Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for a double rotation structure mobile terminal. The mobile terminal comprising a main body having a plurality of keys for inputting information and operating functions of the mobile terminal, and a folder having a display portion. A connection member is provided having a first connection portion rotatably coupled to the main body and a second connection portion integrally formed within the first connection portion and rotatably coupled to the folder. A locking connection member installed along a side of the main body for selectively controlling rotation of the connection member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     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. 10-2003-0097981, filed on Dec. 26, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a double rotation structure of a mobile terminal that is coupled between a main body and a folder for freely folding and unfolding the folder and adjusting position of a camera installed in the double rotation structure.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     A mobile terminal provides multimedia, internet access, voice transmission, and data transmission. The mobile terminal may have a camera for transmitting and/or receiving image shots from other mobile terminals.  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a conventional folder type mobile terminal.  FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating operation of a conventional folder type mobile terminal.  
         [0007]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the conventional mobile terminal comprises a main body  1  having a plurality of buttons  1   a  and a folder  3  rotatably coupled to the main body  1  at one end of the main body  1  through a hinge portion  3   a . The folder  3  opens or closes, i.e, folds or unfolds, with respect to a terminal main body  1  for protecting the terminal main body  1 . The folder  3  has a main display portion  2  for viewing an image produced by a camera  4  mounted on the folder  3 .  
         [0008]     A sub-display portion  3   b  is installed on a front side of the folder  3  to view an image shot by the camera  4 . The conventional mobile terminal has a voice transmission and reception mode and a camera mode.  
         [0009]     During the voice transmission and reception mode, a user rotates the folder  3  to a specified angle centering about the hinged portion  3   a  for opening the folder  3  as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0010]     During the camera mode, a user positions the camera  4  and focuses an image of an object within the folder  3 . The user shoots a picture of the object by pressing the buttons  1   a . The user may view the image of the object through the main display portion  2 .  
         [0011]     During the camera mode, the user positions and focuses the camera  4  on the user by turning the folder  3 . The user presses the button  1   a  to shoot a picture of the user. The user may view an image of the user through the sub-display portion  3   b.    
         [0012]     A conventional mobile terminal has a structure which limits an open angle of the folder between 120˜180°. The limited open angle causes inconvenience for a user. In one instance, a user shooting a picture of himself or herself cannot view an image of the user on the main display. The user of the conventional mobile terminal is limited to viewing an image of the user on the sub-display portion  3   b.    
         [0013]     Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that overcomes the above problems and provides advantages over other mobile terminals folding and unfolding structures.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment, a mobile terminal having a double rotation structure is disclosed. The mobile terminal comprises a main body having a plurality of keys for inputting information and operating functions of the mobile terminal and a folder having a display portion. A connection member is provided having a first connection portion rotatably coupled to the main body and a second connection portion integrally formed within the first connection portion and rotatably coupled to the folder. A locking connection member is installed along a side of the main body for selectively controlling rotation of the connection member.  
         [0016]     The mobile terminal may further comprise a first groove formed on the main body for reception of the connection member. The mobile terminal may further comprise a second groove formed on the folder for reception of the connection member.  
         [0017]     A first hinge axis is preferably formed on the main body for insertion into a first hinge groove formed on a first surface of the first connection portion. A second hinge axis is preferably formed on the folder for inserting into a second hinge groove formed on a first surface of the second connection portion.  
         [0018]     A first auxiliary groove is preferably formed on a second surface of the first connection portion. A first mounting groove may be formed on a second surface of the main body. A second auxiliary groove is preferably formed on a second surface of the second connecting portion. A second mounting groove may be formed on a second surface of the folder.  
         [0019]     The mobile terminal may further comprise a first auxiliary pin inserted in the first auxiliary groove and the first mounting groove and/or a second auxiliary pin inserted in the second auxiliary groove and the second mounting groove.  
         [0020]     The main body is preferably rotatably installed and centered about the first hinge axis and the first auxiliary pin. The folder is preferably rotatably installed and centered about the second hinge axis and the second auxiliary pin.  
         [0021]     The first connecting portion is preferably rotatably installed and centered about the first hinge axis and the first auxiliary pin. The second connecting portion is preferably rotatably installed and centered about the second hinge axis and the second auxiliary pin.  
         [0022]     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.  
         [0023]     These and other embodiments will also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiments disclosed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0025]     Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a conventional folder type mobile terminal.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an operation of a conventional folder type mobile terminal.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a mobile terminal having a double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the mobile terminal shown in  FIG. 3  of the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a disassembled perspective view showing main parts of the double rotation structure the mobile terminal depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first auxiliary pin of a mobile terminal having a double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second auxiliary pin of a mobile terminal having a double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating a connection member having a double rotation structure in a rotated state in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 9  is a front view illustrating a state that a mobile terminal having a double rotation structure is installed at right angles to a bottom surface in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the state shown in  FIG. 9  in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0036]     The present invention relates to a double rotation structure of a mobile terminal that is coupled between a main body and a folder for freely folding and unfolding the folder and adjusting position of a camera installed in the double rotation structure.  
         [0037]     Although the invention is illustrated with respect to a mobile terminal, it is contemplated that the invention may be utilized anywhere it is desired for repositioning electronic components within a mobile communication system for increasing a user ability to utilize the mobile terminal. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view and  FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating a mobile terminal having a double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0039]     The mobile terminal having a double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention provides a main body  100  having a plurality of keys  107  to input information and operate functions of the mobile terminal and a folder  200  having a display portion  205 . A connection member  300  having a first connecting portion  310  with a camera  500  and a second connecting portion  320  integrally formed with the first connecting portion  310 . The first connecting portion  310  is rotatably coupled to the main body  100  and the second connecting portion  320  is rotatably coupled to the folder  200 . A connection member locking means  400  is installed at one side of the main body  100  to selectively control rotation of the connection member  300 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a disassembled perspective view showing main parts of the double rotation structure the mobile terminal depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0041]     A first receiving groove  101  is formed on one side of the main body  100  for reception of the connection member  300 . A second receiving groove  201  is formed on one side of the folder  200  for reception of the connection member  300 .  
         [0042]     A first hinge groove  311  is formed on one surface of the first connecting portion  310 . A first hinge axis  103  is formed at one surface of the main body  100 , in particular, along an inner circumferential surface of the first receiving groove  101  for insertion into the first hinge groove  311 .  
         [0043]     A second hinge groove  321  is formed on one surface of the second connecting portion  320 , which corresponds with the first hinge groove  311 . A second hinge axis  203  is formed at one surface of the folder  200 , for example along an inner circumferential surface of the second receiving groove  201 , for insertion into the second hinge groove  321 .  
         [0044]     The first hinge groove  311  and the second hinge groove  321  of the connection member  300  cross each other, and the first hinge axis  103  and the second hinge axis  203  cross each other.  
         [0045]     A first auxiliary groove  312  is formed on the other side of the first connecting portion  310 , and a first mounting groove  102  is formed at the other side of the main body  100 . A first auxiliary pin  330  is inserted in the first auxiliary groove  312  and the first mounting groove  102 . A second auxiliary groove  322  is formed on the other side of the second connecting portion  320 , and a second mounting groove  202  is formed on the other side of the folder  200 . A second auxiliary pin  340  inserts in the second auxiliary groove  322  and the second mounting groove  202 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a side view showing a first auxiliary pin of the mobile terminal having a double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the first auxiliary pin  330  comprises a first fixed portion  331  inserted in the first mounting groove  102  and a first rotating portion  332  coupled rotatably and axially to the first fixing portion  331  for insertion into the first auxiliary groove  312 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second auxiliary pin of the mobile terminal having a double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0049]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the second auxiliary pin  340  provides a second fixed portion  431  inserted in the second mounting groove  202 , and a second rotating portion  432  coupled rotatably and axially to the second fixed portion  431  for insertion into the second auxiliary groove  322 .  
         [0050]     The main body  100  is rotatably centered about the first hinge axis  103  and the first auxiliary pin  330 . The folder  200  is rotatably centered about the second hinge axis  203  and the second auxiliary pin  340 .  
         [0051]     The main body  100  is rotatably installed centering around the first hinge axis  103  and the first auxiliary pin  330 . The folder  200  is also rotatably installed centering around the second hinge axis  203  and the second auxiliary pin  340 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating a connection member having a double rotation structure in a rotated state in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the connection member  300  is rotatable a specified angle in a state that the main body  100  and the folder  200  are not rotated. A mobile terminal having a double rotation structure provides for the folder being rotated or the connection member being rotated while the folder remains stationary.  
         [0054]     In the present invention double rotation structure, a user may freely adjust a direction of the camera  500  installed in the connection member  300  toward the user or an object allowing a user to conveniently shoot an image while watching the main display portion.  
         [0055]     In a mobile terminal having the double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention, there is no need for moving the folder  200  and the main body  100  because the connection member  300  is rotated toward the camera  500  to face the user. To achieve these functions, the first connecting portion  310  is installed rotatably centered about the first hinge axis  103  and the first auxiliary pin  330 , and the second connecting portion  320  is installed rotatably centered about the second hinge axis  203  and the second auxiliary pin  340 .  
         [0056]     Below is described the connection member locking means  400  utilized with the connection member  300  to prevent arbitrary movement of the folder  200  and main body  100 .  
         [0057]     The connection member locking means  400  secures the connection member  300  to prevent rotation during a voice transmission and reception mode. The connection member locking means  400  converts the connection member  300  into a rotatable state only when rotation of the connection member  300  is required, for example when a user desires to shoot a picture of himself or herself.  
         [0058]     The connection member locking member  400  provides a slider  416  installed slidably in the main body  100  and having a locking projection  411  formed at one surface to be selectively inserted in a locking groove  301  placed in the connection member  300 . A handgrip  412  is formed on the other surface. A spring  420  is installed adjacent to the slider  410  for flexibly moving the slider  410 .  
         [0059]     A slot  105  is formed at the upper surface of the main body  100 , and the handgrip  412  is exposed out of the main body  100  through the slot  105 .  
         [0060]     A stopping jaw  303  is formed at a part of an outer circumferential surface of the second connecting portion  320  in the connection member  300  for allowing the opened angle of the folder  200  to be constant when the folder  200  is opened.  
         [0061]     An operation of the mobile terminal having a double rotation structure is explained below.  
         [0062]     During a voice transmission and reception mode, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , upon rotation of the folder  200  for opening at a specified angle centered about the connection member  300 , a user talks over the phone with another user by using the buttons  107 . In this exemplary example, the folder  200  is rotated centered about the first hinge axis  203  and the second auxiliary pin  340 . When the folder  200  is opened, the folder  200  maintains a constant open angle using the stopping jaw  303 . The stopping jaw  303  is preferably formed on part of the middle portion of the outer circumferential surface of the connection member  300 . The user can conveniently talk over the phone with another user.  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , during the camera mode, a user adjusts a position of the camera  500  to a desired object and shoots an image of the object by pressing the buttons  107 . The user may observe the image that results through the display portion  205 .  
         [0064]     While a user shoots a picture of himself or herself, the user releases a locking state of the connection member locking means  400  to convert the connection member into a rotatable state.  
         [0065]     In this rotatable state, as the folder  200  is being opened, the locking projection  411  of the slider  410  disengages from of the locking groove  301  by pushing toward the spring  420  with a knob  412  to maintain the rotatable state of the connection member  300 . The first connecting portion  310  is rotated centering around the first hinge axis  103  and the first auxiliary pin  330 . The second connecting portion  320  is rotated centered around the second hinge axis  203  and the second auxiliary pin  340 . The direction of the camera  500  being installed, in this exemplary example, at a front surface of the first connecting portion  310  of the connection member  300  is rotated to face the user. The user shoots a picture of himself or herself by rotating the direction of the camera  500  without turning the folder  200  by 180°.  
         [0066]      FIG. 9  is a front view showing a state that the mobile terminal having the double rotation structure in accordance with the present invention is installed at right angles to the bottom surface.  FIG. 10  is a side view of the state shown in  FIG. 9  of the present invention.  
         [0067]     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , when the mobile terminal is placed on a bottom surface  600  of indoor or a table, the position of camera  500  may be adjusted to face a subject (not shown), and thereby the user may shoot an image of the subject. The user may use the mobile terminal, without holding the terminal in his hands, by putting the terminal on the bottom surface  600  of indoor or the table. As a result, the user may conveniently shoot an image utilizing the folder  200  and the main body  100  similar to a tripod supporting a camera.  
         [0068]     As stated above, the mobile terminal by adopting the double rotation structure of the present invention whereby the folder may be rotated and the connection member may also be rotated while the folder remains stationary. The double rotation feature permits the folder to be freely opened and closed. The connection member coupling to the main body to the folder allows the position of the camera installed at the connection member to be freely adjusted.  
         [0069]     As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential 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 spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.  
         [0070]     Although the present invention is described in the context of a mobile terminal, the present invention may also be used in any wired or wireless communication systems using mobile devices, such as PDAs and laptop computers equipped with wired and wireless communication capabilities. Moreover, the use of certain terms to describe the present invention should not limit the scope of the present invention to certain type of wireless communication system, such as UMTS. The present invention is also applicable to other wireless communication systems using different air interfaces and/or physical layers, for example, TDMA, CDMA, FDMA, WCDMA, etc.