KR20120021070A - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal is provided to electrically connect a conductive pad, an integrated circuit, and a circuit board without a flexible circuit board. CONSTITUTION: A window(251b) covers a display(251a). The window is formed by laminating a plurality of segments(251c,251d). At least one of the segments is a glass material. A conductive pattern is formed on at least one side of the segments. A driver integrated circuit(218) is mounted on a segment of a glass material. The driver integrated circuit is connected to the conductive pattern.

Description

Mobile terminal {MOBILE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of sensing a touch input.

The 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.

As an improvement of the structural part of the terminal, consideration can be given to improving the performance and structure of the signaling mechanism associated with the touch sensor. Current signal transmission mechanisms generally use a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to electrically connect a circuit board and a touch sensor and mount a driver integrated circuit on the flexible printed circuit board. Such a structure has problems such as peeling off of the flexible circuit board, corrosion of the flexible circuit board and mounting parts of the touch sensor, and difficulty in manufacturing.

The present invention is to provide a signal transmission mechanism that can solve the above problems and a mobile terminal having the same.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal that can more stably detect the touch input with a simpler structure.

In order to solve the above problems, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, the main body having a display, and a plurality of segments mounted on the main body to cover the display and at least one is made of glass is stacked And a window formed therein, a conductive pattern formed on at least one surface of the segments, and a driver integrated circuit surface-mounted on a glass material segment among the segments and connected to the conductive pattern to sense a touch input.

As an example related to the present invention, the window may include a transparent region configured to enable touch input by a combination of the display and the conductive pattern, and an opaque region disposed at one end of the transparent region and on which the driver integrated circuit is mounted. Include. In the opaque region, a connection unit for electrically connecting the driver integrated circuit and a circuit board for processing the touch input may be disposed.

As another example related to the present invention, the connection part may be mounted on a segment on which the driver integrated circuit is mounted and electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit, and may be mounted on the circuit board to elastically fix the conductive pad. It includes a connecting terminal to pressurize. The display board may be mounted on the circuit board, and the connection part may be formed at a position spaced apart from the display.

As another example related to the present invention, the driver integrated circuit may be a semiconductor wafer mountable in a chip-on-glass (COG) manner.

As another example related to the present disclosure, the window may include a first segment disposed to face the outside of the main body, and a second segment coupled to the first segment to overlap the first segment and having the conductive pattern formed on a surface thereof. It includes. The conductive pattern is disposed on both sides of the second segment, and the non-overlapping region in which the non-overlapping region and the driver integrated circuit are mounted is formed in the first segment.

As another example related to the present invention, the first and second segments are each formed of a glass material, the conductive pattern is disposed on both sides of the second segment, and the driver integrated circuit is formed on one surface of the second segment. It is mounted on, the other surface of the second segment is formed to be covered by the first segment.

As another example related to the present invention, the first segment is formed of a glass material, and the second segment is formed of an electrode film having a conductive pattern formed on a surface of a synthetic resin material, and the driver integrated circuit includes the first segment. Is mounted on.

As another example related to the present invention, the window includes a first segment mounted on the terminal case, and a second segment mounted on an outer surface of the first segment and on which the conductive pattern is formed. The driver integrated circuit may be mounted on an inner surface of the first segment.

The mobile terminal according to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above mounts a driver integrated circuit in a window made of glass, thereby realizing electrical connection of a conductive pad, an integrated circuit, and a circuit board without a flexible circuit board. In addition, through this, problems such as peeling of the flexible circuit board due to the use of the flexible circuit board, corrosion of the flexible circuit board and the mounting portion of the touch sensor, and difficulty in manufacturing may be solved.

In addition, according to the present invention, as the signal transmission path is simplified through the electrical connection between the conductive pad and the connection terminal, the touch input can be more accurately sensed.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2a is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
Figure 2b is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in Figure 2a.
3 is an exploded view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2A viewed from the front;
4 is a bottom view illustrating a state in which the segment film and the pattern film of the window of FIG. 3 are combined;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting line of FIG. 4 as viewed in the VV direction. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting line of FIG. 4 viewed in VI-VI direction. FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the touch screen of FIG. 3.
8 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification, different embodiments are given the same or similar reference numerals for the same or similar configurations, and the description 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.

The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role.

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. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, etc., except when applicable only to mobile terminals.

1 is a block diagram 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). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as Handheld and Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for not only the above-described digital broadcasting system but also other broadcasting systems.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access and may be embedded or external to the mobile terminal 100. Wireless Internet technologies may include Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

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

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

Referring to FIG. 1, the A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video call mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the 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 configured 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.

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is surrounded by 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 an injection or inlet port, grazing to the skin surface, contact of an 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 be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM (Random Access Memory, RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Magnetic Memory, Magnetic It may include a storage medium of at least one type of disk, optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, 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 can be connected to the terminal 100 through the 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 can be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

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

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

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

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

The display unit 251, the audio output module 260, the camera 221, and the user input units 231, 232, and 233 may be disposed in the terminal body, mainly the front case 201.

The display unit 251 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 201. The sound output module 260 and the camera 221 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 251.

The display unit 251 may display various types of visual information. These pieces of information can be displayed in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons.

At least one of the letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons may be displayed in a predetermined arrangement for inputting such information, thereby being implemented as a keypad. Such a keypad may be called a so-called " soft key ".

The display unit 251 may operate in an entire area or may be divided into a plurality of areas. In the latter case, the plurality of areas can be configured to operate in association with each other.

The user input unit 230 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200, and may include a plurality of operation units 231, 232, and 233. The manipulation units 231, 232, and 233 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 to third manipulation units 231, 232, and 233 may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 231 receives a command such as start, end, scroll, and the like, and is disposed in an area adjacent to an end of the display unit 251 that is different from an end at which the sound output module 260 is disposed. do.

The second and third manipulation units 232 and 233 are configured to receive a command such as adjusting the volume of the sound output from the sound output module 260 or switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 251.

Referring to this figure, a wired / wireless headset port 271 and a wired / wireless data port 272 may be disposed on one side of the mobile terminal. The ports 271 and 272 are configured as an example of the interface 170 (see FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 2B, a camera 221 ′ may be additionally mounted on the rear of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 202. The camera 221 ′ has a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 221 (see FIG. 2A), and may be a camera having different pixels from the camera 221.

For example, the camera 221 has a low pixel so that it is easy to capture a face of a user in the case of a video call or the like and transmits the face to the other party, and the camera 221 ' It is preferable to have a large number of pixels. The cameras 221 and 221 'may be installed in the terminal body to be rotatable or pop-up.

A flash 223 and a mirror 224 are further disposed adjacent to the camera 221 ′. The flash 223 illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera 221 '. The mirror 224 allows the user to see his / her face or the like when the user wishes to photograph (self-photograph) the user using the camera 221 '.

The sound output module may be additionally disposed at the rear of the terminal body. The sound output module may implement a stereo function together with the sound output module 260 of the front case (see FIG. 2A), and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

The antenna for receiving a broadcast signal may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. An antenna that forms part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (refer to FIG. 1) may be installed to be pulled out of the terminal body.

Referring to this figure, the terminal body may be provided with a microphone 222, an interface 270, and the like. The microphone 222 is disposed in an area adjacent to one end and the other end where the sound output module 260 is disposed in the display unit.

Side surfaces of the front case 201 and the rear case 202 may include a user input unit 232 and a connection port 273.

The connection port 273 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the mobile terminal 200, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 200 to an external device. The connection port 273 may be configured as an example of the interface 170 (see FIG. 1).

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

Referring back to FIG. 2A, the display unit 151 forms a touch screen by forming a mutual layer structure with a sensor area detecting a touch operation.

Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the touch screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. 3 is an exploded view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2A viewed from the front, FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating a state in which the segments and the pattern film of the window of FIG. 3 are combined, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting line of FIG. 4 viewed in the VI-VI direction.

Referring to FIG. 3, a window 251b is coupled to one surface of the front case 201. The window 251b is made of a material through which light can pass, for example, a transparent synthetic resin, tempered glass, and the like. However, the window 251 b may include a portion through which light cannot pass. As shown in the drawing, the portion of the light that cannot transmit may be implemented by separately covering the window with the pattern film 251e. The pattern film 251e may be formed such that the center thereof is transparent and the edge thereof is opaque.

The display 251a may be mounted on the rear of the window 251b. A portion of the window 251b through which light is transmitted may have an area corresponding to the display 251a. Through this, the user can externally recognize visual information output from the display 251a.

The circuit board 217 may be mounted on the rear case 202. The circuit board 217 may be configured as an example of the controller 180 (see FIG. 1) for operating various functions of the mobile terminal. As shown, the sound output device 262 and the camera 221 may be mounted on the circuit board 217. The sound output element 262 may be, for example, a speaker or a receiver.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the window 251 b may be mounted on the front case 201 to cover the display 251 a, and a portion through which the light of the window 251 b is transmitted may form a transparent area 252 for touch input. . An opaque region 253 in which light of the window 251b is not transmitted is disposed at one end of the transparent region 252, which may be implemented by an opaque edge of the pattern film 251e. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the edge of the window 251 b may be surface treated to prevent light from passing through.

The window 251 b is formed to recognize a user's touch and enables input of information (command, signal, etc.). The window 251b is formed by stacking a plurality of segments 251c and 251d of at least one glass material, and a conductive pattern (not shown) is formed on at least one surface of the segments 251c and 251d. .

More specifically, the window 251b includes first and second segments 251c and 251d.

The first segment 251c is disposed to face the outside of the terminal body, and the second segment 251d is coupled to the first segment 251c so as to overlap the first segment 251c. The first and second segments 251c and 251d are formed of glass, respectively, and a conductive pattern is formed on the surface of the second segment 251d. In this case, the second segment 251d serves as a touch sensor. Referring to FIG. 4, the touch sensing area 254 is formed by the conductive pattern.

The conductive patterns may be formed on both surfaces of the second segment 251d and formed by indium tin oxide (ITO), carbon nanotubes (CNT), or the like. The conductive patterns formed on both sides are configured to sense coordinates in the X and Y directions that are perpendicular to each other, by using electrical changes generated when the conductor moves at a close distance. The conductive pattern is combined with the display 251a to implement the transparent area 252 to enable touch input.

3 to 5, a driver integrated circuit 218 connected to the conductive pattern and detecting a touch input is mounted on the window 251 b. The driver integrated circuit 218 is connected to the conductive patterns in the X and Y directions, respectively, to detect a touch input to the window 251b.

The driver integrated circuit 218 may be a semiconductor wafer that is surface-mounted on a glass material segment among the segments and may be mounted in a chip-on-glass (COG) manner. That is, the driver integrated circuit 218 is mounted directly to the glass material segment in a chip-on-glass (COG) manner. According to an embodiment, the driver integrated circuit 218 may be disposed in the opaque region 253, and thus may not be exposed from the outside.

More specifically, the driver integrated circuit 218 is mounted on one surface of the second segment 251d, and the other surface of the second segment 251d is formed to be covered by the first segment 251c. The conductive patterns formed on both surfaces of the second segment 251d are electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit 218, respectively. In particular, the conductive pattern formed on one surface of the second segment 251d may be integrally connected to the driver integrated circuit 218 on the one surface.

Referring to FIG. 3, the circuit board 217 detects and responds to an electrical change generated in the window 251b generated by the user touching the window 251b, for example, a change in capacitance or charge amount. It is electrically connected with the conductive pattern to execute the control operation. More specifically, the driver integrated circuit 218 senses the electrical change and transmits a signal corresponding to the circuit board 217, and the circuit board processes the signal.

3 and 6, the driver integrated circuit 218 is electrically connected to the circuit board 217. For example, in the opaque region 253, a connection portion 219 for electrically connecting the driver integrated circuit 218 and the circuit board 217 is disposed.

The connection part 219 includes a conductive pad 219a and a connection terminal 219b.

The conductive pad 219a is mounted on the window 251b and is electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit 218. More specifically, the conductive pads 219a are mounted on the segment, for example, the second segment 251d, on which the driver integrated circuit 218 is mounted, and thereby conduct conductively on one surface of the second segment 251d.

3 and 4, the driver integrated circuit 218 is disposed parallel to the corner at one end of the window 251b, and the conductive pad 219a is spaced along the corner adjacent to the driver integrated circuit 218. Is placed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the position and shape of the driver integrated circuit 218 and the conductive pad 219a may be appropriately changed in consideration of the connectivity with adjacent electronic devices and the slimming of the terminal.

According to the illustration, the display 251a is mounted on the circuit board 217, and the connection part 219 is formed at a position spaced apart from the display 251a. For example, the connection terminal 219b is spaced apart from one end of the display 251a on the circuit board 217, and the conductive pad 219a is disposed at a position overlapping with the connection terminal 219b.

The connection terminal 219b is formed to elastically press the conductive pad 219a and may be, for example, a C clip, an elastic pin, a conductive rubber, a pogo pin, or the like. According to this structure, as the circuit board 217 and the window 251b are mounted in the case, electrical connection of the conductive pattern, the driver integrated circuit 218 and the circuit board 217 may be realized. In addition, through this, problems such as peeling of the flexible circuit board, corrosion occurring in the mounting portion of the flexible circuit board, and difficulty in manufacturing can be solved.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the connection unit 219 may be configured to electrically connect the display 251a and the driver integrated circuit 218. For example, the driver integrated circuit 218 may be provided. The display 251a may be electrically connected by a C clip, an elastic pin, a conductive rubber, or the like. In addition, the driver integrated circuit 218 may be electrically connected to the display 251a through the flexible circuit board.

When the display 251a is connected to the driver integrated circuit 218, the display 251a is driven by the driver integrated circuit 218. That is, the driver integrated circuit 218 mounted on the window 251b may be an integrated integrated circuit that not only recognizes a touch command but also controls driving of the display 251a.

In this case, the window 251b having the conductive pattern, the driver integrated circuit 218 and the display 251a are combined into one package, and the package forms a display module that is driven by itself.

7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the touch screen of FIG. 3. Hereinafter, descriptions of the same or similar configurations as those of the embodiment shown with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 will be replaced with the first description.

Referring to the drawing, the first segment 351c is made of a glass material, and the non-overlapping region 355 that is not overlapped with the second segment 351d is formed in the first segment 351c. The driver integrated circuit 318 is mounted in the non-overlapping region 354, and the conductive patterns 354a and 354b formed between the surfaces of the first segment 351c and the second segment 351d facing each other are formed of the first Along the face of the segment 351c leads to the driver integrated circuit 318.

The second segment 351d may be formed of glass or made of synthetic resin. The drawing illustrates the case where the second segment 351d is made of glass. According to the drawing, the protective insulator layer 351e is formed on the surface of the second segment 351d to protect the conductive pattern of the second segment 351d. Can be formed on.

 When the second segment 351d is made of a synthetic resin material, the second segment 351d may be an electrode film having conductive patterns 354a and 354b formed on a surface of the synthetic resin material.

8 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

Referring to the figure, the window 451b includes a first segment 451c mounted on the terminal case and a second segment 451d mounted on an outer surface of the first segment 451c. For example, the first segment 451c may be made of glass, and the second segment 451d may be an electrode film on which a conductive pattern is formed.

According to the illustration, the driver integrated circuit 418 is mounted on the inner surface of the first segment 451c in a chip-on-glass manner. A through hole 456 is formed in the first segment 451c, and the conductive pattern of the second segment 451d may be conductive with the driver integrated circuit 418 through the through hole 456. A conductive pad (not shown) is mounted on an inner surface of the first segment 451c, which is mechanically connected to a connection terminal (not shown) of the circuit board, and thereby, a conductive pattern, a driver integrated circuit 418, and a circuit board. Signaling paths leading to 417 may be implemented.

According to such a structure, the control and signal transmission mechanism of the present invention can be applied to a touch screen of a positive pressure type in which an ITO film is mounted on an outer surface of a glass window. In this case, the first segment 451c may correspond to the window, and the second segment 451d may correspond to the ITO film.

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.

Claims (12)

A main body having a display;
A window mounted to the main body to cover the display, the window being formed by stacking a plurality of segments having at least one glass material;
A conductive pattern formed on at least one surface of the segments; And
And a driver integrated circuit surface-mounted on a glass segment of the segments and connected to the conductive pattern to sense a touch input. The method of claim 1,
The window is,
A transparent area configured to enable touch input by a combination of the display and the conductive pattern; And
And an opaque region disposed at one end of the transparent region and on which the driver integrated circuit is mounted. The method of claim 2,
And a connection portion in the opaque region for electrically connecting the driver integrated circuit and a circuit board for processing the touch input. The method of claim 3,
The connecting portion,
A conductive pad mounted to a segment on which the driver integrated circuit is mounted and electrically connected to the driver integrated circuit; And
And a connection terminal mounted on the circuit board and elastically pressing the conductive pad. The method of claim 3,
And the display is mounted on the circuit board, and the connection part is formed at a position spaced apart from the display. The method of claim 1,
And the driver integrated circuit is a semiconductor wafer mountable in a chip-on-glass (COG) manner. The method of claim 1,
The window is,
A first segment disposed facing out of the body; And
And a second segment coupled to the first segment to overlap the first segment and having a conductive pattern formed on a surface thereof. The method of claim 7, wherein
The conductive pattern is disposed on both sides of the second segment,
And a non-overlapping region in the first segment which is not overlapped with the second segment and in which the driver integrated circuit is mounted. The method of claim 7, wherein
The first and second segments are each formed of a glass material, the conductive pattern is disposed on both surfaces of the second segment, and the driver integrated circuit is mounted on one surface of the second segment.
The other surface of the second segment is formed to be covered by the first segment. The method of claim 7, wherein
The first segment is formed of a glass material, the second segment is made of an electrode film formed with a conductive pattern on the surface of the synthetic resin material, the driver integrated circuit is characterized in that the mobile terminal is mounted on the first segment . The method of claim 1,
The window is,
A first segment mounted to the terminal case; And
A second segment mounted on an outer surface of the first segment and having the conductive pattern formed thereon;
And the driver integrated circuit is mounted on an inner surface of the first segment. The method of claim 1,
The driver integrated circuit is electrically connected to the display,
And the display is driven by the driver integrated circuit.

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