Mobile terminal

A mobile terminal includes a terminal main body and a keypad assembly provided in the main body and formed to receive a control command, wherein the keypad assembly includes a key top disposed on one surface of the main body to cover a switch installed in the main body, an actuator mounted on the key top and having at least a portion protruded to press the switch, and a pattern member including a base portion coupled to the actuator and a plated layer having at least a portion penetrating the key top to form a pattern exposed to the outside and plated on an outer surface of the base portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Korean Application No. 10-2011-0114144 filed in Korea on Nov. 3, 2011, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal including a signal input unit for receiving a control command.

2. Description of the Related Art

A mobile terminal is a device that can be carried around and has one or more functions such as voice and video call communication, inputting and outputting information, storing data, and the like.

As such functions become more diversified, the mobile terminal can support more complicated functions such as capturing images or video, reproducing music or video files, playing games, receiving broadcast signals, and the like. By comprehensively and collectively implementing such functions, the mobile terminal may be embodied in the form of a multimedia player or device.

In order to implement various functions of such multimedia players or devices, various attempts have been made and implemented in terms of hardware or software.

For example, recently, research into a signal input unit mounted in a terminal has been conducted. In general, a signal input unit is implemented by coupling respective elements through bonding, so it has a problem in that a click feeling is not good and it is difficult to assemble the respective elements. Thus, a solution to the problem may be considered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention provides a mobile terminal including a signal input unit having enhanced performance.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a mobile terminal including a signal input unit which incurs low fabrication cost.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal including: a terminal main body and a keypad assembly provided in the main body and formed to receive a control command, wherein the keypad assembly includes a key top disposed on one surface of the main body to cover a switch installed in the main body; an actuator mounted on the key top and having at least a portion protruded to press the switch; and a pattern member including a base portion coupled to the actuator and a plated layer having at least a portion penetrating the key top to form a pattern exposed to the outside and plated on an outer surface of the base portion.

According to an example in relation to an embodiment of the present invention, the pattern may be exposed from a front surface of the key top, and an accommodation portion accommodating the pattern member may be formed on a rear surface of the key top. The accommodation portion may include first and second accommodation portions, and the pattern member may include first and second pattern members independently mounted in the first and second accommodation portions.

The key top may include first and second key tops corresponding to the first and second accommodation portions, respectively, and the first and second key tops may be connected by a connection portion. The connection portion may be bent when one of the first and second key tops is displaced based on the other. First and second actuators which are symmetrical based on the connection portion may be coupled to the first and second pattern members, respectively.

According to an example in relation to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator and the base portion may be made of different materials. The actuator may be made of a material that cannot be used for plating, and the base portion may be made of a material that can be used for plating.

According to an example in relation to an embodiment of the present invention, the base portion may include a first portion covered by the actuator and a second portion contiguous to the first portion.

The first portion of the base portion may be in surface-contact with the actuator, and the second portion is a portion excluding the surface-contact portion. The plated layer may be formed on the second portion. The actuator and the base portion may be integrally formed through double injection molding, and the plated layer may be plated on the base portion integrally formed with the actuator so as to be formed on the second portion.

According to an example in relation to an embodiment of the present invention, a recess portion may be formed to be recessed on one surface of the pattern member to accommodate at least a portion of the actuator. A protruded portion may be formed to be protruded on the outer surface of the pattern member such that it corresponds to the pattern exposed to the outside. A through hole may be formed in the key top to allow the protruded pattern to be inserted therein.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for fabricating a keypad assembly mounted on a terminal body and formed to receive a control command, including: molding a key top having a through hole formed on one surface thereof; integrally molding a base portion of a pattern member forming a pattern exposed to outside of the main body and an actuator pressing a switch installed in the main body through dual injection molding; plating the base portion integrally formed with the actuator to form a plated layer on an outer surface of the base portion; and mounting the pattern member on a key top of the keypad assembly such that the plated layer is exposed through the through hole.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal including: a terminal main body and a keypad assembly provided in the main body and formed to receive a control command, wherein the keypad assembly includes a key top having first and second key tops disposed on one surface of the main body to cover switches installed in the main body and disposed to be spaced apart; a first pattern member mounted on a rear surface of the first key top and having at least a portion formed to penetrate the first key top so as to be exposed to the outside; and a second pattern member separately provided from the first pattern member, mounted on a rear surface of the second key top, and having at least a portion formed to penetrate the second key top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers refer to like elements throughout although the embodiments are different, and a description of the like elements a first embodiment will be used for those of the different embodiment. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The mobile terminal described in the present invention may include mobile phones, smart phones, notebook computers, digital broadcast receivers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable Multimedia Player), navigation devices, and the like. However, it would be understood by a person in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments of the present invention can be also applicable to the fixed types of terminals, such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like, except for any elements especially configured for a mobile purpose.

The mobile terminal100may include a wireless communication unit110, an A/V (Audio/Video) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface unit170, a controller180, and a power supply unit190, etc.FIG. 1shows the mobile terminal as having various components, but it should be understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

The wireless communication unit110typically includes one or more components allowing radio communication between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system or a network in which the mobile terminal is located. For example, the wireless communication unit may include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a short-range communication module114, and a location information module115.

The broadcast receiving module111receives broadcast signals and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast management server via a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and/or a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may be a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and the like. Also, the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information may refer to information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast associated information may also be provided via a mobile communication network and, in this case, the broadcast associated information may be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of an electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), and the like.

The broadcast receiving module111may be configured to receive signals broadcast by using various types of broadcast systems. In particular, the broadcast receiving module111may receive a digital broadcast by using a digital broadcast system such as multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only (MediaFLO®), integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T), etc. The broadcast receiving module111may be configured to be suitable for every broadcast system that provides a broadcast signal as well as the above-mentioned digital broadcast systems.

Broadcast signals and/or broadcast-associated information received via the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in the memory160.

The mobile communication module112transmits and/or receives radio signals to and/or from at least one of a base station (e.g., access point, Node B, etc.), an external terminal (e.g., other user devices) and a server (or other network entities). Such radio signals may include a voice call signal, a video call signal or various types of data according to text and/or multimedia message transmission and/or reception.

The wireless Internet module113supports wireless Internet access for the mobile terminal. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the terminal. The wireless Internet access technique implemented may include a WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), or the like.

The short-range communication module114is a module for supporting short range communications. Some examples of short-range communication technology include Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee™, and the like.

The location information module115is a module for checking or acquiring a location (or position) of the mobile terminal. A typical example of the location information module is a GPS (Global Positioning System).

With reference toFIG. 1, the A/V input unit120is configured to receive an audio or video signal. The A/V input unit120may include a camera121(or other image capture device) and a microphone122(or other sound pick-up device). The camera121processes image data of still pictures or video obtained by an image capture device in a video capturing mode or an image capturing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a display unit151(or other visual output device).

The image frames processed by the camera121may be stored in the memory160(or other storage medium) or transmitted via the wireless communication unit110. Two or more cameras121may be provided according to the configuration of the mobile terminal.

The microphone122may receive sounds (audible data) via a microphone (or the like) in a phone call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, and the like, and can process such sounds into audio data. The processed audio (voice) data may be converted for output into a format transmittable to a mobile communication base station (or other network entity) via the mobile communication module112in case of the phone call mode. The microphone122may implement various types of noise canceling (or suppression) algorithms to cancel (or suppress) noise or interference generated in the course of receiving and transmitting audio signals.

The user input unit130(or other user input device) may generate input data from commands entered by a user to control various operations of the mobile terminal. The user input unit130may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a touch sensitive member that detects changes in resistance, pressure, capacitance, etc. due to being contacted) a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit140(or other detection means) detects a current status (or state) of the mobile terminal100such as an opened or closed state of the mobile terminal100, a location of the mobile terminal100, the presence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal100(i.e., touch inputs), the orientation of the mobile terminal100, an acceleration or deceleration movement and direction of the mobile terminal100, etc., and generates commands or signals for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal100. For example, when the mobile terminal100is implemented as a slide type mobile phone, the sensing unit140may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, the sensing unit140can detect whether or not the power supply unit190supplies power or whether or not the interface unit170is coupled with an external device. The sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor141.

The output unit150is configured to provide outputs in a visual, audible, and/or tactile manner (e.g., audio signal, video signal, alarm signal, vibration signal, etc.). The output unit150may include the display unit151, an audio output module152, an alarm unit153, a haptic module154, and the like.

The display unit151may display (output) information processed in the mobile terminal100. For example, when the mobile terminal100is in a phone call mode, the display unit151may display a User Interface (UI) or a Graphic User Interface (GUI) associated with a call or other communication (such as text messaging, multimedia file downloading, etc.). When the mobile terminal100is in a video call mode or image capturing mode, the display unit151may display a captured image and/or received image, a UI or GUI that shows videos or images and functions related thereto, and the like.

The display unit151may include at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin Film Transistor-LCD (TFT-LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a three-dimensional (3D) display, or the like.

Some of them may be configured to be transparent or light-transmissive to allow viewing of the exterior, which may be called transparent displays. A typical transparent display may be, for example, a TOLED (Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or the like. Through such configuration, the user can view an object positioned at the rear side of the terminal body through the region occupied by the display unit151of the terminal body.

The mobile terminal100may include two or more display units (or other display means) according to its particular desired embodiment. For example, a plurality of display units may be separately or integrally disposed on one surface of the mobile terminal, or may be separately disposed on mutually different surfaces.

Meanwhile, when the display unit151and a sensor (referred to as a ‘touch sensor’, hereinafter) for detecting a touch operation are overlaid in a layered manner to form a touch screen, the display unit151may function as both an input device and an output device. The touch sensor may have a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert pressure applied to a particular portion of the display unit151or a change in the capacitance or the like generated at a particular portion of the display unit151into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect the pressure when a touch is applied, as well as the touched position and area.

When there is a touch input with respect to the touch sensor, a corresponding signal (signals) are transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signals and transmits corresponding data to the controller180. Accordingly, the controller180may recognize which portion of the display unit151has been touched.

With reference toFIG. 1, a proximity sensor141may be disposed within or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor141is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object relative to a certain detection surface or an object that exists nearby by using the force of electromagnetism or infrared rays without a physical contact. Thus, the proximity sensor141has a considerably longer life span compared with a contact type sensor, and it can be utilized for various purposes.

Examples of the proximity sensor141may include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror-reflection type photoelectric sensor, an RF oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, and the like. In case where the touch screen is the capacitance type, proximity of the pointer is detected by a change in electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

In the following description, for the sake of brevity, recognition of the pointer positioned to be close to the touch screen will be called a ‘proximity touch’, while recognition of actual contacting of the pointer on the touch screen will be called a ‘contact touch’. In this case, when the pointer is in the state of the proximity touch, it means that the pointer is positioned to correspond vertically to the touch screen.

By employing the proximity sensor141, a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, or the like) can be detected, and information corresponding to the detected proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern can be outputted to the touch screen.

The audio output module152may convert and output as sound audio data received from the wireless communication unit110or stored in the memory160in a call signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. Also, the audio output module152may provide audible outputs related to a particular function performed by the mobile terminal100(e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.). The audio output module152may include a speaker, a buzzer, or other sound generating device.

The alarm unit153(or other type of user notification means) may provide outputs to inform about the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal100. Typical events may include call reception, message reception, key signal inputs, a touch input etc. In addition to audio or video outputs, the alarm unit153may provide outputs in a different manner to inform about the occurrence of an event. For example, the alarm unit153may provide an output in the form of vibrations (or other tactile or sensible outputs). When a call, a message, or some other incoming communication is received, the alarm unit153may provide tactile outputs (i.e., vibrations) to inform the user thereof. By providing such tactile outputs, the user can recognize the occurrence of various events even if his mobile phone is in the user's pocket. Outputs informing about the occurrence of an event may be also provided via the display unit151or the audio output module152. The display unit151and the audio output module152may be classified as a part of the alarm unit153.

The haptic module154generates various tactile effects the user may feel. A typical example of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module154is vibration. The strength and pattern of the haptic module154can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be combined to be outputted or sequentially outputted.

Besides vibration, the haptic module154may generate various other tactile effects such as an effect by stimulation such as a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to a contact skin, a spray force or suction force of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a contact on the skin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, etc., an effect by reproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that can absorb or generate heat.

The haptic module154may be implemented to allow the user to feel a tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as fingers or arm of the user, as well as transferring the tactile effect through a direct contact. Two or more haptic modules154may be provided according to the configuration of the mobile terminal100.

The memory160may store software programs used for the processing and controlling operations performed by the controller180, or may temporarily store data (e.g., a phonebook, messages, still images, video, etc.) that are inputted or outputted. In addition, the memory160may store data regarding various patterns of vibrations and audio signals outputted when a touch is inputted to the touch screen.

The memory160may include at least one type of storage medium including a Flash memory, a hard disk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Also, the mobile terminal100may be operated in relation to a web storage device that performs the storage function of the memory160over the Internet.

The interface unit170serves as an interface with every external device connected with the mobile terminal100. For example, the external devices may transmit data to an external device, receives and transmits power to each element of the mobile terminal100, or transmits internal data of the mobile terminal100to an external device. For example, the interface unit170may include wired or wireless headset ports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting a device having an identification module, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various information for authenticating the authority of using the mobile terminal100and may include a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM) a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. In addition, the device having the identification module (referred to as ‘identifying device’, hereinafter) may take the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identifying device may be connected with the terminal100via a port.

The controller180typically controls the general operations of the mobile terminal. For example, the controller180performs controlling and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. The controller180may include a multimedia module181for reproducing multimedia data. The multimedia module181may be configured within the controller180or may be configured to be separated from the controller180.

The controller180may perform a pattern recognition processing to recognize a handwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters or images, respectively.

The power supply unit190receives external power or internal power and supplies appropriate power required for operating respective elements and components under the control of the controller180.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable or its similar medium using, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

For software implementation, the embodiments such as procedures or functions described herein may be implemented by separate software modules. Each software module may perform one or more functions or operations described herein. Software codes can be implemented by a software application written in any suitable programming language. The software codes may be stored in the memory160and executed by the controller180.

FIG. 2is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 3is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal illustrated inFIG. 2.

With reference toFIGS. 1 to 3, the mobile terminal200has a bar type terminal body. However, without being limited thereto, the present invention can be also applicable to a slide type mobile terminal, a folder type mobile terminal, a swing type mobile terminal, and the like, including two or more bodies which are coupled to be relatively movable. In addition, the mobile terminal described in the present disclosure may also be applicable to a certain mobile electronic device, e.g., a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMO), and the like.

The terminal body includes a case (or casing, housing, cover, etc.) constituting an external appearance of the terminal body. In the present exemplary embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case201and a rear case202. Various electronic components are installed in the space between the front case201and the rear case202. One or more intermediate cases may be additionally disposed between the front case201and the rear case202. The cases may be formed by injection-molding a synthetic resin or may be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti), etc.

A power supply unit222, a rear camera unit225, and a second audio output unit223are disposed.

The power supply unit222supplies power to the mobile terminal200. The power supply unit222may be installed in the terminal body or may be configured to be detachably attached to the terminal body.

A flash224is disposed adjacent to the rear camera unit225. When an image of a subject is captured by using the rear camera unit225, the flash224illuminates the subject

A mirror (not shown) may be disposed to be adjacent to the flash224. The mirror allows the user to see himself when he wants to capture his own image (i.e., self-image capturing) by using the rear camera unit225.

The second audio output unit223may implement a stereoscopic function along with a first audio output unit211, and may be used for implementing a speaker phone mode during call communication.

The rear camera unit225may have an image capture direction which is substantially opposite to that of the front camera unit221disposed on the front surface, and may support a different number of pixels (i.e., have a different resolution) than the front camera unit221.

For example, the front camera unit221may operate with a relatively lower resolution to capture an image(s) of the user's face and immediately transmit such image(s) to another party in real-time during video call communication or the like. Meanwhile, the rear camera unit225may operate with a relatively higher resolution to capture images of general objects with high picture quality, which may not require immediately transmission in real time. The front and rear camera units221and225may be installed on the terminal body such that they are rotated or popped up.

A display unit210, the first audio output unit211, the front camera unit221, a side key214, an interface unit215, an audio input unit213, and a signal input unit230are disposed on the front surface of the terminal body.

The display unit210may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) module for visually displaying information, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) module, an e-paper, and the like. The display unit210may include a touch sensing unit allowing for an inputting operation in a tactile manner. Hereinafter, the display unit210including the touch sensing unit will be referred to as a ‘touch screen’. When a point on the touch screen210is touched, content corresponding to the touched position is input. The content input in the tactile manner may be characters, numbers, menu items that can be indicated or designated in various modes, and the like. The touch sensing unit may be light-transmissive to allow the display unit210to be seen, and may have a structure for enhancing visibility of the touch screen in a bright area. InFIG. 2, the touch screen210occupies a majority of the front surface of the front case202.

The audio output unit211may be implemented in the form of a receiver that transfers a speaker sound to the user's ear, or in the form of a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or a multimedia reproduction sound of the mobile terminal200.

The side key214may be generally called a manipulation unit, and configured to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal200. The side key214may employ any scheme so long as it can be manipulated in a tactile manner by the user. Content inputted by the side key214may be variably set. For example, a command for controlling the image input units221and230, a command for adjusting of the size of the sound outputted from the audio output units211and223, or a command for changing the display unit210to a touch recognition mode, and the like, may be received.

The audio input unit213may be implemented in the form of a microphone in order to receive the user voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface unit215may be used as a communication link (or passage, path, etc.) through which the mobile terminal200can exchange data, or the like, with an external device. For example, the interface unit215may be implemented in the form of a connection port for connecting an earphone to the mobile terminal via a wireline or wireless means, a port for short-range communications (e.g., an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth™ port, a wireless LAN port, etc.), power supply ports for providing power to the mobile terminal200, or the like. Also, the interface unit215may be a card socket for accommodating a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card or a UIM (User Identity Module) card, or an external card such as a memory card for storing information.

The signal input unit230is manipulated to receive a command input to control the operation of the mobile terminal200, and include a plurality of manipulation units. The manipulation units may be generally called a manipulating portion and any types of manipulation units may be employed so long as they can be operated by the user in a tactile manner.

For example, the manipulation portion can be implemented as a dome switch, a touch screen, or touch pad which can receive information or commands input by the user in a pushing or touching manner, or implemented in a manner of using a wheel, a jog or a joystick to rotate keys. The front camera unit221processes image frames such as a still image, video, or the like, obtained by an image sensor in an image call mode or an image capture mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on the display unit210.

The signal input unit230is manipulated to receive a command input to control the operation of the mobile terminal200, and include a plurality of input keys. The input keys may be generally called a manipulating portion and any types of input keys may be employed so long as they can be operated by the user in a tactile manner.

Content input by the signal input unit230may be variably set. For example, the signal input unit230may be used to input start, end, scroll, or the like.

An embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit210constituting a touch screen as the signal input unit230and a keypad assembly231disposed at one side of the display unit210.

The keypad assembly231may be implemented in the form of a dome switch that can receive a control command or information according to a user's push, and in this connection, a mechanism for enhancing the performance of the keypad assembly231is applied. Hereinafter, the structure of the keypad assembly231will be described in detail.

FIG. 4is a partial exploded perspective view of a keypad assembly of the mobile terminal ofFIG. 2.FIG. 5is a sectional view taken along line A-A of the keypad assembly ofFIG. 2.FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view of the keypad assembly ofFIG. 4.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, the mobile terminal includes a middle frame203, a printed circuit board (PCB)281and a keypad assembly231.

The middle frame203is disposed within the terminal body, and the PCB281is formed at a lower side of the middle frame203. The PCB281may be electrically connected to a main board within the terminal body by a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). A power supply unit222, e.g., a battery, may be formed at a lower side of the PCB281.

The middle frame203may be integrally formed with the front case201or may be supported by a support unit formed on the PCB281. A dome switch242is disposed on the PCB281, and as the dome switch242is pressed by the keypad assembly231, a control signal is generated.

The keypad assembly231forms a push type user input unit along with another keypad assembly232. The keypad assemblies231and232may be formed such that at least one side thereof is adjacent, but they may also be independently modified or moved. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the mobile terminal may include only any one of the keypad assemblies231and232.

The keypad assemblies231and232are installed on the middle frame203. The keypad assemblies231and232may be assembled to the front case201according to a front assembling scheme. For example, a hook portion231ais formed on the edge of the keypad assembly231in contact with the middle frame203, and a stopping portion205is formed on the middle frame203to allow the hook portion231ato be caught therein. Another keypad assembly232may have a similar configuration.

In case of a rear assembling scheme in which a key is assembled on an inner surface of the front case201, an assembling portion is formed on the edge of the key such that it overlaps with the front case201. However, according to the assembling structure of the present invention, a region in which the keypad assemblies231and232and the front case201overlap with each other is not necessary. Thus, the size of the keypad assemblies231and232can be maximized.

Hereinafter, the structure of enhancing the performance of one (e.g., the keypad assembly232) of the keypad assemblies231and232will be described.

The keypad assembly231includes a key top233, an actuator234, and a pattern member235.

The key top233is disposed on one surface of the body to cover the switch (i.e., the dome switch) installed within the terminal body. The key top233is formed on the uppermost portion of the keypad assembly231to form an external appearance of the terminal. The key top233is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate (PC), or the like. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto and the key top233may be made of tempered glass, or the like.

The actuator234is disposed on a lower surface of the key top233, and at least a portion thereof is protruded to press the switch. The dome switch242is formed on one surface of the PCB281facing the actuator234. The actuator234moves in a direction in which it is pressed according to a pressing operation of the key top (i.e., as the key top233is pressed), and presses the underlying dome switch242. Thus, a signal corresponding to a control command of the keypad assembly231is generated.

The pattern member235is coupled to the actuator234. At least a portion of the pattern member235forms a pattern which penetrates the key top so as to be exposed to the outside.

With reference toFIGS. 4 to 6, the pattern is exposed from a front surface (or an upper surface) of the key top233, and an accommodation portion238accommodating the pattern member235is formed on a rear surface (or a lower surface) of the key top233.

As illustrated, one surface of the pattern member235is in surface-contact with at least a portion of the actuator234. A protruded pattern235′ is formed on the other surface of the pattern member235such that it is protruded to correspond to a pattern exposed to the outside. A through hole is formed on the key top233to allow the protruded pattern235′ to be inserted therein. The protruded pattern235′ may be exposed to the outside through the through hole to form a pattern indicating “send”, “end”, or the like, from the surface of the key top233.

The accommodation portion238includes first and second accommodation portions238aand238bwhich are disposed to be spaced apart, and the pattern member235includes first and second pattern members235aand235bindependently mounted on the first and second accommodation portions238aand238b. The first and second pattern members235aand235bare separately provided and mounted on the first and second accommodation portions238aand238b. The key top233includes first and second key tops233aand233bcorresponding to the first and second accommodation portions238aand238b, respectively.

As illustrated, the first and second key tops233aand233bare connected by a connection portion233c, and symmetrical based on the connection portion233c. Also, the connection portion233cis configured to be bent when any one of the first and second key tops233aand233bare displaced based on the other. To this end, the connection portion233cmay be formed to have a smaller width and greater length than those of the first and second key tops233aand233b. By the smaller width and greater length, an area cut out from the keypad assembly231is formed, and the other keypad assembly232may be disposed in the area.

In order to correspond to the structure, the actuator234includes first and second actuators234aand234b. The first and second actuators234aand234bare symmetrical based on the connection portion233cand coupled to the first and second pattern members235aand235b.

In this manner, the separately disposed first and second key tops233aand233band the connection portion233care integrally constitute a single key top233in terms of external appearance. Also, the first and second actuators234aand234bare independently mounted on the rear surface of the single key top233. According to this structure, in case of a push input with respect to the first and second key tops233aand233b(i.e., when the first and second key tops233aand233bare pushed for inputting), there is no influence on a click feeling between the first and second key tops233aand233b. Namely, a degradation of a click feeling generated due to an assembly deviation, a manufacturing tolerance, or the like, in the first key top233adoes not affect the second key top233b.

The actuator234is made of a material such as, for example, urethane, or the like, to provide a click feeling. In detail, in order to have elastic force and exhibit insulating function, the actuator234is made of a chemical compound that cannot be used or difficult to be used for plating. In comparison, a plated layer237is formed on the pattern member235.

The actuator234is integrally coupled to the pattern member235and may be mounted on the accommodation portion238of the key top233through bonding, or the like.

In detail, the pattern member235includes a base portion236coupled to the actuator234and a plated layer237plated on an outer surface of the base portion236. Through the plated layer237, a metallic pattern is formed on the surface of the key top233made of a synthetic resin material.

For example, the actuator234and the base portion236are made of heterogeneous materials, and in particular, the base portion236is made of a synthetic resin material that can be used for plating, e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, copolymer resin (ABS resin).

As illustrated, the base portion236includes a first portion236acovered by the actuator234and a second portion236bcontiguous to the first portion236a. The second portion236bmay be a portion excluding the first portion236a. For example, the first portion236aof the base portion236is configured to be in surface-contact with the actuator234, and the second portion236bmay be a portion excluding the surface-contact portion. Namely, the first portion236ais a boundary surface between the base portion236and actuator234. The surface-contact portion is coagulated in a molten state according to double injection molding to constitute an integrally coupled interface.

Here, the plated layer237is formed on the second portion236b. According to this structure, the actuator234and the base portion236are integrally formed through double injection molding, and the plated layer237may be plated on the base portion236integrally formed with the actuator234so as to be formed on the second portion236b. In this case, since the actuator234is made of a material that cannot be used or difficult to be used for plating, the plated layer237is formed on the second portion236bof the base portion236excluding the actuator234.

The method for fabricating a keypad assembly implementing integration through double injection molding and partial plating will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 7.

With reference toFIG. 7, first, the key top having a through hole formed on one surface thereof is formed (S100). The key top is made of a synthetic resin and may be implemented through injection molding.

Next, the base portion of the pattern member forming a pattern exposed to the outside of the terminal body and the actuator pressing the switch installed in the body are integrally formed (S200).

The actuator and the pattern member are made of different materials. For example, the actuator and the pattern member are made of a urethane compound and an ABS synthetic resin, respectively. In detail, the actuator is first formed, and then, when the pattern member is injection-formed, the actuator is inserted. Accordingly, the actuator and the pattern member may be integrally formed.

And then, the base portion integrally formed with the actuator is plated to form a plated layer on an outer surface of the base portion (S300). When the structure in which the actuator and the pattern member are integrally formed is immersed in a plating solution and plated, the actuator made of the urethane compound is not plated (i.e., the urethane compound is hard to be used for plating) and the pattern member made of the ABS synthetic resin is plated. Thus, only a portion, not in contact with the actuator, of the base portion is plated.

Finally, the pattern member is mounted on the key top of the keypad assembly such that the plated layer is exposed through the through hole (S400), and accordingly, a picto and the actuator may be integrally configured, and here, the picto is made a metallic material, thus implementing the keypad assembly.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare a perspective view and a sectional view of the keypad assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In an embodiment described hereinafter, like or similar reference numerals are used for the like or similar elements as those of the former embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

With reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B, a recess portion335cis formed to be recessed on one surface of the pattern member335in order to accommodate at least a portion of the actuator334.

A side wall of the recess portion335cis formed to have a loop form covering the edge of the pattern member335, and accordingly, the side wall of the recess portion335and the edge of the pattern member form an interface.

The pattern member and the actuator are coupled in the interface through double injection molding, and the pattern member335and the actuator334which are made of heterogeneous materials are firmly integrated. Namely, as the pattern member335is accommodated in the recess portion335c, a coupling surface of the pattern member335and the actuator334is increased, and accordingly, durability of the keypad assembly is increased.

In the above description, the pattern of the metal material is implemented through plating, but the present invention not necessarily limited thereto.FIG. 9is a sectional view showing a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, portions of first and second pattern members435aand435bare made of a transparent material. The transparent portion may allow light to be transmitted therethrough.

In detail, the first and second pattern members435aand435bmay be made of a synthetic resin of a transparent material, e.g., transparent acryl, transparent polycarbonate (PC), or the like. When the first and second pattern members435aand435bare injection-formed, an actuator434made of a urethane resin or a rubber material is inserted to be integrated.

A plated layer is not formed on an outer surface of the first and second pattern members435aand435b, and thus, a pattern having transparent texture appears from an outer surface of first and second key tops433aand433b.

A light emitting unit443is disposed on a PCB481. The light emitting unit443may include at least one light emitting diode (LED). The light emitting unit443emit light toward the first and second key tops433aand433b.

A shielding wall405blocks a gap formed between the front case401and the first and second key tops433aand433bto prevent a light leakage to the gap. The shielding wall405is formed to be protruded from a middle frame403toward the first and second key tops433aand433b. Namely, the shielding wall405may be integrally formed with the middle frame403. For example, the shielding wall405may form a loop along the edges of the first and second key tops433aand433b.

A reflective member451may be formed on at least one surface of the shielding wall405. For example, the reflective member451is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the shielding wall405forming the loop to reflect light made incident to the shielding wall405. The reflective member451may be formed of a film having excellent light reflectivity.

As illustrated, a light blocking film452may be formed between the keypad assemblies431and432to block light. The light blocking film452may be integrally formed to fix the keypad assemblies431and432and block light that may be leaked through a gap between the keypad assemblies431and432.

The keypad assemblies431and432are moved or deformed independently, so, preferably, the light blocking film452is formed of an elastic member so that it may not be affected by the keypad assemblies431and432. For example, the light blocking film452may be made of a rubber material.

Thus, a gap between the first and second key tops433aand433band the front case201can be blocked by the shielding wall405and the gap between the keypad assemblies431and432can be blocked by the light blocking film452. Accordingly, a light leakage to the outside of the mobile terminal can be solved.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the picto structure mounted on the rear surface of the key tops can be integrally configured. Thus, there is no assembly deviation, enhancing deviation with respect to a connection click feeling and a click rate.

Also, since a process for bonding a plurality of components of the picto structure is not required, fabrication cost can be reduced.

The mobile terminal according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited in its application of the configurations and methods, but the entirety or a portion of the embodiments can be selectively combined to be configured into various modifications.

As the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, various changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims, or equivalents of such scope are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.