Electronic device including key button

Abstract

According to various embodiments, this electronic device comprises: a housing including a plurality of pin members; a plate coupled to the housing and including a plurality of through-holes through which each of the plurality of pin members passes; and a wire member disposed to support at least a portion of each of the plurality of pin members protruding from the through-holes, wherein the plate may be supported by the wire member.

Description

Electronic device containing a key button

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a key button.

[0002] Electronic devices are available in a variety of sizes and with various functions, depending on user preferences. These devices may include key button devices comprising multiple key buttons as input devices. Due to their usage characteristics, which require the key buttons to be struck with a certain force, these key button devices may require assembly and fixing structures that take rigidity and / or support into account when secured to a housing.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] An electronic device may include a plurality of key buttons arranged at a specified interval as an input means. These key buttons may be arranged to be exposed to the outside from a housing, and may be used for data input by being physically pressed by striking. The electronic device including the key buttons may be used by being communicatively connected to an external electronic device (e.g., a tablet PC or a laptop PC). The electronic device including the key buttons may include a Bluetooth keyboard device that is wirelessly connected to a portable electronic device that does not have a physical key input means or is inconvenient to use, such as a tablet PC or a laptop PC. The electronic device including the key buttons may also include a keyboard device used as a data input means for a desktop PC.

[0005] The plurality of key buttons may be arranged so as to be at least partially exposed from the inside to the outside of the housing through a plurality of openings formed in the housing. For example, the plurality of key buttons may be arranged on a plate (e.g., a key button plate or a keyboard module) and assembled in such a way that the plate is fixed to the housing. In this case, the plate is fixed to the housing through a plurality of fasteners, such as screws and / or rivets, around the plurality of key buttons, thereby preventing deformation or breakage due to each key button strike.

[0006] However, the multiple screws and / or rivets that must be placed around each key button can increase the work time during assembly or maintenance of electronic devices, which can lead to decreased productivity. For example, if rivets are used as fasteners, disassembly is difficult during maintenance, requiring the entire key button assembly to be replaced, which can increase maintenance costs.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device including a key button having an easy assembly structure.

[0008] Various embodiments may provide electronic devices that include key buttons that are advantageous for maintenance and can help improve productivity.

[0009] Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a key button that can help improve the operational reliability of the electronic device by providing a stable support structure.

[0010] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0011] According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing including a plurality of pin members, a plate coupled to the housing and including a plurality of through holes through which each of the plurality of pin members passes, and a wire member positioned to support at least a portion of each of the plurality of pin members protruding from the through holes, wherein the plate can be supported by the wire member.

[0012] An electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes an assembly structure in which, when assembling a plate (e.g., a keyboard module) including key buttons to a housing, pin members penetrating from the housing penetrate the plate and the plate is fixed to the housing in a manner in which the penetrating pin members are commonly supported by at least one wire member, thereby helping to improve productivity and reduce manufacturing costs by reducing assembly time and the number of parts, and helping to enable quick repairs and reduce costs during maintenance. In addition, since a support structure that supports neighboring key buttons without interruption through the wire member provides a uniform support force, it can help to improve the operational reliability of the electronic device.

[0013] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0014] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0015] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a front cover according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3b is a perspective view of a front cover having pin members fixed thereto according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3c is a drawing showing a process of fixing a pin member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 3D to 3F are drawings illustrating a state in which a plate is fixed to a housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3g is a drawing illustrating a state in which a wire member is applied to a plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3h is an enlarged view illustrating area 3h of FIG. 3g according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3i is a drawing illustrating a state in which one end of a wire member is fixed in the 3i region of FIG. 3h according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3j is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 3j-3j of FIG. 3h according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3k is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 3k-3k of FIG. 3h according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3l is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 3l-3l of FIG. 3h according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3m is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 3m-3m of FIG. 3h according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a tension maintaining structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 4b and 4c are drawings illustrating a state in which the other end of a wire member is elastically coupled through a tension-maintaining structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 5A and 5B are drawings illustrating arrangement structures of wire members according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings illustrating a support structure of a pin member through a wire member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings illustrating a tension maintaining structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an electronic device including a plurality of key buttons according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a layout relationship between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) may include a housing (201) including a front surface (200a) facing a first direction (e.g., z-axis direction) and a rear surface (200b) facing a second direction (e.g., -z-axis direction) opposite to the front surface (200a), and input members arranged so as to be at least partially exposed through at least a portion of the front surface (200a) in an interior space of the housing (201). In one embodiment, the input members may include a plurality of key buttons (235) arranged so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside through the front surface (200a) in a first region (202) of the housing (201) (e.g., key button arrangement region), and at least one key pad (236) arranged so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside through the front surface (200a) in a second region (203) adjacent to the first region (202) (e.g., key pad arrangement region). In one embodiment, a plurality of key buttons (235) may be arranged to be spaced apart at a specified interval. The electronic device (200) may detect data input through a pressing force applied by a user to the key buttons (235). In one embodiment, at least one key pad (236) may be exposed on the front surface (200a) of the housing (201) and may be arranged to recognize a user's touch input and / or pressing. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may detect data input through a touch input in which a user touches the key pad (236) in various ways.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the illustrated electronic device (200) may be used as a data input means by being connected wirelessly and / or wired to an external electronic device (e.g., a tablet PC or a laptop PC). For example, the electronic device (200) may include a Bluetooth keyboard device that is wirelessly connected to the external electronic device.

[0040] An electronic device (200) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wire member (e.g., a wire member (240) of FIG. 2) as a fixing structure for fixing a plate (e.g., a plate (230) of FIG. 2) (e.g., a key button plate or a keyboard module) on which a plurality of key buttons (235) are arranged, to a housing (201). In one embodiment, the wire member (e.g., a wire member (240) of FIG. 2) may replace a fastening member such as a plurality of screws or rivets, thereby simplifying an assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs, thereby helping to improve productivity.

[0041] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (200) may include a front cover (210) (e.g., a first cover or a first plate), a rear cover (220) (e.g., a second cover or a second plate) coupled to the front cover (210), a plate (230) (e.g., a keyboard module) disposed in an internal space (2001) between the front cover (210) and the rear cover (220) and including a plurality of key buttons (e.g., key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) that are at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200) through the front cover (210), and a wire member (240) disposed to support pin members (211) (e.g., fixing pins) of the front cover (210) that penetrate through the plate (230) in the internal space (2001) between the plate (230) and the rear cover (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a plurality of fastening members (S) (e.g., screws) for securing at least a portion of the plate (230) to the front cover (210).

[0043] According to various embodiments, the front cover (210) may include a first side (210a) facing the front side of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the front side (200a) of FIG. 1) and a second side (210b) facing in a direction opposite to the first side (210a) (e.g., the -z-axis direction). In one embodiment, the front cover (210) may include a plurality of openings (OP) arranged to receive each of a plurality of key buttons (e.g., the key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) arranged on the plate (230). In one embodiment, the front cover (210) may include a plurality of pin members (211) fixed to the second side (210b) between the plurality of openings (OP). In one embodiment, the plurality of pin members (211) may be formed of a metal material and may be fixed by being pressed into a fixing groove (e.g., fixing groove (215) of 3c) formed on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) through a pressing jig. In some embodiments, the plurality of pin members (211) may be formed of a polymer (e.g., PC). In some embodiments, the plurality of pin members (211) may be formed integrally with the front cover (210). In one embodiment, the front cover (210) and / or the rear cover (220) may be formed of a metal material or a polymer. In some embodiments, the front cover (210) and / or the rear cover (220) may be formed to include both a metal material and a polymer through injection molding.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the plate (230) may include a plurality of through holes (231). In one embodiment, the plurality of through holes (231) may be formed at corresponding positions of the plate (230) so that each of the plurality of pin members (211) may pass through the through holes when the plate (230) is mounted on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210). In one embodiment, the plate (230) may include a substrate (e.g., a printed board assembly, PBA) on which a plurality of key buttons (e.g., the key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) are arranged. In some embodiments, the plate (230) may be formed of a metal material and / or a polymer material as a separate support plate that supports the substrate on which the key buttons (e.g., the key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) are arranged.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the wire member (240) may be arranged to support a plurality of pin members (211) protruding from the surface of the plate (230) after the plate (230) is mounted on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210). For example, the wire member (240) may support at least a portion of the plurality of pin members (211) protruding from the plate (230) after one end thereof is fixed to the front cover (210), thereby reducing a phenomenon of key input errors caused by deformation of the plate (230) due to impact of key buttons (e.g., key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) or partial detachment of the plate (230) from the front cover (210). In one embodiment, the wire member (240) may include an inelastic metal wire. In some embodiments, the wire member (240) may be formed of an inelastic carbon material, a nylon material, a fiber material, or a heat-resistant fabric material. According to one embodiment, a plurality of fastening members (S) may be arranged along an edge (e.g., a border) of the plate (230), penetrate the plate (230), and then be fastened to the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) to assist in fixing the plate (230).

[0046] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a tension-maintaining structure (250) that is arranged on the second surface (210b) and tightly pulls the other end of the wire member (240) to firmly support the plurality of pin members (211) while one end of the wire member (240) is fixed to the front cover (210). In one embodiment, the wire member (240) may support the plurality of pin members (211) in a tight state without stretching through the tension-maintaining structure (250).

[0047] Hereinafter, the assembly process of the electronic device will be described through FIGS. 3a to 3m.

[0048] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a front cover according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a front cover to which pin members are fixed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a process of fixing pin members according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the front cover (210) may include a plurality of openings (OP) formed to penetrate from the first surface (210a) to the second surface (210b). In one embodiment, the plurality of openings (OP) are arranged at a specified interval and may induce at least a portion of a plurality of key buttons (e.g., key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) arranged on a plate (e.g., plate (230) of FIG. 2) to be exposed to at least a portion of the first surface (210a). In one embodiment, the front cover (210) may include a plurality of fixing grooves (215) formed between the plurality of openings (OP) on the second surface (210b). In one embodiment, the plurality of fixing grooves (215) may be formed together when the front cover (210) is formed, or may be formed through post-processing on the front cover (210).

[0050] According to various embodiments, a plurality of pin members (211) may be fixed to a plurality of fixing grooves (215). In this case, the plurality of pin members (211) may be fixed in a manner of protruding from the second surface (210b) at a specified height. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of pin members (211) may include a post (2111) (e.g., a shaft portion) having a specified length and a head (2112) formed at an end of the post (2111) to have a larger diameter than the post (2111). In one embodiment, a wire member (e.g., a wire member (240) of FIG. 2) arranged to support the plurality of pin members (211) may be prevented from being separated from the post (2111) through the head (2112). In one embodiment, the plurality of pin members (211) may further include a bearing member (2113) arranged in a manner of surrounding at least a portion of the post (2111). In one embodiment, the bearing member (2113) may be rotatably arranged with respect to the post (2111). In one embodiment, the bearing member (2113) may be replaced with a metal ring that is cut longitudinally and rotatably arranged to surround the post. In one embodiment, (a) of FIG. 3C is a drawing showing a state in which the bearing member (2113) is mounted on the pin member (211), (b) of FIG. 3C is a drawing showing a state in which the pin member (211) with the bearing member (2113) mounted thereon is mounted in the fixing groove (215) of the front cover (210), and (c) of FIG. 3C is a drawing showing a state in which the pin member (211) with the bearing member (2113) mounted thereon is fixed in the fixing groove (215) of the front cover (210).

[0051] According to various embodiments, when a wire member (e.g., a wire member (240) of FIG. 2) is arranged to support a plurality of pin members (211), the wire member (e.g., a wire member (240) of FIG. 2) may be arranged in such a way that it comes into contact with at least a portion of the bearing member (2113). In one embodiment, the plurality of pin members (211) may be fixed by being pressed into a fixing groove (215) formed at a specified depth on a second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) through a pressing jig. In one embodiment, the plurality of pin members (211) may be arranged with a spacing of about 30 mm to 35 mm (preferably 32.5 mm) along the direction of the rows of the plurality of openings (OP) (e.g., the first row (R1) to the fifth row (R5) of FIG. 3g) to prevent permanent deformation or buckling of the plate (230) when the key buttons (e.g., the key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) are struck.

[0052] In some embodiments, the plurality of pin members (211) may be formed as a screw type in which some of the pin members are formed with threads to be fastened to a screw groove formed at a specified depth on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210). In some embodiments, the pin members (211) may be formed integrally with the front cover (210).

[0053] FIGS. 3D to 3F are drawings illustrating a state in which a plate is fixed to a housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 3d to 3f, the electronic device (200) may include a plate (230) mounted on the front cover (210) with a plurality of pin members (211) fixed thereto. In one embodiment, the plate (230) may include a plurality of through holes (231). In one embodiment, when the plate (230) is mounted on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210), the plurality of pin members (211) protrudingly arranged on the second surface (210b) may penetrate the plurality of through holes (231) of the plate (230) and then protrude from the surface of the plate (230). In one embodiment, the plate (230) may be fixed to the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) through a plurality of fastening members (S) (e.g., screws) arranged along the edge. For example, the plate (230) can be fixed along the areas A, B, C, and D shown in FIG. 3f, which are edge areas (e.g., teguri areas) of the plate (230), through a plurality of fastening members (S).

[0055] FIG. 3G is a diagram illustrating a state in which a wire member is applied to a plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3H is an enlarged view illustrating a region 3H of FIG. 3G according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3I is a diagram illustrating a state in which one end of a wire member is fixed in region 3I of FIG. 3H according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3J is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 3J-3J of FIG. 3H according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3K is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 3K-3K of FIG. 3H according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3L is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 3L-3L of FIG. 3H according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3M is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 3M-3M of FIG. 3H according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3g to 3h, the electronic device (200) may include a wire member (240) arranged to support a plurality of pin members (211) protruding from a surface of a plate (230) mounted on a second surface (210b) of a front cover (210). In one embodiment, one end (241) of the wire member (240) is fixed to a fixing groove (215a) formed on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) through a fastening member (S), and the other end (e.g., the other end (242) of FIG. 4b) is pulled in a first direction (e.g., direction ① of FIG. 3g) through a tension maintaining structure (250), thereby supporting the plurality of pin members (211) while maintaining a tight tension.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the plurality of pin members (211) may be arranged along rows (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) in a horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis direction) to correspond to the arrangement of key buttons (e.g., key buttons (235) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the plurality of pin members (211) may be arranged along a first row (R1), a second row (R2) arranged parallel to the first row (R1), a third row (R3) arranged parallel to the second row (R2), a fourth row (R4) arranged parallel to the third row (R3), and a fifth row (R5) arranged parallel to the fourth row (R4). In one embodiment, the number of these rows (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) is not limited and may be changed in various ways depending on the arrangement order of key buttons (e.g., key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) applied to the electronic device (200).

[0058] According to various embodiments, the wire member (240) may be arranged to support a plurality of pin members (211) along a first row (R1), and then may support a plurality of pin members (211) in the order of a second row (R2), a third row (R3), a fourth row (R4), and a fifth row (R5). In one embodiment, the wire member (240) may be arranged such that the pressing direction for supporting a first pin member (211a) among the plurality of pin members (211) and the pressing direction for supporting a second pin member (211b) adjacent to the first pin member (211a) are opposite to each other, thereby maintaining a tighter tension and helping to reduce detachment of the wire member due to external impact.

[0059] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3h, 3k, and 3l, the wire member (240) may be arranged to press the post (2111) of the first pin member (211a) in a second direction (e.g., direction ② of FIG. 3h) from one side of the first pin member (211a) among the plurality of pin members (211). In this case, the wire member (240) may be prevented from coming off by the head (2112) of the first pin member (211a). In one embodiment, the wire member (240) may be arranged to press the post (2111) of the second pin member (211b) in a third direction (e.g., direction ③ of FIG. 3h) opposite to the second direction (e.g., direction ②) from the other side of the second pin member (211b) adjacent to the first pin member (211a) among the plurality of pin members (211). In this case, the wire member (240) can be prevented from coming off by the head (2112) of the second pin member (211b). In one embodiment, the wire member (240) can be sequentially arranged along each row (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) in this manner to press the neighboring pin members (211) in opposite directions, and can be finally fixed to the tension maintaining structure (250). In one embodiment, since the wire member (240) is arranged to support the bearing member (2113) rotatably coupled to the post (2111) of each pin member (211), it can be smoothly pulled in the first direction (e.g., direction ①) through the tension maintaining structure (250), thereby maintaining a tight tension. For example, when the wire member (240) supporting the first pin member (211a) is pulled through the tension maintaining structure (250), the bearing member (2113) can be rotated counterclockwise. In one embodiment, when the wire member (240) supporting the second pin member (211b) is pulled through the tension maintaining structure (250), the bearing member (2113) can be rotated clockwise.In one embodiment, the wire member (240) is positioned in a manner that presses at least a portion of the plurality of pin members (211), and can support the plate (230) in a manner that it comes into contact with the surface of the plate (230) while maintaining tight tension through the tension maintaining structure (250).

[0060] In one embodiment, the diameter (d1) of the wire member (240) may be less than or equal to 0.5 mm in difference from the distance (d2) between the head (e.g., head (2112)) of the pin member (e.g., first pin member (211a)) and the plate (230). For example, the wire member (240) may be positioned to maintain the distance (d2) between the head (e.g., head (2112)) of the pin member (e.g., first pin member (211a)) and the plate (230). In some embodiments, the diameter (d1) of the wire member (240) may be substantially equal to the distance (d2) between the head (e.g., head (2112)) of the pin member (e.g., first pin member (211a)) and the plate (230).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3m, the support structure of the plate (230) through a conventional fastening member such as a screw arranged around the key buttons (235) may not provide a separate support structure between the fastening members, whereas the support structure of the plate (230) through a wire member (240) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may help reduce permanent deformation of the plate (230) and / or the front cover (210) due to striking the key buttons (235) because it supports the plate (230) without a break from the first pin member (211a) to the adjacent second pin member (211b).

[0062] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a tension-maintaining structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c are drawings illustrating a state in which the other end of a wire member is elastically coupled through a tension-maintaining structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, a tension maintaining structure (250) may be disposed on a second surface (210b) of the front cover (210). In one embodiment, the tension maintaining structure (250) may be disposed to provide tension that tightly pulls the other end (242) of a wire member (240) disposed to support a plurality of pin members (211). In one embodiment, the tension maintaining structure (250) may include a fixing member (251) fixed to the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210), a slide member (252) slidably coupled to the fixing member (251) and fixing the other end (242) of the wire member (240), and an elastic member (253) that elastically connects the fixing member (251) and the slide member (252). In one embodiment, the slide member (252) may be disposed on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) or may be disposed to reciprocate along a guide rail (216) formed integrally with the second surface (210b). In one embodiment, the elastic member (253) may include a rubber band.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the other end (242) of the wire member (240) may be fixed to the slide member (252) while the elastic member (253) of the tension-maintaining structure (250) is stretched through the fixed member (251) and the slide member (252). In this case, the wire member (240) may maintain a state in which tension is provided to pull the wire member (240) in the direction of the fixed member (251) (e.g., direction ①) through the restoring force of the elastic member (253) that pulls the slide member (252) with respect to the fixed member (251). Accordingly, the wire member (240) may tightly support the plurality of pin members (211) through the tension-maintaining structure (250). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of tension-maintaining structures (250) arranged to provide tension in opposite directions at both ends of the wire member (240).

[0065] According to various embodiments, the tension maintaining structure (250) may be disposed on the plate (230). For example, the fixing member (251) may be fixed to the plate (230). For example, the fixing member (251) may be fixed to a pin member (e.g., a first pin member (211a)).

[0066] FIGS. 5A and 5B are drawings illustrating arrangement structures of wire members according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] In describing the electronic devices of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device of FIG. 3G, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5A, the wire member (240) may be arranged in a manner such that it is at least partially wound around (e.g., wound around) the plurality of pin members (211) in alternating two rows. In one embodiment, the wire member (240) may be arranged to support all of the plurality of pin members (211) in a manner (e.g., zigzag support manner) such that it supports the pin members (211) of the first row (R1), then supports the pin members (211) of the second row (R2), and then supports the pin members (211) of the first row (R1). For example, the wire member (240) may be arranged to support the pin members (211) of the first row (R1) in a manner that it is wound counterclockwise, and then supports the pin members (211) of the second row (R2) in a manner that it is wound clockwise. In this manner, the wire member (240) can be connected to the tension maintaining structure (250) by alternately supporting a plurality of pin members (211) positioned along the first row (R1) and the second row (R2), then alternately supporting a plurality of pin members (211) positioned along the third row (R3) and the fourth row (R4), and then alternately supporting a plurality of pin members (211) positioned along the remaining fifth row (R5) and the sixth row (R6). In some embodiments, the wire member (240) can be arranged to alternately support a plurality of pin members (211) along three or more rows (e.g., R1, R2, R3). In some embodiments, the wire member (240) may be arranged to sequentially support a plurality of pin members (211) along at least one thermal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) corresponding to the arrangement structure of the key buttons (e.g., the key buttons (235) of FIG. 1).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5b, the plate may be configured to be supported by a plurality of wire members that support a plurality of pin members and a plurality of tension-maintaining structures. In one embodiment, the plate may be supported by a first wire member (240) having one end fixed to the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) and the other end connected to a first tension-maintaining structure (250) arranged on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210). In one embodiment, the first wire member (240) may be arranged in a manner to support a plurality of pin members (211) arranged along a first row (R1) and a second row (R2) among the plurality of pin members (211). In one embodiment, the plate may be supported by a second wire member (240-1) having one end fixed to the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) and the other end connected to a second tension-retaining structure (250-1) disposed on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210). In one embodiment, the second wire member (240-1) may be arranged in a manner to support a plurality of pin members (211) arranged along a third row (R3) and a fourth row (R4) of the plurality of pin members (211). In one embodiment, the plate may be supported by a third wire member (240-2) having one end fixed to the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210) and the other end connected to a third tension-retaining structure (250-2) disposed on the second surface (210b) of the front cover (210). In one embodiment, the third wire member (240-2) may be arranged in a manner to support the plurality of pin members (211) arranged along the fifth row (R5) and the sixth row (R6) of the plurality of pin members (211). In some embodiments, the tension-maintaining structures and wire members may be arranged in two or four or more pairs depending on the arrangement of the plurality of pin members (211) arranged according to the arrangement of the plurality of key buttons (e.g., the key buttons (235) of FIG. 1).

[0070] FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings illustrating a support structure of a pin member through a wire member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the wire member (240) may be arranged in a manner of being wound around the bearing member (2113) of the pin member (211) in one turn. In one embodiment, the wire member (240) may be arranged in a manner of being wound around the bearing member (2113) of the pin member (211) in a counterclockwise direction, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. In one embodiment, the wire member (240) may be arranged in a manner of being wound around the bearing member (2113) of the pin member (211) in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the wire member (240) may be arranged in a manner of being wound around the bearing member (2113) of the pin member (211) in two or more turns.

[0072] FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings illustrating a tension maintaining structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 7a, the tension maintaining structure (250-3) may include a fixing member (251) fixed to a second surface (e.g., the second surface (210b) of FIG. 2) of a front cover (e.g., the front cover (210) of FIG. 2), a slide member (252) spaced apart from the fixing member (251) and slidably disposed on the second surface (e.g., the second surface (210b) of FIG. 2), to which a wire member (240) is fixed, and an elastic member (254) that elastically connects the fixing member (251) and the slide member (252). In one embodiment, the elastic member (254) may include a coil spring. In one embodiment, the wire member (240) may be provided with a tension that pulls the slide member (252) in the direction of the fixing member (e.g., direction ①) with respect to the fixing member (251). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of tension-maintaining structures (250-3) arranged to provide tension in opposite directions at opposite ends of the wire member (240).

[0074] Referring to FIG. 7b, the tension maintaining structure (250-4) may include a rotational member (255) that provides tension by directly winding the wire member. In one embodiment, the rotational member (255) may include a screw rotatably coupled to a second surface (e.g., the second surface (210b) of FIG. 2a) of a front cover (e.g., the front cover (210) of FIG. 2). In this case, the magnitude of the tension pulled in the direction of the rotational member (e.g., direction ①) of the wire member (240) may be determined according to the degree of rotation of the rotational member. In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of rotational members (255) arranged to provide tension in opposite directions at both ends of the wire member (240).

[0075] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an electronic device including a plurality of key buttons according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device (300) may include a first housing (310), a second housing (320) rotatably connected to the first housing (310) via a hinge device (330). In one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include a front cover (311), a rear cover (312) facing in an opposite direction to the front cover (311), and a side member (313) surrounding a space between the front cover (311) and the rear cover (312). In one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include a plurality of key buttons (235) arranged to be at least partially exposed to the outside through the front cover (311) in a first region (302) (e.g., a key button arrangement region) and at least one key pad (236) arranged to be at least partially exposed to the outside through the front cover (311) in a second region (303) adjacent to the first region (302) (e.g., a key pad arrangement region). In one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a display (321) arranged in an interior space and arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a support structure substantially the same as the various support structures of the plate (230) via the wire member (240) illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 7B according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a layout relationship between an electronic device and an external electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 1) may be operated to interact with an external electronic device (400). For example, the electronic device (200) may be operatively connected to the external electronic device (400) via wired communication (e.g., connector connection) and / or wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication), thereby being used as an input means for the external electronic device (400).

[0079] According to various embodiments, the external electronic device (400) may include a foldable electronic device including a first housing (410), a second housing (420) rotatably coupled to the first housing (410) via a hinge module (e.g., a hinge structure, a hinge device, or a hinge assembly), and a flexible display (430) arranged to be supported by the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). In one embodiment, the external electronic device (400) may be operated in a manner in which, when folded, at least portions of the flexible displays (430) face each other, such that they are not visible from the outside (e.g., an infolding manner) and / or in a manner in which, when folded, at least portions of the flexible displays (430) face each other in opposite directions, such that they are visible from the outside (e.g., an outfolding manner).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may be operatively connected to the external electronic device (400) simply by placing at least a portion of the external electronic device (400) (e.g., at least a portion of the first housing (410)) in an unfolded state (e.g., partially unfolded or fully unfolded) of the external electronic device (400). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may be operatively connected to the external electronic device (400) either in proximity to the external electronic device (400) or through a separate connection operation without being in proximity to the external electronic device (400).

[0081] According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing (e.g., housing (201) of FIG. 1) including a plurality of protruding pin members (e.g., pin members (211) of FIG. 2), a plate (e.g., plate (230) of FIG. 2) coupled to the housing and including a plurality of through holes (e.g., through holes (231) of FIG. 2) through which each of the plurality of pin members passes, and a wire member (e.g., wire member (240) of FIG. 2) arranged to support at least a portion of each of the plurality of pin members protruding from the through holes, wherein the plate can be supported via the wire member. In this way, the supporting structure is advantageously simplified by reducing the number of components, which can reduce assembly time and cost during manufacturing and / or disassembly and repair time during maintenance.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the housing may include a plurality of openings formed at specified intervals (e.g., openings (OP) of FIG. 2)) and a plurality of key buttons (e.g., key buttons (235) of FIG. 1) arranged between the plate and the housing so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device through the openings. Adjacent key buttons may be smoothly supported by a uniform supporting force provided by the simplified supporting structure according to the present disclosure, thereby improving the operational reliability of the electronic device.

[0083] According to various embodiments, the plurality of pin members may be respectively positioned between the plurality of openings.

[0084] According to various embodiments, the wire member may be arranged to press a first pin member (e.g., a first pin member (211a) of FIG. 3g) among the plurality of pin members in a first direction, and to press a second pin member (e.g., a second pin member (211b) of FIG. 3g) adjacent to the first pin member in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0085] According to various embodiments, the wire member may be arranged in such a way that it is wound at least once around each of at least some of the plurality of pin members.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the wire member may be wound in a direction opposite to that in which the wire member is wound around a first pin member among the plurality of pin members and a direction opposite to that in which the wire member is wound around a second pin member adjacent to the first pin member.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the pin member includes a post (e.g., post (2111) of FIG. 3c) fixed to the housing and a head (e.g., head (2112) of FIG. 3c) formed at an end of the post to have a diameter larger than the post, and the wire member can be supported to contact an outer surface of the post and prevented from being detached through the head.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the post may include a bearing member (e.g., bearing member (2113) of FIG. 3c) rotatably coupled to the post and in contact with the wire member.

[0089] According to various embodiments, the wire member may be formed of at least one of a metal material, a carbon material, a nylon material, a fiber material, or a heat-resistant fabric material.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the wire member may include a tension-maintaining structure (e.g., tension-maintaining structure (250) of FIG. 4b) elastically connected to at least one end (e.g., one end (241) of FIG. 3h) and / or the other end (e.g., the other end (242) of FIG. 4b)) of the wire member and disposed in the housing.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the tension maintaining structure may include a fixing member fixed to the housing (e.g., fixing member (251) of FIG. 4b), a slide member slidably coupled to the housing and having the wire member fixed to one end (e.g., slide member (252) of FIG. 4b), and an elastic member connecting the other end of the fixing member and the slide member and providing a pressing force for pulling the slide member toward the fixing member (e.g., elastic member (253) of FIG. 4b).

[0092] According to various embodiments, the plate may be secured to the housing via a plurality of fastening members (e.g., fastening members (S) of FIG. 2) fastened along the edges of the plate.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the electronic device includes a first housing (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIG. 8) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIG. 8) rotatably coupled to the first housing via at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (330) of FIG. 8), and the housing may include the first housing.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the second housing may include a display arranged so as to be visible from the outside in the interior space.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the housing (e.g., the housing (201) of FIG. 1) includes a front cover (e.g., the front cover (210) of FIG. 2) and a rear cover (e.g., the rear cover (220) of FIG. 2) coupled to the front cover, the plate is disposed in a space between the front cover and the rear cover (e.g., the internal space (2001) of FIG. 2), and the plurality of pin members can protrude from the front cover toward the plate.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the wire member may be positioned between the plate and the rear cover so as to contact the plate.

[0097] According to various embodiments, the wire member may be arranged to support protruding portions of the plurality of pin members protruding from the plate.

[0098] According to various embodiments, the wire member may be connected in a manner of winding one end or the other end thereof, and may include at least one rotating member (e.g., rotating member (255) of FIG. 7b) rotatably disposed in the housing.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the magnitude of the tension of the wire member can be determined according to the rotation of the at least one rotating member.

[0100] According to various embodiments, the at least one rotating member may be rotatably coupled to the housing and may include a screw for winding an end of the wire member.

[0101] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (200), A housing (201) comprising a plurality of pin members (211); A plate (230) coupled to the housing (201) and including a plurality of through holes (231) through which each of the plurality of pin members (211) penetrates; and It includes a wire member (240) arranged to support at least a portion of each of the plurality of pin members (211) protruding from the through holes (231). The above plate (230) is an electronic device supported through the above wire member (240).

2. In paragraph 1, The above housing (201) has a plurality of openings (OP) formed at specified intervals; and An electronic device (200) comprising a plurality of key buttons (235) arranged so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200) through the openings (OP) between the plate (230) and the housing (201).

3. In paragraph 2, An electronic device (200) in which the plurality of pin members (211) are respectively placed between the plurality of openings (OP).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, An electronic device (200) in which the wire member (240) is arranged to pressurize a first pin member (211a) among the plurality of pin members (211) in a first direction and pressurize a second pin member (211b) adjacent to the first pin member (211a) in a second direction different from the first direction.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An electronic device (200) in which the wire member (240) is arranged in such a way that it is wound at least once around each of at least some of the pin members (211) among the plurality of pin members (211).

6. In paragraph 5, An electronic device (200) in which the wire member (240) is wound around a first pin member (211a) among the plurality of pin members (211) and the wire member (240) is wound around a second pin member (211b) adjacent to the first pin member (211a) in opposite directions.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above pin absence (211) is A post (2111) fixed to the above housing (201); and At the end of the above post (2111), a head (2112) formed to have a larger diameter than the above post (2111) is included. The above wire member (240) is an electronic device (200) that is in contact with the outer surface of the post (2111) and is supported so as to prevent detachment through the head (2112).

8. In paragraph 7, An electronic device (200) including a bearing member (2113) rotatably coupled to the above post (2111) and in contact with the wire member (240).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above wire member (240) is an electronic device (200) formed of at least one of a metal material, a carbon material, a nylon material, a fiber material, or a heat-resistant fabric material.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, An electronic device (200) including a tension-maintaining structure (250) elastically connected to at least one end (241) and / or the other end (242) of the wire member (240) and disposed in the housing (201).

11. In paragraph 10, The above tension maintenance structure (250) is A fixing member (251) fixed to the above housing (201); A slide member (252) that is slidably connected to the housing (201) and has the wire member (240) fixed to one end; and An electronic device (200) including an elastic member (253) that connects the other end of the fixed member (251) and the slide member (252) and provides a pressing force that pulls the slide member (252) toward the fixed member (251).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above plate (230) is an electronic device (200) that is fixed to the housing (201) through a plurality of fastening members (S) that are fastened along the edge of the above plate (230).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The electronic device (200) includes a first housing (310) and a second housing (320) rotatably coupled to the first housing (310) through at least one hinge device (330). The above housing (201) is an electronic device (200) including the first housing (310).

14. In paragraph 13, An electronic device (200) including a display (321) positioned so as to be visible from the outside in the internal space of the second housing (320).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The above housing (201) includes a front cover (210) and a rear cover (220) coupled with the front cover (210). The above plate (230) is placed in the space (2001) between the front cover (210) and the rear cover (220), An electronic device (200) in which the plurality of pin members (211) protrude from the front cover (210) toward the plate (230).

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