Electronic device including user input device

Abstract

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may comprise: a first housing including a first display; a second housing including at least one printed circuit board and at least one battery; a first connection member connecting the first housing and the second housing to be rotatable with respect to each other; and a user input device that receives a user input and is movably or detachably connected to the second housing. The user input device may comprise: a keyboard housing including a plurality of keys; a touch pad housing including a touch pad; and a second connection member connecting the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing to be rotatable with respect to each other. The touch pad housing may be configured to be rotatable within a specific range of bending angles with respect to the keyboard housing by using the second connection member.

Description

Electronic device including a user input device

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

[0002] Electronic devices are available in a variety of sizes and with various functions, depending on user preferences. They may include key button devices and / or keypad devices as input devices. When these key button devices and / or keypad devices are partially mounted on an electronic device or placed on a stepped mounting surface, a design structure that takes user convenience into consideration may be required.

[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, as an input means, a key button device including a plurality of key buttons and / or a user input device (e.g., a key pad device) including at least one key pad. The user input device may be used while partially mounted on an electronic device (e.g., a notebook PC or a tablet PC). For example, the user input device may be operatively connected to the electronic device via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication) and may be used while only partially mounted in consideration of a specific area (e.g., a display area) of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the user input device may be used after being partially mounted on a stepped mounting surface (e.g., a flat surface such as a desk located outside the electronic device).

[0005] However, this partial clearance of the user input device may cause discomfort to the user when using the key buttons and / or keypad due to the height difference caused by the stepped portion.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a user input device that takes ease of use into consideration.

[0007] Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a user input device that, when used on a step-type mounting surface, improves usability by allowing stable mounting by bending at a specified angle.

[0008] 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.

[0009] According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a keyboard housing, a touch pad housing, and a connecting member rotatably connecting the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing with respect to each other, wherein the connecting member, in a first state, induces the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing to maintain the same plane, and, in a second state, induces the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing to maintain a specific bending angle with respect to each other.

[0010] According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a first housing including a first display, a second housing including at least one printed circuit board and at least one battery, a first connecting member rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other, and a user input device receiving a user input and movably or detachably connected to the second housing. The user input device may include a keyboard housing including a plurality of keys, a touchpad housing including a touchpad, and a second connecting member rotatably connecting the keyboard housing and the touchpad housing with respect to each other, wherein the touchpad housing may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the keyboard housing within a specific bending angle range using the second connecting member.

[0011] Electronic devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide excellent usability by including a user input device that performs a stable mounting operation through a partial bending operation even when mounted on a stepped mounting surface.

[0012] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0015] FIGS. 1A to 1C are drawings illustrating arrangement relationships of electronic devices including user input devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a user input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2b is a drawing illustrating a state in which a user input device is placed on a step-type mounting surface according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a user input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 4A to 4F are drawings illustrating an assembly process of a user input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5A is a configuration diagram of a second connecting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a second connecting member taken along line 4b-4b of FIG. 4a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5c is a cutaway perspective view of a second connecting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5d is a cross-sectional view of a second connecting member showing a bent state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5e is a cutaway perspective view of a second connecting member showing a bent state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of a user input device illustrating a state in which a first plate and a third plate are connected through a second connecting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6b is a partial perspective view of a user input device showing a state in which a first plate and a second plate are combined and a third plate and a fourth plate are combined according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 6c is a perspective view of a portion of a user input device having a cover member disposed on a second plate and a fourth plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 6d is a perspective view of a portion of a user input device showing a bent state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a user input device taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a user input device showing a bent state of a touch pad housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8A is a drawing illustrating a state in which a first plate and a third plate are connected through a second connecting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 8b and FIG. 8c are operational state diagrams illustrating a bending operation of a user input device depending on whether a pressure is applied according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 9a is a configuration diagram of a user input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 9b is a cutaway perspective view of a user input device taken along line 9b-9b of FIG. 9a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] 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.

[0036] FIGS. 1A to 1C are drawings illustrating arrangement relationships of electronic devices including user input devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the electronic device (100) may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120), and a first connecting member (140) (e.g., a hinge, a hinge device, a hinge module, or a hinge assembly) that rotatably connects the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) to each other about a rotational axis (F1). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a display (130) (e.g., a flexible display) that extends from the first housing (110) to at least a portion of the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the display (130) may include a display (130a) (e.g., a first display or a first display portion) disposed in a first housing (110) and a second display (130b) (e.g., a second display portion) disposed in at least a portion of a second housing (120). In one embodiment, the first display (130a) and the second display (130b) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the first display (130a) and the second display (130b) may also be individually disposed in each housing (110, 120). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be operated in a manner in which, in a folded state, at least a portion of the first display (130a) and the second display (130b) of the display (130) face each other, such that at least a portion of the display is not visible to the outside (e.g., infolding manner) and / or in a folded state, at least a portion of the first display (130a) and the second display (130b) face each other, such that at least a portion of the display is visible to the outside (e.g., outfolding manner). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include at least one printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., printed circuit board (121) of FIG. 2B) arranged in an internal space of the second housing (120) and at least one battery (e.g., battery (122) of FIG. 2B) arranged to provide power to the printed circuit board (121).In one embodiment, a printed circuit board (121) and / or a battery (122) may be disposed in the first housing (110).

[0038] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include a user input device (200) (e.g., an external electronic device) movably connected from the second housing (120) and configured to receive user input. In one embodiment, the user input device (200) may be detachably disposed in at least a portion of the second housing (120). For example, at least a portion of the user input device (200) may be disposed in such a manner that it is disposed in at least a portion of the second housing (120). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the user input device (200) may be disposed so as to be disposed in at least a portion of the same surface as a surface on which a second display (130b) of the second housing (120) is disposed.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the user input device (200) may include a keyboard housing (210) including a plurality of keys (e.g., a plurality of keys (230) of FIG. 2A) (e.g., a key button module) and a touchpad housing (220) including a touchpad (e.g., a touchpad module) (e.g., a touchpad (240) of FIG. 2A). In one embodiment, the user input device (200) may include a second connecting member (e.g., a second connecting member (250) of FIG. 3) that rotatably connects the keyboard housing (210) and the touchpad housing (220) to each other. In one embodiment, the touchpad housing (220) may be configured to rotate within a specific bending angle range with respect to the keyboard housing (210) via the second connecting member (250). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) may be configured in a different manner than the first connecting member (140). In some embodiments, the second connecting member (250) may be configured to have substantially the same connection method (e.g., a hinge, a hinge device, a hinge module, or a hinge assembly) as the first connecting member (140). In one embodiment, the user input device (200) may be operatively connected to the electronic device (100) via wired communication (e.g., a connector connection) and / or wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication), thereby being used as an input means for the electronic device (100).

[0040] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may include a first portion (120a) in which a second display (130b) is arranged, and a second portion (120b) extending from the first portion (120a) and in which at least a portion of the user input device (200) is placed. In one embodiment, the second portion (120b) may include a portion in which a keyboard housing (210) of the user input device (200) is placed. For example, when a portion of the user input device (200) (e.g., the keyboard housing (210)) is placed in the second portion (120b) of the second housing (120), the touch pad housing (220) may be rotated downward with respect to the keyboard housing (210) so as to be placed on a mounting surface (e.g., the mounting surface (T) of FIG. 2b) (e.g., an external plane on which the electronic device (100) is placed). In this case, the second display (130b) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside of the electronic device (100). Through this mounting structure, a stable input operation of the user input device (200) placed on a part of the electronic device (100) may be induced, thereby helping to improve usability. In one embodiment, when the user input device (200) is placed on the first part (120a) and the second part (120b), the second display (130b) may be overlapped so as not to be visible from the outside. In this case, the touch pad housing (220) may be configured to form the same plane by rotating upward again with respect to the keyboard housing (210).

[0041] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a user input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating a state in which a user input device is mounted on a step mounting surface according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a user input device (200) may include a keyboard housing (210) and a touch pad housing (220) that is movably connected to the keyboard housing (210) about a designated rotational axis (F) (e.g., a folding axis). In one embodiment, the keyboard housing (210) may include a plurality of key buttons (230) that are at least partially exposed to the outside and receive data input by a user's stroke. In one embodiment, the touch pad housing (220) may include at least one touch pad (240) that is at least partially exposed to the outside and receives data input by a user's touch input and / or pressure.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the keyboard housing (210) may include a first plate (211) (e.g., a first cover, a first case, or a first front cover) and a second plate (212) (e.g., a second cover, a second case, or a first rear cover) facing in an opposite direction (e.g., along the -z axis) from the first plate (211). In one embodiment, the touchpad housing (220) may include a third plate (221) (e.g., a third cover, a third case, or a second front cover) and a fourth plate (222) (e.g., a fourth cover, a fourth case, or a second rear cover) facing in an opposite direction (e.g., along the -z axis) from the third plate (221).

[0044] According to various embodiments, the user input device (200) may be arranged to be partially mounted on at least a portion of an electronic device (100) placed on a surface (T) such as a table. In one embodiment, the user input device (200) may be connected to the electronic device (100) by wire or wirelessly and may be used as an input means of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, the keyboard housing (210) may be mounted on at least a portion of an external electronic device (300), and the touch pad housing (220) may be in a state of floating from the surface (T) at a specified height. For example, the touch pad housing (220) may be in a state of floating from the surface (T) by a thickness of the external electronic device (300). In one embodiment, the keyboard housing (210) may be advantageous in use because it is mounted through the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, the touch pad housing (220) may be inconvenient to use because it floats from the mounting surface (T) (e.g., a flat surface outside the electronic device) by the thickness of the electronic device (100). In some embodiments, the touch pad housing (220) may also be inconvenient to use when the user input device (200) is placed on a stepped mounting surface.

[0045] A user input device (200) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured to change from a first state in which the keyboard housing (210) and the touchpad housing (220) form the same plane through a second connecting member (e.g., the second connecting member (250) of FIG. 3) connecting the keyboard housing (210) and the touchpad housing (220), to a second state in which the touchpad housing (220) is bent at a specified angle (θ) with respect to the keyboard housing (210) with respect to the rotation axis (F). Accordingly, the touchpad housing (220) can be deformed to receive support from the support surface (T), thereby improving usability. For example, the touchpad housing (220) can be configured to be bent at a specified angle (θ) through a user's pressing force, and to continuously maintain the second state even when the pressing force is released. In one embodiment, when the user input device (200) is not in use or when both the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220) are placed on the surface (T), the touch pad housing (220) can be restored to its original first state to form the same plane as the keyboard housing (210) through a user's pressing force. For example, the touch pad housing (220) can be configured so that the first state to form the same plane as the keyboard housing (210) is continuously maintained even when the pressing force is released after being restored to its original state.

[0046] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a user input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, the user input device (200) may include a keyboard housing (210) including a first plate (211) and a second plate (212) coupled with the first plate (211), a touch pad housing (220) including a third plate (221) and a fourth plate (222) coupled with the third plate (221), and a second connecting member (250) (e.g., connecting member) that rotatably connects the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220) with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the user input device (200) may include key buttons (230) arranged in an internal space of the keyboard housing (210). In one embodiment, the key buttons (230) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside of the user input device (200) through a plurality of openings (2111) formed in the first plate (211).

[0048] According to various embodiments, the user input device (200) may include a second connecting member (250) connecting the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) may be fixed to both ends of the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) may provide a supporting force to maintain a first state in which the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220) form the same plane. In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) may include a detent structure (e.g., a beading portion) for the touch pad housing (220) to provide a supporting force to maintain a second state in which the touch pad housing (220) is bent at a specified angle (e.g., angle (θ) in FIG. 2B) with respect to the keyboard housing (210) through a pressing force. In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) may be formed of a metal material (e.g., stainless steel).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the user input device (200) may include a cover member (260) (e.g., a rear cover, a protective cover, or a protective layer) attached to an outer surface of the user input device (200) in a manner that extends from the second plate (212) to the fourth plate (222). In one embodiment, the cover member (260) may help form an attractive appearance of the user input device (200) by covering an externally visible boundary line between the two housings (210, 220) at the rear of the user input device (200) when the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220) are rotatably coupled. In one embodiment, the cover member (260) may be formed of a stretchable material that can accommodate a shape deformation of the user input device (200) due to bending of the touch pad housing (220). In one embodiment, the cover member (260) may be formed of at least one of a polymer material (e.g., polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), a silicone material, or leather.

[0050] FIGS. 4A to 4F are drawings illustrating an assembly process of a user input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B , a keypad (240) (e.g., a keypad module) may be arranged so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside through openings (2211) formed in a third plate (221) of a touchpad housing (220). In one embodiment, the keypad (240) may include a keypad bracket (241), a keypad substrate (242) sequentially arranged to be supported by the keypad bracket (241), and a keypad sheet (243). In one embodiment, the assembled keypad (240) may be arranged so that the keypad sheet (243) is exposed to the outside of a user input device (e.g., the user input device (200) of FIG. 2A) through the openings (2211) of the third plate (221).

[0052] Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4c and 4d, key buttons (230) (e.g., key button module) are mounted on the first plate (211), and the first plate (211) and the third plate (221) can be connected via a second connecting member (250). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) is arranged to have a length along the longitudinal direction (e.g., ±x-axis direction) of the first plate (211) and the third plate (221), and can be fixed to the first plate (211) and the third plate (221) via physical fastening using a fastening member such as ultrasonic welding or a screw.

[0053] Thereafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 4e and 4f, the keyboard housing (210) may be completed by assembling the second plate (212) to the first plate (211). In addition, the touchpad housing (220) may be completed by assembling the fourth plate (222) to the third plate (221). In this case, the second connecting member (250) may not be visible from the outside because it is arranged in a manner that it is accommodated in the internal space of the keyboard housing (210) and the touchpad housing (220). Thereafter, the cover member (260) may be attached to the second plate (212) and the fourth plate (222). In one embodiment, the cover member (260) may be attached to the rear of the user input device (200) through bonding or taping.

[0054] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a second connecting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the second connecting member taken along line 5b-5b of FIG. 5A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5C is a cutaway perspective view of the second connecting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the second connecting member (250) may include a first fixing portion (251) including a first fixing hole (2511) for fixing to a first plate (211) of a keyboard housing (210), a second fixing portion (252) including a second fixing hole (2521) for fixing to a third plate (221) of a touch pad housing (220), and a connecting portion (253) connecting the first fixing portion (251) and the second fixing portion (252). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) may include at least one beading portion (2531) spaced apart at a specified interval along a longitudinal direction (e.g., the ±x-axis direction of FIG. 4C). In one embodiment, the beading portions (2531) may be formed through a process of sheet metal forming the second connecting member (250) of a metal material. In one embodiment, the beading portions (2531) may be formed so that the touch pad housing (220) protrudes in a direction in which the touch pad housing (220) is bent with respect to the keyboard housing (210) (e.g., direction ① of FIG. 5B). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) may continuously maintain a first state in which the touch pad housing (220) forms the same plane as the keyboard housing (210) through the beading portions (2531), and may induce the touch pad housing (220) to continuously maintain a state in which the touch pad housing (220) is bent at a specified angle (θ) with respect to the keyboard housing (210). In one embodiment, the bending angle (θ) of the touch pad housing (220) that is bent through the beading portions (2531) may be determined by at least one of the arrangement interval, number, size, depth, or shape of the beading portions (2531).

[0056] FIG. 5d is a cross-sectional view of a second connecting member in a bent state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5e is a cutaway perspective view of a second connecting member in a bent state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 5d and 5e, the second connecting member (250) can be bent at a specified angle (θ) in a direction in which the second connecting member (250) is pressed by a pressing force, and then maintained in the bent state. For example, the pressing force may include a pressing force provided to the touch pad housing (220) in a direction in which the user bends (direction ①). In one embodiment, the connecting portion (253) of the second connecting member (250) can be maintained in a bent state at a specified angle (θ) through deformation of the beading portions (2531). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) can provide a click sensation to the user when the connecting portion (253) is bent through the beading portions (2531). In one embodiment, when a pressing force is applied to the second connecting member (250) that maintains the bent state in the opposite direction to the bending direction (direction ①), the deformed beading portions (2531) are restored to their original shape, and the connecting portion (253) can return to its original shape through the restoring force of the beading portions (2531). Even in this case, the second connecting member (250) can provide a clicking sensation to the user. In one embodiment, this pressing force may include a pressing force applied to the touch pad housing (220) in a direction in which the touch pad housing (220) is to be unfolded by the user (e.g., a direction in which the touch pad housing (220) is to form the same plane with respect to the keyboard housing (210).

[0058] FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of a user input device illustrating a state in which a first plate and a third plate are connected through a second connecting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6A, the user input device (200) can be physically connected through the second connecting member (250) while the first plate (211) and the third plate (221) are facing each other. In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) can be fixed in such a manner that a first fixing protrusion (211a) formed on the first plate (211) passes through a first fixing hole (2511) formed on the first fixing member (251) and is then fused, and a second fixing protrusion (221a) formed on the third plate (221) passes through a second fixing hole (2521) formed on the second fixing member (252) and is then fused. In some embodiments, the second connecting member (250) may be secured through a fastening member such as a screw or rivet that is fastened to the first plate (211) through a first fixing hole (2511) formed in the first fixing member (251) and to the third plate (221) through a second fixing hole (2521) formed in the second fixing member (252). In this case, the beading portions (2531) formed in the connecting portion (253) of the second connecting member (250) may be arranged to have a length in a direction (e.g., W direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., L direction) of the second connecting member (250). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250) can be secured to the first plate (211) and the third plate (221) in such a way that the beading portions (2531) cross the boundary line between the first plate (211) and the third plate (221).

[0060] According to various embodiments, the first plate (211) may include a first connection surface (2113) formed as a curved surface at a position facing the third plate (221) and a second connection surface (2114) having a plane extending from the first connection surface (2113) to an outer surface of the first plate (211). In one embodiment, the first connection surface (2113) may be formed as a curved surface having a concave shape (e.g., a curved recess). In one embodiment, the third plate (221) may include a third connection surface (2213) having a curved surface having a shape corresponding to the first connection surface (2113) and a fourth connection surface (2214) having a plane corresponding to the third connection surface (2213). In one embodiment, the third connecting surface (2213) may be formed as a convex curved surface (e.g., a curved protrusion) corresponding to the first connecting surface (2113).

[0061] FIG. 6b is a partial perspective view of a user input device showing a state in which a first plate and a second plate are combined and a third plate and a fourth plate are combined according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 6B, the first plate (211) may be coupled to the second plate (212), and the third plate (221) may be coupled to the fourth plate (222). For example, a keyboard housing (210) may be formed through a coupling structure of the first plate (211) and the second plate (212), and a touch pad housing (220) may be formed through a coupling structure of the third plate (221) and the fourth plate (222). In one embodiment, the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220), which are rotatably connected to each other through a second connecting member (250), may form a user input device (200).

[0063] According to various embodiments, the second plate (212) may include a fifth connecting surface (2123) having a curved surface extending from the first connecting surface (2113) and a sixth connecting surface (2124) having a plane extending from the fifth connecting surface (2123) to an outer surface. In one embodiment, the fifth connecting surface (2123) may be formed as a curved surface having a concave shape (e.g., a curved recess). In one embodiment, the fourth plate (222) may include a seventh connecting surface (2223) having a curved surface having a shape corresponding to the fifth connecting surface (2123) and an eighth connecting surface (2224) having a plane corresponding to the sixth connecting surface (2124). In one embodiment, the seventh connecting surface (2223) may be formed as a curved surface having a convex shape (e.g., a curved protrusion).

[0064] According to various embodiments, when the first plate (211) and the third plate (221) are connected through the second connecting member (250), the second plate (212) is coupled to the first plate (211), and the fourth plate (222) is coupled to the third plate (221), the sixth connecting surface (2124) of the second plate (212) and the eighth connecting surface (2224) of the fourth plate (222) can be set to have a gap (g) spaced apart by a specified distance. The size of this gap (g) can determine the size of the bending angle at which the touch pad housing (220) is bent from the keyboard housing (210). For example, the larger the size of the gap (g), the larger the bending angle of the touch pad housing (220).

[0065] FIG. 6C is a partial perspective view of a user input device having a cover member disposed on a second plate and a fourth plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6D is a partial perspective view of a user input device showing a bent state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 6C and 6D , the user input device (200) may include a cover member (260) attached to the outer surface of the user input device (200) in a manner that extends from the second plate (212) to the fourth plate (222). In one embodiment, the cover member (260) may help form an attractive appearance of the user input device (200) by covering an externally visible boundary line (e.g., gap (g)) between the two housings (210, 220) at the rear of the user input device (200) when the touch pad housing (220) is bendably coupled to the keyboard housing (210). In one embodiment, the cover member (260) is formed of a stretchable material, thereby flexibly accommodating a shape deformation of the user input device (200) due to bending of the touch pad housing (220).

[0067] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a user input device taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a user input device illustrating a bent state of a touch pad housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the user input device (200) may include a keyboard housing (210) including a first plate (211) and a second plate (212) coupled with the first plate (211), and a touch pad housing (220) rotatably connected from the keyboard housing (210) and including a third plate (221) and a fourth plate (222) coupled with the third plate (221). In one embodiment, the user input device (200) may include a second connecting member (250) extending from a first space (2101) of the keyboard housing (210) to a second space (2201) of the touch pad housing (220). In one embodiment, the first fixing portion (251) of the second connecting member (250) may be fixed to the first plate (211), and the second fixing portion (252) of the second connecting member (250) may be fixed to the third plate (221). In one embodiment, the connecting portion (253) of the second connecting member (250) may include beading portions (2531) formed to cross the boundary area of ​​the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220).

[0069] According to various embodiments, the rotation axis of the touch pad housing (220) with respect to the keyboard housing (210) (e.g., the rotation axis (F) of FIG. 2A) may be determined through a curved coupling shape in which the first connection surface (2113) of the first plate (211) and the fifth connection surface (2123) of the second plate (212) are coupled with the third connection surface (2213) of the third plate (221) and the seventh connection surface (2223) of the fourth plate (222), respectively. In one embodiment, a first state in which the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220) form the same plane may be determined through the shapes of the second connection surface (2114) of the first plate (211) and the fourth connection surface (2214) of the third plate (221). For example, in the first state, the second connection surface (2114) and the fourth connection surface (2214) may be formed in a manner that they contact each other. In one embodiment, in the second state, the bending angle (θ) may be determined through the shape of the sixth connection surface (2124) of the second plate (212) and the eighth connection surface (2224) of the fourth plate (222). For example, the sixth connection surface (2124) and the eighth connection surface (2224) may be formed to have a gap (g) at a specified interval in the first state, and in the second state, the sixth connection surface (2124) and the eighth connection surface (2224) may be formed to contact each other, thereby preventing excessive bending of the touch pad housing (220) beyond the specified angle. In some embodiments, the sixth connection surface (2124) may be formed as a surface that is inclined at a specified angle with respect to the eighth connection surface (2224) in the first state.

[0070] According to various embodiments, when a pressing force is applied to the touch pad housing (220), the connecting portion (253) of the second connecting member (250) may also be bent together with the touch pad housing (220). In this case, the second connecting member (250) may provide a tactile and / or audible click sensation to the user through deformation of the beading portions (2531), and at the same time, may induce the touch pad housing (220) to continuously maintain a designated bending angle (θ) even when the pressing force is removed. In one embodiment, when a pressing force is applied to the touch pad housing (220) in the opposite direction, the connecting portion (253) of the second connecting member (250) may also be restored to its original state together with the touch pad housing (220). In this case, the second connecting member (250) can provide a tactile and / or audible click sensation to the user through the restoring force of the beading parts (2531), and at the same time, provide continuous support so that the touch pad housing (220) forms the same plane as the keyboard housing (210) even when the pressing force is removed.

[0071] FIG. 8a is a diagram illustrating a state in which a first plate and a third plate are connected through a second connecting member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8b and FIG. 8c are operational diagrams illustrating a bending operation of a user input device depending on whether a pressure is applied according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] In explaining the joint structure of the first plate (211) and the third plate (221) of FIGS. 8a to 8c, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as the joint structure of the first plate (211) and the third plate (221) of FIG. 4c, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the first plate (211) and the third plate (221) can be rotatably connected to each other via a second connecting member (250-1). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (250-1) may include a first fixing member (251) fixed to the first plate (211), a second fixing member (252) fixed to the third plate (221), and a connecting member (253) extending from the first fixing member (251) to the second fixing member (252). In one embodiment, unlike the second connecting member (250) described above, the second connecting member (250-1) may not include beading portions (e.g., beading portions (2531) of FIG. 4C).

[0074] According to various embodiments, the second connecting member (250-1) may provide a supporting force (e.g., an elastic restoring force) to the touch pad housing (220) so as to form the same plane as the keyboard housing (210) (e.g., to maintain a state parallel to the keyboard housing). In one embodiment, when a pressure is applied to the touch pad housing (220) (e.g., when a user places a hand on the touch pad housing to use a key button and / or keypad), the second connecting member (250-1) has a restoring force to unfold and may bend together with the bending motion of the touch pad housing (220). In one embodiment, when the pressure applied to the touch pad housing (220) is released (e.g., when the user removes his / her hand from the touch pad housing), the second connecting member (250-1) is restored to its original state, and through the restoring force of the second connecting member (250), the touch pad housing (220) can also be restored to its original state to form the same plane as the keyboard housing (210).

[0075] FIG. 9A is a block diagram of a user input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a cutaway perspective view of the user input device taken along line 9b-9b of FIG. 9A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] In describing the user input device of Fig. 9a, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the user input device of Fig. 2a, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a user input device (200-1) may include a keyboard housing (210) including a key button module (230) and a touch pad housing (220) rotatably connected to the keyboard housing (210) and including a keypad module (240). In one embodiment, the keyboard housing (210) and the touch pad housing (220) may be rotatably connected to each other with respect to a rotation axis (F) through a hinge connection structure. In one embodiment, the hinge connection structure may include a pair of first hinge arms (218) formed at both ends of the keyboard housing (210) and a second hinge arm (228) formed on the touch pad housing (220) and positioned between the pair of first hinge arms (218). In one embodiment, the second hinge arm (228) is rotatably connected to a hinge shaft (2181) extending from the pair of first hinge arms (218), thereby allowing the touch pad housing (220) to be rotatably coupled relative to the keyboard housing (210). In some embodiments, the pair of first hinge arms (218) may be disposed in the touch pad housing (220), and the second hinge arm (228) may be disposed in the keyboard housing (210).

[0078] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A) includes a first housing (e.g., a first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) including a first display (e.g., a first display (130a) of FIG. 1A), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (120) of FIG. 1A) including at least one printed circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board (121) of FIG. 2B) and at least one battery (e.g., a battery (122) of FIG. 2B), a first connecting member (e.g., a first connecting member (140) of FIG. 1A) rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other, and a user input device (e.g., a user input device (200) of FIG. 1A) that receives a user input and is movably or detachably connected to the second housing, wherein the user input device includes a plurality of keys (e.g., a first display (130a) of FIG. 1A), and a second housing (e.g., a second housing (120) of FIG. 1A) including at least one printed circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board (121) of FIG. 2B) and at least one battery (e.g., a battery (122) of FIG. 2B). A keyboard housing (e.g., keyboard housing (210) of FIG. 1a) including a plurality of keys (230) of 2a), a touch pad housing (e.g., touch pad housing (220) of FIG. 1a) including a touch pad (e.g., touch pad (240) of FIG. 2a), and a second connecting member (e.g., second connecting member (250) of FIG. 3) that rotatably connects the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing to each other, wherein the touch pad housing can be configured to be rotatable with respect to the keyboard housing within a specific bending angle range (e.g., bending angle (θ) of FIG. 2b) using the second connecting member.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the second connecting member may include a plurality of spaced apart beading portions (e.g., beading portions (2531) of FIG. 5A).

[0080] According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of beading portions may be positioned to cross a boundary area of ​​the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the touch pad housing can maintain the bending angle with respect to the keyboard housing through the plurality of beading portions.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the bending angle may be determined through at least one of the arrangement spacing, number, size, depth, or shape of each of the plurality of beading portions.

[0083] According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of beading portions may be formed to have a length in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second connecting member (e.g., the longitudinal direction (L) of FIG. 6a) (e.g., the vertical direction (W) of FIG. 6a).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the second connecting member includes a first fixing member (e.g., the first fixing member (251) of FIG. 6A) fixed to the keyboard housing, a second fixing member (e.g., the second fixing member (252) of FIG. 6A) fixed to the touch pad housing, and a connecting portion (e.g., the connecting portion (253) of FIG. 6A) extending from the first fixing member to the second fixing member, and the plurality of beading portions can be arranged on the connecting portion.

[0085] According to various embodiments, the second housing may include a second display (e.g., the second display (130b) of FIG. 1a) disposed in the first portion (e.g., the first portion (120a) of FIG. 1a).

[0086] According to various embodiments, the second display may extend from the first display of the first housing.

[0087] According to various embodiments, when a portion of the user input device is disposed in the second portion of the second housing (e.g., the second portion (120b) of FIG. 1A), the touch pad housing may be configured to rotate downward relative to the keyboard housing.

[0088] According to various embodiments, when a part of the user input device is disposed in the second part, the second display positioned in the first part of the second housing is visible from the outside of the electronic device.

[0089] According to various embodiments, when the user input device is disposed in the first portion and the second portion of the second housing, the second display may be configured to overlap the user input device, and the touch pad housing may be configured to rotate upward with respect to the keyboard housing.

[0090] According to various embodiments, a first connection surface (e.g., a first connection surface (2113) and a fifth connection surface (2123) of FIG. 7A) of one of the keyboard or touchpad housings (e.g., a keyboard housing (210) of FIG. 7A) may at least partially include a curved recess, and a second connection surface (e.g., a third connection surface (2213) and a seventh connection surface (2223) of FIG. 7A) facing the first connection surface of the other housing (e.g., a keypad housing (220) of FIG. 6A) may at least partially include a curved protrusion for being received in the curved recess.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the bending angle can be determined through the shape of at least a portion of the first connecting surface and at least a portion of the second connecting surface.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing are formed to have a separation distance (e.g., separation distance (g) of FIG. 7A) at least partially while maintaining the same plane, and the bending angle of the touch pad housing bent from the keyboard housing can be determined based on the separation distance.

[0093] 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 electronic devices, A first housing (110) including a first display (130a); A second housing (120) comprising at least one printed circuit board (121) and at least one battery (122); A first connecting member (140) that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing to each other; and A user input device (200) configured to receive user input and is movably or detachably connected to the second housing, The above user input device, A keyboard housing (210) comprising a plurality of keys (230); A touch pad housing (220) including a touch pad (240); and Including a second connecting member (250) that rotatably connects the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing to each other, An electronic device in which the touch pad housing is configured to be rotatable within a specific bending angle (θ) range with respect to the keyboard housing using the second connecting member.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the second connecting member comprises a plurality of spaced beading portions (2531).

3. In paragraph 2, An electronic device wherein each of the plurality of beading portions is positioned to cross a boundary area of ​​the keyboard housing and the touch pad housing.

4. In paragraph 2, The above touch pad housing is an electronic device that maintains the bending angle with respect to the keyboard housing through the plurality of beading parts.

5. In paragraph 2, An electronic device in which the above bending angle is determined by at least one of the arrangement interval, number, size, depth, or shape of each of the plurality of beading parts.

6. In paragraph 2, An electronic device in which each of the plurality of beading portions is formed to have a length in a direction (W) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the second connecting member.

7. In paragraph 2, The above second connecting member is, A first fixing member (251) fixed to the above keyboard housing; A second fixing member (252) fixed to the above touch pad housing; and Including a connecting portion (253) extending from the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion, An electronic device in which the above plurality of beading parts are arranged in the connecting part.

8. In paragraph 1, An electronic device including a second display (130b) arranged in the first part (120a) of the second housing.

9. In paragraph 8, The second display is an electronic device extending from the first display of the first housing.

10. In paragraph 9, An electronic device wherein when a part of the user input device is placed in the second part (120b) of the second housing, the touch pad housing is configured to rotate downward with respect to the keyboard housing.

11. In paragraph 10, An electronic device in which the second display positioned in the first portion of the second housing is visible from the outside of the electronic device when a part of the user input device is placed in the second portion.

12. In paragraph 11, When the user input device is placed in the first part and the second part of the second housing, the second display overlaps the user input device, An electronic device wherein the touch pad housing is configured to rotate upward relative to the keyboard housing.

13. In paragraph 1, An electronic device, wherein a first connection surface (2113, 2123) of one of the housings (210) of the keyboard housing or the touch pad housing includes at least a partially curved recess, and a second connection surface (2213, 2223) of the other housing (220) facing the first connection surface includes at least a partially curved protrusion for being received in the curved recess.

14. In paragraph 13, An electronic device wherein the bending angle is determined through the shape of at least a portion of the first connecting surface and at least a portion of the second connecting surface.

15. In paragraph 1, The above keyboard housing and the above touch pad housing are formed to have a separation distance (g) at least partially while maintaining the same plane, An electronic device wherein the bending angle of the touch pad housing that is bent from the keyboard housing is determined based on the separation distance.

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