Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. 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. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be blurred. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. , ≪ / RTI > equivalents, and alternatives.
The mobile terminal described in this specification includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, a slate PC A tablet PC, an ultrabook, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD). have.
However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to fixed terminals such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, a digital signage, and the like, will be.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a mobile terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are conceptual diagrams illustrating mobile terminals according to the present invention in different directions.
The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, ), And the like. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential for implementing a mobile terminal, so that the mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than the components listed above.
The wireless communication unit 110 may be connected between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100 or between the mobile terminal 100 and the external server 100. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > wireless < / RTI > In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.
The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short distance communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .
The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, an audio input unit, a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user A touch key, a mechanical key, and the like). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.
The sensing unit 140 may include at least one sensor for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, A G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, A microphone 226, a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, A thermal sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), a chemical sensor (e.g., an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification can combine and utilize information sensed by at least two of the sensors.
The output unit 150 includes at least one of a display unit 151, an acoustic output unit 152, a haptic tip module 153, and a light output unit 154 to generate an output related to visual, auditory, can do. The display unit 151 may have a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed to realize a touch screen. The touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user and may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.
The interface unit 160 serves as a path to various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 is connected to a device having a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, And may include at least one of a port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O port, and an earphone port. In the mobile terminal 100, corresponding to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160, it is possible to perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.
In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications running on the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Also, at least a part of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions (e.g., telephone call receiving function, message receiving function, and calling function) of the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and may be operated by the control unit 180 to perform the operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.
In addition to the operations related to the application program, the control unit 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The control unit 180 may process or process signals, data, information, and the like input or output through the above-mentioned components, or may drive an application program stored in the memory 170 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user.
In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1A in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. FIG. In addition, the controller 180 may operate at least two of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 in combination with each other for driving the application program.
The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power to the components included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, which may be an internal battery or a replaceable battery.
At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with one another to implement a method of operation, control, or control of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170. [
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the disclosed 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 folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which a watch type, a clip type, a glass type or two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled . A description of a particular type of mobile terminal, although relevant to a particular type of mobile terminal, is generally applicable to other types of mobile terminals.
Here, the terminal body can be understood as a concept of referring to the mobile terminal 100 as at least one aggregate.
The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (for example, a frame, a housing, a cover, and the like) that forms an appearance. As shown, the mobile terminal 100 may include a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are disposed in the inner space formed by the combination of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.
A display unit 151 is disposed on a front surface of the terminal body to output information. The window 151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted on the front case 101 to form a front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 101. [
In some cases, electronic components may also be mounted on the rear case 102. Electronic parts that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include detachable batteries, an identification module, a memory card, and the like. In this case, a rear cover 103 for covering the mounted electronic components can be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic parts mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.
As shown, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102, a side portion of the rear case 102 can be exposed. In some cases, the rear case 102 may be completely covered by the rear cover 103 during the engagement. Meanwhile, the rear cover 103 may be provided with an opening for exposing the camera 121b and the sound output unit 152b to the outside.
These cases 101, 102, and 103 may be formed by injection molding of synthetic resin or may be formed of metal such as stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.
The mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the internal space, unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an internal space for accommodating various electronic components. In this case, a unibody mobile terminal 100 in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the rear side can be realized.
Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproof unit (not shown) for preventing water from penetrating into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof portion is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, And a waterproof member for sealing the inside space of the oven.
The mobile terminal 100 is provided with a display unit 151, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, a light output unit 154, Cameras 121a and 121b, first and second operation units 123a and 123b, a microphone 122, an interface unit 160, and the like.
2 and 3, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, an optical output unit (not shown) A first camera 121a and a first operation unit 123a are arranged on a side of the terminal body and a second operation unit 123b, a microphone 122 and an interface unit 160 are disposed on a side surface of the terminal body, And a mobile terminal 100 having a second sound output unit 152b and a second camera 121b disposed on a rear surface thereof.
However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as needed, or placed on different planes. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side surface of the terminal body rather than the rear surface of the terminal body.
The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100 or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information .
The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.
In addition, the display unit 151 may exist in two or more depending on the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a plurality of display portions spaced apart from each other or disposed integrally with one another, or may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.
The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit 151 so that a control command can be received by a touch method. When a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor senses the touch, and the control unit 180 generates a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch. 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 sensor may be a film having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or may be a metal wire . Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or inside the display.
In this way, the display unit 151 can form a touch screen together with the touch sensor. In this case, the touch screen can function as a user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a.
The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the second sound output unit 152b may be implemented as a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ). ≪ / RTI >
The window 151a of the display unit 151 may be provided with an acoustic hole for emitting the sound generated from the first acoustic output unit 152a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101) between the structures. In this case, the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 can be made more simple because the hole formed independently for the apparent acoustic output is hidden or hidden.
The optical output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying the occurrence of an event. Examples of the event include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notification, an email reception, and reception of information through an application. The control unit 180 may control the light output unit 154 to terminate the light output when the event confirmation of the user is detected.
The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in the photographing mode or the video communication mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 151 and can be stored in the memory 170. [
The first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion as an example of a user input unit 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 have. The first and second operation units 123a and 123b can be employed in any manner as long as the user is in a tactile manner such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. In addition, the first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be employed in a manner that the user operates the apparatus without touching the user through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, or the like.
In this figure, the first operation unit 123a is a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a mechanical key or a combination of a touch key and a touch key.
The contents input by the first and second operation units 123a and 123b can be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives a command such as a menu, a home key, a cancellation, a search, and the like, and the second operation unit 123b receives a command from the first or second sound output unit 152a or 152b The size of the sound, and the change of the display unit 151 to the touch recognition mode.
On the other hand, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body as another example of the user input unit 123. The rear input unit is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and input contents may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on / off, start, end, scrolling, and the like, the size adjustment of the sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, And the like can be inputted. The rear input unit may be implemented as a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.
The rear input unit may be disposed so as to overlap with the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. For example, the rear input unit may be disposed at the rear upper end of the terminal body such that when the user holds the terminal body with one hand, the rear input unit can be easily manipulated using the index finger. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.
When a rear input unit is provided on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new type of user interface using the rear input unit can be realized. When the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front surface of the terminal body in place of at least a part of the functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front surface of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured as a larger screen.
Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing the fingerprint of the user, and the controller 180 may use the fingerprint information sensed through the fingerprint recognition sensor as authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be embedded in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.
The microphone 122 is configured to receive the user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be provided at a plurality of locations to receive stereophonic sound.
The interface unit 160 is a path through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 may include a connection terminal for connection with another device (for example, an earphone or an external speaker), a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port A wireless LAN port, or the like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented as a socket for receiving an external card such as a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) or a UIM (User Identity Module) or a memory card for storing information.
And a second camera 121b may be disposed on a rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction which is substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a.
The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix form. Such a camera can be named an 'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, images can be taken in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and a better quality image can be obtained.
The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121b.
And a second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed in the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a and may be used for implementing a speakerphone mode in a call.
The terminal body may be provided with at least one antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or formed in the case. For example, an antenna constituting a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1) can be configured to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in a film type and attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.
The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or detachable from the outside of the terminal body.
The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. In addition, the battery 191 may be configured to be wirelessly chargeable through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).
The rear cover 103 is configured to be coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to restrict the release of the battery 191 and to protect the battery 191 from external impact and foreign matter . When the battery 191 is detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.
The mobile terminal 100 may be provided with an accessory that protects the appearance or supports or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100. [ One example of such an accessory is a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one side of the mobile terminal 100. [ The cover or pouch may be configured to interlock with the display unit 151 to expand the function of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for supplementing or extending a touch input to the touch screen.
Meanwhile, in the present invention, information processed in the mobile terminal can be displayed using a flexible display. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of the mobile terminal 200 according to the present invention.
As shown, the display unit 251 may be configured to be deformable by an external force. The deformation may be at least one of warping, bending, folding, twisting, and curling of the display portion 251. The deformable display portion 251 may be referred to as a " flexible display portion ". Here, the flexible display unit 251 may include both a general flexible display, e-paper, and combinations thereof. In general, the mobile terminal 200 may include features of the mobile terminal 100 of Figures 1-3, or similar features.
A typical flexible display refers to a sturdy display that is lightweight and does not break easily, such as paper, formed on a thin, flexible substrate that can flex, bend, fold, twist, or curl like a conventional flat panel display.
In addition, the electronic paper is a display technology to which general ink characteristics are applied, and the point that the reflected light is used is different from the conventional flat panel display. The electronic paper can be changed by using a twist ball or electrophoresis (electrophoresis) using a capsule.
In a state in which the flexible display portion 251 is not deformed (for example, a state having an infinite radius of curvature, hereinafter referred to as a first state), the display area of the flexible display portion 251 is flat. In the first state, the display area may be a curved surface in a state deformed by an external force (for example, a state having a finite radius of curvature, hereinafter referred to as a second state). As shown in the figure, the information displayed in the second state may be time information output on the curved surface. Such visual information is realized by independently controlling the emission of a sub-pixel arranged in a matrix form. The unit pixel means a minimum unit for implementing one color.
The flexible display unit 251 may be placed in a bent state (for example, a vertical state or a left-to-right bent state) instead of a flat state in the first state. In this case, if an external force is applied to the flexible display portion 251, the flexible display portion 251 may be deformed into a flat state (or a less bent state) or a more bent state.
Meanwhile, the flexible display unit 251 may be combined with a touch sensor to implement a flexible touch screen. When a touch is made to the flexible touch screen, the control unit 180 (see FIG. 1) can perform control corresponding to the touch input. The flexible touch screen may be configured to sense the touch input in the first state as well as the second state.
Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 200 according to the present modification may be provided with a deformation detecting means capable of detecting deformation of the flexible display unit 251. The deformation detecting means may be included in the sensing unit 140 (see FIG. 1).
The deformation detecting unit may be provided in the flexible display unit 251 or the case 201 to sense information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit 251. Here, the information related to the deformation may be the direction in which the flexible display unit 251 is deformed, the degree of deformation, the deformation position, the deformation time, and the acceleration at which the deformed flexible display unit 251 is restored, In addition, the flexible display unit 251 may be various information that can be detected due to the bending of the flexible display unit 251.
The control unit 180 may change the information displayed on the flexible display unit 251 or change the information displayed on the flexible display unit 251 based on the information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit 251, It is possible to generate a control signal for controlling the function of the controller.
Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 200 according to the present modification may include a case 201 that accommodates the flexible display unit 251. The case 201 may be configured to be deformable together with the flexible display unit 251 by an external force in consideration of the characteristics of the flexible display unit 251.
In addition, the battery (not shown) included in the mobile terminal 200 may be configured to be deformable together with the flexible display unit 251 by an external force in consideration of the characteristics of the flexible display unit 251. In order to implement the battery, a stack and folding method in which battery cells are stacked on top of one another may be applied.
The state change of the flexible display unit 251 is not limited to an external force. For example, when the flexible display unit 251 has the first state, it may be transformed to the second state by a command of the user or the application.
Hereinafter, related embodiments that can be implemented in a mobile terminal configured as above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.
5 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a rear cover 103 coupled to the rear case 102.
The rear cover 103 is capable of shielding the electronic components mounted on the rear case 102. For example, the rear cover 103 may shield a removable battery, an identification module, a memory card, and the like mounted on the rear case 102. [
The rear cover 103 may include a first surface 103a contacting the rear case 102 and a second surface 103b extending from the rear case 102 toward the front case 101. [
The first surface 103a may include a second camera 121b, a second sound output section 152b and a plurality of openings 125 for exposing the flash 124 to the outside.
The second surface 103b can shield at least a part of the side surface of the rear case 102 when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102. [ The second surface may include an opening 125 for exposing the microphone 122 to the outside.
At least one key assembly A may be provided on the second surface 103b.
The key assembly A can receive commands or information by a push or touch operation of the user. The key assembly A may be provided at a position corresponding to the second operation unit 123b. In this case, the key assembly A can provide the second operation unit 123b with instructions or information input to the user.
Further, the key assembly A may be provided at a position not corresponding to the second operation unit 123b. In this case, the key assembly A can perform a decorative function.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the key assembly of Figure 5;
As shown, the key assembly A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a key button 310, at least one first coupling protrusion 314 surrounding the key button 310, a key button 310, And a fixing portion 315 coupled to the second surface 103b in a shape corresponding to at least one first engaging projection 314 to engage the second surface 103b.
The key button 310 may be provided where the push or touch operation of the user is directly performed. The upper surface of the key button 310 may have a larger area than the lower surface. Since the upper surface of the key button 310 is wide, the area for the user to push or touch can be large. Accordingly, the key button 310 may be convenient when the user performs a push or a touch operation.
The key button 310 may include at least one second engaging projection 312. At least one second engagement protrusion 312 may be located on the lower surface of the key button 310. Each of the second engaging projections 312 may be spaced apart from each other.
The first engagement protrusion 314 may surround the side surface of the key button 310. The first engagement protrusion 314 may include a material such as the key button 310. Each of the first engaging projections 314 may be spaced apart from each other.
The fixing portion 315 may be positioned between the rear cover 103 and the key button 310. [ The fixing portion 315 may include a protrusion 316 which engages with at least two first engaging projections 314. [ The protrusion 315 can be engaged with the key button 310 on the rear cover 103.
The fixing portion 315 may include a material having a higher elastic modulus than the rear cover 103 so that the key button 310 can have a large displacement. The elastic modulus represents the strain that occurs when stress is applied. A material with a high elastic modulus is a material with high pressure resistance. Therefore, a material having a high elastic modulus can be easily restored to its original state even under pressure. Therefore, the fixing portion 315 can be restored to its original state even if the position of the protrusion 316 is varied due to the displacement of the key button 310.
The fixing portion 315 may include a material having a higher elastic modulus than the first coupling protrusion 314. [ Therefore, even if the fixing portion 315 and the first engaging projection 314 are simultaneously pressed, the fixing portion 315 may be deformed and the first engaging projection 314 may not be deformed. In detail, the projecting portion 316 of the fixing portion 315 is deformed in the pressure receiving direction and the first engaging projection can maintain the shape.
The side portion of the rear case 103 coupled with the key assembly A may include a second operation unit 123b, a key rubber 127, and a tact key 129. [
The second operation unit 123b may be provided at a place in contact with the lower surface of the key button 310. [ The second operation unit 123b can receive the external force applied to the key button 310. [
The second operation unit 123b may have at least one first groove 131 on its upper surface. The first groove 131 and the second engagement protrusion 312 of the key button 310 can be engaged with each other. Therefore, the second operation unit 123b and the key button 310 can be aligned with each other.
The second operation unit 123b may include at least one third engagement protrusion 134 on the lower surface. The third engaging projections 134 may be spaced apart from each other.
And the second operating unit 123b may protrude from the rear case 102. [ The level of the upper surface of the second operation unit 123b may be higher than the level of the upper surface of the rear case 102 by the first height h1.
The key rubber 127 may be provided on the lower surface of the second operation unit 123b. The key rubber 127 can receive the pressure applied to the second operation unit 123b.
The key rubber 127 may have at least one second groove 132 on its upper surface. The second groove 132 and the third engaging projection 134 of the second operation unit 123b can be engaged with each other. Therefore, the key rubber 127 and the second operation unit 123b can be aligned with each other.
The tact key 129 may be provided on the lower surface of the key rubber 127. The tact key 129 can receive the pressure applied to the key rubber 127. The tact key 129 may transmit a command of the user to the control unit.
The key button 310 may be coupled with the fixing portion 315. The fixing portion 315 may be positioned at a portion where the key button 310 is coupled to the rear cover 103 to fix the key button 310. [ The fixing portion 315 may include a protrusion 316 so that the key button 310 can be coupled to the portion contacting the key button 310. [
The fixing portion 315 may include a material having a higher elastic modulus than the rear cover 103 so that the key button 310 can move. Since the fixing portion 315 includes a material having a high elastic modulus, the key button 310 can move more freely. Therefore, the click feeling of the key button 310 may not be lowered.
The key button 310 can contact the second operation unit 123b. The key button 310 can push the second operation unit 123b which is in contact with the key button 310 by an external force to control the operation of the mobile terminal.
The second operation unit 123b may have at least one first groove 131 on its upper surface. The first groove 131 can align the second operation unit 123b and the key button 310 with each other. The second operation unit 123b may protrude as compared with the rear case 102. Thereby, the second operation unit 123b can be made easier to touch.
On the lower surface of the second operation unit 123b, a key rubber 127 may be provided. The key rubber 127 can pressurize or touch the tact key 129 when the pressure is applied to the second operation unit 123b. When the tact key 129 is pressed or touched, an electrical signal such as a key input signal can be generated.
7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of Fig.
As shown, the key assembly A according to the embodiment of the present invention can directly contact the key button 310 with the key rubber 127. That is, the key assembly A may not include the second operation unit (123b in Fig. 6).
The key button 310 may further extend in a first direction d1 to directly contact the key rubber 127. [ The first engaging projection 314 of the key button 310 can engage with the second groove 132 of the key rubber 127. [ Accordingly, the key button 310 and the key rubber 127 can be aligned with each other. Since the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention does not require the second operation unit (123b in Fig. 6), the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, since the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment does not require the second operation unit 123b, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a modification of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a portion A of FIG. 5 to which the key button of FIG. 9 is applied.
As shown in these drawings, the key button 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a coupling groove 318 on a lower surface thereof. The engaging groove 318 may be shaped to surround the upper surface of the second operation unit 123b.
The second operation unit 123b may have a flat top surface. The upper surface of the second operation unit 123b can be engaged with the engagement groove 318 of the key button 310. [ Therefore, the second operation unit 123b and the key button 310 can be aligned with each other. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second operation unit 123b and the key button 310 can be aligned with each other without including the first groove (131 in Fig. 6) of the second operation unit 123b. Therefore, the manufacturing process for making the second operation unit 123b can be simplified.
11 is a sectional view of key buttons according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the key button 310 may include at least one third groove 340 on the upper surface. The third groove 340 may have a hemispherical shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the third groove 340 may have a shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, and a triangular pyramid. The third groove 340 may be located above the first engaging projection 314. The third groove 340 may extend from one side of the key button 310 to the opposite side thereof. Each of the third grooves 340 may be spaced apart from each other.
The third groove 340 can be engaged with the finger when the user performs a push or touch operation. Accordingly, the key button 310 can be easily operated by a user to perform a push or a touch operation.
12 and 13 are perspective views of a rear cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in these figures, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the key buttons 310a, 310b, and 310c may be provided at positions not corresponding to the second operation unit 123b. The key buttons 310a, 310b, and 310c may be positioned on the same plane as the corresponding position of the second operation unit 123b. Alternatively, the key buttons 310a, 310b, and 310c may be positioned on a plane different from the corresponding position of the second operation unit 123b. The upper surface of the key button 310a may have a heart shape. The upper surface of the key button 310b may have a bear shape. The key button 310c may include one or more third grooves 340 on the upper surface. In this case, the key button 310 can perform a decorative function.
14 is a cross-sectional view of a key assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, according to the present embodiment, the protruding portion 316 of the fixing portion 315 can be directed in the first direction d1. In this case, even when a predetermined pressure is applied to the key button 310 in the second direction d2, which is the opposite direction to the first direction d1, the first engaging projection 314 of the key button 310 is engaged with the fixing portion 315 As shown in FIG. Therefore, the first engaging projection 314 may not be easily separated from the fixing portion 315.
15 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in this figure, the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment may have the key assembly A positioned in the terminal case 500. The terminal case 500 may include a rear portion 500a contacting with the rear cover 103 and a side portion 500b extending from the rear case 102 toward the front case 101. [
The rear portion 500a may include a second camera 121b, a second sound output portion 152b, and a plurality of openings 125 for exposing the flash 124 to the outside.
The side portion 500b can cover at least a part of the side surface of the rear cover 103 and the side surface of the rear case 102 when the terminal case 500 is engaged with the rear cover 103. [ The side surface portion 500b may include an opening 125 for exposing the microphone 122 to the outside. At least one key assembly A may be provided on the side portion 500b.
The rear cover 103 can expose the side surface of the rear case 102. The rear cover 103 can shield only the rear surface of the rear case 102.
Since the key button 310 is detachable from the terminal case 500, the clicking feeling of the button portion can be improved.
16 and 17 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of operating a key assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the drawings, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a user's hand F may apply a pressure 700 to the key button 310 in a first direction d1. When pressure 700 is applied to the key button 310, the upper surface of the key button 310 can transmit pressure to the second operation unit 123b. The pressure transmitted to the second operation unit 123b can move the second operation unit 123b in the first direction d1 by the second height h2.
The protruding portion 316 of the fixing portion 315 can be directed in the first direction d1 by the second height h2. The protruding portion 316 of the fixing portion 315 may have a higher elastic modulus than the first engaging protrusion 314 of the key button 310. [ Therefore, even if the protrusion 316 and the first engaging protrusion 314 receive the pressure 700 at the same time, the protrusion 316 may be deformed and the first engaging protrusion 314 may not be deformed.
The pressure 700 applied to the key button 310 can be transmitted to the second operation unit 123b. And the second operation unit 123b can transmit pressure to the key rubber 127. [ The key rubber 127 may transmit pressure to the tact key 129. The tact key 129 may transmit a command of the user to the control unit.
18 and 19 are sectional views illustrating a method of separating a key button according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the user may apply pressure 800 to the key button 310 in the second direction d2. When pressure 800 is applied to the key button 310, the key button 310 can move in the second direction d2.
The protruding portion 316 of the fixing portion 315 can be directed in the second direction d2. The protruding portion 316 of the fixing portion 315 may be higher in ductility than the first engaging projection 314 of the key button 310. [ Therefore, even if the protrusion 316 and the first engaging protrusion 314 receive the pressure 800 at the same time, the protrusion 316 may be deformed and the first engaging protrusion 314 may not be deformed.
The key button 310 can be separated from the fixing portion 315 by applying a pressure equal to or greater than a threshold value. The projecting portion 316 of the fixing portion 315 may include a material having a higher elastic modulus than that of the rear cover 103. Therefore, the protrusion 316 can be restored to the state before the pressure is again applied when the key button 310 is detached. Since the key button 310 is detachable from the fixing portion 315, the amount of deformation of the key button 310 may be larger than that of the terminal integrated with the rear cover 103.
The foregoing detailed description should not be construed in all aspects as limiting and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.
