Mobile terminal

A mobile terminal comprises: a metallic frame; a first cover and a second cover coupled to a front surface and a rear surface of the metallic frame, respectively; and a first waterproof layer and a second waterproof layer formed between the first cover and the metallic frame, and between the second cover and the metallic frame, respectively, wherein the metallic frame includes: a base portion configured to support a display unit formed on the front surface of the metallic frame; and an edge portion formed along an outer periphery of the base portion so as to radiate heat generated from the base portion, and exposed to outside of the mobile terminal between the first cover and the second cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2013-0124166, filed on Oct. 17, 2013, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal, and particularly, to a structure of a frame and covers which define an inside and an outside of a mobile terminal.

2. Background of the Disclosure

As a mobile terminal becomes multifunctional, the mobile terminal can be allowed to capture still images or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcasts, etc., so as to be implemented as an integrated multimedia player.

Terminals can be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals according to their mobility. The mobile terminal is a portable device that can be carried anywhere and have one or more of a function of performing voice and video calls, a function of inputting/outputting information, a function of storing data, etc.

In order to support and enhance such functions of the terminal, it can be considered to improve the configuration and/or software of the terminal.

In recent years, the mobile terminal is configured to provide Long Term Evolution (LTE) service and is implemented as a smart phone. However, such mobile terminal has a degraded performance due to heat generated from inside thereof, which causes a user's inconvenience. Especially, in case of a smart phone which requires processing of data which corresponds to 100 Mbps, and which requires a function close to a personal computer (PC), the mobile terminal operates in a clock more than 1 GHz. This may cause heat generation from the mobile terminal.

Further, demand for a mobile terminal capable of operating in a more severe environment for prevention of malfunction when it is immersed in water, is increased.

Accordingly, a new type of mobile terminal capable of having a sealed inner structure for waterproofing and capable of radiating heat generated by various types of inner components, may be considered.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobile terminal having a radiating structure and a waterproofing structure differentiated from the conventional art.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobile terminal having a more enhanced structure and composite functions.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a mobile terminal, comprising: a display unit; a metallic frame having a front surface and a rear surface, comprising: a base portion thermally coupled to the display unit, and an edge portion continuous with and adjacent to an outer periphery of the base portion; a first cover and a second cover coupled to the front and rear surfaces of the metallic frame, respectively; a first waterproof layer and a second waterproof layer arranged between the first cover and the metallic frame, and between the second cover and the metallic frame, respectively, wherein the edge portion is configured to radiate heat generated by the display unit from a space inside the mobile terminal, between the first cover and the second cover, to a space outside of the mobile terminal, wherein the base portion is thermally coupled to the display unit by arranging a thermal member between, and in contact with, the display unit and the metallic frame, by direct contact of the display unit with the metallic frame, or by non-contact proximity of the display unit to the metallic frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit may include: a display unit configured to display image information; and a window coupled to the display unit so as to cover one surface of the display unit. The first cover may be provided with a window mounting portion configured to mount the window thereto.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal may further include a third waterproof layer arranged between the window mounting portion and the window.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal may further include a non-metallic coupling formed as a single structure at the front and rear surfaces of the metallic frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the non-metallic coupling and the metallic frame comprise an integral unit, and the non-metallic coupling may be integrally formed with the metallic frame and the non-metallic coupling may be formed by plastic overmold through and about the metallic frame and the non-metallic coupling may be formed between the edge portion and the base portion on both sides of the metallic frame

According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the metallic frame may be provided with a hole penetrating between the front surface and the rear surface and a portion of the non-metallic coupling passes through the hole and joins the non-metallic coupling on the front surface with the non-metallic coupling on the rear surface, wherein the non-metallic coupling and the metallic frame comprise an integral unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the non-metallic coupling may be formed by plastic overmold through and about the metallic frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second waterproof layers may be arranged between the non-metallic coupling and the first and second covers, respectively.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first waterproof layer may be disposed to fill a gap between the first cover and the metallic frame, and wherein the first waterproof layer may be implemented as a waterproof member having opposing surfaces that are attached to the first cover and the metallic frame, respectively.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second waterproof layer may include: a first member coupled to a groove portion of the second cover; and a second member protruding from the first member, and transformed toward an interior of the mobile terminal when the second cover is coupled to the metallic frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the non-metallic coupling may be provided with a socket mounting portion for mounting a socket thereto, the socket to which an external device is electrically-connected, and wherein a second through portion for passing a third flexible printed circuit board therethrough may be formed at a partition wall which defines the socket mounting portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the second cover may be coupled to the metallic frame, the second member may be adhered to the partition wall.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the edge portion may a plurality of radiation portions configured to radiate wireless signals at different frequency bands.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, patterns may be formed on one surface of the second cover, so as to form a radiator together with the radiation portions.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiation portion and the pattern may be connected to each other by a coupling portion penetratingly-formed at the second cover, and may operate as a radiator of an antenna.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal may further include: a through hole configured to insert the coupling portion thereinto; and a conductive connection portion which extends from an inner circumference of the through hole to the radiation portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal may further include a main printed circuit board disposed on a rear surface of the metallic frame, and configured to transmit heat to the metallic frame. The metallic frame may be provided with a rib protruding from a rear surface of the metallic frame, so as to divide a first region where the main printed circuit board may be mounted from a second region where a battery is mounted.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal may further include a sub printed circuit board disposed at a third region divided from the second region by the rib. The metallic frame may be provided with a first through portion for passing a first flexible printed circuit board therethrough, the first flexible printed circuit board configured to connect the display unit and the sub printed circuit board with each other.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal may further include a second flexible printed circuit board configured to connect the main printed circuit board and the sub printed circuit board with each other. The second flexible printed circuit board may cover the battery partially, and extend from the main printed circuit board to the sub printed circuit board.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second cover may be provided with an opening positioned to expose the battery. The second cover may be provided with a first concaved portion recessed from one surface of the second cover along an outer periphery of the opening. And a fourth waterproof layer may be arranged at the first concaved portion

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal may further include a third cover coupled to the second cover or the metallic frame, so as to cover the second cover and the battery. The third cover may be provided with a second concaved portion recessed from one surface thereof in correspondence to the first concaved portion.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention can have the following advantages.

Firstly, temperature increase inside the mobile terminal due to heat generation from an electronic device can be restricted.

Secondly, the mobile terminal can have a waterproof function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Description will now be given in detail of the exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components will be provided with the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. Hereinafter, a mobile terminal of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. The suffixes “module”, “unit” and “portion” for components used in the following description are provided only for facilitation of preparing this specification, and thus they are not granted a specific meaning or function. In addition, when it is determined that a detailed description of a technology known in the related art would not add value to an explanation of the nature and gist of the present invention, the detailed description of the technology is omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for helping get an easy understanding of the idea of the present invention and notably, should not be construed as imposing any limitation on the idea of the invention.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention may include a portable phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), a navigation system, etc. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may also be applicable to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV and a desktop computer.

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

The mobile terminal100may comprise components, such as a wireless communication unit110, an Audio/Video (NV) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface unit170, a controller180, a power supply unit190, and the like.FIG. 1shows the mobile terminal100having various components, but it is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement. A greater or fewer number of components may alternatively be implemented.

Hereinafter, each component is described in sequence.

The wireless communication unit110may typically include one or more components which permit wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal100and a network within which the mobile terminal100is located. For example, the wireless communication unit110may include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless internet module113, a short-range communication module114, a position information module115, and the like.

The broadcast receiving module111may receive broadcast signals and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast management server (or other network entity) 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 associated information may refer to information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program or a broadcast service provider. 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 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 signal 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.

Broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting associated information received through the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in the memory160.

The mobile communication module112transmits/receives wireless signals to/from at least one of network entities (e.g., base station, an external terminal, a server, etc.) on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signals may include audio call signal, video call signal, or various formats of data according to transmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

The mobile communication module112is configured to implement a video call mode and a voice call mode. The video call mode indicates a call performed while a user views counterpart, whereas the voice call mode indicates a call performed while a user does not view counterpart. For implementation of the video call mode and the voice call mode, the mobile communication module112is configured to transmit and receive at least one of voice data and image data.

The wireless internet module113supports wireless Internet access for the mobile terminal. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100. Examples of such wireless Internet access may include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wi-Fi, Wireless Broadband (WIBRO)®, World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX)®, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

The short-range communication module114denotes a module for short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing this module may include BLUETOOTH®, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA)®, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee®, and the like.

The position information module115denotes a module for sensing or calculating a position of a mobile terminal. An example of the position information module115may include a Global Position System (GPS) module.

Referring toFIG. 1, the A/V input unit120is configured to receive an audio or video signal. The NV input unit120may include a camera121, a microphone122or the like. The camera121processes image frames such as still images or moving images acquired by an image sensor in a video call mode or an image capturing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a display unit151.

The image frames processed by the camera121may be stored in the memory160or transmitted to the outside 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 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 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 while receiving and transmitting audio signals.

The user input unit130may generate input data for allowing a user to control various operations of the mobile communication 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 unit140detects 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(e.g., 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 open 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 output unit150is configured to provide outputs in a visual, audible, and/or tactile manner. The output unit150may include the display unit151, an audio output module153, an alarm unit154, a haptic module155, and the like.

The display unit151may display 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. When the mobile terminal100is in a video call mode or image capturing mode, the display unit151may display a captured image and/or received image, or a UI or GUI.

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, and an e-ink display.

Some of these displays may be configured to be transparent so that outside may be seen therethrough, which may be referred to as a transparent display. A representative example of the transparent display may include a Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED), and the like. The rear surface portion of the display unit151may also be implemented to be optically transparent. Under this configuration, a user can view an object positioned at a rear side of a body through a region occupied by the display unit151of the body.

The display unit151may be implemented in two or more in number according to a configured aspect of the mobile terminal100. For instance, a plurality of displays may be arranged on one surface integrally or separately, or may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit151may also be implemented as a stereoscopic display unit152for displaying stereoscopic images.

Here, the stereoscopic image may be a three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic image, and the 3D stereoscopic image may be an image making a viewer feel that a gradual depth and reality of an object on a monitor or a screen is the same as a reality space. A 3D stereoscopic image may be implemented by using binocular disparity. Binocular disparity refers to disparity made by the positions of two eyes. When two eyes view different 2D images, the images are transferred to the brain through the retina and combined in the brain to provide the perception of depth and reality sense.

The stereoscopic display unit152may employ a stereoscopic display scheme such as stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or the like. Stereoscopic schemes commonly used for home television receivers, or the like, include Wheatstone stereoscopic scheme, or the like.

The auto-stereoscopic scheme includes, for example, a parallax barrier scheme, a lenticular scheme, an integral imaging scheme, or the like. The projection scheme includes a reflective holographic scheme, a transmissive holographic scheme, or the like.

In general, a 3D stereoscopic image is comprised of a left image (a left eye image) and a right image (a right eye image). According to how left and right images are combined into a 3D stereoscopic image, the 3D stereoscopic imaging method may be divided into a top-down method in which left and right images are disposed up and down in a frame, an L-to-R (left-to-right, side by side) method in which left and right images are disposed left and right in a frame, a checker board method in which fragments of left and right images are disposed in a tile form, an interlaced method in which left and right images are alternately disposed by columns and rows, and a time sequential (or frame by frame) method in which left and right images are alternately displayed by time.

Also, as for a 3D thumbnail image, a left image thumbnail and a right image thumbnail are generated from a left image and a right image of the original image frame, respectively, and then combined to generate a single 3D thumbnail image. In general, thumbnail refers to a reduced image or a reduced still image. The thusly generated left image thumbnail and the right image thumbnail are displayed with a horizontal distance difference therebetween by a depth corresponding to the disparity between the left image and the right image on the screen, providing a stereoscopic space sense.

As illustrated, a left image and a right image required for implementing a 3D stereoscopic image may be displayed on the stereoscopic display unit152by a stereoscopic processing unit (not shown). The stereoscopic processing unit may receive the 3D image and extract the left image and the right image, or may receive the 2D image and change it into a left image and a right image.

If the display unit151and a touch sensitive sensor (referred to as a touch sensor) have a layered structure therebetween, the structure may be referred to as a touch screen. The display unit151may be used as an input device rather than an output device. The touch sensor may be implemented as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert changes of a pressure applied to a specific part of the display unit151, or capacitance occurring from a specific part of the display unit151, into electric input signals. Also, the touch sensor may be configured to sense not only a touched position and a touched area, but also a touch pressure. Here, a touch object is an object to apply a touch input onto the touch sensor. Examples of the touch object may include a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer or the like.

When touch inputs are sensed by the touch sensors, corresponding signals are transmitted to a touch controller (not shown). The touch controller processes the received signals, and then transmits corresponding data to the controller180. Accordingly, the controller180may sense which region of the display unit151has been touched.

Referring toFIG. 1, a proximity sensor141may be arranged at an inner region of the mobile terminal blocked by the touch screen, or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor141indicates a sensor to sense presence or absence of an object approaching to a surface to be sensed, or an object disposed near a surface to be sensed, by using an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor141has a longer lifespan and a more enhanced utility than a contact sensor.

The proximity sensor141may include a transmissive type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillation proximity sensor, capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, and so on. When the touch screen is implemented as capacitance type, proximity of a pointer to the touch screen is sensed by changes of an electromagnetic field. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be categorized into the proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for the sake of brief explanation, a status that the pointer is positioned to be proximate onto the touch screen without contact will be referred to as ‘proximity touch’, whereas a status that the pointer substantially comes in contact with the touch screen will be referred to as ‘contact touch’. For the position corresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer on the touch screen, such position corresponds to a position where the pointer faces perpendicular to the touch screen upon the proximity touch of the pointer.

The proximity sensor141senses proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (e.g., distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, etc.). Information relating to the sensed proximity touch and the sensed proximity touch patterns may be output onto the touch screen.

When a touch sensor is overlaid on the stereoscopic display unit152in a layered manner (hereinafter, referred to as ‘stereoscopic touch screen’), or when the stereoscopic display unit152and a 3D sensor sensing a touch operation are combined, the stereoscopic display unit152may also be used as a 3D input device.

As examples of the 3D sensor, the sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor141, a stereoscopic touch sensing unit142, an ultrasonic sensing unit143, and a camera sensing unit144.

The proximity sensor141detects the distance between a sensing object (e.g., the user's finger or a stylus pen) applying a touch by using the force of electromagnetism or infrared rays without a mechanical contact and a detect surface. By using the distance, the terminal recognizes which portion of a stereoscopic image has been touched. In particular, when the touch screen is an electrostatic touch screen, the degree of proximity of the sensing object is detected based on a change of an electric field according to proximity of the sensing object, and a touch to the 3D image is recognized by using the degree of proximity.

The stereoscopic touch sensing unit142is configured to detect the strength or duration of a touch applied to the touch screen. For example, the stereoscopic touch sensing unit142may sense touch pressure. When the pressure is strong, it may recognize the touch as a touch with respect to an object located farther away from the touch screen toward the inside of the terminal.

The ultrasonic sensing unit143is configured to recognize position information of the sensing object by using ultrasonic waves.

The ultrasonic sensing unit143may include, for example, an optical sensor and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The optical sensor is configured to sense light and the ultrasonic sensors may be configured to sense ultrasonic waves. Since light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, a time for which the light reaches the optical sensor is much shorter than a time for which the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, a position of a wave generation source may be calculated by using a time difference from the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches based on the light as a reference signal.

The camera sensing unit144includes at least one of a camera121, a photo sensor, and a laser sensor.

For example, the camera121and the laser sensor may be combined to detect a touch of the sensing object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. When distance information detected by a laser sensor is added to a 2D image captured by the camera, 3D information can be obtained.

In another example, a photo sensor may be laminated on the mobile terminal. The photo sensor is configured to scan a movement of the sensing object in proximity to the touch screen. In detail, the photo sensor includes photo diodes and transistors at rows and columns to scan content mounted on the photo sensor by using an electrical signal changing according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the photo sensor calculates the coordinates of the sensing object according to variation of light to thus obtain position information of the sensing object.

The audio output module153may 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 module153may 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 module153may include a speaker, a buzzer or the like.

The alarm unit154outputs a signal for informing about an occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal100. Events generated in the mobile terminal may include call signal reception, message reception, key signal inputs, a touch input etc. In addition to video or audio signals, the alarm unit154may output signals in a different manner, for example, using vibration to inform about an occurrence of an event. The video or audio signals may be also outputted via the audio output module153, so the display unit151and the audio output module153may be classified as parts of the alarm unit154.

A haptic module155generates various tactile effects the user may feel. A typical example of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module155is vibration. The strength and pattern of the haptic module155can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be combined to be outputted or sequentially outputted.

Besides vibration, the haptic module155may 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 module155may 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 modules155may 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 the interface unit170.

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.

Also, the controller180may execute a lock state to restrict a user from inputting control commands for applications when a state of the mobile terminal meets a preset condition. Also, the controller180may control a lock screen displayed in the lock state based on a touch input sensed on the display unit151in the lock state of the mobile terminal.

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 software code that may perform one or more of the 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 a mobile terminal according to the present invention, andFIG. 3is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal ofFIG. 2.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the mobile terminal200according to the present invention is provided with a bar type terminal body204. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but may be applied to a slide type in which two or more bodies are coupled to each other so as to perform a relative motion, a folder type, a swing type, and the like. Further, the mobile terminal of the present invention may be applied to any portable electronic device having a camera and a flash, for instance, a portable phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Portable Multimedia Players (PMO), etc.

The mobile terminal200includes a terminal body204which forms the appearance thereof.

A housing which forms the appearance of the terminal body204may include a first cover201, a second cover202(FIG. 4, 5), and a battery cover or third cover203for covering the rear surface of the second cover202.

A space formed by the first cover201and the second cover202may accommodate various components therein. Such covers may be formed by injection-molded synthetic resin, or may be formed using a metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

On the front surface of the terminal body204, may be disposed a display unit210, a first audio output unit211, a front camera216, a side key214, an interface unit215, and a signal input unit217.

The display unit210may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) module, organic light emitting diodes (OLED) module, e-paper, etc., each for visually displaying information. The display unit210may include a touch sensing means for inputting information in a touch manner. A display unit210including a touch sensing means may be called a ‘touch screen’ or a ‘touch screen210’ herein. Once part of the touch screen210is touched, content corresponding to the touched position is input. The content input in a touch manner, may be characters, or numbers, or menu items which can be set in each mode. The touch sensing means may be transmissive so that the display can be viewed, and may include a structure for enhancing visibility of the touch screen at a bright place. Referring toFIG. 2, the touch screen210occupies most of the front surface of the first cover201.

The first audio output unit211may be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear, or a loud speaker for outputting each type of alarm sound or a playback sound of multimedia.

The front camera216processes image frames such as still images or moving images, acquired by an image sensor in a video call mode or a capturing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on the display unit210.

The image frames processed by the front camera216may be stored in the memory160, or may be transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit110. The front camera216may be implemented in two or more according to a user's interface.

The signal input unit217is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal200, and may include a plurality of input keys. The input keys may be referred to as manipulation portions, and may include any type of ones that can be manipulated in a user's tactile manner.

For instance, the signal input unit217may be implemented as a dome switch, or a touch screen, or a touch pad for inputting commands or information in a user's push or touch manner. Alternatively, the signal input unit217may be implemented, for example, as a wheel for rotating a key, a jog, or a joystick. The signal input unit217is configured to input various commands such as START, END and SCROLL.

A side key214, an interface unit215, an audio input unit213, etc. may be disposed on the side surface of the first cover201.

The side key214may be called a ‘manipulation unit’, and may be configured to receive commands for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal200. The side key214may include any type of ones that can be manipulated in a user's tactile manner. Content input by the side key214may be variously set. For instance, through the side key214, may be input commands such as controlling the front and rear cameras216and221, controlling the level of sound output from the audio output unit211, and converting a current mode of the display unit210into a touch recognition mode.

The audio input unit213may be implemented as a microphone for receiving a user's voice, other sound, etc.

The interface unit215serves a path through which the mobile terminal200performs data exchange, etc. with an external device. For example, the interface unit215may be at least one of a connection terminal through which the mobile terminal200is connected to an ear phone by cable or radio, a port for local area communication, e.g., an infrared data association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth® portion, a wireless LAN port, and power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal200. The interface unit215may be a card socket for accommodating an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) card, a user identity module (UIM) card or a memory card for storing information.

A power supply unit240(FIG. 4) and the rear camera221are disposed on the rear surface of the body204.

A flash222and a mirror (not shown) may be disposed close to the rear camera221. When capturing an object by using the rear camera221, the flash222provides light onto the object.

When the user captures an image of himself/herself by using the rear camera221, the mirror can be used for the user to look at himself/herself therein.

The rear camera221may face a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by the front camera216, and may have different pixels from those of the front camera216.

For example, the front camera216may operate with relatively lower pixels (lower resolution). Thus, the front camera216may be useful when a user can capture his face and send it to another party during a video call or the like. On the other hand, the rear camera221may operate with a relatively higher pixels (higher resolution) such that it can be useful for a user to obtain higher quality pictures for later use. The front camera216and the rear camera221may be installed at the terminal body204so as to rotate or pop-up.

The power supply unit240is configured to supply power to the mobile terminal200. The power supply unit240may be mounted in the terminal body204, or may be detachably mounted to the terminal body204.

Referring toFIG. 4, the mobile terminal includes a window210aand a display module210bwhich constitute the display unit210. The window210amay be coupled to one surface of the first cover201. The window210aand the display module210bmay be integrally formed with each other.

A metallic frame300, configured to support electronic devices, is formed between the first cover201and the second cover202. The metallic frame300, a structure to support inside of the mobile terminal, may be configured to support at least one of the display module210b, the camera module221, an antenna device, an antenna module290having a plurality of antenna devices, a battery240and a main printed circuit board251.

The metallic frame300may be configured such that part thereof is exposed to outside of the mobile terminal. Further, the metallic frame300may constitute part of a sliding module which connects the terminal body and the display unit with each other, in a slide type mobile terminal, not a bar type mobile terminal.

Referring toFIG. 4, the main printed circuit board251is disposed between the metallic frame300and the second cover202, and the display module210bis coupled to one surface of the metallic frame300. The main printed circuit board251and the battery240may be disposed on another surface of the metallic frame300, and a battery cover or third cover203for covering the battery240may be coupled to the second cover202.

The window210ais coupled to one surface of the first cover201. A touch sensing pattern, configured to sense a touch input, may be formed on one surface of the window210a. The touch sensing pattern may be formed of a light transmissive material. The touch sensing pattern may be mounted to a front surface of the window210a, and may be configured to convert a change of a voltage occurring from a specific part of the window210ainto an electric input signal.

The display module210bmay be mounted to a rear surface of the window210a. In this embodiment, the display module210bis implemented as a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For instance, the display module210bmay be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, etc.

As aforementioned, the main printed circuit board251may be mounted to one surface of the metallic frame300. However, the printed circuit board250may be mounted below the display module210b. At least one electronic device is mounted onto a surface of the main printed circuit board251.

A battery accommodation portion260, which is recessed to accommodate the battery240therein, may be formed at the metallic frame300. A contact terminal (not shown) connected to the main printed circuit board251may be located adjacent to one side surface of the battery accommodation portion260, so that the battery240can supply power to the terminal body.

An antenna module may be formed on an upper end or a lower end of the mobile terminal. The antenna module may be formed in plurality in number, and the plurality of antenna modules may be disposed at the respective ends. The antenna modules may be configured to transmit and receive radio signals in different frequency bands. Such antenna module may include conductive members formed on one surface of a carrier. For instance, a carrier, where conductive members have been formed, may be mounted to a lower part of the mobile terminal. The carrier may be coupled to the second cover202by coupling means such as screws. In this case, the screws may be coupled to holes of the second cover202through holes of the carrier.

The metallic frame300may operate as a ground. That is, the main printed circuit board251or the antenna module may be ground-connected to the metallic frame300, and the metallic frame300may operate as a ground of the main printed circuit board251or the antenna module. In such an embodiment, the metallic frame300may extend a ground region of the mobile terminal.

The main printed circuit board251is electrically connected to the antenna module, and is configured to process radio signals (or radio electromagnetic waves) transmitted and received by the antenna module. For processing of radio signals, a plurality of transceiving circuits may be mounted to the main printed circuit board251.

The transceiving circuits may include one or more integrated circuits and related electronic devices. As an example, the transceiving circuits may include a transmission integrated circuit, a reception integrated circuit, a switching circuit, an amplifier, etc.

As the plurality of transceiving circuits simultaneously feed conductive members formed in conductive patterns, a plurality of antenna modules may operate simultaneously. For instance, while one of the transceiving circuits performs signal transmission, another may perform signal reception. Alternatively, both of the transceiving circuits may perform signal transmission or signal reception.

Coaxial cables may be formed to connect the main printed circuit board251with the antenna modules. For instance, the coaxial cables may be connected to feeding devices for feeding the antenna modules.

Patterns of antenna devices may be formed at one side and another side of the second cover202. The respective antenna devices are configured to transceive (transmit and receive) signals in different frequency bands.

For instance, a first antenna device may be configured to transceive DCN 1× type or PCS 1× type signals, and a second antenna device may be configured to transceive DCN EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized or Evolution-Data Only) type signals.

If the first antenna device transceives LTE B4 type signals, the second antenna device may transceive LTE B13 type signals.

Alternatively, if the first antenna device transceives signals corresponding to voice service of the mobile terminal, the second antenna device may transceive data signals corresponding to LTE service of the mobile terminal.

Referring toFIG. 5, the first cover201is coupled to a front surface of the metallic frame300, and the second cover202is coupled to a rear surface of the metallic frame300. The first cover201may be referred to as a front cover, and the second cover202may be referred to as a rear cover.

The metallic frame300includes a base portion310and an edge portion320, and the metallic frame300is configured to support inside of the terminal body. The metallic frame300may form appearance of the terminal body as part thereof is exposed to outside.

The base portion310may be formed to have a plate shape, and the display unit210may be arranged on a front surface of the base portion310. The display unit210may be supported by the base portion310as one surface thereof comes in contact with the base portion310. The display unit210may include the display module210band the window210a. The display module210band the window210amay be integrally formed with each other. The display unit210may be coupled to the mobile terminal as the window210aof the display unit210is mounted to the first cover201. In such an embodiment, the first cover201may be provided with a window mounting portion201cfor mounting the window210athereto.

The edge portion320may be formed along an outer periphery of the base portion310, and may be exposed to outside of the terminal body between the first cover201and the second cover202. The edge portion320may be connected to the base portion310, thereby emitting heat generated from inside of the mobile terminal to outside. In this case, one or more light emitting portions may come in contact with the base portion310.

The base portion310and the edge portion320may be partitioned from each other by a non-metallic coupling330. The non-metallic coupling330may be formed of a synthetic resin, etc., and may be integrally formed at the metallic frame300by plastic overmold.

In a case where the first cover201is coupled to a front surface of the metallic frame300and the second cover202is coupled to a rear surface of the metallic frame300, waterproof layers may be formed between the covers201,202and the metallic frame300. For instance, a first waterproof layer201bmay be formed between the metallic frame300and the first cover201, and the second waterproof layer205may be formed between the metallic frame300and the second cover202.

The waterproof layers201band205may be formed between the covers201,202and the non-metallic coupling330which covers the metallic frame300. That is, one of the sides of the waterproof layers201b,205may be adhered to the non-metallic coupling330. An adhered state between components for waterproofing may be more preferably implemented on a non-metallic surface, than on a metallic surface.

The first waterproof layer201bmay be disposed to fill a gap between the first cover201and the metallic frame300. In a case where the front side of the metallic frame300includes a portion that is covered by the non-metallic coupling330, the first waterproof layer201bmay be formed between the non-metallic coupling330and the first cover201. Two surfaces of the first waterproof layer201bmay be attached to the first cover201and the metallic frame300, respectively. Alternatively, two surfaces of the first waterproof layer201bmay be attached to the first cover201and the non-metallic coupling330, respectively. The first waterproof layer201bmay be implemented as a double-sided tape.

The second waterproof layer205may be coupled to the second cover202. For this, the second cover202may be provided with a groove portion202b. The groove portion202bmay be formed along an edge of the second cover202. The second waterproof layer205may be provided with a first member205aand a second member205b, and the first member205amay be coupled to the groove portion202b. The second member205bmay be protruding from the first member205a, and may be transformed toward inside of the mobile terminal when the second cover202is coupled to the metallic frame300. The second member205bmay be formed of a rubber material having elasticity.

A third waterproof layer201amay be formed between the window mounting portion201cand the window210a. The third waterproof layer201amay be implemented as a double-sided tape, and two surfaces thereof may be attached to the window mounting portion201cand the window210a, respectively.

The second cover202may be provided with an opening202athrough which the battery240is exposed to outside. A third cover203may be coupled to the second cover202or the metallic frame300so as to cover the opening202aand the second cover202.

The metallic frame300may be provided for both a heat radiating function and a waterproof function. The metallic frame300may be connected to a conductive pattern of an antenna, so as to operate as a radiator of the antenna.

FIG. 6is a rear view of the metallic frame300according to an embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 7is a view illustrating a state where the non-metallic coupling330has been coupled to the metallic frame300ofFIG. 6, andFIG. 8is a view illustrating a front surface of the metallic frame300ofFIG. 7. More specifically,FIG. 6illustrates the metallic frame300in a state where the non-metallic coupling330has not been coupled to the metallic frame300.FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate a rear surface and a front surface, respectively, of the metallic frame300in a state where the non-metallic coupling330has been coupled to the metallic frame300.

Referring toFIGS. 6 to 8, the metallic frame300is provided with the base portion310and the edge portion320. The base portion310and the edge portion320are partitioned from each other on the front surface and the rear surface of the metallic frame300, by the non-metallic coupling330coupled to the metallic frame300.

The metallic frame300and the non-metallic coupling330may be integrally formed with each other by plastic overmold. Plastic overmold is a method for integrally forming a plastic member at a metallic member. For such plastic overmold, one or more through holes H may be formed in the metallic frame300to which the non-metallic coupling330is coupled. Once the injected non-metallic coupling330is hardened it covers the holes H, in this manner, the non-metallic coupling330may be integrally formed at the metallic frame300.

A plurality of regions are formed on a rear surface of the metallic frame300. The respective regions may be partitioned from each other by a rib311protruding from the rear surface of the metallic frame300.

A first region (R1) is a region formed on an upper part of the rear surface of the metallic frame300, and a main printed circuit board251may be arranged on the first region (R1). A second region (R2) is a region formed on a central part of the rear surface of the metallic frame300, and the battery240for supplying power to the mobile terminal may be arranged at the second region (R2). A third region (R3) may be formed below the second region (R2), and may be partitioned from the second region (R2) by the rib311. A sub printed circuit board252may be arranged at the third region (R3).

A plurality of electronic devices251amay be mounted to one surface of the main printed circuit board251. Such electronic device may be a microprocessor for communication which operates at a high speed, or a microprocessor for non-communication. Especially, such electronic device may be a communication chip including a modem chip, an RF transmitter chip and an RF receiver chip, and/or a power supply chip including a PA (Power Amplifier) chip and a PMIC (Power Management IC) chip. While the aforementioned communication chip and/or the power supply chip operate, a large amount of heat may be generated. That is, in a mobile terminal which becomes more diversified, the amount of power used by not only the mobile terminal but also a wireless communication device is increased. Accordingly, the amount of heat generated from the wireless communication device is also increased. If heat generated from the wireless communication device is effectively emitted to outside of the mobile terminal, the entire temperature of the mobile terminal can be stably controlled. Further, heat may be also generated from the power supply chip due to an inner resistance, the power supply chip configured to supply power to the wireless communication device, to convert power, to rectify a current, to accumulate power, etc. In the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, heat generated from the electronic devices251ais effectively emitted to outside of the mobile terminal. This can allow the entire temperature of the mobile terminal to be stably controlled.

Such electronic device251amay be disposed so as to be in contact with a thermal conductive member. Under such configuration, when the thermal conductive member and the metallic frame300contact each other, heat generated from the electronic device251amay be transmitted to the metallic frame300through the thermal conductive member.

Alternatively, heat generated from the electronic device251amay be transmitted to the metallic frame300in a state where the electronic device251aand the metallic frame300come in contact with each other. Still alternatively, heat generated from the electronic device251amay be transmitted to the metallic frame300in a state where the electronic device251aand the metallic frame300do not come in contact with each other.

The edge portion320may include a plurality of radiation portions configured to radiate wireless signals at different frequency bands. The radiation portion may include a first radiation portion321and a second radiation portion322, and may be configured such that the respective radiation portions operate at different frequency bands. The radiation portion may form a radiator together with a pattern connected to the radiation portion. Such pattern may be formed at the second cover202. The pattern may include a first pattern (P1) connected to the first radiation portion321, and a second pattern (P2) connected to the second radiation portion322.

The mobile terminal may further include a through hole341and a conductive connection portion342, for connection of the radiation portion of the metallic frame300with the pattern of the second cover202. The through hole341and the conductive connection portion342may be formed in the non-metallic coupling330or the metallic frame300. In a case where the through hole341and the conductive connection portion342are formed in the metallic frame300, the through hole341and the conductive connection portion342correspond to part of the metallic frame300, the part not covered by the non-metallic coupling330.

The through hole341is configured to insert therein a conductive coupling291(FIG. 4) penetratingly-formed at the second cover202. Once the conductive coupling291is inserted into the through hole341, the radiation portion and the pattern are electrically-connected to each other. The conductive connection portion342, a conductive pattern which extends from an inner circumference of the through hole341to the radiation portion, is configured to electrically-connect the through hole341and the radiation portion with each other.

FIG. 9is a view illustrating a state where the battery240, the printed circuit boards251,252, etc. have been mounted to the metallic frame300ofFIG. 7to which the non-metallic coupling330has been coupled.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 9, a rear surface of the metallic frame300may be divided into a first region (R1), a second region (R2) and a third region (R3).

The main printed circuit board251is arranged at the first region (R1), the battery240is arranged at the second region (R2), and the sub printed circuit board252is arranged at the third region (R3).

Referring toFIG. 7, the metallic frame300is provided with a first through portion312. A first flexible printed circuit board210c(refer toFIG. 4), which connects the display unit210and the sub printed circuit board252with each other, passes through the first through portion312. The first through portion312may be formed at the third region (R3). The display unit210formed on a front surface of the metallic frame300, and the sub printed circuit board252formed on a rear surface of the metallic frame300may be connected with each other by the first flexible printed circuit board210c.

In this case, the sub printed circuit board252may be provided with one or more electronic devices for transmitting a signal to the display unit210, or for controlling the display unit210. Alternatively, the sub printed circuit board252may be provided with one or more electronic devices for processing a touch sensing signal received from the touch sensing pattern. The touch sensing pattern and the sub printed circuit board252may be connected with each other by the first flexible printed circuit board210c. For this, the first flexible printed circuit board210cmay be provided with a plurality of lines. Some of the lines may connect the display unit210and the sub printed circuit board252with each other, and others of the lines may connect the touch sensing pattern and the sub printed circuit board252with each other.

Referring toFIG. 9, the main printed circuit board251and the sub printed circuit board252are spaced from each other in a state where the battery240is interposed therebetween. Second flexible printed circuit boards261and262, configured to connect the main printed circuit board251and the sub printed circuit board252with each other, may be provided in order to transceive (transmit and receive) a signal by electrically-connecting the main printed circuit board251and the sub printed circuit board252with each other.

The second flexible printed circuit boards261and262may cover the battery240partially. The second flexible printed circuit boards261and262may extend from the main printed circuit board251to the sub printed circuit board252, because the main printed circuit board251and the sub printed circuit board252are spaced from each other in a state where the battery240is interposed therebetween. In case of an integrated type battery not a detachable type battery, the battery240, the main printed circuit board251and the sub printed circuit board252are mounted to a rear surface of the metallic frame300. Then the main printed circuit board251and the sub printed circuit board252are connected with each other using the second flexible printed circuit boards261and262. Such procedures are advantageous for assembly processes. The battery240may have an increased or decreased volume according to a usage state thereof. Accordingly, the second flexible printed circuit boards261and262are arranged to cover the battery240. Also, the second flexible printed circuit boards261and262are formed to have a margin more than a prescribed length, so as to maintain a connection with the main printed circuit board251or the sub printed circuit board252even if the battery240has an increased volume.

The mobile terminal may further include a coaxial cable263configured to electrically-connect the main printed circuit board251with the sub printed circuit board252spaced apart from the main printed circuit board251.

The non-metallic coupling330may be provided with a socket mounting portion331(FIG. 7) for mounting a socket219(FIG. 3,FIG. 4) thereto, the socket to which an external device may be electrically-connected. The socket mounting portion331and the third region (R3) may be partitioned from each other by a partition wall332. The partition wall332is provided with a second through portion333for passing a third flexible printed circuit board254therethrough. The sub printed circuit board252and the socket219can be electrically-connected to each other through the third flexible printed circuit board254which passes through the second through portion333.

Once the second cover202is coupled to the metallic frame300, the second member205bof the second waterproof layer205may be adhered to the partition wall332. In this state, the inside of the mobile terminal may have a sealed state.

FIG. 10is a view illustrating a front surface of the second cover202according to an embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 11is a view illustrating a rear surface of the second cover202according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 12is a view illustrating a rear surface of a third cover203according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 10, a second waterproof layer205may be formed on a front surface of the second cover202. The second waterproof layer205may be coupled to the second cover202. For this, the second cover202may be provided with a groove portion202b. The groove portion202bmay be formed along an edge of the second cover202. The second waterproof layer205may be provided with a first member205aand a second member205b, and the first member205amay be coupled to the groove portion202b. The second member205bmay be protruding from the first member205a, and may be transformed toward inside of the mobile terminal when the second cover202is coupled to the metallic frame300. The second member205bmay be formed of a rubber material having elasticity.

The second cover202may be provided with an opening202athrough which the battery240is exposed to outside. The battery240may have an increased or decreased volume according to a usage state thereof. The opening202amay provide a space for expansion of the battery240.

Referring toFIG. 11, the second cover202may be provided with a first concaved portion202c. The first concaved portion202cis recessed from one surface of the second cover202along an outer periphery of the opening202a. As foreign substances may be introduced into the opening202afrom outside, a fourth waterproof layer202d(refer toFIG. 5) may be formed at the first concaved portion202c.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 12, the third cover203serving as a battery cover may be coupled to the second cover202or the metallic frame300. The third cover203may be provided with a second concaved portion203arecessed from one surface thereof in correspondence to the first concaved portion202c. The fourth waterproof layer202dmay be formed between the first concaved portion202cand the second concaved portion203a. Two surfaces of the fourth waterproof layer202dmay be attached to the first concaved portion202cand the second concaved portion203a, respectively. Under such configuration, foreign substances can be prevented from being introduced into a gap between the third cover203and the second cover202, and inside of the mobile terminal can maintain a sealed state.