KR20100138643A - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal is provided to embody the more convenient user interface condition using two touch screens. CONSTITUTION: A first and second touch screens are installed in the exteriors of the first and second bodies(200,300). The first and second touch screens output the visual information which is able to touch input. The first and second touch screens are operated in an unfolding state to be related each other. A locking unit prevents the first and the second bodies from rotating in the reverse direction relatively by the touch which is added to one from the first and the second touch screens in the unfolding state.

Description

Mobile terminal {MOBILE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a touch screen.

Terminal can move And can be divided into a mobile / portable terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal. 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.

Such a terminal has various functions, for example, in the form of a multimedia device having multiple functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, reception of a game and broadcasting, etc. .

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

In addition, the mobile terminal is considered as a personal portable device for expressing its own personality, and various designs are required, and the mobile terminals are implemented as various types such as bar type, slide type, folder type, and swivel type.

Recently, attempts have been made to propose a new structure of a mobile terminal that can implement a more convenient multimedia environment as well as the above structure.

The present invention is to provide a new form factor of a mobile terminal that can implement a more convenient user interface environment using two touch screens.

In addition, the present invention provides a locking structure for solving structural problems that may occur with the application of such form factors.

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object has a folding state in which first and second bodies, inner surfaces of the first and second bodies overlap, and the first and second bodies in the folding state. A hinge connection unit hinged to the first and second bodies to implement an unfolded state in which the rotation is relatively rotated in the forward direction, and mounted on the outer surfaces of the first and second bodies to output touch input visual information, and First and second touch screens operated in association with each other in an unfolding state, and the first and second bodies are reversed by a touch applied to at least one of the first and second touchscreens in the unfolding state. And a locking unit for preventing relative rotation.

The first and second touch screens may be configured to be selectively activated in the folding state, and the first and second touch screens may be configured to be combined with each other in the unfolding state to output a single screen.

The mobile terminal may further include a unlocking unit for releasing the locking between the first and second bodies as the first and second bodies rotate relative to each other in the forward direction at an angle.

The mobile terminal may further include a flow preventing unit for preventing flow between the first and second bodies in the unfolding state.

The present invention provides a new form factor in which a touch screen is disposed on the outer surfaces of the first and second bodies that are foldably connected, and a locking structure that prevents the first and second bodies from rotating in the reverse direction in an unfolded state. to provide.

In addition, the present invention provides a unlocking structure capable of conveniently unlocking them when the first and second bodies are locked.

In addition, the present invention may provide a more convenient and various user interface environment through the first and second touch screens having the same output direction in the unfolding state.

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 used 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, and a location information module 115 .

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). A digital broadcast signal may be received using a digital broadcast system such as handheld) or ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial). 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 display unit 151.

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided 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 can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. 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 sight, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154. Can be.

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

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

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

When the display unit 151 and a sensor for detecting a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as a “touch sensor”) form a mutual layer structure (hereinafter referred to as a “touch screen”), the display unit 151 may be used in addition to an output device. Can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

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

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

The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal covered 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 where the proximity touch is performed by the pointer on the touch screen refers to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen when the pointer is in proximity proximity.

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 (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) 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 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 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 tactile effects that the 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 also may implement 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.

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 include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (eg, SD or XD memory, etc.), 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, It may include a storage medium of at least one type of magnetic 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, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip 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. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, 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. The described embodiments may be implemented by the controller 180 itself.

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

2A to 3B are perspective views of a mobile terminal or a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The portable terminal includes a first body 200 and a second body 300 rotatably connected to each other. The first body 200 and the second body 300 may be arranged to be foldable. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first body 200 and the second body 300 may be folded to overlap each other. It may be referred to as a folding configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a state in which the first and second bodies 200 and 300 rotate relative to each other in the folding state and the overlapped portions are exposed in the folding state may be referred to as an unfolding configuration.

In the present specification, surfaces facing each other of the first body 200 and the second body 300 in the folded state are referred to as inner surfaces, and surfaces exposed to the outside in the folded state (that is, opposite surfaces of the inner surface). Is called the outer surface.

2A and 2B are front perspective and rear perspective views of the mobile terminal viewed from the front and rear, respectively, in the folded state, and FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and rear perspective views of the mobile terminal viewed from the front and rear, respectively, in the unfolded state.

The first and second bodies 200 and 300 are formed by casings (casings, housings, covers, etc.) forming the exterior, and various electronic components are embedded in the inner spaces formed inside the casing. 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 first body 200 and the second body 300 are connected in a rotatable manner by a hinge connection. The hinge connection part includes a first hinge part 201 formed in the first body 200 and second and third hinge parts 301 and 302 formed in the second body 300. The second and third hinge parts 301 and 302 are rotatably coupled to both ends of the first hinge part 201.

The first display unit 151a, the audio output unit 152, the camera 121, the user input units 131 and 132 (first and second operation units), the microphone 122, and the like are disposed on the outer surface of the first body 200. Can be.

The first display unit 151a occupies most of the outer surface of the first body 200. The sound output unit 151 and the camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the first display unit 151a, and the first operation unit 131 and the microphone 122 are located in an area adjacent to the other end. Is placed. The second manipulation unit 132 may be disposed on the side of the first body 200.

The user input unit 130 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The manipulation units 131 and 132 may also be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the tactile manner with a tactile feeling.

Content input by the first or second manipulation units 131 and 132 may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 131 receives commands such as start, end, scroll, and the like, and the second operation unit 132 controls the size of the sound output from the sound output unit 152 or the size of the sound output from the display unit 151 To the touch recognition mode of the touch screen.

The second display unit 151b is mounted on the outer surface of the second body 300, and the second display unit 151b may also occupy most of the outer surface of the second body 300. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first and second bodies 200 and 300 may be arranged side by side in an unfolding state, in which case the first and second display units 151a and 151b have the same output direction.

The first and second display units 151a and 151b may be implemented in the form of a touch screen, in which case they may be referred to as a "first touch screen" and a "second touch screen."

Referring to FIG. 2B, a camera 121 ′, a sound output unit 152 ′, and the like may be additionally mounted on the outer surface of the second body 300.

The camera 121 'may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 121 (see FIG. 2A), and may be a camera having different pixels from the camera 121.

For example, the camera 121 has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call, and the camera 121 'photographs a general subject and does not transmit it immediately. It is desirable to have a high pixel because there are many. The cameras 121 and 121 'may be installed in the terminal body so as to be rotatable or pop-upable.

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

The sound output unit 152 ′ may implement a stereo function together with the sound output unit 152 (see FIG. 2A), and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

The third manipulation unit 133 may be additionally disposed on the side of the second body 300. In addition, an antenna 124 for receiving a broadcast signal may be additionally disposed on the side of the first body 200. The antenna 124 constituting a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1) may be installed to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100 is mounted on an inner surface of the first body 200 or the second body 300. The power supply unit 190 may be embedded in the terminal body or may be directly detachable from the outside of the terminal body. This embodiment illustrates that the power supply unit 190 is mounted to the second body in the form of a removable battery.

A mobile terminal having a structure as described above has a form of a bar type terminal in a folded state. The mobile terminal operates mainly in a standby mode, a telephone call mode, etc. in a folding state. In the folded state, the first display unit 151a and the second display unit 151b have output directions opposite to each other, and the first display unit 151a and the second display unit 151b are selectively activated in the folded state. It may be configured to.

When the mobile terminal is switched to the unfolded state, the first display unit 151a and the second display unit 151b may be activated together. When the first and second display units 151a and 151b are implemented as a touch screen, they output touch input visual information (eg, soft keys).

The first touch screen and the second touch screen may be operated in association with each other in an unfolding state. The user may use additional functions of the mobile terminal, such as listening to music or a video, playing a game, or browsing the web, using the first and second touch screens operated in association with each other in an unfolding state.

4A to 4C are side views of a mobile terminal showing a transition from a folded state to an unfolded state.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the inner surface of the first body 200 and the inner surface of the second body 300 overlap each other in the folded state. At this time, the first display unit 151a and the second display unit 151b are directed in opposite directions to each other.

When the first body 200 and the second body 300 are rotated relative to a predetermined angle, the first body 200 and the second body 300 are switched to an unfolded state in which the first body 200 and the second body 300 are positioned side by side. In this figure, it is shown that the second body 300 rotates about the hinge connection with respect to the first body 300.

In the present specification, a direction in which the first and second bodies 200 and 300 relatively rotate from the folded state to the unfolded state will be referred to as a "forward direction". In addition, a direction in which the first and second bodies 200 and 300 relatively rotate from the unfolded state to the folded state will be referred to as a “reverse direction”.

Accordingly, the forward direction is a direction in which the inner surfaces of the first and second bodies 200 and 300 are far from each other, and the reverse direction is a direction in which the inner surfaces of the first and second bodies 200 and 300 are close to each other. 4A and 4B, the second body 300 is shown to be rotated while the first body 200 is fixed, and the forward direction may be counterclockwise and the reverse direction may be clockwise.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in the unfolded state, the first and second display units 151a and 151b face the same direction. The first and second display units 151a and 151b output visual information capable of touch input, and the user may input information into the mobile terminal by touching them.

A locking unit is provided between the first body 200 and the second body 300 to prevent the first and second bodies 200 and 300 from rotating in the opposite direction in the unfolded state.

When a touch input is made through at least one of the first and second display units 151a and 151b in the unfolding state, rotational forces in a reverse direction may be applied to the first and second bodies 200 and 300 by these touches. The locking unit locks the first body 200 and the second body 300 such that the first and second bodies 200 and 300 do not rotate in the opposite direction by the rotational force.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the mobile terminal may include a unlocking unit for releasing locking of the first and second bodies 200 and 300 according to the forward rotation of the first and second bodies 200 and 300.

In the locked state of the first and second bodies 200 and 300, when the first and second bodies 200 and 300 are relatively rotated in the forward direction (constant angle), the unlocking unit releases the locking of the first and second bodies 200 and 300. As a result, the first and second bodies 200 and 300 may rotate in the opposite direction. 4c shows the state in which the locking is released by rotating the second body 300 counterclockwise.

When the mobile terminal is to be switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first and second bodies 200 and 300 are rotated slightly in the forward direction to release the reverse locking of the first and second bodies 200 and 300 and then the first And relatively rotate the second bodies 200 and 300 in the reverse direction to switch the mobile terminal to the folding state.

Hereinafter, examples of the "locking unit" and the "locking release unit" described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C will be described.

5 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, a hinge module 400 is mounted between any one of the first hinge portion 201 of the first body 200 and the second hinge portion 301 of the second body 200. One end of the hinge module 400 is fixed to the insertion groove 203 of the first hinge portion 201, the other end is fixed to the insertion groove 303 of the second hinge portion 301.

The hinge module 400 provides elastic force to the first and second bodies 200 and 300 when the first and second bodies 200 and 300 rotate relative to each other. That is, the hinge module 400 allows the first and second bodies 110 and 120 to be automatically rotated after the angle when the user relatively rotates the first and second bodies 110 and 120 to a predetermined angle.

Between the first hinge portion 201 of the first body 200 and the third hinge portion 302 of the second body 300, the first and second bodies 200 and 300 when switching from a folded state to an unfolded state A stopper 305 may be disposed that can limit the forward rotation of the. The stopper 305 may be composed of a pair of members that can be hooked to each other at an angle.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge module shown in FIG.

According to the present embodiment, the hinge unit 140 may include a housing 410, a movable cam 420, a fixed cam 430, and a spring 440.

The housing 410 is fixed inside the first hinge portion 201 and has an inner space in which the movable cam 420 and the spring 440 are mounted. The housing 410 may be formed in a cylinder shape of which one side is opened. The insertion groove 203 of the first hinge portion 201 has a polygonal cross section, and the cross section of the housing 410 may also be formed in a polygonal shape and fixed to the insertion groove 203.

The movable cam 420 is disposed to be linearly movable in the housing 410 and has a cam surface at one end thereof in contact with the fixed cam 430. The movable cam 420 is mounted so as not to rotate the inside of the housing 410.

The fixed cam 430 is fixed to the inside of the second hinge portion 301 and is connected to the housing 410 so as to be relatively rotatable. At the end of the fixed cam 430 is formed a cam surface in contact with the cam surface of the movable cam 420 so as to be relatively movable. A cross section of the fixed cam 430 may also be formed in a polygonal shape so as to be inserted into and fixed in the second hinge portion 301.

The spring 440 is disposed inside the housing 410 and supports the other end of the movable cam 420. That is, one end of the spring 440 is supported by the inner wall of the housing 410, the other end of the spring 440 is supported by the movable cam 420.

The housing 410, the movable cam 420, and the fixed cam 430 are connected by the cam shaft 450. The camshaft 450 has a form extending from the fixed cam 430. According to the present embodiment, the cam shaft 450 is inserted into and fixed to the fixed cam 430, but the cam shaft 450 and the fixed cam 430 may be integrally formed.

When the first and second bodies 200 and 300 rotate relative to each other in the folded state (or unfolded state), the housing 410 and the movable cam 420 of the first hinge portion 201 may be moved by the second hinge portion 301. It is relatively rotated with respect to the fixed cam 430.

By the interaction of the cam surfaces of the movable cam 420 and the fixed cam 430, the movable cam 430 linearly moves inside the housing 410. Accordingly, the spring 440 is compressed, and when the dead center of the movable cam 420 and the fixed cam 430 passes, the movable cam 430 is returned to its original position by the elastic restoring force of the spring 141. In this process, a relative rotational force is generated between the movable cam 142 and the fixed cam 143, so that the first and second bodies 200 and 300 automatically rotate relative to an unfolded state (or a folded state). Will be.

7A and 7B are views illustrating a locking unit and a unlocking unit related to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the locking unit includes a first stopper 510 disposed inside the first body 200 and a second stopper 520 (see FIG. 6) formed on the hinge module 400.

The first stopper 510 is disposed to be linearly movable at a position adjacent to the first hinge portion 201. Here, the first stopper 510 may move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cam shaft 450.

The first stopper 510 may include a body 511 and a locking protrusion 512. The locking protrusion 512 protrudes from the body 511 toward the first hinge portion 210.

The second stopper 520 is formed at the end of the cam shaft 450 to rotate integrally with the fixed cam 430, and is formed to be caught by the first stopper 510 when switched to the unfolded state. The second stopper 520 may include an extension part 521 extending from an end portion of the cam shaft 450 and a cam part 522 formed on an outer circumferential surface of the extension part 521.

8A and 8B are views illustrating the configuration and operation of the first and second stoppers, and are cross-sectional views taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 7A.

The camshaft 450 extends through the inside of the housing 410 to the outside of the housing 410, and an extension 521 is formed at the extended end. The extension part 521 may have the form of a circular disk, and the cam part 522 has a cam curved surface to which the locking protrusion 512 can be caught.

8A illustrates a process of switching from a folding state to an unfolding state.

As the fixed cam 430 is rotated when the first and second bodies 200 and 300 rotate relative to each other, the extension 521 extending from the cam shaft 450 rotates with it. That is, as the second body 300 rotates in the forward direction, the extension 521 rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

As one end of the cam portion 522 enters the locking protrusion 512 and proceeds, deformation occurs in the locking protrusion 512.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the cam portion 522 continuously advances and the end portion of the cam portion passes through the locking protrusion, the locking protrusion 512 is caught by the cam portion 522. Accordingly, the clockwise rotation of the extension 521 based on FIG. 8B is limited, and thus the reverse rotation of the second body 300 is also limited.

Next, the configuration and operation of the unlocking unit related to this embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 7A again, the unlocking unit may include an extension protrusion 530 formed on the first stopper 510 and a push protrusion 540 formed on the second body 300 (see FIG. 5).

The extension protrusion 530 extends from the body 511 of the first stopper 510 to the outside of the first body 200. The extension protrusion 530 may be spaced apart from the locking protrusion 512 by a predetermined interval.

A through slot 220 (refer to FIG. 5) is formed at a side surface (first side, 210) of the first body 200, and the extension protrusion 530 is external to the first body 200 through the through slot 220. It is arranged to protrude. In this case, the extension protrusion 530 is disposed to linearly move on the through slot 220.

The second body 300 has a side surface (second side surface 310) facing the first body 200 in an unfolding state, and the push protrusion 640 is formed to protrude from the second side surface 310.

The push protrusion 540 is formed at a position facing the extension protrusion 530 in an unfolding state. The push protrusion 540 is configured to push the extension protrusion 530 to move the first stopper 510 as the first and second bodies 200 and 300 rotate in the forward direction in the unfolding state. To this end, the extension protrusions 530 and the push protrusions 540 are positioned at a distance from each other by their centers.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the first stopper 510 linearly moves in the longitudinal direction of the cam shaft 450 by the interaction of the extension protrusion 530 and the push protrusion 540. Accordingly, the locking protrusion 512 is also moved in the longitudinal direction of the cam shaft 450 so that the locking between the locking protrusion 512 and the cam part 522 is released.

Accordingly, the clockwise rotation of the extension part 521 is possible based on the illustration of FIGS. 8A and 8B, and the first and second bodies 200 and 300 can be rotated in the reverse direction.

An end of the first stopper 510 is supported by the return spring 550, and the first stopper 510 is returned to its original position by the elastic force provided by the return spring 550 during the movement.

9 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile terminal showing a configuration of a flow preventing unit according to the present invention.

The first body 200 and the second body 300 may be additionally provided with a flow preventing unit 600 to prevent the flow of the first and second body (200,300) in the unfolded state. The flow preventing part 600 is for fixing the positions of the first and second bodies 200 and 300 so that shaking does not occur between the first and second bodies 200 and 300 in the unfolding state.

The flow preventing part 600 may include a first magnet 610 disposed on the first side portion 210 and a second magnet 620 disposed on the second side portion 220. Here, the surfaces of the first and second magnets 610 and 620 that face each other in the unfolding state have different polarities.

The first and second magnets 610 and 620 may be mounted inside the cases of the first and second bodies 200 and 300, respectively, so that the first and second magnets 610 and 620 may not be exposed to the outside.

The first and second bodies 200 and 300 may be fixed in position by the magnetic force generated between the first and second magnets 610 and 620 in an unfolding state, and thus, between the first and second bodies 200 and 300. The occurrence of shaking (flow) can be prevented.

10A to 10C are plan views of mobile terminals illustrating an operating state of the first and second display units in an unfolding state.

When the first and second display units 151a and 151b are implemented as a touch screen, the first and second display units 151a and 151b operate in association with each other in an unfolding state. For example, when the first visual information output to the first display unit 151a is touched, the second display unit 151b may output second visual information related thereto.

10A illustrates a soft key 701 as an example of the first time information, and illustrates a text output screen 702 as an example of the second start information.

The softkey 701 refers to a display in the form of a keypad in which at least one of letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons is displayed in a uniform arrangement. The keypad may be implemented in the form of at least one of a text key, a numeric key, and a function key.

According to the present embodiment, these soft keys 701 have an array of QWERTY keys to allow the user to enter text more conveniently. When the user touches the softkeys 701, the text output window 702 displays text corresponding to the touch input.

Meanwhile, the first visual information may be at least one selectable item, and the second visual information may be detailed information of the item.

FIG. 10B illustrates that a plurality of icons 703 are output to the first display unit. These icons display thumbnail images of the mobile terminal.

As one of these icons 703 is touched, details of the icon, that is, an enlarged picture, are displayed on the second display unit.

Meanwhile, FIG. 10C illustrates that the first and second display units 151a and 151b are combined with each other to output a single screen 705. Accordingly, it will be possible for the mobile terminal to output visual information of the interactive screen more.

The first and second display units 151a and 151b may be operated in association with each other in various ways as well as those described above.

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. It may be.

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

2a and 2b is a front perspective view and a rear perspective view showing a folding state of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B are front and rear perspective views illustrating an unfolding state of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4A-4C are side views of a mobile terminal showing transition from a folded state to an unfolded state;

5 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal associated with one embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge module shown in FIG.

7A and 7B are views showing a locking unit and a unlocking unit related to one embodiment of the present invention.

8A and 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating the configuration and operation of the first and second stoppers.

9 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile terminal showing a configuration of a flow preventing unit.

10A to 10C are plan views of mobile terminals illustrating an operating state of the first and second display units in an unfolding state.

Claims (20)

First and second bodies; Hinge connecting portions hinged to connect the first and second bodies to realize an unfolded state in which the inner surfaces of the first and second bodies overlap each other and the first and second bodies are rotated in a forward direction in the folding state. ; First and second touch screens mounted on the outer surfaces of the first and second bodies, respectively, and outputting touch input visual information, the first and second touch screens operating in association with each other in the unfolding state; And And a locking unit to prevent the first and second bodies from rotating in the opposite direction by a touch applied to at least one of the first and second touch screens in the unfolding state. The method of claim 1, The first and second touch screens are configured to be selectively activated in the folding state. The method of claim 1, And the first and second bodies are arranged at an angle at which the first and second touch screens can direct in the same direction in the unfolded state. The method of claim 1, And the first and second touch screens are combined to each other in the unfolded state to output a single screen. The method of claim 1, It further comprises a hinge module for providing an elastic force to the first and second body during the relative rotation of the first and second body, The hinge module may include a housing fixed to a first hinge portion formed on the first body; A movable cam disposed to be linearly movable in the housing; A fixed cam fixed to a second hinge portion formed on the second body and in contact with one end of the movable cam so as to be relatively movable; And And a spring disposed inside the housing and supporting the other end of the movable cam. The method of claim 5, wherein the locking unit, A first stopper disposed to be linearly movable in the first body; And And a second stopper which rotates together with the fixed cam and is formed to be caught by the first stopper as the unfolded state is switched. The method of claim 6, The first stopper has a locking protrusion protruding toward the hinge module, And the second stopper includes an extension part extending from a cam shaft formed in the fixed cam, and a cam part formed on an outer circumferential surface of the extension part so that the locking projection can be caught. The method of claim 6, And a locking release unit for releasing locking between the first and second hinge portions as the first and second bodies rotate relative to each other in the forward direction at a predetermined angle in the unfolding state. The method of claim 8, wherein the unlocking unit, An extension protrusion extending from the first stopper to the outside of the first body; And It is formed in a position facing the extension protrusion of the second body in the unfolding state, and includes a push protrusion for releasing the engagement of the first and second stopper by moving the first stopper as the extension protrusion is pushed Mobile terminal, characterized in that. 10. The method of claim 9, The first body is a mobile terminal, characterized in that the through slot is formed so that the extension projection is movable. 10. The method of claim 9, The first stopper is a mobile terminal, characterized in that for linear movement in a direction parallel to the cam axis of the fixed cam. 10. The method of claim 9, The locking release unit further comprises a return spring for returning the first stopper to its original position when the first stopper moves. The method of claim 1, The mobile terminal further comprises a flow preventing unit for preventing the flow between the first and the second body in the unfolded state. The method of claim 13, The first and second bodies respectively include first and second side portions facing each other in the unfolding state, And the flow preventing part includes first and second magnets respectively disposed on the first and second side parts. First and second bodies; Hinge connecting portions hinged to connect the first and second bodies to realize an unfolded state in which the inner surfaces of the first and second bodies overlap each other and the first and second bodies are rotated in a forward direction in the folding state. ; First and second touch screens respectively mounted on outer surfaces of the first and second bodies and outputting touch input visual information; A locking unit to lock the first and second bodies so that the first and second bodies do not rotate in the opposite direction by a touch applied to at least one of the first and second touch screens in the unfolding state; And And a locking release unit for releasing the locking of the first and second bodies as the first and second bodies rotate at a predetermined angle relative to each other when the first and second bodies are locked. The method of claim 15, It further comprises a hinge module for providing an elastic force to the first and second body during the relative rotation of the first and second body, The hinge module may include a housing fixed to the first hinge portion; A movable cam disposed to be linearly movable in the housing; A fixed cam fixed to the second hinge part to be in relatively movable contact with one end of the movable cam; And And a spring disposed inside the housing and supporting the other end of the movable cam. The method of claim 16, wherein the locking unit, A first stopper disposed to be linearly movable in the first body; And And a second stopper which rotates together with the fixed cam and is formed to be caught by the first stopper as the unfolded state is switched. The method of claim 17, wherein the unlocking unit, An extension protrusion extending from the first stopper to the outside of the first body; And The push protrusion is formed on a surface facing the first body of the second body in the unfolding state, and moves the first stopper to push the extension protrusion to release the first and second stoppers. A mobile terminal comprising a. The method of claim 15, The mobile terminal further comprises a flow preventing unit for preventing the flow between the first and second body in the unfolded state. The method of claim 19, The first and second bodies include first and second side portions facing each other in the unfolding state, And the flow preventing part includes first and second magnets disposed in the first and second side parts, respectively.

Images