Camera housing and electronic device including same

Abstract

This electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing including a rear plate. The electronic device may include at least one camera arranged to be able to photograph in a first direction defined as the rear surface of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a camera housing covering at least a part of the camera. The camera housing may include a first housing protruding from on the rear plate and a second housing protruding from the upper surface of the first housing. The first housing may include an edge part forming the edge portion of the first housing and including a transparent material, and a light shielding layer positioned on the inner surface of the edge part.

Description

Camera housing and electronic device including the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a camera housing and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] The electronic device may include an imaging device (e.g., a camera) for capturing still images and / or video. A camera housing is used in the electronic device to protect the camera's lens and other components from external elements. The camera housing protects the camera and can shield other internal components of the electronic device from being visible from the outside.

[0003] The thickness of electronic devices is trending toward becoming thinner to improve user experience, while the thickness of camera modules is trending toward increasing to improve the optical performance of cameras. Consequently, the height at which the camera protrudes from the back of the electronic device is increasing. The camera housing can be positioned on the back of the electronic device to cover the camera protruding from the back of the electronic device.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] Various camera housing designs may be adopted to mitigate the visual protrusion of the camera housing on the back of an electronic device. For example, the camera housing may have a multi-stage structure. Additionally, the camera housing may mitigate the visual protrusion by making the exterior transparent. For example, the first stage housing forming the base of the camera housing may have an exterior made of a transparent material, and the second stage housing protruding above the first stage housing may have an opaque material, thereby mitigating the visual protrusion of the second stage housing by utilizing the optical illusion created by the transparent exterior of the first stage housing.

[0006] When the exterior of a camera housing includes a transparent material, the thicker the exterior, the greater the amount of light refracted as it passes through it. Consequently, due to this refraction, light is concentrated on specific parts of the housing while being dispersed in others, creating a risk of shadowing on the housing. Additionally, reducing the thickness of the transparent exterior may increase the risk of damage to the camera housing.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a camera housing and an electronic device including the same may be provided, which improve design expressiveness by mitigating the protruding appearance of the camera and reducing the occurrence of shadows caused by refraction in transparent materials. Additionally, a camera housing with improved durability and an electronic device including the same may be provided.

[0008] The technical tasks intended to be accomplished in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this document belongs from the description below.

[0009] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing comprising a rear plate. The electronic device may include at least one camera positioned to be capable of shooting in a first direction defined as the rear of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a camera housing covering at least a portion of the camera. The camera housing may include a first housing protruding from the rear plate and a second housing protruding from the upper surface of the first housing. The first housing may include a rim portion forming a rim portion of the first housing and comprising a transparent material, and a light-shielding layer located on the inner surface of the rim portion.

[0010] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing comprising a rear plate facing a first direction. The electronic device may include at least one camera positioned to be capable of shooting with respect to the first direction of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a camera housing positioned to cover the camera on the rear plate. The camera housing includes a first housing protruding from the rear plate and a second housing protruding from the upper surface of the first housing, and the first housing may include a rim portion having a transparent material located on the outside of the first housing and a support member located on the inside of the outer camera housing.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a camera housing can be provided in which light passing through a transparent edge is reflected into an inner housing, thereby reducing the visual protrusion of a second housing by sufficiently increasing the height of a first housing without making the thickness of the transparent portion excessive.

[0012] In addition, a camera housing with improved durability can be provided by having the inner housing support a transparent material edge.

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

[0014] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

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

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device capable of performing the operations described in this document.

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

[0018] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the rear of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 3a to 3c are cross-sectional views of electronic devices according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary path of light incident on a camera housing according to various embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view showing a camera housing according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary path of light incident on a camera housing according to various embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view showing a camera housing according to various embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary path of light incident on a camera housing according to various embodiments.

[0025] FIGS. 7a to 7d are cross-sectional views showing camera housings according to various embodiments.

[0026] FIGS. 8a to 8c are cross-sectional views showing the combined structure of a camera housing and a rear plate according to various embodiments.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to 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 brevity.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (100) may be one of various forms of electronic devices, such as a notebook (190), smartphones (191) having various form factors (e.g., a bar-type smartphone (191-1), a foldable-type smartphone (191-2), or a sliderable (or rollable)-type smartphone (191-3)), a tablet (192), a cellular phone (not shown), and other similar computing devices (not shown). The components, their relationships, and their functions illustrated in FIG. 1 are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the implementations described or claimed herein. The electronic device (100) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user device, a multifunction device, a portable device, or a server.

[0030] The electronic device (100) may include components comprising at least one processor (110) (hereinafter referred to as processor (110)), at least one memory (120) (hereinafter referred to as memory (120)), at least one display (140) (hereinafter referred to as display (140)), at least one image sensor (150) (hereinafter referred to as image sensor (150)), at least one communication circuit (160) (hereinafter referred to as communication circuit (160)), and / or at least one sensor (170) (hereinafter referred to as sensor (170)). The components are merely exemplary. For example, the electronic device (100) may include other components (e.g., power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), audio processing circuit, antenna, rechargeable battery, or input / output interface). For example, some components may be omitted from the electronic device (100). For example, some components may be integrated into a single component.

[0031] The processor (110) may be implemented as one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) chips and may perform various data processing operations. The processor (110) may include at least one electrical circuit and may process instructions (or programs, data) stored in memory (120) individually or collectively in a distributed manner. The processor (110) may include a processor assembly comprising one or more processing circuits. The processor (110) may include any processing circuit that is operative to control the performance and operations of one or more components of the electronic device (100) (e.g., memory (120), display (140), image sensor (150), communication circuit (160), and / or sensor (170)). For example, the processor (110) (e.g., application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or chipset). For example, the processor (110) may be implemented with a plurality of cores (or at least one core circuit), a plurality of chips, or a plurality of chipsets. For example, the processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits. For example, the processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits configured to perform the various functions of the present disclosure individually and / or collectively. As an example without limitation, at least a portion of the processor (110) may be included in a first chip of the electronic device (100), and at least another portion of the processor (110) may be included in a second chip of the electronic device (100) different from the first chip of the electronic device (100).

[0032] For example, the processor (110) may include a central processing unit (111), a graphics processing unit (112), a neural processing unit (113), an image signal processor (114), a display controller (115), a memory controller (116), a storage controller (117), a communication processor (118), and / or a sensor interface (119). These components of the processor (110) are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (110) may include other components. For example, some components of the processor (110) may be omitted from the processor (110). For example, some components of the processor (110) may be included as separate components of the electronic device (100) outside of the processor (110). For example, some components of the processor (110) (e.g., memory controller (116)) may be included in other components (e.g., at least part of memory (120), an interface (e.g. available for connection to at least one component of the electronic device (100)), a display (140) and / or an image sensor (150)).

[0033] The processor (110) may cause other components of the electronic device (100) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in memory (120). The CPU (111) (or central processing circuit) may be configured to control the components of the processor (110) based on the execution of instructions stored in memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121) and / or non-volatile memory (122)). The GPU (112) (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (113) (or neural processing circuit, or AI (artificial intelligence) chip) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). An ISP (114) (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through an image sensor (150) into a format suitable for a component within the electronic device (100) or a component of the processor (110). A display controller (115) (or display control circuit, or DPU (display processing unit)) may be configured to process an image acquired from a CPU (111), GPU (112), ISP (114), or memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121)) into a format suitable for a display (140). A memory controller (116) (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory (121) and writing data to the volatile memory (121). A storage controller (117) (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the non-volatile memory (122) and writing data to the non-volatile memory (122).The CP (118) (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a component of the processor (110) into a format suitable for transmitting to another electronic device via the communication circuit (160), or to process data obtained from another electronic device via the communication circuit (160) into a format suitable for processing by the component of the processor (110). For example, the communication circuit (160) may include one or more communication circuits. The sensor interface (119) (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data regarding the state of the electronic device (100) and / or the state around the electronic device (100), obtained through the sensor (170), into a format suitable for the component of the processor (110).

[0034] Memory (120) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices). For example, memory (120) may include a memory assembly comprising one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include a hard drive, a permanent memory such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., non-volatile memory (122)), a semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (RAM) (e.g., volatile memory (121)), any other suitable type of storage (or storage assembly), or any combination thereof. Memory (120) may include a cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (100). As an example not limited to, the cache memory may be included within the processor (110). The memory (120) may be fixedly embedded within the electronic device (100) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a SIM (subscriber identity module) card and / or an SD (secure digital) card) that can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (100).

[0035] For example, memory (120) may store one or more software applications, such as operating system (or system) software applications, firmware software applications, driver software applications, plugin (e.g., add-in, add-on, and / or applet) software applications, and / or any other suitable software applications. For example, the one or more software applications may include instructions executable by the processor (110). For example, memory (120) may store instructions that can be called by an application programming interface (API). For example, memory (120) may store instructions within a library.

[0036] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0037] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0038] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0039] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (100)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (110)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (100)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0041] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0042] In the following description, the Cartesian coordinate system (xyz coordinate system) of the drawings may be referenced to describe various directions. The directions in the Cartesian coordinate system of the drawings referenced in the following description are exemplary, and it should be understood that descriptions such as ‘first direction’ and ‘second direction’ of the embodiments of the present disclosure may include not only specific directions in the drawings but also other directions. Additionally, in the following description, terms such as ‘x-axis direction’ may include both directions of the corresponding coordinate axis, for example, the +x direction and the -x direction.

[0043] FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 2a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] The electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2a and 2b may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1, or may include various embodiments of the electronic device.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a housing (210) comprising a first surface (or front) (210A), a second surface (or rear) (210B), and a side (210C) surrounding the space between the first surface (210A) and the second surface (210B). In one embodiment (not shown), the housing (210) may refer to a structure forming some of the first surface (210A), the second surface (210B), and the side (210C). According to one embodiment, the first surface (210A) may be formed by a front plate (202) (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers) in which at least a portion is substantially transparent. The second surface (210B) may be formed by a rear plate (211) that is substantially opaque. The rear plate (211) may be formed, for example, by coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The side (210C) may be formed by a side frame (or "side member") (218) comprising metal and / or polymer, which is combined with the front plate (202) and the rear plate (211). In some embodiments, the rear plate (211) and the side frame (218) may be formed integrally and may comprise the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate (202) may include a first region (210D) that curves seamlessly from the first surface (210A) toward the rear plate at both ends of the long edge of the front plate. In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 2b), the rear plate (211) may include a second region (210E) that curves seamlessly from the second surface (210B) toward the front plate at both ends of the long edge. In some embodiments, the front plate (202) or the rear plate (211) may include only one of the first region (210D) or the second region (210E). In some embodiments, the front plate (202) and the rear plate (211) may not include the first region and the second region, but may include only a flat plane positioned parallel to the second surface (210B). In the above embodiments, when viewed from the side of the electronic device, the side frame (218) may have a first thickness (or width) on the side that does not include the first region (210D) or the second region (210E) as above, and may have a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness on the side that includes the first region or the second region.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (300), an input device (203), an audio output device (207, 214), a sensor module (204, 219), a camera module (205, 212, 213), a key input device (217), an indicator (not shown), and a connector (208). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., a key input device (217), or an indicator) or additionally include other components.

[0048] The display (300) may be exposed, for example, through a substantial portion of the front plate (202). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display (300) may be exposed through the front plate (202) forming the first surface (210A) and the first area (210D) of the side (210C). The display (300) may be combined with or placed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of the touch, and / or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor module (204, 219) and / or at least a portion of the key input device (217) may be placed in the first area (210D) and / or the second area (210E).

[0049] The input device (203) may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device (203) may include a plurality of microphones positioned to detect the direction of sound. The sound output device (207, 214) may include speakers. The speakers may include an external speaker (207) and a call receiver (214). In some embodiments, the microphone, speakers, and connector (208) are positioned in the space of the electronic device (200) and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the housing (210). In some embodiments, the hole formed in the housing (210) may be used for both the microphone and the speakers. In some embodiments, the sound output device (207, 214) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates with the hole formed in the housing (210) excluded. In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a tray member (2181) disposed through at least a portion of the side frame (218).

[0050] The sensor module (204, 219) can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (204, 219) may include, for example, a first sensor module (204) (e.g., proximity sensor) and / or a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., fingerprint sensor) disposed on a first surface (210A) of the housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (219) (e.g., HRM sensor) disposed on a second surface (210B) of the housing (210). The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the first surface (210A) of the housing (210). The fingerprint sensor (e.g., ultrasonic or optical fingerprint sensor) may be disposed below the display (300) on the first surface (210A). The electronic device (200) may further include at least one of an unillustrated sensor module, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor (204).

[0051] The camera modules (205, 212, 213) may include a first camera device (205) disposed on a first surface (210A) of the electronic device (200), a second camera device (212) disposed on a second surface (210B), and / or a flash (213). The camera modules (205, 212) may include one or more optics, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (213) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device (200).

[0052] A key input device (217) may be placed on the side (210C) of the housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the aforementioned key input devices (217), and the key input devices (217) that are not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the display (300). In one embodiment, the key input device (217) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the display (300).

[0053] An indicator may be placed, for example, on a first surface (210A) of a housing (210). The indicator may, for example, provide status information of an electronic device (200) in the form of light. In one embodiment, a light-emitting element may, for example, provide a light source that is coupled with the operation of a camera module (205). The indicator may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

[0054] The connector hole (208) may include a first connector hole (208) capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device, and / or a second connector hole (or earphone jack) capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device.

[0055] Some of the camera modules (205, 212), some of the sensor modules (204, 219), or indicators may be positioned to be exposed through the display (300). For example, the camera module (205), sensor module (204), or indicator may be positioned to come into contact with the external environment through an opening or a transparent area perforated from the internal space of the electronic device (200) to the front plate (202) of the display (300). In one embodiment, the area facing the display (300) and the camera module (205) may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of the area for displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area that overlaps with the effective area (e.g., field of view area) of the camera module (205) through which light passes to form an image and generate an image by being formed by an image sensor. For example, the transparent area of ​​the display (300) may include an area with a lower pixel density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace the opening. For example, the camera module (205) may include an under-display camera (UDC). In one embodiment, some sensor modules (204) may be positioned to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the front plate (202) within the internal space of the electronic device. For example, in this case, the perforated opening may be unnecessary for the area of ​​the display (300) facing the sensor modules.

[0056] In various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a camera housing (301). The camera housing (301) may cover one or more camera modules (212) positioned to be capable of shooting in the direction of the rear (second surface (210B)) of the electronic device (e.g., the -Z direction in the drawing). In various embodiments, the camera housing (301) may have a multi-stage shape. For example, the camera housing (301) may include a first housing (310) protruding onto a rear plate (211) and a second housing (320) protruding onto the upper surface of the first housing (310).

[0057] FIGS. 3a to 3c are cross-sectional views of electronic devices according to various embodiments.

[0058] FIGS. 3a to 3c are cross-sectional views with respect to the AA direction of FIG. 2b.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3a through 3c, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 and the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2a through 2b) may include a camera (212) and a camera housing (301). The camera (212) may include, for example, a camera body (2121), a lens (2122), and a barrel (2123) that holds the lens (2122), and may be positioned to enable shooting from inside the electronic device toward the rear direction of the electronic device (e.g., the -Z direction in the drawings). The camera (212) may protrude beyond the rear plate (211) of the electronic device. For example, a camera hole (2111) may be formed in the rear plate (211) of the electronic device in an area corresponding to the camera, and the camera (212) may protrude toward the rear direction through the camera hole (2111).

[0060] In various embodiments, the camera housing (301) may cover the camera (212) in the rear direction of the electronic device. The camera housing (301) may protect the camera (212) and provide a design point in the area of ​​the electronic device where the camera (212) is placed.

[0061] In various embodiments, the camera housing (301) may have a multi-stage structure. For example, the camera housing (301) may include a first housing (310) and a second housing (320). The first housing (310) may protrude onto the rear plate (211) of the electronic device. The second housing (320) may protrude from the upper surface of the first housing (310). By having the camera housing (301) have a multi-stage structure formed by the first housing (310) and the second housing (320), the height from the rear plate (211) to the upper part of the second housing (320) may increase in stages. Thus, the sense of height resulting from the protrusion of the camera (212) may be alleviated.

[0062] In various embodiments, the second housing (320) may include a window (321) and a bezel ring (322). The window (321) may be a member that is transparent to allow the camera (212) to take photos and protects the lens (2122) of the camera (212). The bezel ring (322) may be a body of the second housing (320) that supports the window (321) and protrudes from the first housing (310).

[0063] In various embodiments, the first housing (310) may include a rim portion (311). The rim portion (311) may be a member located on the outside of the first housing (310) to form the exterior of the first housing (310). In various embodiments, the rim portion (311) may include a transparent material. The transparent material of the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310) may include, for example, an inorganic material such as sapphire, glass, or tempered glass, and / or a polymer material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate). In some embodiments, the transparent material of the rim portion (311) may include, for example, a glass fiber-polymer composite material. The transparent material of the present disclosure may include a material that is at least partially hazy. By having the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310) have a transparent material, the visual height of the first housing (310) may be reduced. For example, the thickness of the first housing (310) may appear thinner than the actual thickness due to refraction occurring in the transparent material of the edge portion (311).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3a and FIG. 3c, in various embodiments, the first housing (310) may include a light-shielding layer (318) located on the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311). The light-shielding layer (318) may be a layer that blocks light so that the interior of the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310) is not visible. In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer (318) may be a paint layer formed to impart a specific color and / or texture to the first housing (310).

[0065] In various embodiments, the light shielding layer (318) may include a material that reflects light. For example, the light shielding layer (318) may include a plating layer applied to the inner surface (3111) of the edge portion (311) by means such as plating, deposition, or sputtering. In some embodiments, the light shielding layer (318) may be a paint layer containing metal.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3b and 3c, in various embodiments, the first housing (310) may include a support member located inside the rim portion (311). The support member may be a member that supports the rim portion (311) against external stress and impact inside the rim portion (311). In various embodiments, the support member may include a metal material. In various embodiments, a light shielding layer (318) may be located between the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) and the support member.

[0067] In some embodiments, the light-blocking layer (318) is not located on the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311), and the support member can block light so that the interior of the first housing (310) is not visible. In some embodiments, the support member can impart a specific color and / or texture to the first housing (310) through means such as roughening, polishing, anodizing and / or paint application.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first housing (310) may comprise a double-injection polymer material. For example, the first housing (310) may be double-injection formed such that the rim portion (311) is formed of a transparent polymer material and the inner side of the rim portion (311) has a colored and / or opaque polymer material.

[0069] In various embodiments, the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) may be at least partially embedded in the upper portion of the first housing (310). For example, a portion of the upper portion of the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310) may protrude from the upper portion of the rim portion (311) so as to at least partially surround the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320). The area of ​​the rim portion (311) surrounding the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) may be referred to as a refraction portion (3112), as it is a region where light reflected from the second housing (320) is intensively reflected and / or refracted.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary path of light incident on a camera housing (301) according to various embodiments.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, the degree to which light (L) is reflected and / or refracted in the refractive section (3112) may change depending on the thickness of the refractive section (3112). The thicker the thickness of the refractive section (3112), for example, the thickness (T1) between the upper part of the edge section (311) and the inner surface (3111), the greater the degree to which light is reflected and / or refracted within the refractive section (3112). For example, light incident on the lower part (3221) of the second housing (320) is reflected from the lower part (3221) of the second housing (320) and incident on the refractive section (3112), and passes through the interior of the refractive section (3112), causing multiple reflections and refractions.

[0072] As the degree to which light is reflected and / or refracted in the refractive section (3112) increases, the degree of shading in the refractive section (3112) increases. This may be because the light gradually weakens as it passes through the refractive section (3112), and also because the light is dispersed by reflection and / or refraction in the refractive section (3112). Additionally, as the thickness of the refractive section (3112) increases, the first housing (310) is perceived as lower due to the three-dimensional effect. Therefore, the thickness of the refractive section (3112) (the thickness of the refractive section (3112) of the edge section (311)) may have a value sufficient to provide a sufficient three-dimensional effect to the first housing (310) while reducing the reflection and / or refraction of light occurring in the refractive section (3112).

[0073] FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view showing a camera housing (301) according to various embodiments.

[0074] FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary path of light incident on a camera housing (301) according to various embodiments.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5a, the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) may be positioned to be partially embedded in the upper portion of the first housing (310) (e.g., the upper portion of the rim portion (311)). The lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) may have a shape inclined at a predetermined angle (A1) toward the interior of the second housing (320). For example, the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) may have a chamfered shape.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5b, the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) has an inclined shape, so that the reflection and refraction path of light reflected from the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) and passing through the transparent material of the edge portion (311) of the first housing (310) can be changed. Since the area where light is intensively reflected and refracted at the edge portion (311) changes according to the inclination angle (A1) of the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320), the location where shading occurs within the edge portion (311) and the degree of shading can be adjusted.

[0077] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view showing a camera housing (301) according to various embodiments.

[0078] FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary path of light incident on a camera housing (301) according to various embodiments.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6a, the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310) may include an inclined surface. For example, the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) may have a shape inclined by a predetermined angle (A2) with respect to a line perpendicular to the rear plate (211). Since the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) has an inclined shape, the thickness from the outer edge of the rim portion (311) to the inner surface (3111) increases, thereby reducing the risk of damage (e.g., breakage) to the transparent material of the rim portion (311).

[0080] A light shielding layer (318) may be positioned on the inclined surface of the inner side (3111) of the rim portion (311). A support member adjacent to the inner side (3111) of the rim portion (311) may have a shape corresponding to the inclined shape of the inner side (3111).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6b, depending on the angle of inclination (A2) of the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311), the area where reflection and refraction occur within the transparent material of the rim portion (311) may change. For example, light incident on and reflected from the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) and incident on the rim portion (311) may cause multiple refractions and reflections within the area of ​​the rim portion (311) adjacent to the inclined surface.

[0082] In various embodiments, the degree of refraction and reflection of light within the rim portion (311) may be determined by the angle of inclination (A1) of the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) and the angle of inclination (A2) of the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310). For example, in some embodiments, the angle of inclination (A1) of the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) may be set such that the light reflected from the lower portion (3221) of the second housing (320) and incident on the rim portion (311) is similar to or substantially the same as the angle of inclination (A2) of the inclined surface of the rim portion (311). Accordingly, the angle of inclination on the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) may be increased.

[0083] FIGS. 7a to 7d are cross-sectional views showing a camera housing (301) according to various embodiments.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the inner surface (3111) of the edge portion (311) of the first housing (310) may have a curved shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 7a, the inner surface (3111) of the edge portion (311) of the first housing (310) may have a concave surface. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 7b, the inner surface (3111) of the edge portion (311) of the first housing (310) may have a convex surface.

[0085] The shape of the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) can affect the sense of depth of the rim portion (311) visible from the outside. For example, if the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) is a convex surface, the sense of depth of the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) increases, and if the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311) is a concave surface, the sense of depth of the rim portion (311) decreases. Therefore, by adjusting the curved shape of the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311), the visible thickness of the first housing (310) can be adjusted to be lower or higher than the actual thickness.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7c, the outer side portion of the rim portion (311) may have a shape inclined at a predetermined angle (A3). By having the outer side portion of the rim portion (311) inclined, the visual protrusion of the first housing (310) may be reduced.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7d, the outer side portion of the rim portion (311) may have a curved shape (e.g., a concave shape). Because the outer side portion of the rim portion (311) has a concave shape, the protruding sensation of the first housing (310) is reduced, and the sense of depth inside the first housing (310) may be increased due to refraction occurring in the transparent material of the rim portion (311).

[0088] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the shapes of the rim portion (311) shown in FIG. 7c and / or FIG. 7d can be arbitrarily combined with the inner surface (3111) having the shapes shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 7b.

[0089] FIGS. 8a to 8c are cross-sectional views showing the combined structure of a camera housing (301) and a rear plate (211) according to various embodiments.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the lower portion of the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310) may extend inwardly (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the electronic device through the camera hole (2111) of the rear plate (211). The lower portion of the rim portion (311) extending through the camera hole (2111) may be referred to as a connecting portion (3114).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 8a, the coupling portion (3114) can be fitted onto the inner surface of the camera hole (2111). In some embodiments, a support member may be positioned to support the coupling portion (3114) on the inner side of the rim portion (311).

[0092] Referring to FIG. 8b, the coupling portion (3114) may have a projection (3115) extending on the inner surface of the rear plate (211). The projection (3115) may be fixed by being caught on the inner surface of the rear plate (211) so as to fix the rim portion (311) and the first camera housing (301) to the rear plate (211).

[0093] Referring to FIG. 8c, the lower portion of the edge portion (311) of the first housing (310) can be bonded to the surface of the rear plate (211) (e.g., bonded by adhesive (307)). A support member extends from the lower portion of the edge portion (311) and can be fitted into the inner surface of the camera hole (2111).

[0094] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing comprising a rear plate (211). The electronic device may include at least one camera positioned to be capable of shooting in a first direction defined as the rear of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a camera housing (301) covering at least a portion of the camera. The camera housing (301) may include a first housing (310) protruding from the rear plate (211) and a second housing (320) protruding from the upper surface of the first housing (310). The first housing (310) may include a rim portion (311) forming a rim portion of the first housing (310) and comprising a transparent material, and a light shielding layer (318) located on the inner surface (3111) of the rim portion (311).

[0095] In various embodiments, the light shielding layer (318) may include a material that reflects light.

[0096] In various embodiments, the upper portion of the rim portion (311) includes a refraction portion (3112) formed to at least partially wrap around the outer surface of the lower portion of the second housing (320), and the thickness of the refraction portion (3112) can be determined based on the amount of light incident on the rim portion and refracted within the refraction portion (3112).

[0097] In various embodiments, the inner surface (3111) of the outer camera housing (301) may have a shape inclined with respect to the rear plate (211).

[0098] In various embodiments, the lower portion of the second housing (320) may be at least partially embedded in the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310).

[0099] In various embodiments, the lower portion of the second housing (320) may have a shape inclined toward the interior of the second housing (320).

[0100] In various embodiments, the inner surface (3111) of the outer camera housing (301) may have a curved shape.

[0101] In various embodiments, the curved shape may be a concave surface.

[0102] In various embodiments, the curved shape may be a convex surface.

[0103] In various embodiments, the rear plate (211) has a camera hole (2111) formed so that the camera is exposed in the first direction, and the camera housing (301) is coupled to the area of ​​the rear plate (211) where the camera hole (2111) is formed, and the rim portion (311) may have a coupling portion (3114) that extends inwardly through the camera hole (2111) of the electronic device.

[0104] In various embodiments, the coupling portion (3114) has a projection (3115) extending onto the inner surface of the rear plate (211), and the projection (3115) may be configured to be fixed by being caught on the inner surface of the rear plate (211).

[0105] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing comprising a rear plate (211) facing a first direction. The electronic device may include at least one camera positioned to be capable of shooting in the first direction of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a camera housing (301) positioned to cover the camera on the rear plate (211). The camera housing (301) may include a first housing (310) protruding from the rear plate (211) and a second housing (320) protruding from the upper surface of the first housing (310), and the first housing (310) may include a rim portion (311) located on the outside of the first housing (310) and comprising a transparent material, and a support member located on the inside of the outer camera housing (301).

[0106] In various embodiments, the support member may include a metal material.

[0107] In various embodiments, the inner surface (3111) of the outer camera housing (301) may have a shape inclined with respect to one surface of the housing.

[0108] In various embodiments, the upper portion of the rim portion (311) includes a refraction portion (3112) formed to at least partially wrap the outer surface of the lower portion of the second housing (320), the lower portion of the second housing (320) is at least partially embedded in the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310), and the thickness of the refraction portion (3112) can be determined based on the amount of light refracted within the refraction portion (3112).

[0109] In various embodiments, the lower portion of the second housing (320) may have a shape inclined toward the interior of the second housing (320).

[0110] In various embodiments, the inner surface (3111) of the outer camera housing (301) may have a curved shape.

[0111] In various embodiments, the rear plate (211) has a camera hole (2111) formed so that the camera is exposed in the first direction, the camera housing (301) is coupled to the area of ​​the rear plate (211) where the camera hole (2111) is formed, and the rim portion (311) may have a coupling portion (3114) that extends inwardly through the camera hole (2111) of the electronic device.

[0112] In various embodiments, the lower end of the rim portion (311) is joined to the periphery of the camera hole (2111), the support member extends inwardly through the camera hole (2111) and the lower end can be fitted into the inner wall of the camera hole (2111).

[0113] In various embodiments, the coupling portion (3114) is fitted into the inner wall of the camera hole (2111), and the support member may be positioned to support the coupling portion (3114) of the rim portion (311) from the inside.

[0114] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples presented to facilitate the explanation of the technical content according to the embodiments disclosed in this document and to aid in understanding the embodiments disclosed in this document, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments disclosed in this document should be interpreted to include all modifications or variations derived based on the technical concept of the various embodiments disclosed in this document, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Housing including a rear plate (211); At least one camera positioned to enable shooting in a first direction defined as the rear of the electronic device, and It includes a camera housing (301) that covers at least a portion of the camera, and The above camera housing (301) is, A first housing (310) protruding from the rear plate (211) and It includes a second housing (320) protruding from the upper surface of the first housing (310), and The first housing (310) above is, A border portion (311) forming the border portion of the first housing (310) and including a transparent material, and An electronic device comprising a light shielding layer (318) located on the inner surface (3111) of the above-mentioned edge portion (311).

2. In Paragraph 1, The above light shielding layer (318) is an electronic device comprising a material that reflects light.

3. In Paragraph 1, The upper portion of the above-mentioned edge portion (311) includes a bend portion (3112) formed to at least partially wrap around the outer surface of the lower portion of the second housing (320), and An electronic device in which the thickness of the above refractive part (3112) is determined based on the amount of light incident on the above edge part and refracted within the above refractive part (3112).

4. In Paragraph 1, The inner surface (3111) of the outer camera housing (301) has a shape inclined with respect to the rear plate (211) in an electronic device.

5. In Paragraph 1, The second housing (320) is an electronic device in which the lower portion is at least partially embedded in the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310).

6. In Paragraph 5, The lower portion of the second housing (320) is an electronic device having a shape inclined toward the interior of the second housing (320).

7. In Paragraph 1, The inner surface (3111) of the outer camera housing (301) has a curved shape in the electronic device.

8. In Paragraph 1, The rear plate (211) has a camera hole (2111) formed therein so that the camera is exposed in the first direction, and The camera housing (301) is coupled to the area of ​​the rear plate (211) where the camera hole (2111) is formed, and The above-mentioned edge portion (311) is an electronic device having a coupling portion (3114) that extends inwardly through the camera hole (2111) of the electronic device.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned coupling portion (3114) has a projection (3115) extending onto the inner surface of the rear plate (211), and The above protrusion (3115) is an electronic device configured to be fixed by being caught on the inner surface of the rear plate (211).

10. In Paragraph 1, The above rear plate (211) is, It is positioned to face the first direction mentioned above, and The above camera housing (301) is, Located on the rear plate (211), The first housing (310) above is, An electronic device comprising a support member located on the inner side of the outer camera housing (301).

11. In Paragraph 10, The above-mentioned support member is an electronic device comprising a metal material.

12. In Paragraph 10, The inner surface (3111) of the outer camera housing (301) has a shape inclined with respect to one surface of the housing.

13. In Paragraph 10, The upper portion of the above-mentioned edge portion (311) includes a bend portion (3112) formed to at least partially wrap around the outer surface of the lower portion of the second housing (320), and The lower portion of the second housing (320) is at least partially embedded in the rim portion (311) of the first housing (310), and An electronic device in which the thickness of the above-mentioned refractive part (3112) is determined based on the amount of light refracted within the above-mentioned refractive part (3112).

14. In Paragraph 13, The lower portion of the second housing (320) is an electronic device having a shape inclined toward the interior of the second housing (320).

15. In Paragraph 10, The inner surface (3111) of the outer camera housing (301) has a curved shape in the electronic device.

Images