electronic equipment

Abstract

To provide an electronic device that allows an imaging unit to effectively function regardless of an opening angle of an enclosure.SOLUTION: An electronic device 100 includes a first enclosure 101, a second enclosure 102, a hinge mechanism that rotatably couples the first enclosure 101 and the second enclosure 102, and an imaging unit 107 which is provided at a first open end 101a of the first enclosure 101. The first enclosure 101 and the second enclosure 102 can be turned by the hinge mechanism from an angle of 0 degrees at which a first inner surface 101c faces a second inner surface 102c to an angle of 360 degrees at which a first outer surface 101d faces a second outer surface 102d. The imaging unit 107 is turned about a pivotal axis 107A to switch between inward mode and outward mode P2. When the first enclosure 101 and the second enclosure 102 are located in a position at an angle of 360 degrees, a portion including at least a light receiving surface 107a of the imaging unit 107 in the outward mode P2 protrudes outward with respect to the first outer surface 101d.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic devices such as notebook personal computers, for example, include a first housing with a display and a second housing with a keyboard. Electronic devices often have a rotatable camera module (image capture unit) at the end of the first housing that can be switched between facing inward and outward. When the rotatable camera module faces inward, it can capture an image of the user. When the camera module faces outward, it can capture an image of the rear side of the display. Rotatable camera modules are highly convenient because they can capture images of both the front and rear sides without changing the device configuration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-155874 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As an electronic device, there is a convertible electronic device whose first housing can be opened and rotated up to a 360-degree angle to be set in tablet mode. However, when a rotatable camera module is used in a convertible electronic device, it is possible that the second housing will be reflected in the image when capturing an image with the outward-facing camera module in tablet mode, making it difficult to use a rotatable camera module in a convertible electronic device.

[0005] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic device in which an imaging portion can function effectively regardless of an opening angle of a housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a device comprising: a first housing having a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite the first inner surface; a second housing having a second inner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface; a hinge mechanism that rotatably connects a first base end of the first housing and a second base end of the second housing around a hinge axis; and an imaging unit that is provided at a first open end of the first housing opposite the first base end and has a light receiving lens, wherein the first housing and the second housing are connected by the hinge mechanism from a 0° position where the first inner surface and the second inner surface face each other to a 10° position where the second inner surface faces each other. and is rotatable up to a 360° position where the first outer surface and the second outer surface face each other, and the imaging unit is switchable between an inward-facing form in which the light-receiving lens faces the same direction as the first inner surface and an outward-facing form in which the light-receiving lens faces the opposite direction to the inward-facing form by rotating around a rotation axis parallel to the hinge axis, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the 360° position, a portion of the imaging unit in the outward-facing form that includes at least the light-receiving surface protrudes outward from the first outer surface.

[0007] It is preferable that the electronic device has a notch formed in a second open end of the second housing opposite the second base end, and that when the first housing and the second housing are in the 360° position and the imaging unit is in the outward-facing form, the light receiving lens is visible through the notch.

[0008] In the electronic device, it is preferable that the end of the second housing opposite the second base end is a second open end, and when the first housing and the second housing are in the 360° position and the imaging unit is in the outward form, the first open end of the first housing protrudes in a direction away from the first base end relative to the second open end of the second housing, so that the light receiving lens is visible from the side of the first housing where the second housing is located.

[0009] The rotation axis is preferably located closer to the first outer surface than to the center in the thickness direction of the first housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device that allows an imaging unit to function effectively regardless of the opening angle of a housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment in a close mode. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment in a closed mode; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment in tablet mode. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment in a tablet mode; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a front view of the electronic device according to the second embodiment in a close mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to the second embodiment in a closed mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view of the electronic device according to the second embodiment in tablet mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a cross section of an electronic device in a tablet mode according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a hinge mechanism in a closed mode of the electronic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a hinge mechanism in a tablet mode of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [Electronic Device] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, electronic device 100 includes first housing 101, second housing 102, hinge mechanism 103, display 104 (display unit), and camera module 107 (imaging unit).

[0013] The positional relationship of each component of the first housing 101 may be described using an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The direction of the hinge axis 103A of the hinge mechanism 103 is referred to as the X direction. One direction of the X direction is "+X." The direction opposite to +X is "-X." In a plane parallel to the first inner surface 101c, the direction perpendicular to the X direction is the Y direction. One direction of the Y direction is "+Y." +Y is the direction from the first base end 101b toward the first open end 101a (i.e., the direction in which the first open end 101a moves away from the first base end 101b) (see FIG. 1). The direction opposite to +Y is "-Y." The plane defined by the X and Y directions is the XY plane. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions. The direction from the first outer surface 101d toward the first inner surface 101c is "+Z." The direction opposite to +Z is "-Z."

[0014] The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are rectangular plate-shaped. Ends of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are connected via a hinge mechanism 103. A first base end 101b of the first housing 101 is an end where the hinge mechanism 103 is provided. A first open end 101a is an end opposite to the first base end 101b.

[0015] The second base end 102b of the second housing 102 is an end where the hinge mechanism 103 is provided. The second open end 102a is an end opposite to the second base end 102b. The second housing 102 is rotatable relative to the first housing 101 around a hinge axis 103A formed by the hinge mechanism 103.

[0016] The hinge mechanism 103 connects the first base end portion 101b of the first housing 101 and the second base end portion 102b of the second housing 102 so as to be rotatable around a hinge shaft 103A.

[0017] First housing 101 is equipped with a rectangular display 104. Display 104 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like. Display 104 displays an image based on processing executed by electronic device 100. First housing 101 is also called a display housing.

[0018] A first inner surface 101c of the first housing 101 is a surface on which the display 104 is provided. A first outer surface 101d of the first housing 101 is a surface opposite to the first inner surface 101c. The first outer surface 101d is parallel to the XY plane.

[0019] A bezel 105 (frame) is provided on the first housing 101. The bezel 105 is formed in a rectangular shape surrounding the display 104. The bezel 105 is provided on the first inner surface 101c side of the first housing 101.

[0020] The bezel 105 has a bottom frame 105A, a pair of side frames 105B, and a top frame 105C. The bottom frame 105A is formed at the bottom of the first housing 101 in FIG. 1. The bottom frame 105A is linear and extends along the bottom edge of the display 104. The pair of side frames 105B extend linearly from both ends of the bottom frame 105A along the side edges of the display 104. The top frame 105C connects the top ends of the pair of side frames 105B together. The top frame 105C is linear and extends along the top edge of the display 104.

[0021] In this embodiment, first housing 101 is provided with bezel 105, but the first housing may not have a bezel. For example, the first housing may have a configuration including a transparent cover plate (for example, a glass plate) that covers the entire first inner surface (a configuration without a bezel).

[0022] Camera module 107 is provided at first open end 101a of first housing 101. Camera module 107 is provided on the back side (-Z side) of upper frame 105C. Camera module 107 is mounted on first housing 101.

[0023] Camera module 107 includes a light-receiving lens 108 and a camera body 109 (see FIG. 4). Camera body 109 includes, for example, an image sensor. Camera body 109 generates image data by receiving light through light-receiving lens 108. Light-receiving lens 108 is provided in a position close to front surface 107a (light-receiving surface) of camera module 107. Rear surface 107b is the surface opposite front surface 107a (see FIG. 4).

[0024] The second housing 102 is equipped with a keyboard 111 and a touchpad 112. The keyboard 111 and the touchpad 112 are examples of input devices. The second housing 102 also includes a battery, a storage device, and the like. The second housing 102 is also called a system housing.

[0025] The second inner surface 102c of the second housing 102 is a surface on which the keyboard 111 and the touchpad 112 are provided. The second outer surface 102d of the second housing 102 is a surface opposite to the second inner surface 102c.

[0026] A notch 120, which is a recess, is formed in the second open end 102a of the second housing 102. The notch 120 is formed in a concave shape from the second open end 102a toward the second base end 102b. The notch 120 penetrates the second housing 102 from the second inner surface 102c to the second outer surface 102d. The notch 120 is shaped so that it can receive the camera module 107 in the outward-facing configuration P2 in tablet mode (see FIG. 7). The notch 120 may be, for example, a recess whose shape (such as an oval or rectangular shape) extends longitudinally along the second base end 102b.

[0027] It should be noted that the shape, size, etc. of notch 120 are not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate a part of camera module 107 and allow light receiving lens 108 to receive light.

[0028] 1, the second housing 102 is placed on a placement surface S. Since the second housing 102 is parallel to the placement surface S, the first housing 101 stands upright relative to the placement surface S.

[0029] The opening angle θ between first housing 101 and second housing 102 can be selected within a range of, for example, 0° or more and 360° or less. Electronic device 100 is, for example, a convertible notebook PC (PC: Personal Computer).

[0030] When the opening angle θ is 0°, the usage mode of the electronic device 100 is the closed mode. In the closed mode, the first inner surface 101c of the first housing 101 and the second inner surface 102c of the second housing 102 face each other (see FIG. 3). When the opening angle θ is 0°, the positions of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are the "0° position."

[0031] When the opening angle θ is 360°, the usage mode of electronic device 100 is tablet mode. In tablet mode, first outer surface 101d of first housing 101 and second outer surface 102d of second housing 102 face each other (see FIG. 6). When the opening angle θ is 360°, the positions of first housing 101 and second housing 102 are "360° positions." When the opening angle θ is greater than 0° and less than 180°, the usage mode of the electronic device 100 is the laptop mode.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a front view of electronic device 100 in the closed mode. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a cross section of electronic device 100 in the closed mode. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section along II in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of electronic device 100. FIG. 5 is a front view of electronic device 100 in the tablet mode. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a cross section of electronic device 100 in the tablet mode. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section along II-II in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of electronic device 100.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, camera module 107 is rotatable around rotation axis 107A that is parallel to the X direction. Rotation axis 107A is parallel to hinge axis 103A. By rotating around rotation axis 107A, camera module 107 can be switched between an inward facing configuration P1 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) and an outward facing configuration P2 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). The distance from rotation axis 107A to front surface 107a is greater than the distance from rotation axis 107A to rear surface 107b.

[0034] 2 to 4 show electronic device 100 in the closed mode with first housing 101 closed and camera module 107 in inward-facing configuration P1. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in inward-facing configuration P1, camera module 107 is oriented such that light receiving lens 108 faces the +Z side. Light receiving lens 108 faces the same direction as first inner surface 101c (facing the +Z direction).

[0035] 3 and 4, in the inward-facing configuration P1, a portion including the front surface 107a (see FIG. 4) of the camera module 107 does not protrude toward the +Z side relative to the first inner surface 101c. The front surface 107a is, for example, flush with the first inner surface 101c. The light receiving lens 108 may be visible from the +Z side through the cutout 120.

[0036] 5 to 7 show electronic device 100 in tablet mode by rotating first housing 101 360° and in outward-facing configuration P2 with camera module 107 in outward-facing configuration P2. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in outward-facing configuration P2, camera module 107 is oriented such that light receiving lens 108 faces the -Z side. Light receiving lens 108 faces the same direction as first outer surface 101d (-Z direction). Light receiving lens 108 in outward-facing configuration P2 faces in the opposite direction to light receiving lens 108 in inward-facing configuration P1.

[0037] 6 and 7, in the outward configuration P2, a portion of camera module 107 including at least front surface 107a protrudes toward the -Z side (outward) relative to first outer surface 101d. Therefore, a portion of light receiving lens 108 including at least front surface 107a is located on the -Z side relative to first outer surface 101d. "Outward" refers to the direction from first inner surface 101c toward first outer surface 101d.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, rotation axis 107A of camera module 107 is located on the -Z side of center line C1 of first housing 101. Therefore, rotation axis 107A is located closer to first outer surface 101d than the center in the thickness direction of first housing 101. Because rotation axis 107A is located on the -Z side of center line C1, camera module 107 does not protrude from first inner surface 101c in inward configuration P1 (see FIG. 4), and protrudes from first outer surface 101d in outward configuration P2 (see FIG. 7). Center line C1 is a line passing through the center in the thickness direction of first housing 101. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the distance in the Z direction between center line C1 and rotation axis 107A is D1.

[0039] 5, a portion of camera module 107 including front surface 107a is positioned to overlap notch 120 in tablet mode. Therefore, the portion of camera module 107 including front surface 107a is exposed on the -Z side. This makes light receiving lens 108 visible from the -Z side through notch 120. Light receiving lens 108 can receive light through notch 120. As shown in FIG. 7, a portion of camera module 107 including front surface 107a is housed in notch 120.

[0040] In FIGS. 6 and 7, camera module 107 in outward facing form P2 is oriented facing the -Z side, but the orientation of camera module 107 in outward facing form P2 may be tilted relative to the -Z side.

[0041] [Effects of the Electronic Device of the First Embodiment] In electronic device 100, when first housing 101 and second housing 102 are in the 360° position (tablet mode), camera module 107 protrudes on the -Z side (outward) relative to first outer surface 101d (see FIG. 7). Therefore, front surface 107a of camera module 107 is located on the -Z side (outward) relative to first outer surface 101d. Therefore, reflection of second housing 102 is unlikely to occur. Even when first housing 101 and second housing 102 are in the 360° position, reflection of second housing 102 can be suppressed, allowing camera module 107 to function effectively regardless of opening angle θ of housings 101 and 102.

[0042] In electronic device 100, second open end 102a of second housing 102 has notch 120 formed therein. When first housing 101 and second housing 102 are in the 360° position (tablet mode), camera module 107 can receive light through notch 120. Therefore, compared to when other structures are used to enable the camera module to receive light, it is possible to reduce design changes and achieve lower costs.

[0043] In electronic device 100, second housing 102 has cutout 120 formed therein, allowing a user to open and close housings 101, 102 by placing a finger in cutout 120. In electronic device 100, second housing 102 has cutout 120 formed therein, allowing second housing 102 to be made lighter in weight.

[0044] In electronic device 100, the device configuration can be simplified and costs can be reduced compared to a structure in which a second camera module (outer camera) is provided on the second inner surface of the second housing.

[0045] Camera module 107 does not protrude from first inner surface 101c in inward configuration P1 (see FIG. 4), and protrudes from first outer surface 101d in outward configuration P2 (see FIG. 7). In electronic device 100, rotation axis 107A is closer to first outer surface 101d than to the center in the thickness direction of first housing 101, thereby realizing a configuration in which camera module 107 does not protrude when facing inward and protrudes when facing outward. Because electronic device 100 has a simple structure for camera module 107, it is possible to save space in first housing 101 and reduce costs.

[0046] [Electronic Device] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an electronic device 200 according to the second embodiment. 8, electronic device 200 includes first housing 101, second housing 202, hinge mechanism 203, display 104 (display unit), bezel 105, and camera module 107 (imaging unit). Components common to electronic device 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0047] The electronic device 200 differs from the electronic device 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that a second housing 202 is used instead of the second housing 102 and a hinge mechanism 203 is used instead of the hinge mechanism 103.

[0048] Second housing 202 differs from second housing 102 (see FIG. 1) in that second housing 202 does not have notch 120 formed therein.

[0049] Hinge mechanism 203 connects first base end portion 101b of first housing 101 and second base end portion 102b of second housing 202 rotatably around hinge shafts 203A and 203B (see FIG. 10 ). Hinge shafts 203A and 203B are first hinge shaft 203A and second hinge shaft 203B, respectively. First hinge shaft 203A is provided at first base end portion 101b of first housing 101. Second hinge shaft 203B is provided at second base end portion 102b of second housing 202.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a front view of electronic device 200 in the closed mode. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a cross section of electronic device 200 in the closed mode. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section along III-III in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of electronic device 200. FIG. 12 is a front view of electronic device 200 in the tablet mode. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a cross section of electronic device 200 in the tablet mode. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section along IV-IV in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of electronic device 200.

[0051] 9 to 11 show electronic device 200 in which first housing 101 is closed to set to the close mode and camera module 107 is inward-facing configuration P1. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, in inward-facing configuration P1, camera module 107 assumes a position in which light receiving lens 108 faces the +Z side. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in inward-facing configuration P1, a portion of camera module 107 including front surface 107a does not protrude toward the +Z side relative to first inner surface 101c.

[0052] 12 to 14 show electronic device 200 in which first housing 101 is rotated 360° to set it in tablet mode and camera module 107 is in outward-facing configuration P2. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, in outward-facing configuration P2, camera module 107 is oriented such that light receiving lens 108 faces the -Z side. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in outward-facing configuration P2, a portion of camera module 107 including front surface 107a protrudes toward the -Z side (outward) relative to first outer surface 101d.

[0053] 9 and 10, in the closed mode, first hinge shaft 203A and second hinge shaft 203B of hinge mechanism 203 are positioned at the same position in the Y direction. Therefore, first open end 101a of first housing 101 and second open end 102a of second housing 202 are positioned at the same position in the Y direction.

[0054] 13, in tablet mode, first hinge axis 203A and second hinge axis 203B of hinge mechanism 203 are positioned differently in the Y direction. That is, when first hinge axis 203A and second hinge axis 203B are compared in terms of their positions in the Y direction, first hinge axis 203A is positioned on the +Y side compared to second hinge axis 203B. Therefore, first housing 101 is misaligned on the +Y side compared to second housing 202.

[0055] 13 and 14, in tablet mode, first housing 101 is misaligned to the +Y side, and therefore a portion of first housing 101 including first open end 101a protrudes toward the +Y side (away from first base end 101b) compared to second open end 102a of second housing 202. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, front surface 107a of camera module 107 is not covered by second housing 202 and is exposed. This makes light receiving lens 108 visible from the -Z side (the side where second housing 202 is located relative to first housing 101). Light receiving lens 108 is able to receive light.

[0056] In FIGS. 13 and 14, camera module 107 in outward facing form P2 is oriented facing the -Z side, but the orientation of camera module 107 in outward facing form P2 may be tilted relative to the -Z side.

[0057] An example of a specific configuration of the hinge mechanism 203 will be described. 15 and 16 are explanatory diagrams that schematically show the operation of the hinge mechanism 203. Fig. 15 is a configuration diagram of the hinge mechanism 203 in the closed mode. Fig. 16 is a configuration diagram of the hinge mechanism 203 in the tablet mode.

[0058] 15, hinge mechanism 203 includes first hinge shaft 203A, second hinge shaft 203B, and hinge housing 203C. In hinge housing 203C, first hinge shaft 203A and second hinge shaft 203B are both parallel to the X direction. Hinge housing 203C rotatably holds first hinge shaft 203A and second hinge shaft 203B.

[0059] A float pin 204 is provided inside the hinge housing 203C. The float pin 204 is provided between the first hinge shaft 203A and the second hinge shaft 203B.

[0060] First hinge shaft 203A is coupled to first housing 101 so as not to rotate. First housing 101 is rotatable with first hinge shaft 203A relative to hinge housing 203C. Second hinge shaft 203B is coupled to second housing 202 so as not to rotate. Second housing 202 is rotatable with second hinge shaft 203B relative to hinge housing 203C.

[0061] A groove 203Aa is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first hinge shaft 203A, into which part of the float pin 204 can be fitted. The groove 203Aa is formed in a position facing diagonally downward to the right in FIGS. A groove 203Ba is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second hinge shaft 203B, into which part of the float pin 204 can be fitted. The groove 203Ba is formed in a position facing rightward in FIGS.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 15, in the closed mode (see Fig. 10), the float pin 204 is fitted into the groove 203Ba of the second hinge shaft 203B. The float pin 204 restricts the rotation of the second hinge shaft 203B fitted into the groove 203Ba. When the first housing 101 is rotated in the opening direction relative to the second housing 202 and the opening angle of the first housing 101 approaches 180°, the float pin 204 disengages from the groove 203Ba and fits into the groove 203Aa of the first hinge shaft 203A.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 16, when first housing 101 is further rotated, first housing 101 reaches second outer surface 102d of second housing 202, and first housing 101 and second housing 202 enter tablet mode (see FIG. 13).

[0064] In this way, in the closed mode, the positions of the two hinge shafts 203A and 203B in the Y direction are the same (see FIG. 10), so there is no misalignment between first housing 101 and second housing 202. In the tablet mode, the positions of the two hinge shafts 203A and 203B in the Y direction are different from each other (see FIG. 13), so there is a misalignment between first housing 101 and second housing 202.

[0065] [Effects of the Electronic Device of the Second Embodiment] In electronic device 200, when first housing 101 and second housing 202 are in the 360° position (tablet mode), camera module 107 protrudes on the -Z side (outward) relative to first outer surface 101d (see FIG. 14). Therefore, front surface 107a of camera module 107 is located on the -Z side (outward) relative to first outer surface 101d. Therefore, reflection of second housing 202 is unlikely to occur. Even when first housing 101 and second housing 202 are in the 360° position, reflection of second housing 202 can be suppressed, so camera module 107 can function effectively regardless of opening angle θ of housings 101, 202.

[0066] In electronic device 200, when first housing 101 and second housing 202 are in the 360° position (tablet mode), a portion of first housing 101 including first open end 101a protrudes further toward the +Y side than second open end 102a of second housing 202. This structure allows light receiving lens 108 of camera module 107 to receive light without being blocked by second housing 202. Therefore, compared to adopting another structure to enable the camera module to receive light, it is possible to reduce design changes and achieve lower costs.

[0067] Camera module 107 does not protrude from first inner surface 101c in inward-facing configuration P1 (see FIG. 11), and protrudes from first outer surface 101d in outward-facing configuration P2 (see FIG. 14). In electronic device 200, rotation axis 107A is closer to first outer surface 101d than to the center in the thickness direction of first housing 101, thereby realizing a configuration in which camera module 107 does not protrude when facing inward and protrudes when facing outward. In electronic device 200, the structure of camera module 107 is simple, which allows for space saving in first housing 101 and cost reduction.

[0068] The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-described embodiment can be combined in any manner. 7, the pivot axis 107A of the camera module 107 is located closer to the first outer surface 101d than the center line C1, causing the camera module 107 in the outward-facing configuration P2 to protrude from the first outer surface 101d, but the mechanism for causing the camera module to protrude from the first outer surface is not limited thereto. For example, a structure in which the entire camera module moves outward when the camera module is shifted from the inward-facing configuration to the outward-facing configuration may be employed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100, 200...electronic device, 101...first housing, 101a...first open end, 101b...first base end, 101c...first inner surface, 101d...first outer surface, 102, 202...second housing, 102a...second open end, 102b...second base end, 102c...second inner surface, 102d...second outer surface, 103, 203...hinge mechanism, 103A...hinge axis, 107...camera module (imaging unit), 107A...rotation axis, 107a...front surface (light receiving surface), 108...light receiving lens, 120...notch, 203A...first hinge axis (hinge axis), 203B...second hinge axis (hinge axis), C1...center line (center in the thickness direction of the first housing), P1...inward shape, P2...outward shape

Claims

1. a first housing having a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite the first inner surface; a second housing having a second inner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface; a hinge mechanism that connects a first base end portion of the first housing and a second base end portion of the second housing so as to be rotatable around a hinge axis; an imaging unit provided at a first open end of the first housing opposite the first base end, the imaging unit having a light receiving lens; Equipped with the first housing and the second housing are rotatable by the hinge mechanism from a 0° position where the first inner surface and the second inner surface face each other to a 360° position where the first outer surface and the second outer surface face each other; the imaging unit is capable of switching between an inward-facing configuration in which the light receiving lens faces the same direction as the first inner surface and an outward-facing configuration in which the light receiving lens faces the opposite direction to the inward-facing configuration by rotating around a rotation axis parallel to the hinge axis, When the first housing and the second housing are in the 360° position, a portion of the imaging unit in the outward facing configuration, including at least a light receiving surface, protrudes outward from the first outer surface, a notch is formed in a second open end portion of the second housing opposite to the second base end portion, When the first housing and the second housing are in the 360° position and the imaging unit is in the outward facing configuration, the light receiving lens is visible through the cutout. electronic equipment.

2. an end of the second housing opposite to the second base end is a second open end; When the first housing and the second housing are in the 360° position and the imaging unit is in the outward configuration, the first open end of the first housing protrudes in a direction away from the first base end relative to the second open end of the second housing, thereby making the light receiving lens visible from a side of the first housing where the second housing is located. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. the rotation axis is located closer to the first outer surface than the center in the thickness direction of the first housing; 3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images