Patent Publication Number: US-8542154-B2

Title: Portable terminal

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of Korean Application No. 10-2009-0060349 and Korean Application No. 10-2009-0066027, both filed on Jul. 2, 2009 and Jul. 20, 2009 respectively, both of which are herein expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a portable terminal, and particularly, to a portable terminal having an antenna for transmitting or receiving radio electromagnetic waves. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     In general, a terminal may be classified into a mobile (portable) terminal and a stationary terminal according to a moveable state. The mobile terminal may be also classified into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mount terminal according to a user&#39;s carriage method. 
     As functions of the terminal become more diversified, the 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. 
     Various attempts have been made to implement complicated functions in such a multimedia device by means of hardware or software. For instance, a User Interface (UI) environment is provided in a portable terminal to enable a user to easily and conveniently search for or select a desired function among available functions. 
     Besides, a method for enhancing a function of the hardware may be considered, and a function of an antenna of the portable terminal may be enhanced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal having an antenna capable of reinforcing an intensity of a body and transceiving (transmitting and receiving) radio electromagnetic waves. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal having an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving radio electromagnetic waves of multi bands. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal having an antenna of a slimmer size. 
     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a portable terminal, comprising: a ground portion mounted in a body of the portable terminal, and configured to form electrical ground of a circuit board which controls the portable terminal; a conductive member mounted to a case which forms appearance of the body, and formed of a conductive material; a first radiator electrically connected to the ground portion so as to be fed by the ground portion, and configured to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic waves; a second radiator formed of a conductive material, and connected to the conductive member so as to form an antenna pattern together with the ground portion and the conductive member, the antenna pattern consecutive with a feed point of the first radiator; and a connection member configured to electrically connect edges of the ground portion to the conductive member such that the first radiator and the antenna pattern form a dipole antenna. 
     Here, at least one of the first and second radiators may be patterned on a surface of the case. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the edge of the ground portion, the conductive member and the connection member may form a conductive loop. The conductive loop may form a closed loop. The first and second radiators may be connected to different parts of the closed loop. The conductive loop may transmit and receive radio electromagnetic waves of a frequency band different from that of the dipole antenna by being combined with the first radiator. The portable terminal may further comprise a third radiator. The third radiator may be electrically connected to the conductive loop so as to form an antenna together with the first radiator, the antenna which transmits and receives a frequency band different from that of the dipole antenna. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, the connection member may be protruding from the conductive member, and may elastically pressurize a connection port provided at the circuit board. The conductive member may be formed along edges of the body so as to form a frame of the body. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, the ground portion may include a conductive supporting member configured to support a display module which displays image information. And, the conductive supporting member may be provided with a connection port electrically connected to the connection member. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable terminal, comprising: a body having a display unit for displaying image information; a conductive frame portion mounted to a case which forms appearance of the body, and formed along edges of the body; a ground portion configured to form electrical ground of a circuit board which controls the display unit; a conductive connection portion configured to connect the ground portion and the conductive frame portion to each other at a plurality of locations so as to form slots together with the ground portion and the conductive frame portion; and a feeding portion configured to feed the slot such that the slot radiates electromagnetic waves. The portable terminal may further comprise an insulating portion configured to cover the conductive frame portion, and formed of an insulating material. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, the conductive frame portion may be formed to encompass the ground portion when projected in a direction perpendicular to the display unit. The conductive frame portion may include side frames and a connection frame. The side frames may be formed along two edges of the display unit, and the connection frame may be formed in a direction crossing the two edges of the display unit thereby to connect the side frames to each other. The conductive frame portion may be configured to form a closed loop. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, the ground portion may be formed at the circuit board, or at the conductive member which supports a display module. The conductive connection portion may connect the conductive frame portion and the ground portion to each other such that the slot is formed in plurality in number. The plurality of slots may be formed to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic waves of different frequency bands. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, the conductive connection portion may be extending from the conductive frame portion, and may elastically pressurize the connection port provided at the circuit board. The feeding portion may be implemented as a pattern formed of a conductive material, and may be electrically connected to the ground portion. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear disassembled view of a second body of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a conceptual view of a conductive loop formed by a conductive member, a ground portion and a connection member of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a brief conceptual view of an antenna of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a simulation result showing a resonance frequency of the antenna of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a disassembled view showing a modification example of a radiator according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a conceptual view of a conductive loop formed by a conductive member, a ground portion and a connection member of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front disassembled view of a portable terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a disassembled view of a first body of a portable terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a conceptual view of a slot antenna implemented by projecting a conductive frame portion, a ground portion, and a conductive connection portion of  FIG. 9  in a direction perpendicular to a display unit; 
         FIG. 11  is a disassembled view of a first body of a portable terminal according to still another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a conceptual view of a slot antenna implemented by projecting a conductive frame portion, a ground portion, and a conductive connection portion of  FIG. 11  in a direction perpendicular to a display unit; 
         FIG. 13  is a conceptual view of a notebook computer according to another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Description will now be given in detail of the present invention, 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 portable terminal according to the present invention will be explained in more detail. 
     The same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those of the aforementioned embodiment, and their explanations will be omitted. The singular expression of the present invention may include a plural concept unless distinctively differently defined. 
     The portable 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. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     A body of the portable terminal  100  of the present invention comprises a first body  110 , and a second body  120  coupled to the first body  110  by being slid along at least one direction. The present invention may not be limited to the slide type portable terminal, but may be applied to various types such as a bar type, a folder type, a swing type, and a swivel type. 
     A state that the first body  110  completely overlaps the second body  120  may be referred to as a ‘closed configuration’, whereas a state that one or more parts of the second body  120  are exposed by the first body  110  may be referred to as an ‘opened configuration’. 
     Under the closed configuration, the portable terminal is operated in a standby mode. However, the standby mode may be released by a user&#39;s manipulation. On the contrary, under the opened configuration, the portable terminal is operated in a call mode, etc. The call mode may be converted into the standby mode by a user&#39;s manipulation or after time lapses. 
     A case forming the appearance of the first body  110  (casing, housing cover, etc.) is formed by a front case  111  and a rear case  112 . Each kind of electronic components are mounted in a space formed by the front case  111  and the rear case  112 . If desired, one or more intermediate cases may be provided between the front case  111  and the rear case  112 . The front and rear cases are usually formed by injection-molding resin material, or formed using metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) and titanium (Ti). 
     On the front case  111  of the first body  110 , may be disposed a display unit  113 , an audio output unit  114 , a first image input unit  115  or a first manipulation unit  116 . 
     The display unit  113  may be implemented as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) module or an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) module, a Transparent OLED (TOLED) module, and so on. 
     The display unit  113  may also be configured to further include a touch pad for allowing information to be input by a user&#39;s touch. And, the display unit  113  may be configured to generate various tactile effects when being touched by a user. This may be implemented by a haptic module interworking with the display unit  113 . A representative tactile effect generated by the haptic module includes vibration. The haptic module may be variously arranged according to configuration aspects of not only the display unit  113 , but also the portable terminal. 
     The audio output unit  114  may be implemented as a speaker or a receiver. 
     The first image input unit  115  may be implemented as a camera module configured to capture a user&#39;s still images or moving images. 
     The first manipulation unit  116  is configured to receive commands to control the operation of the portable terminal according to the present invention. The first manipulation unit  116  may be implemented as a touch screen together with the display unit  113 . 
     Like the first body  110 , a case of the second body  120  may be formed by a front case  121  and a rear case  122 . 
     A second manipulation unit  123  may be disposed on a front surface of the front case  121  of the second body  120 . 
     A third manipulation unit  124 , a first audio input unit  125 , and an interface  126  may be disposed on at least one of the front case  121  and the rear case  122 . 
     The first to third manipulation units  116 ,  123  and  124  may be referred to as a manipulation unit, and may include any type of ones that can be manipulated in a user&#39;s tactile manner. 
     The manipulation unit may be implemented as dome switches or a touch pad for receiving commands or information by a user&#39;s push or touch operation, or may be implemented as a jog wheel or a joystick. 
     In the aspect of functions, the first manipulation unit  116  may be used to input commands such as START, END, and SCROLL, and the second manipulation unit  123  may serve numbers, characters, symbols, etc. And, the third manipulation unit  124  may serve as hot keys for performing specific functions such as activation of the first image input unit  115 . 
     The first audio input unit  125  may be implemented as a microphone so as to receive a user&#39;s voice or another sounds. 
     The interface  126  may serve as a passage through which the portable terminal of the present invention exchanges data with an external device. For instance, the interface  126  may be implemented as at least one of a wired/wireless connection port for connecting an earphone to the portable terminal, a short-range communications port (e.g., an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, etc.), power supply ports for providing power to the portable terminal, or the like. 
     The interface  126  may be configured using a card socket (e.g., for coupling to a memory card, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a user identity module (UIM) card, etc.). 
     A power supply unit  127  for supplying power to the portable terminal is mounted at the rear case  122 . The power supply unit  127  may be a rechargeable battery, for example, to be detachably mounted to the rear case  122  for charging.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a rear surface of the portable terminal of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a second image input unit  128  may be additionally mounted to a rear surface of the rear case  122 . The second image input unit  128  faces a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by the first image input unit  115  (refer to  FIG. 1 ), and may have pixels different from those of the first image input unit  115 . 
     For example, the first image input unit  115  may operate with relatively lower pixels (lower resolution). Thus, the first image input unit  115  may be useful when a user can capture his face and send it to a calling party in a video call mode or the like. On the other hand, the second image input unit  128  may 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. 
     A flash  129  and a mirror  130  may be additionally disposed adjacently to the second image input unit  128 . When capturing an object by using the second image input unit  128 , the flash  129  provides light to the object. The mirror  130  can cooperate with the second image unit  128  to allow a user to photograph himself or herself in a self-portrait mode. 
     It was explained that the second image input unit  128  is disposed at the second body  120 . However, the position of the second image input unit  128  is not limited to the second body  120 . For instance, at least one of the components  128  to  131  originally disposed at the rear case  122  may be mounted to the rear case  112  of the first body  110 . In this case, the components disposed at the rear case  112  may be protected by the second body  120  in the closed configuration. Furthermore, even if the second image input unit  128  is not additionally provided, the first image input unit  115  configured to be rotatable may capture an image even in a capturing direction by the second image input unit  128 . 
     A second audio output unit  131  may be additionally disposed at the rear case  122 . 
     The second audio output unit  131  may implement a stereo function together with the first audio output unit  114  (refer to  FIG. 1 ), and may be used for calling in a speaker phone mode. 
     An antenna for calling, Bluetooth communication or GPS communication, etc. may be provided at the terminal body. A broadcast signal receiving antenna  132  as well as the antenna may be disposed at the rear case  112 . The broadcast signal receiving antenna  132  may be configured to retract into the first body  110 . 
     One portion of a slide module  133  that slidably couples the first body  110  and the second body  120  to each other is disposed at the rear case  112  of the first body  110 . Another portion of the slide module  133  is disposed at the front case  121  of the second body  120 , thereby not being exposed out. 
       FIG. 3  is a rear disassembled view of a second body  120  of  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 4  is a conceptual view of a conductive loop  140  formed by a conductive member  141 , a ground portion  118   a , and a connection member  142  of  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a circuit board  118  is mounted to a front case  121  or a rear case  122  of the second body  120 . The circuit board  118  may be configured as one example of a controller  170  (refer to  FIG. 9 ) which controls the portable terminal so as to operate each kind of function of the portable terminal. The circuit board  118  processes signals corresponding to radio electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the portable terminal. 
     The circuit board  118  may be formed in a plurality of layers, and at least one of the plurality of layers may be implemented as a ground portion  118   a  for forming electrical ground of the circuit board  118 . The ground portion  118   a  may be formed as a thin film conductive material is coated on a first layer of the circuit board  118  so as to cover a circumferential surface of the circuit board  118 . 
     A conductive member  141  is mounted to a front case  121  or a rear case  122  so as to reinforce an intensity of the second body  120 . The conductive member  141  may be formed of a conductive material, e.g., a metallic thin plate formed of gold and copper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the conductive member  141  is mounted in the front case  121 , and is formed along edges of the second body  120 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. More concretely, the conductive member  141  may be mounted to an outer surface of the front case  121  or the rear case  122 . The conductive member  141  and the front case  121  may be integrated with each other by double injection, etc. 
     The conductive member  141  includes side frames  141   a  and  141   b , and a connection frame  142 . 
     The side frames  141   a  and  141   b  are extendingly bent from both ends of the connection frame  142 , and are arranged in a lengthwise direction of the portable terminal. The connection portion  142  is disposed in a widthwise direction of the portable terminal, and may be formed to be parallel to one corner of the circuit board  118 , more concretely, one corner of the ground portion  118   a . The conductive member  141  consisting of the side frames  141   a  and  141   b  and the connection frame  142  may be formed in a ‘U’ shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For instance, the conducive member  141  may form a closed loop along side surfaces of the front case  121 . 
     The ground portion  118   a  and the conductive member  141  are electrically connected to each other by a connection member  143 . A connection port  119   a  electrically connected to the ground portion  118   a  is mounted to the circuit board  118 , and the connection member  143  electrically connects the conductive member  141  and the connection port  119   a  to each other. 
     The connection member  143  is protruding from the conductive member  141  towards the circuit board. The connection member  143  may be configured to pressurize the connection port  119   a  when the conductive member  141  has been mounted to a case. For instance, the connection member  143  may be implemented as a cantilever extending from the conductive member  141  and capable of being elastically transformed. A fixing end of the cantilever may be one end of the connection member  143  where the conductive member  141  and the connection member  143  are connected to each other, and a free end of the cantilever may be another end of the connection member  143 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. More concretely, the connection member  143  may be implemented as an additional component, e.g., a conductive tape to electrically connect the connection port  119   a  and the conductive member  141  to each other. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the connection member  143  connects the ground portion  118   a  and the conductive member  141  at a plurality of locations so as to form the conducive loop  140  together with the ground portion  118   a  and the conductive member  141 . The connection member  143  may be protruding from both ends of the conductive member  141  towards the circuit board  118 , respectively. More concretely, a corner of the ground portion  118   a , the conductive member  141 , and the connection member  143  are electrically connected to one another to form a closed loop. 
     First and second radiators  151  and  152  for transmitting and receiving radio electromagnetic waves are connected to the conductive loop  140 , respectively. 
     The first radiator  151  is electrically connected to the ground portion  118   a  so as to be fed by the ground portion  118   a . And, the second radiator  152  is connected to the conductive member  141  so as to form a dipole antenna together with the first radiator  151 . 
     For instance, the second radiator  152  is connected to the conductive member  141  so as to form an antenna pattern together with the ground portion  118   a  and the conductive member  141 , the antenna pattern consecutive with a feed point of the first radiator  151 . As the connection member  143  electrically connects the corner of the ground portion  118   a  to the conductive member  141 , the first radiator  151  and the antenna pattern form a dipole antenna. 
     The first and second radiators  151  and  152  are implemented as thin bodies formed of conductive materials, and at least one of the first and second radiators  151  and  152  forms a pattern formed on a surface of the case. Referring to  FIG. 3 , each of the first and second radiators  151  and  152  forms a pattern on one surface of the rear case  122 . 
     A feeding port  119   b  connected to the first radiator  151  is disposed on one end of the circuit board  118 . The feeding port  119   b  is disposed so as to be adjacent to one end of the circuit board  118 . The first radiator  151  may be formed such that one end thereof elastically pressurizes the feeding port  119   b . For instance, the first radiator  151  may be provided with a free end extending towards the feeding port from one end of a pattern formed on the surface of the case. As the free end elastically pressurizes the feeding port  119   b , the first radiator  151  and the feeding port  119   b  may be electrically connected to each other, and the first radiator  151  may be fed by the ground portion  118   a.    
     The second radiator  152  may be extending from one end of a pattern formed on the surface of the case. For instance, the second radiator  152  may elastically pressurize the conductive member  141 , or may be bonded to the conductive member  141  by a tape, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the first and second radiators  151  and  152  are connected to different parts of the conductive loop  140 , a closed loop, respectively. Under this configuration, the conductive loop  140  forms first and second conductive paths  144   a  and  144   b  between the first and second radiators  151  and  152 . The first conducive path  144   a  is formed to have a length shorter than that of the second conducive path  144   b . The first and second radiators  151  and  152 , and the first conductive path  144   a  form one dipole antenna having a feed point (F). Each of the first radiator  151 , the second radiator  152  and the first conductive path  144   a  is formed to have a length corresponding to a ½ wavelength of a resonance frequency which is to be transmitted or received. 
     The conductive loop  140  is combined with the first radiator  151 , thereby transmitting and receiving radio electromagnetic waves having a frequency band different from that of the dipole antenna formed by the first and second radiators  151  and  152  and the first conductive path  144   a . The conductive loop  140  and the first radiator  141  form a monopole antenna. 
     Design factors of the first and second radiators  151  and  152  and the conductive loop  140 , e.g., lengths, positions, etc. may be variable in a simple manner. This may allow the antenna for transmitting and receiving radio electromagnetic waves having multi bands to be easily designed. When the multi bands are assumed as first and second frequency bands, one of the first and second frequency bands may be higher than another of the first and second frequency bands. 
     For instance, the first frequency band may be less than 1000 Mhz (e.g., 800 Mhz to 1000 Mhz), and the second frequency band may be a frequency band allocated to a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) scheme. The second frequency band may be more than 1600 Mhz (e.g., 1600 Mhz to 2200 Mhz). 
     Hereinafter, characteristics of the antenna formed by the conductive loop  140  and the first and second radiators  151  and  152  will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  FIG. 5A  is a brief conceptual view of an antenna of  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 5B  illustrates a simulation result showing a resonance frequency of the antenna of  FIG. 5A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , three types of current flows may be implemented as indicated by the arrows. A dipole antenna  153   a  is implemented by the first and second radiators  151  and  152  which form a first current flow. The first radiator  151  and the conductive loop  140  form a plurality of antennas  153   b  and  153   c  provided with second and third current flows. Referring to  FIG. 5   b , each of the antennas  153   a ,  153   b  and  153   c  has a resonance frequency. 
       FIG. 6  is a disassembled view showing a modification example of a radiator according to the present invention, and  FIG. 7  is a conceptual view of a conductive loop  240  formed by a conductive member  241 , a ground portion  218   a  and a connection member  242  of  FIG. 6 . 
     A first radiator  251  is connected to the ground portion  218   a  through a feeding port  219   b  so as to form a dipole antenna, and a second radiator  252  is connected to the conductive member  241  through a connection port  219   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a third radiator  253  is connected to the conductive member  241  so as to form an antenna together with the first radiator  251 , the antenna configured to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic waves having a frequency band different from that of the dipole antenna. Under this configuration, the third radiator  253  is electrically connected to the conductive loop  240 . For this connection, a protrusion member  245  contacting one end of the third radiator may be formed at the conductive member  241 . 
     The third radiator  253  may be formed on a surface crossing a surface where the first radiator  251  is formed, i.e., a side surface of a rear case  212  or a surface parallel to the side surface. This may implement an antenna configured to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic waves having multi bands in a slimmer space. 
       FIG. 8  is a front disassembled view of a portable terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 9  is a conceptual view of a conductive loop  340  formed by a conductive member  341 , a ground portion  318   a,  and a connection member  342  of  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a window  313   b  is mounted to one surface of a front case  311  of a first body  310 . 
     The window  313   b  is formed of a light transmissive material, e.g., a synthetic resin, a reinforcing glass, etc. However, the window  313   b  may be formed to include a non-transmissive region. This non-transmissive region indicates a region formed of a non-transmissive material, or a region surface-processed so as to prevent light from passing therethrough. 
     The window  313   b  may have an area corresponding to a display module  313   a  so that visual information outputted from the display module  313   a  can be recognized from outside. The display module  313   a  and the window  313   b  are classified into the display unit  113  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). Under this configuration, the display unit  113  for displaying visual information is formed at the center of the front case  311 . 
     The display module  313   a  is mounted to a rear case  312 , and is supported by a conductive supporting member  313   c . The conductive supporting member  313   c  may be formed to cover a rear surface of the display module  313   a , and may be electrically connected to a circuit board (not shown) so as to implement a ground portion of the circuit board. The circuit board may be laminated on the conductive supporting member  313   c  of the first body, or may be mounted to a second body  320 . 
     The conductive member  341  is formed along edges of the first body  310  so as to configure a frame of the first body  310 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , the conductive member  341  is mounted to an outer surface of the front case  311  so as to encompass the window  313   b . The conductive member may be covered with an insulating member or an insulating coating layer. A through hole  355  is formed at the front case  311 , and the connection member  342  extending from the conductive member  341  is extending to an inner space of the first body  310  by passing through the front case  311  via the through hole  355 . 
     A connection port  319   a  electrically connected to the connection member  342  is formed at a corner of the conductive supporting member  313   c.    
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the connection member  342  is formed to contact the connection port  319   a , thereby forming a conductive loop. First and second radiators  351  and  352  may be formed on a flexible circuit board  318 , and the flexible circuit board  318  may be mounted to the rear case  312 . The first and second radiators  351  and  352  are electrically connected to the conductive supporting member  313   c  and the conductive member  341 , respectively. A feeding port  319   b  electrically connected to the first radiator  351  is formed at one end of the conductive supporting member  313   c.    
     By the first and second radiators  351  and  352  and the conductive loop, implemented is an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving radio electromagnetic waves having multi bands. 
       FIG. 9  is a disassembled view of a first body of a portable terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 10  is a conceptual view of a slot antenna (S 1 ) implemented by projecting a conductive frame portion  440 , a ground portion  418   a , and a conductive connection portion  443  of  FIG. 9  in a direction perpendicular to a display unit. 
       FIG. 9  shows that an antenna is formed at a first body of a portable terminal. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a window  413   b  is mounted to one surface of a front case  411  of a first body  410 . 
     The window  413   b  is formed of a light transmissive material, e.g., a synthetic resin, a reinforcing glass, etc. However, the window  413   b  may be formed to include a non-transmissive region. This non-transmissive region indicates a region formed of a non-transmissive material, or a region surface-processed so as to prevent light from passing therethrough. 
     The window  413   b  may have an area corresponding to a display module  413   a  so that visual information outputted from the display module  413   a  can be recognized from outside. The display module  413   a  and the window  413   b  are classified into a display unit. Under this configuration, the display unit for displaying visual information is formed at the center of the front case  411 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the display module  413   a  may be mounted to a circuit board  418 , and the circuit board  418  may be inserted into a rear case  412  of the first body  410 . The circuit board  418  may be configured as one example of a controller  170  (refer to  FIG. 14 ) which operates each kind of function of the portable terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The circuit board  418  processes signals corresponding to radio electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the slot antenna (S 1 , refer to  FIG. 10 ). 
     A speaker module  414   a , a camera module  415   a , a switch  416   a , etc. may be mounted to the circuit board  418 . The speaker module  414   a , the camera module  415   a , the switch  416   a , etc. are controlled by the circuit board  418 , respectively, and are implemented as electronic components for performing functions of the audio output unit  114 , the first image input unit  115  or the first manipulation unit  116  (refer to  FIG. 14 ). 
     The circuit board  418  may be formed in a plurality of layers, and at least one of the plurality of layers may be implemented as a ground portion  418   a  for forming electrical ground of the circuit board  418 . The ground portion  418   a  may be formed as a thin film conductive material is coated on a first layer of the circuit board  418  so as to cover a circumferential surface of the circuit board  418 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a conductive frame portion  440  is mounted to the front case  411 . The conductive frame portion  440  may be formed in a similar manner or in the same manner to or as the conductive member of  FIG. 3 . 
     The conductive frame portion  440  is formed along edges of the first body  410 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. The conductive frame portion  440  may be internally mounted to the front case  411  so as to reinforce an intensity of the front case  411 . Alternatively, as the front case  411  is formed of a conductive material, the conductive frame portion  440  and the front case  411  may be integrated with each other. The conductive frame portion  440  may be formed of a conductive material, e. g, a metallic thin plate formed of gold and copper. The conductive frame portion  440  is formed to encompass the ground portion  418   a  when projected in a direction perpendicular to the display unit. 
     The conductive frame portion  440  includes side frames  441   a  and  441   b  and a connection frame  442 . 
     The side frames  441   a  and  441   b  are formed along two edges of the display unit. More concretely, the side frames  441   a  and  441   b  are formed in the form of belts extending in a lengthwise direction of the portable terminal so as to cover side surfaces of the first body  410 , the surfaces crossing a surface where the display unit is mounted. 
     The connection frame  442  is formed in a direction crossing the two edges of the display unit, thereby connecting the side frames  441   a  and  441   b  to each other. The connection frame  442  is disposed on a side surface of the first body  410  in a widthwise direction of the portable terminal, and is bent from the side frames  441   a  and  441   b . And, the connection frame  442  may be integrally formed with the side frames  441   a  and  441   b.    
     The conductive frame portion  440  may form a closed loop. More concretely, the connection frame  442  may be provided in plurality in number, thereby connecting both ends of the side frames  441   a  and  441   b . However, the present invention is not limited to this. For instance, the side frames  441   a  and  441   b  and the connection frame  442  may be formed in a ‘U’ shape by being combined with one another. 
     The ground portion  418   a  and the conductive frame portion  440  are electrically connected to each other by a conductive connection portion  443 . Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the conductive connection portion  443  connects the ground portion  418   a  and the conductive frame portion  440  to each other at a plurality of locations, in order to form a slot  451  together with the ground portion  418   a  and the conductive frame portion  440 . 
     The conductive connection portion  443  is extending from one side of the conductive frame portion  440 , and is bent towards the circuit board  418 . The conductive connection portion  443  may be configured to contact a connection port  419   a  of the circuit board  418  when the conductive frame portion  440  has been mounted to a case. The connection port  419   a  is electrically connected to the ground portion  418   a  in the circuit board  418 . Under this configuration, the conductive connection portion  443  is electrically connected to the ground portion  418   a.    
     The conductive connection portion  443  may be implemented as a cantilever capable of being elastically transformed. A fixing end of the cantilever may be one end of the conductive connection portion  443  where the conductive frame portion  440  and the conductive connection portion  443  are connected to each other, and a free end of the cantilever may be another end of the conductive connection portion  443 . The conductive connection portion  443  may maintain electric connection to the ground portion  418   a  by elastically pressurizing the connection port  419   a.    
     The conductive connection portion  443  connects the conductive frame portion  440  and the ground portion  418   a  to each other so that the slot  451  can be formed in plurality in number. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the conductive connection portion  443  may consist of first to third connection portions  443   a ,  443   b  and  443   c . The first slot  451   a  may be formed by the first and second connection portions  443   a  and  443   b , the conductive frame portion  440  and the ground portion  418   a . And, the second slot  451   b  may be formed by the first and third connection portions  443   a  and  443   c , the conductive frame portion  440  and the ground portion  418   a . When the conductive frame portion  440  forms a closed loop as shown in the drawing, the third slot  454   c  may be formed by the second and third connection portions  443   b  and  443   c , the conductive frame portion  440  and the ground portion  418   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a feeding portion  446  configured to feed the slot  450  so that the slot  450  can radiate electromagnetic waves is disposed at the rear case  412 . The feeding portion is implemented as a pattern formed of a conductive material, and is electrically connected to the ground portion  418   a . The feeding portion  446  may be implemented on one surface of the rear case  412  in the form of a pattern so as to be positioned in the slot  450  when projected in a direction perpendicular to the display unit. 
     The feeding portion  446  is provided with a feeding port  446   a  protruding from one side of the pattern towards the circuit board  418 . A feeding connection port  419   b  electrically connected to the feeding port  446   a  is mounted to the circuit board  418 . The feeding connection port  419   b  is disposed near one end of the circuit board  418 , and is electrically connected to one end of the ground portion  418   a . This may allow the slot  450  to be fed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , as the slot  450  is fed by the feeding portion  446 , a current flows along corners of the ground portion  418   a  and the conductive frame portion  440  which define the slot  450 . Under this configuration, the slots  451   a,    451   b  and  451   c  form a slot antenna (S 1 ). The plurality of slots  451   a ,  451   b  and  451   c  may be formed to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic waves having different frequent bands. 
     For instance, the first and second slots  451   a  and  451   b  may be configured to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic waves having first and second frequency bands. One of the first and second frequency bands may be higher than another of the first and second frequency bands. Each of the first and second slots  451   a  and  451   b  may be formed to have the same length as a ½ wavelength of the first and second frequencies. 
     For instance, the first frequency band may be less than 1000 Mhz (e.g., 800 Mhz to 1000 Mhz), and the second frequency band may be a frequency band allocated to a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) scheme. 
     The second frequency band may be more than 1600 Mhz (e.g., 1600 Mhz to 2200 Mhz). The first frequency band may be a frequency band allocated to a Personal Communication Services (PCS) scheme, and a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) scheme. 
     When the conductive connection portion  443  is moved, the length of the slot  450  is varied. This may allow a resonance frequency of the slot antenna (S 1 ) to be easily controlled. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the conductive frame portion  440  is covered with an insulating portion  447 . The insulating portion  447  is formed of an insulating material, and protects a user from a current flowing on the conductive frame portion  440 . For instance, the insulating portion  447  may be implemented as an insulating tape attached to the conductive frame portion  440 , or may be implemented as an insulating coating layer coated on one surface of the conductive frame portion  440 . Only a part of the insulating portion  447  adjacent to a slot of the conductive frame portion  440  may be formed of an insulating material. 
       FIG. 11  is a disassembled view of a first body  510  of a portable terminal according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 12  is a conceptual view of a slot antenna (S 2 ) implemented by projecting a conductive frame portion  540 , a ground portion  518   a , and a conductive connection portion  543  of  FIG. 11  in a direction perpendicular to the display unit  113  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a conductive frame portion  540  is mounted to an inner surface of a front case  511  so as to encompass a window  513   b . The conductive frame portion  540  is formed to reinforce an intensity of the front case  511 . 
     A display module  513   a  is mounted to a rear case  512 , and is supported by a conductive member  513   c . The conductive member  513   c  is formed to cover a rear surface of the display module  513   a , and has a conductive connection portion  543  at corners thereof. The conductive member  513   c  may be connected to a circuit board (not shown) so as to implement a ground portion  518   a  of the circuit board. The circuit board may be mounted to a second body  520 , and may be connected to the conductive member  513   c  through a flexible circuit board, etc. A feeding portion  546  is electrically connected to one side of the conductive member  513   c . A feeding port  519   b  may be protruding from the conductive member  513   c  so as to contact the feeding portion. Under this configuration, the ground portion  518   a  and the feeding portion  546  are connected to each other. 
     A switch circuit board  516   b  is disposed near the display module  513   a . A switch  516   a  is mounted to the switch circuit board  516   b , thereby forming the first manipulation unit  116  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). The switch circuit board  516   b  is composed of a plurality of layers, and the plurality of layers include a ground layer. 
     Supplementary connection portions  548  connected to the switch circuit board  516   b  are formed at both ends of the conductive frame portion  540 , and connection ports  519   c  electrically connected to the supplementary connection portions  548  are formed at the switch circuit board  516   b . The connection ports  519   c  are electrically connected to the ground layer. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the conductive frame portion  540  and corners of the switch circuit board  516   b  form a closed loop, and the conductive member  513   c  forms the ground portion  518   a . As the ground portion  518   a  is disposed in the closed loop, slots  551   a ,  551   b  and  551   c  are formed. As the feeding portion  546  feeds the slot  550 , a slot antenna (S 2 ) may be implemented. This slot antenna (S 2 ) may allow the portable terminal to have a slimmer antenna. 
       FIG. 13  is a conceptual view of a notebook computer  600  according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     The notebook computer  600  is implemented as two bodies are rotatably coupled to each other. Each of the two bodies is provided with a display unit and a manipulation unit. 
     A conductive frame portion  640   a  is formed along a frame of each body. For instance, the conductive frame portion  640   a  formed to correspond to the display unit may be a Bezel configured to support a window. 
     A ground portion  613   a  is disposed to correspond to the display unit, and may be formed on an LCD substrate. The ground portion  613   a  and the conductive frame portion  640   a  are spacing from each other, and are electrically connected to each other at a plurality of locations by connection portions  643   a  and  543   b.    
     A manipulation unit is provided with a keypad circuit board  616   b  disposed below a keypad, and the keypad circuit board  616   b  includes a ground layer. The ground layer is electrically connected to the conductive frame portion  640   a , and is spacing from the ground portion  613   a  as the keypad circuit board  616   b  is spacing from the ground portion  613   a.    
     Under these configurations, the ground portion  613   a  is encompassed by the conductive frame portion  640   a  and the keypad circuit board  616   b , and forms a plurality of slots. As a feeding portion  646  is disposed at one of the slots, a slot antenna may be implemented. This slot antenna may allow a notebook computer to have a slimmer size. 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of the portable terminal according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the portable terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise components, such as a wireless communication module  161 , manipulation units  116 ,  123  and  124 , image input units  115  and  128 , an audio input unit  125 , a display unit  113 , audio output units  114  and  131 , a sensing unit  166 , an interface  126 , a broadcasting signal receiving module  165 , a memory  164 , a power supply unit  127 , and a controller  170 . 
     The controller  170  typically controls the overall operations of the portable terminal. For example, the controller  170  performs the control and processing associated with telephony calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. 
     Furthermore, the controller  170  not only performs the general functions, but also controls the operation of the portable terminal according to the present invention. 
     The wireless communications module  161  transmits or receives wireless signals to/from a base station through an antenna. For instance, the wireless communications module  161  transmits or receives voice data, text data, video data, and control data under control of the controller  170 . And, the wireless communications module  161  includes a transmitting portion  162  for transmitting a signal through a modulation process, and a receiving portion  163  for demodulating a received signal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the manipulation units  116 ,  123  and  124  provide, to the controller  170 , key input data input by a user so as to control the operation of the portable terminal. The manipulation units  116 ,  123  and  124  may be implemented as dome switches or a touch pad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), or a jog wheel or a jog switch. 
     The image input units  115  and  128  process image frames of still images or moving images captured by an image sensor in a video call mode or a capturing mode. Then, the processed image frames are converted into video data that can be displayed on the display unit  113 , and then are output to the display unit  113 . 
     Under control of the controller  170 , the image frames processed by the image input units  115  and  128  may be stored in the memory  164 , or may be outwardly transmitted through the wireless communications module  161 . 
     The audio input unit  125  receives external audio signals by a microphone in a call mode, or a recording mode, or a voice recognition mode, and so on, and then processes the received audio signals into electric voice data. In the case of a call mode, the processed voice data is converted into data that can be transmitted to the base station through the wireless communications module  161 , and then is output to the wireless communications module  161 . In the case of a recording mode, the processed voice data is output so as to be stored in the memory  164 . 
     The audio input unit  125  may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving an external audio signal. 
     The display unit  113  may display information processed in the portable terminal. For instance, when the portable terminal is in a call mode, User Interface (UI) or Graphic User Interface (GUI) relating to a call is displayed under control of the controller  170 . When the portable terminal is in a video call mode or a capturing mode, a captured image or UI or GUI is displayed under control of the controller  170 . And, when the display unit  13  includes a touch screen, it serves as an input device as well as an output device. 
     In various modes including a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode and a broadcast reception mode, the audio output units  114  and  131  convert audio data received from the wireless communication module  161 , or audio data stored in the memory  164  thereby to outwardly output under control of the controller  170 . 
     The audio output units  114  and  131  output audio signals relating to functions executed in the portable terminal (e.g., call signal receiving sound, message receiving sound, and so on). The audio output units  114  and  131  include a speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, and so on. 
     The sensing unit  166  senses the current status of the portable terminal such as an open/close status of the portable terminal, a position of the portable terminal, and presence or absence of a user&#39;s contact with the portable terminal, thereby generating sensing signals to control the operation of the portable terminal. As an example, when the portable terminal is a slide-type portable terminal, the sensing unit  166  may sense whether a sliding portion of the portable terminal is open or closed. Then, the sensing unit  166  outputs results of the sensing to the controller  170 , and thereby the operation of the portable terminal is controlled. Other examples include the sensing unit  166  sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply unit  127 , the presence or absence of coupling or other connection between the interface  126  and an external device, and so on. The interface  126  interfaces a wire/wireless headset, an external charger, a wire/wireless data port, and a card socket (e.g., memory card, SIM/UIM card) rather than the portable terminal, with all types of external devices connected to the portable terminal. The interface  126  receives data or power from an external device, and transmits it to each component inside the portable terminal. Otherwise, the interface  126  transmits data inside the portable terminal to an external device. The memory  164  may store a program to activate the controller  170 , or may temporarily store input/output data (e.g., phonebook, messages, still images, moving images, and so on). 
     Furthermore, the memory  164  stores a program for controlling the operation of the portable terminal of the present invention. 
     The memory  164  includes the concepts of the general hard disc, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), flash memory, RAM, ROM, and so on. 
     The broadcasting signal receiving module  165  receives a broadcasting signal transmitted through satellite or terrestrial waves, etc., and converts the signal into broadcasting data that can be output to the audio output units  114  and  131 , and the display unit  113  thereby to output it to the controller  170 . The broadcasting signal receiving module  165  receives broadcasting-related additional data (e.g., Electric Program Guide: EPG, channel list, etc.). Broadcasting data and additional data converted by the broadcasting signal receiving module  165  may be stored in the memory  164 . 
     The power supply unit  127  receives external or internal power under control of the controller  170 , and supplies the power to each component of the portable terminal. 
     The portable terminal according to the present invention has the following advantages. 
     Firstly, an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving radio electromagnetic waves having multi bands is implemented by forming a conductive loop by using the conductive member. The conductive member may reinforce an intensity of the body. 
     Secondly, the portable terminal is provided with a monopole antenna and a dipole antenna by combining the conductive loop and the radiator with each other. This may allow the portable terminal to be slimmer. 
     Thirdly, a slot antenna may be implemented through the conductive frame portion. This may allow an antenna of the portable terminal to be slimmer. 
     Fourthly, radio electromagnetic waves having multi bands are transmitted and received by forming a plurality of slots. 
     Fifthly, an antenna capable of easily controlling a resonance frequency is implemented by changing a length of the slot by moving the conductive connection portion. 
     The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments. 
     As the present features may be embodied 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, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.