KR20160097035A - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a mobile terminal in which at least a portion of a display unit is bowable or bendable, comprising: a body part having a front surface and a rear surface; a flexible display unit divided into a first region disposed on the front surface and a second region deformed to a first state in which the second region covers a portion of the rear surface and a second state in which the second region is unfolded to the front surface; and a folding unit deforming the display unit. The folding unit includes: a button part installed to be pressed on the body part; a first bending part coupled to one end portion of the display unit and caught by the button part; and a slide cover part formed to be slidably movable when the button part is pressed.

Description

[0001] MOBILE TERMINAL [0002]

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of being bent or bent at least a part of a display portion.

The mobile terminal includes a battery and a display unit, and outputs all information to a display unit using a power source supplied from a battery, and includes all the devices that the user can carry. The mobile terminal includes a device for recording and playing back moving pictures, a device for displaying a graphic user interface (GUI), and the like, and includes a notebook, a mobile phone, a glasses and a clock capable of displaying screen information, .

As the functions of the mobile terminal are diversified, the mobile terminal is implemented in the form of a multimedia player having complex functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, have. In order to support and enhance the functionality of such a mobile terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural and / or software aspects of the mobile terminal.

Such mobile terminals have evolved into various types of designs, and efforts are being made to develop mobile terminals in a more new form in order to meet the needs of users who desire more new and various types of designs. The new form includes structural changes and improvements for the user to use the mobile terminal more conveniently. As one of such structural changes and improvements, a mobile terminal capable of bending or bending at least a part of a display portion has been attracting attention.

However, a complicated structure for providing power or transmitting an external force is required for the bending or bending of the mobile terminal, which complicates the appearance or increases the thickness of the mobile terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal having a foldable display unit that can be deformed by a simplified deformation structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal including a body having a front surface and a rear surface, a first region disposed on the front surface, and a first portion surrounding the rear surface, And a folding unit for folding the display unit, wherein the folding unit comprises: a button unit which is pivotably mounted on the body unit; And a slide cover portion coupled to one end of the display portion and including a first bent portion formed to be engaged with the button portion, the slide portion being slidably movable when the button portion is pushed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding unit further includes a first elastic member for supporting the button portion, one of the button portions is exposed to the outside of the body portion, and the button portion is fixed to the first bent portion, And a latching portion formed so as to be able to rotate.

As an example related to the present invention, the folding unit may further include a second elastic member configured to elastically support the slide unit such that the slide cover unit slides.

The folding unit may include a slide pawl extending in the slide movement direction of the slide cover portion, a first guide rail for supporting the slide cover portion for sliding movement, a first guide rail for receiving the slide pawl, And a guide portion having a second guide rail to be accommodated.

As an example related to the present invention, the display device may further include a locking part mounted on one end of the second area of the display part and detachably fixed to the slide cover part.

As an example of the present invention, the slide cover portion may further include a second bending portion bent in a direction opposite to the first bending portion to be engaged with the locking portion, and the locking portion may be configured to receive the second bending portion And may include a locking groove that is depressed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the slide cover part is separated from the button part, the slide cover part may be slidably moved away from the support part and coupled with the locking part.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the slide cover part further includes a fitting protrusion formed on one surface thereof, and the locking part has a fitting groove formed to fit the fitting protrusion when the slide cover part is separated from the button part .

And a link portion formed on an inner surface of the second region so as to be deformable by an external force, and the link portion may include a plurality of link members connected to be bent so as to correspond to a radius of curvature of the display portion.

As an example related to the present invention, an end of the second region may be coupled to the slide cover portion, and the body portion may include a stopper that restricts movement of the slide cover portion.

According to the present invention, the display unit can be stably housed in the mobile terminal body in a folded state by the bent portion formed to be engaged with the button portion and the locking portion, and the user can stably receive the external force to the button portion, You can switch the part to the unfolded state.

Further, since the end portion of the display portion is supported by the slide cover portion, a more stable unfolded state can be realized.

In addition, it is possible to minimize damage during the deformation of the display unit by the link unit, and it is possible to easily change the opponent of the display unit by applying an external force to the button unit.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to the present invention;
2A to 2C are conceptual diagrams for explaining a foldable mobile terminal.
FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are views from different directions of a folded mobile terminal having a first folding unit; FIG.
4A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal in a folded state;
4B is an exploded view of a mobile terminal including a first folding unit.
5 is a conceptual view for explaining a structure in which a locking portion and a slide cover portion are separated from a button portion by a pressure applied to a button portion.
6A is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the locking portion is separated from the slide cover portion.
FIG. 6B is a conceptual view for explaining a structure in which the slide cover is shifted to the extended state by the movement of the slide cover; FIG.
7A is a conceptual view for explaining a fitting projection and a fitting groove;
FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the fitting protrusion and the fitting groove are engaged;
8A is a view of a mobile terminal having a display unit folded according to another embodiment, viewed from one direction.
FIG. 8B is a view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG.
9 is an exploded view of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment.
10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a structure in which the display unit is folded.

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.

Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, . On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between.

The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, the terms "comprises", "having", and the like are used to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a component, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

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.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

The mobile terminal 1000 includes a wireless communication unit 1100, an input unit 1200, an electromagnetic wave generating unit 1300, a sensing unit 1400, an output unit 1500, an interface unit 1600, a memory 1700, A power supply unit 1800, a power supply unit 1900, 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 1100 may be connected to the wireless communication system between the mobile terminal 1000 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 1000 and another mobile terminal 1000 or between the mobile terminal 1000 and the external server 1000. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > wireless < / RTI > In addition, the wireless communication unit 1100 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 1000 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 1100 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 1110, a mobile communication module 1120, a wireless Internet module 1130, a short distance communication module 1140, and a location information module 1150 .

The input unit 1200 includes a camera 1210 or an image input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, or 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 1200 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.

The electromagnetic wave generator 1300 generates electromagnetic waves having a straight-line characteristic as a trigger signal for controlling an external device located in a short distance. More specifically, the electromagnetic wave generating section 1300 generates an electromagnetic wave having a specific frequency under the control of the control section 1800. That is, the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generator 1300 can have various frequencies under the control of the controller 1800. Meanwhile, the electromagnetic wave may include various data for controlling an external device. More specifically, a request message for requesting information related to an external device or an identification factor for security may be included.

The sensing unit 1400 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 1400 may include a proximity sensor 1410, an illumination sensor 1420, 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 1222, a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a temperature 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 1500 includes at least one of a display unit 1510, an acoustic output unit 1520, a haptrip module 1530, and a light output unit 1540 to generate an output related to a visual, auditory, can do. The display unit 1510 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 1230 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 1000 and a user and may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 1000 and a user.

The display unit 1510 displays (outputs) the information processed by the mobile terminal 1000. For example, the display unit 1510 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 1000, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information .

The display unit 1510 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 bendable display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

In addition, the display unit 1510 may exist in two or more depending on the implementation mode of the mobile terminal 1000. In this case, the plurality of display units 1510 may be spaced apart from one another on the one side of the mobile terminal 1000, or may be disposed on the other side.

The display unit 1510 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit 1510 so that a control command can be received by a touch method. When a touch is made to the display unit 1510, the touch sensor senses the touch, and the control unit 1800 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 disposed in a film form having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 1510 'and a display (not shown) on the back of the window 1510', or may be patterned directly on the back surface of the window 1510 ' 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.

As such, the display unit 1510 may form a touch screen together with the touch sensor, in which case the touch screen may function as a user input unit 1230 (see FIG. 1A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first operation unit 1230a.

The interface unit 1600 and the interface unit 1600 serve as a path for communication with various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 1000. The interface unit 1600 of the interface unit 1600 may include a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, An audio input / output (I / O) port, a video I / O port, have. In the mobile terminal 1000, corresponding to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 1600 of the interface unit 1600, the mobile terminal 1000 can perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.

In addition, the memory 170 memory 1700 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 1000. Memory 170 The memory 1700 may store a plurality of application programs or applications running on the mobile terminal 1000, data for operation of the mobile terminal 1000, 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 1000 from the time of departure for the basic functions (e.g., call incoming, outgoing, message reception, and origination functions) of the mobile terminal 1000. On the other hand, an application program may be stored in the memory 1700 of the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 1000, and operated by the control unit 1800 to perform the operation (or function) of the mobile terminal .

The control unit 1800 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 1000, in addition to the operations associated with the application program. The control unit 1800 processes signals, data, information, and the like input or output through the above-described components or drives an application program stored in the memory 170 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user can do.

In addition, the controller 1800 may control at least some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1A to drive an application program stored in the memory 170 memory 1700. Further, the control unit 1800 may operate at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 1000 in combination with each other for driving the application program.

Power Supply Unit 190 The power supply unit 1900 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 1800 and supplies power to the components included in the mobile terminal 1000. The power supply unit 1900 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. Also, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal can be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170 memory 1700. [

Hereinafter, the various components of the mobile terminal 1000 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 1100, the broadcast receiving module 1110 of the wireless communication unit 1100 receives broadcast signals 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. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 1000 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching for at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 1120 may be a mobile communication module such as a mobile communication module or a mobile communication module that uses a communication system (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution And an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network established according to a long term evolution (AR), a long term evolution (AR), or the like.

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 1130 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be embedded in the mobile terminal 1000 or externally. The wireless Internet module 1130 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro Interoperability for Microwave Access, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) 1130 send and receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above.

The wireless Internet access by the wireless Internet module 1130 that performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network can be realized by wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE- May be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 1120.

The short-range communication module 1140 is for short-range communication, and includes Bluetooth ™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technology. The short-range communication module 1140 may communicate with the mobile terminal 1000 and the wireless communication system between the mobile terminal 1000 and another mobile terminal 1000 or between the mobile terminal 1000 and the mobile terminal 1000 through wireless local area networks ) And the other mobile terminal 100 (or the external server). The short-range wireless communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

Here, another mobile terminal 1000 is a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, a smart glass, etc.) capable of interchanging data with the mobile terminal 1000 according to the present invention (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)). The short-range communication module 1140 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 1000, around the mobile terminal 1000. If the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 1000 according to the present invention, the control unit 1800 may transmit at least a part of the data processed by the mobile terminal 1000 to the short- 1140 to the wearable device. Therefore, the user of the wearable device can use the data processed by the mobile terminal 1000 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a telephone is received in the mobile terminal 1000, the user performs a telephone call through the wearable device, or when a message is received in the mobile terminal 1000, It is possible to check the message.

The position information module 115 is a module for obtaining the position (or current position) of the mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the GPS module, it can acquire the position of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, it can acquire the position of the mobile terminal based on information of a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives the wireless signal with the Wi-Fi module. Optionally, the location information module 115 may perform any of the other modules of the wireless communication module 1100 to obtain data regarding the location of the mobile terminal, in addition or alternatively. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 1200 is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For inputting image information, Or a plurality of cameras 1210. The camera 1210 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 1510 or stored in the memory 170 memory 1700. [ A plurality of cameras 1210 provided in the mobile terminal 1000 may be arranged to have a matrix structure and various angles or foci may be provided to the mobile terminal 1000 through a camera 1210 having a matrix structure A plurality of pieces of image information can be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 1210 may be arranged in a stereo structure so as to obtain a left image and a right image for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 1220 processes the external acoustic signal as electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be utilized variously according to a function (or a running application program) being performed by the mobile terminal 1000. Meanwhile, various noise elimination algorithms may be implemented in the microphone 1220 to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 1230 is for receiving information from a user and when the information is inputted through the user input unit 1230, the control unit 1800 can control the operation of the mobile terminal 1000 to correspond to the input information . The user input unit 1230 may include a mechanical input unit (or a mechanical key such as a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 1000, a dome switch, a jog wheel, Jog switches, etc.) and touch-type input means. For example, the touch-type input means may comprise a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, And a touch key disposed on the touch panel. Meanwhile, the virtual key or the visual key can be displayed on a touch screen having various forms, for example, a graphic, a text, an icon, a video, As shown in FIG.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 1400 senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a corresponding sensing signal. The control unit 1800 may control the driving or operation of the mobile terminal 1000 or may perform data processing, function or operation related to the application program installed in the mobile terminal 1000 based on the sensing signal. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 1400 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 1410 refers to a sensor that detects the presence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface, or the presence of an object in the vicinity thereof, without mechanical contact using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 1410 may be disposed in the inner area of the mobile terminal or the proximity sensor 1410 near the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 1410 include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. In the case where the touch screen is electrostatic, the proximity sensor 1410 can be configured to detect the proximity of the object with a change of the electric field along the proximity of the object having conductivity. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of explanation, the act of recognizing that the object is located on the touch screen in proximity with no object touching the touch screen is referred to as "proximity touch & The act of actually touching an object on the screen is called a "contact touch. &Quot; The position at which the object is closely touched on the touch screen means a position where the object corresponds to the touch screen vertically when the object is touched. The proximity sensor 1410 can sense 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 location, have. Meanwhile, the controller 1800 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern sensed through the proximity sensor 1410 as described above, and further provides visual information corresponding to the processed data It can be output on the touch screen. Further, the control unit 1800 can control the mobile terminal 1000 such that different operations or data (or information) are processed according to whether the touch to the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a contact touch .

The touch sensor uses a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 1510) by using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistance film type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, Detection.

For example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or a capacitance generated in a specific portion to an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area, a pressure at the time of touch, a capacitance at the time of touch, and the like where a touch object touching the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object may be a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like as an object to which a touch is applied to the touch sensor.

Thus, when 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 corresponding data to controller 1800. Thus, the control unit 1800 can know which area of the display unit 1510 is touched or the like. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the control unit 1800, and may be the control unit 1800 itself.

On the other hand, the control unit 1800 can perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch object touching the touch screen (or a touch key provided on the touch screen). Whether to perform different controls or to perform the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to the current state of the mobile terminal 1000 or an application program being executed.

Meanwhile, the touch sensor may be configured to detect the touch input using different methods in the activated and deactivated states of the display unit 1510. [ At this time, the different method may be related to the activation period of the touch sensor. More specifically, the touch sensor may be activated at different periods depending on whether the display unit 1510 is activated or not. That is, the touch sensor can sense the touch input applied to the touch sensor with different activation periods according to whether the display unit 1510 is activated or not.

For example, in a state in which the display unit 1510 is inactivated, the touch sensor may be activated at a predetermined period. In this case, the specific period may be a period corresponding to a time greater than zero. In a state in which the display unit 1510 is activated, the touch sensor can be always operated in the activated state. That is, in this case, the activation period of the touch sensor may be 0 or a period having a time very close to 0.

The activation of the touch sensor can be distinguished by using the power consumption of the touch sensor. For example, if the power consumption of the touch sensor is less than a predetermined reference value based on 0, the touch sensor is in a deactivated state, and if the power consumption of the touch sensor is greater than the predetermined reference value , It can be said that it is activated.

 When the display unit 1510 is in an active mode (hereinafter referred to as an 'active mode'), the touch sensor continues to be activated and can wait for the touch input to the display unit 1510 have. Alternatively, when the display unit 1510 is in a deactivated state (referred to as a 'doze mode' hereinafter), the touch sensor may be activated every predetermined period.

On the other hand, the shorter the specific period in which the touch sensor is activated, the faster the touch input sensing the touch of the display unit 1510 is, but the power consumed by the touch sensor can be increased accordingly. In contrast, the longer the period in which the touch sensor is activated, the smaller the power consumed by the touch sensor, but the speed at which the touch input to tap the display unit 1510 may be slowed down.

Accordingly, the specific period may be set so as to increase the efficiency of power consumption while sensing the touch input that hits the display unit 1510, such that the sensing speed is not recognized by the user. For example, a specific period may be set such that the touch sensor is inactivated and activated about 20 times per second (1 Hz).

During the activated state of the display unit 1510, the touch sensor may also be activated. In the activated state, the activation period T of the touch sensor may be zero or very close to zero. Alternatively, in a state in which the touch sensor is activated, the period of the touch sensor may be several times shorter than the specific period in which the touch sensor is activated in a state in which the display unit 1510 is inactivated. That is, the touch sensors can be activated at different periods depending on whether the display unit 1510 is activated or not.

On the other hand, in the doze mode in which the display unit 1510 is inactivated and the touch sensor is periodically activated, a predetermined touch input by the touch sensor (for example, The controller 1800 can switch the doze mode to the active mode in which the display unit 1510 and the touch sensor are activated.

In addition, the touch sensors can be driven at different periods based on the state of the display unit 1510. [ For example, when the display unit 1510 is in the closed state, the doze mode is executed, and when the display unit 1510 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the active mode can be executed.

On the other hand, the touch sensors and the proximity sensors as described above can be used independently or in combination with each other for a short (or touch) touch, a long touch, a multi touch, a drag various methods such as touch, flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swype touch, hovering touch, It is possible to sense the touch of the user.

The ultrasonic sensor can recognize the position information of the object to be sensed by using ultrasonic waves. On the other hand, the control unit 1800 can calculate the position of the wave generating source through the information sensed by the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The position of the wave source can be calculated using the fact that the light is much faster than the ultrasonic wave, that is, the time when the light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than the time the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generating source can be calculated using the time difference with the time when the ultrasonic wave reaches the reference signal.

The camera 1210 includes at least one of a camera sensor (for example, a CCD, a CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or an image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 1210 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to sense a touch of the sensing object with respect to the three-dimensional stereoscopic image. The photosensor can be laminated to the display element, which is adapted to scan the movement of the object to be detected proximate to the touch screen. More specifically, the photosensor mounts photo diodes and TRs (Transistors) in a row / column and scans the contents loaded on the photosensor using an electrical signal that varies according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor performs coordinate calculation of the object to be sensed according to the amount of change of light, and position information of the object to be sensed can be obtained through the calculation.

Meanwhile, the camera 1210 includes at least one of a first camera 1210a formed on the front surface of the mobile terminal body and a second camera 1210b formed on the rear surface.

The first camera 1210a processes an image frame of a still image or moving image obtained by the image sensor in a photographing mode or a video communication mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 1510 and stored in the memory 1700. [

The second camera 1210b 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 1210b 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.

A flash (not shown) may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 1210b. A flash (not shown) illuminates the subject toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 1210b.

In addition, the electromagnetic wave generator (not shown) may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 1210b. The electromagnetic wave generating unit (not shown) emits the generated electromagnetic wave when the second camera 1210b is activated.

The display unit 1510 displays (outputs) the information processed by the mobile terminal 1000. For example, the display unit 1510 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 1000, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information .

In addition, the display unit 1510 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit 1510 for displaying stereoscopic images.

The stereoscopic display unit 1510 may be applied to a three-dimensional display system such as a stereoscopic system (glasses system), an autostereoscopic system (no-glasses system), and a projection system (holographic system).

The sound output unit 1520 can output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 1100 or stored in the memory 1700 in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output unit 1520 also outputs sound signals related to functions (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 1000. [ The sound output unit 1520 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The sound output unit 1520 includes at least one of a first sound output unit 1520a and a second sound output unit 1520b. The first sound output unit 1520a may be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the second sound output unit 1520b may be implemented as a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ). ≪ / RTI >

The haptic module 1530 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 1530 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of the vibration generated in the haptic module 1530 can be controlled by the user's selection or the setting of the control unit. For example, the haptic module 1530 may combine and output different vibrations or sequentially output the vibrations.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 1530 may be configured to perform various functions such as a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a spraying force or suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, a touch on the skin surface, And various tactile effects such as an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using an endothermic or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 1530 can transmit a tactile effect through direct contact, and the tactile effect can be felt by a user through a muscular feeling such as a finger or an arm. The haptic module 1530 may include two or more haptic modules according to the configuration of the mobile terminal 1000.

The light output unit 1540 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event using the light of the light source of the mobile terminal 1000. Examples of events that occur in the mobile terminal 1000 include user authentication success / failure, message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like. The control unit 1800 may control the light output unit 1540 to terminate the light output when the event confirmation of the user is detected.

The signal output by the light output unit 1540 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits light of a single color or a plurality of colors to the front or rear surface. The signal output may be terminated by the mobile terminal detecting the event confirmation of the user.

Interface Unit 1600 The interface unit 1600 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 1000. The interface unit 1600 may receive data from an external device or supply power to each component in the mobile terminal 1000 or may transmit data to the external device . For example, a port for connecting a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, an audio input / output port, a video I / O port and an earphone port are connected to the interface unit 1600 of the interface unit 1600 .

The identification module is a chip for storing various kinds of information for authenticating the usage right of the mobile terminal 1000 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM) 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. Therefore, the identification device can be connected to the mobile terminal 1000 through the interface unit 1600 of the interface unit 1600.

The interface unit 1600 of the interface unit 1600 may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 1000 when the mobile terminal 1000 is connected to an external cradle, And various command signals input from the cradle may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 1000. The various command signals or the power source inputted from the cradle may be operated as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal 1000 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 1700 may store a program for the operation of the controller 1800 and may temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 1700 may store data on vibrations and sounds of various patterns that are output upon touch input on the touch screen.

The memory 1700 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, an SDD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), a multimedia card micro type ), Card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read memory, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and / or an optical disk. The mobile terminal 1000 may operate in association with a web storage that performs the storage function of the memory 1700 on the Internet.

Meanwhile, as described above, the control unit 1800 controls an operation related to an application program and an overall operation of the mobile terminal 1000. [ For example, when the state of the mobile terminal meets a set condition, the controller 1800 may execute or release a lock state for restricting input of a user's control command to applications.

In addition, the control unit 1800 performs control and processing related to voice communication, data communication, video call, and the like, or performs pattern recognition processing that can recognize handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively . Further, the control unit 1800 may control any one or a plurality of the above-described components in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 1000 according to the present invention.

The power supply unit 1900 receives external power and internal power under the control of the control unit 1800 and supplies power required for operation of the respective components. The power supply unit 1900 includes a battery, the battery may be an internal battery configured to be chargeable, and may be detachably coupled to the body of the mobile terminal for charging or the like.

Also, the power supply unit 1900 may include a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of an interface 160 through which an external charger for supplying power for charging the battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 1900 may be configured to charge the battery in a wireless manner without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 1900 may use at least one of an inductive coupling method based on a magnetic induction phenomenon from an external wireless power transmission apparatus or a magnetic resonance coupling method based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon Power can be delivered.

The mobile terminal 1000 may be provided with an accessory that protects the appearance or supports or extends the function of the mobile terminal 1000. [ One example of such an accessory is a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one side of the mobile terminal 1000. The cover or pouch may be configured to interlock with the display unit 1510 to expand the function of the mobile terminal 1000. [ Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for supplementing or extending a touch input to the touch screen.

In the following, various embodiments may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

2A to 2C are conceptual diagrams for explaining a foldable mobile terminal.

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.

1A to 1C are block diagrams for explaining a mobile terminal according to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention in different directions.

The mobile terminal 1000 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 1200, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 1600, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190 ), 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 to the wireless communication system between the mobile terminal 1000 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 1000 and another mobile terminal 1000 or between the mobile terminal 1000 and the external server 1000. [ 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 1000 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 1110, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The input unit 1200 includes a camera 1210 or an image input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, or 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 1200 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 1222, a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a temperature 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 1510, an acoustic output unit 152, a haptrip module 1530, and a light output unit 1540 to generate an output related to visual, auditory, can do. The display unit 1510 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 for providing an input interface between the mobile terminal 1000 and a user and may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 1000 and the user.

The interface unit 1600 serves as a channel with various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 1000. The interface unit 1600 may be configured to connect a device equipped with 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 1000, corresponding to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 1600, 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 1000. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs (application programs or applications) driven by the mobile terminal 1000, data for operation of the mobile terminal 1000, 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 1000 from the time of departure for the basic functions (e.g., call incoming, outgoing, message reception, and origination functions) of the mobile terminal 1000. Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 1000, and 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 1000. 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 1000 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 1000. 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. 1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal 1000 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 1000 as at least one aggregate.

The mobile terminal 1000 includes a case (e.g., a frame, a housing, a cover, and the like) that forms an appearance. As shown, the mobile terminal 1000 may include a front case 1010 and a rear case 1020. Various electronic components are disposed in an inner space formed by the combination of the front case 1010 and the rear case 1020. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 1010 and the rear case 1020.

A display unit 1510 is disposed on a front surface of the terminal body to output information. The window 1510 'of the display unit 1510 may be mounted on the front case 1010 to form a front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 1010. [

In some cases, electronic components may be mounted on the rear case 1020 as well. The electronic parts that can be mounted on the rear case 1020 include a detachable battery, an identification module, a memory card, and the like. In this case, a rear cover 1030 for covering the mounted electronic component can be detachably coupled to the rear case 1020. Therefore, when the rear cover 1030 is separated from the rear case 1020, the electronic parts mounted on the rear case 1020 are exposed to the outside.

As shown, when the rear cover 1030 is coupled to the rear case 1020, a part of the side surface of the rear case 1020 can be exposed. In some cases, the rear case 1020 may be completely covered by the rear cover 1030 during the coupling. Meanwhile, the rear cover 1030 may be provided with an opening for exposing the camera 121b or 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 1000 may be configured such that one case provides the internal space, unlike the above example where a plurality of cases provide an internal space for accommodating various electronic components. In this case, a universal mobile terminal 1000 in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the rear side can be realized.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 1000 may include a waterproof portion (not shown) for preventing water from penetrating into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof portion is provided between the window 1510 'and the front case 1010, between the front case 1010 and the rear case 1020, or between the rear case 1020 and the rear cover 1030, And a waterproof member for sealing the inner space at the time of coupling.

The mobile terminal 1000 is provided with a display unit 1510, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, a light output unit 1540, Cameras 121a and 121b, first and second operation units 123a and 123b, a microphone 1220, an interface unit 1600, and the like.

1B and 1C, a display unit 1510, a first sound output unit 1520a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, an optical output unit (not shown) A second operation unit 123b, a microphone 1220 and an interface unit 1600 are disposed on a side surface of the terminal body, and the first camera 1210a and the first operation unit 123a are disposed on the side of the terminal body, The mobile terminal 1000 having the second sound output unit 1520b and the second camera 1210b disposed on the rear surface thereof will be described as an example.

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 1520b may be provided on the side surface of the terminal body rather than the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 1510 displays (outputs) the information processed by the mobile terminal 1000. For example, the display unit 1510 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 1000, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information .

The display unit 1510 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 1510 may exist in two or more depending on the implementation mode of the mobile terminal 1000. In this case, the plurality of display units may be spaced apart from one another or integrally disposed on the mobile terminal 1000, and may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

The display unit 1510 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit 1510 so that a control command can be received by a touch method. When a touch is made to the display unit 1510, 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 disposed in a film form having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 1510 'and a display (not shown) on the back of the window 1510', or may be patterned directly on the back surface of the window 1510 ' 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.

As such, the display unit 1510 may form a touch screen together with the touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may 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 1230a.

The first sound output unit 1520a may be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the second sound output unit 1520b may be implemented as a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ). ≪ / RTI >

An acoustic hole may be formed in the window 1510 'of the display unit 1510 to emit sound generated from the first acoustic output unit 1520a. 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 1510 'and the front case 1010) between the structures. In this case, the appearance of the mobile terminal 1000 can be made simpler because the holes independently formed for the apparent acoustic output are hidden or hidden.

The light output unit 1540 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 1540 to terminate the light output when the event confirmation of the user is detected.

The first camera 1210a processes an image frame of a still image or moving image obtained by the image sensor in a photographing mode or a video communication mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 1510 and 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 portion 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 1000 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 1510 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 1000, and input contents can 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 touch recognition mode of the display unit 1510 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 the front display unit 1510 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 operated 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 1510 may be configured as a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 1000 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 1510 or the user input unit 123.

The microphone 1220 is configured to receive the user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 1220 may be provided at a plurality of locations to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 1600 is a path through which the mobile terminal 1000 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 1600 may include a connection terminal for connection with another device (e.g., earphone, external speaker), a port for short-range communication (e.g., 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 1000. The interface unit 1600 may be implemented in the form of 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 1210b may be disposed on a rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 1210b has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 1210a.

The second camera 1210b 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 1210b 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 1210b. The flash 124 illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 1210b.

A second sound output unit 1520b may be additionally disposed in the terminal body. The second sound output unit 1520b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 1520a and may be used for implementing a speakerphone mode during 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 1110 (see FIG. 1A) may be configured to be fetchable from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in a film type and attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 1030, 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. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 1000. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 1910 built in the terminal body or detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 1910 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 1600. In addition, the battery 1910 may be configured to be wirelessly chargeable via a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

In the figure, the rear cover 1030 is coupled to the rear case 1020 so as to cover the battery 1910 to limit the detachment of the battery 1910 and protect the battery 1910 from external impacts and foreign substances . When the battery 1910 is detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 1030 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 1020. [

The mobile terminal 1000 may be provided with an accessory that protects the appearance or supports or extends the function of the mobile terminal 1000. [ One example of such an accessory is a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one side of the mobile terminal 1000. The cover or pouch may be configured to interlock with the display unit 1510 to expand the function of the mobile terminal 1000. [ Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for supplementing or extending a touch input to the touch screen.

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible display unit 1510 deformable by an external force. The display unit 1510 according to the present invention 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 1510. The deformable display portion 1510 may be referred to as a " flexible display portion ". Here, the flexible display unit 1510 may include both a general flexible display and electronic paper (e-paper) and combinations thereof.

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 1510 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 1510 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 1510 may be placed in a bent state (e.g., a state of being bent up or down or left or right) instead of a flat state in the first state. In this case, when an external force is applied to the flexible display portion 1510, the flexible display portion 1510 may be deformed into a flat state (or a less bent state) or a more bent state.

Meanwhile, the flexible display unit 1510 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 1800 (see FIG. 1A) 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 1000 according to the present modification may be provided with a deformation detecting means for detecting deformation of the flexible display unit 1510. [ The deformation detecting means may be included in the sensing unit 1400 (see FIG. 1A).

The deformation detecting unit may be provided in the flexible display unit 1510 or the case to sense information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit 1510. Here, the information related to the deformation may be the direction in which the flexible display portion 1510 is deformed, the degree of deformation, the deformed position, the deformation time, and the acceleration at which the deformable flexible display portion 1510 is restored, In addition, it may be various information that can be detected due to warping of the flexible display unit 1510.

The control unit 1800 may change the information displayed on the flexible display unit 1510 or change the information displayed on the flexible display unit 1510 based on the information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit 1510, It is possible to generate a control signal for controlling the function of the controller.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 1000 according to the present modification may include a case for accommodating the flexible display unit 1510. [ The case may be configured to be deformable together with the flexible display unit 1510 by an external force in consideration of the characteristics of the flexible display unit 1510.

In addition, the battery (not shown) included in the mobile terminal 1000 may be configured to be deformable together with the flexible display unit 1510 by an external force in consideration of the characteristics of the flexible display unit 1510. 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 1510 is not limited to the external force. For example, when the flexible display unit 1510 has the first state, it may be transformed into the second state by a command of the user or the application.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the mobile terminal 1000 according to one embodiment may be folded so that the display unit 1510 is exposed to the outside. In this case, the center of curvature of the display unit 1510 is formed in the rear region of the display unit. When the front surface of the body portion of the mobile terminal 1000 is defined as a front surface and the surface facing the front surface is defined as a rear surface, the folded ends of the body portion of the mobile terminal 1000 may be fixed to the rear surface.

The mobile terminal 1000 according to the present invention is formed in such a structure that the display portion can be folded by an external force. Hereinafter, a specific structure of the folding unit that enables the display unit 1510 to be foldable will be described.

3A and 3B are views showing different directions of a folded mobile terminal having a first folding unit 360. FIG. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the mobile terminal 1000, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the mobile terminal 1000 from the rear.

The display unit 1510 defines one area of the display unit 1510 fixed to the front surface of the mobile terminal 1000 as a first area 1510a and extends from the first area 1510a, And the remaining area disposed on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 1000 may be divided into a second area 1510b.

The first folding unit 360 includes a button portion 363, a slide cover portion 362, and a locking portion 366. On the basis of the pressure applied to the button portion 363, the locking portion 366 is released and is switched to the unfolded state. The slide cover portion 362 slides in one direction to support the display portion 1510 in a spread state. Hereinafter, a specific structure of the first folding unit 360 will be described.

4A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal in a folded state, and FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a mobile terminal including a first folding unit. Referring to FIG. 4B, the rear case 1020 includes a receiving space 1900 'formed to accommodate the power supply unit 1900, and the rear cover 1030 can be detachably attached to the rear case 1020 . The rear case 1020 is overlapped with one area of the front case 1010.

The first folding unit 360 includes a guide portion 361, a slide cover portion 362 formed to be slidable from the guide portion 361, a second cover portion 362 mounted on an end portion of the display portion 1510, A button portion 363 for separating the locking portion 366 from the slide cover portion 362 by pressing the button portion 363 fixed to the slide cover portion 362, 2 region 1510b. The support portion 367 is made of an elastic material. The support portion 367 has a predetermined thickness.

The locking portion 366 is formed at an end of the support portion 367. The locking portion 366 is formed in a locking groove 366 'which is depressed from a surface facing the rear surface of the mobile terminal 1000 in the folded state, Respectively. The locking portion 366 extends along the width direction of the display portion 1510.

The guide portion 361 is disposed in the remaining area of the front case 1010 where the rear case 1020 is not formed. The guide portion 361 and the slide cover portion 362 are connected by a slide pawl 365 extending in one direction. Here, the one direction is substantially the same as the extending direction of the mobile terminal 1000. The guide part 361 has an opening area through which the button part 363 passes. The guide portion 361 is covered with the rear cover 1030 together with the rear case 1020. [

The guide part 361 includes a first guide rail 361a for receiving the slide pawl 365 so as to be slidably movable and a second guide rail 361b for guiding the fixing protrusion 362a of the slide cover part 362 to move along the one direction And a second guide rail 361b. The slide cover portion 361 slides from one end of the guide portion 361 and passes through the other end portion thereof so as to be supported by the sliding pawl 365 and moved in a direction away from the guide portion 361 do.

The slide cover portion 362 extends in the width direction of the display portion 1510 and surrounds a part of the side surface of the display portion 1510 and the support portion 367. The slide cover portion 362 is formed to overlap with the locking portion 362. In the folded state, the locking portion 362 is disposed to cover one area of the slide cover portion 362.

The locking portion 366 is fixed by the second bent portion 362b of the slide cover portion 362 and the first bent portion 362a of the slide cover portion 361 is engaged with the button portion 362a, And is caught by the latching portion 363a of the latching member 363 to restrict movement.

4A, the first folding unit 360 includes a first elastic member 364a extending in one direction to elastically support the slide cover 362, and a second elastic member 364a extending from the inside of the mobile terminal 1000 And a second elastic member 364b configured to elastically support the button portion 363. [

One side of the button part 363 is exposed to the outside by the opening area of the rear cover 1030. The user can press the button portion 363 to separate the slide cover portion 362 and the locking portion 366 from the button portion 363. [ The latching part 363a of the button part 363 extends inward of the mobile terminal 1000 and is bent in the opposite direction.

The first and second bent portions 362a and 362b are overlapped with each other along the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal 1000 and may be disposed in a central region of the slide cover portion 362. [

The first bent portion 362a and the second bent portion 362b of the slide cover portion 362 are bent in a direction opposite to each other. For example, the first bent portion 362a is bent inward of the mobile terminal 1000 so as to be fitted in the locking portion 363a, and the second bent portion 362b is bent in the locking groove 366 ' And is bent outwardly from the inner direction of the mobile terminal 1000 so as to be fitted in the terminal 1000. The first bending portion 362b is prevented from separating from the latching portion 363a by the elastic force of the first and second elastic members 364a and 364b.

Hereinafter, a structure in which the locking portion 366 and the slide cover portion 362 are separated from the button portion 363 by the pressure applied to the button portion 363 will be described.

5 is a conceptual view for explaining a structure in which a locking part and a slide cover part are separated from a button part by a pressure applied to a button part. The first elastic member 364a provides an elastic force to the slide cover portion 362 in a first direction D1 and the second elastic member 364b provides elastic force to the slide cover portion 362 in a second direction crossing the first direction D1. And provides an elastic force to the button portion 363 in the direction D2.

The first bent portion 362a is caught by the retaining portion 363a by the elastic force of the second elastic member 364b and the second bent portion 362b is caught by the locking groove 366 ' Is limited. A locking protrusion is formed in one area of the locking portion 366 constituting the locking groove 366 'and the second bent portion 362b is caught by the locking protrusion 362b. In addition, the locking groove 366 'is formed to have a predetermined width so that the second bent portion 362b can be moved.

When an external force in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 is applied to the button portion 363, the button portion 363 moves in the opposite direction. Here, the opposite direction corresponds to a direction in which the mobile terminal moves inside.

As the engaging portion 363a of the button portion 363 moves in the opposite direction, the engaging portion 363a and the first bent portion 362a are separated. The slide cover portion 362 moves in the second direction D2 by the first elastic member 364a.

The surfaces of the first bent portion 362a and the engaging portion 363a facing each other may be oblique. Accordingly, the slide cover portion 362 can gradually move along the second direction D2. The second bent portion 362b of the slit cover portion 362 also moves along the second direction D2 inside the locking groove 366 '. The second bent portion 362b is separated from the locking projection 362b.

Accordingly, the locking portion 366 can be separated from the slide cover portion 362.

Although not specifically shown in the drawing, the first bent portion 362a may be arranged to be hooked on the latching portion 363a by an external force. Alternatively, the first bent portion 362a may be separated from the latching portion 363a and arranged side by side on the basis of the sliding movement of the slide cover portion 362.

FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the locking portion 366 is separated from the slide cover portion 362, and FIG. 6B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a structure in which the slide cover is moved to a spread state by movement of the slide cover.

The slide cover portion 362 may be disposed adjacent to the rear cover 363 and may correspond to a state where the first bent portion 362a is caught by the retaining portion 363a. In this case, the display portion 1510 on which the locking portion 366 is mounted is not fixed and remains in a state deformable by an external force.

When the display portion 1510 is separated from the slide cover portion 362, a region of the guide portion 361 is exposed. The slide pawl 365 having one end connected to the slide cover 362 is accommodated in the mobile terminal 1000 covered by the rear cover 1030.

The slide cover portion 362 is separated from the button portion 363 by the external force applied in the second direction D2 and moves along the second direction D2. The slide pawl 365 moves along the first guide rail 361a based on the movement of the slide cover portion 362 and is gradually exposed. The first and second bent portions 362a and 362b move along the second guide rail 361b while the slide cover portion 362 moves along the second direction D2. That is, the second guide rail 361b is preferably formed to be larger than the width of the second and the second bent portions 362a and 362b.

The slide cover 362 can be slidably moved by the first and second guide rails 361a and 3621b and the damage of the first and second bent portions 362a and 362b can be minimized .

Although not shown in the figure, the sliding part may be formed to prevent the side surfaces of the display part 1510 and the support part 367 from being separated during the sliding movement.

Alternatively, the slide cover part 362 may further include a support area bent to support one area of the front surface of the display part 1510.

When the slide cover portion 362 reaches the end of the display portion 1510, the slide cover portion 362 is fixed to the locking portion 366 to realize the unfolded state. In the extended state, the display portion 1510 is supported by the support portion 367 and the sliding pawl 365. Hereinafter, a structure in which the locking portion 366 and the slide cover portion 362 are fixed in the unfolded state will be described.

FIG. 7A is a conceptual view for describing the fitting protrusion and the fitting groove, and FIG. 7B is a partial sectional view of the state in which the fitting protrusion and the fitting groove are engaged.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the slide cover 362 includes at least one fitting protrusion 368a protruding in a region surrounding the side of the display unit 1510. FIG. The locking portion 366 is recessed from the side surface and includes at least one fitting groove 368b corresponding to the fitting projection 368a.

When the slide cover portion 362 slides and the fitting protrusion 368a is fitted into the fitting groove 368b, separation between the slide cover portion 362 and the locking portion 366 is prevented, It is possible to stably implement the unfolding state. When an external force is applied to the slide cover portion 362, the fitting groove 368b and the fitting protrusion 368a can be separated.

According to the present embodiment, the display unit can be stably housed in the mobile terminal main body in a folded state by the bent portion formed to be engaged with the button portion and the locking portion, and the user can apply the external force to the button portion elastically supported, The display unit can be switched to the unfolded state.

Further, since the end portion of the display portion is supported by the slide cover portion, a more stable unfolded state can be realized.

FIG. 8A is a view of a mobile terminal having a display unit folded according to another embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a view of the mobile terminal in a different direction. 9 is an exploded view of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment.

The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment includes a second folding unit 370 for folding the display unit. The mobile terminal 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a first region 1510a fixed to the front surface of the main body of the mobile terminal 1000 and a second region 1510b extending from the first region 1510a, And a second region 1510b that is fixed to the rear surface of the first housing 1510 and is movable to the front or back.

8A and 8B, a portion of the display unit 1510 is fixed to the rear surface of the mobile terminal 1000, and the display unit is expanded or contracted to the front side. An area where the display unit 1510 has a radius of curvature is formed on the second area 1510b.

The second folding unit 670 includes a link portion 371 disposed in one region of the rear surface of the display portion 1510. Hereinafter, the components of the second folding unit 670 will be described with reference to Figs. 8B and 9.

The second folding unit 670 includes a guide portion 361, a slide cover portion 362 formed to be slidable from the guide portion 361, a button portion 362 to be detached from the slide cover portion 362 by pressurization, A support portion 367 made of an elastic material and having a predetermined thickness for elastically supporting the second region 1510b of the display portion 1510, And a second elastic member 364b configured to elastically support the button unit 363 from the inside of the mobile terminal 1000. The first elastic member 364a includes a first elastic member 364a and a second elastic member 364b. The components of the second folding unit 370 excluding the link portion 371 are substantially the same as those of the first folding unit 360 of FIG. 4B. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components, and redundant explanations are omitted.

The second folding unit 370 according to the present embodiment does not include the locking portion 366 of the first folding unit 360 and the slide cover portion 362 includes the second folding unit 362b.

That is, one end of the display unit 1510 is fixed to the slide cover unit 362. The slide cover portion 362 includes a fixed region 362c formed by recessing one side of the display portion 1510 so that one end of the display portion 1510 is fixed. The folding area where the curvature is formed by the sliding movement of the slide cover part 362 is changed in a state where one end of the display part 1510 is fixed to the slide cover part 362.

Both sides of the display portion 1510 are supported by a pair of link portions 371. The link unit 3721 includes a plurality of link members connected along the extension direction of the display unit 1510. The link member includes link grooves 371a and link protrusions 371b formed at opposite ends thereof facing each other. The plurality of link members are connected to the link groove 371a and the link protrusions 371b in a relatively rotatable manner. The link portion extending in one direction by the connection of the plurality of link members is configured to be deformed by an external force. One end of the link portion is connected to the slide cover portion 362 and the other end portion is formed in contact with the main body of the mobile terminal 1000. The link portion 371 supports a deformation region of the display portion 1510 forming the specific radius of curvature to minimize damage to the display portion 1510.

One surface of the link portion 371 is fixed to one region of the support portion 367, and may be attached by an adhesive member or the like. In the figure, the second folding unit 370 is shown to include a pair of link portions 371, but the number of the link portions 371 is not limited thereto.

8A and 8B, the side surface of the link portion 371 may be exposed to the outside along with the sides of the display portion 1510 and the support portion 367. [ Hereinafter, a structure in which the display unit 1510 is folded by the button unit 363, the slide cover unit 362, and the link unit 371 will be described.

10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a structure in which the display unit is folded.

The first bending portion 362a is fixed to the latching portion 363a of the button portion 363 by the first elastic member 364a. The button portion 363 moves on the basis of an external force applied to the button portion 363 and the hook portion of the first bent portion 362a is released from the hook portion 363a.

When the first bent portion 362a is released, the second elastic member 364b moves in the second direction D2 by the elastic force of the second elastic member 364b elastically supporting the slide cover 362. [ When the slide cover 362 moves in the second direction D2, the folding area is changed and a part of the second area 1510b of the display unit 151 is moved to the front of the mobile terminal 1000 Move.

The slide cover portion 362 may be formed to be slidable on the body portion of the mobile terminal 1000. The body of the mobile terminal may further include a stopper for preventing separation of the slide cover burr 362.

The slide cover portion 362 is moved back to the button portion 363 based on the external force applied to the slide cover portion 362 in the direction opposite to the second direction D2, As shown in FIG.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to minimize damage while the display portion is being deformed by the link portion. In addition, an external force may be applied to the button unit to more easily change the opponent of the display unit.

The present invention described above can be embodied as computer-readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer readable medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, , And may also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet). In addition, the computer may include a control unit 1800 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects 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.

Claims (10)

A body portion having a front surface and a rear surface;
A flexible display unit that is divided into a first area disposed on the front surface, a first area surrounding a part of the rear surface, and a second area deformed into a second state spreading to the front surface; And
And a folding unit for deforming the display unit,
The folding unit includes:
A button portion that is press-fit to the body portion;
And a slide cover unit coupled to one end of the display unit and including a first bend formed to be engaged with the button unit, the slide cover unit being slidably movable when the button unit is pushed. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the folding unit further comprises a first elastic member for supporting the button portion,
Wherein one of the button portions is exposed to the outside of the body portion, and the button portion includes a locking portion formed to be fixed to the first bent portion. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the folding unit further comprises a second elastic member configured to elastically support the slide unit such that the slide cover unit slides. 3. The method of claim 2,
The folding unit includes:
A slide pole extending in a slide movement direction of the slide cover;
Further comprising: a guide portion having a first guide rail for supporting the slide cover to slide and a second guide rail for receiving the first bend portion, the guide rail receiving the slide pawl. 5. The method of claim 4,
Further comprising a locking part mounted on one end of the second area of the display part and detachably attached to the slide cover part. 6. The method of claim 5,
The slide cover portion may further include a second bending portion bent in a direction opposite to the first bending portion to be engaged with the locking portion,
Wherein the locking portion includes a locking groove that is recessed to receive the second bent portion. 6. The method of claim 5,
Further comprising a support portion for elastically supporting the display portion,
Wherein when the slide cover is separated from the button part, the slide cover part is slidably moved away from the support part and coupled with the locking part. 8. The method of claim 7,
The slide cover unit may further include a fitting protrusion formed on one surface thereof,
Wherein the locking part further comprises a fitting groove formed to fit the fitting protrusion when the slide cover part is separated from the button part. The method according to claim 1,
And a link portion formed on an inner surface of the second region and formed to be deformable by an external force,
Wherein the link unit comprises a plurality of link members connected to be bent so as to correspond to a radius of curvature of the display unit. 10. The method of claim 9,
An end of the second region is coupled to the slide cover portion,
Wherein the body includes a stopper for restricting movement of the slide cover.

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