Expansion module for mobile device and mobile device having the same

• US 8,358,513 B2
• Filed: 03/12/2010
• Issued: 01/22/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Original Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Inventors: Kim, Phil-Sang
• Primary Examiner(s): Bui, Hung S
• Application Number:
  US12/723,587
• Publication Number:
  US 20110096513A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,047 Days
• Field of Search: 361/800, 361/807, 361/809, 361/810
• US Class Current: 361/807
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0216 Foldable in one direction, i.e. using a one degree of freedom hinge
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0297 Telephone sets adapted to be mounted on a desk or on a wall
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60

Abstract

Disclosed is an expansion module for a mobile device including, a first section at which the mobile device is mounted, the first section obscured by one surface of the mobile device, a second section having a function unit configured to provide functions relating to the mobile device, the second section rotatably connected to the first section, a magnet mounted at the first section and configured to apply a magnetic force to a magnetic member coupled to the mobile device, and an alignment mechanism configured to align the first section, having the mobile device mounted thereat, in a direction intersecting with the second section in a first state.

Claims

1. A mobile device comprising:

a main body having a display unit;

a first magnetic member coupled to the main body; and

an expansion module detachably coupled to the main body, the expansion module being configured to expand capabilities of the mobile device,

the expansion module including;

a first section to which the main body is mounted, at least a portion of the first section being covered by at least a portion of the main body;

a second section pivotally connected to the first section;

a second magnetic member provided at the first section to face the first magnetic member; and

a function unit connectable to the main body to expand capabilities of the mobile device, the function unit being provided at the second section.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising

a support section configured to support the main body in the first state.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the expansion module further comprises a contact expansion unit configured to expand a contact area of the second section with a surface supporting the second section in the first state, the contact expansion unit being formed substantially parallel to one surface of the second section, and the expansion unit being connected to the second section to be movable to a position substantially parallel to said one surface of the second section.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the contact expansion unit is either slidably or pivotally connected to the second section.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the function unit includes at least one of a keypad having a QWERTY configuration, a switch configured to switch on or off the main body, and a game keypad.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured to provide a touch input function, and

when the main body is coupled to the expansion module, the touch input function of the display unit is deactivated.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein, when the main body is coupled to the expansion module, an output direction of the display unit is switched from a portrait direction to a landscape direction.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member is a plate provided at the main body.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first magnetic member is a battery cover for the main body.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary securing portion to couple the main body to the first section.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second magnetic members has the properties of a magnet, and the other of the first and second magnetic members is capable of being attracted by a magnet.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising an alignment mechanism configured to support the main body in a first state such that a plane defined by the main body intersects the second section in the first state.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the main body has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and

wherein the first section is pivotable between the first state and a second state where said plane defined by the main body extends substantially parallel to the second section, and the second section is configured to cover the second surface opposite to the first surface of the main body in the second state.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the alignment mechanism includes:

a third section having one end pivotally connected to the first section and another end connected to the second section, the third section being foldable between both ends; and

a stopper portion extending from one end of the first section, the stopper portion being configured to engage at least part of the second section when the first section is in the first state, and

wherein the stopper portion includes;

a first lock member located at the first section; and

a second lock member at the second section, the second lock member being configured to support the first lock member,

wherein the first lock member is locked at least part of the second section in the first state and overlaid on the third section in the second state.

15. The device of claim 12, further comprising a connection path disposed at the alignment mechanism, the connection path being configured to allow at least one of data and power exchange between the main body and the function unit.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the alignment mechanism includes a third section having one end pivotally connected to the first section and another end pivotally connected to the second section.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein each end of the third section is pivotally connected to the corresponding first and second sections by a hinge module.