KR20160150490A - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal comprises: a display unit stretchable in at least one direction; an external case divisionally formed by two or more divided cases, and binding elasticity of the display unit by coupling each of the divided cases to the display unit; and an inner case provided between the display unit and the outer case, and exposed to the outside when the external case moves. The internal case is formed to overlap at least a part of the divided cases in a first state where the inner case is not exposed to the outside, and forms the same plane as the external case or is formed to be protruded more than the external case in a second state where the inner case is exposed to the outside.

Description

[0001] MOBILE TERMINAL [0002]

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of expanding a display area.

A terminal can be divided into a mobile terminal (mobile / portable terminal) and a stationary terminal according to whether the terminal can be moved. The mobile terminal can be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether the user can directly carry the mobile terminal.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversified. For example, there are data and voice communication, photographing and video shooting through a camera, voice recording, music file playback through a speaker system, and outputting an image or video on a display unit. Some terminals are equipped with an electronic game play function or a multimedia player function. In particular, modern mobile terminals can receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcast and video or television programs.

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

In order to support and enhance the functionality of such terminals, it may be considered to improve the structural and / or software parts of the terminal.

In recent years, a flexible display has appeared, and a method of displaying a screen in a variety of ways by pursuing a change in a conventional planar display has been proposed.

Nevertheless, there has been steady demand from consumers who can display screens in various forms, and research on display has been steadily increasing.

The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal in which a display area is expanded and contracted at both ends.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising: a display part that is expandable and contractible in at least one direction; a display part that is divided into two or more split cases, And an inner case disposed between the display unit and the outer case and exposed to the outside when the outer case is moved, wherein the inner case is disposed in a first state in which the inner case is not exposed to the outside Wherein the split case is formed so as to overlap with at least a part of the split case and is formed in the same plane as the outer case or protruded from the outer case in a second state exposed to the outside.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an elastic member provided at a lower portion of the inner case and allowing the inner case to protrude outward when the split case is moved may be further included.

According to an aspect of the present invention, at least one step may be formed at both ends of the inner case which contacts the end of the split case.

According to an aspect of the present invention, as the number of steps of the inner case increases, the moving distance of the display unit can be changed stepwise.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the parts provided in the mobile terminal are formed of a plurality of modules, the parts formed of the plurality of modules are operated by the circuit boards included in each module, The substrates may be electrically connected by a flexible circuit board.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a guide groove is formed on both sides of the split cases, and a rail formed to slide along the first direction may be formed in the guide groove.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the rail may include a pair of horizontal portions formed along the guide groove, and a vertical portion connecting the pair of horizontal portions.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the circuit boards may be fixed to two or more divided frames that are dividedly formed to correspond to the divided cases.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the rails are provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions are caught by protrusions formed in the guide grooves, so that the movement of the divided case can be restricted.

According to an aspect of the present invention, when the split cases are formed of a plurality of split cases, the amount of protrusion of the split protrusions may be different, so that the engagement strength between the protrusions and the protrusions may be different for each split case.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a mounting portion is formed on the surface of the inner case, one end of the mounting portion is selectively coupled to the inner case, and the other end of the mounting portion is coupled to the inner case .

According to an aspect of the present invention, one end of the mounting portion and the inner case may be closely contacted by a magnetic force.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge device comprising: a pair of hinge parts protruding inwardly from an inner side surface of the other end portion of the mounting portion and spaced apart; a hinge shaft fixed to both sides of the inner case, And the hinge portion is engaged with the hinge shaft to restrict rotation of the mounting portion.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a decorative member made of rubber, leather, or urethane may be formed on the split case provided at the upper and lower ends of the split cases.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising: a display unit that is expandable and contractible in one direction; an outer case divided into a plurality of split cases, each of the split cases being coupled to the display unit, And an elastic member disposed between the split cases and having opposite ends joined to the split cases to expand and contract when the split cases are moved, wherein the elastic members have both ends coupled to a lower portion of the split case, And the exposed portion is formed of a plurality of wrinkles.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising: a display unit that is expandable and contractible in one direction; a case coupled to at least a portion of the display unit to restrict movement of the display unit and divided into two or more split cases; A driving member which is formed of a flexible material and forms a plurality of driving shafts and which is formed with a plurality of driving shafts, and a driving member which is formed on the driving member And a plurality of support members rotatable about the drive shaft and movable toward the inside, wherein the end of the drive member is fixed to the split case so that the shape of the drive member changes as the split case moves The mobile terminal can be provided.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a fixed frame formed from a part of the driving member toward the inside of the terminal, and the plurality of supporting members can rotate based on the fixed frame.

According to an aspect of the present invention, at least two drive shafts may be formed to vary the length of the expansible portion.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may further include a plurality of modules that are divided into a plurality of areas and are fixed to the case and movable together with the case.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the plurality of supporting members may be magnetic members.

Effects of the mobile terminal and the control method according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the display unit can be extended by pulling both ends of the mobile terminal.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the inner case is automatically exposed to the outside by the elastic force when the display unit is expanded, so that the inside of the mobile terminal can be hidden.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control the extended area of the display unit by extending the display unit through a plurality of steps.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, such as the preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention in different directions.
FIG. 2A shows a front view of a mobile terminal in a first state according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B shows a front view of a mobile terminal in a second state according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be.
3 is a rear view of the mobile terminal in a state in which the outer case according to the first embodiment of the present invention is removed.
4 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view taken along AA of FIG. 2A.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view along CC of Figure 2b.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view along BB of FIG. 2A. FIG.
8 is a perspective view along DD of Fig. 3. Fig.
FIG. 9A is a rear view of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention in an extended state, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view along EE in FIG. 9A.
10 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile terminal having a plurality of steps according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11A to 11C are views for explaining a state where a plurality of steps are formed in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a cross-sectional view of a case where three steps are formed in an inner case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13A is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal in a first state when a plurality of split cases according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view in the second state of FIG. 13A, And is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal in a maximally extended state by a plurality of split cases.
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of Fig. 13C. Fig.
FIG. 15A is a rear view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15B is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 15A.
16 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17A is a rear view of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17B is a partial perspective view of FIG. 17A.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention in a first state, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention in the second state, 19 is an enlarged view of the A portion.

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.

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 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and 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 between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100 or between the mobile terminal 100 and the external server 100. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > wireless < / RTI > In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short distance communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, an audio input unit, a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user A touch key, a mechanical key, and the like). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include at least one sensor for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, A G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, A microphone 226, a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, A thermal sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), a chemical sensor (e.g., an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification can combine and utilize information sensed by at least two of the sensors.

The output unit 150 includes at least one of a display unit 151, an acoustic output unit 152, a haptic tip module 153, and a light output unit 154 to generate an output related to visual, auditory, can do. The display unit 151 may have a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed to realize a touch screen. The touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user and may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path to various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 is connected to a device having a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, And may include at least one of a port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O port, and an earphone port. In the mobile terminal 100, corresponding to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160, it is possible to perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications running on the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Also, at least a part of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions (e.g., telephone call receiving function, message receiving function, and calling function) of the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and may be operated by the control unit 180 to perform the operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operations related to the application program, the control unit 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The control unit 180 may process or process signals, data, information, and the like input or output through the above-mentioned components, or may drive an application program stored in the memory 170 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1A in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. FIG. In addition, the controller 180 may operate at least two of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 in combination with each other for driving the application program.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power to the components included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, which may be an internal battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the respective components may operate in cooperation with one another to implement a method of operation, control, or control of the 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 100 includes a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various structures such as a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which a watch type, a clip type, a glass type or two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled . A description of a particular type of mobile terminal, although relevant to a particular type of mobile terminal, is generally applicable to other types of mobile terminals.

Here, the terminal body can be understood as a concept of referring to the mobile terminal 100 as at least one aggregate.

The mobile terminal 100 includes an outer case 131 forming an outer appearance. The outer case 131 may be called a frame, a housing, a cover, or the like.

A display unit 151 is disposed on a front surface of the terminal body to output information. The window 151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted on the outer case 131 to form a front surface of the terminal body.

As such, the mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the internal space, but a unibody mobile terminal 100 in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the back may be implemented. In addition, a plurality of cases may be provided with an internal space for accommodating various electronic components.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproof unit (not shown) for preventing water from penetrating into the terminal body.

The mobile terminal 100 is provided with a display unit 151, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, a light output unit 154, Cameras 121a and 121b, first and second operation units 123a and 123b, a microphone 122, an interface unit 160, and the like.

1B and 1C, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, an optical output unit (not shown) A second operation unit 123b, a microphone 122 and an interface unit 160 are disposed on a side surface of the terminal body, And a mobile terminal 100 having a second sound output unit 152b and a second camera 121b disposed on a rear surface thereof.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as needed, or placed on different planes. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side surface of the terminal body rather than the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100 or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information .

The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

In addition, the display unit 151 may exist in two or more depending on the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a plurality of display portions spaced apart from each other or disposed integrally with one another, or may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit 151 so that a control command can be received by a touch method. When a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor senses the touch, and the control unit 180 generates a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, an instruction in various modes, a menu item which can be designated, and the like.

The touch sensor may be a film having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or may be a metal wire . Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or inside the display.

In this way, the display unit 151 can form a touch screen together with the touch sensor. In this case, the touch screen can function as a user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a.

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the second sound output unit 152b may be implemented as a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ). ≪ / RTI >

The window 151a of the display unit 151 may be provided with an acoustic hole for emitting the sound generated from the first acoustic output unit 152a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly clearance (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the case 131) between the structures. In this case, the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 can be made more simple because the hole formed independently for the apparent acoustic output is hidden or hidden.

The optical output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying the occurrence of an event. Examples of the event include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notification, an email reception, and reception of information through an application. The control unit 180 may control the light output unit 154 to terminate the light output when the event confirmation of the user is detected.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in the photographing mode or the video communication mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 151 and can be stored in the memory 170. [

The first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion as an example of a user input unit 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 have. The first and second operation units 123a and 123b can be employed in any manner as long as the user is in a tactile manner such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. In addition, the first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be employed in a manner that the user operates the apparatus without touching the user through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, or the like.

In this figure, the first operation unit 123a is a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a mechanical key or a combination of a touch key and a touch key.

The contents input by the first and second operation units 123a and 123b can be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives a command such as a menu, a home key, a cancellation, a search, and the like, and the second operation unit 123b receives a command from the first or second sound output unit 152a or 152b The size of the sound, and the change of the display unit 151 to the touch recognition mode.

On the other hand, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body as another example of the user input unit 123. The rear input unit is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and input contents may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on / off, start, end, scrolling, and the like, the size adjustment of the sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, And the like can be inputted. The rear input unit may be implemented as a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed so as to overlap with the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. For example, the rear input unit may be disposed at the rear upper end of the terminal body such that when the user holds the terminal body with one hand, the rear input unit can be easily 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 151 may be configured as a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing the fingerprint of the user, and the controller 180 may use the fingerprint information sensed through the fingerprint recognition sensor as authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be embedded in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.

The microphone 122 is configured to receive the user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be provided at a plurality of locations to receive stereophonic sound.

The interface unit 160 is a path through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 may include a connection terminal for connection with another device (for example, an earphone or an external speaker), a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port A wireless LAN port, or the like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented as a socket for receiving an external card such as a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) or a UIM (User Identity Module) or a memory card for storing information.

And a second camera 121b may be disposed on a rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction which is substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix form. Such a camera can be named an array camera. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, images can be taken in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and a better quality image can be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121b.

And a second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed in the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a and may be used for implementing a speakerphone mode in a call.

The terminal body may be provided with at least one antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or formed in the case. For example, an antenna constituting a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1A) may be configured to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in a film type and attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. In addition, the battery 191 may be configured to be wirelessly chargeable through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

In the figure, the back cover 103 is coupled to the case 131 so as to cover the battery 191 to restrict the release of the battery 191 and to protect the battery 191 from external impacts and foreign substances. .

The mobile terminal 100 may be provided with an accessory that protects the appearance or supports or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100. [ One example of such an accessory is a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one side of the mobile terminal 100. [ The cover or pouch may be configured to interlock with the display unit 151 to expand the function of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for supplementing or extending a touch input to the touch screen.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control method that can be implemented in the mobile terminal 100 constructed as above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

1B and 1C, the side surface and the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 are surrounded by a case 131, and the case 131 is dividedly formed. That is, the case 131 includes at least two split cases 131a and 131b. As the split cases 131a and 131b are moved, the display unit 151 may be expanded or contracted have.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of the mobile terminal 100 in the first state according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B shows a state of the mobile terminal 100 in the second state according to the first embodiment of the present invention FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mobile terminal 100 in a state where the outer case according to the first embodiment of the present invention is removed, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention .

The case 132 may be exposed to the outside according to the movement of the split cases 131a and 131b so that the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 is formed from the initial state And a case which is selectively provided inside the outer case 131 and is exposed to the outside will be referred to as an inner case 132. FIG.

Hereinafter, the mobile terminal 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is divided into at least two split cases 131a and 131b and a display unit 151 that is expandable in at least one direction and the split cases 131a, An outer case 131 coupled to the display unit 151 and restricting the expansion and contraction of the display unit 151 and a second case 131 disposed between the display unit 151 and the outer case 131, And an inner case 132 exposed to the outside when the outer case 131 is moved.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 2A, in the first state, the display unit 151 'has an appearance similar to that of a general mobile terminal. However, in the second state, as shown in FIG. ) Is implemented. Accordingly, a variety of UI (user interface) and UX (user experience) can be implemented.

The inner case 132 is formed so as to overlap at least a part of the split cases 131a and 131b in a first state in which the inner case 132 is not exposed to the outside, And is formed to protrude from the outer case 131.

Hereinafter, the first state means the first state in which the mobile terminal 100 is not deformed, and the second state means the last state in which the display region of the mobile terminal 100 is expanded. That is, the first state means a state having the display unit 151 having the smallest size, and the second state means the state having the display unit 151 'larger than the display unit 151 . At this time, whether or not the area of the display unit 151 in the first state is enlarged is not considered. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 151 may be extended over one or more steps (see FIG. 10) . Accordingly, the size of the area of the display unit 151 'may be different from each other even in the second state.

At this time, the manner in which the display area is expanded can be performed by extending or contracting in one direction or expansion and contraction in a plurality of directions. Hereinafter, description will be made only on expansion and contraction in one direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the display portion 151 of the mobile terminal 100 is pushed by the user at both ends, The area of the display portion 151 'in the second state is expanded more than that of the display portion 151'. However, the scope of right of the present invention is not limited to the size change of the display unit 151 according to the expansion and contraction in one direction.

The display unit 151 may be constrained to move the outer case 131 by a combination of the outer case 131 and the display unit 151 in direct contact with each other, 131 and the display unit 151 may be indirectly contacted with each other. The term indirect contact method is a term used in relation to the direct contact. In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer case 131 is coupled to the display unit 151 at least at one portion thereof, so that the display unit 151 is constrained to move the outer case 131.

At this time, the display unit 151 includes a stretchable display and a window (not shown) which is stacked on the upper surface of the display and can be stretched and shrunk together with the display. The flexible display 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 ), A three-dimensional display (3D display), and an electronic ink display (e-ink display). The window and the display may be integrally bended or stretched, bonded by an adhesive, or may be modularized as a single part.

3 illustrates a rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 in a state where the outer case 131 is removed, in which parts in the mobile terminal 100 are dividedly formed. Some of the components are formed as a first module M1 on the upper portion of the mobile terminal 100 and the remaining components are formed as a second module M2 on the lower portion of the mobile terminal 100. [

4, the first module M1 includes an upper frame 135a including the first circuit board 181a and the first circuit board 181a and other components, . Similarly, the second module M2 may include a lower frame 135b in which the second circuit board 181b, the second circuit board 181b, and other components are received. The first and second circuit boards 181a and 181b form a part of the circuit board 181. [

The components in the first module M1 are controlled by the first circuit board 181a and the components in the second module M2 are controlled by the second circuit board 181b, The substrates 181a and 181b are electrically connected by a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 182. The first circuit board 181a is disposed near the upper frame 135a and the second circuit board 181b is disposed near the lower frame 135b. At this time, when the user pulls both ends of the mobile terminal 100, the first module M1 and the second module M2 are distant from each other, and the display unit 151 displaying the screen information becomes larger. In addition, the upper and lower frames 135a and 135b must have at least some rigidity.

The components in the first module M1 may be acoustical output units 152a and 152b, an acoustical input unit 122, a vibration module, a camera module 121b, an ear jack, an interface unit 160, a USIM chip, and the like. However, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The components are connected to two or more circuit boards 181a and 181b and the two or more circuit boards 181a and 181b are constrained to move the split cases 131a and 131b, (181a, 181b) are electrically connected by a flexible circuit board (182).

4, the outer case 131 includes a first split case 131a and a second split case 131b, and the first and second split cases 131a and 131b An elastic member 133 is provided at the lower portion of the inner case 132 so as to project the inner case 132 outward. With this structure, if the both ends of the split cases 131a and 131b are spaced apart from each other, the elastic force of the elastic member 133 exposes the inner case 132 to the outside. That is, in the first state, the inner case 132 is not exposed to the outside, and in the second state, the inner case 132 is exposed through the first and second split cases 131a and 131b, The cases 131a and 131b and the inner case 132 are exposed to the rear.

At this time, both ends of the inner case 132 contacting the ends of the first and second split cases 131a and 131b are formed with at least one step. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view taken along line AA of FIG. 2A. Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that in the first state, the step is formed one by one at both ends of the inner case 132. 6 is a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2B. Referring to FIG. 6, in the second state, the inner case 132 is exposed to the outside between the first and second split cases 131a and 131b As shown in FIG.

At this time, the inner case 132 is formed with inclined portions 132b and 132c inclined downwardly so that when the inner case 132 protrudes to the outside, the first and second split cases 131a and 131b, 131b are gradually protruded as they move away from each other. The inclined portions 132b and 132c are connected to the main surface portion 132a which occupies most of the area of the inner case 132. [ The main surface portion 132a is in contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second split cases 131a and 131b in the first state and protrudes outward by the elastic member 133 in the second state. The elastic member 133 may be supported by an inner structure or parts of the mobile terminal 100. [ For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the elastic member may be supported by one surface of the battery 191 to generate an elastic force.

The portion where the main surface portion 132a and the inclined portions 132b and 132c are connected is formed in a curved shape so that the inner case 132 is naturally exposed to the outside or concealed therein.

Referring to FIG. 7, guide grooves 155 are formed on both sides of the split cases 131a and 131b, and guide grooves 155 are formed in the guide grooves 155 A rail 136 is formed along the first direction (longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal). The rail 136 is slid on the guide groove 155 and may be formed in a substantially H shape and may be formed in the middle of the pair of horizontal portions 136a and 136c and the horizontal portions 136a and 136c. And a vertical portion 136b formed in the width direction of the mobile terminal 100 at a point. The horizontal portions 136a and 136c and the horizontal portions 136a and 136c are integrally formed in the rail 136 and are coupled to the guide groove 155 so as not to be released to the outside, "It is a form.

At this time, the portions that move relative to the first and second split cases 131a and 131b on the guide groove 155 are the horizontal portions 136a and 136c. The vertical part 136b may be formed with a battery mounting part 137 for mounting the battery 191 therein. The rail 136 may be made of a metal material. The battery mounting portion 137 may have a rectangular shape similar to that of the battery 191.

4, in an embodiment of the present invention, a decoupling member 134 is formed so that the user can easily pull the first and second split cases 131a and 131b by improving grip feeling do. The decor member 134 is formed on the upper and lower portions of the first and second split cases 131a and 131b, respectively, and is formed of a material having a high frictional force such as rubber, leather or urethane. Further, the color of the decor member 134 may be differentiated from other portions to pursue a variety of designs. The decor member 134 can be formed by a heat fusion method, for example.

8, the flexible circuit board 182 connecting the first and second circuit boards 181a and 181b is bent at least twice so that the first and second circuit boards 181a and 181b are connected to each other. In addition, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 and the second split case 131a, 131b. A first connector 183a is provided between the first circuit board 181a and the flexible circuit board 182 to electrically connect the first circuit board 181a and the flexible circuit board 182, A second connector 183b is provided between the second circuit board 181b and the flexible circuit board 182 so that the second circuit board 181b and the flexible circuit board 182 are electrically connected.

9A is a rear view of the mobile terminal 100 in a second state in which the mobile terminal 100 is extended according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view along EE in FIG. 9A.

9A and 9B, one or more protrusions 138a and 138b are formed on the rail 136, and the protrusions 138a and 138b are formed on one or more protrusions 1311 So that the movement of the split cases 131a and 131b is restricted. That is, when the outer case 131 is moved, the outer case 131 moves relative to the rail 136. 6, when the first and second split cases 131a and 131b are moved by a predetermined distance, the first and second split cases 131a and 131b are positioned at both ends of the inner case 132 It will not be restored to its original state. The first protrusion 138a and the second protrusion 138b protrude from the side surface of the mobile terminal 100 toward the outer case 131 so that the outer case 131 protrudes So that the protrusion 1311 is fixed between the first and second protrusions 138b. That is, the protrusion 1311 of the outer case 131 is caught by the first protrusion 138a which protrudes further inward toward the inside beyond the second protrusion 138b which protrudes less toward the inside, do.

The elastic member 133 is accommodated in an elastic member receiving groove 132d which is formed on an inner surface of the inner case 132 and protrudes inward from the inner surface of the inner case 132. [ The elastic member 133 may be a coil spring (compression spring), and the elastic member receiving groove 132d may have a cylindrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the elastic member 133 may be any member capable of generating an elastic force toward the outside.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile terminal having a plurality of steps according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mobile terminal of FIG. 6 includes a plurality of steps. That is, the inner case 132 has three steps S1, S2, and S3, and the steps S1, S2, and S3 are formed stepwise at both ends of the inner case 132. The rest of the configuration is the same as that described above, so that the description thereof will be omitted.

11A shows a state in which the first split case 131a is placed on a first step S1 of the inner case 132 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11C shows a state in which the first split case 131a is placed on the third step S3 of the inner case 132, and FIG. 11B shows a state in which the first split case 131a is placed on the second step S2. It is. The first split case 131a is formed to contact the step surfaces of the first to third steps S1, S2, S3. The stepped surface is a plane formed in parallel with the main surface portion 132a, and means a surface formed along the width direction of the mobile terminal. The portion between the neighboring stepped portions S1, S2, S3 is formed to be inclined. Therefore, when the first to third steps S1, S2, and S3 are sequentially exposed to the outside or concealed inward, they are performed smoothly.

In order to gradually expand the display unit 151 of the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of steps S1, S2, and S3 of the inner case 132 may be formed as shown in FIG. At this time, the height of the corresponding step S1, S2, S3 at both ends of the inner case 132 is preferably the same.

12 is a sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 9A in the case where three steps are formed in the inner case 132 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the case where the rail 136 and the outer case 131 are fastened Fig. 12, a protrusion 1311 protruding from the outer case 131 is formed between the first to fourth fourth protrusions 138a, 138b, 138c, and 138d formed on the rail 136 in a stepwise manner It can be seen that it can move. The first protrusions 138a protrude further toward the inside of the mobile terminal 100 and the second through fourth protrusions 138b 138c and 138d are formed to protrude less than the first protrusions 138a . The degree of protrusion of the second to fourth projections 138b, 138c, and 138d is substantially the same. With this structure, when the outer case 131 is placed on the first step S1, the protrusion 1311 is positioned between the third and fourth protrusions 138c and 138d, The protrusion 1311 is positioned between the second and third protrusions 138b and 138c and the outer case 131 is positioned between the third step S3 , The protruding portion 1311 is positioned between the first and second protrusions 138a and 138b. FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the outer case 131 is placed on the second step S2.

In the embodiment of the present invention, one or three steps are formed, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

As described above, when the step of the inner case 132 is formed in two or more steps, the first and second split cases 131a and 131b are placed on the second step S2 and the third step S3, The inner case 132 protrudes to the outside. That is, the main surface portion 132a of the inner case 132 protrudes to the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100. In order to prevent such a problem, in one embodiment of the present invention, the split cases may be formed in a plurality of and the inner case 132 may be formed in a plurality of split cases.

13A is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal 100 in a first state when a plurality of split cases according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view in the second state of FIG. 13A, 13C is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal 100 in a fully expanded state by a plurality of split cases.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the split cases 131a and 131b may be moved stepwise on the inner case 132 having a plurality of steps S1, S2, and S3. 13C, the protrusion 1311 is disposed between the first to fourth protrusions 138a, 138b, 138c, and 138d, and the first and second protrusions 138a and 138b are disposed between the first and second protrusions 138a, As shown in FIG.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of Fig. 13C. Fig.

13A to 13C and FIG. 14, in the first state, the outer case 131 is divided into first to fourth split cases 131a, 131b, 131c and 131d, At least a part of the first inner case 1321 is formed so as to overlap with the first and second split cases 131a and 131b and the second and third split cases 132b and 131c are formed inside the first and second split cases 131a and 131b, At least a part of the second inner case 1322 is formed so as to overlap with the second and third split cases 132b and 131c inside the third and fourth split cases 131c and 131d, At least a part of the inner case 1323 is formed to overlap with the third and fourth split cases 131c and 131d. Then, in the second state, the first inner case 1321 can be exposed through the first and second divided cases 131a and 131b, and the second inner case 1322 can be exposed through the second and third divided cases 131b and 131c and the third inner case 1323 may be exposed through the third and fourth split cases 131c and 131d.

At this time, the sizes of the exposed regions of the first to third inner cases 1321, 1322 and 1332 may be the same or different from each other. That is, in the second state, the exposed regions of the first to third inner cases 1321, 1322, and 1323 can be made equal in size, and any of the first to third inner cases 1321, 1322, One may have only one step, and one of them may have three steps, and the size of the area exposed by them may be different.

At this time, which one of the first to third inner cases 1321, 1322, and 1332 is exposed to the outside depends on the amount of protrusion of the first to fourth protrusions 138a, 138b, 138c, and 138d and the protrusion 1311 Lt; / RTI > For example, if the protrusions controlling the exposure of the second inner case 1322 are protruded further inward than the protrusions controlling the exposure of the first or third inner case 1321, 1323, The first and third inner cases 1321 and 1323 are exposed first when the first and fourth divided cases 131a and 131d are pulled. Thereafter, when the second inner case 1322 is pulled harder, the second inner case 1322 can be exposed. Thus, by controlling the amount of projection of the projections 138a, 138b, 138c, and 138d, the exposed inner frame can be controlled.

15A is a rear view of the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15B is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 15A, FIG. 16 is a cross- 1 is a perspective view of the terminal 100;

In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 16, the mobile terminal 100 may be mounted using the inner case 132. A mounting part 139 is formed on the surface of the inner case 132. One end of the mounting part 139 is selectively fastened to the inner case 132 and the other end of the mounting part 139 And the mounting portion 139 is hinged to the inner case 132 so as to be rotatable. At this time, a groove 148 is formed on a side surface of the inner case 132 so that one end of the mounting part 139 and the inner case 132 are closely contacted by a magnetic force, A second magnetic member 146 which is attracted by the magnetic force of the first magnetic member 145 and attached to the first magnetic member 145 is provided on the mounting portion 139, As shown in Fig. Although the first and second magnetic members 145 and 146 may be all magnets, it is not necessarily limited to this. It is to be understood that any one of the first and second magnetic members 145 and 146 may be a metal and the other may be a magnet. Do. For example, the first magnetic member 145 may be a magnet, and the inner frame may be formed of a metal member.

In addition to the coupling by the magnetic force as described above, protrusions may be formed on the inner surface of the mounting portion 139, and the protrusions may be inserted into the groove 148 to be fixed. That is, the mounting portion 139 may be fixed to the inner case 132 by hook coupling.

At this time, the width of the mounting portion 139 should be less than or equal to the width of the inner case 132. This is to allow the mounting portion 139 to rotate between the first and second split cases 131a and 131b without hitting the first split case 131a or the second split case 131b .

16, the mounting portion 139 is rotated about the hinge portion 147, and one end of the mounting portion 139 is supported by the ground, and the other end of the mounting portion 139 is moved When the display unit of the mobile terminal 100 is expanded by supporting the terminal 100, multimedia such as a moving picture can be reproduced and viewed while the mobile terminal 100 is stationary.

A hinge shaft 149 is formed at one side of the hinge portion 47 so that the mobile terminal 100 can be supported by the mounting portion 139. The hinge shaft 149 is formed to cross the inner frame 132, After the unit 139 is unfolded, the hinge 147 is hooked on the shaft 149, so that the hinge 147 is not folded in the state where an external force is not applied.

The hinge shaft 149 has a pair of hinge portions 147 protruding inwardly and spaced apart from each other and a hinge shaft 149 for limiting the rotation of the hinge portion 147. [ . The hinge portion 147 is engaged with the hinge shaft 149 so that the rotation of the mounting portion 139 is restricted so that the mounting portion 139 is not folded again after being unfolded. To retract the mounting portion 139, an external force must be applied. The hinge portion 147 is formed in a substantially triangular shape and has a curved surface so that the hinge portion 147 is smoothly rotated when rotated around the hinge shaft 149.

The hinge part 147 is inserted into the inner case 132 and is formed on the inner side of the hinge shaft 149. The hinge part 147 is formed on the inner side of the hinge shaft 149. [ At this time, the hinge shaft 149 is fixed to both sides of the inner case 132 along the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal 100. When the user unfolds the mounting part 139, the hinge part 147 goes over the hinge shaft 149. After the mounting part 139 is unfolded once, the hinge part 147 is moved by the hinge part 147 ) Is not folded without external force.

The second embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile terminal 200 that does not include an inner case inside the first split case 231a and the second split case 231b. Two embodiments will be described.

FIG. 17A is a rear view of a mobile terminal 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17B is a partial perspective view of FIG. 17A. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the display unit is divided into two or more split cases 231a and 231b, and each of the split cases 231a and 231b is coupled to the display unit An outer case 231 for restraining expansion and contraction of the display unit and a partition case 231a and 231b which are disposed between the partition cases 231a and 231b and both ends thereof are coupled with the partition cases 231a and 231b, And a stretching member 232 which is stretchable and contractible when moved.

At this time, both ends of the elastic member 232 are coupled to the lower parts of the split cases 231a and 231b, and a portion exposed to the outside is formed of a plurality of wrinkles.

17A and 17B, it can be seen that the elastic members 232 are connected to the first and second split cases 231a and 231b. The elastic member 232 may be in the form of a hollow tube, and both end portions of the first and second engagement portions 232a and 232b are formed in a planar shape that is recessed inward. The first and second coupling parts 232a and 232b are coupled to the first and second recessed parts 231c and 231d formed in the first and second split cases 231a and 231b, respectively. Both end portions of the elastic member 232 are coupled to the first and second split cases 231a and 231b so that the elastic members 232a and 231b are moved by the movement of the first and second split cases 231a and 231b, 232 are expanded and contracted. Therefore, the display unit of the mobile terminal 200 can be easily expanded.

At this time, the corrugated plate 232c can be formed and expanded so that a plurality of plates can be folded to each other without an empty space therein, and a pair of opposed plates form a space therein, . In order to expand and contract more stably, as shown in Fig. 17B, it is preferable to form an empty space inside. As such, the corrugated plate 232c may be formed to have a mountain 232d and a valley 232e since the corrugated plate 232c is expanded or contracted by being folded or unfolded. That is, the corrugated plate 232c may be formed with a plurality of mountains 232d and valleys 232e repeatedly.

The stretchable member 232 should have elasticity, but it is preferable that the stretchable member 232 is made of polycarbonate (PC) or metal rather than rubber.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the rear surface of the mobile terminal 300 can be folded. Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. FIG.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile terminal 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a first state, and FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a mobile terminal 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a second state And Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of portion A in Fig.

The mobile terminal 300 according to the third embodiment includes a display unit 351 capable of expanding and contracting in one direction and at least a part of the display unit 351 being coupled to restrict movement of the display unit 351, A case 331 divided by the cases 331a and 331b and a stretchable and contractible part 330 disposed between the split cases 331a and 331b and capable of folding and varying the area exposed to the outside .

20, the mobile terminal 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as being wrapped by the first and second split cases 331a and 331b and one stretchable and contractible part 330. However, Similarly to the first embodiment, the case 331 may have at least three split cases and may include at least two or more stretchable and contractible parts 330. Hereinafter, for convenience, the first and second split cases 331a , 331b and one stretchable and contractible portion 330. [

In the third embodiment of the present invention, a part of the case 331 can be folded inward. The stretchable and contractible part 330 includes a plurality of support members 333 rotatable about the drive axes F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 and F6 and movable inward, And a driving member 332 made of a flexible material which is fixed to the outer frame 331 and forms an outer appearance. For example, the driving member 332 may be made of a leather material. The support members 333a, 333b, 333c, and 333d rotate about the drive shafts F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 to move the adjacent support members 333a, 333b, 333c, Lt; / RTI > That is, in the first state, the first and second supporting members 333a and 333b and the third and fourth supporting members 333c and 333d are formed to be vertically aligned with each other. In the second state, 4 support members 333a, 333b, 333c, and 333d are formed horizontally and spaced apart at regular intervals.

Both ends of the driving member 332 are fixed to the split cases 331a and 331b so that the shape of the driving member 332 is changed according to the movement of the split cases 331a and 331b. 20, both end portions of the driving member 332 are connected to the first split case 331a and the second split case 331a by the first drive shaft F1 and the sixth drive shaft F6, respectively, And is coupled to the split case 331b.

The drive shafts F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 of the third embodiment include six drive shafts F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6, (Not shown). The first to fourth supporting members 333a, 333b, 333c and 333d are spaced apart from each other at a lower portion of the driving member 332. At both ends of the supporting members 333a, 333b, 333c and 333d, The support members 333a, 333b, 333c, and 333d can be rotated about the drive axes F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 by forming the first and second support members F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, . With this structure, the receiving members 333a, 333b, 333c, and 333d can be rotated inward. For example, the first and second support members 333a and 333b are rotated inward about the second drive shaft F2, and the third and fourth support members 333c, and 333d are rotated toward the inside. At this time, the driving member 332 is formed toward the inside of the terminal and is fixed to the structure inside the terminal, so that a fixing frame 334 without deformation is formed. On both sides of the fixing frame 334, Members 333b and 333c are formed.

At this time, the plurality of parts are divided and divided into the first and second modules M1 and M2. That is, the first and second modules M1 and M2, which are divided into a plurality of regions and are fixed to the case 331 and movable together with the case 331, . The components included in the first and second modules M1 and M2 may be the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

The driving shafts F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 do not necessarily have to be provided with a shaft of any type, and are not particularly limited as long as they have a virtual axis and serve as a center of rotation.

In the first state, the plurality of supporting members 333a, 333b, 333c, and 333d must remain in a state where they are in contact with each other. Therefore, the plurality of supporting members 333a, 333b, 333c, , I.e., a magnet. Thus, in the first state, the adjacent supporting members are prevented from moving away from each other. In the second state, both ends of the mobile terminal 300 are pulled by the user so that the expandable portion 330 can be easily unfolded.

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). Also, the computer may include a control unit 180 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 (20)

A display unit capable of expanding and contracting in at least one direction;
An outer case divided into two or more split cases and each of the split cases being coupled to the display unit to constrain the expansion and contraction of the display unit; And
And an inner case provided between the display unit and the outer case and exposed to the outside when the outer case is moved,
The inner case includes:
Wherein the first case is formed to overlap at least a part of the divided cases in a first state in which the case is not exposed to the outside and is formed to be flush with the outer case or protrude from the outer case in a second state in which the case is exposed to the outside. terminal. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising an elastic member provided at a lower portion of the inner case so that the inner case protrudes outward when the split case is moved. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein at least one step is formed at both ends of the inner case which is in contact with the end of the split case. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the moving distance of the display unit can be changed stepwise as the number of steps of the inner case increases. The method according to claim 1,
The parts provided in the mobile terminal are formed of a plurality of modules, and the parts formed of the plurality of modules are operated by the circuit boards included in the respective modules, and the circuit boards are electrically To the mobile terminal. The method according to claim 1,
A guide groove is formed on both sides of the split cases, and a rail is formed on the guide groove to slide along the first direction. The method according to claim 6,
The rail
A pair of horizontal portions formed along the guide groove; And
And a vertical portion connecting the pair of horizontal portions. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the circuit boards are fixed to two or more divided frames that are formed so as to correspond to the divided cases. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on the rail and the protrusions are caught by protrusions formed in the guide groove to restrict movement of the split case. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein when the split cases are formed of a plurality of split cases, the projections of the split split cases are made different from one another so that the engagement strength between the split split cases and the projections is made different for each split case. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a mounting portion is formed on a surface of the inner case, one end of the mounting portion is selectively coupled to the inner case, and the other end of the mounting portion is coupled to the inner case so that the mounting portion is rotatable. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein one end of the mounting portion and the inner case are closely contacted by a magnetic force. 12. The method of claim 11,
A pair of hinge portions protruding inwardly and spaced apart from each other on an inner side surface of the other end portion of the mounting portion; And
And a hinge shaft fixed to both sides of the inner case and restricting rotation of the hinge portion,
Wherein the hinge portion is engaged with the hinge shaft to restrict rotation of the mounting portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the split case provided at the upper and lower ends of the split cases is formed with a decorative member made of rubber, leather or urethane. A display unit capable of expanding and contracting in one direction;
An outer case divided into a plurality of divided cases, each of the divided cases being coupled to the display unit to constrain expansion and contraction of the display unit; And
And a stretching member disposed between the split cases and having opposite ends joined to the split cases to expand and contract upon movement of the split cases,
The elastic member
Wherein both end portions are coupled to a lower portion of the split case, and a portion exposed to the outside is formed of a plurality of wrinkles. A display unit capable of expanding and contracting in one direction;
A case which is combined with at least a part of the display unit to restrict movement of the display unit and is divided into two or more split cases; And
And a stretchable and contractible portion disposed between the split cases and capable of varying an area exposed to the outside,
The stretchable /
A driving member which is formed of a flexible material and forms a plurality of driving shafts; And
And a plurality of supporting members formed on the driving member and rotatable about the driving shaft so as to be movable inward,
Wherein the end portion of the driving member is fixed to the split case so that the shape of the driving member changes according to the movement of the split case. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising a fixed frame formed from a part of the driving member toward the inside of the terminal, wherein the plurality of supporting members rotate about the fixed frame. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein at least two drive shafts are formed to vary a length of exposing the stretchable portion. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising: a plurality of modules that are divided into a plurality of regions and are fixed to the case and movable together with the case, the components disposed inside the case. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the plurality of support members are magnetic members.

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