Patent Description:
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'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 a device. Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the functionality of mobile terminals. Such efforts include software and hardware improvements, as well as changes and improvements in the structural components.

Recently, mobile terminals including a flexible display that can be deformed by external force have been developed. In this case, however, if a flexible display unit is deformed to be folded or unfolded by using a hinge unit, the flexible display unit may be creased, degrading quality.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> relate to a flexible display foldable assembly.

Further aspects of the invention are outlined in the dependent claims.

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a structure in which a flexible display unit is maintained to be flat while a mobile terminal is being deformed.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, a mobile terminal may include: a flexible display unit configured to be deformed from a first state as an unfolded state to a second state as a folded state or from the second state to the first state; a first body unit configured to support one region of the display unit; a second body unit rotatably connected to the first body unit, configured to support the other remaining region of the display unit, and configured to become away from the first body unit while the flexible display unit is being changed from the second state to the first state; and a hinge unit configured to rotatably connect the first and second body units.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the second body unit may include: a first plate rotatably mounted on the first body unit; and a second plate connected to the first plate so as to be slidably moved in a direction away from the first body unit when the display unit is being changed from the second state to the first state.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the first body unit may include a receiving space formed to be recessed on one surface of the first body unit to receive the second body unit and the other region of the flexible display unit in the second state.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the mobile terminal may further include an elastic unit configured to provide elastic force to move the second plate in the second state. Accordingly, the flexible display unit may be maintained in a more flat state in the first state, whereby output quality can be enhanced and damage to the flexible display unit due to a change in state of the flexible display unit can be minimized.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the mobile terminal further includes: connection units configured to connect the hinge unit and the first and second body units and elastic units provided to elastically support the connection units and the first and second body units.

In an example related to the present disclosure, the flexible display unit may include guide protrusions protruding from one surface of the flexible display unit and the first and second body units may include guide grooves allowing the guide protrusions to be inserted thereinto and extending in the one direction.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in the mobile terminal having a flexible display unit formed to be folded with respect to the hinge unit, the flexible display unit may be maintained in an overall flat state by first and second plates that may be relatively movable by one region of the flexible display unit covering the hinge unit in the folded state.

Thus, even though the flexible display unit is deformed to be repeatedly unfolded or folded, damage to the folded region of the flexible display unit may be minimized. Also, quality of an image output to the folded region can be enhanced.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected with" another element, the element can be connected with the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

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.

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 is not a requirement, and that greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

The wireless communication unit <NUM> typically includes one or more modules which permit communications such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal <NUM> and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal <NUM> and another mobile terminal, communications between the mobile terminal <NUM> and an external server.

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, in <FIG>, the sensing unit <NUM> is shown having a proximity sensor <NUM> and an illumination sensor <NUM>. If desired, the sensing unit <NUM> may alternatively or additionally include other types of sensors or devices, such as 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 by the various components depicted in <FIG>, or activating application programs stored in the memory <NUM>. As one example, the controller <NUM> controls some or all of the components illustrated in <FIG> according to the execution of an application program that have been stored in the memory <NUM>.

At least some of the above components may operate in a cooperating manner, so as to implement an operation or a control method of a glass type terminal according to various embodiments to be explained later. The operation or the control method of the glass type terminal may be implemented on the glass type terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, various components depicted in this figure will now be described in more detail.

The broadcast managing entity may be implemented using a server or system which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, or a server which receives a pre-generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, and sends such items to the mobile terminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented using any of a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and combinations thereof, among others. The broadcast signal in some cases may further include a data broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encoded according to any of a variety of technical standards or broadcasting methods (for example, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Digital Video Broadcast (DVB), Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), and the like) for transmission and reception of digital broadcast signals. The broadcast receiving module <NUM> can receive the digital broadcast signals using a method appropriate for the transmission method utilized.

Examples of broadcast associated information may include information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast event, a broadcast service provider, or the like. The broadcast associated information may also be provided via a mobile communication network, and in this case, received by the mobile communication module <NUM>.

The broadcast associated information may be implemented in various formats. For instance, broadcast associated information may include an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), and the like. Broadcast signals and/or broadcast associated information received via the broadcast receiving module <NUM> may be stored in a suitable device, such as a memory <NUM>.

The mobile communication module <NUM> can transmit and/or receive wireless signals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of a network entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, a server, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobile communication network, which is constructed according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communications (for example, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), CDMA2000(Code Division Multi Access <NUM>), EV-DO(Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA(High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE) , LTE-A(Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like).

Suitable technologies for implementing such short-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB(Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configured similarly to mobile terminal <NUM>) may be a wearable device, for example, a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which is able to exchange data with the mobile terminal <NUM> (or otherwise cooperate with the mobile terminal <NUM>). The short-range communication module <NUM> may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permit communication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal <NUM>. In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, for example, may cause transmission of data processed in the mobile terminal <NUM> to the wearable device via the short-range communication module <NUM>. Hence, a user of the wearable device may use the data processed in the mobile terminal <NUM> on the wearable device. For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal <NUM>, the user may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a message is received in the mobile terminal <NUM>, the user can check the received message using the wearable device.

The input unit <NUM> may be configured to permit various types of input to the mobile terminal <NUM>. Examples of such input include audio, image, video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtained using one or more cameras <NUM>. Such cameras <NUM> may process image frames of still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or image capture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit <NUM> or stored in memory <NUM>. In some cases, the cameras <NUM> may be arranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of images having various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal <NUM>. As another example, the cameras <NUM> may be located in a stereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images for implementing a stereoscopic image.

The sensing unit <NUM> is generally configured to sense one or more of internal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. The controller <NUM> generally cooperates with the sending unit <NUM> to control operation of the mobile terminal <NUM> or execute data processing, a function or an operation associated with an application program installed in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by the sensing unit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may be implemented using any of a variety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor <NUM> may include a sensor to sense presence or absence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near a surface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the like without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor <NUM> may be arranged at an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen, or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor <NUM>, for example, may include any of a transmissive type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, and the like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, the proximity sensor <NUM> can sense proximity of a pointer relative to the touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which is responsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximity sensor.

The term "proximity touch" will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to the touch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term "contact touch" will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in which a pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the position corresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to the touch screen, such position will correspond to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor <NUM> may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example, distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and the like). In general, controller <NUM> processes data corresponding to proximity touches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor <NUM>, and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. In addition, the controller <NUM> can control the mobile terminal <NUM> to execute different operations or process different data according to whether a touch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either a proximity touch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such as display unit <NUM>, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples of such touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes of pressure applied to a specific part of the display unit <NUM>, or convert capacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit <NUM>, into electric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sense not only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressure and/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply a touch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objects include a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signals may be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller may process the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data to the controller <NUM>. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> may sense which region of the display unit <NUM> has been touched. Here, the touch controller may be a component separate from the controller <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may execute the same or different controls according to a type of touch object that touches the touch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen. Whether to execute the same or different control according to the object which provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operating state of the mobile terminal <NUM> or a currently executed application program, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implemented individually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Such touches includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognize position information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves. The controller <NUM>, for example, may calculate a position of a wave generation source based on information sensed by an illumination sensor and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the optical sensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generation source may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position of the wave generation source may be calculated using the time difference from the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on the light as a reference signal.

The camera <NUM> typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD, CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera <NUM> with a laser sensor may allow detection of a touch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the display device. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of the physical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, the photo sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows and columns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electrical signal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical object according to variation of light to thus obtain position information of the physical object.

In some embodiments, the display unit <NUM> may be implemented as a stereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images.

A typical stereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic display scheme such as a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or the like.

When the mobile terminal <NUM> is connected with an external cradle, the interface unit <NUM> can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradle to be supplied to the mobile terminal <NUM> or may serve as a passage to allow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to be transferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory <NUM> can store programs to support operations of the controller <NUM> and store input/output data (for example, phonebook, messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory <NUM> may store data related to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output in response to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory <NUM> may include one or more types of storage mediums including a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicon disk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like. The mobile terminal <NUM> may also be operated in relation to a network storage device that performs the storage function of the memory <NUM> over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller <NUM> may typically control the general operations of the mobile terminal <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may set or release a lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control command with respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meets a preset condition.

The power supply unit <NUM> receives external power or provide internal power and supply the appropriate power required for operating respective elements and components included in the mobile terminal <NUM>. The power supply unit <NUM> may include a battery, which is typically rechargeable or be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit <NUM> may include a connection port. The connection port may be configured as one example of the interface unit <NUM> to which an external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery is electrically connected.

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

The display unit <NUM> outputs information processed in the mobile terminal <NUM>. For example, the display unit <NUM> may display information on an execution screen of an application program driven in the mobile terminal <NUM>, or a User interface (Ul) or a Graphic User Interface (GUI) associated with such execution screen information.

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 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.

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> (refer to <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>. Also, the battery <NUM> can be recharged in a wireless manner using a wireless charger. Wireless charging may be implemented by magnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

The rear cover <NUM> is shown coupled to the rear case <NUM> for shielding the battery <NUM>, to prevent separation of the battery <NUM>, and to protect the battery <NUM> from an external impact or from foreign material. When the battery <NUM> is detachable from the terminal body, the rear case <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the rear case <NUM>.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending the functions of the mobile terminal <NUM> can also be provided on the mobile terminal <NUM>. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch for covering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal <NUM> may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the display unit <NUM> to extend the function of the mobile terminal <NUM>. Another example of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a mobile terminal including a flexible display unit. The mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flexible display unit <NUM> that may be deformed by an external force applied thereto. The deformation may be at least one among bending, folding, twisting, and rolling of the display module. The deformable display module may be referred to as a "flexible display unit". Here, the flexible display unit <NUM> may include all of a general flexible display, e-paper, and a combination thereof.

A general flexible display refers to a display fabricated on a thin, flexible substrate which is pliable, bendable, foldable, twistable, or rollable, while maintaining characteristics of an existing flat panel display, which, thus, is light in weight and not brittle.

Also, e-paper refers to a display technique employing the characteristics of general ink. A difference of e-paler from an existing flat panel display lies in that e-paper uses reflected light. In e-paper, information may be changed by using twist balls or electrophoresis using capsules.

In a state in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is not deformed (for example, in a state in which the flexible display unit <NUM> has an infinite radius of curvature) (hereinafter, referred to as a "first state"), a display region of the flexible display unit <NUM> is flat. When the flexible display unit <NUM> is deformed by an external force in the first state (for example, a state in which the flexible display unit <NUM> has a finite radius of curvature, which will be referred to as a "second state, hereinafter), the display region may be curved.

As illustrated, information displayed in the second state may be visual information output on a curved surface. Such visual information is displayed as light emission of unit pixels (subpixels) disposed in a matrix form is independently controlled. A unit pixel refers to a minimum unit for implementing a single color.

The flexible display unit <NUM> may be changed from a first state, that is, in a flat state, to a bent state (for example, vertically or horizontally bent state). In this case, when an external force is applied to the flexible display unit <NUM>, the flexible display unit <NUM> may be deformed to be flat state (or less bent state) or more bent state.

Meanwhile, the flexible display unit <NUM> may be combined with a touch sensor to implement a flexible touch screen. When a touch is applied to the flexible touch screen, the controller <NUM> (please refer to <FIG>) may perform controlling corresponding to the touch input. The flexible touch screen may be configured to sense a touch input even in the second state, as well as in the first state.

Meanwhile, a deformation sensing unit for sensing deformation of the flexible display unit <NUM> may be provided in the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present modified example. Such a deformation sensing unit may be included in the sensing unit <NUM> (please refer to <FIG>).

The deformation sensing unit may be provided in the flexible display unit <NUM> or the body unit <NUM> or <NUM> to sense information related to deformation of the flexible display unit <NUM>. Here, information related to deformation may include a direction in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is deformed, a degree to which the flexible display unit <NUM> is deformed, a deformed position of the flexible display unit <NUM>, a period of time during which the flexible display unit <NUM> is deformed, acceleration at which the flexible display unit <NUM> in a deformed state is restored. In addition, the information related to deformation may be various types of information that can be sensed when the flexible display unit <NUM> is bent.

Also, on the basis of information related to deformation of the flexible display unit <NUM> sensed by the deformation sensing unit, the controller <NUM> may change information displayed on the flexible display unit <NUM> or may generate a control signal for controlling a function of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

Deformation of a state of the flexible display unit <NUM> is not induced by only an external force. For example, when the flexible display unit <NUM> is in the first state, the flexible display unit <NUM> may be deformed to the second state by the user or by a command of an application.

The mobile terminal <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is supported by the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>, and the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are rotatably connected. The first body unit <NUM> supports one region of the flexible display unit <NUM> and the second body unit <NUM> supports the other region of the flexible display unit <NUM>. The first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> relatively rotate at a certain angle in a mutually connected state, the region of the flexible display unit <NUM> connecting the first and second body unit <NUM> and <NUM> is bent, and the flexible display unit <NUM> turns to the second state in which portions thereof overlap with each other in the second state.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating the second state in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is folded, and <FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a first state in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is unfolded. In the drawings, only the first and second states are illustrated, but there may be another state in which one region and the other remaining region of the flexible display unit <NUM> are bent at a certain angle, while the flexible display unit <NUM> is deformed from the first state to the second state.

In the second state, the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> overlap with each other, and a space between the one region and the other remaining region are bent, forming a curved surface.

The first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> include preset bezel portions formed to surround the edges of the flexible display unit <NUM>, and the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> have preset thicknesses, respectively. A plurality of electronic components for driving the mobile terminal <NUM> are mounted in one region of at least one of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a specific structure in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is deformed in a state of being tightly attached to the body units, while the flexible display unit <NUM> is fixed to the body units having preset shapes and is changed from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state will be described.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> through and 2D(c) are cross-sectional views of <FIG> illustrating a structure of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile terminal <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flexible display unit <NUM>, the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> supporting the flexible display unit <NUM>, and a hinge unit <NUM>.

The first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are rotatably connected by the hinge unit <NUM>. The hinge unit <NUM> includes a hinge shaft (not shown), and connection portions formed to surround one region of the hinge shaft may be formed in one end portions of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>.

The flexible display unit <NUM> is attached on one surface of the first body unit <NUM>. Although not shown in detail in the drawings, an adhesive member may be formed between the first body unit <NUM> and the flexible display unit <NUM>. Also, a receiving portion may be formed to be recessed from one surface of the first body unit <NUM> to receive one region of the flexible display unit <NUM>.

Also, the first body unit <NUM> includes a receiving space <NUM>' formed to be recessed from the other surface opposing the one surface to receive the other remaining region of the flexible display unit <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the internal space <NUM>' may have a depth d1 substantially equal to the thickness of the flexible display unit <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the second state as a folded state, both the flexible display unit <NUM> and the second body unit <NUM> may be received in the internal space <NUM>', and in the second state, the other surface of the first body unit <NUM> and the exposed outer surface of the display unit <NUM> may be maintained to be substantially flat.

The hinge unit <NUM> is fixed to the first body unit <NUM> on the flexible display unit <NUM>, and one end portion of the first body unit <NUM> may be connected to the hinge portion <NUM>. Here, preferably, one end portion of the first body unit <NUM> is connected to a lower portion, relative to the hinge shaft.

Meanwhile, one end portion of the second body <NUM> is connected to the hinge unit <NUM>, and here, the one end portion of the second body unit <NUM> may be connected to a portion lower than the hinge shaft (not shown). The second body unit <NUM> includes first and second plates 102a and 102b which are formed to be slidable with each other.

The first plate 102a is connected to the hinge unit <NUM> so as to be relatively rotated from the first body unit <NUM> with respect to the hinge shaft. In order to allow the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> having preset thicknesses to completely overlap with each other, the first plate 102a may be connected to a portion lower than the position of the hinge shaft, the center of the hinge unit <NUM>. The first plate 102a may further include a connection portion covering one region of the hinge unit <NUM>.

One surface of the second plate 102b is installed to be slidably moved to the first plate 102a. In the second state, end portions of the first and second plates 102a and 102b overlap with each other to form a single end portion. Meanwhile, in the second state, one regions of the first and second plates 102a and 102b partially overlap with each other.

The other remaining region of the flexible display unit <NUM> is installed on the other surface of the second plate 102b. Although not illustrated in detail in the drawings, an adhesive member may be formed between the flexible display unit <NUM> and the other surface of the second plate 102b.

The flexible display unit <NUM> includes a region fixed to the body <NUM>, a region fixed to the second unit <NUM>, and an unattached region S. In the second state, the unattached region S is formed to cover a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the hinge unit <NUM>, and in the first state, the unattached region S may be restricted from being in contact with other components and may form a space with the first plate 102a.

For a slidable movement of the first plate 102a and the second plate 102b, the second body unit <NUM> includes a movement guide unit <NUM>. In a state in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is attached, the movement guide unit <NUM> guides the second plate 102b to reciprocate in a direction in which the display unit extends with respect to the first plate 102a, namely, in a first direction D1 on the drawing.

<FIG> is a conceptual view of <FIG> viewed in an A direction, illustrating a guide unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating the mobile terminal in the first state. The first and second plates 102a and 120b are partially overlapped state, and the receiving space <NUM>' is exposed.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide unit includes a guide groove 104a and a guide protrusion 104b. The guide groove 104a extends in the first direction D1, and recessed from the other surface of the second plate 102b. The guide protrusion 104b is formed to be inserted into the guide groove 104b, and protrude from one surface of the first plate 102a. The guide protrusion 104b may have a cross-section having an I shape such that it may not be separated from the guide groove 104a. Accordingly, when an external force is applied by the user, the second plate 102b moves in a direction away from the first body unit <NUM>, namely, in a direction away from the hinge unit <NUM>, along the guide groove 104a, and thus, the unattached region S is under tensile force applied from the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> so as to be maintained to be flat in the first state. Hereinafter, a deformed state of the flexible display unit <NUM> according to the structure of the second body unit <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> are conceptual views illustrating a movement of the structure of the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the first state, and 2D(c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the second state, and <FIG> is a view illustrating an intermediate state in deformation from the first state to the second state (or vice versa). a length between a first end portion 102a' of the first plate 102a and a second end portion 102b' of the second plate 102b in the first state will be defined as a first length <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first length l1 is formed to be smaller than or substantially equal to the unattached region S.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the second body unit <NUM> relatively rotates with respect to the first body unit <NUM> such that the first body unit <NUM> and the first plate 102a are at a particular angle. In this case, a length between the first and second end portions 102a' and 102b' is a second length l2, and the second length l2 is smaller than the first length l1. Also, a portion of the unattached region S covers a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the hinge unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the second state, the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are received in the receiving region <NUM>'. That is, the sequentially overlapped first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> and the other region of the flexible display unit <NUM> are received in the receiving region <NUM>'. The flexible display unit <NUM> and an outer surface of the first body unit <NUM> may form a plane. In this case, the length between the first and second end portions <NUM>' and 102b' substantially disappear and the first and second end portions 102a' and 102b' may form the substantially same end portions.

In the second state, the flexible display unit <NUM> may be formed to cover a half of an outer circumference of the hinge unit <NUM>. That is, the first length l1 may be formed to be substantially equal to the length corresponding to the half of the outer circumference of the hinge unit.

Thus, in the mobile terminal <NUM> having the flexible display unit <NUM> formed to be bent and folded with respect to the hinge unit formed to have a preset diameter, the flexible display unit <NUM> may be maintained in an overall flat state in the unfolded state by the first and second plates 102a and 102b that can be relatively movable by one region of the flexible display unit <NUM> covering the hinge unit in the folded state.

Thus, although the flexible display unit <NUM> is repeatedly deformed, namely, repeatedly folded and unfolded, damage to the folded region of the flexible display unit <NUM> can be minimized. Also, image output quality in the folded region can be enhanced.

Electronic components for driving the mobile terminal <NUM> may be mounted on at least a portion of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM>. <FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating a space for mounting an electronic component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first body unit <NUM> includes the receiving space <NUM>' having the first thickness d1 to receive the second body unit <NUM> and the flexible display unit <NUM> in the second state. Also, a first mounting space allowing the electronic component to be mounted therein is provided in the other end portion of the first body unit <NUM> having one end portion connected to the hinge unit <NUM>. The receiving space <NUM>' may be formed by a length over which the flexible display unit <NUM> extends, the thickness d1 of the receiving space <NUM>', and a radius from the center of the hinge unit <NUM>.

For example, a power supply unit <NUM> may be mounted in the first mounting space. The first mounting space is a region having a relatively large thickness, and thus, a battery having increased capacity, and the like, may be mounted in the first mounting space. That is, the first mounting space is disposed to be adjacent to the second body unit <NUM> in the second state.

Also, the first body unit <NUM> has a thickness formed between the one surface of the first body unit <NUM> on which the flexible display unit <NUM> is attached and the receiving space <NUM>' by the radius of the hinge unit <NUM>. Accordingly, a circuit board <NUM>, or the like, forming an electrical signal according to an electronic component may be mounted in a second mounting space formed due to the preset thickness of the first body unit <NUM>.

The second mounting space may have an area substantially the same as that of one region in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is attached to the first body unit <NUM>. However, the electronic components mounted in the first and second mounting regions are not limited thereto and shapes and relative sizes of the first and second mounting spaces are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings.

A mounting space of an electronic component according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>. The first body unit <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment does not form the receiving space <NUM>' of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the second body unit <NUM> attached to the flexible display unit <NUM> in the second state is formed to overlap on the first body unit <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the first state, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal <NUM> in the second state.

Referring to <FIG>, in the first state, the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are formed to have the substantially same thickness with respect to the flexible display unit <NUM>.

In this case, the electronic component may be mounted by using thicknesses of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the power supply unit <NUM> formed to be wide and thin may be mounted in the first mounting space of the first body unit, and the circuit board <NUM> my be disposed in the second mounting region of the second body unit <NUM>.

In the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present disclosure, the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> extend to correspond to the area of the flexible display unit <NUM>, and thus, a wider and thinner mounting space may be provided. Also, since the mounting space is formed in both the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>, the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to be balanced in weight.

The flexible display unit <NUM> is provided with tensile force so as to be deformed to be flat according to the second plate 102b moved by an external force from the user. Hereinafter, an additional structure providing tensile force to the flexible display unit will be described in detail.

The mobile terminal <NUM> including an elastic member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>. The mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a side wall portion 102c formed to surround the edges of the first and second plates 102a and 120b and the edges of the flexible display unit <NUM>. the side wall portion 102c may be formed to be substantially equal to a total thickness of the flexible display unit <NUM> and the first and second plates 102a and 120b. That is, in the first state, a space having a first length l1 is formed between a first end portion 102a' of the first plate 102a and the side wall portion 102c. Also, the side wall portion 102c is fixed to a second end portion 102b'.

The mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment further includes first elastic members 170a formed in the space to elastically support the side wall portion 102c and the first plate 102a. The side wall portion 102c and the first plate 102a are forced to become away from one another due to elastic force of the first elastic members 107a, and accordingly, the second plate 102b and the first plate 102a fixed to the side wall portion 102c are under tensile force exerted to make the second plate 102b and the first plate 102a become away. Also, the side wall portion 102c has a first recess 102c' having a preset depth such that the first elastic members 170a are received therein.

That is, in the first state, tensile force may be applied to the unattached region S of the flexible display unit <NUM> due to elastic force provided between the first and second plates 102a and 120b in the first state.

Referring to <FIG>, the first elastic member 107a may be deformed by external force of the user applied while the mobile terminal is deformed to the second state. Although not shown in detail in the drawings, when the mobile terminal is changed to the second state, the first electric members 107a may be received in the first recess 102c'.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, since elastic force is provided between the first and second plates 102a and 120b to provide the second plate 102a with a force to make it move, the unattached region S of the flexible display unit <NUM> may be formed to be more flat.

The mobile terminal <NUM> including a second elastic member formed in the second body unit will be described with reference to <FIG>. The second plate 102b includes a second recess <NUM>' recessed from the other end portion of the second plate 102b , namely, from an end portion facing the hinge unit <NUM> in the first state. Also, the second body unit <NUM> includes a second elastic member 107b having a portion received in the second recess <NUM>' and supporting the second plate 102b and the hinge unit <NUM>.

A force thrusting the second plate 102b from the hinge unit <NUM> is provided in the first state due to elastic force of the second elastic member 107b. Accordingly, the second plate 102b may move farther by virtue of the elastic force and the unattached region S may become more flat.

The mobile terminal <NUM> having a third elastic member 107c received in the guide unit will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of guide protrusions 104b. For example, the guide unit <NUM> may include a first guide protrusion 104b' disposed to be most adjacent to the hinge unit <NUM> and a second guide protrusion 104b" disposed to be farthest from the hinge unit <NUM>. The guide groove 104a is formed such that a distance over which the first and second guide protrusions 104b' and 104b" move when the mobile terminal <NUM> is changed from the second state to the first state is substantially equal to the first length l1.

The third elastic member 107c according to the present exemplary embodiment is received in the guide groove 104a and elastically supports the second guide protrusion 104b" and an inner surface forming the guide groove 104a of the second plate 102b.

A third length I3 between the second guide protrusion 104b" and an inner surface of the second plate 102b forming the guide groove 104a in the first state is greater than the first length <NUM>. Also, the third elastic member 107c contracts in the second state, and a fourth length l4 of a space formed to receive the third elastic member 107c between the second guide protrusion 104b" and an inner surface of the second plate 102b is smaller than the first length l1.

Preferably, third elastic members 107c may be formed to correspond to the number of guide units. The third elastic member 107c is not exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal <NUM>, a simple appearance can be provided.

The structure of the mobile terminal <NUM> including a deformation guide member will be described with reference to <FIG>. The mobile terminal according to the present exemplary embodiment may further include a deformation guide member <NUM> attached to the flexible display unit <NUM>. The deformation guide member <NUM> may be formed of a material deformed by itself such that the flexible display unit <NUM> becomes flat when the mobile terminal <NUM> is changed to the first state.

For example, the deformation guide member <NUM> may be formed of an elastic member having elastic force for becoming flat, or may be formed as a bending sensor that may be changeable to a desired shape and as a shape memory member having a force to be deformed to a preset shape by an electric signal.

The deformation guide member <NUM> may be formed in one region or in the entire region of the flexible display unit <NUM>. Preferably, the deformation guide member <NUM> may be formed in the unattached region S and formed to extend in a first direction D1.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the deformation guide member <NUM> is directly installed on the flexible display unit <NUM>, without any additional structure installed in each component to provide tensile force, durability can be enhanced.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating a structure of a mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mobile terminal in the first state according to the present exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mobile terminal in the second state according to the present exemplary embodiment.

A mobile terminal <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flexible display unit <NUM>, first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> supporting the flexible display unit <NUM>, and a hinge unit <NUM> connecting the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> such that the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> relatively rotate with each other. The flexible display unit <NUM> is substantially identical to the flexible display unit <NUM> of <FIG>, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The mobile terminal <NUM> includes connection units <NUM> and elastic units <NUM> in order to connect the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> to the hinge unit <NUM>. The first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> include first and second insertion recesses <NUM>' and <NUM>', respectively. The first and second insertion recesses <NUM>' and <NUM>' are formed to face each other in the first state.

The connection units <NUM> include first and second connection members 204a and 204b inserted into the first and second insertion recesses <NUM>' and <NUM>', respectively. Also, the elastic units <NUM> include first and second elastic members 205a and 205b formed to elastically support the first and second connection members 204a and 204b in the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. With respect to the hinge unit <NUM>, the second elastic member 205b pushes the second body <NUM> in the first direction D1. Conversely, the first elastic member 205a provides a force pushing the first plate <NUM> in a direction opposite the first direction D1 with respect to the hinge unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the first and second bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are forced to move in the mutually opposite directions with respect to the hinge unit <NUM>.

The lengths of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially equal to support the flexible unit <NUM> in the substantially same region, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Also, the flexible display unit <NUM> is partially fixed to the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> and may further include an adhesive member (not shown) to attach the flexible display unit <NUM> to the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>. Also, the flexible display unit <NUM> may include an unattached region S not fixed by the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the unattached region S may be formed to cover a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the hinge unit <NUM> in the second state.

The first and second bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are forced to move in the mutually opposite directions by the elastic units in the first state, tensile force is provided to the unattached region S. Accordingly, the unattached region S may be maintained to be flat even though it is not supported by the body units.

Meanwhile, the first body <NUM> includes a first end portion 201a and a second end portion 201b, and the second body <NUM> includes a first end portion 202a and a second end portion 202b. The second end portion 201b of the first body <NUM> and the second end portion 202b of the second body <NUM> are formed to face each other in the first state.

The second end portions 201b and 202b of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are formed as curved surfaces corresponding to the outer circumferential surfaces of the hinge unit <NUM>. That is, in the second state, the second end portions 201b and 202b of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are formed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the hinge unit <NUM>. In other words, in the second state, the outer circumferential surface of the hinge unit <NUM> may be covered by the second end portions 201b and 202b of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> and the unattached region S of the flexible display unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the lengths of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially equal, the first end portions 201a and 202a of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> may be form a single end portion in the second state. That is, the first end portions 201a and 202a may be formed to be substantially flat.

In the second state, the elastic units <NUM> may be received in a contracted state within the first and second insertion recesses <NUM>' and <NUM>'. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the mobile terminal <NUM> may be forced to be changed to the first state on the basis of the elastic units <NUM>.

Also, since the connection units and the elastic units connecting the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are partially received within the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>, components forming the mobile terminal <NUM> can be minimized, and thus, the compact mobile terminal can be provided.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating a structure of a mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mobile terminal in the first state according to the present exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mobile terminal in the second state according to the present exemplary embodiment.

The mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a flexible display unit <NUM>, first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> supporting the flexible display unit <NUM>, a hinge unit <NUM> connecting the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> such that the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are relatively rotatable with each other, and guide units <NUM>. The flexible display unit <NUM> is substantially the same as the flexible display unit <NUM> of <FIG>, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment are connected to the hinge unit <NUM>. Also, the first and second body units <NUM> include a guide groove 304a having a preset length. Also, the flexible display unit <NUM> further includes a guide protrusion 304b protruding from one surface and inserted into the guide groove 304a. the flexible display unit <NUM> may include a plurality of guide protrusions 304b, and in order to prevent the flexible display unit <NUM> from being separated from the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>, the at least one pair of guide protrusions 304b may be formed to be adjacent to edges of the flexible display unit <NUM>.

The flexible display unit <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment may correspond to an OLED-type display unit.

The mobile terminal <NUM> includes a pair of third body units <NUM> formed on the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>. The third body unit <NUM> includes an internal space allowing an electronic component required for driving the mobile terminal <NUM> to be installed therein. Also, as illustrated in <FIG>, the third body units <NUM> are formed such that one surfaces thereof are in contact with the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> in the second state. That is, a thickness of the third body unit <NUM> may be determined by a diameter of the hinge unit <NUM>.

In the first state, end portions of the flexible display unit <NUM> and end portions of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned, while, in the second state, a distance is formed between the end portions of the flexible display unit <NUM> and the end portions of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM>.

A spacer <NUM> may be formed between the flexible display unit <NUM> and the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> where the guide unit is not formed. The spacer <NUM> supports the flexible display unit <NUM> and the first and second body units to maintain a gap therebetween.

When the mobile terminal is deformed from the first state to the second state, the end portions of the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> protrude longer than the flexible display unit <NUM>.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the guide protrusion is directly formed on the flexible display unit, the structure is simplified, and even though the mobile terminal is repeatedly deformed, a problem in which the flexible display unit is separated from the body units can be minimized, and thus, durability of the mobile terminal can be enhanced.

<FIG> are views illustrating a structure for moving or fixing the body units in the second state.

A structure for separating a pair of body units in the second state will be described with reference to <FIG>. A pair of third body units <NUM> of the mobile terminal <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> formed as portions of facing regions of the pair of third body units <NUM> are recessed.

The user may put his or her finger into the recess <NUM> to separate the pair of third body units <NUM>.

A structure for fixing a pair of body units in the second state will be described with reference to <FIG>. The pair of third body units of the mobile terminal <NUM> may include first and second magnet units 308a and 308b having different poles.

The first magnet unit 308a may have a protrusion shape and the second magnet unit 308b may have a recess shape corresponding to the first magnet unit 308a. The first and second magnet units 308a and 308b, having different poles, may provide a force enabling the first and second body units <NUM> and <NUM> to be maintained in the second state by attraction.

<FIG> are a views illustrating a structure of a mobile terminal that can be deformed to a third state according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile terminal <NUM> implemented in the third state in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is bent at a preset angle (θ).

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the mobile terminal <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a stopper module <NUM> installed in the hinge unit <NUM>. the hinge unit <NUM> includes a recess portion <NUM>' formed in a preset region, and the stopper module <NUM> includes a stopper 109a supporting the second body unit <NUM> and an elastic unit 109b received in the recess portion <NUM>' and elastically supporting the stopper 109a.

Referring to <FIG>, when the mobile terminal is changed from the first state to the third state, the stopper module <NUM> protrudes between the flexible display unit <NUM> and the first plate 102a. Referring to <FIG>, in the first state and the second state, the stopper 109a is pressed by the flexible display unit <NUM> and the stopper 109a is received in the recess portion <NUM>'.

While the flexible display unit <NUM> is being changed to the third state, a space is formed between the flexible display unit <NUM> and the first plate <NUM>, and the stopper 109a is projected by the elastic unit 109b. Meanwhile, since the stopper 109a supports the first plate 102a in the third state, a further movement of the first plate 102a is blocked.

In the third state, the stopper 109b is substantially parallel to the second plate 102b. Accordingly, the user may use the mobile terminal in a state in which the flexible display unit <NUM> is bent at the present angle (θ).

Also, since the flexible display unit <NUM> is prevented from being bent by the stopper module, damage to the flexible display unit <NUM> can be prevented.

The configuration and method of the mobile terminal according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not limited in its application, but the entirety or a portion of the embodiments may be selectively combined to be configured into various modifications.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be considered 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.

Claim 1:
A mobile terminal comprising:
a flexible display (<NUM>) configured to be deformed by changing the display from an unfolded state to a folded state;
a first body (<NUM>) configured to support a first region of the display, having a first insertion recess (<NUM>');
a second body (<NUM>) configured to support a remaining region of the display having a second insertion recess (<NUM>'), whereby the first insertion recess (<NUM>') and the second insertion recess (<NUM>') face each other in the unfolded state; and
a hinge (<NUM>) rotatably coupling the first body (<NUM>) with the second body (<NUM>),
wherein movement of the first body (<NUM>) relative to the second body (<NUM>) about the hinge (<NUM>) permits the display to be changed between the unfolded state and the folded state;
wherein the mobile terminal further comprises:
connection units (<NUM>), configured to connect the hinge (<NUM>) with first and second elastic members (205a, 205b) in the first and second insertion recesses (<NUM>', <NUM>'), and
wherein the first and second elastic members (205a, 205b) are configured to push the first and second bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively away from the hinge (<NUM>).