Patent Description:
Reduction of a bezel region in a mobile terminal allows for miniaturization of the mobile terminal and maximization of a display region.

The bezel region of the mobile terminal has a non-functional region that does not function externally and a functional region inevitably provided to perform functions such as input or output.

In particular, electronic components such as a camera, a receiver, a luminance sensor, and a proximity sensor disposed at a top portion of a front face of the mobile terminal prevent the output region of the display from extending upwardly.

Nevertheless, it is not easy to locate these electronic components into a region other than the top portion due to functional requirements.

Under this constraint, consideration regarding arrangement of the functional region and the display output region is needed to realize miniaturization of the mobile terminal and maximization of the display region. <CIT> relates to a borderless type display device with a built-in camera. <CIT> relates to camera structures such as camera lens structures and associated display structures for electronic devices.

The present disclosure aims to solve the problem of the narrow output region in the conventional mobile terminal as described above.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a mobile terminal according to claim <NUM>.

In one implementation, the first opening forms a non-output region within an output region of the display module.

In one implementation, the electronic component includes at least one of a receiver, a camera, a luminance sensor, or a proximity sensor.

In one implementation, the receiver is disposed at a left-right directional center of the window, while the camera is disposed at a left or right side to the receiver, wherein when the camera is located at the left side to the receiver, a left-right directional length of the second output sub-region is smaller than a left-right directional length of the third output sub-region, wherein then the camera is located at the right side to the receiver, the left-right directional length of the second output sub-region is larger than the left-right directional length of the third output sub-region.

In one implementation, the mobile terminal further includes a front casing to cover a rear face of the window and a rear face of the display module, wherein the front casing includes: a mold contacting the rear face of the window and having a non-output region; a metal frame including a first region covering the rear face of the display module and a second region at least partially covering a rear face of the mold; and a seat formed in the second region of the metal frame to seat the at least one electronic component thereon.

In one implementation, the mobile terminal further includes a rib protruding forwardly of the second region of the metal frame and being coupled to the mold.

In one implementation, the rib defines a side wall of the seat.

In one implementation, an adhesive tape is present between the rib and the mold to fix the rib to the mold.

In one implementation, the mobile terminal further includes: a cable extending from the electronic component and defining a terminal; and a cable hole formed in the side wall, wherein the cable passes through the hole.

In one implementation, the mobile terminal further includes: a plurality of first hole-defined protrusions arranged along an outer edge of the metal frame; and a plurality of second hole-defined protrusions arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of first hole-defined protrusions, wherein each of the plurality of second hole-defined protrusions protrudes from the mold in a thickness direction thereof, wherein a plurality of screws pass through the plurality of first hole-defined protrusions and the plurality of second hole-defined protrusions respectively.

In one implementation, at least one of the plurality of first hole-defined protrusions is formed at one edge adjacent to the electronic component.

In one implementation, a distance from a top edge of the window to the second output sub-region and a distance from a top edge of the window to the third output sub-region are equal to each other, wherein a left-right directional length of the second output sub-region and a left-right directional length of the third output sub-region are equal to each other.

In one implementation, the window has a curved top region curved toward a rear face of the mobile terminal, wherein at least one of the second output sub-region or the third output sub-region is partially located in the curved top region of the window.

In one implementation, the display module includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED).

In one implementation, the mobile terminal further includes a driver to drive output of the display module, wherein the driver is connected to a left, right or bottom side of the display module.

Effects of the mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure are as follows.

According to at least one of embodiments according to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that the display output region can be maximized.

Further, according to at least one of embodiments according to the present disclosure, a balanced output region may be realized while maximizing the display output region.

Further, according to at least one of embodiments according to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that increase in a thickness of the mobile terminal may be maximized.

Furthermore, according to at least one of embodiments according to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that fixing reliability of electronic components may increase.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety of different types of terminals. Examples of such terminals include cellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smart watches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be made with reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, such teachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those types noted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied to stationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and the like.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, where <FIG> is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, and <FIG> are conceptual views of one example of the mobile terminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal <NUM> is shown having components such as a wireless communication unit <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a sensing unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, an interface unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>. It is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components in The <FIG> is not a requirement, and that greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

The sensing unit <NUM> is typically implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, and the like. For example,, the sensing unit <NUM> may alternatively or additionally include other types of sensors or devices, such as a proximity sensor <NUM> and an illumination sensor <NUM>, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera <NUM>), a microphone <NUM>, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal <NUM> may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit <NUM>, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors of the sensing unit <NUM>, and combinations thereof.

The controller <NUM> typically functions to control overall operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>, in addition to the operations associated with the application programs. The controller <NUM> may provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are input or output, or activating application programs stored in the memory <NUM>.

To drive the application programs stored in the memory <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be implemented to control a predetermined number of the components mentioned above in reference with <FIG>. Moreover, the controller <NUM> may be implemented to combined operate two or more of the components provided in the mobile terminal <NUM> to drive the application programs.

It will be described for the mobile terminal as shown in <FIG>. The display unit <NUM>, the first audio output module 152a, the proximity sensor <NUM>, an illumination sensor <NUM>, the optical output module <NUM>, the first camera 121a and the first manipulation unit 123a are arranged in front surface of the terminal body, the second manipulation unit 123b, the microphone <NUM> and interface unit <NUM> are arranged in side surface of the terminal body, and the second audio output modules 152b and the second camera 121b are arranged in rear surface of the terminal body.

It is to be understood that alternative arrangements are possible and within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Some components may be omitted or rearranged. For example, the first manipulation unit 123a may be located on another surface of the terminal body, and the second audio output module 152b may be located on the side surface of the terminal body.

The display unit <NUM> outputs information processed in the mobile terminal <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> may be implemented using one or more suitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devices include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a <NUM>-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, and combinations thereof.

The display unit <NUM> may be implemented using two display devices, which can implement the same or different display technology. For instance, a plurality of the display units <NUM> may be arranged on one side, either spaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, or these devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit <NUM> may also include a touch sensor which senses a touch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to the display unit <NUM>, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touch and the controller <NUM>, for example, may generate a control command or other signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input in the touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu item which can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touch pattern, disposed between the window 151a and a display on a rear surface of the window 151a, or a metal wire which is patterned directly on the rear surface of the window 151a. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit <NUM> may also form a touch screen together with the touch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit <NUM> (see <FIG>). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least some of the functions of the first manipulation unit 123a.

The first audio output module 152a may be implemented in the form of a speaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audio reproduction, and the like.

The window 151a of the display unit <NUM> will typically include an aperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along an assembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case <NUM>). In this case, a hole independently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or is otherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying the appearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

The display module 150a to be described below is a part of the display <NUM> and refers to a collection of physical components that directly perform a function of the display <NUM>. For example, in the display <NUM> based on a LCD scheme, the display module 150a may include a display panel, a backlight unit, a driver, and a connection terminal. In the display <NUM> based on an OLED scheme, the display module 150a may include a display panel, a driver, and a connection terminal.

The optical output module <NUM> can be configured to output light for indicating an event generation. Examples of such events include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an email reception, information reception through an application, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event, the controller can control the optical output unit <NUM> to stop the light output.

The first camera 121a can process image frames such as still or moving images obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video call mode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the display unit <NUM> or stored in the memory <NUM>.

The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b are examples of the user input unit <NUM>, which may be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulating portion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may also employ any non-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such as proximity touch, hovering, or the like.

The first manipulation unit 123a may perform both of a fingerprint recognition function as one of security authentication functions and a control function of an operation. In this case, a fingerprint recognition sensor may be provided on the first manipulation unit 123a.

<FIG> illustrates the first manipulation unit 123a as a touch key, but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touch key, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit 123a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key, cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123b may be used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level being output from the first or second audio output modules 152a or 152b, to switch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit <NUM>, or the like.

As another example of the user input unit <NUM>, a rear input unit (not shown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rear input unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. For example, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an input for power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being output from the first or second audio output modules 152a or 152b, switch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit <NUM>, and the like. The rear input unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, or combinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit <NUM> of the front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As one example, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion of the rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easily manipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal body with one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned at most any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or all of the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123a in the rear input unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit <NUM> can have a larger screen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal <NUM> may include a finger scan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller <NUM> can then use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor as part of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also be installed in the display unit <NUM> or implemented in the user input unit <NUM>.

The microphone <NUM> is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal <NUM>, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphones may be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving of stereo sounds.

The interface unit <NUM> may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal <NUM> to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit <NUM> may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting to another device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or the like), a port for near field communication (for example, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, and the like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The interface unit <NUM> may be implemented in the form of a socket for accommodating an external card, such as Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memory card for information storage.

The second camera 121b is shown located at the rear side of the terminal body and includes an image capturing direction that is substantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the first camera unit 121a. If desired, second camera 121a may alternatively be located at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have a different image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121b can include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in a matrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an "array camera. " When the second camera 121b is implemented as an array camera, images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lenses and images with better qualities.

A flash <NUM> is shown located adjacent to the second camera 121b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121b, the flash <NUM> may illuminate the subject.

The second audio output module 152b can be located on the terminal body. The second audio output module 152b may implement stereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio output module 152a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone mode for call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on the terminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body or formed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part of the broadcast receiving module <NUM> (see <FIG>). may be retractable into the terminal body. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using a film attached to an inner surface of the rear cover <NUM>, or a case that includes a conductive material.

A power supply unit <NUM> for supplying power to the mobile terminal <NUM> may include a battery <NUM>, which is mounted in the terminal body or detachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body.

The battery <NUM> may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interface unit <NUM>.

The input/output port <NUM> may be docked with another terminal or device in addition to a power supply to perform data transmission/reception.

In some cases, an external receiver may be combined thereto to perform audio or video input/output.

A typical example of the input/output port <NUM> may include USB (Universal Serial Bus), micro USB, Thunderbolt, or Lightning Cable Port. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any standard port which may be combined with the cable and performs the above-mentioned function may be available.

The battery <NUM> may be configured to enable wireless charging using a wireless charger, in addition to enabling wired charging through the input/output port <NUM> described above. The wireless charging may be implemented in a magnetic induction scheme or a resonance scheme (magnetic resonance scheme).

An appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM> may be defined by a combination of a window 151a, a front casing <NUM> and a rear casing <NUM>.

The front casing <NUM> and the rear casing <NUM> may define a space for receiving the electronic components while defining the appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Main electronic components of the mobile terminal <NUM> may be mounted on a main printed circuit board (PCB). In this connection, the front casing <NUM> refers to a frame disposed on a front face of the PCB, while the rear casing <NUM> refers to a frame disposed on a rear face of the PCB.

However, the above definition is made for convenience of the description and is not necessarily limited thereto. In some cases, the front casing <NUM> and rear casing <NUM> may not be clearly distinguished from each other when the front casing <NUM> or rear casing <NUM> does not have a sufficient region or a spatial relationship therebetween may be ambiguous.

The front casing <NUM> or the rear casing <NUM> may be made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. The non-conductive material may be generally light in weight, which may result in a lighter device and minimize possibility of unintended interference in a RF based operation performed by an antenna or the like.

In contrast, the front casing <NUM> or the rear casing <NUM> may be made of a metallic material. A terminal body made of the metal material may have a luxurious appearance and may increase rigidity of the terminal body.

In some cases, the front casing <NUM> may not be exposed to an outside while not defining the appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

As shown, the rear casing <NUM> may has an extended region to form a side face of the mobile terminal <NUM>. That is, the window 151a and the front casing <NUM> may be seated on and fixed to the rear casing <NUM>.

Alternatively, although not shown, the front casing <NUM> may be further extended to form a side face of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

When a side circumference of the terminal body includes a metal material, the side circumference of the terminal body may serve as an radiator of an antenna. Specifically, the side circumference of the terminal body may be shorted to the printed circuit board or another grounding component inside the terminal body to perform an antenna function.

When the side circumferential region of the terminal body functions as an antenna, there is an advantage that a freedom of selection of a material of the front or rear face of the terminal is relatively high.

In order to implement proper antenna performance, the side circumference of the terminal body may have an alternate arrangement between a metal region and a non-metal region. The number of alternations and a length of each region may vary depending on a type of antenna and a bandwidth.

It may not be the case where only the side region of the terminal body performs or helps the antenna function. When a metal material is formed in a band shape in a front edge region or a rear edge region of the terminal body, the band shape may function as an antenna.

The rear casing <NUM> may define a rear appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM>. In some cases, a rear cover may be coupled to a rear face of the rear casing <NUM>. In particular, when a removable battery <NUM> is provided on the rear face of the rear casing <NUM>, the rear cover may serve as a battery cover.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

On a printed circuit board <NUM>, various electronic components of the mobile terminal <NUM> may be mounted. The printed circuit board <NUM> acts as a hub through which the various electronic components may transmit or receive electrical signals to or from each other.

Among the front casing <NUM> and the rear casing <NUM> forming the terminal body, the front casing <NUM> may be provided on the front face of the printed circuit board <NUM>, while the rear casing <NUM> may be provided on the rear face of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The front casing <NUM> may be located on a rear face of the window 151a forming at least one region of a front face of the mobile terminal <NUM> to form a portion of a frame of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The front casing <NUM> may include a mold <NUM> made of a non-conductive material and a metal frame <NUM> made of a conductive material.

The mold <NUM> may be fixedly coupled to the window 151a. For example, the mold <NUM> and window 151a may be fixed to each other via an adhesive material or may be integrally formed with each other using an double injection method.

The non-conductive mold <NUM> may form a region that does not interfere with the radio frequency based performance of the antenna as described above.

The metal frame <NUM> supports a rea face of the display module 150a. The metal frame <NUM> may have rigidity to protect the rear face of the display module 150a and, at the same time, to perform a function of dissipating heat generated from the display module 150a.

The metal frame <NUM> may be fixed to the display module 150a or mold <NUM>.

A shape of each of the display module 150a, mold <NUM> or metal frame <NUM> may vary based on implementations.

For example, the front casing <NUM> region may have only the metal frame <NUM> and free of the mold <NUM>.

The window 151a may be made of an optically transparent material and define a front-face of the mobile terminal <NUM> so that an output region of the display module 150a is viewable from an outside. At the same time, window 151a may have a proper rigidity to protect components located on a rear face thereof such as the display module 150a.

The window 151a may have a sound communication hole <NUM> defined therein as described above. The window 151a may further include a buttonhole <NUM> for exposing the first manipulation unit 123a to the outside. The buttonhole <NUM> may be omitted as necessary.

The window 151a may have an entire front-face region in a flat shape. Alternatively, a partial region of the front face thereof may have a curved shape. In particular, the curved partial region may be an edge region of the window 151a. When the edge region of window 151a has the curved shape toward a rear face of the mobile terminal, user gripping feeling may be improved. Further, a sharp edge region may be changed to a smooth edge region, such that stress concentration due to impact may be prevented.

A combination of the window 151a, display module 150a and front casing <NUM> may form an upper assembly <NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may have a rectangular shape covering a substantial area of a rear face of the metal frame <NUM> so that the battery <NUM> may be positioned at the rear face of the PCB. Alternatively, when an electronic component mounted area of the printed circuit board <NUM> is minimized, the PCB may have an open region <NUM> so that the battery <NUM> may be located in the same layer as the electronic components.

The printed circuit board <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may be mounted on the rear casing <NUM> to form a lower assembly <NUM>.

The upper assembly <NUM> and the lower assembly <NUM> may be finally coupled to each other to form a single assembly of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view before the upper assembly <NUM> and the lower assembly <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> are coupled to each other according to the present disclosure.

The upper assembly <NUM> may be inserted and seated into and on the lower assembly <NUM>.

An upper hole <NUM> may be formed in the upper assembly <NUM>, while a lower hole <NUM> may be formed in the lower assembly <NUM>. In particular, the upper hole <NUM> may be formed in the mold <NUM> of the upper assembly <NUM>.

When the upper assembly <NUM> is seated on the lower assembly <NUM>, the upper hole <NUM> and lower hole <NUM> may be aligned with each other and then a screw <NUM> may pass through the both holes.

The coupling structure of the upper and lower assemblies in which the screw <NUM> passes through the upper hole <NUM> and the lower hole <NUM> may be implemented at one side portion of the mobile terminal <NUM> or at each of at least two side portions thereof.

At least one side portion free of the upper hole <NUM> and the lower hole <NUM> may have a support <NUM> or <NUM> to allow the upper assembly <NUM> and the lower assembly <NUM> to be coupled to each other. An upper support <NUM> of the upper assembly <NUM> may be engaged with a lower support <NUM> of the lower assembly <NUM> to increase the assembling force. For example, the supports <NUM> and <NUM> may be hooked with each other.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic diagrams of a front region of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

It may be assumed that a boundary between the window 151a and an front outside space may be a front visible boundary of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

That is, the window 151a described later may define a front-face of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

As described above, the display module 150a is provided on a rear face of the window 151a. In some cases, the display module 150a and the rear face of the window 151a may be spaced a certain distance apart from each other.

The display module 150a has an output region <NUM> defined by the display panel. In the front-face of the mobile terminal <NUM>, the output region <NUM> of the display module 150a may be contained in the region defined by the window 151a.

The output region <NUM> refers to a physical range within which an image may be output from the display module 150a. That is, a boundary of the output region <NUM> and a boundary of the display module 150a may not coincide with each other.

To maximize the output region <NUM>, the output region <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be divided into at least three sub-regions. The division of the output region <NUM> may not mean a physically partitioning.

Therefore, the entire output region <NUM> may be driven by a single driver. Alternatively, each sub-region may be driven independently by a separate driver.

The output region <NUM> may include a first output sub-region 311a, second output sub-region 311b and a third output sub-region 311c.

The first output sub-region 311a is the widest rectangular region defined in a front central region of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The first output sub-region 311a may correspond to an output region <NUM> of the conventional mobile terminal <NUM>.

The second output sub-region 311b may be located in a left side in a region above the first output sub-region 311a. The third output sub-region 311c may be located in a right side in a region above the first output sub-region 311a. In this connection, the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c may be spaced from each other at a predetermined distance.

However, the configuration that the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c are located above the first output sub-region 311a is merely one example. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c may be disposed in a left or right region to the first output sub-region 311a or in a region below the first output sub-region 311a such that the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c may be spaced from each other at a predetermined distance.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, a fourth output sub-region 311d and a fifth output sub-region 311e may be provided in a region below the first output sub-region 311a such that the fourth output sub-region 311d and the fifth output sub-region 311e are spaced from each other.

Each of the second to fifth output sub-regions 311d to 311e may have a rectangular shape like the first output sub-region 311a.

However, each output sub-region <NUM> may have roughly the rectangle shape described above. The shape of each output sub-region <NUM> may not be physically strictly rectangular.

For example, each of portions of the first to fifth output sub-regions corresponding to four corners of the mobile terminal <NUM> may have a curved shape such that each of the first to fifth output sub-regions has a conformity to the mobile terminal <NUM> in terms of a shape.

A left-right directional length of the second output sub-region 311b and a left-right directional length of the third output sub-region 311c may be equal to each other. Thus, the second output sub-region 311b and third output sub-region 311c may achieve balanced output.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a portion of a front region of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

The electronic component <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed between the first output sub-region 311a and the second output sub-region 311b. Therefore, the separation distance between the first output sub-region 311a and the second output sub-region 311b may be determined in consideration of the space occupied by the electronic component <NUM>.

The space between the first output sub-region 311a and the second output sub-region 311b may be defined in the left and right direction but may not be limited in an up and down direction. Accordingly, a spaced occupied by the electronic component <NUM> may extend beyond a top of each of the first output sub-region 311a and the second output sub-region 311b.

As described above, the electronic component <NUM> may include at least one of the receiver <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, the luminance sensor <NUM>, and the proximity sensor <NUM>. That is, all of the electronic components <NUM> may be disposed between the first output sub-region 311a and the second output sub-region 311b. Alternatively, only some of the electronic components <NUM> may be disposed therebetween due to a space constraint.

For example, only the receiver <NUM> and the proximity sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the first output sub-region 311a and the second output sub-region 311b. This is because the receiver <NUM> and the proximity sensor <NUM> should be located close to the user's ear when the receiver <NUM> performs a call function of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

In particular, the receiver <NUM> may be disposed at a left-right directional center of the mobile terminal <NUM> to minimize an uncertainty in locating a sound output position when the receiver performs the call function and achieve a spatial balance.

In a similar sense, the proximity sensor <NUM> is also preferably located at the left-right directional center of the mobile terminal <NUM>. However, for achieving a shape conformity and securing an internal space of the receiver <NUM>, the proximity sensor <NUM> may not be disposed in a region above or below the receiver <NUM>. Thus, the proximity sensor <NUM> may be disposed at the left or right side to the receiver <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a front region of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, a position of the camera <NUM> should be considered. The camera <NUM> may be located at a bottom of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may be located at the bottom of the mobile terminal <NUM> because a position of the camera is relatively less constrained, which is not the case for the receiver <NUM> or proximity sensor <NUM>.

However, when the mobile terminal <NUM> is held by a hand, the bottom of the mobile terminal <NUM> may be covered with the hand. Therefore, the mobile terminal <NUM> may be used in an upside down state. When the mobile terminal <NUM> is used in the upside down state, the camera <NUM> should be positioned at an upper left portion of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Thus, the camera <NUM> may be positioned at a lower right portion of the mobile terminal <NUM> when the mobile terminal <NUM> is maintained in a non-upside down state. The output region <NUM> may further include a sixth output sub-region 311f which is asymmetrical in the left-right direction, to allow the configuration that the camera <NUM> may be positioned at a lower right portion of the mobile terminal <NUM> when the mobile terminal <NUM> is maintained in a non-upside down state.

As shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, all of the receiver <NUM>, luminance sensor <NUM>, the proximity sensor <NUM> and the camera <NUM> as the electronic components <NUM> may be disposed between the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c. To maximize the output region <NUM> via securing the left-right directional length of each of the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c, the receiver <NUM>, the luminance sensor <NUM>, the proximity sensor <NUM> and the camera <NUM> are preferably arranged as close as possible to each other.

A spacing between adjacent electronic components <NUM> may be determined in consideration of a size of each component disposed inside the mobile terminal <NUM>.

In a specific example, the receiver <NUM> may be disposed at the left-right directional center of the mobile terminal <NUM>, while the proximity sensor <NUM> and the luminance sensor <NUM> may be disposed below the receiver <NUM>, while the camera <NUM> may be disposed at the left or right side to the receiver <NUM>.

The left-right directional length of each of the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c may be determined in consideration of the location of the camera <NUM>.

That is, when the camera <NUM> is located at the left side to the receiver <NUM>, the left-right directional length of the second output sub-region 311b may be smaller than the left-right directional length of the third output sub-region 311c. When the camera <NUM> is located at the right side to the receiver <NUM>, the left-right directional length of the second output sub-region 311b may be larger than the left-right directional length of the third output sub-region 311c. This may meet a condition to maximize the left-right directional length of each of the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c when the receiver <NUM> is disposed at the left-right directional center of the mobile terminal <NUM>, while the camera <NUM> is disposed at the left or right side to the receiver <NUM>.

Therefore, the left-right directional lengths of the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c may be not equal to each other in order to meet the above condition.

However, vertical dimensions of the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c may be equal to each other. That is, a distance from a top edge of the window 151a to the second output sub-region 311b and a distance from a top edge of the window 151a to the third output sub-region 311c may be equal to each other.

This is to ensure that each of the first to third output sub-regions 311a to 311c has an overall rectangular shape except for a recess region, thereby to achieve a spatial balance.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a cross-section of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure along a length thereof.

When an outer boundary of the mobile terminal <NUM>, especially, a top edge of the window 151a has a curved shape curved toward the rear face of the mobile terminal, at least a portion of the second output sub-region 311b or the third output sub-region 311c may be disposed in the top edge.

When the top edge of the window 151a has a shape curved in the rear direction by a width A, the second output sub-region 311b or the third output sub-region 311c is configured using a flat panel display while being free of the curved region. In this case, it may be difficult to maximize the output region <NUM>. Therefore, a top edge B of the second output sub-region 311b or the third output sub-region 311c may have a curved shape.

However, the electronic components <NUM> may extend in a vertical or horizontal direction while not being inclined with respect to the front-face or rear face of the mobile terminal <NUM>, thereby to facilitate the arrangement of the electronic components.

In order to achieve the curved shape, the display module 150a including the second output sub-region 311b or the third output sub-region 311c may be embodied based on an organic light emitting diode (OLED) scheme. The display module 150a based on the organic light emitting diode scheme is suitable for having a curved shape because the OLED may be easily bent or deformed.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a rear view of a disassembled mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the front casing <NUM> covers the window 151a and a rear face of the display module 150a. The front casing <NUM> may include a mold <NUM> and a metal frame <NUM>.

The mold <NUM> may cover a region of the window 151a non-overlapping the display module 150a. The metal frame <NUM> may cover the display module 150a.

The front casing <NUM> may be a rigid member and serve as a framework of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The window 151a or the display module 150a may be fixed to the front casing.

The mold <NUM> may be disposed between the window 151a and the display module 150a. The metal frame <NUM> may support the display module 150a while being disposed on the rear face of the display module 150a.

The mold <NUM> may define a rigid region and may further have a non-output region <NUM> made of an optically opaque material, thereby to prevent other components inside the window 151a from being visually recognized from the outside.

An edge of the output region <NUM> of the display module 150a may not coincide with an physical edge of the display module 150a.

The non-output region <NUM> in the mold <NUM> and the output region <NUM> in the display module 150a may be complementary with each other.

The metal frame <NUM> may be composed of a first region 240a covering at least one region of a rear face of the display module 150a and a second region 240b covering at least one region of a rear face of the mold <NUM>.

The first region 240a of the metal frame <NUM> may define a rigid region contacting the rear face of the display module 150a and may dissipate heat generated from the display module 150a. In some cases, a portion of the first region 240a of the metal frame <NUM> may be coupled to the display module 150a.

The second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> may be coupled to the mold <NUM>. A seat <NUM> may be formed on the second region 240b to seat at least one electronic component thereon.

The first region 240a and the second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other. For example, the metal frame <NUM> may be formed in a single mold injected form to integrate the first region 240a and the second region 240b with each other.

When the first region 240a and the second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> are integrally formed with each other, there is no need for a separate structure for achieving the fastening or joining between the first region 240a and the second region 240b. This has a synergistic effect between reducing of the material cost, minimizing of a volume, and securing of the rigidity.

Referring to <FIG>, the second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> may have a protruding region or recessed region 240c to sufficiently cover the electronic component <NUM>.

That is, the metal frame <NUM> may have a rectangular shape across the first region 240a and the second region 240b thereof. However, in some cases, the metal frame <NUM> may have a partially protruding or recessed portion. This portion may vary depending on the electronic component <NUM>.

The metal frame <NUM> may not only fix and support the display module 150a but also fix and support the electronic component <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a partial cross-section of a mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

The second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> may have a seat <NUM> that supports at least one electronic component <NUM> thereon. The seat <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to a shape of a rear face of the at least one electronic component <NUM> to allow the electronic component <NUM> to be stably seated thereon.

Since a protrusion dimension from the rear face of the display module 150a and a protrusion dimension from the rear face of the electronic component <NUM> are different from each other, the metal frame <NUM> may have a step between the first region 240a and the second region 240b such that protrusion dimensions therefrom are different from each other.

A side wall <NUM> of the seat <NUM> corresponds to a side face of the electronic component <NUM> and serves to stop the electronic component <NUM> so as not to move laterally.

A rib <NUM> may define the side wall <NUM> of the seat <NUM> and contact a rear face of the mold <NUM>. The rib <NUM> in contact with the rear face of the mold <NUM> may be fixed to the rear face via an adhesive tape <NUM>.

In the side wall <NUM> of the seat <NUM>, a cable hole <NUM> is defined. Thus, a cable extending from the electronic component <NUM> and defining a terminal may pass through the hole <NUM> and escape from the rear face of the metal frame <NUM>. It is appropriate that the cable hole <NUM> may be formed within the step formed between the first region 240a and the second region 240b.

When the cable hole <NUM> is formed in the side wall <NUM> and thus the cable passes through the hole <NUM> and escapes from the metal frame <NUM> laterally, a free space of the first region 240a of the metal frame <NUM> may be used to minimize increase in a thickness of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

The first region 240a and the second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> may be continuous while a disconnection region is absent therebetween.

Minimizing the disconnection region between the second region 240b and the first region 240a may maximize the rigidity of the metal frame <NUM>. This may be advantageous for the second region 240b to support at least one electronic component and to stably seat the component on the mold <NUM>.

Conventionally, a separate bracket is used to fix the electronic component <NUM> to the mold <NUM>. The separate bracket is attached to the mold <NUM> via bonding or screwing at the rear face of the electronic component <NUM>. This approach may require a large area in addition to a region of the electronic component <NUM> because a large bonding region or screw coupling region <NUM> should be achieved for the coupling reliability between the separate bracket and mold <NUM>.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the first region 240a is sufficiently adhesive to the display module 150a or mold <NUM>. The second region 240b is formed integrally with the first region 240a. Thus, the present approach does not require a wide region for the coupling reliability between the mold <NUM> and the electronic component.

That is, even when the rib <NUM> is used to fix the mold to the electronic component at the minimum area without using the existing screw coupling scheme, the coupling reliability between the electronic component <NUM> and the mold <NUM> may increase.

Unlike the embodiment of <FIG>, the seat <NUM> may not have the rib <NUM>. When no rib <NUM> is formed, the output region <NUM> may be wider. However, since the coupling reliability between the metal frame <NUM> and the mold <NUM> at the electronic component <NUM> region is not high, it is necessary to sufficiently couple the metal frame <NUM> and the mold <NUM> to each other in another region.

The second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> not only serves to define the seat <NUM> but also serves to define a structure for coupling to the mold <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view of an exploded front casing <NUM> according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is a rear view of an exploded front casing <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

Reference to <FIG> and <FIG> together will be made for convenience of description.

The metal frame <NUM> may be coupled to the mold <NUM> to fix the display module 150a thereto. The metal frame <NUM> may be coupled to the mold <NUM> in a bonding scheme or coupled to the mold <NUM> in a screw manner.

The metal frame <NUM> may have a plurality of first hole-defined protrusions <NUM> arranged along an outer edge thereof. The mold <NUM> may have a plurality of second hole-defined protrusion <NUM> arranged along an outer edge thereof and corresponding to the plurality of first hole-defined protrusions <NUM>. While aligning the first hole-defined protrusions <NUM> and the second hole-defined protrusions <NUM> with each other, a plurality of screws may pass through the first hole-defined protrusions <NUM> and the second hole-defined protrusions <NUM> respectively. Thus, the metal frame <NUM> may be coupled to the mold <NUM> in a screw manner.

The second hole-defined protrusion <NUM> may be made of a metallic material. The second hole-defined protrusion <NUM> may be mold-coupled to the mold <NUM> made of of the resin material in a double injection manner.

The first hole-defined protrusion <NUM> and the second hole-defined protrusion <NUM> may extend in a thickness direction of the mobile terminal <NUM>. In accordance with the purpose of the present disclosure to maximize the output region and maximize a space for the electronic component <NUM>, it is preferable to extend the hole-defined protrusions in the thickness direction rather than in the planar direction.

The second hole-defined protrusions <NUM> may be formed at the left and right corners of the mold <NUM> corresponding to the left and right corners of the metal frame <NUM>. The second hole-defined protrusions <NUM> may be formed at the upper and lower corners of the mold <NUM> corresponding to the upper and lower corners of the metal frame <NUM>.

The first hole-defined protrusions <NUM> and the second hole-defined protrusions <NUM> may be formed at one side edge adjacent to the electronic component <NUM>. When the first hole-defined protrusions <NUM> and the second hole-defined protrusions <NUM> may be coupled to each other at one side edge adjacent to the electronic component <NUM>, the bonding between the metal frame <NUM> and the mold <NUM> is stronger, so that the electronic component <NUM> may be supported with a greater supporting force.

When the metal frame <NUM> fully supports the electronic component <NUM>, the electronic component <NUM> may be fixed thereto without the separate rib <NUM>, as shown in the <FIG>.

<FIG> is a rear view of an exploded front casing <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

Alternatively, the metal frame <NUM> may at least partially cover an edge of the mold <NUM>.

In the above-described embodiments, the metal frame <NUM> is positioned inwardly of the edge of the mold <NUM> and fixed to the mold <NUM>.

Alternatively, at least one region of the metal frame <NUM> may be located outwardly of an edge of the mold <NUM> and is fixed thereto.

When the metal frame <NUM> protrudes outwardly from an edge of the mold <NUM>, the combination of the window 151a and mold <NUM> may be seated on and secured to the metal frame <NUM>.

In this case, it is preferable that the mold <NUM> and the metal frame <NUM> are fixed to each other via an adhesive tape <NUM>.

The mold <NUM> may be replaced with a printed region unlike the above-described embodiments. That is, the printed region may play only a role of screening the non-output region <NUM> on a front face of the mobile terminal <NUM>, while the metal frame <NUM> may play a role of a frame having rigidity.

<FIG> shows a rear view of a display module 150a according to the present disclosure.

A driver <NUM> includes a chip for driving the output of the display module 150a and the cable.

The driver <NUM> may be separately disposed on the rear face of the display module 150a. Alternatively, the driver <NUM> may be disposed on a flexible printed board connected to the display module 150a. This scheme is referred to as Chip On Film (COF) scheme.

Unlike the output region configuration of the conventional display module 150a, a position of the driver <NUM> may should be considered due to the presence of the second output sub-region 311b and the third output sub-region 311c.

Since the electronic component <NUM> is provided in a region above the display module 150a, the driver <NUM> may be disposed in the region above the display module. Accordingly, the driver <NUM> may be connected to a left side, right side, or bottom of the display module 150a and thus be coupled to the main printed circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

The foregoing embodiments have the feature in which an output region <NUM> of the display module 150a has a recessed region such that the output region does not contain a region in which the electronic component <NUM> is disposed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the mobile terminal <NUM> having an opening <NUM> such that the output region <NUM> of the display module 150a contains the electronic component <NUM> will be described.

The display module 150a may have the opening <NUM> in a region corresponding to the electronic component <NUM>. That is, the display module 150a has a non-output region <NUM> in at least one point in the output region <NUM>.

The output region <NUM> may be maximized by using only a minimum region of the opening <NUM> as the non-output region <NUM> to perform a function of the electronic component <NUM> and using an entirety of a remaining region as the output region <NUM>.

The output region <NUM> of the display module 150a contain the non-output region <NUM>. Thus, a construction of the opening <NUM> to be formed in the display module 150a and a mounting structure of the electronic component <NUM> provided in a region corresponding to the opening <NUM> should be considered.

In particular, the electronic component <NUM> should be securely seated on the seat while a clearance is absent therebetween. When the electronic component <NUM> is directly disposed on the rear face of the display module 150a, it is difficult to protect the display module 150a.

Thus, a bottom edge of the output region <NUM> of the display module 150a may coincide with a straight edge above a region corresponding to the electronic component <NUM> as located at a bottom portion, as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the output region <NUM> of the display module 150a may exclude a region corresponding to the electronic component <NUM> as located at a bottom portion. The feature of the embodiment having the above-described output sub-regions as spaced from each other may be applied to the configuration of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a rear perspective view of a partially disassembled mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

The electronic component <NUM> may be disposed on the front-face of the metal frame <NUM> and fixed thereto. As in the previous embodiments, the metal frame <NUM> supports and protects the rear face of the display module 150a.

The seat <NUM> may be formed on the front face of the metal frame <NUM> to seat the electronic component <NUM> on the seat. The features of the seat <NUM> may be the same as those described in <FIG>, unless otherwise noted.

As in the previous embodiments, the metal frame <NUM> includes the first region 240a corresponding to the rear face region of the display module 150a, and the second region 240b for fixing the electronic component <NUM> to the mold <NUM>.

The second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the mold <NUM>. The combination of the metal frame <NUM> and the mold <NUM> may fix the electronic component <NUM> therebetween thereto.

The second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> defining the seat <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first region 240a of the metal frame <NUM> as described above. The result is as described above.

The electronic components <NUM> may be arranged on a module basis and may be fixed to the seat <NUM>. The electronic component <NUM> may be fixed directly to the metal frame or mold <NUM> or indirectly fixed thereto via fixing between the mold <NUM> and the metal frame <NUM>.

The mold <NUM> may act as a counterpart to which the metal frame <NUM> may be coupled. The fixed combination between the mold <NUM> and the metal frame <NUM> may be implemented via the adhesive tape <NUM> as described above or be implemented via screwing.

In this embodiment, a case where the screw coupling is employed is described. When the mold <NUM> and the metal frame <NUM> are fixed to each other via screw coupling, the electronic component <NUM> may be reliably fixed thereto. However, the screw coupling scheme may be replaced with the adhesive scheme within a scope of this feature.

We will refer to <FIG> and <FIG> together for convenience of description.

In the metal frame <NUM>, the region actually occupied by the electronic component <NUM> is called a seated region <NUM>. Further, the region formed in the metal frame <NUM> for fixing the electronic component <NUM> is called a fixing region <NUM>.

For convenience of description, the region where the electronic component <NUM> is mounted is defined as a seated region while the region of the metal frame <NUM> for fixing the electronic component <NUM> is defined as a fixing region <NUM>.

The mold <NUM> may include not only a region corresponding to the fixing region <NUM> but also at least a portion of the seated region.

That is, when the mold <NUM> does not cover a portion of the rear face of the display module 150a corresponding to the seated region of the electronic component <NUM>, it is difficult to protect the portion of the rear face of the display module 150a corresponding to the seated region. The mold <NUM> protects the portion of the rear face of the display module 150a.

The mold <NUM> has an opening <NUM> for exposure of an front face of of the electronic component <NUM>.

Therefore, the front-face of the electronic component <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the opening <NUM> of the display module 150a and the opening <NUM> of the mold <NUM>.

As described above, the first region 240a and the second region 240b of the metal frame <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other. The effect therefrom is as described above.

A diameter D2 of the opening <NUM> of the mold <NUM> is larger than a diameter D1 of the opening <NUM> of the display module 150a. This is to ensure that a front face of the mold <NUM> is not visible to the outside and that the electronic component <NUM> is exposed as much as possible through the opening <NUM> of the minimum diameter.

When the mold <NUM> and metal frame <NUM> are screw-coupled to each other, the mold <NUM> and metal frame <NUM> may have screw holes <NUM> defined therein respectively.

To provide a sufficient counterpart for the screw engagement, the mold <NUM> may have a protrusion <NUM> thicker than the other regions in a region corresponding to the screw hole <NUM>.

Unlike the embodiment of <FIG>, mold <NUM> may include a guide bracket <NUM> covering a side face of the opening <NUM> of the display module 150a.

The guide bracket <NUM> may protrude toward the front face of the mobile terminal <NUM> along an edge of the opening <NUM> of the mold <NUM>.

The guide bracket <NUM> may serve as a centering guide to guide correct positions of the display module 150a and the mold <NUM> when the display module 150a and the mold <NUM> are combined with each other.

When the guide bracket <NUM> surrounds the side face of the opening <NUM> of the display module 150a, an adhesive material <NUM> for fixing a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer of the display module 150a to each other as horizontally extends conventionally may extend in the vertical direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the mobile terminal <NUM>. In this connection, the color filter layer and the guide bracket <NUM> are bonded to each other and then the TFT layer and the guide bracket <NUM> are bonded to each other. Thus, the color filter layer and thin film transistor layer of the display module 150a may be fixed to each other.

Thus, the display output region <NUM> can be maximized when the color filter layer and the TFT layer are not bonded to each other in the horizontal direction.

<FIG> is a partial exploded front view of a mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure. <FIG> shows a rear perspective view of a partially disassembled mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-section view of a portion of a mobile terminal viewing a region containing electronic components.

We will refer to <FIG> together for convenience of description.

Unlike the embodiment of <FIG>, the electronic component <NUM> may be coupled to the rear face of the metal frame <NUM>. In this connection, the metal frame <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> for exposure of the front face of the electronic component <NUM>.

The mold <NUM> may only have the screw fixing region <NUM> unlike the embodiment of <FIG>. Since the metal frame <NUM> already exists in the seated region for the electronic component <NUM>, there is no need for a separate rigid member. Thus, the mold <NUM> may define an opening in the region, thereby minimizing the overall thickness of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

Even in this case, the electronic components <NUM> may be arranged on a module basis and may be fixed or coupled thereto.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the electronic component <NUM> is fixed to and between the metal frame <NUM> and the mold <NUM>. Thus, there may be no need for a separate fixing structure. In this embodiment, a separate fixing structure is required in that the electronic component <NUM> is disposed on the rear face of the metal frame <NUM>.

For example, the electronic component <NUM> may include a hook <NUM> and may be coupled to the rear face of the metal frame <NUM> via a hook coupling structure. Alternatively, the electronic component <NUM> may be coupled to the metal frame <NUM> or the mold <NUM> via screw coupling. If the metal frame <NUM> is screw-coupled to the mold <NUM>, the electronic component <NUM> and the metal frame <NUM> may be screw-coupled to each other using the same hole-defined protrusions <NUM>. Alternatively, the electronic component <NUM> may be coupled to the mold <NUM> using individual hole-defined protrusions <NUM>.

For the coupling reliability, both the hook coupling structure and the screw coupling structure may be applied at the same time.

The embodiment of <FIG> discloses that the cable hole <NUM> is formed in the side wall <NUM> of the seat <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, a terminal hole <NUM> is formed in the rear face of the seat <NUM>. A terminal <NUM> of the electronic component <NUM> is exposed to the outside through the terminal hole <NUM>. The exposed terminal <NUM> may be electrically connected to a terminal provided on the printed circuit board <NUM>. In order to ensure contact reliability, one of the both terminals contacting each other may be embodied in a form of a clip.

Various aspects for carrying out the invention have been described in the above Detailed Description section.

The description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A mobile terminal including:
a window (151a);
a display module (150a) disposed on a rear face of the window (151a) and having a first opening (<NUM>);
a mold (<NUM>) disposed on a rear face of the display module (150a) and having a second opening (<NUM>) located at a rear side of the first opening (<NUM>);
an electronic component (<NUM>) disposed on a rear face of the mold (<NUM>) to cover the first opening (<NUM>) and the second opening (<NUM>);
wherein the first opening (<NUM>) is located within an output region (<NUM>) of the display module (150a), and
wherein a diameter of the first opening (<NUM>) is smaller than a diameter of the second opening (<NUM>) to prevent the mold (<NUM>) from being exposed through the first opening hole (<NUM>).