KR20130072757A - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal is provided to perform a volume adjustment by operating a plug. CONSTITUTION: A housing (310) is disposed inside of a terminal body. The housing has a hollow portion where a plug is rotatably inserted into from the outside of the terminal body. A detecting unit (330) is arranged in a portion adjacent to the plug and senses rotation of the plug. A control unit controls a volume of an audio that is outputted from the terminal body depending to a degree of the rotation of the plug.

Description

[0001] MOBILE TERMINAL [0002]

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of adjusting the volume.

A mobile terminal is a portable electronic device that is portable and has one or more functions of voice and video call function, information input / output function, and data storing function.

As the functions of the mobile terminal are diversified, the mobile terminal is implemented in the form of a multimedia device having complicated functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, and reception of a game and a broadcast.

Various new attempts have been made in terms of hardware or software to implement the complex functions of multimedia devices.

In addition, mobile terminals are regarded as personal items for expressing their individuality, and various design forms are required. The design form also includes structural changes and improvements for the user to more conveniently use the mobile terminal.

Recently, as the thickness of the mobile terminal becomes slim, it is difficult to arrange the operation keys on the side of the mobile terminal.

The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of adjusting the volume by the operation of the plug.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a sensing unit and a control unit. The housing is disposed inside the terminal body, and the plug is rotatably inserted from the outside of the terminal body. The detector is disposed adjacent to the plug, and detects the rotation of the plug. The controller controls the volume of sound emitted from the terminal body according to the degree of rotation of the plug.

As an example related to the present invention, the mobile terminal is installed in contact with at least a portion of the plug in the housing, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the plug and includes a rotating portion for causing a magnetic change.

As an example related to the present invention, the controller controls the plug to increase or decrease the volume according to the rotation direction.

As an example related to the present invention, the rotating part includes a rotating body and a magnet part. The rotating body is formed to contact the plug, and rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the plug. The magnet part is connected to the rotating body to rotate in the same direction as the rotating body to cause a magnetic change. The detector detects the magnetic change.

As an example related to the present invention, a depression is formed in which one surface of the housing is recessed such that at least a portion of the housing is exposed. The rotating body and the magnet part are provided in the depression.

As an example related to the present invention, the rotating body is formed of a rubber material so that the rotating body rotates by the frictional force of the surface of the rotating body contacting the plug.

As an example related to the present invention, it is formed to surround the housing, and includes a fixing part for elastically supporting the rotating part such that the rotating part is in close contact with the plug.

As an example related to the present invention, the rotating part includes a connection part extending in the one direction and connecting the rotating body and the magnet part. The fixing portion elastically supports the connecting portion toward the housing.

As an example related to the present invention, the fixing part is formed to be deformable so that the rotating body can move when the plug is inserted into or withdrawn from the hollow.

As an example related to the present invention, the fixing part includes an elastic part and a hook part. The elastic part is formed to surround the connecting part, the elastic part supports the connecting part, and is formed to be movable when the plug is inserted into or withdrawn from the hollow. The hook portion extends from the elastic portion and is bent along the outer surface of the housing to be caught by the housing and moveable according to the movement of the elastic portion, and formed to be longer than the step of bending formed on the outer surface of the plug.

As an example related to the present invention, the plug is formed of an earphone for transmitting the sound of the terminal body to the outside.

As an example related to the present invention, the plug and the earphone may be selectively connected to the housing, and the housing may include a determination unit for discriminating the plug and the earphone.

As an example related to the present invention, the plug operates with at least one of a touch pen and an antenna.

As an example related to the present disclosure, the determination unit may include a sensing element formed in the plug and a sensor unit installed in the housing, and configured to sense the sensing element when the plug is inserted.

As an example related to the present invention, the housing is formed so that both ends of the plug, which is formed longer than the earphone, protrude, are adjacent to the housing, and are arranged to be switched by pressing or touching the plug.

In the present invention, since the volume can be adjusted by the operation of the plug, a separate operation key is unnecessary in the terminal body. Therefore, the thickness of the terminal body can be made slimmer.

In addition, the volume can be adjusted by the rotation of the plug, the user can intuitively operate it is easy to use.

In addition, the plug is possible in parallel with the earphone plug, it is possible to adjust the volume of the sound emitted from the earphone, there is no need for a separate configuration generated in the appearance.

In addition, a separate volume control device distinguishable from the earphone plug may be mounted to adjust the volume of the speaker. In addition, the volume control device may be utilized as a touch pen, an antenna, or the like to simplify the configuration.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A. FIG.
3 is an exploded view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2B;
4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the socket of FIG. 4 viewed in the B direction; FIG.
6 is an enlarged perspective view of a rotating part.
7 is a front perspective view of another mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention;
8 is an enlarged perspective view of C of FIG. 7;
9 is a perspective view for explaining a structure in which the adjusting device is inserted into the socket.
10 is a front perspective view of another mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to different embodiments in the same or similar configurations. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The mobile terminal described in this specification may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), and navigation. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like, unless the configuration is applicable only to a mobile terminal.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an audio / video input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, A controller 170, a controller 180, a power supply 190, and the like. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, and 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 for enabling wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and the 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 refer to a server for generating and transmitting broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information, or a server for receiving broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information generated by the broadcast management server and transmitting the generated broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast-related information may refer to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or information related to 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).

For example, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), a Media Forward Link Only Broadcast-Handheld (ISDB-T), Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be adapted to other broadcasting systems as well as the digital broadcasting system described above.

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 radio signals to 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 depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 is a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built in or externally attached 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. Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as a short range communication technology.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, an A / V (Audio / Video) 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 can 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 depending on the use environment.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal through a microphone in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and processes it as 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. Various noise reduction algorithms may be implemented in the microphone 122 to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for a 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 senses the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of user contact, the orientation of the mobile terminal, And generates 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. Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 is for generating output related to the visual, auditory or tactile sense and includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154 .

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in the call mode, a UI (User Interface) or a GUI (Graphic User Interface) associated with a call is displayed. When the mobile terminal 100 is in the video communication mode or the photographing mode, the photographed and / or received video or UI and GUI are displayed.

The display unit 151 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display (flexible) and at least one of a 3D display.

Some of these displays may be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen through. This can be referred to as a transparent display, and a typical example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparent OLED) and the like. The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be of a light transmission type. With this structure, the user can see an 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 embodiment 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 each other, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

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 the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or a capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor can be configured to detect not only the position and area to be touched but also the pressure at the time of 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 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 a nearby object without mechanical contact using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays. The proximity sensor has a longer life span than the contact sensor and its utilization is also high.

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. And to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field along the proximity of the pointer when the touch screen is electrostatic. 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 pointer is proximately touched on the touch screen means a position where the pointer is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the pointer is touched.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). Information corresponding to the detected proximity touch operation and the 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 also outputs sound signals related to functions (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. [ The audio output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events that occur in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, touch input, and the like. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than the video signal or the 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 may be classified as a 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 the vibration generated by the hit module 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 154 may be used for stimulation such as a pin array vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a jetting force or suction force of air through an injection or inlet, grazing to the skin surface, contact of an electrode, and electrostatic force. 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 can be implemented not only to transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact but also to allow the user to feel the tactile effect through the muscular sensation of the finger or arm. The haptic module 154 may include two or more haptic modules 154 according to the configuration of the portable terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 160 may store data on vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

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), a RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM A disk, and / or an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or supplies power to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or transmits data to the 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 for storing various information for authenticating the use right of the mobile terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a general user authentication module A 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.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 170 may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or various commands A signal may be a path through which the signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal. The various command signals or the power source input from the cradle may be operated as a signal 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, voice communication, data communication, video communication, and the like. The control unit 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the control unit 180 or may be implemented separately from the control unit 180. [

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components.

The various embodiments described herein may be embodied 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 of the functions and operations described herein. Software code can be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code is stored in the memory 160 and can be executed by the control unit 180. [

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

1, 2A and 2B, the mobile terminal 100 includes a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, and a swing type in which two or more bodies are coupled to be movable relative to each other. Further, the mobile terminal described herein may be any portable electronic device having a camera and flash, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a Personal Digital Assistants ), A PMO (Portable Multimedia Player), and the like.

The terminal body includes a case (which may be referred to as a casing, a housing, a cover, and the like) that forms an appearance. The case may be divided into a front case 201, a rear case 203 covering a surface opposite to the front case, and a frame 202 disposed between the front case 201 and the rear case 203. . Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed 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 power supply unit 241 (see FIG. 3) and the rear camera unit 221 are disposed at the rear of the terminal body.

The power supply unit 241 supplies power to the mobile terminal 200. The power supply unit 241 may be built in the terminal body or may be directly detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

A flash 223 is disposed adjacent to the rear camera unit 221. The flash 223 may be disposed adjacent to the rear camera unit 221. The flash 223 illuminates the subject toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the rear camera unit 221.

A mirror 224 may be disposed adjacent to the flash 224. The mirror allows the user to illuminate the user's own face or the like in the case where the user intends to photograph (self-photograph) himself / herself by using the rear camera unit 221. [

The rear camera unit 221 may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the front camera unit 216 disposed on the front side and may be a camera having different pixels from the front camera unit 216. [

For example, the front camera unit 216 has low pixels so that it is easy to capture a face of a user in the case of a video call or the like and transmit the face to the other party. The rear camera unit 221 photographs a general subject and immediately transmits It is preferable to have a high pixel. The front and rear camera units 216 and 230 may be installed in the terminal body in a rotatable or pop-up manner.

The front of the terminal body includes a display unit 210, the first sound output unit 211, the signal input unit 230 and the front camera unit 216.

The display unit 210 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) module, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) module, and an e-paper for visually expressing information. The display unit 210 may include touch sensing means for inputting data by a touch method. Hereinafter, the display unit 210 including the touch sensing unit will be referred to as a 'touch screen'. If any one of the touches on the touch screen 210 is touched, the contents corresponding to the touched position are input. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, an instruction in various modes, a menu item which can be designated, and the like. The touch sensing means is formed in a translucent manner so that the display portion can be seen, and a structure for enhancing the visibility of the touch screen in a bright place may be included. 2A, the touch screen 210 occupies most of the front surface of the front case 201. [

The first sound output unit 211 may be implemented as a receiver for delivering a call sound to a user's ear or a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds.

The front camera unit 216 processes an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 210. [

The image frame processed by the front camera 216 can be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ The front camera 216 may be provided in two or more depending on the use environment.

The signal input unit 230 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200 and may include a plurality of input keys. The input keys may also be referred to as a manipulating portion and may be employed in any manner as long as the user has a tactile sense and operates in a tactile manner.

For example, a dome switch or touch screen capable of receiving a command or information by a push or touch operation of a user, a touch pad, or a wheel, a jog type or a joystick for rotating a key . The contents input by the signal input unit 230 can be variously set. For example, to enter start, end, scroll, and the like.

Side keys 214, interface units 215 and 225, sound input units 213, and connection units 330 formed to connect the hand straps are disposed on the side surfaces of the front case 201.

The side key 214 may be collectively referred to as an operation unit and is capable of receiving a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200. The side key 214 may be employed in any manner as long as the user is operating in a tactile manner with a tactile impression. The content input by the side key 214 can be variously set. For example, by the side key 214, it is possible to control the image input units 216 and 221, adjust the size of the sound output from the sound output unit 211, or switch the display unit 210 to the touch recognition mode Command can be input.

The sound input unit 213 may be implemented, for example, in the form of a microphone to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface units 215 and 225 serve as a passage for allowing the mobile terminal 200 according to the present invention to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface units 215 and 225 are wired or wireless, and a connection terminal for connecting with an earphone, a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA port), a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN) Port (Wireless LAN Port) or the like, or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal 200. The interface units 215 and 225 may be implemented in the form of a socket for receiving an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) or a memory card for storing information.

The connection part 330 is formed in a ring shape including a hole. The connection portion 330 is a decorative function, or a hand strap connected to a separate device is connected. In the drawing, the connecting portion 330 is formed to protrude from the side of the terminal body, but the position at which the connecting portion 330 is formed is not limited thereto. For example, it may be formed on the front or rear of the terminal body. The connection part 330 may be formed in a ring shape in which a hole is formed.

An antenna for a call or the like may be mounted on the terminal body, and an antenna for receiving a broadcast signal may be additionally disposed. For example, as an antenna for receiving the terrestrial DMB, a monopole antenna capable of being drawn out from the terminal body may be disposed.

3 is an exploded view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 3, the mobile terminal includes a support member 282, a main circuit board 281, and an antenna 226.

The frame 202 supports various electronic components. For example, the rear camera 221, the flash 223, the mirror 224, the main antenna 226, and the like are disposed in the frame 202.

Various electronic devices are mounted on one surface of the main circuit board 281, and a support member 282 for protecting the electronic devices is mounted on one surface of the main circuit board 281. The support member 282 may be made of a metal plate.

The main circuit board 281 may be configured as an example of the controller 180 (see FIG. 1) for operating various functions of the mobile terminal. The main circuit board 281 may be provided in plural and may perform a function of the controller 180 by combining with each other. One end of the rear case 202 may be equipped with a main antenna 226 for transmitting and receiving a radio signal for a call.

The socket 300 is formed on the support member 282 to be inserted into the plug. The socket 300 may be disposed close to the edge of the main body of the terminal to facilitate insertion of the plug.

The plug may be inserted into the socket 300 and electrically connected to the socket 300. The plug may be inserted into the socket 300 to be rotated about the x-axis.

The plug may rotate in both directions with respect to the x-axis in the socket 300 to adjust the volume of sound output by the mobile terminal. For example, the volume may be increased by rotating the plug clockwise about the x axis, or the volume may be decreased by rotating the plug counterclockwise about the x axis. The rotation direction and the volume can be set to drive in reverse to that described above.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug may serve as an earphone for transmitting a sound of the mobile terminal. That is, by inserting an earphone into the mobile terminal, the volume of the sound may be adjusted by rotating the earphone plug while listening to a sound, for example, a song or a call.

Therefore, it is not necessary to form a separate operation key to adjust the volume, it is possible to form a slim mobile terminal, it is possible to form a simple appearance design.

Hereinafter, a specific structure of the socket 300 into which the plug is inserted will be described.

4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A in Fig. FIG. 5 is a side view of the socket of FIG. 4 viewed in the B direction. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the rotating unit.

Referring to FIG. 4, the socket 300 includes a housing 310, a rotating part 320, a sensing part 330, a connection terminal 312, and a fixing part 340.

The housing 310 is formed on the circuit board 301 to transmit and receive a signal. The circuit board 301 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 281. The circuit board 301 may be formed of a flexible printed circuit board.

The housing 310 includes a hollow 311 extending in the x-axis direction so that the plug can be inserted. The plug is formed to extend in one direction, but includes a plurality of signal bands, and includes a bend on an outer surface to be fixed in the socket. Thus, the hollow is preferably formed with a diameter substantially the same as the largest diameter of the plug so that the plug can be inserted.

Although not shown in the drawings, the hollow of the housing 310 may be formed in a structure in which one side is blocked. When one side of the hollow of the housing 310 is blocked, contaminants such as water may be prevented from entering the terminal body through the hollow 311.

When the plug is inserted into the hollow 311 of the housing 310, a signal is transmitted by the electronic elements formed in the housing 310. The connection terminals 312 are disposed adjacent to the housing 310. The connection terminals 312 transmit the sound signal to the plug, and transmit the signal to the earphone.

The rotating part 320 is installed in the housing 310. That is, a depression 313 is formed at one side of the housing 310, and the depression 313 is formed to meet one region of the hollow 311. That is, when the plug is inserted into the hollow 311, one surface of the plug meets the depression 313. The rotating part 320 is installed in the recessed part 313.

However, the recess 313 may be formed to meet the hollow 311 in a region where the rotor 321 is installed so that only the rotor 321 contacts the plug.

In addition, when the plug is not inserted into the hollow, the connecting portion 323 is prevented from flowing into the inside of the hollow 311, and the connecting portion to fix the connecting portion 323 to the housing 310 In the region where 323 is installed, the recess 313 and the hollow 311 do not meet.

The rotating part 320 includes a rotating body 321, a magnet part 322 and a connection part 323. The rotor 321 and the magnet part 322 are connected by the connection part 323. When the rotating body 321 is rotated in conjunction with the magnet unit 322 is rotated.

When the plug is inserted into the hollow 311, the rotor 321 and at least part of the plug come into contact with each other. The rotating body 321 extends in the x-axis direction and may be formed of a rubber material.

That is, when the plug rotates in one direction with respect to the x axis, the plug rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the plug due to the frictional force on the surface of the plug and the rotating body 321.

Referring to FIG. 6, the rotator 321 has a circular cross section so as to rotate in contact with the plug. As discussed above, the plug has curved surfaces. Therefore, in order for the plug to be stably inserted into the hollow, the end surface of both ends of the rotating body 321 is formed to have a diameter smaller than that of the center part and becomes narrower toward both ends of the rotating body 321. That is, the surface of the rotating body 321 may include an inclined portion. When the plug is inserted into the hollow, the plug is not bent on the rotating body 321 so that the plug is easily moved.

Referring to FIG. 6, the magnet part 322 is fixed to the rotating body 321 by the connecting part 323 extending in the x-axis direction, and the rotating part 321 interlocks with the rotation of the rotating body 321. It rotates in the same direction as the whole 321.

The connection part 323 is formed thinner than the thickness of the rotating body 321. Therefore, the contact with the housing 310 is prevented does not affect the rotating body 321.

The magnet part 322 may be formed of a cylindrical magnet including an N pole and an S pole. The N pole and the S pole are formed to be symmetric with respect to the x axis. Therefore, when the magnet part 322 rotates, a magnetic change occurs.

The sensing unit 330 is disposed to be adjacent to the rotating unit 320. The detector 330 detects a magnetic change generated by the rotation of the magnet 322.

For example, the detector 330 may be a Hall IC. The detector 330 may be fixed to the circuit board 281 in a surface mount manner. The Hall IC is a sensing sensor that detects a magnetic field and outputs a signal proportional thereto by an electromotive force generated when a magnetic field is applied to a current, that is, a Hall effect. That is, the detector 330 detects a change in the magnetic field generated by the rotation of the magnet 322, outputs it as a signal, and adjusts the volume according to the signal.

For example, when the magnet part 322 rotates clockwise two times around the x axis, a signal indicating that the magnetic change occurs twice is output, and thus the volume may be increased by two levels. The degree of rotation and volume of the plug may be finely divided to control the rotation and volume of the plug.

Therefore, rather than increasing and decreasing the volume as a user operation key, the volume can be adjusted due to rotation in both directions, so that the volume can be adjusted intuitively, making it convenient to use.

4 and 5, the rotating part 320 is fixed to the housing 310, and the fixing part 340 fixing the rotating part 320 to be in close contact with the plug and the rotating body 321. ) Is formed. The fixing part 340 may be formed in a band shape forming an open curve to surround a part of the housing 310.

The fixing part 340 includes first and second hook parts 342 and 343 and elastic parts 344 formed at both ends.

The elastic part 344 is formed to surround the connection part 323. That is, the connection part 323 is elastically supported to be separated from the housing 310 and is formed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the connection part 323 so that the connection part 323 is rotatable. The rotor 321 and the magnet part 322 are fixed to the housing 310 by the connection part 323.

In addition, the fixing part 340 is elastically supported so that the connecting portion 323 is adjacent to the housing 310, the rotating body 321 is in close contact with the plug. Therefore, the friction force between the plug and the rotor 321 is increased, and the rotor 321 may induce sensitive rotation by the rotation of the plug. Accordingly, the volume control function by the rotation of the plug can be further improved.

The lower surface of the housing 310 may be formed with a step. The first and second hook parts 342 and 343 are formed to surround the housing 310, and are formed to be caught by the steps. However, the second hook portion 343 is installed to be relatively movable from the housing 310.

In addition, even if the second hook portion 343 is moved to the maximum in the y-axis direction, the second hook portion 343 is preferably formed long enough to prevent separation from the housing 310. . For example, the height difference of the curvature of the surface of the plug may be formed substantially the same or greater. In addition, the length of the second hook portion 343 may be formed longer than the length of the first hook portion 342.

As discussed above, the outer surface of the plug is bent. When the plug is inserted or withdrawn, the plug passes through a rotating body 321 fixed to the plug.

For example, when the thickest region of the plug passes while overlapping with the rotating body 321, the elastic portion 344 is spaced in the y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis direction. Therefore, the second hook portion 343, which extends from the elastic portion 344 and is bent, also moves in the y-axis direction.

That is, the fixing part 340 may be spaced apart while forming a gap with the housing 310. On the contrary, when the thin region of the plug passes through the rotating body 321, the second hook portion 343 is in close contact with the housing 310 such that the rotating body 321 is in close contact with the plug. . The fixing part 340 may be formed of a metal material including an elastic force.

An opening 341 is formed in the fixing portion 341 that overlaps an edge adjacent to the rotating part 320 of the housing 310. As shown, the shape may be formed in a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto, and a plurality of openings 341 may be formed as long as the fixing part 340 is not disconnected.

The force that is spaced apart from the second hook portion 343 and the housing 310 is transmitted to the corner so that the fixing portion 340 is bent, which is adjacent to the opening 341 due to the opening 341. The spaced force is divided by the stationary portion 340. Therefore, the fixing part 340 of the remaining area can be reduced from being spaced apart from the housing 310.

7 is a front perspective view of another mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the volume control device according to the embodiment of FIG. 7.

7 and 8, the mobile terminal includes a volume control device 400 inserted into a socket and a switch 410 for detecting the same. The mobile terminal according to the present exemplary embodiment may include components similar to those of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2A except for the volume control device 400 and the switch 410. Replaced with 6.

The earphone plug and the volume control device 400 may be selectively inserted into the socket 300. Therefore, since the volume control device 400 adjusts the volume of sound provided from the speaker of the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal distinguishes and recognizes the earphone plug and the volume control device 400.

Referring to FIG. 8, the volume control device 400 has a structure similar to that of the earphone plug. However, the volume control device 400 is formed to determine the mobile terminal is distinguished from the earphone plug. The determination unit may include a sensing element 401 formed in the volume control device 400 and a sensor unit (not shown) formed in the housing to sense the sensing element 401.

When the volume control device 400 is rotated, the rotating body 321 in close contact with the volume control device 400 rotates. The magnet part 322 is rotated by the rotating body 321, and accordingly the sensing part 330 detects this to control the volume. Since this is substantially the same as the components of FIG. 4, the detailed description thereof will be replaced with the description of FIGS. 4 to 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a structure in which a volume control device according to another embodiment of FIG. 7 is inserted into a socket.

Referring to FIG. 9, the mobile terminal includes a switch 510 disposed adjacent to the socket 300. The socket 300 according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the socket 300 of FIG. 4. Accordingly, like reference numerals refer to like elements, and description thereof will be replaced with FIGS. 4 to 6.

The earphone plug and the volume control device 500 may be selectively inserted into the socket 300. The volume control device 500 may be formed longer than the plug, and the socket 300 may be formed shorter than the length of the volume control device 500.

When the volume control device 500 is inserted into the socket 300, the volume control device 500 protrudes through the socket 300. The switch 510 is disposed in an area where the volume control device 500 protrudes. Therefore, the volume control apparatus 500 switches by pressing or electrically contacting the switch 510. When the switch 510 is switched, the mobile terminal recognizes the volume control device 500.

Although not shown in the drawing, the volume control device 500 may be formed as a hand strap of the mobile terminal to solve the problem of loss.

The volume control device 500 is inserted into the socket 300, and the volume control device 500 switches the switch 510. The mobile terminal may recognize the volume control device 500 and adjust the volume of the speaker.

When the volume control device 500 is rotated, the rotating body 321 in close contact with the volume control device 500 rotates. The magnet part 322 is rotated by the rotating body 321, and accordingly the sensing part 330 detects this to control the volume. Since this is substantially the same as the components of FIG. 4, the detailed description thereof will be replaced with the description of FIGS. 4 to 6.

Therefore, when sound is emitted from the speaker of the mobile terminal, the volume control device 500 can be inserted and rotated to adjust the volume, so that the user can intuitively adjust the volume. In addition, a separate operation key or the like is unnecessary on the side surface of the terminal body, and the mobile terminal can be made slim.

10 is a front perspective view of another mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the mobile terminal includes a volume control device 600 inserted into the socket 300 and a switch 600 detecting the same. The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may include components similar to those of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2A except for the function of the volume control device 600, and description thereof will be replaced with FIGS. 2A to 6. .

The volume control device 600 is inserted into the socket 300 is formed to control the volume of the speaker of the mobile terminal. The volume control device 600 may be formed to be distinguished from the earphone plug. For example, a separate sensor pin is formed on the volume control device 600, or the length of the volume control device 600 is formed longer than the length of the earphone plug to form a switch to switch. Since this feature is substantially similar to the volume control device 500 according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, the detailed description is replaced with the description of FIGS. 8 and 9.

The volume control device 600 may function as a touch pen. That is, when the volume control device 600 is separated from the terminal body, the volume control device 600 may be configured to input a signal to the display unit 210. That is, an input device may be formed at the end of the volume control device 600 to touch or press the display unit 210.

In addition, the volume control device 600 may include a DMB antenna function for receiving a signal of the terrestrial DMB. In addition, while the volume control device 600 is rotated while the volume control device 600 is inserted into the socket 300 to receive the DMB signal, the volume control device 600 may be configured to change a channel.

That is, when the volume control device 600 is rotated, the rotating body 321 in close contact with the volume control device 600 rotates. The magnet unit 322 is rotated by the rotating body 321, and thus the sensing unit 330 detects this and changes the channel. Except for the feature of changing the channel rather than adjusting the volume, it is substantially the same as the component of FIG. 4, so a detailed description thereof will be replaced with the description of FIGS. 4 to 6.

Although not shown in the drawing, the volume control device 500 may be formed as a hand strap of the mobile terminal to solve the problem of loss.

Therefore, when sound is emitted from the speaker of the mobile terminal, the volume control device 600 can be inserted and rotated to adjust the volume or change the channel when using the DMB, and a separate operation key or the like is unnecessary on the side of the main body of the terminal. The mobile terminal can be made slim. In addition, the volume control device may be used for various purposes such as a touch pen and an antenna, thereby simplifying the appearance of the mobile terminal.

The mobile terminal described above can be applied to not only the configuration and method of the embodiments described above but also all or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications may be made to the embodiments It is possible.

Claims (16)

A housing disposed inside the terminal body, the housing including a hollow in which the plug is rotatably inserted from the outside of the terminal body;
A detector disposed adjacent to the plug and configured to detect rotation of the plug;
And a controller for controlling the volume of sound emitted from the terminal body according to the degree of rotation of the plug. The method of claim 1,
A mobile terminal, characterized in that installed in the housing so that at least a portion of the plug in contact with the rotation, and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the plug and causing a magnetic change. The method of claim 2,
The control unit is a mobile terminal, characterized in that for controlling the plug to increase or decrease the volume in accordance with the rotation direction. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3,
A rotating body formed to be in contact with the plug and rotating in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the plug; And
A magnet part connected to the rotating body to rotate in the same direction as the rotating body to generate a magnetic change,
The detecting unit detects the magnetic change. 5. The method of claim 4,
A depression is formed in which one surface of the housing is recessed so that at least a portion of the hollow of the housing is exposed.
The rotating body and the magnet unit is characterized in that installed in the recess. 5. The method of claim 4,
And the rotor includes an inclined surface such that the plug including at least one curved plug on the surface is not caught by the rotor when inserted into the housing. The mobile terminal of claim 4, wherein the rotatable body is formed of a rubber material such that the rotatable body rotates by a frictional force of a surface of the rotatable body in contact with the plug. The method of claim 2,
And a fixing part configured to surround the housing and elastically supporting the rotating part such that the rotating part is in close contact with the plug. 9. The method of claim 8,
The rotating part includes a connection part extending in the one direction and connecting the rotating body and the magnet part,
The fixing portion is a mobile terminal, characterized in that the connecting portion is elastically supported toward the housing. 10. The method of claim 9,
And the fixing part is deformable so that the rotating body can move when the plug is inserted into or withdrawn from the hollow. The method of claim 10, wherein the fixing unit,
An elastic part formed to surround the connection part, elastically supporting the connection part, and formed to be movable when the plug is inserted into or drawn out of the hollow; And
A hook portion extending from the elastic portion and bent along the outer surface of the housing to be hooked to the housing and movable according to the movement of the elastic portion, the hook portion being longer than the step of bending formed on the outer surface of the plug. Mobile terminal. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the plug is formed of an earphone for transmitting a sound of the terminal body to the outside. According to claim 1, The plug and the earphone is selectively connected to the housing,
The housing comprises a determination unit for discriminating the plug and the earphone. The mobile terminal of claim 13, wherein the plug operates at least one of a touch pen and an antenna. The method of claim 14, wherein the determining unit,
A sensing element formed on the plug;
And a sensor unit installed in the housing and configured to detect the sensing element when the plug is inserted. 15. The method of claim 14,
The housing is formed to protrude both ends of the plug formed longer than the earphone,
Adjacent to the housing and arranged such that the plug can be switched by pressing or touching.

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