KR101984087B1 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal body, a key body formed to be pressed on one side of the body, and a dome formed to generate a signal by the pressing of the key body, And a connection terminal which is formed integrally with the dome portion and contacts the contact portion of the circuit board facing the circuit board so as to transmit a signal to the circuit board built in the body.

Description

[0001] MOBILE TERMINAL [0002]

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a key module of a mobile terminal that generates a signal by key input.

As the functions are diversified, the terminal is implemented in the form of a multimedia device having a complex function of, for example, taking pictures or moving pictures, playing music or moving picture files, receiving games and receiving broadcasts have.

The terminal can move And may be divided into a mobile terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal. A portable terminal is a portable device having one or more functions capable of performing voice and video communication, capable of inputting / outputting information, and storing data, which can be carried while being portable.

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

In particular, the key module is formed on one side of the terminal and is configured to perform a preset function of the terminal by key input.

The key module must be of a predetermined size to be fixed to the terminal, and a separate fixed structure is required, which limits the design of the terminal. Also, due to the connection structure between the key module for transmitting a signal and the inside of the terminal, it is required that the terminal has a certain free space, which is against the downsizing of the terminal. In addition, when the key module is mounted on the terminal, the productivity of the terminal may deteriorate if the assembling process is increased. Thus, a key module with a newer structure can be considered.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a key module of a mobile terminal having a different structure from the existing one.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a more compact key module having a more improved connection structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal including a terminal body, a key body pressable on one side of the body, A dome formed on one side of the dome to generate a signal, and a connection terminal which is integrally formed on the dome and is in contact with the contact portion of the circuit board facing the circuit board, .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dome includes a fixing portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the terminal body, and the fixing portion can be inserted into a groove formed in the terminal body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connection terminal may be formed of a conductive terminal that is elastically deformable when it contacts the contact portion.

According to an example of the present invention, the contact portion may be formed in a receiving portion formed to support the dome portion on a side surface of the body.

According to an example of the present invention, the contact portion may be formed on one side of the circuit board.

According to an example of the present invention, the contact portion may be coupled to the circuit board.

According to an example of the present invention, the circuit board further includes a recessed portion recessed inwardly from one side, and the dome portion may be inserted into the recessed portion.

According to an example of the present invention, the dome portion may be coupled to the circuit board by fastening means passing through the circuit board and the dome portion.

According to an example of the present invention, the dome includes an inwardly recessed insertion portion, and the circuit board can be inserted into the insertion portion.

According to an example of the present invention, an actuator may be formed on the back surface of the key body so as to press the dome.

According to an example of the present invention, the dome and the actuator may be formed in plural numbers.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the key body includes a shape part forming an outer appearance of the key body, a pressing part coupled to the shape part, formed with an actuator on the back surface and integrally formed with the dome part, And a support portion formed to support the pressing portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dome may further include a spacing member protruding from the actuator to the dome so as to separate the dome from the actuator by a predetermined distance.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable terminal including a terminal body having a circuit board and a key module coupled to one side of the body and configured to generate a signal by a user's input, A connection terminal protruding from the one surface of the key module toward the circuit board is brought into direct contact with the contact portion formed on the circuit board while pressing.

In the mobile terminal according to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the fixed portion of the key module may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the terminal so that the thickness of the terminal may be formed more slimly.

Further, since the key body and the dome are integrally formed in the key module, the key module and the circuit board are connected to each other only by assembling the key module into the accommodating portion, so that the assembling process can be simplified.

Further, since the key module and the circuit board are made of the connection terminal, not the flexible circuit board, a space for arranging the flexible circuit board is not required, so that more efficient space design in the terminal is possible.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment.
3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the battery case in a state in which the battery case is separated in FIG. 3; FIG.
FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a key module according to a comparative example, and FIG. 5B is a conceptual diagram showing a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the key module shown in FIG. 5B; FIG.
FIG. 7A shows an example in which the key module shown in FIG. 5B is connected to the circuit board, and FIG. 7B shows an example in which the key module is mounted on the terminal body.
8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams showing modified examples of connection terminals formed on the back surface of the dome shown in FIG.
9 is a conceptual view showing a modified example of the contact portions formed on the circuit board.
FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 2, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view according to a comparative example.
11A to 11C are conceptual diagrams showing examples of a dome portion to be combined with a circuit board as another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to different embodiments in the same or similar configurations. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The mobile terminal described in this specification may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), navigation and the like. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like, unless the configuration is applicable only to a mobile terminal.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an audio / video input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, A controller 170, a controller 180, a power supply 190, and the like. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, and a mobile terminal having more or fewer components may be implemented. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for enabling wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and the network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving 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 broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may refer to a server for generating and transmitting broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information, or a server for receiving broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information generated by the broadcast management server and transmitting the generated broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast-related information may refer to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or information related to a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast-related information may exist in various forms. For example, an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) of DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) or an ESG (Electronic Service Guide) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

For example, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), a Media Forward Link Only Broadcast-Handheld (ISDB-T), Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be adapted to other broadcasting systems as well as the digital broadcasting system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives radio signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 is a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built in or externally attached to the mobile terminal 100. WLAN (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and the like can be used as wireless Internet technologies.

The short-range communication module 114 refers to a module for short-range communication. Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as a short range communication technology.

The position information module 115 is a module for obtaining the position of the mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a Global Position System (GPS) module.

Referring to FIG. 1, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the base portion 265 (151).

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ Two or more cameras 121 may be provided depending on the use environment.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal through a microphone in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and processes it as electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. Various noise reduction algorithms may be implemented in the microphone 122 to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for a user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static / static), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 senses the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of user contact, the orientation of the mobile terminal, And generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it is possible to sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. It is also possible to sense whether the power supply unit 190 is powered on, whether the interface unit 170 is connected to an external device, and the like. Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 is for generating output related to the visual, auditory or tactile sense and includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154 .

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in the call mode, a UI (User Interface) or a GUI (Graphic User Interface) associated with a call is displayed. When the mobile terminal 100 is in the video communication mode or the photographing mode, the photographed and / or received video or UI and GUI are displayed.

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

Some of these displays may be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen through. This can be referred to as a transparent display, and a typical example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparent OLED) and the like. The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be of a light transmission type. With this structure, the user can see an object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

There may be two or more display units 151 according to the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. For example, in the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of display portions may be spaced apart from one another or may be disposed integrally with each other, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

(Hereinafter, referred to as a 'touch screen') in which a display unit 151 and a sensor for sensing a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as 'touch sensor') form a mutual layer structure, It can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or a capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor can be configured to detect not only the position and area to be touched but also the pressure at the time of touch.

If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. Thus, the control unit 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is surrounded by the touch screen. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or a nearby object without mechanical contact using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays. The proximity sensor has a longer life span than the contact sensor and its utilization is also high.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. And to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field along the proximity of the pointer when the touch screen is electrostatic. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the act of recognizing that the pointer is positioned on the touch screen while the pointer is not in contact with the touch screen is referred to as " proximity touch & The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called " contact touch. &Quot; The position where the pointer is proximately touched on the touch screen means a position where the pointer is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the pointer is touched.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). Information corresponding to the detected proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The audio output module 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output module 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. [ The audio output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events that occur in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, touch input, and the like. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than the video signal or the audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152 so that they may be classified as a part of the alarm unit 153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 154 is vibration. The intensity and pattern of the vibration generated by the hit module 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 154 may include a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a spraying force or suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, a touch on the skin surface, contact of an electrode, And various tactile effects such as an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using an endothermic or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 154 can be implemented not only to transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact but also to allow the user to feel the tactile effect through the muscular sensation of the finger or arm. The haptic module 154 may include two or more haptic modules 154 according to the configuration of the portable terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 160 may store data on vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM A disk, and / or an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or supplies power to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or transmits data to the external device. For example, a port for connecting a device with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, an identification module, an audio I / A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip for storing various information for authenticating the use right of the mobile terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a general user authentication module A Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the port.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 170 may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or various commands A signal may be a path through which the signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal. The various command signals or the power source input from the cradle may be operated as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, voice communication, data communication, video communication, and the like. The control unit 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the control unit 180 or may be implemented separately from the control unit 180. [

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components.

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

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of a processor, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electronic units for performing other functions. In some cases, The embodiments described may be implemented by the control unit 180 itself.

According to a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented with separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. Software code can be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code is stored in the memory 160 and can be executed by the control unit 180. [

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG.

2 and 3, the mobile terminal 200 includes a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, and a swing type in which two or more bodies are coupled to be movable relative to each other. Further, the mobile terminal described herein may be any portable electronic device having a camera and flash, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a Personal Digital Assistants ), A PMO (Portable Multimedia Player), and the like.

The terminal body 204 includes a case (which may be referred to as a casing, a housing, a cover, and the like) that forms an appearance. The case includes a front case 201, a rear case 202 covering a surface opposite to the front case 201, and a battery cover (not shown) which is coupled with the rear case 202 and forms the rear surface of the mobile terminal 200 203). Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed between the front case 201 and the rear case 202. The cases may be formed by injection molding a synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti) or the like.

The front body of the terminal includes a display unit 210, a first sound output unit 211, a front camera unit 216, a signal input module 214, an interface unit 215 and a signal input unit 217.

The display unit 210 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) module, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) module, and an e-paper for visually expressing information. The display unit 210 may include touch sensing means for inputting data by a touch method.

The display unit 210 includes a window 210a (see FIG. 8) and a display module 210b. Hereinafter, the window 210a including the touch sensing means will be referred to as a 'touch screen'. If any one of the touches on the touch screen 210a is touched, the contents corresponding to the touched position are input. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, an instruction in various modes, a menu item which can be designated, and the like. The touch sensing means is formed in a translucent manner so that the display portion can be seen, and a structure for enhancing the visibility of the touch screen in a bright place may be included. Referring to FIG. 2, the touch screen 210a occupies most of the front surface of the front case 201.

The first sound output unit 211 may be implemented as a receiver for delivering a call sound to a user's ear or a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds.

The front camera unit 216 processes an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 210. [

The image frame processed by the front camera 216 can be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ The front camera 216 may be provided in two or more depending on the use environment.

The signal input unit 217 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200 and may include a plurality of input keys. The input keys may also be referred to as a manipulating portion and may be employed in any manner as long as the user has a tactile sense and operates in a tactile manner.

For example, a dome switch or touch screen capable of receiving a command or information by a push or touch operation of a user, a touch pad, or a wheel, a jog type or a joystick for rotating a key . The contents input by the signal input unit 217 can be variously set. For example, to enter start, end, scroll, and the like.

A signal input module 214, an interface unit 215, and an acoustic input unit 213 are disposed on the side of the front case 201.

The signal input module 214 may be collectively referred to as an operation unit and is capable of receiving a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200. The signal input module 214 may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates in a tactile manner with a tactile impression. The contents input by the signal input module 214 may be variously set. For example, the signal input module 214 may control the image input units 216 and 221, adjust the size of the sound output from the sound output unit 211, or switch the display unit 210 to the touch recognition mode The same command can be input.

The sound input unit 213 may be implemented, for example, in the form of a microphone to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface unit 215 is a channel through which the mobile terminal 200 related to the present invention can exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface unit 215 may be a wired or wireless connection terminal for connecting to an earphone, a port for short-range communication (for example, an IrDA port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port A wireless LAN port) or the like, or power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal 200. The interface unit 215 may be implemented as a socket for receiving an external card such as a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) or a UIM (User Identity Module) or a memory card for storing information.

A power supply unit 240 and a rear camera unit 221 are disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body.

A flash 222 and a mirror (not shown) may be disposed adjacent to the rear camera unit 221. The flash illuminates the subject toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the rear camera unit 221.

The mirror allows the user to illuminate the user's own face or the like in the case where the user intends to photograph (self-photograph) himself / herself by using the rear camera unit 221. [

The rear camera unit 221 may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the front camera unit 216 disposed on the front side and may be a camera having different pixels from the front camera unit 216. [

For example, the front camera unit 216 has low pixels so that it is easy to capture a face of a user in the case of a video call or the like and transmit the face to the other party. The rear camera unit 221 photographs a general subject and immediately transmits It is preferable to have a high pixel. The front and rear camera units 216 and 221 may be installed in the terminal body so as to be rotatable or pop-upable.

The battery 240 supplies power to the mobile terminal 200. The battery 240 may be embedded in the terminal body or may be detached from the terminal body.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram in a state where a signal input module is coupled to a frame.

Referring to FIG. 4, a circuit board 270 is disposed in an inner space of the terminal body 204 formed by the front case 201 and the rear case 202. The circuit board 270 may be mounted to the rear case 202 as shown or may be mounted on a separate internal structure. The circuit board 270 may be configured as an example of a controller for operating various functions of the mobile terminal.

An antenna device 250 for radiating radio signals may be disposed in the inner space of the terminal body 204.

In the inner space of the terminal body 204, a socket 240 electrically connected to the circuit board 270 and connected to an external device is disposed.

As an example of an external device inserted into the socket 240, a SIM card can be mentioned. A SIM card (Scriber Identify Module Card) is a card capable of storing personal information. In addition, a memory card such as a T-Flash card, which is also commonly referred to as Micro SD, (MSM Chip; Mobile Station Modem Chip) may be inserted.

As an external device, an interface device such as a charging port, a telephone earphone port, or a data cable port, such as a multimedia interface connector (MMI connector), may be inserted into the socket 240.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a key module according to a comparative example, FIG. 5B is a conceptual diagram showing a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the key module shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a key module 214 according to a comparative example includes a key body 214a and a dome 214b. An actuator 214d is formed on the rear surface of the key body 214a and the actuator 214d presses the dome 214c of the dome portion 214b which is arranged to be opposed to each other by a pressing operation of the user. The pressurized dome 214c is elastically deformed by the actuator 214d and issues a signal by electrically connecting the two contacts 214g and 214f formed on one surface of the dome portion 214b.

The dome portion 214b is connected to the flexible circuit board 214e and the flexible circuit board 214e is connected to the circuit board built in the terminal body. That is, one end of the flexible circuit board 214e is connected to the dome 214b, and the other end is connected to the circuit board. Accordingly, the user presses the key body 214a and the generated signal is transmitted to the circuit board via the dome portion 214b and the flexible circuit board 214e.

When the key module 214 is constructed as described above, an assembling process is required to connect the flexible circuit board 214e connected to the dome portion 214b to a circuit board mounted in the main body. Further, separate connecting means are required for the ends of the flexible circuit board 214e to be connected to the key module 214 and the circuit board, respectively. Further, when the flexible circuit board 214e is installed in the terminal, it is necessary to install the flexible circuit board 214e while avoiding interference with other components, so that a certain space is required. The space occupied by the flexible circuit board 214e becomes an element that makes optimization difficult in the component placement of the terminal. In addition, the additional process for assembling the flexible circuit board 214e to the mobile terminal is a factor that lowers efficiency in manufacturing the terminal.

The key module 300 according to the present invention suggests a means for connecting to the circuit board 270 more efficiently. As a result, the assembling process can be simplified, and the key module 300 can be mounted on the terminal body 204 in a smaller space.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the key module 300 according to the present invention uses a connection terminal 324 to connect with the circuit board 270. Since the key module 300 is provided with the connection terminal 324, a structure similar to that of the flexible circuit board can be omitted, thereby simplifying the assembling process.

In this case, a contact portion 271 (see FIG. 7A) may be formed between the connection terminal 324 and the circuit board 270 (see FIG. 7A). The contact portion 271 and the circuit board 270 are electrically connected to each other.

The connection terminal 324 is elastically deformed upon contact with the contact portion 271. That is, the connection terminal 324 is a conductive terminal made elastically deformable, and is in elastic contact with the contact portion 271. As a result, the connection terminal 324 can maintain contact with the contact portion 271 even when an impact is applied to the terminal, while performing a buffer action.

Referring to FIG. 6, the key module 300 includes a key body 310 and a dome portion 320. One side (e.g., a front side) of the key body 310 may be exposed to the outside through the terminal body 204, and markers such as symbols, characters, and graphics may be formed on one side of the key body 310 . An actuator 314 may be formed on the other surface (for example, the rear surface) of the key body 310. The actuator 314 may be disposed in contact with the dome 321 formed in the dome portion 320.

A first dome contact 322 and a second dome contact 323 are formed on one surface of the dome 320. When the dome 321 is pressed, the first dome contact 322 and the second dome contact 323 are connected to the dome (Not shown). The signal is generated by this electrical connection. The generated signal is transmitted to the circuit board 270 through the connection terminal 324.

A connection terminal 324 is integrally formed in the dome portion 320. [ In this case, in order to be connected to the circuit board 270, a part of the connection terminal 324 should be formed to be exposed to the back surface of the dome portion 320. A method in which the connection terminal 324 is inserted into the dome portion 320 in a system in which the connection terminal 324 is integrally formed in the dome portion 320 and a method in which the connection terminal 324 is coupled to the back surface of the dome portion 320, Can be applied. As a result, the exposed connection terminals 324 and the circuit board 270 can be connected to each other.

The connection terminal 324 may be made of various shapes and materials, but is elastically deformable and resiliently contacts the contact portion 271.

The connection terminal 324 may be formed of a conductor bent in a V-shape or a U-shape, for example, as shown in Figs. 5B and 6.

Referring again to the key module 300, the key module 300 has a fixing part 325 extending in the longitudinal direction of the terminal body 204. For example, the fixing portion 325 may be formed in the dome portion 320. Here, the fixing portion 325 is a portion protruding from the both sides of the dome portion 320 toward the outside. The fixing portion 325 of the dome 320 protruding in the longitudinal direction can be inserted into the groove 201d formed in the terminal body 204 (see FIG. 7B). The key module 300 can be fixed to the terminal body 204 by inserting the fixing portion 325 into the groove 201d.

The fixing portion 325 preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the terminal body 204. When the fixing portion 325 extends in the thickness direction of the terminal body 204, the thickness of the terminal body 204 is increased, which hinders slimming of the terminal.

Alternatively, the fixing portion 325 may be formed on the key body 310, not on the dome portion 320. [ In this case, since only both ends of the key module 300 are fixed to the terminal body 204, the support portion 312 may be included in the key module 300 to support the sagging of the central region of the key module 300 . As an example, with the support 312, a rigid metal frame may be included in the key module 300.

The support portion 312 may also be formed to support the key body 310 to prevent sagging of the central region of the key body 310 when the key is depressed. At this time, the supporting part 312 serves as a kind of supporting body for supporting the key body 310.

The actuator body 314 formed on the back surface of the key body 310 presses the dome 321 formed on one side of the dome section 320 in a pressed state. In a state where the key body 310 is not pressed, the back surface of the key body 310 and one surface of the dome portion 320 should be separated from each other. To this end, a spacing member 326 is formed on one side of the dome 320. The spacing member 326 projects toward the key body 310. Alternatively, the spacing member 326 may be formed on the back surface of the key body 310 facing the dome portion 320.

When the dome portion 320 and the key body 310 are integrally formed, one surface of the spacing member 326 is coupled to the key body 310. Such bonding can be achieved by an adhesive means such as double-sided tape or adhesive. Alternatively, the dome 320 and the key body 310 may be fastened together by a screw.

The dome 321 and the actuator 314 described above may be formed in plural numbers. The dome 321 and the actuator 314, which are formed in plural numbers, are formed to respectively issue different signals by their inputs. That is, different signals may be generated so that the terminals perform different functions.

According to an embodiment, the key body 310 may be configured in a plurality of configurations. For example, the key body 310 may include a feature 311, a pusher 313, and a support 312. One surface of the shape portion 311 is exposed to the outside through the terminal body 204, and markings such as symbols, characters, and figures capable of exhibiting a function of a key may be formed on the exposed surface. The shape portion 311 may be made of a soft synthetic resin to improve the contact feeling of the user.

The pressing portion 313 is formed so that one surface thereof can engage with the shape portion 311, and the actuator 314 is formed on the other surface thereof. A protrusion 313a is formed on one surface of the pressing part 313 which is coupled with the shape part 311. The protrusion 313a may extend through the supporting part 312 to engage with the shape part 311 have.

The support portion 312 is formed to support the central region of the key module 300 to prevent sagging of the central region of the key module 300. The support portion 312 may be a rigid frame having a constant strength.

The shape portion 311, the pressing portion 313, and the support portion 312 constituting the key body 310 may be integrally formed by being coupled with each other. The integrally formed key body 310 can engage with the dome portion 320.

7A shows an example in which the key module 300 shown in FIG. 5B is connected to the circuit board 270 and FIG. 7B shows an example in which the key module 300 is mounted in the terminal body 204. FIG. Fig.

7A, the key module 300 may be formed such that the key body 310 and the dome portion 320 are integrated with each other. The connection terminal 324 is exposed to the backside of the dome 320 and the exposed connection terminal 324 is connected to the circuit board 270 to transmit the signal to the circuit board 270. A contact portion 271 is disposed between the connection terminal 324 and the circuit board 270. The signal of the key module 300 is transmitted to the circuit board 270 via the connection terminal 324 and the contact portion 271. The contact portion 271 can be coupled to the circuit board 270 or printed on the circuit board 270 as a conductive pattern. Or a conductive member may be attached to the circuit board 270 and then connected to the conductive pattern.

The connection terminal 324 and the contact portion 271 may be formed in plural numbers.

The key control unit 273 and the contact unit 271, which are configured to process signals generated from the key module 300, may be connected to the conductive line 272.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the key module 300 may be housed in a storage unit 201b formed in the terminal body 204. FIG. A through hole 201a is formed in the case 201 of the terminal body 204 to expose one surface of the key module 300. When the key module 300 is received in the receiving portion 201b, One side of the key module 300 is exposed through the opening 201a.

Also, the storage unit 201b guides the key module 300 to be fixed to the terminal body 204. The hole 201c may be formed in the housing part 201b so that the connection terminal 324 can directly contact the contact part 271 of the circuit board 270. [ The connection terminal 324 directly contacts the contact portion 271 through the hole 201c.

The receiving portion 201b guides and fixes only a part of the key module 300 while the key module 300 and the circuit board 270 face each other and the connecting terminal 324 and the contact portion 271 are directly Can be connected.

A groove 201d corresponding to the fixing portion 325 of the key module 300 is formed in the storage portion 201b. The fixing portion 325 is inserted and fixed in the groove 201d.

A contact portion (not shown) for connecting the circuit board 270 and the key module 300 to each other may be formed in the housing portion 201b. At this time, the connection terminal 324 is connected to the contact portion of the storage portion 201b, and the conductive pattern formed on the circuit board 270 can be connected to the contact portion of the storage portion 201b.

8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams showing modified examples of the connection terminal 324 formed on the back surface of the dome portion 320 shown in FIG.

As described above, the connection terminal 324 is formed on the back surface of the dome portion 320. The connection terminal 324 is formed to transmit the signal generated by the dome portion 320 to the circuit board 270. To this end, it is positioned on the back surface of the dome portion 320 and is brought into contact with the contact portion 271 of the circuit board 270. The connection terminal 324 may be formed integrally with the dome portion 320.

As shown, the connection terminals 324 may be made of various shapes and materials that are elastically deformed. For example, as shown in Fig. 8A, the connection terminal 324a may be formed of a thin conductive member and may be formed so that the central region thereof protrudes. The protruded central portion is elastically deformed and comes into contact with the contact portion 271 of the circuit board 270.

As another example, as shown in Fig. 8B, the connection terminal 324b may be formed in a dome shape formed of a conductive member. The central portion of the dome shape is elastically deformed, and contacts the contact portion 271 of the circuit board 270.

Such embodiments of the present invention do not limit the shape of the connection terminal 324. [ However, the connection terminal 324 may be elastically deformed by the pressure so that a part of the connection terminal 324 contacts the contact portion 271 of the circuit board 270.

9 is a conceptual diagram showing a modified example of the contact portions 271 formed on the circuit board 270. FIG.

The contact portion 271 may be formed on the side surface of the circuit board 270 facing the connection terminal 324 in a conductive pattern. However, when the circuit board 270 is thinned, it is difficult to form the contact portion 271 on the side surface of the circuit board 270 with a conductive pattern.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, the contact portion 271a may be formed on a separate connection portion 274a, and then may be coupled to the circuit board 270a. When the contact portion 271a is formed as a separate connection portion 274a, the conductive line 272a is formed on one surface (top or bottom surface) of the circuit board 270a so that the circuit board 270a and the contact portion 271a are connected to each other, Can be formed. In the connection part, the conductive line 275a may be formed so that the contact part 271a and the conductive line 272a are electrically connected to each other.

10A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 2, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view according to a comparative example.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the key module 300 is integrally formed and disposed in the storage portion 201b. The connection terminal 324 passing through the through hole 201d of the housing portion 201b is connected to the contact portion 271 of the circuit board 270. [

Alternatively, according to the comparative example of FIG. 10B, the key body 214a constituting the key module 214 is coupled to the case 201. The key body 214a is coupled to the case 201 by a fixing portion 214h protruding upward and downward. Therefore, the size of the fixing portion 214h becomes a factor for increasing the thickness d1 of the key body 214, and the thickness h1 of the terminal can be increased due to the key module 214. [ The dome portion 214b is fixedly coupled to the structure in the terminal. Since the dome portion 214b and the circuit board 270 are connected by the flexible circuit board 214e, a separate space is required for the flexible circuit board 214e to be disposed.

In comparison between the comparative example and the embodiment of the present invention, in the present invention, the fixing portion 325 of the key module 300 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the terminal. Therefore, the thickness of the terminal can be formed more slimly. If the key body 310 and the dome 320 are integrally formed in the key module 300 and the key module 300 is assembled in the receiving portion, So that the assembling process can be simplified. Since the key module 300 and the circuit board 270 are formed by the connection terminal 324 instead of the flexible circuit board, a space for arranging the flexible circuit board is not required, It is possible.

11A to 11C are conceptual diagrams showing examples of a dome portion coupled with a circuit board as another embodiment of the present invention.

The dome portions 420, 520 and 620 are coupled to the circuit boards 270 and 270b and the key bodies 410, 510 and 610 are separated from the dome portions 420, 520 and 620, (201b) of the housing (204). When the key bodies 410, 510 and 610 are separated from the dome portions 420, 520 and 620, the dome portions 420, 520 and 620 must have a constant thickness so that the actuators 314 of the key bodies 410, As shown in Fig. However, the circuit boards 270 and 270b may not have sufficient thickness depending on the tendency of the terminal body 204 to be slim. Accordingly, the dome portions 420, 520, and 620 are separately formed to have a sufficient thickness and the dome portions 420, 520, and 620 formed to have a predetermined thickness are coupled to the circuit boards 270 and 270b.

FIGS. 11A to 11C show examples of the shapes of the dome portions 420, 520 and 620 and thus the circuit boards 270 and 270b, respectively.

Dome portions 421 and 521 are formed on one surface (front surface) of the dome portions 420 and 520 as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, and a portion of the other surface (back surface) And insertion portions 427 and 527 formed in a letter shape. The circuit board 270 is inserted into the inserting portions 427 and 527. The contact portion 271 may be formed on one side (for example, an upper surface, a lower surface, or a side surface) of the inserted circuit board 270 so as to be connected to connection terminals of the dome portions 420 and 520.

At this time, the dome portion 520 can be fixed to the circuit board 270 by fastening means (for example, a screw) penetrating the circuit board 270 and the dome portion 520.

Although not shown, a through hole may be formed in the circuit board 270, and a part of the dome may be formed to penetrate the through hole, so that the dome may be fixed to the circuit board 270.

11C, a dome 621 is formed on one side of the dome portion 620, and a groove 628 is formed on a side surface thereof. Correspondingly, the circuit board 270b may have a depression 279b projecting from one side. The dome portion 620 is inserted into the depression portion 279b so that the dome portion 620 can be coupled to the circuit board 270b. The portion 278b of the circuit board 270b can be inserted into the groove 628 when the dome portion 620 is mounted to the depression 279b.

The connection terminal 624 protrudes from the rear surface of the dome portion 620 and the connection terminal 624 contacts the contact portion 271b formed on one surface of the circuit board 270b.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 11A to 11C, by combining the dome portion and the circuit board, signals generated by the key module can be transmitted to the circuit board without using the flexible circuit board.

The mobile terminal described above can be applied to not only the configuration and method of the embodiments described above but also all or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications may be made to the embodiments It is possible.

Claims (19)

Terminal body;
A key body formed to be pressed onto one side of the body;
A dome formed on one surface of the dome to generate a signal by the pressing of the key body; And
And a connection terminal which is formed integrally with the dome portion and contacts the contact portion of the circuit board facing the circuit board so as to transmit a signal to the circuit board built in the body,
The dome is provided with a fixed portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the terminal body,
Wherein the fixing part is inserted into a groove formed in the terminal body and fixed to the terminal body. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connection terminal
Wherein the conductive terminal is formed to be elastically deformable when it contacts with the contact portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the contact portion is formed in a receiving portion formed to support the dome portion on a side surface of the body. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the contact portion is formed on one side of the circuit board. 6. The method of claim 5,
And the contact portion is coupled to the circuit board. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the circuit board further comprises a depression recessed inwardly from one side,
And the dome portion is inserted into the depression. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the dome portion is coupled to the circuit board by fastening means that penetrates the circuit board and the dome portion. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the dome includes an inserting portion recessed inward, and the circuit board is inserted into the inserting portion. The method according to claim 1,
And an actuator is formed on the back surface of the key body so as to press the dome. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the dome and the actuator are formed in plural numbers. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the key body comprises:
A shape forming an outer appearance of the key body;
A pressing part coupled to the shape part and having an actuator formed on the back surface and formed integrally with the dome part; And
And a support portion formed to support the pressing portion. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the dome portion further comprises a spacing member protruding from the one surface of the dome toward the pressing portion so as to separate the dome from the actuator by a predetermined distance. A terminal body in which a circuit board is embedded; And
And a key module coupled to one side of the body and configured to generate a signal by a user input,
A connection terminal protruding from the one surface of the key module toward the circuit board contacts the contact portion formed on the circuit board while pressing the contact portion directly,
The key module includes a key body and a dome formed on one surface of the dome formed to generate a signal by the pressing of the key body,
The dome is provided with a fixed portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the terminal body,
Wherein the fixing portion is inserted into a groove formed in the terminal body and fixed to the terminal body. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the connection terminal is integrally formed with the dome portion. delete 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the connection terminal
Wherein the conductive terminal is formed to be elastically deformable when it contacts with the contact portion. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the key body comprises:
A shape forming an outer appearance of the key body;
A pressing part coupled to the shape part and having an actuator formed on the back surface and formed integrally with the dome part; And
And a support portion formed to support the pressing portion. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the dome portion further comprises a spacing member protruding from the one surface of the dome toward the pressing portion so as to separate the dome from the actuator by a predetermined distance.

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