Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display module including a first area and a second area surrounding the first area and having a transmittance lower than that of the first area, a camera module disposed on the display module to overlap the first area, a first housing accommodating the display module therein, and the first housing including a camera module accommodation portion protruding outward to overlap the camera module, a keyboard, a second housing accommodating the keyboard therein, and a hinge member rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other with respect to a rotation axis. The first housing and the second housing are in a first folded state in which the first housing and the second housing overlap each other to face front surfaces to each other or in a second folded state in which the first housing and the second housing overlap each other to face rear surfaces to each other.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and a bar prosequi of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0016170 filed on February 11, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to a convertible electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a convertible electronic device, a display can be rotatably connected to a main body by a hinge device. The convertible electronic device provides a stop force at an angle at which the display is viewed or typed in comfort using the hinge device so that a user can perform an input operation in comfort and can view displayed information in various modes in comfort.

[0004] For example, a convertible laptop computer can be used as a general laptop computer by rotating the display with respect to the main body up to about 180 degrees, or can be used as a tablet personal computer ("PC") by rotating the display with respect to the main body up to about 360 degrees. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments disclosed provide a convertible display device having a reduced bezel area.

[0006] Embodiments disclosed also provide a convertible electronic device in which interference between housings is effectively prevented.

[0007] Embodiments of a convertible electronic device include a display module including a first area and a second area disposed to surround at least a portion of the first area, wherein the second area has a light transmittance lower than that of the first area; a camera module disposed on a rear surface of the display module to overlap the first area in a thickness direction; a first housing in which the display module is accommodated to expose the display module through a front surface of the first housing, wherein the first housing includes a camera module accommodation portion that protrudes to the outside to overlap the camera module in the thickness direction; a keyboard; a second housing in which the keyboard is accommodated to expose the keyboard through a front surface of the second housing; and a hinge member connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other and rotatably connecting with respect to a rotation axis. In such embodiments, the first housing and the second housing are in a first folded state in which the first housing and the second housing are overlapped with each other in a manner such that the front surface of the first housing and the front surface of the second housing face each other, or are in a second folded state in which the first housing and the second housing are overlapped with each other in a manner such that the rear surface of the first housing and the rear surface of the second housing face each other.

[0008] An embodiment of a convertible electronic device includes a display module including a first area and a second area, the second area being disposed to surround at least a portion of the first area and having a transmittance lower than that of the first area; a sensor device disposed on a rear surface of the display module to overlap the first area; a first housing in which the display module is accommodated so that the display module is exposed through a front surface of the first housing, wherein the first housing includes a sensor device accommodation portion that protrudes to the outside to overlap the sensor device; a second housing; and a hinge member connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other and rotatably connecting with respect to a rotation axis. In such an embodiment, the first housing and the second housing are in a first folded state in which the first housing and the second housing overlap each other in a manner such that the front surface of the first housing and the front surface of the second housing face each other, or are in a second folded state in which the first housing and the second housing overlap each other in a manner such that the rear surface of the first housing and the rear surface of the second housing face each other.

[0009] In an embodiment, the convertible electronic device can provide a wide display screen.

[0010] In an embodiment, the convertible electronic device can effectively prevent interference between housings when folded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The disclosed above and other features will become more apparent by describing in detail the disclosed embodiments with reference made to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a convertible electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the convertible electronic device of

[0014] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 1

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an arrangement of pixels in a first area and a second area of the convertible electronic device of Figure 1

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an arrangement of pixels in a first area and a second area of the convertible electronic device according to an alternative embodiment;

[0017] Figure 6 is a side view of the convertible electronic device in a first folded state;

[0018] ​​Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a side view of the convertible electronic device in an unfolded state;

[0019] Figure 9 is a side view of the convertible electronic device in a second folded state; and

[0020] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of part B of Figure 9 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The application now being thus described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same can be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. Thus, particular embodiments of the application have been chosen for the purposes of illustration and discussion, and are not intended to limit the scope of the application in any way. In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the application. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the application can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the application. Throughout this document, same reference numerals are used to designate same components. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity.

[0022] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, including “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. “Or” means “and / or” as used herein. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” or “includes” and / or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0024] ​It will be understood that, although the terms“first,”“second,” etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus,“a first element,”“component,”“region,”“layer” or“portion” discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or portion without departing from the teachings herein.

[0025] Furthermore, relative terms such as“lower” or“bottom” and“upper” or“top” can be used herein to describe one element’s or another’s relationship to another element(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the“lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on the“upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term“lower” can therefore encompass both an orientation of“lower” and“upper,” depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as“below” or“beneath” other elements would then be oriented“above” the other elements. The exemplary term“below” or“beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below. The exemplary terms“above” and“below” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

[0026] As used herein,“about” or“approximately” includes the recited value and means within an acceptable range of deviation from the specific value, as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account measurement of the quantity being discussed and the error in measurement associated with the quantity being measured. For example,“about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the recited value.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0028] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein are not to be construed as being limited to the particular shapes illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for example, manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat can often have rough and / or nonlinear features. Moreover, the illustrated acute angles can be rounded (or referred to as "filleted"). Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the presented claims.

[0029] The convertible electronic device according to the disclosed embodiments can include at least one of, for example, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer ("PC"), a mobile phone, a video phone, and an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a laptop computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a portable multimedia player ("PMP"), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, a wearable device (e.g., smart glasses or a head-mounted device ("HMD")), an electronic clothing, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic accessory, an electronic tattoo, a smart mirror, and a smart watch. The electronic device according to the disclosed embodiments is not limited to the aforementioned devices and can be a medical device, a measuring device, etc., and can include a new type of electronic device according to technological development.

[0030] Hereinafter, the disclosed embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a convertible electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the convertible electronic device of Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 1

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 Embodiments of a convertible (e.g., foldable) electronic device 1 can include a first housing 100, a second housing 200, and a hinge member 300. The convertible electronic device 1 can further include at least one selected from a display module 400, a camera module 500, and a keyboard 600.

[0033] ​The first housing 100 includes a display element. In an embodiment, the first housing 100 can include a display module 400 exposed through a front surface 100_1 of the first housing 100. In an embodiment, the display module 400 can include an input device such as a touch sensor. A camera module 500 can be mounted inside the first housing 100. In an embodiment, the camera module 500 can be mounted in a space between the front surface 100_1 and the rear surface 100_2 of the first housing 100, or in a space between the display module 400 and the rear surface 100_2 of the first housing 100.

[0034] The second housing 200 includes an input device. In an embodiment, the second housing 200 can include a keypad 600 exposed through a front surface 200_1 of the second housing 200.

[0035] The hinge member 300 connects the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 to each other in such a manner that the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 rotate about a rotation axis RX. The rotation axis RX includes a first rotation axis RX1 and a second rotation axis RX2. The first housing 100 and the second housing 200 can rotate about the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2, respectively. The hinge member 300 can include a dual-axis hinge device 310 and a hinge cover 320 covering the dual-axis hinge device 310.

[0036] The display module 400 is exposed through the front surface 100_1 of the first housing 100. The display module 400 can include a display panel 420. The display panel 420 can be a liquid crystal display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, a plasma display panel, a field emission display panel, an electrowetting display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a micro-LED display panel, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The display module 400 can further include a window 410 disposed to cover at least a portion of the front surface 100_1 of the first housing 100, and the display panel 420 disposed on a rear surface of the window 410.

[0038] In an embodiment, a first region R1 and a second region R2 can be defined in the display module 400.

[0039] The first region R1 transmits a majority of external light incident to the front of the display module 400. The external light incident to the front of the display module 400 can be transmitted through the first region R1 to the camera module 500 or a sensor device disposed behind the display module 400. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first region R1 can have a circular shape, but the size and shape of the first region R1 are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, the first region R1 can have a rectangular shape, but the size and shape of the first region R1 are not limited thereto. Figures 1 to 3 Figure 3 ​As shown, the first region R1 may be smaller than, but is not limited to, the region occupied by the camera module 500. Optionally, the first region R1 may be formed to be larger than the region occupied by the camera module 500. In embodiments, the first region R1 may selectively transmit or block light of a specific wavelength. In embodiments, the first region R1 may be the region corresponding to an aperture defined by at least one layer constituting the display panel 420.

[0040] The first region R1 may include the area where pixels used for display are omitted. See later... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The arrangement of pixels in the first region R1 and the second region R2 is described in detail.

[0041] The second region R2 is a region with a lower light transmittance than the first region R1. Compared to the first region R1, the second region R2 can be a region that transmits or blocks a smaller amount of light incident on the front of the display module 400. In an embodiment, the second region R2 can selectively transmit or block light of a specific wavelength band.

[0042] The second region R2 can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the first region R1. The second region R2 can be arranged on the side portion of the first region R1 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the second region R2 is located in the upper portion of the first region R1, but is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the second region R2 may be arranged adjacent to a corner of the display module 400. In an embodiment, multiple second regions R2 may be provided. In an embodiment, only the first region R1 or only the second region R2 may be defined in the display module 400.

[0043] A camera module 500 is disposed on the rear surface of the display module 400 to overlap with a first region R1 in the thickness direction of the camera module 500. The camera module 500 can receive external light passing through the first region R1 of the display module 400 to generate image data. In such an embodiment where the camera module 500 is disposed behind the display module 400, the convertible electronic device 1 can have a thin bezel area.

[0044] The camera module 500 can be replaced by sensor devices such as proximity sensors, illuminance sensors, iris sensors, etc.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The first housing 100 may also include a camera module housing portion 110.

[0046] The camera module receiving portion 110 is configured to overlap the camera module 500 in the thickness direction. The camera module receiving portion 110 can be formed by causing a portion of the rear surface 100_2 forming the first housing 100 to protrude rearward. In the camera module receiving portion 110, the outer surface 111 can protrude and the inner surface 113 can be recessed, such that the camera module 500 can be received inside the first housing 100. The outer surface 111 can be an externally facing surface, and the inner surface 113 can be a surface facing the camera module 500. The inner surface 113 of the camera module receiving portion 110 can form an internal space for receiving at least a portion of the camera module 500. The camera module receiving portion 110 can be a sensor device receiving portion. Multiple camera module receiving portions 110 can be provided.

[0047] The inner surface 113 of the camera module housing portion 110 can be spaced apart from the camera module 500 to protect the camera module 500 from external impacts.

[0048] The first housing 100 may also include a display module cover portion 130 extending parallel to the rear surface of the display module 400.

[0049] The display module cover portion 130 extends parallel to the display module 400 from one end of the camera module receiving portion 110. The display module cover portion 130 may be a peripheral portion connected to or spaced apart from the camera module receiving portion 110. In an embodiment, the display module cover portion 130 may be a portion of the rear surface 100_2 of the first housing 100, excluding the camera module receiving portion 110. The display module cover portion 130 may be positioned closer to the display module 400 than the camera module receiving portion 110. In an embodiment, the distance between the display module 400 and the display module cover portion 130 may be smaller than the distance between the display module 400 and the camera module receiving portion 110. The distance between the display module 400 and the display module cover portion 130 may be smaller than the thickness of the camera module 400. This distance may be measured in the thickness direction of the display module 400.

[0050] The second housing 200 may also include a rear surface 200_2 disposed on the second housing 200 (see Figure 8 The groove portion 210 is recessed inward or towards the front surface 200_1. (See later...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The groove portion 210 is described in detail.

[0051] Reference Figure 3 The window 410 can be disposed on the open front surface 100_1 of the first housing 100, and the display panel 420 can be disposed on the rear surface of the window 410.

[0052] A camera module 500 is disposed between the display panel 420 and the camera module receiving portion 110. The camera module 500 can be directly disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 420. The first region R1 of the display panel 420, the camera module 500, and the camera module receiving portion 110 can be arranged to at least partially overlap each other in the thickness direction. In one embodiment, for example, the camera module 500 can be configured to completely cover the first region R1. In such an embodiment, the longitudinal width of the camera module 500 can be larger than the longitudinal width of the first region R1. Here, for example, along... Figure 3 The longitudinal width is measured in the vertical direction. The camera module housing 110 covers the rear of the camera module 500. The camera module housing 110 can be configured to have, for example, […]. Figure 3 The C-shaped cross-section shown is provided, and at least a portion of the camera module 500 is accommodated at the opening side of the C-shaped shape.

[0053] The camera module receiving portion 110 gives the first housing 100 a thin overall thickness. If, for example, the thickness of the window 410 is about 0.4 mm, the display panel 420 is about 1.2 mm, the camera module 500 is about 2.3 mm, and the wall thickness of the first housing 100 is about 0.8 mm, then in order to house the camera module 500 inside the first housing 100, the thickness (or depth) of the first housing 100 can be at least in the range of about 4.7 mm to 5.0 mm. However, in embodiments where only a portion overlapping the camera module 500 (i.e., only the camera module receiving portion 110) protrudes externally, the first housing 100 can have a thickness (or depth) of about 4.4 mm or less in the portions where the camera module 500 is not located. The thicknesses of the window 410, display panel 420, camera module 500, and first housing 100 described above are merely exemplary and are not limited thereto.

[0054] Figure 4 It is a conceptual representation Figure 1 A diagram showing the arrangement of pixels in the first and second regions of a convertible electronic device.

[0055] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, (a) shows the arrangement of pixels in the first region, and (b) shows the arrangement of pixels in the second region.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 In (a) and (b), each of the first region R1 and the second region R2 may include multiple pixels.

[0057] Each of the first region R1 and the second region R2 may contain a plurality of pixels PX, including a first sub-pixel PX1(R), a second sub-pixel PX2(G), and a third sub-pixel PX3(B) that emit light of different colors from each other. The sub-pixels may be rectangular in shape, but the shape and arrangement of the sub-pixels are not limited thereto.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 (a) The first region R1 may also include a transmissive portion TA disposed between multiple pixels PX.

[0059] The transmissive portion TA is the area through which incident light passes substantially unchanged. In other words, objects or backgrounds set on the rear surface of the display panel 420 can be viewed through the transmissive portion TA.

[0060] In one embodiment, the display panel 420 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel. In such an embodiment, the transmissive portion TA may be an area where the light-transmitting layers constituting the OLED display panel (such as buffer films, insulating films, protective films, planarization films, encapsulation layers, and electrode layers) are stacked on top of each other. Optionally, the transmissive portion TA may be an area where all or part of the buffer films, insulating films, protective films, planarization films, encapsulation layers, and electrode layers constituting the OLED display panel are removed or omitted to increase light transmittance.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 In (a), the area of ​​the transmissive portion TA can be larger than the area of ​​each of the plurality of pixels PX. The transmissive portion TA can be arranged as a corner portion surrounding the region of each of the plurality of pixels PX. However, the shape, size, and arrangement of the transmissive portion TA are not limited thereto.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 (b) Unlike the first region R1, the second region R2 does not include the transmission portion TA and therefore has a lower transmittance than the first region R1.

[0063] Reference Figure 4 In (a) and (b), the size of the plurality of pixels PX arranged in the first region R1 can be smaller than the size of the plurality of pixels PX arranged in the second region R2. The number of plurality of pixels PX arranged in the first region R1 can be equal to the number of plurality of pixels PX arranged in the second region R2.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the arrangement of pixels in a first and second region of a convertible electronic device according to an alternative embodiment.

[0065] exist Figure 5 In the diagram, (a) shows the arrangement of pixels in the first region, and (b) shows the arrangement of pixels in the second region.

[0066] Apart from the fact that the multiple pixels PX arranged in the first region R1 and the multiple pixels PX arranged in the second region R2 have the same size, but the number of pixels PX arranged in the first region R1 is less than the number of pixels PX arranged in the second region R2, Figure 5 Implementation examples and Figure 4 The embodiments are basically the same.

[0067] Reference Figure 5 In (a), pixels PX arranged in the first region R1 can collectively form or define a pixel group PXG. Transmissive portions TA can be disposed on the four sides of the pixel group PXG. In such an embodiment, the pixel group PXG and the transmissive portions TA can be arranged alternately along a first direction and along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction can be horizontal, and the second direction can be vertical. Figure 5 In the example, (a) shows an embodiment in which the transmissive portion TA and the pixel group PXG having a rectangular shape are arranged alternately, but the shape and arrangement of the transmissive portion TA and the pixel PX are not limited thereto.

[0068] Reference Figure 5 In (a) and (b), in the first region R1, a portion of the area where multiple pixels PX are arranged is replaced by the transmissive portion TA, so that the first region R1 can have a higher transmittance than the second region R2.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a side view of the convertible electronic device in its first folded state. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a side view of the convertible electronic device in its unfolded state. Figure 9 This is a side view of the convertible electronic device in its second folded state.

[0070] Reference Figures 1 to 9 As described above, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 can be connected to each other and are rotatable relative to the rotation axis RX.

[0071] The camera module receiving portion 110 and the recessed portion 210 can be arranged substantially symmetrically about the rotation axis RX. The distance from the camera module receiving portion 110 to the rotation axis RX can be the same as the distance from the recessed portion 210 to the rotation axis RX. In an embodiment, the distance from the camera module receiving portion 110 to the first rotation axis RX1 can be the same as the distance from the recessed portion 210 to the second rotation axis RX2.

[0072] Reference Figure 6The first housing 100 and the second housing 200 may have a first folded state. The first folded state may be a state in which the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are stacked in the thickness direction such that the front surfaces 100_1 of the first housing 100 and the front surfaces 200_1 of the second housing 200 face each other. In an embodiment, the first folded state may be a state in which the display module 400 and the keyboard 600 are stacked facing each other. In an embodiment, the first folded state may be a state in which the camera module receiving portion 110 is exposed to the outside and not received in the recessed portion 210. In an embodiment, the first folded state may be a state in which the angle formed relative to the rotation axis RX between the front surfaces 100_1 of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200_1 is in the range of approximately 0 degrees to 5 degrees.

[0073] In the first folded state, the rear surface 100_2 of the first housing 100 and the rear surface 200_2 of the second housing 200 are set to face outward, so that there is no interference between the camera module housing portion 110 and the second housing 200.

[0074] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first housing 100 and the second housing 200 can be in an unfolded state. The unfolded state can be a state where the front surfaces 100_1 of the first housing 100 and the front surfaces 200_1 of the second housing 200 do not face each other. In an embodiment, the unfolded state can be a state where the angle formed by the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 relative to the rotation axis RX is greater than approximately 5 degrees or less than 355 degrees.

[0075] In the unfolded state, the camera module housing 110 is exposed to the outside as it is in the first folded state.

[0076] Reference Figure 8 When the angle formed by the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 is approximately 180 degrees, the camera module receiving portion 110 can support at least a portion of the rear surface 100_2 of the first housing 100, excluding the camera module receiving portion 110, at a predetermined height spaced from the ground. In the unfolded state, Figure 3 The cover of the display panel 420 can be spaced apart from the ground. The protruding height of the camera module housing 110 can be the same as the thickness of the second housing 200. Therefore, in the unfolded state, the front surface 100_1 of the first housing 100 and the front surface 200_1 of the second housing 200 can be arranged parallel to each other.

[0077] Reference Figure 9The first housing 100 and the second housing 200 can be in a second folded state. The second folded state can be a state where the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are stacked in the thickness direction such that the rear surfaces 100_2 of the first housing 100 and the rear surfaces 200_2 of the second housing 200 face each other. In an embodiment, the second folded state can be a state where the display module 400 and the keyboard 600 are stacked on top of each other to face opposite directions. In an embodiment, the second folded state can be a state where the camera module receiving portion 110 is received in the recessed portion 210. In an embodiment, the second folded state can be a state where the angle formed between the front surfaces 100_1 of the first housing 100 and the front surfaces 200_1 of the second housing 200 relative to the rotation axis RX is in the range of approximately 355 degrees to 360 degrees.

[0078] In the second folded state, the camera module receiving portion 110 is housed in the recessed portion 210. Therefore, a convertible electronic device 1 with a thin thickness and preventing interference between the camera module receiving portion 110 and the second housing 200 can be realized.

[0079] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Sectional view of part B.

[0080] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the second folded state, the camera module receiving portion 110 can be accommodated in the recessed portion 210, such that a portion of the camera module receiving portion 110 is spaced apart from the recessed portion 210. This portion of the camera module receiving portion 110 can be an end portion or the outermost portion of the camera module receiving portion 110. In such an embodiment, the maximum height of the camera module receiving portion 110 can be smaller than the maximum depth of the recessed portion 210.

[0081] The camera module housing portion 110 may include a first surface 111_1 extending parallel to the rear surface of the display module 400 and a second surface 111_2 extending from one end of the first surface 111_1 at an angle relative to the first surface 111_1.

[0082] The second surface 111_2 can be configured to be inclined in a direction intersecting the rotation axis RX. When switching from the first folded state or the unfolded state to the second folded state, the second surface 111_2 can guide the camera module receiving portion 110 so that the camera module receiving portion 110 can be easily inserted into the recessed portion 210.

[0083] The longitudinal width of the third surface 211_1 can be larger than the longitudinal width of the first surface 111_1 or the longitudinal width of the camera module 500. The longitudinal direction can be... Figure 8The left and right directions in the middle.

[0084] In the second folded state, the first surface 111_1 and the second surface 111_2 can be spaced apart from the groove portion 210. In an embodiment, the first surface 111_1 can be spaced apart from the groove portion 210, and the second surface 111_2 can be in close contact with the groove portion 210.

[0085] In an embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the second surface 111_2 may be disposed at the opposite end of the first surface 111_1.

[0086] In an alternative embodiment, the second surface 111_2 may be provided only at one end of the first surface 111_1 and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the groove portion 210 in the second folded state, thereby providing a fixing force in the longitudinal direction.

[0087] The groove portion 210 may include a third surface 211_1 extending parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface 111_1, and a fourth surface 211_2 extending from one end of the third surface 211_1 parallel to the second surface 111_2. The groove portion 210 may also include a fifth surface 211_3 extending in the thickness direction from one end of the fourth surface 211_2.

[0088] The fourth surface 211_2 can be configured to tilt along a direction intersecting the rotation axis RX. When switching from the first folded state or the unfolded state to the second folded state, the fourth surface 211_2 guides the camera module receiving portion 110 so that the camera module receiving portion 110 can be positioned correctly.

[0089] In an embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the fourth surface 211_2 can be disposed at the opposite end of the third surface 211_1. The fourth surface 211_2a disposed on one side of the third surface 211_1 and the fourth surface 211_2b disposed on the opposite side of the third surface 211_1 can extend parallel to the second surface 111_2a disposed on one side of the first surface 111_1 and the second surface 111_2b disposed on the opposite side of the first surface 111_1, respectively.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment, the fourth surface 211_2 may be disposed only at one end of the third surface 211_1 and may be in close contact with the camera module receiving portion 110 in the second folded state to provide a fixing force in the longitudinal direction.

[0091] In another alternative embodiment, the second surface 111_2 and the fourth surface 211_2 may include curved surfaces.

[0092] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the second folded state, the second surface 111_2 and the fourth surface 211_2 can be spaced apart from each other to protect the camera module 500 from impacts that may occur when switching to the second folded state.

[0093] In the second folded state, the fifth surface 211_3 can be positioned to be engaged with one end of the second surface 111_2 located in the inward direction of the first housing 100. In one embodiment, for example, two or more second surfaces 111_2 and fifth surfaces 211_3 can be symmetrically arranged relative to the first surface 111_1 and the third surface 211_1, respectively. In another embodiment, the distance between one end of the second surface 111_2a located on one side of the first surface 111_1 and one end of the second surface 111_2b located on the other side of the first surface 111_1 can be equal to the distance between the fifth surface 211_3a located on one side of the third surface 211_1 and the fifth surface 211_3b located on the opposite side of the third surface 211_1. Therefore, although the second surface 111_2 and the fourth surface 211_2 are spaced apart from each other in the second folded state, the fifth surface 211_3 can guide the camera module housing portion 110 into the correct position.

[0094] although Figure 10 Although not shown in the diagram, the fifth surface 211_3 can be omitted in the recessed portion 210, and the second surface 111_2 and the fourth surface 211_2 can be configured to be in close contact with each other in the second folded state. The close contact between the second surface 111_2 and the fourth surface 211_2 disperses the direction of the force applied to the camera module 500 or the display panel 420 and prevents additional configuration of the camera module receiving portion 110.

[0095] Reference Figure 10 The switchable electronic device 1 may further include a buffer member 700 for reducing vibrations or shocks caused by the state switching of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. The buffer member 700 may be disposed in the recessed portion 210. In an embodiment, the buffer member 700 may be configured to cover the first surface 111_1. In an alternative embodiment, the buffer member 700 may be arranged to protrude from the rear surface 200_2 of the second housing 200 along the edge of the recessed portion 210.

[0096] The invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0097] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: The display module includes a first region and a second region configured to surround at least a portion of the first region, wherein the second region has a lower light transmittance than the first region. A camera module is disposed on the rear surface of the display module to overlap with the first region in the thickness direction; A first housing, wherein the display module is housed within the first housing such that the display module is exposed through the front surface of the first housing, wherein the first housing includes a camera module housing portion disposed on the rear surface of the first housing, the camera module housing portion protruding outward to overlap with the camera module in the thickness direction; keyboard; A second housing, in which the keyboard is received such that the keyboard is exposed through a front surface of the second housing, wherein the second housing includes an inwardly recessed recess on a rear surface of the second housing; and A hinge component connects the first housing and the second housing to each other and is rotatably connected relative to a rotation axis. The first housing and the second housing are in either a first folded state or a second folded state. In the first folded state, the first housing and the second housing are stacked on top of each other such that the front surfaces of the first housing and the second housing face each other. In the second folded state, the first housing and the second housing are stacked on top of each other such that the rear surfaces of the first housing and the second housing face each other. In the second folded state, the camera module receiving portion is inserted into the groove portion.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The camera module receiving portion is recessed inward on the inner surface of the camera module.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the camera module is housed in an internal space formed by the inner surface of the portion of the camera module that houses it.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The inner surface of the camera module housing portion is spaced apart from the camera module.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3, in, The first housing also includes a display module cover portion, which extends parallel to the rear surface of the display module, and The gap between the display module and the camera module housing is larger than the gap between the display module and the display module cover.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The distance from the camera module housing portion to the rotation axis is the same as the distance from the groove portion to the rotation axis.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The maximum height of the camera module housing is smaller than the maximum depth of the recessed portion.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, in, The camera module housing includes: a first surface extending parallel to the rear surface of the display module; and a second surface extending from an end of the first surface at an angle relative to the first surface. The groove portion includes: a third surface extending parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface; and a fourth surface extending parallel to the second surface from an end of the third surface.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, The groove portion includes a fifth surface extending from the end of the fourth surface in the thickness direction, and The second surface and the fourth surface are spaced apart from each other in the second folded state.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first and second regions includes multiple pixels, and The first region also includes a transmissive portion disposed between the plurality of pixels in the first region.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The size of each of the plurality of pixels in the first region is smaller than the size of each of the plurality of pixels in the second region.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The number of pixels in the first region is less than the number of pixels in the second region.

13. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: The display module includes a first region and a second region configured to surround at least a portion of the first region, wherein the second region has a lower light transmittance than the first region. A sensor device is disposed on the rear surface of the display module to overlap with the first region; A first housing, in which the display module is housed such that the display module is exposed through the front surface of the first housing, and the first housing includes a sensor device housing portion disposed on the rear surface of the first housing, protruding to the outside and stacked with the sensor device; The second housing includes an inwardly recessed groove portion disposed on the rear surface of the second housing; and A hinge component connects the first housing and the second housing to each other and is rotatably connected relative to a rotation axis. The first housing and the second housing are in either a first folded state or a second folded state. In the first folded state, the first housing and the second housing are stacked on top of each other such that the front surfaces of the first housing and the second housing face each other. In the second folded state, the first housing and the second housing are stacked on top of each other such that the rear surfaces of the first housing and the rear surfaces of the second housing face each other. In this configuration, the sensor device receiving portion is inserted into the groove portion in the second folded state.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The sensor device includes at least one selected from proximity sensors, illuminance sensors, iris sensors, and image sensors.

15. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the first and second regions includes multiple pixels, and The first region also includes a transmissive portion disposed between the plurality of pixels in the first region.

16. The electronic device according to claim 13, in, The sensor device housing includes: a first surface extending parallel to the rear surface of the display module; and a second surface extending from an end of the first surface at an angle relative to the first surface. The groove portion includes: a third surface extending parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface; and a fourth surface extending parallel to the second surface from an end of the third surface.

Images