 ', 352 that elastically press against each other. The first and second elastic structures 352 ′ and 352 are formed in the first and second bodies 310 and 320, respectively. Through this, the elastic module 350 may be formed such that an elastic force for pressing the first body 310 is dispersed.

The first and second elastic structures 352 ′ and 352 may be formed to correspond to the protrusion 151 and the elastic structure 152 in the embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 3, respectively. It will be understood by those skilled in the art without further explanation.

Referring to this figure, the first and second elastic structures 352 ′ and 352 may be spaced apart from each other with a distance S (see FIG. 5B) between an open state and a closed state.

7 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication module 161, an operation unit 116, 123, 124, an image input unit 115, 128, an audio input unit 125, a display unit 113, and an audio output unit. It includes the 114 and 131, the sensing unit 166, the interface 126, the broadcast receiving module 165, the memory 164, the power supply unit 127, and the controller 170.

The controller 170 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.

In addition to the normal function control, the controller 170 additionally controls the operation of the mobile terminal related to the present invention.

The wireless communication module 161 transmits / receives a radio signal with a mobile communication base station through an antenna. For example, under the control of the controller 170, the transmitter 162 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. 163).

The operation units 116, 123, and 124 are configured as shown in FIG. 1 to provide the control unit 170 with key input data input by the user for controlling the operation of the terminal. The operation unit 116, 123, 124 is composed of a dome switch (dome switch), a touch pad (static pressure / electrostatic), jog wheel, jog switch and the like.

The image input units 115 and 128 process image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame is converted into image data displayable on the display unit 113 and output to the display unit 113.

The image frames processed by the image input units 115 and 128 are stored in the memory 164 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless transceiver 161 under the control of the controller 170.

The sound input unit 125 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 161 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 164.

The sound input unit 125 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The display 113 displays and outputs information processed by the portable terminal. For example, when the mobile terminal is in a call mode, the control unit 170 displays and outputs a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal is in the video call mode or the photographing mode, the mobile terminal displays and outputs the captured image, UI, or GUI under the control of the controller 170. When the display unit 113 includes a touch screen, the display unit 113 is used as an input device in addition to the output device.

The sound output units 114 and 131 may receive sound data or memory 164 received from the wireless communication module 161 under the control of the control unit 170 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, and a broadcast reception mode. The stored sound data is converted and output to the outside.

In addition, the sound output units 114 and 131 output sound signals related to a function (for example, a call signal reception sound and a message reception sound) performed in the portable terminal. The sound output units 114 and 131 may include a speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, and the like.

The sensing unit 166 detects a current state of the portable terminal such as an open / closed state of the portable terminal, a position of the portable terminal, presence or absence of a user contact, and generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the portable terminal. 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 170 to control the operation of the terminal. In addition, it is responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 127 is supplied with power, whether the interface 126 is coupled to an external device, and the like.

The interface 126 may be connected to a mobile terminal using 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 126 receives data from an external device or is supplied with power and transmits the data to each component inside the portable terminal or transmits the data inside the portable terminal to the external device.

The memory 164 may store a program for processing and controlling the control unit 170, 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.

In addition, the memory 164 stores a program for controlling the operation of the portable terminal according to the present invention.

This memory 164 includes concepts such as hard disks, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), flash memory, RAM, ROM, and the like, which are generally known.

The broadcast receiving module 165 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 114 and 131 and the display unit 113, and outputs the broadcast signal to the controller 170. In addition, the broadcast receiving module 165 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 165 may be stored in the memory 164.

The power supply unit 127 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 170 to supply power for operation of each component.

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 of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG.

3 is an exploded view of the portable terminal of FIG. 1 separated into a first body and a second body;

4A and 4B are partial cross-sectional views illustrating a closed state and an open state of the portable terminal of FIG. 1.

5A and 5B are partial cross-sectional views showing a closed state and an open state of another embodiment of the portable terminal of FIG.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the portable terminal of FIG.

7 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to the present invention;

Claims (10)

First and second bodies coupled to implement an open state or a closed state by sliding; And And an elastic module for elastically pressing at least one of the first and second bodies to limit the flow of the first and / or second bodies when in the open or closed state. The method of claim 1, The elastic module, A protrusion formed to protrude from any one of the first and second bodies; And And a resilient structure formed on the other of the first and second bodies to elastically press the protrusion. The method of claim 2, The first body forms both ends in the longitudinal direction, The protrusion is formed in an area adjacent to one end of the first body, And the elastic structure is formed at a portion corresponding to the protrusion in the open state of the second body. The method of claim 2, The protruding portion and the resilient structure portion are respectively spaced apart from each other with a distance (STROKE) between the open state and the closed state. The method of claim 1, And the elastic module is formed in the non-exposed areas of the first and second bodies which are covered with respect to each other in the open and closed states. The method of claim 1, The elastic module is formed in the first and the second body, respectively, and a portable terminal comprising a first and a second elastic structure to elastically press against each other. The method of claim 1, And a slide module disposed between the first and second bodies and slidingly coupling the first and second bodies. The method of claim 7, wherein The elastic module, And a protrusion and an elastic structure formed on both sides of opposite surfaces of the first and second bodies so as to be symmetric about the slide module. The method of claim 2, And the elastic structure part is formed to be inclined with respect to the sliding direction so that elastic deformation caused by contact with the protrusion gradually occurs when sliding in the open state. The method of claim 2, The elastic structure is a portable terminal, characterized in that formed integrally with the case forming the appearance of the other of the first and second body.

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