Patent ID: 12256036

BEST MODE

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 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 although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected with” another element, the element can be directly 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.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the context.

Terms such as “include” or “has” are used herein and should be understood that they are intended to indicate an existence of several components, functions or steps, disclosed in the specification, and it is also understood that greater or fewer components, functions, or steps may likewise be utilized.

FIG.1Ais a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure.

The mobile terminal100is shown having components such as a wireless communication unit110, an input unit120, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, an interface unit160, a memory170, a controller180, and a power supply unit190. Referring now toFIG.1A, the mobile terminal100is shown having wireless communication unit110configured with several commonly implemented components. It is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

More specifically, the wireless communication unit110typically includes one or more modules which permit communications such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal100and another mobile terminal, communications between the mobile terminal100and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit110typically includes one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal100to one or more networks.

To facilitate such communications, the wireless communication unit110includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a short-range communication module114, and a location information module115.

Regarding the wireless communication unit110, the broadcast receiving module111is typically configured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcast receiving modules111may be utilized to facilitate simultaneously receiving of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switching among broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module112can 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 2000), 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).

Examples of wireless signals transmitted and/or received via the mobile communication module112include audio call signals, video (telephony) call signals, or various formats of data to support communication of text and multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module113is configured to facilitate wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100. The wireless Internet module113may transmit and/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according to wireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), 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. The wireless Internet module113may transmit/receive data according to one or more of such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologies as well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implemented according to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module113performs such wireless Internet access. As such, the Internet module113may cooperate with, or function as, the mobile communication module112.

The short-range communication module114is configured to facilitate short-range communications. 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. The short-range communication module114in general supports wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal100and another mobile terminal100, or communications between the mobile terminal and a network where another mobile terminal100(or an external server) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of the wireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

The location information module115is generally configured to detect, calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobile terminal. As an example, the location information module115includes a Global Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. If desired, the location information module115may alternatively or additionally function with any of the other modules of the wireless communication unit110to obtain data related to the position of the mobile terminal. As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, a position of the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fi module, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquired based on information related to a wireless access point (AP) which transmits or receives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit120includes a camera121for obtaining images or video, a microphone122, which is one type of audio input device for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit123(for example, a touch key, a push key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, and the like) is obtained by the input unit120and may be analyzed and processed by controller180according to device parameters, user commands, and combinations thereof.

Such cameras121may 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 unit151or stored in memory170. In some cases, the cameras121may be arranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of images having various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras121may be located in a stereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images for implementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone122is generally implemented to permit audio input to the mobile terminal100. The audio input can be processed in various manners according to a function being executed in the mobile terminal100. If desired, the microphone122may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio.

The user input unit123is a component that permits input by a user. Such user input may enable the controller180to control operation of the mobile terminal100. The user input unit123may include one or more of a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on a front and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or a touch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitive input may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a touch key which is located on the mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen. On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit140is 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 unit140may alternatively or additionally include other types of sensors or devices, such as a proximity sensor141and an illumination sensor142, 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, camera121), a microphone122, 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 terminal100may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors of the sensing unit140, and combinations thereof.

The output unit150is typically configured to output various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. The output unit150is shown having a display unit151, an audio output module152, a haptic module153, and an optical output module154. The display unit151may have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. The touch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100and a user, as well as function as the user input unit123which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100and the user.

The audio output module152is generally configured to output audio data. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of different sources, such that the audio data may be received from the wireless communication unit110or may have been stored in the memory170. The audio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The audio output module152can provide audible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal100. The audio output module152may also be implemented as a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module153can be configured to generate various tactile effects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typical example of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module153is vibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generated by the haptic module153can be controlled by user selection or setting by the controller. For example, the haptic module153may output different vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

An optical output module154can output a signal for indicating an event generation using light of a light source. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal100may include message reception, call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an email reception, information reception through an application, and the like.

The interface unit160serves as an interface with various types of external devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal100. The interface unit160, for example, may include any of wired or wireless ports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting a device having an identification module, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal100may perform assorted control functions associated with a connected external device, in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory170is typically implemented to store data to support various functions or features of the mobile terminal100. For instance, the memory170may be configured to store application programs executed in the mobile terminal100, data or instructions for operations of the mobile terminal100, and the like. Some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the case for basic functions of the mobile terminal100(for example, receiving a call, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and the like). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal100, and executed by the controller180to perform an operation (or function) for the mobile terminal100.

The controller180typically functions to control overall operation of the mobile terminal100, in addition to the operations associated with the application programs. The controller180may 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 memory170.

To drive the application programs stored in the memory170, the controller180may be implemented to control a predetermined number of the components mentioned above in reference withFIG.1A. Moreover, the controller180may be implemented to combinedly operate two or more of the components provided in the mobile terminal100to drive the application programs.

The power supply unit190can be configured to receive external power or provide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required for operating elements and components included in the mobile terminal100. The power supply unit190may include a battery, and the battery may be configured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to be detachable from the terminal body.

Some or more of the components may be operated cooperatively to embody an operation, control or a control method of the mobile terminal in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the operation, control or control method of the mobile terminal may be realized on the mobile terminal by driving of one or more application problems stored in the memory170.

FIG.2is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment. Further,FIG.3shows perspective views respectively illustrating a first state and a second state viewed from one side of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment. Further,FIG.4shows rear face views respectively illustrating a first state and a second state of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment. Further,FIG.5shows cross-sectional views respectively taken along a line A-A and a line B-B ofFIG.3. In these drawings,FIGS.3A,4A, and5Ashow a first state of the mobile terminal, andFIGS.3B,4B, and5Bshow a second state of the mobile terminal.

As shown, a mobile terminal100in a first state is contracted, and has a smaller size than the mobile terminal100in a second state. In addition, a size of a display unit151located disposed on a front face of the mobile terminal100also becomes smaller than that of the display unit151in the second state. The mobile terminal100of the first state is expanded in a first direction D1to be in the second state. In the second state, a size of the mobile terminal100and a size of the front face of the display unit151become larger than that in the first state as shown inFIG.3B, and a size of the rear face of the display unit151is reduced as shown inFIG.4B. That is, the display unit151positioned on the rear face of the mobile terminal151in the first state moves to the front face of the mobile terminal100in the second state.

In a following description, a direction in which the mobile terminal100and the display151thereof are extended or enlarged is referred to as a first direction D1, a direction in which the mobile terminal100and the display151thereof are contracted or retracted, or reduce to be converted into the first state from the second state is referred to as a second direction D2, and a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions D1and D2is referred to as a third direction.

As such, the display unit may use a flexible display unit151that may be bent such that the position of the display unit may be varied. The flexible display is a lightweight, unbreakable, and durable display that is built on a thin and flexible substrate that may be bent, crooked, folded, twisted, or rolled while retaining properties of a conventional flat panel display.

In addition, an electronic paper is a display technology to which properties of general ink are applied. The electronic paper may be different from the conventional flat panel display in using reflected light. The electronic paper may change information using a twisted ball or electrophoresis using a capsule.

In a state in which the flexible display unit151is not deformed (e.g., a state of having an infinite curvature radius, hereinafter referred to as a basic state), a display region of the flexible display unit151becomes flat. In a state in which the flexible display unit151is deformed by an external force from the basic state (e.g., a state of having a finite radius of curvature, hereinafter referred to as a deformed state), the display region may become a curved face. As shown, information displayed in the deformation state may be visual information output on the curved face. Such visual information is implemented by independently controlling light emission of sub-pixels arranged in a matrix. The sub-pixel refers to a minimum unit for implementing one color.

The flexible display unit151may be in a curved state (e.g., a vertically or horizontally curved state) rather than a flat state in the basic state. In this case, when the external force is applied to the flexible display unit151, the flexible display unit151may be deformed into the flat state (or a less curved state) or more curved state.

The flexible display unit151may be combined with a touch sensor to implement a flexible touch screen. When a touch is made on the flexible touch screen, the controller180(seeFIG.1) may perform control corresponding to such touch input. The flexible touch screen may be configured to detect the touch input in the deformed state as well as in the basic state.

The touch sensor detects the touch (or touch input) applied on the touch screen using at least one of various touch schemes such as a resistive film scheme, a capacitance scheme, an infrared scheme, an ultrasonic wave scheme, a magnetic field scheme, and the like.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied on a specific portion of the touch screen, capacitance generated at the specific portion, or the like into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured such that a touch object applying a touch on the touch screen may detect touched position and area on the touch sensor, a pressure during the touch, a capacitance during the touch, and the like.

Further, the mobile terminal100may have a deformation detection means for detecting the deformation of the flexible display unit151. Such deformation detection means may be included in the sensing unit140(seeFIG.1).

The deformation detection means may be disposed in the flexible display unit151or a case (first to second frames101to102to be described later) to detect information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit151. In this connection, the information related to the deformation may include a direction in which the flexible display unit151is deformed, a degree of the deformation, a deformed position, a deformed time, an acceleration at which the deformed flexible display unit151is restored, and the like. In addition, the information related to the deformation may be various information that may be detected due to the bending of the flexible display unit151.

In addition, the controller180may change information displayed on the flexible display unit151or generate a control signal for controlling a function of the mobile terminal100based on the information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit151detected by the deformation detection means.

The state conversion (first or second state) of the flexible display unit151, i.e., the size change at the front and rear faces of the mobile terminal100of the display unit151based on the size change of the mobile terminal100may be performed manually by a force applied by the user, but may be not limited to such manual scheme. For example, when the mobile terminal100or the flexible display unit151is in the first state, the mobile terminal100or the flexible display unit151may be converted into the second state by the user or an application command without the external force applied by the user. As such, in order for the flexible display unit151to be automatically deformed without the external force, the mobile terminal100may include a driving unit200to be described later.

The flexible display unit151of the present disclosure is bent 180 degrees while being rolled on a side of the mobile terminal100in the first direction. Thus, a portion of the display unit151is disposed on the front face of the mobile terminal100based on such side, and the other portion thereof is disposed on the rear face of the mobile terminal100. A portion of the display unit151located on the front face of the mobile terminal100may be fixed to the front face so as not to move. Further, the other portion thereof located on the rear face of the mobile terminal100may be movable to the rear face.

In addition, the display unit151may be rolled on or released from the side. Accordingly, the portion disposed on the rear face of the mobile terminal100moves, so that the size of the portion disposed on the front face of the mobile terminal100may be adjusted. Since the area of the flexible display unit151is determined and the flexible display unit151is formed of one continuous body, an area of the portion on the rear face decreases as an area of the portion on the front face increases. Such a display unit151may be rolled in a second frame102, which is movable relative to a first frame101to be described later, more correctly, on one of sides of the second frame102. The display unit151may be withdrawn or pulled out from or inserted or pushed into the second frame102while being rolled in the second frame102along a moving direction of the second frame102to adjust the area of the display unit151on the front face of the mobile terminal100. Such operation will be described in more detail below along with other relevant components of the mobile terminal100.

Typically, an antenna is disposed in the body frame of the mobile terminal100, but a portion where the antenna is installed in the body frame may be limited because of the flexible display unit151that covers not only the front face of the mobile terminal100but also the rear face thereof. For this reason, the antenna may be implemented on the flexible display unit151. An antenna on display (AOD) is an antenna in which a transparent film is formed by stacking an electrode layer and a dielectric layer that have patterns engraved thereon, respectively. The antenna on display may be implemented thinner than an antenna implemented using a laser direct structuring (LDS) technology using a conventional copper nickel plating scheme, so that the antenna on display may not be exposed to the outside without affecting a thickness. In addition, the antenna on display may transmit and receive a signal directly to or from the display unit151. Accordingly, the antenna on display may be used in the mobile terminal100in which the display unit151is located on the both faces of the mobile terminal100as in the present disclosure.

The mobile terminal100of the present disclosure includes frames101and102in which components are mounted, and the frames101and102of the present disclosure may vary in size in the first direction as shown inFIG.2. One or more frames101and102move relative to each other, and sizes thereof may vary in the first direction. Electronic components are mounted in the frames101and102, and the flexible display unit151is located out of the frames101and102.

Since the mobile terminal100of the present disclosure includes the flexible display unit151, the flexible display unit151may be combined in a form surrounding front faces and rear faces of the frames101and102. The frame may include the first frame101and the second frame102moving in the first direction with respect to the first frame101. The first frame101and the second frame102include front portions, a rear portions, and side portions, respectively, and are coupled to each other. Thus, the mobile terminal100may have a hexahedral outer shape by such coupled first and second frames101and102.

First, the first frame101corresponds to a main body of the mobile terminal100, and may have a space therein for accommodating various components. In addition, the first frame101may accommodate the second frame102movably coupled to the first frame101in such a space. More specifically, as shown inFIGS.2and5, the first frame101may include a first front portion1011disposed at a front portion of the mobile terminal100and supporting the front face of the display unit151and a first rear portion1012disposed at a rear portion of the mobile terminal and on which various components are mounted.

The first front portion1011and the first rear portion1012may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined spacing to define a predetermined space therebetween, and may be connected to each other by a side portion1014. The side portion1014may be integrally formed with the first rear portion1012or the first front portion1011. The camera121, the audio output module152, and the input/output terminal161, the controller180, and the power supply unit190may be accommodated as components of the mobile terminal100in the space in the first frame101. For example, the controller180may be a circuit board181including a processor and an electronic circuit for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal, and the power supply unit190may be a battery191and related components. In addition, the driving unit200that controls the slide movement of the second frame102, which will be described later, may also be accommodated in the first frame101.

As described above, the display unit151has the continuous body, and thus, may be disposed on both the front face and the rear face of the mobile terminal100while being rolled in the mobile terminal100. The display unit151may include the front face positioned at the front face of the mobile terminal100, the rear face positioned at the rear face of the mobile terminal100, and the side face positioned between the front face and the rear face thereof and surrounding the side face of the mobile terminal. The front face and the rear face of the display unit151are flat, and the side face of the display unit151may form a curved face. When the flexible display unit151may be damaged when being bent. Thus, the flexible display unit151may be formed to be bent with a predetermined curvature.

The display unit151may be divided into a fixed portion and a variable portion. The fixed portion means a portion fixed to the frame. Because of being fixed to the frame, the fixed portion maintains a constant shape without changing a bending degree. On the other hand, the variable portion means a portion in which a bending angle or a position of the bent portion changes. The variable portion in which the position or bending angle of the bent portion changes requires a structure for supporting a rear face of the variable portion in response to the change.

The fixed portion is coupled to the first frame of the display unit and is always positioned on the front face of the display unit to form a portion of the front face of the display unit. The variable portion includes a side face located at a side portion of the mobile terminal, and a position of the side face varies depending on the position of the second frame. Based on a side face, an area of a portion disposed on the front face of the display unit and an area of a portion disposed on the rear face of the display unit vary. That is, a portion of the variable portion may be the front face and another portion of the variable portion may be the rear face based on the first and second states. The variable portion is positioned in the first direction with respect to the fixed portion relative to the mobile terminal, and an end of the variable portion is bent toward the rear face of the mobile terminal and slides on the rear face of the second frame.

The end of the variable portion of the display unit is coupled with a slide frame that guides the variable portion to slide move on the rear face of the second frame, and the slide frame moves in the first direction at the same time as the second frame moves in the first direction. As a result, a moving distance of the slide frame with respect to the first frame is twice as a moving distance of the second frame with respect to the first frame. Further, as shown inFIG.4, the first rear portion1012of the mobile terminal100includes an exposed rear portion1013that is exposed to the outside without being covered by the display unit151even in the first state. The physical input unit120for the manipulation of the mobile terminal100such as various buttons, switches, the camera121, and a flash, and the sensing unit140such as the proximity sensor141or a fingerprint sensor may be arranged on the exposed rear portion1013. The first rear portion1012except for the exposed rear portion1013may be covered by the display unit151in the first state as shown inFIG.4A, and may be exposed rearwardly in the second state as shown inFIG.4B.

In a conventional bar-shaped terminal, a display unit is provided only on a front face of the terminal. Therefore, a main camera is placed on a rear face of the terminal in order for the user to capture an object at an opposite side while looking through the display unit. On the other hand, an additional auxiliary camera is required to be disposed on the front face of the terminal in order for the user to capture himself or herself while viewing himself or herself through the display unit.

However, the display unit151is positioned both the front face and the rear face of the mobile terminal100of the present disclosure. Therefore, when the user captures himself or herself, a display unit on the same face as the camera121, that is, the portion of the display151on the rear face of the mobile terminal100in the drawing may be used. Further, when the user captures the object on the opposite side of the user, a display unit on the opposite face of the camera121, that is, the portion of the display unit151on the front face of the mobile terminal100in the drawing may be used. For this reason, the mobile terminal100may capture the object on the opposite side of the user and capture the user using the single camera121. The camera may include a plurality of cameras having different angles of view, such as wide angle, super wide angle, and telephotographic cameras. In addition to the camera, a proximity sensor, the audio output module, and the like may be positioned on the exposed rear portion1013, and an antenna116may be installed on the exposed rear portion1013. In order to protect the camera, the sensor, and the like of the exposed rear portion1013and in consideration of a design of an outer shape thereof, an exposed decor1013may be attached on the exposed rear portion1013.

The side portion1014may extend along edges of the first front portion1011and the first rear portion1012to surround the first frame101, and may form the outer shape of the mobile terminal100. However, as mentioned above, since the second frame102is accommodated in the first frame101and is movably coupled thereto, in order to allow the movement of the second frame102relative to the first frame101, a portion of the first frame101needs to be opened. As shown inFIG.2, as an example, the second frame102is movably coupled to one of both side portions of the first frame101, so that the side portion1014may not be formed on the side portion in the first direction, and thus, the portion of the first frame101may be opened. Accordingly, the first frame101may include a substantially closed first side portion101aand a second side portion101b, which is disposed to be opposite to the first side portion101aand is opened. The side portion1014is exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal100, so that an interface unit160for connecting a supply port or an ear jack, the user input unit120such as a volume button, or the like may be disposed on the side portion1014. When containing a metal material, the side portion1014may serve as an antenna.

The second frame102may include a second front portion1021disposed at the front portion of the mobile terminal100and a second rear portion1022disposed at the rear portion of the mobile terminal100. Like the first front portion1011and the first rear portion1012of the first frame101, the second front portion1021and the second rear portion1022may be formed of plate-shaped members that are generally flat. In addition, the second frame102also accommodates various components, and must not interfere with the components accommodated in the first frame101during the movement. Accordingly, the second front portion1021and the second rear portion1022may be coupled to each other in a state of being spaced apart from each other to define a predetermined space therebetween, and may have shapes that do not interfere with the components in the first frame101.

In addition, the display unit151may be bent 180 degrees while being rolled in the second frame102to be disposed on both the front face and the rear face of the mobile terminal100. For such an arrangement of the display unit151, the second frame102may include a roller1028rotatably disposed therein. The roller1028may be disposed at any position inside the second frame102. However, the display unit151should be spread flat on the front face and the rear face of the mobile terminal100to provide a good quality screen to the user. Further, for such spread, a proper tension must be provided on the display unit151. In order to provide the proper tension, the roller1028may be disposed at a first directional end of the second frame102. The roller1028may extend in the third direction, and may be rotatably coupled to the second frame102.

The display unit151may be rolled around the roller1028while being gently bent with a predetermined curvature. The flexible display unit151may include a first face on which a video is output and exposed to the outside and an inner face facing the frame at the opposite side. The roller1028may be installed to rotate freely in the second frame102while being in contact with the inner face of the display unit151. Accordingly, the roller1028may actually move the display unit151in a lateral direction of the mobile terminal100, that is, in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction. As will be described later, when the second frame102slides, because of the tension applied by the second frame102, the display unit151moves to the front face or the rear face of the mobile terminal100in different directions (i.e., the first direction D1or the second direction D2) relative to the second frame102. The roller1028may guide such movement while rotating.

In addition, the roller1028is disposed on a first side portion102aof the second frame102, and the first side portion102aactually corresponds to an outermost side portion of the mobile terminal100. When the first side portion102aof the second frame102is exposed, the display unit151rolled on the roller1028may be damaged. Accordingly, the second frame102may include a side frame1024disposed on the first side portion102a.

The side frame1024extends in the longitudinal direction of the second frame102to cover the first side portion102a, thereby protecting the roller1028and the display unit151rolled thereon.

Because the side face is rolled by the roller, the side face is bent with the predetermined curvature, and an inner face of the side frame may include a curved face corresponding to the curvature of the side face.

Because of the side frame1024, the second frame102may have the substantially closed first side portion102a, and the side frame1024may substantially form the outer shape of the mobile terminal100together with the side portion1014of the first frame101. In addition, the second frame102may include a second side portion102bthat is disposed opposite the first side portion102ato minimize interference with the components within the first frame101during the movement, and is opened.

Such a second frame102is movably coupled to the first frame101, and thus may slide in the predetermined first or second direction D1or D2relative to the first frame101. More specifically, the second frame102may be movably coupled to the first frame101through the side portion of the first frame101, more precisely, through the opened second side portion101b, as shown. More specifically, the second side portion102bof the second frame is disposed relatively adjacent to the first side portion101aof the first frame101which is closed. Accordingly, the first side portion102aof the second frame may be disposed to be opposite to the first side portion101a. Accordingly, the second side portion102bis inserted into the first frame101through the side portion of the first frame, that is, the second side portion101bthereof. The first side portion102ais not inserted into the first frame101but is always located outside the first frame101, thereby forming the outer shape of the mobile terminal100as described above. However, when necessary, such first side portion102bof the second frame102may also be inserted into the first frame101.

Because of such positional relationship, the second frame102may extend from or contract to the first frame101in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal100or the first frame101. That is, the first and second directions D1and D2may basically be directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal100or the first frame101. Further, the first and second directions D1and D2may also be described as the lateral direction or the horizontal direction of the mobile terminal100or the first frame101. In addition, during the movement in the first direction D1, the second frame102extends from the first frame101. Accordingly, the first direction D1may be a direction in which the second frame102moves away from the first frame101, that is, moves outwardly of the mobile terminal100or the first frame101. On the other hand, during the movement in the second direction D2, the second frame102contracts to the first frame101. Thus, the second direction D2is a direction opposite to the first direction D1, so that the second direction D2may be a direction in which the second frame102moves to become closer to the first frame101, that is, moves inwardly of the mobile terminal100or the first frame101. When being moved in the first direction D1, such second frame102extends and applies a force to the portion of the display unit151disposed on the rear face of the mobile terminal100, so that the portion of the display unit151may be disposed on the front face of the mobile terminal100, and a region for such additional arrangement may be defined. Thus, the second frame102may convert the mobile terminal100into the second state with the display unit151with the relatively extended front face by moving in the first direction D1. On the other hand, when being moved in the second direction D2, the second frame102contracts into an original state thereof, and applies a force to the portion of the display unit151disposed on the front face of the mobile terminal100to return to the rear face of the mobile terminal100again. Thus, the second frame102may convert the mobile terminal100into the first state with the display unit151with the relatively contracted front face by moving in the second direction D2. Accordingly, the second frame102selectively exposes the display unit151to the front face of the mobile terminal100depending on the moving direction (i.e., the first or second direction D1and D2). Accordingly, the mobile terminal100may be converted into the first or second state defined above.

During the expansion and the contraction in such first and second directions D1and D2, the second frame102may overlap the first frame101, more precisely, the first front portion1011and the first rear portion1012thereof so as not to interfere with the first frame101. More specifically, the display unit151may be coupled to and supported by the first front portion1011of the first frame101, as described above. Accordingly, the display unit151does not need to be additionally supported by the second front portion1021of the second frame102. Rather, when the second front portion1021is interposed between the first front portion1011and the display unit151, the display unit151may be deformed or damaged because of friction with the second front portion1021, which is repeatedly moved. Thus, the second front portion1021may be disposed below the first front portion1011, or may be interposed between two first front portions1011. The second rear portion1022of the second frame102may be disposed rearward of the first rear portion1012of the first frame101. That is, the front face of the second rear portion1022may face the rear face of the first rear portion1012. In addition, the rear face of the first rear portion1012may be in contact with the front face of the second rear portion1022to stably support the movement of the second frame102. Because of such arrangement, the second rear portion1022may be exposed to the outside of the first frame, more precisely, of the first rear portion1012, and may be coupled to the display unit151.

In addition, the second frame102may extend and contract the size of the mobile terminal100itself, particularly the front face of the mobile terminal100by the extension and the contraction in the first and second directions D1and D2. Thus, the display unit151must move by such extended or reduced front face size to obtain the intended first and second states. However, when being fixed to the second frame102, the display unit151may not be moved smoothly to be adapted for the front face of the mobile terminal100that is extended or contracted. For this reason, the display unit151may be movably coupled to the second frame102.

More specifically, the display unit151may include a first side edge (or side end)151ddisposed on the front face of the mobile terminal100and a second side edge151eopposite to the first side edge151dand disposed on the rear face of the mobile terminal100. The first side edge151may be disposed on the front face of the first frame101, that is, the front face of the first front portion1011thereof, and may be disposed adjacent to the side portion of the mobile terminal100, that is, the first side portion101aof the first frame. On the other hand, since the second side edge151eis adjacent to the rear face of the mobile terminal100and the second rear portion1022of the second frame102, the second side edge151emay is be coupled the second rear portion1022of the second frame102to be movable in the first and second directions D1and D2. In addition, since the display unit151is not structurally strong, a slide frame103may be coupled to the second side edge151e. The slide frame103may be formed of a plate-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal100.

Accordingly, the second frame103may be coupled to the second frame, that is, the second rear portion1022thereof to be movable in the first and second directions D1and D2instead of the second side edge151e. In addition, the second frame102may include a slot1025extending in the lateral direction of the mobile terminal100or the second frame102, that is, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof. Further, the slide frame103may be stably moved while being guided by the slot1025. The slide frame103may include, for example, a projection inserted into the slot1025for the movement along the slot1025.

Referring toFIGS.3to5, in connection with such configuration of the first to third frames101,102, and103, the display unit151may include a first region151aextending from one side thereof, that is, the first side edge151dtoward the opposite second side edge151eby a predetermined length, and a second region151bdisposed opposite the first region151a, and extending from the second side edge151etoward the first side edge151dby a predetermined length. In addition, the display unit151may include a third region151cdisposed between the first and second regions151aand151b. Such first to third regions151a,151b, and151cmay be connected to each other, and may form a continuous body of the display unit151. In addition, as described above, for the movement of the third region151ctoward the front face or the rear face of the mobile terminal100depending on the moving direction of the second frame102, the first region151amay be fixed so as not to move to the front face of the mobile terminal100, and the second region151bmay be provided to be movable on the rear face of the mobile terminal. Such configuration of the display unit151will be described in more detail below.

The first region151amay be disposed on the front face of the mobile terminal100, more specifically, the first frame101, that is, on the front face of the first front portion1011. The first region151ais fixed to the first frame101, that is, the front face of the first front portion1011so as not to be moved during the movement of the second frame102, and thus, the first region1511may always be exposed to the front face of the mobile terminal100.

The third region151cmay be adjacent to the first region151ain a direction of the second side edge151e, and may extend into the second frame102and rolled on the roller1028. The third region151cmay consecutively extend out of the second frame102again and partially cover the second frame102, that is, the rear face of the second rear portion1022. Further, the second frame102, that is, the second rear portion1022, is adjacent to the first frame101, that is, the first rear portion1012and together forms the rear case of the mobile terminal100, so that it may be described that the third region151cis also disposed on the rear face of the first frame101.

The second region151bmay be adjacent to the third region151cin the direction of the second side edge151eand may be disposed on the rear face of the mobile terminal100, more specifically, on the second frame, that is, the rear face of the second rear portion1022thereof. The second region151bmay be coupled to the slide frame103without being directly coupled to the second frame102. As shown inFIG.4B, the slot1025extending in the lateral direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal100) to the second frame102, that is, to the second rear portion1022is defined. Further, the slide frame103may move along the slot1025. InFIG.4B, it is shown that the slot1025is defined in the rear face of the second frame102, but may be defined in the side face of the second frame102.

Although the second region151bmay move in the first or second direction D1or D2with respect to the second frame102together with the slide frame103, the movement of the second region1512may be restricted within the rear face of the mobile terminal100by the slot1025. That is, the second region1512does not move out of the second frame102even when the second frame102is extended or contracted, and may move along the slot1025within the second frame102by the extended or contracted distance of the second frame102. Accordingly, the second region1512may always be exposed to the rear face of the mobile terminal100.

As a result, the first region151amay be disposed on the front face of the mobile terminal100and may be always exposed to the front face regardless of the movement of the second frame102, and the second region151bmay be disposed on the rear face of the mobile terminal100and may be always exposed to the rear face regardless of the movement of the second frame102. In addition, the third region151cmay be disposed between the first and second regions151aand151b, and may be selectively placed on the front face or the rear face of the mobile terminal100depending on the moving directions D1and D2of the second frame102.

Because of such selective placement of the third region151c, as shown inFIG.4B, the first rear portion1012of the first frame101may be exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal100because the first rear portion1012is covered by the second and third regions151band151cand the second rear portion1022of the display unit151in the first state, but, in the second state, the third region151cmoves to the front face of the mobile terminal100and the second rear portion1022also moves in the first direction D1. In addition, the second front portion1021of the second frame102is hidden by the first front portion1011of the first frame101in the first state, but, in the second state, moves out of the first frame101to support the third region151cof the display unit151disposed on the front face of the mobile terminal100.

In order to prevent the second front portion1021from affecting the internal components during the slide movement, a separating plate1017may be further disposed rearward of the second front portion1021and fastened with the first front portion1011. The second front portion1021may move between the first front portion1011and the separating plate1017based on the slide movement of the second frame.

However, the third region151cmay be rolled on the roller1028and bent in the second frame102. When converting from the first state to the second state, the third region151cmay extend from the second frame102to the front face of the mobile terminal100while being rolled on the roller1028in one direction. On the other hand, when converting from the second state to the first state, the third region151cmay be retracted from the front face of the mobile terminal100to the second frame102while being rolled on the roller1028in the opposite direction, and at the same time, may return to the rear face of the mobile terminal100from the second frame102.

A specific location of the foldable mobile terminal in a form of being spread like a book is easily damaged because only the specific location is folded repeatedly. On the other hand, the deformed portion of the flexible display unit151, that is, a portion rolled on the roller1028, may vary based on the first and second states of the mobile terminal100, that is, the movement of the second frame102. Accordingly, the mobile terminal100of the present disclosure may significantly reduce deformation and fatigue repeatedly applied to a specific portion of the display unit151, thereby preventing damage to the display unit151.

Based on the above-described configuration, overall operations of the mobile terminal100will be described as follows. As an example, the state conversion may be performed manually by the user, and an operation of the mobile terminal100during such manual state conversion will be described. However, operations of the first to third frames101to103and the display unit151, which will be described below, may be performed in the same manner when a power source other than a user's force is used, for example, when the driving unit200to be described below is applied.

A rear face cover1023may be further disposed on a rear face of the second rear portion1022such that the rear face of the display unit positioned on the rear face of the mobile terminal100is not exposed to the outside. The rear face of the display unit may be used in the first state when the rear face cover1023uses a transparent material, and the rear face of the display unit may be covered such that the movement of the slide frame103is not exposed when the rear face cover1023uses an opaque material. That is, the second region and the third region of the slide frame103and the display unit151may move in the first direction and in the second direction in a space between the second rear portion1022and the rear face cover1023. The exposed decor1013may be further attached to the exposed rear portion of the first rear portion1012to protect the camera121, the sensor140, and the like. The exposed decor1013may be partially coated on a plate-shaped member made of a transparent glass material to cover the internal components, and may be not coated only on a required portion to allow light to reach the camera121, the flash or the sensing unit140, and the like.

It is difficult to connect the side frame1024, which is located on a side face in the first direction on which the second frame102is located, with a interior of the mobile terminal directly, so that it is difficult to dispose an user input unit. Accordingly, a user input unit123such as a volume button may be disposed on a side face adjacent the first frame101in the second direction.

FIG.6is a diagram showing another embodiment of the mobile terminal100. As described above, the display unit151may be bent while surrounding the body frames101and102of the mobile terminal100to include the front face and the rear face, but may be constructed in a form including a wound portion151R wound a plurality of times at one side of the display unit151. When the body frames101and102are expanded in the first direction to be in the second state, as the number of windings of the wound portion151R of the display unit151is reduced, an area of the display unit151positioned on the front face of the mobile terminal100is expanded. Conversely, when the sizes of the body frames101and102are reduced again, as the wound portion151R is rewound, the area of the display unit151positioned on the front face of the mobile terminal100may be reduced.

A member for supporting the expanded rear face of the display unit151may be required, and a plurality of support bars may be arranged side by side in the first direction so as to have rigidity in the third direction although being able to be bent in the first direction. Alternatively, a foldable support structure that is unfolded with the expansion of the mobile terminal100may be used.

The sizes of the body frames101and102may vary by the driving unit, but the user may expand the sizes of the body frames101and102by pulling the second frame102directly. In this regard, a protrusion convexly protruding from a rear face of the wound portion may be included so as to be gripped by the user to facilitate the pulling of the second frame102from the first frame101in the first direction. The protrusion is a space in which the wound portion of the display unit151is disposed, and at the same time, serves as a hook for the user to stably grip the first frame101when pulling the second frame102to change the state of the mobile terminal100to the second state.

FIG.7is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the mobile terminal100, andFIGS.8and9are diagrams showing state changes of the mobile terminal100according to the control method inFIG.7. When a user command is sensed (S121, S122, and S123), the expandable mobile terminal100may change the sizes of the body frames101and102(S130). The user command may be of various types, and there may be various types of sensing units that collect the user command.

For example, when a hand motion (a gesture) of the user is the user command, the gesture may be identified using the camera121. In this case, the camera121may be activated (S110) to sense the gesture (S121).

A motion of the user opening the hand from a clenched state as shown inFIG.8will be referred to as a first gesture, and a motion of the user of clenching the hand from the open state as shown inFIG.9will be referred to as a second gesture. When the camera121senses the first gesture, as the second frame102moves in the first direction, the size of the mobile terminal100may be expanded and the area of the display unit151located on the front face of the mobile terminal100may also be expanded. When the camera121senses the second gesture, as the second frame102moves in the second direction, the size of the mobile terminal100may be reduced and the area of the display unit151located on the front face of the mobile terminal100may be reduced.

As shown inFIGS.8and9, the first gesture and the second gesture may be motions opposite to each other. In the same case, when the gesture is sensed in the state in which the mobile terminal100is contracted (the first state), the gesture may be determined as the first gesture and the mobile terminal100may be expanded (the second state). Conversely, when the gesture is sensed in the state in which the mobile terminal100is expanded, the gesture may be determined as the second gesture and the mobile terminal100may be contracted.

The user command may be a voice command collected from the microphone other than the gesture. For example, when the microphone is activated (S110) and the microphone recognizes a voice command “Expand the screen” (S122), the controller180may convert the state of the mobile terminal100from the first state to the second state (S123). Conversely, when recognizing “contract the screen”, the controller180may convert the state of the mobile terminal100from the second state to the first state and the area of the display unit151located on the front face of the mobile terminal100may be reduced.

In addition, the user command may be an operation of selecting a button on the display unit151, an operation of pressing the user input unit, and execution of a specified function, and the size of the mobile terminal100may change when the user command is recognized.

FIG.10is a flowchart showing another method for controlling the mobile terminal100, andFIG.11is a diagram showing a state change of the mobile terminal100according to the control method inFIG.10. When a screen ratio is changed while the mobile terminal100is in use, the mobile terminal100may be automatically expanded. For example, when the user selects and plays a specific video (S220) on a screen in which menus are vertically listed in the first state of the mobile terminal100(S210), because the video generally provides a screen with a horizontal length greater than a vertical length, there is a problem in that, in the first state as shown in (a) inFIG.11, the screen is distorted, or the video has to be viewed in a small screen when the video is provided based on the horizontal length.

Therefore, when a screen whose vertical length is larger than a horizontal length thereof is switched to a screen whose horizontal length is larger than a vertical length thereof, the controller180may suggest the user to change the state of the mobile terminal100(S230). The suggestion may be provided as voice or via a pop-up window. When the user accepts the suggestion of the controller180, the mobile terminal100may be expanded as shown in (b) inFIG.11and the video may be viewed on a wide screen (S250and S260). When the suggestion is not accepted, the size of the mobile terminal100does not change and the video may be viewed in a small size as it is (S240).

FIG.12is a flowchart showing another method for controlling the mobile terminal100, andFIG.13is a diagram illustrating a first unlocking command and a second unlocking command according to the control method inFIG.12.

When the mobile terminal100is in an inactive state or in a standby state, the state of the mobile terminal100may be switched to a locked state for personal information protection and security. In order to release the locked state, the user may input an unlocking command to switch the state of the mobile terminal100back to the active state. When the mobile terminal100is in the active state, the entire display unit151may be turned on each application may be executed from a state in which the display unit151is turned off or only some information is being provided.

However, in the case of the mobile terminal100in which the size of the display unit151located on the front face thereof may be adjusted as the size of the mobile terminal100changes as in the present disclosure, the size of the mobile terminal100may change simultaneously with the unlocking in addition thereto. By setting unlock commands differently, the user may select one of an unlocking method of simply activating the display unit151and using the mobile terminal100in the first state and an unlocking method of activating the display unit151and simultaneously switching the state of the mobile terminal100from the first state to the second state.

When the unlock command is sensed (S310), the controller180determines whether the unlock command is a first unlocking command or a second unlocking command (S320and S340). When the unlock command is the first unlocking command, the locked state may be released while activating only the display unit151without changing the size of the mobile terminal100. When the unlock command is the second unlock command, the locked state may be released while activating the display unit151, and at the same time, the body frames101and102may be expanded to switch the state of the mobile terminal100to the second state.

The unlocking command may be a pattern touch that connects a plurality of dots located on the display unit151with each other as shown in (a-1) and (a-2) inFIG.13, and (a-1) may be the first unlocking command and (a-2) may be the second unlocking command. Alternatively, the screen of the display unit151may be divided into predetermined regions and the unlocking command may be set via a pattern of touching each divided region. (b-1) inFIG.13shows an example of the first unlocking command, and (b-2) shows an example of the second unlocking command.

Recently, the unlocking may be performed based on biometric information of the user, and fingerprints may be set as many as the number of fingers, so that a fingerprint of a thumb may be set as the first unlocking command and a fingerprint of an index finger may be set as the second unlocking command.

The mobile terminal100of the present disclosure may adjust the size thereof to expand the screen of the display unit151located on the front face thereof. Because a portion of the screen always faces the outside, there is no need for a separate secondary display unit151, and the screen is able to be expanded step by step as needed.

The mobile terminal100may be expanded via the simple user input, and the controller180may increase user convenience by controlling the screen to have an appropriate size based on a function executed in the mobile terminal100.

At the same time as the unlocking, the user may easily expand the display unit151, so that a task that used to take two steps may be simplified into one step.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure.