Electronic device including camera module

Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a plate structure, a display disposed in the plate structure, the display including a plurality of layers including a cover layer forming a portion of a surface of the housing and a panel layer including a light emitting element, and a camera module including a lens assembly having a plurality of lenses, coupled to the display such that an extension line of an optical axis passes through the panel layer and the cover layer, and at least a portion of the camera module is located in a space formed in the plate structure, wherein the panel layer includes a first area and a second area that is a peripheral area of the first area, wherein the first area includes a field of view of the camera module, and a number of the light emitting elements per unit area of the panel layer in the first area can be less than a number of the light emitting elements per unit area of the panel layer in the second area. Various other embodiments deduced from the present specification are also possible.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0120609, filed on September 18, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to electronic devices including camera modules. More specifically, this disclosure relates to camera modules located on displays and electronic devices including camera modules. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices may include a display module and a camera module. The display module may be configured to display content on a portion of the surface of the electronic device. The camera module may be configured to capture an image of an object by receiving external light reflected from the object via a portion of the surface of the electronic device. More recent camera modules may include under-display camera (UDC) modules, which are configured to receive external light through a camera area overlapping the area on which content is displayed by the display module.

[0005] Foldable electronic devices may include flexible displays, where portions of the flexible display can deform into a planar or curved shape when the housing of the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded. Sliding electronic devices may include flexible displays, where portions of the flexible display can deform into a planar or curved shape when portions of the housing of the sliding electronic device are slid.

[0006] The above information is presented as background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination is made, and no assertion is made, regarding whether any of the information above is applicable to the prior art relating to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The display may include a display area for displaying content and a camera area that at least partially overlaps with the display area. An under-display camera module can receive light through the camera area of ​​the display. For example, the camera area may have a lower pixel density than other areas of the display area. Therefore, as the camera area increases, the area with low pixel density may increase, and thus the quality of the displayed image may deteriorate.

[0009] Furthermore, the length or position of the flexible display may vary depending on the shape of the electronic device. Alternatively, the relative positions of the display and camera module may change over time or with temperature variations, and the camera area and camera module may become misaligned. Based on this misalignment, a wider camera area may be required. Consequently, the quality of the image displayed on the display may be relatively degraded.

[0010] The present disclosure addresses at least the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages, and provides at least the following advantages. Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device for improving image quality by reducing the area of ​​the camera region.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide such foldable electronic devices and / or slidable electronic devices, which include an under-display camera module that maintains alignment of the camera area and camera module even when the flexible display deforms.

[0012] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the proposed embodiments.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a display, and a camera module, wherein the housing includes a plate structure, the display is disposed on the plate structure and includes multiple layers, the multiple layers including a cover layer forming a portion of the surface of the housing and a panel layer having light-emitting elements; the camera module includes a lens assembly having multiple lenses, at least a portion of the camera module is located in a space formed in the plate structure, and the camera module is coupled to the display such that an extension of the optical axis passes through the panel layer and the cover layer. The panel layer includes a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, wherein the first region includes the field of view of the camera module, and the number of light-emitting elements per unit area in the first region of the panel layer is less than the number of light-emitting elements per unit area in the second region of the panel layer.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge structure, a display, and a camera module. The first housing includes a first plate structure, the second housing includes a second plate structure, and the hinge structure allows the first and second housings to rotate about a folding axis such that the first and second plate structures face the same direction or form a predetermined angle therebetween. The display includes a first planar region, a second planar region, and a folding region. The first planar region is disposed on at least a portion of the first plate structure, the second planar region is disposed on at least a portion of the second plate structure, and the folding region is formed between the first and second planar regions and is deformable into a planar or curved shape. The camera module is coupled to the display such that the optical axis of a lens of the camera module passes through a pixel array included in the display. The first and / or second plate structures have openings formed therein, wherein at least a portion of the camera module is received.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first structure, a second structure, a cover, a display, and a camera module, wherein the second structure is slidably coupled to the first structure, wherein at least a portion of the second structure surrounds the first structure, the cover is coupled to the first structure and forms at least a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device, the display is disposed on the second structure to move with the second structure and includes a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area forms the front surface of the electronic device, the second display area extends flexibly from the first display area, and at least a portion of the second display area is received in a space between the first structure and the cover, and the camera module is coupled to the second structure or the display to move with the second structure and the display, wherein the optical axis of a lens of the camera module passes through the pixel array of the display. The electronic device includes a first state in which the second display area is received between the cover and the first structure and a second state in which at least a portion of the second display area together with the first display area forms the front surface.

[0017] Beneficial effects

[0018] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by reducing the air gap between the camera module and the display, the area of ​​the camera region included in the display can be reduced. Therefore, the quality of the image displayed on the display can be improved.

[0019] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device can be configured to maintain alignment between a camera area included in a display and a camera module located on the display.

[0020] Furthermore, this disclosure can provide various effects of identification, either directly or indirectly.

[0021] Other aspects, advantages, and distinctive features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the planar state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the folded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a first state of a slidable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a second state of a slidable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of a sliding electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera region of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera region of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera region of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a plan view showing the housing and camera module of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these are considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted.

[0040] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their bibliographical meaning, but are used solely by the inventors to enable a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description, which provides various embodiments of this disclosure, is for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the purpose of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0041] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators. Thus, for example, referring to “the surface of a component” includes referring to one or more of such surfaces.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electronic device 100 may include a housing 110, the housing 110 including a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B opposite to the first surface 110A in the Z-axis direction, and a side surface 110C surrounding the space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B.

[0044] In another embodiment of this disclosure (not shown), housing 110 may refer to a structure forming some of the first surface 110A, second surface 110B and side surface 110C.

[0045] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first surface 110A may be formed of a front panel 120, at least a portion of which is substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate comprising various coatings). A second surface 110B may be formed of a substantially opaque back panel 180. The back panel 180 may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum or magnesium), metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. Side surfaces 110C may be formed of side frame structures (or “frame structures”) 118 and 111 connected to the front panel 120 and the back panel 180 and comprising metal and / or polymer.

[0046] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the back panel 180 and the side frame structures 118 and 111 may be integrally formed with each other and may contain the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

[0047] In the embodiments shown in this disclosure, the front panel 120 may include two first front panel regions 110D that extend curvedly and seamlessly from a portion of a first surface 110A toward the back panel 180. The first front panel regions 110D may be located at opposite long edges of the front panel 120.

[0048] In the embodiments shown in this disclosure, the back panel 180 may include two second front panel regions 110E that extend curvedly and seamlessly from a portion of the second surface 110B toward the front panel 120. The second front panel regions 110E may be located at opposite long edges of the back panel 180.

[0049] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the front panel 120 (or back panel 180) may include only one of a plurality of first front panel areas 110D (or a plurality of second front panel areas 110E). Furthermore, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the front panel 120 (or back panel 180) may not include a portion of the first front panel areas 110D (or second front panel areas 110E).

[0050] In embodiments of this disclosure, when viewed from one side of the electronic device 100, the side bezel structures 118 and 111 may have a first thickness (or width) on the side excluding the first front panel area 110D or the second front panel area 110E (e.g., the short side), and may have a second thickness on the side including the first front panel area 110D or the second front panel area 110E (e.g., the long side), the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

[0051] In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 100 may include a display 130 (see...) Figure 3 ), audio modules (e.g., 103, 104, and 107) (e.g., Figure 14 The audio module 1270), sensor module (not shown) (e.g., Figure 14 Sensor module 1276), camera module (e.g., 105, 112 and / or 113) (e.g., Figure 14 Camera module 1280), key input device 117 (e.g., Figure 14 Input module 1250), light-emitting element (not shown), or connector hole 108 (e.g., Figure 14 At least one of the connection terminals 1278). In another embodiment of this disclosure, the electronic device 100 may not include at least one of the aforementioned components (e.g., key input device 117 or light-emitting element (not shown)), or may include other components.

[0052] In embodiments of this disclosure, the display 130 may be exposed through at least a portion of the front panel 120. For example, at least a portion of the display 130 may be exposed through the front panel 120, which includes a first front panel region 110D comprising a first surface 110A and a side surface 110C.

[0053] In embodiments of this disclosure, the shape of the display 130 may be substantially the same as the shape of the adjacent outer edge of the front panel 120. In another embodiment (not shown), the gap between the periphery of the display 130 and the periphery of the front panel 120 may be substantially constant to increase the area through which the display 130 is exposed.

[0054] In embodiments of this disclosure, the surface of the housing 110 (or front panel 120) may include a display area that visually exposes the display 130 and displays content thereon via pixels. For example, the display area may include a first front panel region 110D of a first surface 110A and a side surface 110C; therefore, the first surface 110A and the first front panel region 110D may also be referred to as display regions 110A and 110D.

[0055] In another embodiment of this disclosure (not shown), display areas 110A and 110D may include sensing areas (not shown) configured to acquire a user's biometric information. Here, when display areas 110A and 110D include sensing areas, this may mean that at least a portion of the sensing areas overlaps with display areas 110A and 110D. For example, a sensing area (not shown) may refer to an area that can be displayed by the display 130 and additionally acquire the user's biometric information (e.g., fingerprint) like other areas of display areas 110A and 110D.

[0056] In another embodiment of this disclosure (not shown), the display 130 may include a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor for measuring the intensity (pressure) of the touch, and / or a digitizer for detecting the type of magnetic field of the stylus, or may be arranged adjacent to them.

[0057] In embodiments of this disclosure, the audio module (e.g., 103, 104, and 107) may include microphone holes 103 and 104 and speaker hole 107.

[0058] In embodiments of this disclosure, microphone holes 103 and 104 may include a first microphone hole 103 formed in a portion of the side surface 110C and a second microphone hole 104 formed in a portion of the second surface 110B. Microphones for acquiring external sound may be disposed in the housing 110 corresponding to microphone holes 103 and 104. Each microphone may include multiple microphones to detect the direction of sound. In embodiments of this disclosure, the second microphone hole 104 formed in a portion of the second surface 110B may be disposed adjacent to a camera module (e.g., 105 and 112). For example, the second microphone hole 104 may acquire sound when the camera module (e.g., 105 and 112) is activated, or when other functions are performed.

[0059] In embodiments of this disclosure, speaker hole 107 may include receiver hole (not shown) for telephone calls. Speaker hole 107 may be formed in a portion of side surface 110C of electronic device 100. In another embodiment of this disclosure, speaker hole 107 may be implemented as a single hole together with first microphone hole 103. Although not shown, receiver hole (not shown) for telephone calls may be formed in another portion of side surface 110C. For example, receiver hole (not shown) for telephone calls may be formed in another portion of side surface 110C (e.g., the portion facing the +Y axis direction), wherein said other portion of side surface 110C (e.g., the portion facing the +Y axis direction) faces the portion of side surface 110C in which speaker hole 107 is formed (e.g., the portion facing the -Y axis direction).

[0060] In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 100 may include a speaker fluidly connected to a speaker aperture 107. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the speaker may include a piezoelectric speaker that does not have a speaker aperture 107.

[0061] In embodiments of this disclosure, a sensor module (not shown) (e.g., Figure 14The sensor module 1276 can generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to the operating state inside the electronic device 100 or the environmental state outside the electronic device 100. In embodiments of this disclosure, the sensor module (not shown) can be disposed on at least a portion of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C (e.g., the first front panel area 110D and / or the second front panel area 110E) of the housing 110, and can also be disposed on the rear surface of the display 130. For example, at least a portion of the sensor module (not shown) can be disposed below the screen in the display areas 110A and 110D and can be not visually exposed, and a sensing area (not shown) can be formed in at least a portion of the display areas 110A and 110D. For example, the sensor module (not shown) may include an optical fingerprint sensor. In some embodiments of this disclosure (not shown), the fingerprint sensor can be disposed not only on the first surface 110A and the side surface 110C of the housing 110 (e.g., in the display areas 110A and 110D), but also on the second surface 110B. For example, the sensor module may include at least one of a proximity sensor, a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0062] In embodiments of this disclosure, the key input device 117 may be disposed on the side surface 110C of the housing 110 (e.g., the first front panel area 110D and / or the second front panel area 110E). In another embodiment of this disclosure, the electronic device 100 may not include all or some of the key input devices 117, and the excluded key input devices 117 may be implemented on the display 130 in various forms such as soft keys. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the key input device 117 may include a sensor module (not shown) formed in a sensing area (not shown) included in the display areas 110A and 110D.

[0063] In embodiments of this disclosure, connector hole 108 may accommodate a connector. Connector hole 108 may be disposed in a side surface 110C of housing 110. For example, connector hole 108 may be disposed in side surface 110C so as to be at least partially adjacent to an audio module (e.g., a first microphone hole 103 and a speaker hole 107). In another embodiment of this disclosure, electronic device 100 may include a first connector hole (i.e., connector hole 108) and / or a second connector hole (not shown), wherein the first connector hole 108 accommodates a connector (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector) for transmitting / receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device, and the second connector hole (not shown) accommodates a connector (e.g., a headphone jack) for transmitting / receiving audio signals with an external electronic device.

[0064] In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 100 may include a light-emitting element (not shown). For example, the light-emitting element (not shown) may be disposed on a first surface 110A of the housing 110. The light-emitting element (not shown) may provide status information of the electronic device 100 in the form of light. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the light-emitting element (not shown) may provide a light source that operates in conjunction with a camera module (e.g., 105 and 112). For example, the light-emitting element (not shown) may include a light-emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, and / or a xenon lamp.

[0065] In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module may include a first camera module 105 (e.g., an under-display camera), a second camera module 112, and / or a flash 113, wherein the first camera module 105 is configured to receive light through a camera region 106 of a first surface 110A of the electronic device 100, and the second camera module 112 is exposed on a second surface 110B.

[0066] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 105 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display 130. For example, the first camera module 105 may be coupled to some layers of the display 130, or it may be located within the internal structure of the housing 110, such that the optical axis of the lens (e.g., Figures 10 to 12 The optical axis L is aligned with the camera area 106.

[0067] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 105 may receive light via a camera region 106 formed in at least a portion of display areas 110A and 110D. At least a portion of the camera region 106 may be included in display areas 110A and 110D. When the camera region 106 is included in display areas 110A and 110D, this may mean that at least a portion of the camera region 106 overlaps with display areas 110A and 110D. For example, when the first camera module 105 is not operating, the camera region 106 may display content like other areas of display areas 110A and 110D. For example, when the first camera module 105 is operating, the camera region 106 may not display content, and light incident on the first camera module 105 may pass through the camera region 106.

[0068] In embodiments of this disclosure, light signals input through camera region 106 can pass through the pixel array of display 130 (e.g., Figure 10 The panel layer 520) and the lens of the first camera module 105, and can be made by the image sensor of the first camera module 105 (e.g., Figure 10 The image sensor 426 receives the image. For example, the first camera module 105 may include an under-display camera (UDC).

[0069] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second camera module 112 may include multiple camera modules (e.g., dual-camera, triple-camera, or quad-camera). However, the second camera module 112 is not necessarily limited to including multiple camera modules and may include a single camera module.

[0070] The first camera module 105 and / or the second camera module 112 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. The flash 113 may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In another embodiment of this disclosure, two or more lenses (infrared camera lenses, wide-angle lenses, and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed within the housing 110 facing a surface of the electronic device 100 (e.g., a second surface 110B).

[0071] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] refer to Figure 3Electronic device 100 may include a side bezel structure 118, a first support member 140 (e.g., a bracket), a front panel 120, a display 130, a printed circuit board (PCB) 150 (e.g., a rigid PCB, a flexible PCB (FPCB), or a rigid-flex PCB (RFPCB)), a battery 152, a second support member 160 (e.g., a rear cover), an antenna 170, and a back panel 180. In some embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 100 may not include at least one of the above-described components (e.g., the first support member 140 or the second support member 160), or may include additional components. At least one of the components of electronic device 100 may be associated with... Figure 1 or Figure 2 At least one of the components of the electronic device 100 is the same or similar, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below.

[0073] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first support member 140 may be disposed inside the electronic device 100 and may be connected to or integrally formed with the side bezel structure 118. The first support member 140 may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and / or a non-metallic (e.g., a polymer) material. The display 130 may be coupled to or located on one surface of the first support member 140, and the printed circuit board 150 may be coupled to or located on the opposite surface of the first support member 140.

[0074] In embodiments of this disclosure, the processor, memory, and / or interface may be disposed on a printed circuit board 150. The processor may include one or more of, for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

[0075] In embodiments of this disclosure, the memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0076] In embodiments of this disclosure, the interface may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card interface, and / or an audio interface. For instance, the interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device 100 to an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card / Multimedia Card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

[0077] In embodiments of this disclosure, battery 152 can power at least one component in electronic device 100. Battery 152 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. For example, at least a portion of battery 152 may be disposed on a plane substantially the same as printed circuit board 150. Battery 152 may be integrally disposed within electronic device 100 or may be configured to be removable from electronic device 100.

[0078] In embodiments of this disclosure, antenna 170 may be disposed between back panel 180 and battery 152. Antenna 170 may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetically secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, antenna 170 may perform short-range communication with external devices or may wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna structure may be formed by portions of side frame structures 118 and 111 and / or portions of the first support member 140, or combinations thereof.

[0079] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first camera module 105 may be coupled to the rear surface of a display 130 such that a camera region 106 formed in a front panel 120 is aligned with the first camera module 105. For example, at least a portion of the first camera module 105 may be disposed on a first support member 140. In various embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the first camera module 105 may be located in an opening 149 formed in the first support member 140. For example, a lens of the first camera module 105 may be configured to receive through a pixel array included in the display 130 (e.g., Figure 10 The light from the panel layer 520) and the camera area 106 may at least partially overlap with the display area on which content is displayed. For example, the optical axis of the first camera module 105 may pass through at least a portion of the display 130. For example, the at least a portion of the display may include a pixel array (e.g., Figure 10 (Panel layer 520). In embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 105 may receive a pixel array (e.g., through the camera region 106 and the display 130) Figure 10 The light of the panel layer 520).

[0080] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second camera module 112 may be configured such that the lens passes through the back panel 180 of the electronic device 100 (e.g., Figure 2 The second camera region 184 of the rear surface 110B is exposed. The second camera region 184 may be formed on the surface of the back plate 180 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 In at least a portion of the rear surface 110B. In embodiments of this disclosure, the second camera region 184 may be at least partially transparent, allowing external light to enter the lens of the second camera module 112.

[0081] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the second camera region 184 may protrude from the surface of the backplate 180 to a predetermined height. However, this is not a limitation; the second camera region 184 may be formed in a plane substantially the same as the surface of the backplate 180.

[0082] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] refer to Figure 4 The foldable electronic device 200 (hereinafter referred to as the electronic device) according to the illustrated embodiment may include a planar state in which the flexible display 230 is substantially planar (e.g., Figure 5 ) and the folded state in which a portion of the flexible display 230 is bent (e.g., Figure 6 ).

[0084] In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 200 may include a first housing 211, a second housing 212, a hinge structure 290, a flexible display 230, and a camera module 205 (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The first camera module 105).

[0085] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first housing 211 and / or the second housing 212 may form an internal space in which various electronic components are disposed. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may be folded or unfolded along a folding axis F therebetween. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first housing 211 may include a first plate structure 241 on which at least a portion of a first planar region 231 of the flexible display 230 is disposed. In embodiments of this disclosure, the second housing 212 may include a second plate structure 242 on which at least a portion of a second planar region 232 of the flexible display 230 is disposed.

[0086] In embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible display 230 may form one surface of the first housing 211 and one surface of the second housing 212. In embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible display 230 may include a first planar region 231 and a second planar region 232 formed substantially planar, and a folded region 233 deformable into a planar or curved shape.

[0087] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first planar region 231 may be disposed on at least a portion of the first plate structure 241. For example, the first planar region 231 may be attached to the first plate structure 241 and thus may remain planar when the electronic device 200 is folded or unfolded.

[0088] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second planar region 232 may be disposed on at least a portion of the second plate structure 242. For example, the second planar region 232 may be attached to the second plate structure 242 and thus may remain planar when the electronic device 200 is folded or unfolded.

[0089] In embodiments of this disclosure, a folding region 233 may be formed between a first planar region 231 and a second planar region 232, and at least a portion of the folding region 233 may extend over the hinge structure 290. The folding region 233 can be bent in a folded state and can be planar in a planar state.

[0090] In embodiments of this disclosure, hinge structure 290 can connect a first housing 211 and a second housing 212, such that the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 fold along a folding axis F therebetween. In embodiments of this disclosure, hinge structure 290 can be connected to a first plate structure 241 of the first housing 211 and a second plate structure 242 of the second housing 212 to allow the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 to fold or unfold along the folding axis F therebetween. In embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of hinge structure 290 can be disposed within a hinge housing (e.g., Figure 6 In the hinge housing 213).

[0091] In embodiments of this disclosure, the hinge structure 290 may include a first rotation axis R1, a second rotation axis R2, a first rotation portion 291, and a second rotation portion 292.

[0092] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first rotating portion 291 is rotatable about a first rotation axis R1. The first rotating portion 291 can be connected to a first plate structure 241 of the first housing 211. In embodiments of this disclosure, the second rotating portion 292 is rotatable about a second rotation axis R2. The second rotating portion 292 can be connected to a second plate structure 242 of the second housing 212. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 can be substantially parallel to the folding axis F and can be symmetrical to each other with respect to the folding axis F.

[0093] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the electronic device 200 is folded or unfolded, the first housing 211, together with the first rotating portion 291, can rotate about a first rotation axis R1 at a predetermined angle, and the second housing 212, together with the second rotating portion 292, can rotate about a second rotation axis R2 at a predetermined angle. For example, the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 can be folded along the folding axis F therebetween.

[0094] In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 205 may be disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display 230, such that the lens is aligned with the camera region 206 of the flexible display 230. For example, the camera module 205 may be configured to receive external light, such that the optical axis of the lens (e.g., Figures 10 to 12 The optical axis L passes through at least some layers of the flexible display 230 (e.g., Figure 10 (Panel layer 520). For example, camera module 205 may be attached to the rear surface of flexible display 230. In another embodiment of this disclosure, camera module 205 may be disposed on a first plate structure 241 of first housing 211 and a second plate structure 242 of second housing 212.

[0095] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first plate structure 241 and / or the second plate structure 242 may have an opening 249 formed therein, wherein at least a portion of the camera module 205 is accommodated in the opening 249. For example, the opening 249 may be formed through the first plate structure 241 or the second plate structure 242, or it may be formed as a groove on the first plate structure 241 or the second plate structure 242.

[0096] In embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible display 230 may be disposed on one surface of the first board structure 241 or the second board structure 242, and the printed circuit board 250 may be disposed on the opposite surface of the first board structure 241 or the second board structure 242. The camera module 205 may include a connector 207 extending through an opening 249 to the printed circuit board 250.

[0097] In embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible display 230 may form a display area on the surface of the electronic device 200 in which content is displayed. A camera area 206 may be formed within a portion of the display area.

[0098] In embodiments of this disclosure, camera module 205 may receive light via camera region 206 formed in a display area. Camera region 206 may be included in the display area. When camera region 206 is included in the display area, this may mean that at least a portion of camera region 206 overlaps with the display area. For example, when camera module 205 is not operating, camera region 206 may display content along with other areas of the display area. For example, when camera module 205 is operating (e.g., in shooting mode), camera region 206 may display content different from other areas of the display area, or light incident on camera module 205 may pass through camera region 206. In another example, when camera module 205 is operating (e.g., in shooting mode), power may not be supplied to camera region 206. For example, pixels included in camera region 206 may not emit light.

[0099] In embodiments of this disclosure, the light signal input through camera region 206 can pass through the pixel array of flexible display 230 (e.g., Figure 10 The panel layer 520 and the lens of the camera module 205 can be received by the image sensor of the camera module 205. For example, the camera module 205 may include an under-display camera (UDC).

[0100] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the planar state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the folded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] refer to Figure 5 In a planar configuration, the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may be parallel to each other to form substantially the same plane. For example, the first housing 211 may include a first edge P1 substantially perpendicular to the folding axis F. For example, the second housing 212 may include a second edge P2 substantially perpendicular to the folding axis F. In a planar configuration, the first edge P1 and the second edge P2 may form a first angle θ1 (e.g., approximately 180 degrees) therebetween.

[0102] refer to Figure 5 In its planar state, the folding region 233 of the flexible display 230 can be substantially planar. The folding region 233 can form substantially the same continuous plane together with the first planar region 231 and the second planar region 232. For example, the normal vector n1 of the first planar region 231 can be substantially parallel to the normal vector n2 of the second planar region 232.

[0103] refer to Figure 6 In the folded state, the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 can form a predetermined angle therebetween. For example, the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 can be configured such that the first edge P1 and the second edge P2 form a predetermined angle therebetween.

[0104] refer to Figure 6 In the folded state, the folding region 233 of the flexible display 230 can be curved. The folding region 233 can have a predetermined curvature. For example, the normal vector n1 of the first planar region 231 can form a predetermined angle with the normal vector n2 of the second planar region 232.

[0105] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first housing 211 may include a third edge P3 that is substantially parallel to the folding axis F. For example, the second housing 212 may include a fourth edge P4 that is substantially parallel to the folding axis F.

[0106] For example, refer to Figure 6The folded state can include a fully folded state in which the third edge P3 of the first housing 211 contacts the fourth edge P4 of the second housing 212. In the fully folded state, the first edge P1 and the second edge P2 can be substantially parallel to each other, or the extension lines of the first edge P1 and the extension lines of the second edge P2 can intersect each other.

[0107] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the fully folded state may include a state in which the space surrounded by the first housing 211, the second housing 212, and the hinge housing 213 is closed when the electronic device 100 is viewed from one side. For example, a shock-absorbing member (not shown) may be provided at the third edge P3 and / or the fourth edge P4, and the fully folded state may include a state in which the closed space is formed by contact between the shock-absorbing member and the first housing 211 or the second housing 212.

[0108] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first housing 211 may include a first cover 214. The second housing 212 may include a second cover 215. The first cover 214 and the second cover 215 may form at least a portion of the surface of the electronic device 200. For example, in a planar state, the first cover 214 and the second cover 215 may form at least a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device 200. The second cover 215 may have a rear camera region 209 formed therein, and a second camera module (e.g., disposed inside the electronic device 200) may be located within the electronic device 200. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second camera module 112 is visually exposed through the rear camera area 209. The second camera module can receive light through the rear camera area 209.

[0109] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a first state of a slidable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a second state of a slidable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of a sliding electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] In embodiments of this disclosure, the slidable electronic device 300 (hereinafter referred to as the electronic device) may include Figure 7 The first state shown and Figure 8 The second state is shown in the diagram. For example, the first and second states can be determined based on the position of the second structure 320 relative to the first structure 310. For example, the display area of ​​the electronic device 300 can be wider in the second state than in the first state.

[0111] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the visually exposed area of ​​the flexible display 330 may be wider in the second state than in the first state. For example, the first state may be a state in which the flexible display 330 is retracted, and the second state may be a state in which the flexible display 330 is extended.

[0112] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The electronic device 300 may include a first structure 310, a second structure 320, a flexible display 330, a cover 313, a roller 315, and a camera module 305 (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 First camera module 105 or Figure 4 Camera module 205).

[0113] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first structure 310 and the second structure 320 may be coupled to slide relative to each other. For example, the first structure 310 may be fixed, and the second structure 320 may be positioned such that it is at least partially movable relative to the first structure 310 in sliding directions S1 and S2. A roller 315 rotating about a rolling axis R may be coupled to the first structure 310. The second structure 320 may overlap at least a portion of the first structure 310. For example, the second structure 320 may surround at least a portion of the first structure 310. The second structure 320 may be coupled to the flexible display 330 to move together with the flexible display 330.

[0114] In embodiments of this disclosure, the second structure 320 may include a first portion 321 and a second portion 322, wherein the first portion 321 supports at least a portion of the first display area 331 of the flexible display 330, and the second portion 322 supports at least a portion of the second display area 332 of the flexible display 330. For example, the second portion 322 may include a multi-joint module 325 coupled to the roller 315. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the multi-joint module 325 may include a form in which rods are arranged extending in substantially the same direction as the rolling axis R of the roller 315. The multi-joint module 325 may be bent at relatively thin portions between the rods. In embodiments of this disclosure, the multi-joint module 325 may be referred to by another term, such as a flexible track or a hinged track.

[0115] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first portion 321 can slide in sliding directions S1 and S2. In embodiments of this disclosure, a portion of the second portion 322 can rotate together with the roller 315, and another portion of the second portion 322 can slide in sliding directions S1 and S2.

[0116] In embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible display 330 may include a first display area 331 and a second display area 332 flexibly extending from the first display area 331. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first display area 331 may form at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device 300 in a first state, and in a second state may form at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device 300 together with at least a portion of the second display area 332. In embodiments of this disclosure, in the first state, the second display area 332 may be located inside the electronic device 300, and in the second state, at least a portion of the second display area 332 may form the front surface of the electronic device 300.

[0117] For example, as the second structure 320 moves relative to the first structure 310 in the first sliding direction S1, the second display area 332 of the flexible display 330 can form a display area together with the first display area 331. For example, as the second structure 320 moves relative to the first structure 310 in the second sliding direction S2, the second display area 332 of the flexible display 330 can be accommodated in the space between the cover 313 and the first structure 310.

[0118] In embodiments of this disclosure, cover 313 may form the rear surface of electronic device 300. A space accommodating the second structure 320 and the second display area 332 of flexible display 330 may be formed between cover 313 and first structure 310. In various embodiments of this disclosure, cover 313 may have the second display area 332 of flexible display 330 visible through its transparent area (not shown).

[0119] In embodiments of this disclosure, roller 315 is rotatable about rolling axis R. Roller 315 may be rotatably coupled to first structure 310. Roller 315 may be coupled to a portion of second portion 322 of second structure 320. For example, roller 315 may move a portion of second portion 322 of second structure 320. Depending on changes in the state of electronic device 300, roller 315 may come into contact with another portion of second structure 320.

[0120] In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 305 may be located on the second structure 320 or the flexible display 330 so as to move together with the second structure 320 and the flexible display 330. For example, a camera region 306 aligned with the lens of the camera module 305 may be formed in the first display area 331 of the flexible display 330. For example, the camera module 305 may be attached to the rear surface of the flexible display 330. In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 305 may be configured to receive external light such that the optical axis of the lens (e.g., Figures 10 to 12 The optical axis L passes through at least some layers of the flexible display 330 (e.g., Figure 10 Panel layer 520).

[0121] In embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible display 330 may include a display area that is visually exposed on the surface of the electronic device 300 and in which content is displayed. For example, the display area may be formed by a first display area 331 of the flexible display 330 in a first state, and by a portion of the first display area 331 and a second display area 332 of the flexible display 330 in a second state. In embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the camera area 306 may be formed in the first display area 331.

[0122] In embodiments of this disclosure, camera module 305 may receive light via camera region 306 formed in a display area. Camera region 306 may be included in the display area. When camera region 306 is included in the display area, this may mean that at least a portion of camera region 306 overlaps with the display area. For example, when camera module 305 is not operating, camera region 306 may display content like other areas of the display area. For example, when camera module 305 is operating (e.g., in shooting mode), camera region 306 may not display content, or may display content different from other areas of the display area. For example, when camera module 305 is operating (e.g., in shooting mode), light incident on camera module 305 may pass through camera region 306.

[0123] In embodiments of this disclosure, the light signal input through camera region 306 can pass through the pixel array of flexible display 330 (e.g., Figure 10 The panel layer 520) and the lens of the camera module 305, and can be made by the image sensor of the camera module 305 (e.g., Figure 10 The image sensor 426 receives the image. For example, camera module 305 may include an under-display camera (UDC).

[0124] In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 300 may include a first edge P1 and a second edge P2 parallel to the rolling axis R. The first edge P1 may be an edge adjacent to the roller 315, and the second edge P2 may be an edge relatively far from the roller 315 in the first sliding direction S1. For example, the second edge P2 may be formed by a second structure 320. In embodiments of this disclosure, a camera module 305 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the second edge P2. In various embodiments of this disclosure, a first state may be defined as a state in which the first edge P1 and the second edge P2 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and a second state may be defined as a state in which the first edge P1 and the second edge P2 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance greater than the first distance.

[0125] In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera region 306 may be formed in the first display area 331 of the flexible display 330 at a location adjacent to the second edge P2 of the electronic device 300. However, the location of the camera region 306 is not limited thereto. In another example, the camera region 306 may be formed in another portion of the first display area 331 of the flexible display 330.

[0126] refer to Figure 9 In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 300 may further include a tension belt 318 and a second roller 317. The tension belt 318 may connect the first portion 321 and the second portion 322 of the second structure 320. The second roller 317 may rotate in the opposite direction to that of the roller 315. For example, when the electronic device 300 changes from a second state to a first state, the tension belt 318 may provide tension to the second portion 322 of the second structure 320, such that the second structure 320 and the flexible display 330 are accommodated in the electronic device 300. For example, when the first portion 321 of the second structure 320 moves in the second sliding direction S2, the tension belt 318 may provide tension to the second portion 322 of the second structure 320, such that the second portion 322 of the second structure 320 moves in the second sliding direction S2.

[0127] In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 305 may be located on the second structure 320 or the first display area 331 of the flexible display 330 so as to move together with the second structure 320 and the first display area 331 of the flexible display 330. For example, the camera module 305 may be attached to the rear surface of the flexible display 330. For example, a portion of the camera module 305 may be inserted into a through-hole 329 formed through the first portion 321 of the second structure 320. For example, a portion of the camera module 305 may be located in a recess or opening 319 formed in the first structure 310. In embodiments of this disclosure, the recess or opening 319 formed in the first structure 310 may open in a first sliding direction S1. For example, the camera module 305 may move together with the second structure 320 and the first display area 331 of the flexible display 330 in sliding directions S1 and S2.

[0128] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first display area 331 of the flexible display 330 may be disposed on the first surface of the first structure 310 (e.g., Figure 9 On the upper surface of the first structure 310, and the printed circuit board 350 may be disposed on the second surface of the first structure 310 (e.g., on the upper surface of the first structure 310). Figure 9On the lower surface of the first structure 310. In embodiments of this disclosure, the second structure 320 may surround the first surface of the first structure 310, the second surface of the first structure 310, and the roller 315. In embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 300 may further include a printed circuit board 350 disposed on the second surface of the first structure 310.

[0129] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera region of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] refer to Figure 10 It is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the camera region 106 of the electronic device 100 shown. For example, Figure 10 It can be Figures 4 to 6 A cross-sectional view of the camera region 206 of the foldable electronic device 200 shown. For example, Figure 10 It can be Figures 7 to 9 A cross-sectional view of the camera region 306 of the sliding electronic device 300 shown.

[0131] refer to Figure 10 The electronic device 400 may include a housing 410, a camera module 420 (e.g., Figures 2 to 3 First camera module 105 Figures 4 to 6 Camera module 205 or Figures 7 to 9 The camera module 305), display 500 and cover 413, housing 410 includes plate structure 411 (e.g., Figure 3 First supporting member 140 Figure 4 First plate structure 241 and second plate structure 242 or Figure 9 (First structure 310 and second structure 320).

[0132] In embodiments of this disclosure, the plate structure 411 of the housing 410 may include an opening 419 therein for accommodating at least a portion of the camera module 420. A display 500 may be disposed on one side of the plate structure 411 (e.g., the upper side in the figure), and a printed circuit board 450 may be disposed on the opposite side of the plate structure 411 (e.g., the lower side in the figure). The sidewalls of the opening 419 of the plate structure 411 may be spaced apart from the camera module 420 by a predetermined gap d.

[0133] Figure 10 The plate structure 411 shown can correspond to Figure 3 The first support member 140 shown in the figure Figure 4 The plate structures 241 and 242 shown are or Figure 9 The first structure 310 or the second structure 320 shown. Figure 10 The opening 419 shown can correspond to Figure 3 The opening 149 shown Figure 4 The opening 249 shown is or Figure 9 The opening 319 shown is shown.

[0134] In embodiments of this disclosure, the cover 413 may form a surface of the electronic device 400 together with the display 500. For example, the cover 413 may form the rear surface of the electronic device 400. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the cover 413 may form a housing together with a cover layer 510 included in the display 500 (e.g., Figure 1 (shell 110).

[0135] Figure 10 The display 500 shown can correspond to Figure 3 The display 130 shown Figure 4 The flexible display 230 shown is or Figure 9 The flexible display 330 shown is illustrated.

[0136] In embodiments of this disclosure, the display 500 may include a first region 501 having a relatively low pixel density and a second region 502 surrounding the first region 501. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first region 501 may be configured to include the field of view (FOV) of the camera module 420. The FOV of the camera module 420 may vary depending on the viewing angle of the camera module 420. For example, when the camera module 420 is a wide camera module, the area of ​​the first region 501 may be increased. The camera module 420 may receive light passing through the first region 501 and may generate an image signal. The first region 501 shown may correspond to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The camera area 106 shown Figure 4 and Figure 6 The camera area 206 shown Figures 7 to 9 The camera area 306 is shown in the diagram.

[0137] In embodiments of this disclosure, the display 500 may include multiple layers. These multiple layers may include a cover layer 510 forming the surface of the electronic device 400, a panel layer 520 including a pixel array, a base layer 530, a support layer 550, and / or an aperture layer 540. According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the multiple layers of the display 500 may be attached using an optically transparent adhesive member. For example, the optically transparent adhesive member may include an optically transparent adhesive (OCA), an optically transparent resin (OCR), or a super-transparent resin (SVR). In embodiments of this disclosure, the cover layer 510 may be formed of a transparent material. The cover layer 510 may comprise a polyimide (PI) material and / or a glass material (e.g., ultra-thin glass (UTG)). The cover layer 510 may form at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device 400. For example, the cover layer 510 may be implemented in the form of a thin film (e.g., a thin film layer) that protects the display 500 from external influences and contributes to flexibility.

[0138] According to embodiments of this disclosure (not shown), the cover layer 510 may include multiple layers. For example, the cover layer 510 may have the form in which various coatings are disposed on a plastic film or thin-film glass. For example, the cover layer 510 may have the form in which at least one protective layer or coating comprising a polymer material (e.g., polyester (PET), polyimide (PI), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)) is disposed on a plastic film or thin-film glass. In embodiments of this disclosure, the base layer 530 may comprise a transparent polymer material and / or a glass material and may be used to support and protect the panel layer 520. For example, the base layer 530 may be referred to as a protective film, back film, or back sheet. In embodiments of this disclosure, the panel layer 520 including a pixel array may be disposed throughout the base layer 530. For example, wiring connected to the pixel array may be formed in the base layer 530.

[0139] In embodiments of this disclosure, panel layer 520 may include a pixel array comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., organic light-emitting diodes). For example, panel layer 520 may include a pixel array and an encapsulation layer (not shown), the pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels implemented with light-emitting elements such as organic light-emitting diodes or micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs). For example, the encapsulation layer (e.g., a thin-film encapsulation (TFE) layer) may serve as a protective layer for protecting the pixel array. For example, the encapsulation layer may seal the pixel array to prevent impurities from penetrating into the pixel array.

[0140] According to embodiments of this disclosure, panel layer 520 can be disposed on a thin-film transistor (TFT) film by evaporation of an organic material, and the TFT film can be located between panel layer 520 and base layer 530. The TFT film can refer to a structure in which at least one TFT is disposed on a flexible substrate (e.g., a PI film) through a series of processes including deposition, patterning, and etching. At least one TFT can adjust the on / off state of a pixel or the brightness of a pixel by controlling the current of a light-emitting element used in a pixel array. At least one TFT can be implemented using, for example, amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT, liquid crystal polymer (LCP) TFT, low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) TFT, or low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT.

[0141] In embodiments of this disclosure, aperture layer 540 may perform aperture functions for camera module 420. For example, aperture layer 540 may include a transparent area 541 and an opaque area 542 surrounding the transparent area 541, wherein the transparent area 541 is formed to be substantially the same as or larger than the field of view (FOV) of camera module 420. For example, the opaque area 542 may be an area printed (or impregnated) in black. In embodiments of this disclosure, opaque area 542 may prevent light reflected or refracted by other layers from incident on camera module 420. In embodiments of this disclosure, transparent area 541 may be formed to be substantially the same as or smaller than first area 501. For example, when viewed from above display 500, transparent area 541 may at least partially overlap with first area 501. For example, aperture layer 540 may comprise a polymer material (e.g., polyester (PET) or polyimide (PI)) or glass material, and the opaque area 542 may perform the aperture functions of camera module 420.

[0142] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the aperture layer 540 can block light incident from the outside. For example, the aperture layer 540 may include a light-blocking layer or an embossed layer. For example, the embossed layer may be an opaque layer (e.g., a black layer) including an irregular pattern (e.g., an embossed pattern).

[0143] In embodiments of this disclosure, the support layer 550 may include at least one of a buffer member, a layer for shielding light, a layer for absorbing or shielding electromagnetic waves, and a layer for diffusing, propagating, or radiating heat. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the buffer member can mitigate external impacts applied to the display 500. For example, the buffer member may include a sponge layer or a cushioning layer.

[0144] In embodiments of this disclosure, the support layer 550 may include a shielding layer for shielding the display 500 and / or a metal layer (e.g., a conductive member) for maintaining the planar surface of the display 500. For example, the metal layer may contain at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), stainless steel (SUS), or CLAD (e.g., a stacked member in which SUS and Al are arranged alternately).

[0145] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the support layer 550 may diffuse, propagate, or radiate heat generated from the electronic device 400 or display 500 (e.g., display driver IC). For example, the support layer 550 may include a layer comprising graphite and / or a conductive adhesive material.

[0146] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the support layer 550 can absorb or shield electromagnetic waves (or noise) and can mitigate external impacts applied to the electronic device 400 or display 500. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the support layer 550 may comprise a composite sheet or a copper sheet, and the composite sheet may be a sheet obtained by stacking layers or sheets with different properties. For example, the composite sheet may be replaced by a single sheet containing a material (e.g., polyimide or graphite).

[0147] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of the aperture layer 540 and / or multiple layers (e.g., light-blocking layer, buffer member, composite sheet, and copper sheet) included in the support layer 550 may be omitted. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the order in which the multiple layers included in the display 500 are arranged can be varied, and is not limited to... Figures 10 to 12 Examples of implementations.

[0148] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of a plurality of layers included in the display 500 may include openings formed corresponding to a camera module 420 located within the electronic device 400. The camera module 420 may at least partially overlap with the opening, or at least a portion of the camera module 420 may be inserted into the space of the opening. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least two layers may each include an opening, and the openings formed in the respective layers may at least partially overlap each other and may have substantially the same size and shape. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sizes or shapes of the openings formed in the respective layers may differ from each other.

[0149] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the support layer 550 may be opaque, so that the interior of the electronic device 400 is not visually exposed on the surface of the electronic device 400.

[0150] In embodiments of this disclosure, the support layer 550 may have an opening formed therein, in which at least a portion of the camera module 420 is accommodated. For example, the opening may be formed through the support layer 550 to at least partially expose the transparent layer (e.g., base layer 530) or transparent area 541 of the aperture layer 540.

[0151] In various embodiments of this disclosure, at least some layers may be formed such that at least a portion of the area is flexible. For example, in the foldable electronic device 200 and the slidable electronic device 300, at least a portion of the flexible displays 230 and 330 may deform into a planar or curved shape. In various embodiments of this disclosure, the display 500 may further include an additional layer disposed between the cover layer 510 and the panel layer 520. In various embodiments of this disclosure, the additional layer may include at least one of a polarizer or a touch electrode layer containing touch electrodes.

[0152] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a polarizer can improve the outdoor visibility of a screen and can selectively transmit light generated from a light source of panel layer 520 and oscillating in a predetermined direction. The polarizer may include, for example, a polarizing layer or polarizer, or a phase retardation layer or phase retarder.

[0153] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the touch electrode layer can be implemented as a transparent conductive layer (or film) based on a conductive material (such as indium tin oxide (ITO)), or can include a conductive pattern (such as a metal mesh (e.g., an aluminum mesh)). For example, in response to bending of the display 500, the metal mesh can have a longer durability than a transparent conductive layer implemented with ITO.

[0154] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the display 500 may also include a pressure sensor for measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch. Figure 10 The camera module 420 shown can correspond to Figure 3 The first camera module 105 shown is Figure 4 The camera module 205 shown Figure 9 The camera module 305 shown is or Figure 15 The camera module 1280.

[0155] In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 420 may include a camera housing 421 and a lens assembly 423 (e.g., Figure 15 The lens assembly 1310 and the image sensor 426 (e.g., Figure 15 Image sensor 1330). Camera housing 421 may surround multiple lenses 427 together with lens barrel 424. Image sensor 426 may be disposed in camera housing 421. Image sensor 426 can convert light signals passing through lens 427 into electrical signals.

[0156] In embodiments of this disclosure, the lens assembly 423 may include a plurality of lenses 427 and a lens barrel 424. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis L, the plurality of lenses 427 may include a first lens 425 closest to the display 500. The lens barrel 424 may also protrude beyond the camera housing 421 toward the display 500.

[0157] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the lens barrel 424 may include an adhesive region 4281 (e.g., the upper surface of the lens barrel 424 in the figures) facing and attached to the rear surface of the display 500. The adhesive region 4281 may be formed around an opening region (e.g., the field-of-view diameter A of the camera module 420) through which the lens 427 of the camera module 420 is exposed. For example, the adhesive region 4281 may be attached to the rear surface of the panel layer 520 or the aperture layer 540 of the display 500.

[0158] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the lens barrel 424 and / or camera housing 421 can be attached to the display 500 via an adhesive member 428. For example, the adhesive member 428 can surround a lateral portion of the lens barrel 424 and can be attached to the rear surface of the display 500. Therefore, the bonding area between the camera module 420 and the display 500 can be increased, and thus the camera module 420 and the display 500 can be more securely connected to each other. For example, the adhesive member 428 and the display 500 can be attached to each other using an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0159] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, camera module 420 can be attached to aperture layer 540 such that the optical axis L of lens 427 is aligned with the transparent area 541 of aperture layer 540. Aperture layer 540, with camera module 420 attached thereto, can be attached to another layer of display 500. For example, aperture layer 540 can be stacked on the rear surface of panel layer 520. Plate structure 411 of housing 410 can have an opening 419 formed therein, a portion of camera module 420 located in opening 419.

[0160] In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 420 may further include a connection member (not shown) extending to a printed circuit board 450 of the electronic device 400. For example, the printed circuit board 450 may be disposed on a second surface of the housing 410 (e.g., the lower surface in the figure). The connection member can transmit electrical signals related to the image generated from the image sensor 426 to the printed circuit board 450 of the electronic device 400 (e.g., Figure 14 Processor 1220 or Figure 15 Image signal processor 1360).

[0161] In embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 420 may be coupled to at least one of a plurality of layers of the display 500. For example, the camera module 420 may be attached to at least one of a plurality of layers of the display 500 via a transparent adhesive layer (not shown). For example, the transparent adhesive layer may be attached to an area that does not overlap with the field of view (FOV) of the camera module 420. For example, the transparent adhesive layer may be attached to a portion of the lens barrel 424 of the camera module 420 and the opaque area 542 of the aperture layer 540.

[0162] In embodiments of this disclosure, the field-of-view diameter A of the camera module 420 may be smaller than or correspond to the size of the first region 501. In embodiments of this disclosure, the field-of-view diameter A of the camera module 420 may be smaller than or correspond to the size of the transparent area 541 of the aperture layer 540.

[0163] In embodiments of this disclosure, camera module 420 may be coupled to the rear surface of display 500, such that lens 427 receives light passing through the pixel array. For example, the optical axis L of lens 427 may pass through a first region 501 of display 500 having a relatively low pixel density.

[0164] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the camera module 420 may be accommodated in an opening 419 formed in the housing 410. The camera module 420 may be configured such that the camera housing 421 and / or the lens barrel 424 are spaced apart from the sidewall of the opening 419 by a predetermined gap d.

[0165] The electronic device 400 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the structure shown in the drawings, and may exclude some of the components shown (e.g., aperture layer 540 and adhesive member 428), or may include additional components.

[0166] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first lens 425 of the camera module 420 may contact the transparent area 541 of the aperture layer 540. For example, when the first lens 425 is a spherical lens, the first lens 425 may make substantial point contact with the transparent area 541 of the aperture layer 540. For example, the transparent area 541 of the aperture layer 540 may extend in the direction of the tangential surface of the first lens 425. For example, the gap between the first lens 425 and the display 500 may be minimized, and the area of ​​the first region 501 may be reduced.

[0167] Furthermore, the camera module 420 can be attached to a flexible display 230 or 330 included in the foldable electronic device 200 or the slidable electronic device 300, and the alignment of the first region 501 and the camera module 420 can be maintained even if the state of the electronic device changes.

[0168] According to the comparative example, the relative positions of camera region 206 and camera module 205 may be determined from a planar state (e.g., according to the flexible display 230) based on the flexible display 230. Figure 5 The planar state is deformed into a folded state (e.g., Figure 6 The relative positions of camera region 306 and camera module 305 may change depending on the flexible display 330's state (e.g., folded state). Figure 7 The first state) transforms into the second state (e.g., Figure 8 The alignment of camera module 205 and camera area 306 may change depending on the state of the electronic device. This may lead to a deterioration in the performance of camera module 205 or 305. Furthermore, when camera area 206 or 306 increases due to changes in alignment based on changes in the state of the electronic device, the quality (e.g., resolution) of the display area may deteriorate.

[0169] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the camera module 420 can be coupled to the display 500, such that the camera module 420 (e.g., camera module 205 or 305) and the display 500 operate integrally. Therefore, the relative position of the first region 501 (e.g., camera region 206 or 306) and the camera module 420 can be fixed. Thus, it is not necessary to increase the size of the first region 501, and a first region 501 (e.g., the camera region) with a relatively reduced area can be provided. For example, when the camera module 420 is not attached to the display (e.g., a flexible display) 500, tolerances related to deformation of the display 500 may not be included. Therefore, when the camera module 420 is attached to the display 500, the size of the first region 501 can be reduced by as much as the tolerance. For example, because the area of ​​the first region 501 is reduced, the ratio of the area occupied by the field of view diameter A of the camera module 420 to the area of ​​the first region 501 of the display 500 can be increased. In other words, the remaining area of ​​the first region 501, except for the area occupied by the field of view diameter A, can be reduced. Since light does not strike the remaining areas, the remaining areas can be areas unrelated to the performance of the camera module 420.

[0170] In electronic devices 200 or 300, a camera module (e.g., camera module 420) may be disposed within a plate structure (e.g., plate structure 411) of a housing (e.g., housing 410). For example, the plate structure of the housing may have a mounting portion formed therein, in which the camera module is disposed, and the camera module disposed in the mounting portion may be aligned with a camera area (e.g., first area 501) of a display (e.g., display 500). According to a comparative example, the structure of the electronic device (e.g., plate structure, camera module, and display) may have predetermined tolerances regarding the alignment of the camera module with the camera area of ​​the display. For example, the plate structure of the housing may include tolerances related to the position of the mounting portion, the display may include tolerances related to the camera area, and the camera module may include tolerances related to the size of the camera module and the position of the lens. Furthermore, according to a comparative example, the electronic device may also include assembly tolerances regarding the assembly of the plate structure, camera module, and display. Furthermore, according to a comparative example, foldable electronic devices and / or slidable electronic devices may also include tolerances that take into account the deformation of flexible displays.

[0171] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 420 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display 500, and therefore the structure of the electronic device may include relatively small tolerances, or may be assembled without tolerances. For example, when the camera module 420 is disposed on the display 500 such that tolerances are absent or reduced, alignment between the first region 501 (e.g., the camera region) and the camera module 420 can be ensured. For example, the plate structure 411 of the housing 410 may not include tolerances related to the mounting portion where the camera module 420 is disposed, or may include tolerances smaller than those in the comparative example. The display 500 and the camera module 420 may not include tolerances related to the alignment of the first region 501 (e.g., the camera region) and the lens 427, or may include tolerances smaller than those in the comparative example.

[0172] According to the comparative example, a predetermined air gap may be formed between the rear surfaces of the camera module (e.g., camera module 420) and the display (e.g., display 500). As the air gap increases, the distance between the surfaces of the camera module and the display may increase, and the required area of ​​the camera region (e.g., first region 501) may increase. For example, the air gap according to the comparative example may be approximately 0.3 mm.

[0173] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 420 can be attached to the rear surface of the display 500, and thus the air gap can be reduced. That is, the distance between the surface of the display 500 and the camera module 420 can be reduced. For example, the air gap can be in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 0.03 mm. Due to the reduced air gap and the reduced distance, the area of ​​the first region 501 (e.g., the camera region) formed on the surface of the display 500 can be reduced.

[0174] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera region of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera region of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the description... Figure 11 and Figure 12 When, omissions and references will be made. Figure 10 The given content is the same.

[0175] refer to Figure 11 The camera module 420 may include a first lens 425, at least a portion of which is planar. The first lens 425 may be defined as the lens that is closest to the display 500 when viewed in the direction of the optical axis L, among a plurality of lenses 427 included in the lens assembly 423.

[0176] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first lens 425 may be surrounded by a lens barrel 424. For example, the upper surface of the lens barrel 424 and the planar region 4251 of the first lens 425 may form substantially the same plane. The planar region 4251 of the first lens 425 may be in face-to-face contact with the transparent region 541 of the aperture layer 540. The upper surface of the lens barrel 424 may be attached to the opaque region 542 of the aperture layer 540 via a transparent adhesive layer.

[0177] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the aperture layer 540 may include an embossed pattern. For example, the embossed pattern may be formed on the opaque area 542 of the aperture layer 540. The embossed pattern may be attached to the rear surface of the panel layer 520.

[0178] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the display 500 is not limited to including an aperture layer 540. For example, when the aperture layer 540 is omitted, the planar region 4251 of the first lens 425 may be attached to the rear surface of the panel layer 520.

[0179] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the size of the transparent area 541 of the aperture layer 540 may be less than or equal to the size of the planar area 4251.

[0180] In various embodiments of this disclosure, a transparent adhesive layer (not shown) may be disposed between the planar region 4251 of the first lens 425 and the transparent region 541 of the aperture layer 540. In this case, the adhesive material contained in the transparent adhesive layer can be determined based on the path of the light incident on the camera module 420.

[0181] refer to Figure 12 The camera module 420 may include a first lens 425, at least a portion of which is planar. The first lens 425 may be defined as the lens that is closest to the display 500 when viewed in the direction of the optical axis L, among a plurality of lenses 427 included in the lens assembly 423.

[0182] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first lens 425 may be configured such that a portion is housed within the lens barrel 424, and another portion is located outside the lens barrel 424. The portion located outside the lens barrel 424 may include a planar region 4251. The planar region 4251 may contact the transparent region 541 of the aperture layer 540. In various embodiments of this disclosure, the planar region 4251 of the first lens 425 may be attached to an embossed pattern of the aperture layer 540. In embodiments of this disclosure, the planar region 4251 may be attached to a transparent layer located below the panel layer 520 among a plurality of layers. For example, the planar region 4251 may be attached to the aperture layer 540 or the base layer 530 via a transparent adhesive layer.

[0183] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the size of the transparent area 541 of the aperture layer 540 may be less than or equal to the size of the planar area 4251.

[0184] In various embodiments of this disclosure, a transparent adhesive layer (not shown) may be formed on the entire planar region 4251 of the first lens 425, or it may be formed on the peripheral region not included in the field of view (FOV) of the camera module 420.

[0185] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first lens 425 may include a planar region 4251, and thus the camera module 420 can be stably coupled to the display 500. In embodiments of this disclosure, the planar region 4251 of the first lens 425 may also extend through the space between the lens barrel 424 and the display 500. For example, the bonding area between the planar region 4251 and the display 500 may be larger than the bonding area between the planar region 4251 and the lens barrel 424. For example, when a transparent adhesive layer is disposed on the planar region 4251, the display 500 and the camera module 420 can be more firmly coupled through the increased bonding area between the display 500 and the camera module 420. In another example, the planar region 4251 may be located in an opening formed in the support layer 550, and thus the impact applied to the display 500 may be reduced. For example, damage to the display 500 or the camera module 420 may be reduced when an external impact is applied. Furthermore, the gap between the first lens 425 and the display 500 may be minimized, and thus the required area of ​​the first region 501 may be reduced. Therefore, the quality of the monitor 500 can be improved.

[0186] Figure 13 This is a plan view showing the housing and camera module of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a diagram that omits the display.

[0187] refer to Figure 13 Housing 410 can refer to the structure of an electronic device 400 having an opening 419 formed therein, wherein at least a portion of the camera module 420 is accommodated in the opening 419. For example, housing 410 can correspond to Figure 4 The first housing 211 shown or Figure 9 The first structure 310 shown is illustrated. Figure 13 The opening 419 shown can correspond to Figure 4 The opening 249 shown is or Figure 9 The opening 319 shown is shown.

[0188] In embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the camera module 420 may be located within the opening 419. The camera module 420 may be spaced apart from the sidewall 4191 of the opening 419 by predetermined gaps (e.g., a first gap d1 and a second gap d2). For example, the camera module 420 and the sidewall 4191 of the opening 419 may be spaced apart from each other by a first gap d1 in the Y-axis direction and by a second gap d2 in the X-axis direction. For example, the second gap d2 may be greater than the first gap d1. In embodiments of this disclosure, the Y-axis direction may be a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis F in the foldable electronic device 200, or it may be a direction substantially parallel to the rolling axis R in the slidable electronic device 300.

[0189] In various other embodiments of this disclosure, the second gap d2 may be less than or equal to the first gap d1.

[0190] Let's refer to each other. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In a planar state (e.g., Figure 5 Under folded conditions, tension can act on the flexible display 230 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis F, allowing the flexible display 230 to remain substantially planar. In the folded state (e.g., Figure 6 Under these conditions, a relatively reduced tension can be applied to the flexible display 230. Tension can be generated by attaching the first planar region 231 of the flexible display 230 to the first plate structure 241 and the second planar region 232 to the second plate structure 242.

[0191] The flexible display 230 of the foldable electronic device 200 can be flexibly formed in a planar state (e.g., Figure 5 Under the condition of expansion in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis F, and in the folded state (e.g., Figure 6 The flexible display 230 contracts in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis F. For example, a camera module 205 attached to the flexible display 230 may move in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis F depending on the deformation of the flexible display 230. According to embodiments of this disclosure, because the tension does not act on the flexible display 230 substantially in the direction of the folding axis F, the flexible display 230 can remain substantially unchanged in the direction of the folding axis F.

[0192] A foldable electronic device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 410 having an opening 419 in which at least a portion of a camera module 420 is accommodated, wherein the sidewalls 4191 of the opening 419 and the camera module 420 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis F with a first gap d1, and spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis F with a second gap d2 greater than the first gap d1.

[0193] The flexible display 330 of the slidable electronic device 300 can be configured such that in a first state (e.g., Figure 7 The first display area 331 forms the front surface of the electronic device 300, and in the second state (e.g., Figure 8 A portion of the second display area 332, together with the first display area 331, forms the front surface of the electronic device 300. For example, the first display area 331 can move in sliding directions S1 and S2 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the scroll axis R). The camera module 305 can move together with the first display area 331 in sliding directions S1 and S2.

[0194] A slidable electronic device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 410 having an opening 419 in which at least a portion of a camera module 420 is accommodated, wherein the sidewall 4191 of the opening 419 and the camera module 420 may be spaced apart from each other with a first gap d1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding directions S1 and S2 (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and spaced apart from each other with a second gap d2 greater than the first gap d1 in a direction substantially parallel to the sliding directions S1 and S2 (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0195] In embodiments of this disclosure, the sidewall 4191 of the opening 419 and the camera module 420 may be spaced apart from each other with a first gap d1 in a direction substantially parallel to the scroll axis R (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and spaced apart from each other with a second gap d2 greater than the first gap d1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the scroll axis R.

[0196] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 420 can be implemented using a fixed-focus camera and can be displayed on a monitor (e.g., Figures 10 to 12 The rear surface of the display 500 is configured to form a minimum camera area (e.g., Figures 10 to 12 The first region 501). According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the camera module 420 may perform a specified function (e.g., autofocus and / or optical image stabilization (OIS)).

[0197] An electronic device 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 410, a display 500, and a camera module 420. The housing 410 includes a plate structure 411. The display 500 is disposed on the plate structure 411 and includes multiple layers, including a cover layer 510 forming a portion of the surface of the housing 410 and a panel layer 520 containing light-emitting elements. The camera module 420 includes a lens assembly 423 containing multiple lenses 427. At least a portion of the camera module 420 is located in a space formed in the plate structure 411, and the camera module 420 is coupled to the display 500 such that an extension of the optical axis L passes through the panel layer 520 and the cover layer 510. The panel layer 520 may include a first region 501 and a second region 502 surrounding the first region 501. The first region 501 includes the field of view (FOV) of the camera module 420, and the number of light-emitting elements per unit area in the first region 501 may be less than the number of light-emitting elements per unit area in the second region 502.

[0198] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the multiple layers may include a support layer 550 stacked on the rear surface of the panel layer 520 and an opening formed through at least a portion of the support layer 550, and at least a portion of the camera module 420 may be located in the opening.

[0199] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the opening may be formed through the support layer 550 to expose the rear surface of the panel layer 520, and the camera module 420 may be attached to the rear surface of the panel layer 520.

[0200] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the lens assembly 423 may further include a lens barrel 424 surrounding at least a portion of a plurality of lenses 427, and the lens barrel 424 may include an adhesive area 4281 attached to the rear surface of the panel layer 520.

[0201] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive region 4281 may surround the opening region through which the lens 427 is exposed, and the adhesive region 4281 may be substantially planar.

[0202] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device may further include an aperture layer 540 disposed between the camera module 420 and the panel layer 520. The aperture layer 540 may include a transparent area 541 aligned with the optical axis L of the lens 427 and including the field of view (FOV) of the camera module 420, and an opaque area 542 surrounding the transparent area 541, wherein the transparent area 541 may serve as the aperture of the camera module 420.

[0203] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the transparent area 541 may have a smaller area than the first area 501.

[0204] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of lenses 427 may include a first lens 425 closest to the display 500, the first lens 425 may include a planar region 4251 formed substantially planar, and the camera module 420 may be coupled to the display 500 such that the planar region 4251 of the first lens 425 is attached to the rear surface of the panel layer 520.

[0205] In various embodiments of this disclosure, when viewed from above the panel layer 520, the area of ​​the planar region 4251 of the first lens 425 may be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the first region 501.

[0206] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device may further include a printed circuit board 150 or 250 electrically connected to the camera module 420 and disposed within the housing 410. The display 500 may be disposed on one side of the board structure 411, and the printed circuit board 150 or 250 may be disposed on the opposite side of the board structure 411. The space may be formed as an opening 419 through the board structure 411.

[0207] An electronic device 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first housing 211, a second housing 212, a hinge structure 290, a flexible display 230, and a camera module 205 or 420. The first housing 211 includes a first plate structure 241, the second housing 212 includes a second plate structure 242, and the hinge structure 290 allows the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 to rotate about a folding axis F such that the first plate structure 241 and the second plate structure 242 face the same direction or form a predetermined angle therebetween. The flexible display 230 includes... A first planar region 231, a second planar region 232, and a folding region 233 are provided, wherein the first planar region 231 is disposed on at least a portion of the first plate structure 241, the second planar region 232 is disposed on at least a portion of the second plate structure 242, and the folding region 233 is formed between the first planar region 231 and the second planar region 232 and is deformable into a planar or curved shape. A camera module 205 or 420 is coupled to a flexible display 230 such that the optical axis L of the lens 427 passes through the pixel array of the panel layer 520 included in the flexible display 230. The first plate structure 241 and / or the second plate structure 242 may have an opening 249 formed therein, in which at least a portion of the camera module 205 or 420 is accommodated.

[0208] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the opening 419 may be formed such that the sidewall 4191 is spaced apart from the camera module 420 by a first gap d1 in the direction of the folding axis F, and spaced apart from the camera module 420 by a second gap d2 in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis F, and the second gap d2 may be greater than the first gap d1.

[0209] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the pixel array of panel layer 520 may be arranged in a first region 501 and a second region 502 surrounding the first region 501, wherein the optical axis L of lens 427 passes through the first region 501 and the first region 501 includes the field of view (FOV) of camera module 420, and the number of light-emitting elements per unit area of ​​pixel array in the first region 501 may be less than the number of light-emitting elements per unit area of ​​pixel array in the second region 502.

[0210] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible display 230 may further include an aperture layer 540 disposed between the pixel array of the panel layer 520 and the camera module 420, and the aperture layer 540 may include a transparent area 541 through which the optical axis L of the lens 427 passes and includes the field of view (FOV) of the camera module 420, and an opaque area 542 surrounding the transparent area 541.

[0211] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the camera region 206 through which the optical axis L of the lens 427 of the camera module 205 or 420 passes may be defined in a first planar region 231 and / or a second planar region 232, and when the camera module 205 or 420 is in operation, the flexible display 230 may display content in the camera region 206 that is different from the content displayed in the region surrounding the camera region 206.

[0212] An electronic device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first structure 310, a second structure 320, a cover 313, a flexible display 330, and a camera module 420. The second structure 320 is slidably coupled to the first structure 310, with at least a portion of the second structure 320 surrounding the first structure 310. The cover 313 is coupled to the first structure 310 and forms at least a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device 300. The flexible display 330 is disposed on the second structure 320 to move with the second structure 320 and includes a first display area 3. 31 and a second display area 332, wherein the first display area 331 forms the front surface of the electronic device 300, the second display area 332 extends flexibly from the first display area 331, and at least a portion of the second display area 332 is accommodated in the space between the first structure 310 and the cover 313, the camera module 420 is coupled to the second structure 320 or the flexible display 330 to move together with the second structure 320 and the flexible display 330, wherein the optical axis L of the lens 427 of the camera module 420 passes through the pixel array of the panel layer 520 of the flexible display 330. The electronic device 300 may include a first state in which the second display area 332 is accommodated between the cover 313 and the first structure 310 (e.g., Figure 7 ) and at least a portion thereof of the second display area 332 together with the first display area 331 forms a second state of the front surface (e.g., Figure 8 ).

[0213] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 300 may include a first edge P1 and a second edge P2 spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first edge P1 in sliding directions S1 and S2, and the camera module 305 or 420 may be coupled to the flexible display 330 or the second structure 320 so as to be adjacent to the second edge P2.

[0214] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 300 may further include a roller 315 that rotates a portion of the second structure 320. The roller 315 may include a rolling shaft R substantially perpendicular to the sliding directions S1 and S2, and the second structure 320 may include a first portion 321, a second portion 322, and a third portion, wherein the first portion 321 slides to one side along the sliding directions S1 and S2, the second portion 322 slides to the opposite side along the sliding directions S1 and S2, and the third portion is formed between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322 and coupled to the roller 315 to rotate a portion of the surface of the roller 315.

[0215] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the first structure 310 may have a groove or opening 319 formed therein for at least a portion of the camera module 305 or 420 to be located therein, and the groove or opening 319 may have a shape that opens in the sliding directions S1 and S2.

[0216] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the pixel array of panel layer 520 may include a first region 501 and a second region 502 surrounding the first region 501, wherein the first region 501 includes the field of view (FOV) of camera module 305 or 420, and the number of pixels per unit area in the pixel array in the first region 501 may be less than the number of pixels per unit area in the pixel array in the second region 502.

[0217] Figure 14 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0218] Reference Figure 14In network environment 1200, electronic device 1201 can communicate with electronic device 1202 via a first network 1298 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with electronic device 1204 or server 1208 via a second network 1299 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 1201 can communicate with electronic device 1204 via server 1208. According to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic device 1201 may include a processor 1220, a memory 1230, an input module 1250, a sound output module 1255, a display module 1260, an audio module 1270, a sensor module 1276, an interface 1277, a haptic module 1279, a camera module 1280, a power management module 1288, a battery 1289, a communication module 1290, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) 1296, or an antenna module 1297. In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of the aforementioned components (e.g., display module 1260 or camera module 1280) may be omitted from electronic device 1201, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 1201. In some embodiments of this disclosure, some of the aforementioned components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, sensor module 1276 (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, or illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in display module 1260 (e.g., display).

[0219] Processor 1220 may run software (e.g., program 1240) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 1201 connected to processor 1220, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, as at least part of the data processing or calculations, processor 1220 may upload commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 1276 or communication module 1290) to volatile memory 1232, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 1232, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 1234. According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 1220 may include a main processor 1221 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 1223 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 1221. Alternatively, the auxiliary processor 1223 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 1221, or adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 1223 may be implemented separately from the main processor 1221, or may be implemented as part of the main processor 1221.

[0220] When the main processor 1221 is inactive (e.g., in sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 1223 (rather than the main processor 1221) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 1201 (e.g., display module 1260, sensor module 1276, or communication module 1290), or when the main processor 1221 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 1223 can work with the main processor 1221 to control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 1201 (e.g., display module 1260, sensor module 1276, or communication module 1290). According to embodiments of this disclosure, the auxiliary processor 1223 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) can be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 1280 or communication module 1290) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 1223.

[0221] The memory 1230 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 1201 (e.g., processor 1220 or sensor module 1276). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 1240) and input or output data for commands associated therewith. The memory 1230 may include volatile memory 1232 or non-volatile memory 1234.

[0222] The program 1240 may be stored as software in the memory 1230, and the program 1240 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 1242, middleware 1244, or application 1246.

[0223] The input module 1250 can receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 1201 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of the electronic device 1201 (e.g., processor 1220). The input module 1250 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, or digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0224] The sound output module 1255 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 1201. The sound output module 1255 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records, and the receiver can be used for incoming calls. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0225] Display module 1260 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 1201 (e.g., to a user). Display module 1260 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to embodiments of this disclosure, display module 1260 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect touch or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0226] The audio module 1270 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the audio module 1270 can obtain sound via the input module 1250, or output sound via the sound output module 1255 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1202) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 1201.

[0227] Sensor module 1276 can detect the operating state of electronic device 1201 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 1201 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments of this disclosure, sensor module 1276 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0228] Interface 1277 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 1201 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1202). According to embodiments of this disclosure, interface 1277 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0229] Connection terminal 1278 may include a connector, via which electronic device 1201 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1202). According to embodiments of this disclosure, connection terminal 1278 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0230] The haptic module 1279 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the haptic module 1279 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0231] Camera module 1280 can capture still images or moving images. According to embodiments of this disclosure, camera module 1280 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0232] The power management module 1288 manages the power supply to the electronic device 1201. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the power management module 1288 may be implemented as at least a portion of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0233] Battery 1289 may power at least one component of electronic device 1201. According to embodiments of this disclosure, battery 1289 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0234] Communication module 1290 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 1201 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 1202, electronic device 1204, or server 1208), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 1290 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 1220 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments of this disclosure, communication module 1290 may include wireless communication module 1292 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 1294 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate via a first network 1298 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth). TM The wireless communication module 1292 communicates with external electronic devices via a Wi-Fi Direct or Infrared Data Association (IrDA) network or a second network 1299 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 1292 can use user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 1296 to identify and verify electronic devices 1201 in a communication network (such as a first network 1298 or a second network 1299).

[0235] Antenna module 1297 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the exterior of electronic device 1201 (e.g., external electronic device). According to embodiments of this disclosure, antenna module 1297 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element comprising a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to embodiments of this disclosure, antenna module 1297 may include multiple antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 1298 or a second network 1299) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 1290 (e.g., wireless communication module 1292). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 1290 and external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to embodiments of this disclosure, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 1297.

[0236] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0237] According to embodiments of this disclosure, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 1201 and external electronic device 1204 via server 1208 connected to a second network 1299. Each of electronic devices 1202 and 1204 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 1201, or a device of a different type. According to embodiments of this disclosure, all or some operations that would be performed on electronic device 1201 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 1202, external electronic devices 1204, or server 1208. For example, if electronic device 1201 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 1201 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 1201 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, the one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 1201. Electronic device 1201 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing may be used.

[0238] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] Reference Figure 15 The camera module 1280 may include a lens assembly 1310, a flash 1320, an image sensor 1330, an image stabilizer 1340, a memory 1350 (e.g., a buffer memory), or an image signal processor 1360. The lens assembly 1310 may capture light emitted or reflected from an object whose image is to be captured. The lens assembly 1310 may include one or more lenses. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module 1280 may include multiple lens assemblies 1310. In this case, the camera module 1280 may form, for example, a dual-camera system, a 360-degree camera, or a spherical camera. Some of the multiple lens assemblies 1310 may have the same lens properties (e.g., angle of view, focal length, autofocus, f-number, or optical zoom), or at least one lens assembly may have one or more lens properties different from those of the other lens assemblies. The lens assembly 1310 may include, for example, a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens.

[0240] The flash 1320 is capable of emitting light, wherein the emitted light is used to enhance light reflected from an object. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flash 1320 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (e.g., red-green-blue (RGB) LEDs, white LEDs, infrared (IR) LEDs, or ultraviolet (UV) LEDs) or xenon lamps. The image sensor 1330 acquires an image corresponding to an object by converting light emitted or reflected from an object and transmitted through the lens assembly 1310 into an electrical signal. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the image sensor 1330 may include one image sensor selected from a plurality of image sensors having different properties (e.g., an RGB sensor, a black-and-white (BW) sensor, an IR sensor, or a UV sensor), a plurality of image sensors having the same properties, or a plurality of image sensors having different properties. Each image sensor included in the image sensor 1330 may be implemented using, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

[0241] Image stabilizer 1340 may move image sensor 1330 or at least one lens included in lens assembly 1310 in a specific direction, or control the operability properties of image sensor 1330 (e.g., adjust readout timing) in response to movement of camera module 1280 or electronics 1201 including camera module 1280. This allows compensation for at least a portion of the negative effects (e.g., image blur) caused by movement of the image being captured. According to embodiments of this disclosure, image stabilizer 1340 may use a gyroscope sensor (not shown) or accelerometer sensor (not shown) disposed within or outside camera module 1280 to detect such movement of camera module 1280 or electronics 1201. According to embodiments of this disclosure, image stabilizer 1340 may be implemented as, for example, an optical image stabilizer.

[0242] Memory 1350 may at least temporarily store at least a portion of the images acquired via image sensor 1330 for subsequent image processing tasks. For example, if multiple images are captured rapidly or image capture is delayed due to shutter lag, the acquired raw images (e.g., Bayer pattern images, high-resolution images) may be stored in memory 1350, and their corresponding copy images (e.g., low-resolution images) may be previewed via display module 1260. Then, if specified conditions are met (e.g., by user input or system command), at least a portion of the raw images stored in memory 1350 may be acquired and processed by, for example, image signal processor 1360. According to embodiments of this disclosure, memory 1350 may be configured as at least a portion of memory 1230, or memory 1350 may be configured as a separate memory operating independently of memory 1230.

[0243] Image signal processor 1360 can perform one or more image processing operations on an image acquired via image sensor 1330 or an image stored in memory 1350. The one or more image processing operations may include, for example, depth map generation, 3D modeling, panorama generation, feature point extraction, image compositing, or image compensation (e.g., noise reduction, resolution adjustment, brightness adjustment, blurring, sharpening, or softening). Alternatively or additionally, image signal processor 1360 can perform control (e.g., exposure time control or readout timing control) on at least one component included in camera module 1280 (e.g., image sensor 1330). The image processed by image signal processor 1360 can be stored back in memory 1350 for further processing, or the image can be provided to external components outside camera module 1280 (e.g., memory 1230, display module 1260, electronics 1202, electronics 1204, or server 1208). According to embodiments of this disclosure, the image signal processor 1360 can be configured as at least a part of the processor 1220, or the image signal processor 1360 can be configured as a separate processor operating independently of the processor 1220. If the image signal processor 1360 is configured as a separate processor from the processor 1220, the processor 1220 can display at least one image processed by the image signal processor 1360 as is via the display module 1260, or the at least one image can be displayed after further processing.

[0244] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device 1201 may include a plurality of camera modules 1280 with different attributes or functions. In this case, at least one of the plurality of camera modules 1280 may form, for example, a wide-angle camera, and at least another of the plurality of camera modules 1280 may form a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules 1280 may form, for example, a front-facing camera, and at least another of the plurality of camera modules 1280 may form a rear-facing camera.

[0245] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer equipment, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0246] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the respective component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0247] As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0248] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 1240) including one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 1201) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 1236 or external memory 1238). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 1220) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 1201) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0249] According to embodiments of this disclosure, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure can be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0250] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments of this disclosure, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions prior to integration. According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0251] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the area of ​​the camera region included in the display can be reduced by decreasing the air gap between the camera module and the display. Therefore, the quality of the image displayed on the display can be improved.

[0252] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device can be configured to maintain alignment between a camera area included in a display and a camera module located on the display.

[0253] Furthermore, this disclosure may provide various effects that are directly or indirectly perceived.

[0254] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various 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 and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Electronic devices, including: The first housing includes a first plate structure; The second housing includes a second plate structure; A hinge structure is configured to allow the first housing and the second housing to rotate about a folding axis, such that the first plate structure and the second plate structure face the same direction or form a predetermined angle therebetween. Display, including: The first planar region is disposed on at least a portion of the first plate structure. The second planar region is disposed on at least a portion of the second plate structure. A folded region is formed between the first planar region and the second planar region, and can be deformed into a planar or curved shape. Panel layer, including pixel array, and A support layer, stacked on the rear surface of the panel layer; and A camera module, connected to the display, such that the optical axis of the camera module's lens passes through the pixel array. The first plate structure or the second plate structure has a first opening formed therein, and at least a portion of the camera module is accommodated in the first opening. The display further includes a second opening formed to extend through at least a portion of the support layer. Wherein, the second opening is at least partially aligned with the first opening in the direction of the optical axis, and The camera module is located at least partially inside the second opening and attached to the rear surface of the panel layer.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first opening is formed such that the sidewall of the first opening is spaced apart from the camera module by a first gap in a direction parallel to the folding axis, and spaced apart from the camera module by a second gap in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis. The second gap is larger than the first gap.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, A camera region is defined in the first planar region or the second planar region through which the optical axis of the lens of the camera module passes, and When the camera module is running, the display shows content in the camera area that is different from the content displayed in the area surrounding the camera area.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The pixel array includes a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, wherein the optical axis of the lens passes through the first region and the first region includes the field of view of the camera module. Wherein, the number of light-emitting elements per unit area of ​​the pixel array in the first region is less than the number of light-emitting elements per unit area of ​​the pixel array in the second region.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The display also includes an aperture layer disposed between the pixel array and the camera module. The aperture layer includes a transparent area and an opaque area surrounding the transparent area, wherein the optical axis of the lens passes through the transparent area and the transparent area includes the field of view of the camera module. The transparent area serves as the aperture of the camera module.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The transparent area has a smaller area than the first area.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The lens includes a plurality of lenses, and the lens assembly having the plurality of lenses further includes a lens barrel configured to surround at least a portion of the plurality of lenses. The lens barrel includes an adhesive area attached to the rear surface of the panel layer. The adhesive area is planar and surrounds the lens barrel, through which the opening area of ​​the lens is exposed.

8. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The lens includes multiple lenses, and the multiple lenses include a first lens that is closest to the display. The first lens includes a planar region formed in a planar shape, and The camera module is connected to the display, such that the planar area of ​​the first lens is attached to the rear surface of the panel layer.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, When viewed from above the panel layer, the area of ​​the planar region of the first lens is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the first region.

10. Electronic devices, including: First structure; A second structure is slidably connected to the first structure, wherein at least a portion of the second structure surrounds the first structure; A cover, coupled to the first structure and configured to form at least a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device; A display, disposed on the second structure for movement with the second structure, the display including a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area is configured to form the front surface of the electronic device, and the second display area flexibly extends from the first display area, wherein at least a portion of the second display area is accommodated in the space between the first structure and the cover; and The camera module is connected to the second structure or the display to move together with the second structure and the display. The optical axis of the lens of the camera module passes through the pixel array of the display. The electronic device includes a first state in which the second display area is accommodated between the cover and the first structure. The electronic device includes a second state in which at least a portion of the second display area, together with the first display area, forms the front surface. The display also includes: Panel layer, including the pixel array, A support layer, stacked on the rear surface of the panel layer, and The first opening is formed to pass through at least a portion of the support layer, and The camera module is located at least partially inside the first opening and attached to the rear surface of the panel layer.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The electronic device includes a first edge and a second edge that is spaced apart from and parallel to the first edge in a sliding direction, and The camera module is connected to the display or the second structure so as to be adjacent to the second edge.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising: A roller, configured to rotate a portion of the second structure, and The roller includes a rolling shaft perpendicular to the sliding direction, and The second structure includes a first part, a second part, and a third part, wherein the first part is configured to slide to one side along the sliding direction, the second part is configured to slide to the opposite side along the sliding direction, and the third part is formed between the first part and the second part and connected to the roller to rotate along a portion of the surface of the roller.

13. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The first structure has a groove or a second opening formed therein, and at least a portion of the camera module is located in the groove or the second opening. The groove or the second opening has a shape that opens in the sliding direction.

14. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The pixel array includes a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, the first region comprising the field of view of the camera module, and Wherein, the number of pixels per unit area of ​​the pixel array in the first region is less than the number of pixels per unit area of ​​the pixel array in the second region.

Images