WO2021006395A1

WO2021006395A1 - Mobile terminal and auxiliary device coupled thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2021006395A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/008528
Authority: WO
Inventors: 홍장우; 손영욱; 한재영; 이민복; 박민호
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2019-07-10
Filing date: 2019-07-10
Publication date: 2021-01-14

Abstract

Presented is an auxiliary device comprising: a terminal case on which a first display of a mobile terminal is mounted so as to face a first direction; a foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface thereof; a hinge part, which forms a continuous appearance of the terminal case as one portion of the terminal case, is rotatably arranged on the terminal case, and is selectively connected to or disconnected from the foldable cover; a case circuit part arranged inside the terminal case so that one side thereof is exposed to the outside of the hinge part and the other side thereof is electrically connected to the mobile terminal; and a cover circuit part, which is formed on the foldable cover, of which one side is connected to the second display, and of which the other side is exposed to the outside.

Description

[Correction 18.07.2019 according to Rule 26] 　Mobile terminal and auxiliary device coupled thereto

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a plurality of display panels, and to an auxiliary device that is used in conjunction with and interlocked with a mobile terminal to provide an improved use environment.

Terminals can be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals depending on whether they can be moved. Again, mobile terminals can be divided into handheld terminals and vehicle mounted terminals depending on whether the user can directly carry them.

As the functions are diversified, such a terminal is in the form of a multimedia player with complex functions such as, for example, taking photos or videos, playing music or video files, and receiving games and broadcasts. It is being implemented.

In order to support and increase the function of the terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and/or the software part of the terminal. In recent years, in order to realize a more convenient and comfortable multimedia environment, the development of a new type of mobile terminal structure has been actively made.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new structure of a mobile terminal capable of implementing a more convenient user interface environment using two displays.

The present invention utilizes two displays by attaching an auxiliary device to a mobile terminal, and provides a structure in which the two displays can be folded and unfolded.

It is possible to provide a structure of an auxiliary device that can be commonly used for various types of mobile terminals.

An auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal case in which a first display of a mobile terminal is seated in a first direction, a foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface, and a part of the terminal case. A hinge portion that forms a continuous outer shape of the terminal case, is rotatably disposed on the terminal case, is selectively connected or separated from the foldable cover, and is disposed in the terminal case so that one side is exposed to the outside of the hinge portion. , A case circuit part electrically connected to the mobile terminal and a cover circuit part formed on the foldable cover, one side connected to the second display and the other side exposed to the outside.

The hinge part may include a rotating part coupled to the terminal case via a rotating shaft and a coupling part selectively connected to or separated from the foldable cover.

At least a part of the terminal case may have an opening corresponding to the shape of the coupling portion, and cover the opening with the coupling portion to form a continuous outer shape together with the terminal case.

The hinge portion may include a closed state in which the coupling portion covers the opening and forms a continuous outer shape with the terminal case, and an open state in which the coupling portion rotates to open the opening.

A sliding rail formed to surround the outer periphery of the coupling portion is disposed on the other surface of the foldable cover, and the coupling portion of the hinge portion is inserted into the sliding rail, so that the terminal case and the foldable cover may be connected.

A first state in which the terminal case and the foldable cover are overlapped and folded, a second state in which the terminal case and the foldable cover are unfolded so that the first display and the second display face the same direction, and the terminal case And a third state in which the foldable cover is unfolded to form an obtuse angle between the first display and the second display.

The first state may correspond to the closed state of the hinge part, and the second state and the third state may correspond to the open state of the hinge part.

The opening of the terminal case is formed corresponding to the shape of the coupling portion and is larger than the size of the coupling portion, so that the sliding rail may be inserted into the opening in the first state.

A cross section of the coupling part and the sliding rail may be formed in a trapezoidal shape.

One side of the case circuit part is exposed to the coupling part of the hinge part, the other side of the cover circuit part is exposed into the sliding rail, and one side of the case circuit part and the other side of the cover circuit part contact each other, so that the mobile terminal and the second display Can be electrically connected.

A first polarity of a magnetic material may be disposed in the coupling portion, and a second polarity may be disposed in the sliding rail corresponding to the position of the first polarity.

The case circuit unit includes a terminal coupling terminal provided in the terminal case and provided to contact an interface (I/F) terminal of the mobile terminal, and a cable coupling terminal connected to the terminal coupling terminal and exposed to the outside of the terminal case Can include ,.

The terminal coupling terminal may be rotatably disposed on at least a portion of the terminal case, and the mobile terminal may be mounted on the terminal case according to the rotation of the terminal coupling terminal after being connected to the terminal coupling terminal.

In the first state, the second display may face a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The hinge portion may be fixed by stopping the rotational movement at an arbitrary position of the rotating portion.

A terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first display, a mobile terminal through which the first display is exposed, and a terminal case in which the first display of the mobile terminal is mounted in a first direction. , A foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface, forming a continuous outer shape of the terminal case as a part of the terminal case, and being rotatably disposed on the terminal case, and optionally with the foldable cover A hinge part connected or separated, disposed in the terminal case, one side exposed to the outside of the hinge part, the other side formed on the case circuit part and the foldable cover electrically connected to the mobile terminal, and one side of the second display It is connected to and the other side may include a cover circuit exposed to the outside.

Various embodiments of the present invention may provide a more convenient user environment by expanding a display area using two displays.

Various embodiments of the present invention can provide an auxiliary device including a second display that can be commonly used for various types of mobile terminals.

Various embodiments of the present invention may combine or remove an extended display as needed.

In the present invention, when the foldable cover is not used, the terminal case can be used as an independent case for the mobile terminal.

The present invention can fix the second display at various angles according to the user's usage environment.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal set related to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a view showing a mobile terminal and a terminal case in various directions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a view showing a foldable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention from various directions.

6A is a view showing a state in which a terminal case and a foldable cover are separated according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a view showing a state in which the terminal case and the foldable cover are combined. to be.

FIG. 7(a) is a view of FIG. 6(a) viewed from a different direction, and FIG. 7(b) is a view of FIG. 6(b) viewed from a different direction.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged terminal coupling terminal by cutting along the line A-A of FIG. 4A.

9 is a view showing an enlarged view of a coupling portion and a sliding rail portion by cutting along line B-B of FIG. 7(b).

FIG. 10 is a view showing a magnetic body centered on a magnetic body by expanding the coupling portion and the sliding rail portion by cutting along the line C-C of FIG. 7B.

11 is a view showing a case circuit portion and a cover circuit portion by cutting along the line C-C of FIG. 7 (b) to enlarge the coupling portion and the sliding rail portion.

12 is a diagram illustrating a case in which a terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a first state.

13 is a diagram illustrating a case in which a terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a second state.

14 is a diagram illustrating a case in which a terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a third state.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but identical or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of preparation of the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinguished from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications included in the spirit and scope of the present invention It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may exist in the middle. Should be. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features. It is to be understood that the presence or addition of elements or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, does not preclude in advance.

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 the mobile terminal, and thus, the mobile terminal described in the present specification may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, among the components, the wireless communication unit 110 may be configured between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between. 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 reception module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, and a location information module 115. .

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

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, information on surrounding environments surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 includes a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity. G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint sensor (finger scan sensor), ultrasonic sensor (ultrasonic sensor) , Optical sensor (for example, camera (see 121)), microphone (microphone, see 122), battery gauge, environmental sensor (for example, barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radiation detection sensor, It may include at least one of a heat sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating an output related to visual, auditory or tactile sense, and includes at least one of the display unit 151, the sound output unit 152, the hap tip module 153, and the light output unit 154 can do. The display unit 151 may implement a touch screen by forming a layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen can function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, and can provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage between various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and a device equipped with an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input/output (I/O) port, an input/output (video I/O) port, and an earphone port. The mobile terminal 100 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device in response to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160.

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 driven by the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of delivery for basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (eg, incoming calls, outgoing functions, message reception, and outgoing functions). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operation related to the application program, the controller 180 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to a user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170.

Also, in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components discussed with reference to FIG. 1. Furthermore, in order to drive the application program, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 with each other.

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

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method 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.

2 is a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal 100 related to the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 of the present invention may be implemented as a bar-shaped terminal body as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a form in which the mobile terminal 100 can be combined with an auxiliary device is sufficient. . As an example, a mobile terminal in the form of a smart watch may also be applied to the present invention. In this case, the terminal case of the auxiliary device is coupled to the rear surface of the smart watch mobile terminal, and the foldable cover is hinged to the terminal case so as to be rotatable. The front of the mobile terminal will be optionally covered.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (for example, a frame, a housing, a cover, etc.) forming an exterior. As shown, the mobile terminal 100 may include a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are disposed in an inner space formed by the combination of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

A display unit 151 is disposed on the front of the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, the window 151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted on the front case 101 to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some cases, electronic components may be mounted on the rear case 102 as well. Electronic components that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include a removable battery, an identification module, and a memory card. In this case, a rear cover 103 for covering the mounted electronic component may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Accordingly, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic components mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.

As shown, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102, a part of the side surface of the rear case 102 may be exposed. In some cases, when the rear case 102 is combined, the rear case 102 may be completely covered by the rear cover 103. Meanwhile, the rear cover 103 may be provided with an opening for exposing the camera 121b or the sound output unit 152b to the outside.

These

cases

101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection of synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

Unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an inner space for accommodating various electronic components, the mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the inner space. In this case, a unibody mobile terminal 100 in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the rear may be implemented.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproof unit (not shown) that prevents water from permeating into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof unit is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, and the combination thereof It may include a waterproof member for sealing the inner space.

The mobile terminal 100 includes 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, and first and second sound output units.

Cameras

121a and 121b, first and

second operation units

123a and 123b, microphone 122, interface unit 160, and the like may be provided.

In the following, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, and a light output unit ( 154), a first camera 121a and a first operation unit 123a are disposed, a second operation unit 123b, a microphone 122, and an interface unit 160 are disposed on the side of the terminal body, and the terminal body The mobile terminal 100 in which the second sound output unit 152b and the second camera 121b are disposed on the rear surface of will be described as an example.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as necessary, or may be disposed on different sides. 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 of the terminal body rather than on 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 in the mobile terminal 100, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to such execution screen information. .

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

In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist depending on the implementation type of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may have a plurality of display units spaced apart or integrally disposed on one surface, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display unit 151 so as to receive a control command by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 180 may be configured to generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on this. Content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers, or menu items that can be indicated or designated in various modes.

On the other hand, the touch sensor is configured in the form of a film having a touch pattern and is disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or a metal wire patterned directly on the rear surface of the window 151a. May be. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or may be provided inside the display.

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

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver that transmits a call sound to the user's ear, and the second sound output unit 152b is a loud speaker that outputs various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ) Can be implemented.

A sound hole for emitting sound generated from the first sound output unit 152a may be formed in the window 151a of the display unit 151. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between structures (eg, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101). In this case, the externally formed hole for sound output is not visible or hidden, so that the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 may be more simple.

The light output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying when an event occurs. Examples of the event include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, e-mail reception, and information reception through an application. When the user's event confirmation is detected, the controller 180 may control the light output unit 154 to terminate the light output.

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

The first and

second manipulation units

123a and 123b are an example of a user input unit 123 that is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may also be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion. have. The first and

second operation units

123a and 123b may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates while receiving a tactile feeling such as touch, push, and scroll. In addition, the first and

second manipulation units

123a and 123b may also be employed in a manner in which the first and

second manipulation units

123a and 123b are operated without a user's tactile feeling through proximity touch, hovering touch, or the like.

In this drawing, the first manipulation unit 123a is illustrated as being a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a push key (mechanical key) or may be configured as a combination of a touch key and a push key.

Contents input by the first and

second manipulation units

123a and 123b may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives commands such as menu, home key, cancel, search, etc., and the second operation unit 123b is output from the first or second

sound output units

152a, 152b. Commands such as adjusting the volume of sound and switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 may be input.

Meanwhile, as another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body. This rear input unit is manipulated 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, scroll, etc., control the volume of sound output from the first and second

sound output units

152a and 152b, and touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 You can receive commands such as conversion of. The rear input unit may be implemented in a form capable of inputting by a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. As an example, when the user holds the terminal body with one hand, the rear input unit may be disposed on the rear upper end of the terminal body so that the user can easily manipulate the terminal body using the index finger. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.

When the rear input unit is provided on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new type of user interface can be implemented using the rear input unit. In addition, when the touch screen or the rear input unit described above replaces at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front of the terminal body, and the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured with a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing a user's fingerprint, and the controller 180 may use fingerprint information detected through the fingerprint recognition sensor as an 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 a user's voice and other sounds. The microphone 122 may be provided in a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 becomes a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 is a connection terminal for connection with other devices (eg, earphones, external speakers), a port for short-range communication (eg, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port (Bluetooth Port), a wireless LAN port, etc.], or at least one of a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket for accommodating an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM), or a memory card for storing information.

A second camera 121b may be disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction 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 format. Such a camera may be referred to as an'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, an image may be photographed in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and an image of better quality may be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 illuminates light toward the subject when photographing the subject with the second camera 121b.

A second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed on 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 to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

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

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or configured to be 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 enable wireless charging through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

On the other hand, in this drawing, the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to limit the separation of the battery 191, and to protect the battery 191 from external shock and foreign substances. It is illustrated. When the battery 191 is configured to be detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal set related to the present invention.

As described above, the terminal set of the present invention is divided into a mobile terminal 100 and an auxiliary device 300, and the auxiliary device 300 again includes a terminal case 310 and a foldable cover 320. A first display 151 is provided in the mobile terminal 100 and a second display 321 is provided in the foldable cover 320, respectively. The first display 151 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be the same as or similar to the display unit 151 of FIGS. 1 to 2.

The controller 180 is provided in the mobile terminal 100 and controls the operations of the first display 151 and the second display 321. That is, the controller controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 as described in FIG. 1, and in addition to this, also controls the operation related to the output of the second display 321. The controller 180 may include an application processor (AP) or a physical form of a System-On-Chip (SOC).

The memory 170 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be used for the operation of the first display 151 and furthermore the second display 321. For example, a game application stored in the memory 170 of the mobile terminal 100 is driven by signal processing and calculation of the controller 180, and data for screen output is output to the first display 151 or an auxiliary device. It may be transmitted to 300 and output to the second display 321.

The power supply unit 190 of the mobile terminal 100 may supply power for the operation of the auxiliary device 300 as well as the operation of the internal configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

That is, the second display 321 of the auxiliary device 300 may be driven depending on the application processor, the memory 170 and the power supply unit 190 of the mobile terminal 100. However, if necessary, a volatile memory for temporarily storing data, a small power supply unit, etc. may be provided, so that it may be used auxiliary for operation control. In particular, the foldable cover 320 may be provided with a second display control unit 322 for controlling the output of the second display 321. The second display control unit 322 may convert data received from the mobile terminal 100 and output it to the second display 321 or perform other auxiliary tasks required for outputting the second display 321. Furthermore, the auxiliary device 300 may include a touch panel corresponding to the second display 321 to generate, process, and transmit an input signal through the touch panel.

In addition, the auxiliary device 300 and the mobile terminal 100 are provided with a magnet and a hall sensor for sensing mutual coupling, and a user interface that starts interlocking with the second display 321 May be output to the first display 151 or power supply to the second display 321 may be started.

The auxiliary device 300 and the mobile terminal 100 are electrically connected to supply power and transmit/receive data. More specifically, the second display 321 of the foldable cover 320 is electrically connected to the mobile terminal 100 to receive power and transmit and receive data. The terminal case 310 serves to electrically connect both components between the foldable cover 320 and the mobile terminal 100.

A circuit configuration provided in the foldable cover 320 for driving the second display 321 is defined as a cover circuit unit 323, and a circuit configuration provided in the terminal case 310 is defined as a case circuit unit 313.

The foldable cover 320 and the terminal case 310 may each have a coupling terminal to connect the cover circuit unit 323 and the case circuit unit 313. For classification, the former is defined as a coupling terminal on the cover side and the latter as a coupling terminal on the case side. The charging port 161 of the mobile terminal 100 may be connected to the terminal coupling terminal 315 of the terminal case 310. Meanwhile, the terminal case 310 additionally has a cable coupling terminal 317 to provide a separate point at which an external cable can be connected.

In describing the auxiliary device 300 and the terminal set according to various embodiments of the present invention, the first direction refers to the direction in which the first display 151 of the mobile terminal 100 faces and means the front of the mobile terminal 100 can do. The second direction according to an embodiment is a direction opposite to the first direction and may mean the rear surface of the mobile terminal. In the description of the auxiliary device 300 and the terminal set 10 according to an embodiment, the first direction to the second direction have been defined and described to aid understanding, but are not limited thereto, and when any one direction is changed, corresponding So the rest can be changed together.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 5, the auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a terminal case 310, a foldable cover 320, and a hinge part 330.

4 is a view showing a terminal case 310 in which the mobile terminal 100 is mounted according to an embodiment of the present invention from various directions. More specifically, (a) of FIG. 4 is a front view of a terminal case 310 in which the mobile terminal 100 is mounted according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) of FIG. 4 is a rear view, and (c) is a left side view, FIG. 4(d) is a right side view, and FIG. 4(e) is a bottom view.

In describing the terminal case 310 of the auxiliary device according to an embodiment, the left and right directions may be referred to as the width direction, and the up and down directions may be referred to as the length direction, based on the illustrated state of FIG. 4A. The left-right direction may be referred to as the thickness direction based on the state of FIG. 4C or 4D. Such a direction reference is to aid understanding of the mobile terminal 100 and the terminal case 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is not an absolute reference. When any one direction reference is changed, the other direction reference is also can be changed.

The terminal case 310 according to an embodiment is a cradle on which the mobile terminal 100 is mounted, and is formed to cover the rest of the mobile terminal 100 except for the surface on which the first display 151 is located. I can. The first display 151 of the mobile terminal 100 may be mounted on the terminal case 310 to face the first direction. An opening 315 may be formed in at least a portion of the terminal case 310. The opening 315 may provide a space in which the hinge part 330, which will be described later, is coupled to the terminal case 310 so that the hinge part 330 and the terminal case 310 continuously form an exterior. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal case 310 may be formed as a separate part from the mobile terminal 100, and if necessary, the terminal case 310 and the mobile terminal 100 may be integrally formed.

The hinge part 330 according to an embodiment may include a rotating part 331 (see FIG. 6) and a coupling part 333 (see FIG. 6 ). The hinge part 330 may be folded and unfolded by relatively rotating the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320, and the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 may be selectively coupled or separated. can do.

The rotating part 331 according to an embodiment may be coupled to one edge of the terminal case 310. The rotating part 331 may be coupled to one side of the terminal case 310 via a rotating shaft. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4B, the terminal case 310 may be coupled to the edge in the longitudinal direction from the front side. The rotating shaft provides a center of rotation during the folding and unfolding process of the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 and may substantially couple the rotating part 331 and the terminal case 310. The rotation unit 331 according to an embodiment may include a free stop function capable of fixing at an arbitrary angle desired by a user during the folding and unfolding process.

The coupling part 333 according to an embodiment is formed extending from the rotating part 331, and is combined with a foldable cover 320 to be described later to electrically connect the mobile terminal 100 and the foldable cover 320 can do.

The hinge unit 330 according to an embodiment may include a closed state and an open state. The closed state according to an embodiment is a state in which the coupling part 333 of the hinge part 330 covers the opening 315 of the terminal case 310 and forms a substantially continuous outer surface with the terminal case 310. It can mean. For example, it may mean the same state as in Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4 (e). Another open state according to an exemplary embodiment may mean a state in which the hinge part 330 rotates around the rotation part 331 and the opening 315 of the terminal case 310 is open. For example, it may mean a state as in FIG. 6 (a) or 7 (a) to be described later.

When the hinge portion 330 is in a closed state, the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330 extends from the rotating portion 331 and may be formed in a curved surface corresponding to the surface shape of the terminal case 310. For example, in the process of extending the coupling portion 333 from the rotating portion 331 to cover the opening 315 of the terminal case 310, in order to secure substantial continuity with the outer surfaces of the side and rear surfaces of the terminal case 310 Part of it can be bent to form a curved surface. The opening 315 of the terminal case 310 is formed to correspond to the shape of the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330, so that when the hinge portion 330 is closed, the coupling portion 333 is ) Can be secured to the surface and continuity of the terminal case 310.

5 is a view showing a foldable cover 320 in various directions according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 5 (a) is a front view of the foldable cover 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 (b) is a rear view, Figure 5 (c) is a left side view 5(d) is a right side view, and FIG. 5(e) is a bottom view.

In describing the foldable cover 320 of the auxiliary device according to an embodiment, the left and right directions may be referred to as the width direction, and the vertical direction may be referred to as the length direction, based on the illustrated state of FIG. 5A. , The left-right direction may be referred to as the thickness direction based on the illustrated state of FIG. 5(c) or 5(d). Such a direction reference is for helping understanding of the mobile terminal 100 and the foldable cover 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is not an absolute reference. When any one of the direction reference is changed, the other direction reference Can be changed together.

The foldable cover 320 according to an embodiment may include a second display 321 and a sliding rail 325. The second display 321 may expose the second display 321 through one surface of the foldable cover 320. The second display 321 may be used by being electrically connected to the mobile terminal 100 through the terminal case 310.

The first display 151 (refer to FIG. 4) and the second display 321 according to an embodiment may be output in connection with each other. For example, the first display 151 and the second display 321 may be mirrored and output, or a screen output on the first display 151 may be moved to the second display 321 for output. Alternatively, an execution screen of one application or a plurality of linked applications may be divided and output on the two

displays

151 and 321. For example, the controller of the game application may be output to the first display 151 and the game content may be output to the second display 321. That is, the terminal set 10 of the present invention may operate like a single device having a plurality of displays, which may mean that the auxiliary device 300 shares several configurations provided in the mobile terminal 100.

The sliding rail 325 according to an embodiment may be formed on the other surface of the foldable cover 320. The sliding rail 325 may be coupled to the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330 to couple the foldable cover 320 to the terminal case 310. In the process of rotating the hinge unit 330 from the closed state to the open state, the foldable cover 320 may rotate together to be converted into a folded state or an unfolded state. The sliding rail 325 may be formed to surround a part of the outer periphery of the coupling part 333. Looking at (b) of FIG. 5, the sliding rail 325 may be formed in a rectangular shape with one side open, and the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330 may be slide-coupled through the open portion. have. The cross-sectional shape of the sliding rail 325 and the coupling portion 333 is formed in a trapezoidal shape to prevent the foldable cover 320 from being separated from the coupling portion 333 in the thickness direction of the foldable cover 320.

6A is a view showing a state in which the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are separated according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a terminal case 310 and a folder. It is a view showing a state in which the black cover 320 is coupled. FIG. 7(a) is a view of FIG. 6(a) viewed from a different direction, and FIG. 7(b) is a view of FIG. 6(b) viewed from a different direction.

The open state of the hinge unit 330 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may mean a state as shown in FIG. 6(a) or 7(a). More specifically, it may refer to any state in which the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330 no longer covers the opening 315 of the terminal case 310 and begins to open. When the hinge part 330 is in an open state, the foldable cover 320 may be in a state in which it is easy to be combined with the terminal case 310. As shown in Figure 6 (a) to Figure 6 (b), the coupling portion 333 may be slide-inserted into the sliding rail 325 to be coupled.

The terminal case 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case circuit unit (not shown), and the foldable cover 320 may include a cover circuit unit (not shown).

One side of the case circuit unit according to the embodiment may be exposed to the outside of the terminal case 310 to be connected to other components, and the other side may be electrically connected to the mobile terminal 100 within the terminal case 310. More specifically, one side of the case circuit part may be inserted into the sliding rail 325 among the coupling parts 333 of the hinge part 330 and exposed to a part that contacts the foldable cover 320. This may be defined as a case-side coupling terminal 313a (see FIG. 11). The case circuit unit may receive power from the mobile terminal 100 seated in the terminal case 310 and transmit it to the foldable cover 320, or transmit information between the mobile terminal 100 and the foldable cover 320. It can also serve as a path.

One side of the cover circuit unit according to the embodiment may be electrically connected to the second display 321 and the other side may be exposed to the outside of the foldable cover 320 to be connected to other components. More specifically, the other side of the cover circuit part may be exposed to a portion of the hinge part 330 that contacts the coupling part 333. This may be defined as a cover-side coupling terminal 323b (see FIG. 11). The cover circuit unit drives the second display 321 of the foldable cover 320 by using the power supplied from the mobile terminal 100, and transmits the second display 321 through the data transmitted and received with the mobile terminal 100. It can be utilized in connection with the mobile terminal 100.

More specifically, the control unit 180 (see FIG. 1) and the power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1) of the mobile terminal 100 supply power to the second display 321 as well as the first display 151 and provide data Can send and receive. Accordingly, the auxiliary device 300 can operate without having a separate controller 180 and a power supply unit 190. This can reduce the weight or volume of the auxiliary device 300 and achieve an effect of reducing manufacturing cost.

8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the terminal coupling terminal 317 cut along line A-A of FIG. 4A.

The other side of the case circuit part 313 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a terminal coupling terminal 317 and a cable coupling terminal 319. The terminal coupling terminal 317 according to an embodiment may be inserted into an interface terminal of the mobile terminal 100 to be electrically connected to the mobile terminal 100, and receive power and data from the mobile terminal 100 to receive the cover circuit unit ( 323). The interface terminal of the mobile terminal 100 may typically be a USB-C type terminal, and correspondingly, the terminal coupling terminal 317 may also be formed of a USB-C type. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied in various ways as long as power and data transmission are possible.

The cable coupling terminal 319 according to an exemplary embodiment may be electrically connected to the terminal coupling terminal 317 and exposed to the outside of the terminal case 310. The cable coupling terminal 319 may be an external input terminal enabling electrical connection to the mobile terminal 100 from the outside of the terminal case 310. The cable coupling terminal 319 may be provided in a form in which a cable for external input is inserted and fixed, or may be provided in a manner in which a connection state is maintained by the force of the magnetic body 340. The coupling method using the magnetic body 340 has the advantage that the possibility of damage to the terminal can be reduced, and the cable and the cable coupling terminal 319 can be easily connected or separated.

The terminal coupling terminal 317 according to an embodiment is rotatably disposed in a part of the terminal case 310, inserted into the interface of the mobile terminal 100, and then rotated to the mobile terminal 100 in the terminal case 310. Can be settled.

9 is a view showing an enlarged view of the coupling portion 333 and the sliding rail 325 by cutting along the line B-B of FIG. 7(b).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7, in the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling part 333 of the hinge part 330 is the foldable cover 320. It may be coupled through a method of being inserted into the sliding rail 325 of. The sliding rail 325 has a shape surrounding a part of the outer periphery of the coupling part 333 and may have a square shape with one side open. The coupling portion 333 may be slide-inserted through the open portion of the sliding rail 325 so that the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 may be coupled.

Referring to FIG. 9, the cross-sectional shape of the sliding rail 325 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape closer to each other as it protrudes from the other surface of the foldable cover 320, and the cross-sectional shape of the coupling portion 333 is also the sliding rail 325 ) May be formed in a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section. Through this coupling, it is possible to prevent the foldable cover 320 from being separated from the coupling portion 333 in the thickness direction of the foldable cover 320.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the magnetic body 340 by cutting along the line C-C of FIG. 7 (b) to enlarge the coupling portion 333 and the sliding rail 325.

The coupling portion 333 and the foldable cover 320 according to an embodiment may be coupled through a magnetic body 340. For example, a first electrode (eg, N-pole, 341) of the magnetic body 340 is disposed on the coupling portion 333, and a second electrode (eg, S-pole) of the magnetic body 340 is disposed on the foldable cover 320. 343) can be placed and bonded through the attraction between the anodes.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the case circuit part and the cover circuit part 323 by cutting along the line C-C of FIG. 7(b) to enlarge the coupling part 333 and the sliding rail 325 part. More specifically, it is a cross-sectional view showing a contact state between the case-side coupling terminal of the case circuit part and the cover-side coupling terminal of the foldable cover 320.

The case-side coupling terminal 313a and the cover-side coupling terminal 323b according to an embodiment may be a pogo pin-shaped terminal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied in various ways as long as power and data can be transmitted by contact. The case-side coupling terminal 313a and the cover-side coupling terminal 323b may firmly maintain a contact state through the sliding rail 325 and the magnetic body 340 described above.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing when the terminal set 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a first state, and FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating when the terminal set 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a second state. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a terminal set 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a third state.

The terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 according to an exemplary embodiment may be connected to each other through the hinge unit 330 and may be folded or unfolded by relatively rotating motion. Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a state in which the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are folded to overlap each other may be referred to as a first state. When the mobile terminal 100 according to the embodiment is in the first state, the first display 151 and the second display 321 may be arranged to face in opposite directions to each other.

When the auxiliary device 300 according to an embodiment is in the first state, the hinge part 330 may be in a closed state. The opening 315 of the terminal case 310 is formed to correspond to the shape of the coupling portion 333 of the hinge portion 330, and may be formed to have a size such that it may include the sliding rail 325. Therefore, when the auxiliary device 300 is in the first state, all the coupling portions 333 of the sliding rail 325 and the hinge portion 330 are seated in the opening 315. The terminal case 310 and the foldable The cover 320 may be in close contact.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a state in which the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are unfolded and unfolded without overlapping may be referred to as a second state. When the auxiliary device 300 according to an embodiment is in the second state, the first display 151 and the second display 321 may be arranged to face the same direction (eg, the first direction). When the mobile terminal 100 is in the second state, the first display 151 and the second display 321 may interlock to operate as a single screen, or the first display 151 and the second display 321 It can also be operated individually. When the auxiliary device 300 according to an embodiment is in the second state, the hinge part 330 may be in an open state.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the foldable cover 320 is rotated with respect to the terminal case 310 and is unfolded so as not to overlap, but the rotation angle exceeds 180 degrees. Can be referred to as the third state. When the mobile terminal 100 according to the embodiment is in the third state, the first display 151 and the second display 321 may be arranged to form an obtuse angle.

When the mobile terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is in the third state, the first display 151 and the second display 321 are interlocked with each other to operate as a single screen, similar to the second state. In addition, the first display 151 and the second display 321 may be operated separately, and manipulated through the first display 151 while looking at the second display 321 or vice versa. By making the angle between the first display 151 and the second display 321 at an obtuse angle, the user can be more comfortable, stare at the screen, and perceive a clear screen. When the auxiliary device 300 according to an embodiment is in the third state, the hinge part 330 may be in an open state.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms within the scope not departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A terminal case in which the first display of the mobile terminal is seated in a first direction;

A foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface;

A hinge part forming a continuous outer shape of the terminal case as part of the terminal case, rotatably disposed on the terminal case, and selectively connected or separated from the foldable cover;

A case circuit portion disposed in the terminal case, one side exposed to the outside of the hinge portion, and the other side electrically connected to the mobile terminal; And

And a cover circuit part formed on the foldable cover, one side connected to the second display, and the other side exposed to the outside.
The method of claim 1,

The hinge part,

A rotating part coupled to the terminal case through a rotating shaft; And

Auxiliary device including; a coupling part selectively connected to or separated from the foldable cover.
The method of claim 2,

At least a portion of the terminal case is provided with an opening corresponding to the shape of the coupling portion, the opening is covered by the coupling portion, and the auxiliary device forms a continuous outer shape together with the terminal case.
The method of claim 3,

The hinge part,

A closed state in which the coupling portion covers the opening and forms a continuous outer shape together with the terminal case; And

The auxiliary device including; an open state in which the coupling portion is rotated to open the opening.
The method of claim 4,

A sliding rail formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the coupling portion is disposed on the other surface of the foldable cover, and the coupling portion of the hinge portion is inserted into the sliding rail, thereby connecting the terminal case and the foldable cover.
The method of claim 5,

A first state in which the terminal case and the foldable cover are overlapped and folded;

A second state in which the terminal case and the foldable cover are unfolded so that the first display and the second display face the same direction; And

A third state in which the terminal case and the foldable cover are unfolded to form an obtuse angle between the first display and the second display; The auxiliary device further comprising.
The method of claim 6,

The first state corresponds to the closed state of the hinge, and the second state and the third state correspond to the open state of the hinge.
The method of claim 7,

The opening of the terminal case is formed to correspond to the shape of the coupling part and is larger than the size of the coupling part, so that the sliding rail is inserted into the opening in the first state.
The method of claim 5,

A cross section of the coupling part and the sliding rail is formed in a trapezoidal shape.
The method of claim 5,

One side of the case circuit part is exposed to the coupling part of the hinge part, the other side of the cover circuit part is exposed into the sliding rail, and one side of the case circuit part and the other side of the cover circuit part come into contact with each other, thereby Auxiliary device to which the electrical connection is made.
The method of claim 5,

An auxiliary device in which a first polarity of a magnetic material is disposed in the coupling portion, and a second polarity is disposed in the sliding rail corresponding to the position of the first polarity.
The method of claim 1,

The case circuit unit,

A terminal coupling terminal provided in the terminal case and provided to contact an interface (I/F) terminal of the mobile terminal; And

Auxiliary device including; a cable coupling terminal connected to the terminal coupling terminal and exposed to the outside of the terminal case.
The method of claim 12,

The terminal coupling terminal is rotatably disposed on at least a portion of the terminal case, and the mobile terminal is connected to the terminal coupling terminal and then mounted on the terminal case according to the rotation of the terminal coupling terminal.
The method of claim 6,

In the first state, the second display is directed toward a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The method of claim 2,

The hinge part

An auxiliary device capable of being fixed by stopping the rotational movement at an arbitrary position of the rotating part.
A mobile terminal including a first display and exposing the first display through one surface;

A terminal case mounted so that the first display of the mobile terminal faces a first direction;

A foldable cover including a second display exposed through one surface;

A hinge part forming a continuous outer shape of the terminal case as part of the terminal case, rotatably disposed on the terminal case, and selectively connected or separated from the foldable cover;

A case circuit portion disposed in the terminal case, one side exposed to the outside of the hinge portion, and the other side electrically connected to the mobile terminal; And

And a cover circuit formed on the foldable cover, one side connected to the second display, and the other side exposed to the outside.
The method of claim 16,

The hinge part,

A rotating part coupled to the terminal case through a rotating shaft; And

Terminal set including; a coupling unit selectively connected to or separated from the foldable cover.
The method of claim 17,

An opening is formed in at least a part of the terminal case to correspond to the shape of the coupling portion, the opening is covered by the coupling portion, and the terminal set forms a continuous outer shape together with the terminal case.
The method of claim 18,

The hinge part,

A closed state in which the coupling portion covers the opening and forms a continuous outer shape together with the terminal case; And

Terminal set including; an open state in which the coupling portion is rotated to open the opening.
The method of claim 19,

A sliding rail formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the coupling portion is disposed on the other surface of the foldable cover, and the coupling portion of the hinge portion is inserted into the sliding rail, thereby connecting the terminal case and the foldable cover.