WO2021006396A1

WO2021006396A1 - Mobile terminal and auxiliary device coupled thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2021006396A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/008529
Authority: WO
Inventors: 홍장우; 이용호; 한재영; 유경수
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2019-07-10
Filing date: 2019-07-10
Publication date: 2021-01-14

Abstract

Provided is an auxiliary device comprising: a terminal case on which a first display of a mobile terminal is mounted facing a first direction; a foldable cover which includes a second display exposed through one surface thereof; a hinge part which has one side electrically connected to the foldable cover, is selectively connected to or separated from the terminal case, and is bent at a predetermined curvature; a case circuit part which is disposed inside the terminal case, and has one side exposed to the outside and the other side electrically connected to the mobile terminal; and a cover circuit part which is formed in the foldable cover, and has one side connected to the second display and the other side exposed to the outside and electrically connected to the case circuit part.

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 front, folded back, 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 side, a hinge part electrically connected to the foldable cover on one side, selectively connected or separated from the terminal case, and bent when it has a predetermined curvature, the Arranged in the terminal case, one side is exposed to the outside, the other side is formed on the case circuit part electrically connected to the mobile terminal and the foldable cover, and one side is connected to the second display and the other side is exposed to the outside. It may include a cover circuit part electrically connected to the circuit part.

The hinge unit may include a bending unit that is bent with a predetermined radius of curvature by being connected to each other and rotating by a predetermined angle by rotating a plurality of rotation units rotating by a predetermined angle, and a coupling unit selectively connected to or separated from the terminal case. have.

The coupling part may couple the terminal case and the foldable cover such that the second display faces the first direction or the second display faces a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The coupling portion has a fastening protrusion shape, and is inserted into a fastening groove formed in the terminal case to couple the terminal case and the foldable cover.

The predetermined radius of curvature at which the bending portion is bent may correspond to half the thickness of the terminal case in which the mobile terminal is mounted.

One side of the case circuit part is exposed toward the fastening groove, the other side of the cover circuit part is exposed toward the fastening protrusion, and the mobile terminal and the second display are electrically connected to each other by contacting one side of the case circuit part with the other side of the cover circuit part. Can be connected to.

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 It may 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.

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

It may further include a gripping ring that is formed continuously with the outer shape of the fastening groove formed in the terminal case, is formed in a ring shape, and tilts in a direction protruding from the surface of the terminal case.

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 foldable cover may be folded to the rear of the terminal case or the foldable cover is removed, thereby utilizing the terminal case as an independent case for the mobile terminal.

According to the present invention, since the joint portion between the foldable cover and the terminal case is provided on the rear surface of the terminal case, an increase in bezel due to the terminal case can be minimized, and a grip feeling when the foldable cover is removed can be increased.

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 the terminal case and the foldable cover are separated from each other when the terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a first state, and FIG. 6B is a terminal case It is a view showing a state in which the and foldable cover are combined.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a case in which a terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a first state, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a case in a second state.

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

9(a) to 9(b) are diagrams illustrating a part in which a terminal case and a foldable cover are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10A to 10E are diagrams illustrating a process of converting a terminal set from a front folding state to an unfolding state to a rear folding state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a view showing a gripping ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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. Since the components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential for implementing a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal described in the present specification may have more or fewer components than the components 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 180 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 as described with reference to 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 317 of the terminal case 310. Meanwhile, the terminal case 310 additionally has a cable coupling terminal 319 to separately provide a point at which an external cable can be connected.

In describing the auxiliary device 300 and the terminal set 10 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. It can mean the front of 100). The second direction is a direction opposite to the first direction, and may mean the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100. 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. A fastening groove 315 may be formed on the rear surface of the terminal case 310. The fastening groove 315 may be inserted into a fastening protrusion 333 (see FIG. 5) of a hinge portion 330 (see FIG. 5) to be described later to couple the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320.

A gripping ring 316 may be formed on the rear surface of the terminal case 310 according to an embodiment. The gripping ring 316 may be formed to be substantially continuous with the outline of the fastening groove 315, and may be formed in a ring shape with a hollow formed in the center. The gripping ring 316 may be tilted in a direction protruding from the rear side of the terminal case 310, and the user can more easily and safely grip the terminal case 310 or the terminal set by inserting a finger into the gripping ring 316. can do.

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 hinge part 330. 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 shares several configurations provided in the mobile terminal 100.

The hinge part 330 according to an embodiment may include a bending part 331 and a coupling part 333. The hinge unit 330 can be folded and unfolded by relatively rotating the terminal case 310 (see FIG. 4) and the foldable cover 320, and the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are optional. Can be combined or separated.

The bending part 331 according to an exemplary embodiment may be coupled to one edge of the foldable cover 320. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4B, it may be coupled to a longitudinal edge of the foldable cover 320. The bending part 331 may be formed by connecting a plurality of rotation units 331a to each other. Each rotation unit (331a) can be rotated by a predetermined angle, and when a plurality of rotation units (331a) are connected, the bending unit 331 is rotated by the sum of the rotation angles of each rotation unit (331a). Can be in a state. For example, when six rotation units 331a are connected, each rotates by 30 degrees, so that the foldable cover 320 may finally rotate by 180 degrees with respect to the terminal case 310. When each rotation unit 331a is rotated by a predetermined angle, the bending part 331 may appear to be bent with a constant radius of curvature. The bending unit 331 according to an embodiment may include a free stop function capable of fixing at an arbitrary angle desired by the user by stopping and fixing the rotation unit 331a of each of the folding and unfolding processes. .

The coupling part 333 according to an embodiment is formed extending from the bending part 331, and is combined with the terminal case 310 to be described later to electrically connect the mobile terminal 100 and the foldable cover 320 can do. The coupling portion 333 may be a fastening protrusion 333 in the form of a buckle, and is inserted into the fastening groove 315 of the terminal case 310 to couple the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320. have. The coupling portion 333 has been described as an example of a configuration in the form of a buckle having a fastening protrusion 333 and a fastening groove 315, but is not limited thereto, and the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 can be fastened. The composition can be applied in various ways.

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.

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).

A case circuit unit may be disposed in the terminal case 310 according to an exemplary embodiment. One side of the case circuit unit (313a, see FIG. 3) is exposed to the outside of the terminal case 310 and can be connected to other parts, and the other side (313b, see FIG. 3) is the mobile terminal 100 within the terminal case 310. And can be electrically connected. More specifically, one side of the case circuit part may be exposed to the inner side of the fastening groove 315, and this may be defined as a case-side coupling terminal 313a. 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.

In the cover circuit part 323 according to an embodiment, one side (313a (see FIG. 3)) is electrically connected to the second display 321, and the other side (323b) is exposed to the outside of the foldable cover 320, Can be connected. More specifically, the other side 323b of the cover circuit part 323 is formed on the coupling part 333 of the hinge part 330 and may be exposed to a portion contacting the case-side coupling terminal 313a. This may be defined as a cover-side coupling terminal 323b. The cover circuit unit 323 drives the second display 321 of the foldable cover 320 by using the power supplied from the mobile terminal 100, and transmits and receives data to and from the mobile terminal 100 to the second display ( 321 may 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.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a case in which a terminal set according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a first state, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a case in a second state. More specifically, (a) of FIG. 7 may be a state in which the terminal set is unfolded in a first state, and (b) of FIG. 7 may be a state that is unfolded in a second state.

Referring to FIG. 7A, in a first state according to an exemplary embodiment, the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover lie in the same direction so that the first display 151 and the second display 321 face the same direction. 320) may mean a combined state. In the first state, the user can view and utilize both the first display 151 and the second display 321. When the foldable cover 320 is fixed and utilized so that the angle formed by the first display 151 and the second display 321 becomes an obtuse angle, the visibility of the first display 151 and the second display 321 is improved. So you can use the terminal set more comfortably.

According to an embodiment, when the foldable cover 320 is folded so that the first display 151 and the second display 321 face each other in the first state, it serves as a cover protecting the mobile terminal 100 from six surfaces. Can be done.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 7, in the second state according to an embodiment, the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover lie so that the first display 151 and the second display 321 face different directions. 320) may mean a combined state. In the second state, an image viewed through a camera module disposed at the rear of the mobile terminal 100 may be viewed through the second display 321 and photographed. There is an advantage of being able to perform both rear shooting and self shooting with one camera module. If the foldable cover 320 is folded to the rear of the terminal case 310 in the second state according to an embodiment, even if the foldable cover 320 is not separated in the process of using only the mobile terminal 100, the foldable cover (320) can be made unobstructed.

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 unit (not shown) 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 receives power and data from the mobile terminal 100 through the case circuit unit. It can be transferred to the cover circuit. 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 a magnetic body. The coupling method using a magnetic material can reduce the possibility of damage to the terminal, and has the advantage that 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(a) to 9(b) are views showing a portion where the terminal case 310 and the foldable cover 320 are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the fastening part of the hinge part 330 (refer to FIG. 5) may be in the form of a fastening protrusion 333 such as a buckle. The fastening protrusion 333 may be inserted into and fastened to the fastening groove 315 of the terminal case 310. A button 333a may be formed on the side of the fastening protrusion 333. The user manipulates the button 333a to easily separate the fastening protrusion 333 from the fastening groove 315.

10A to 10E are diagrams illustrating a process in which the terminal set 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is converted from a front folded state to an unfolded state to a rear folded state.

The terminal set 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a front folding state, an unfolding state, and a rear folding state.

The front folding state according to an embodiment is a state of FIG. 10A and may mean a state in which the foldable cover 320 is folded to be positioned in the front of the mobile terminal. As described above, in this case, the foldable cover 320 can be used as a cover protecting the mobile terminal. The radius of curvature formed by bending the bending portion 331 may be 1/2 of the thickness of the terminal case 310.

The rear folding state according to an embodiment is the state (e) of FIG. 10, and may mean a state in which the foldable cover 320 is folded to be positioned on the rear surface of the mobile terminal. As described above, in this case, even if the foldable cover 320 is not separated in the process of using only the mobile terminal 100, it is possible to prevent the foldable cover 320 from being disturbed.

An unfolding state according to an embodiment is a state of FIGS. 10B to 10D and may mean all steps in which the front folding is converted to the rear folding. The bending part 331 of the hinge part 330 (refer to FIG. 5) according to an embodiment includes a free stop function capable of stopping and fixing rotation at an arbitrary angle selected by the user. The angles 151 and the second display 321 can be freely adjusted and utilized in various ways.

11 is a view showing a gripping ring 316 according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, (a) of FIG. 11 is a state before the gripping ring 316 is tilted, and (b) of FIG. 11 is a view showing after the gripping ring 316 is tilted.

A gripping ring 316 may be formed on the rear surface of the terminal case 310 according to an embodiment. As shown in (a) of FIG. 11, before the gripping ring 316 is tilted, it is formed to be substantially continuous with the outline of the fastening groove 315 to provide a sense of design unity with the terminal case 310. The gripping ring 316 may be formed in a ring shape having a hollow in the center, and may be tilted in a direction protruding from the rear surface of the terminal case 310. The user can more easily and safely hold the terminal case 310 or the terminal set 10 by inserting a finger into the gripping ring 316.

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 having one side electrically connected to the foldable cover, selectively connected or separated from the terminal case, and bent with a predetermined curvature;

A case circuit portion disposed in the terminal case, one side exposed to the outside, 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, the other side exposed to the outside, and electrically connected to the case circuit part.
The method of claim 1,

The hinge part,

A bending unit that is connected to each other and rotates by a predetermined angle to have a predetermined radius of curvature and bent; And

Auxiliary device including; a coupling unit selectively connected or separated from the terminal case.
The method of claim 2,

The coupling unit is an auxiliary device for coupling the terminal case and the foldable cover such that the second display faces the first direction or the second display faces a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The method of claim 3,

The coupling portion has a fastening protrusion shape, and is inserted into a fastening groove formed in the terminal case, thereby coupling the terminal case and the foldable cover.
The method of claim 4,

An auxiliary device corresponding to a predetermined radius of curvature at which the bent portion is bent is half a thickness of the terminal case in which the mobile terminal is mounted.
The method of claim 5,

One side of the case circuit part is exposed toward the fastening groove, the other side of the cover circuit part is exposed toward the fastening protrusion, and the mobile terminal and the second display are electrically connected to each other by contacting one side of the case circuit part with the other side of the cover circuit part. Auxiliary device that is connected to.
The method of claim 6,

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 7,

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 5,

The hinge part

An auxiliary device that can be fixed by stopping the rotational movement at an arbitrary position of the bending unit.
The method of claim 5,

The auxiliary device further comprises a holding ring that is formed continuously with the outer shape of the fastening groove formed in the terminal case, is formed in a ring shape, and tilts in a direction protruding from the surface of the terminal case.