KR20240010965A - Cover case for foldable smartphone - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover case for the foldable smartphone is provided. The cover case has a flexible display and two bodies that are combined by dividing the flexible display into two parts, and a hinge is installed between the two bodies to protect the foldable smartphone. In the cover case for a phone, a first case is coupled to the first of the two bodies and includes a first back cover that covers the back of the first body, and is coupled to the second of the two bodies and covers the back of the second body. A second case including a second back cover covering a second case, disposed on the first back cover, a half pocket for card insertion that accommodates only a portion of a credit card and the end protrudes toward the hinge, and a foldable card disposed on the second back cover. When the smartphone is unfolded, it includes a buffer plate interposed between the protruding end of the credit card and the foldable smartphone, and the credit card and the buffer plate engage to limit the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone.

Description

Cover case for foldable smartphone {Cover case for foldable smartphone}

The present invention relates to a cover case for a smartphone, and more specifically, to a cover case for a foldable smartphone.

Technical improvements in display devices are progressing rapidly. Flexible displays, which are formed by changing the glass substrate used in conventional flat displays to a plastic substrate and folding due to the flexibility of plastic, have already been commercialized.

Flexible displays can be used as rollable displays that can be rolled up and carried around like a document, but they can also be applied to a variety of portable products (e.g. smartphones) that require a display device. Foldable smartphones, which were previously structurally impossible, are products created by taking advantage of the advantages of flexible displays.

However, currently, the specifications and shapes of foldable smartphones are inconsistent due to the diversification of sizes, shapes, and folding methods, and various types of products are being developed. As a result, users who use foldable smartphones are having problems applying accessories to their smartphones as before.

For example, in the case of a cover case (or protective cover) to protect a foldable smartphone from impact, a structure different from the conventional one is inevitable due to the folding structure of the foldable smartphone (e.g., Republic of Korea Patent 10-2228224, etc.). Additionally, if the size, shape, or folding method of a foldable smartphone changes, the structure or shape of the cover case will inevitably change accordingly, so various product development efforts are currently being attempted.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2228224, (2021. 03. 18)

The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a cover case for a foldable smartphone applicable to a foldable smartphone in order to solve these problems, and in particular, a cover case that can be effectively applied to a foldable smartphone having a folding structure that folds in half vertically. The goal is to provide cover cases for foldable smartphones.

The technical problem of the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

The cover case for a foldable smartphone according to the present invention has a flexible display and two bodies that are combined by dividing the flexible display into two parts, and a foldable folder with a hinge mounted between the two bodies. A cover case for a foldable smartphone for protecting a foldable smartphone, comprising: a first case coupled to a first body of the two bodies and including a first back cover covering the back of the first body; A second case coupled to the second of the two bodies and including a second back cover covering the back of the second body; a half pocket for card insertion disposed on the first rear cover, accommodating only a portion of a credit card and having an end of the credit card protrude toward the hinge; and a buffer plate disposed on the second rear cover and interposed between the end of the credit card and the foldable smartphone, which protrudes when the foldable smartphone is unfolded, wherein the credit card and the buffer plate are engaged. Limit the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone.

The second back cover may further include an end insertion groove formed on an outer surface of the hinge side end to accommodate the end of the credit card, and the buffer plate may be disposed at the bottom of the end insertion groove.

The half pocket for inserting a card may be formed by indenting the inner surface of the first back cover.

The half pocket for inserting a card may include an entrance groove formed at an end of the hinge side of the first back cover, and a card fixing groove connected to the entrance groove and extending to a length shorter than a credit card standard.

When the foldable smartphone is unfolded, at least a portion of the credit card may be elastically deformed outward due to a step between the entrance groove and the end insertion groove.

It may include an inclined surface formed in at least one of the entrance groove and the buffer plate to adjust the degree of deformation of the credit card in close contact with the credit card.

The unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone may decrease in inverse proportion to the length of the card fixing groove.

The end of the card fixing groove opposite the inlet groove may be formed to have a width narrower than the inlet groove.

A first shock absorber formed to protrude outwardly at a corner of the first case to increase the thickness of the first case, and a first buffer portion to be formed to protrude outwardly at a corner of the second case to increase the thickness of the second case. It may further include a second buffer.

According to the present invention, a foldable smart phone can be protected using a cover case. The present invention can be effectively applied to a foldable smartphone with a structure that folds in half vertically, and therefore can meet the needs of users who want to apply accessories to the smartphone. In addition, the simple and sturdy structure protects the foldable smartphone from impact when mounted, and it is convenient to carry the user's credit card (or a plastic card of the same standard) inside the case, especially when the credit card is inserted. By using the elasticity of a credit card, the hinge of a foldable smartphone can be protected from being destroyed or damaged, thereby satisfying both convenience and device protection performance.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover case for a foldable smartphone is coupled to a foldable smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view in another direction showing the insertion position of the credit card in the cover case of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the foldable smartphone and credit card separated from the cover case of Figure 1.
Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views showing only the cover case of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the cover case of Figure 1 when the foldable smartphone is folded.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the cover case of Figure 1 when the foldable smartphone is unfolded.
Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views showing a cover case for a foldable smartphone according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms, and the present embodiments are only provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to provide common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention, and the invention is merely defined by the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

In this specification, the first body and the second body of the foldable smartphone do not have any other limited meaning other than to distinguish the two bodies.

Likewise, the first case and the second case do not have any other limited meaning other than to distinguish the two cases that are coupled to each of the two bodies that make up the foldable smartphone.

Therefore, the positions of the first body and the second body and the first case and the second case shown in the drawings are exemplary, and in other embodiments, the positions of the first body and the second body, the first case and the second case Locations may change. Additionally, components defined in relation to each case (e.g., half pocket for card insertion, buffer plate, etc.) can also change position depending on the location of the case.

In addition, since the credit card in this specification refers to a plastic card having elasticity, various plastic cards having the same specifications as a credit card are also substantially included in the credit card of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the cover case for a foldable smartphone according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, and based on that, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state of combination of a cover case for a foldable smartphone with a foldable smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a different direction showing the insertion position of a credit card in the cover case of Figure 1. It is a perspective view, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the foldable smartphone and credit card separated from the cover case of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, the cover case 1 (hereinafter referred to as cover case) for a foldable smartphone according to the present invention is a first case 100 separated from each other based on the hinge A4 of the foldable smartphone A. and a second case 200.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first case 100 and the second case 200 are attached to two bodies (first body A1 and second body A2) formed on the foldable smartphone A. Each is combined. Therefore, each body can be protected regardless of whether the foldable smartphone (A) is folded or unfolded.

As shown in FIG. 3, a half pocket 110 for card insertion is formed in the first case 100 to accommodate only a portion of a credit card (see B in FIG. 2) and exposes the end, and in the second case 200 A buffer plate 210 is formed at a position where it can come into close contact with the end of the credit card (B). As a result, the credit card (B) may be fixed on one side to the half pocket 110 for card insertion and the other side may be engaged with the buffer plate 210, thereby limiting the range of motion of the foldable smartphone (A) (Figure 7 reference).

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, in the present invention, when the foldable smartphone (A) is unfolded, the end of the credit card (B) presses one side of the case. The present invention has a structure that utilizes the elasticity of a credit card (B) (or other plastic cards of the same standard as the credit card), and the elasticity of the credit card (B) allows the foldable smartphone (A) to be hinged. It has the characteristic of preventing excessive expansion beyond the range of motion of (A4). Therefore, not only can it prevent the foldable smartphone (A) from falling, but it can also prevent breakage or damage to the hinge (A4) that may occur due to the user's carelessness.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the cover case 1 of the present invention is configured as follows. The cover case (1) has one flexible display (A3) and two bodies (see A1 and A2 in FIG. 3) that are combined by dividing the flexible display (A3) into two parts, and a hinge between the two bodies ( In the cover case (1) for a foldable smartphone to protect a foldable smartphone (A) equipped with A4), it is coupled to the first body (see A1 in FIG. 3) of the two bodies, A first case (100) including a first back cover (101) covering the back of the first body (A1), coupled to the second body (see A2 in FIG. 3) of the two bodies and the second body (A2). ), a second case 200 including a second back cover 201 covering the back of the card, disposed on the first back cover 101, and accommodating only a portion of the credit card B, with the end of the credit card B A half pocket 110 for inserting a card that protrudes toward the hinge A4 of the foldable smartphone A, and a credit card disposed on the second rear cover 201 and protruding when the foldable smartphone A is unfolded. Including a buffer plate (see 210 in FIG. 3) interposed between the end of the card (B) and the foldable smartphone (A), the credit card (B) and the buffer plate (210) are engaged to form the foldable smartphone (A). Limits the unfolding angle of

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover case 1 has an end insertion groove ( (see 211 in FIG. 2) and the buffer plate 210 may be disposed at the bottom of the end insertion groove 211. Additionally, the half pocket 110 for inserting a card may be formed by indenting the inner surface of the first rear cover 101 (see FIG. 3).

Therefore, the structure (end insertion groove and buffer plate) in contact with the protruding end of the credit card (B) is substantially on the outer surface of the case, and the card insertion half pocket 110, which inserts and secures the remaining part of the credit card (B), is substantially It can be arranged separately on the inner surface of the case so that each case comes into contact with the credit card (B) on different sides. Hereinafter, the configuration and effects of the present invention will be described in more detail based on an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to the exploded view of FIG. 3, the structure of the foldable smartphone (A) to which the present invention is applied will be briefly described. The foldable smartphone (A) has a structure in which two bodies are combined into one flexible display (A3). Two bodies [the first body (A1) and the second body (A2)] are combined by dividing one flexible display (A3) into two parts as shown in FIG. 3, and there is a hinge between the two bodies (FIG. 6 (see A4) is installed. Therefore, the foldable smartphone (A) is formed to be foldable around the hinge (A4) (see Figure 6).

This foldable smartphone (A) has an overall vertically long shape, and the hinge (A4) is placed in the center of the length direction, so that it can be folded in half vertically. The length of each of the first body (A1) and second body (A2) of this foldable smartphone (A), excluding the hinge (A4), may be shorter than that of a regular credit card (B). There is no need to be limited thereto, but the present invention can be applied more effectively to such a foldable smartphone (A).

Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views showing only the cover case of Figure 3.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the structure of the cover case will be described in more detail. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the first case 100 is coupled to one of the two bodies of the foldable smartphone, for example, the first body (see A1 in Figure 3). The first case 100 includes a first back cover 101 that covers the back of the first body A1 of the foldable smartphone. The first case 100 may further include a first side cover 102 disposed around the first back cover 101, and the first back cover 101 and the first side cover 102 are connected to each other. It may be formed in a structure that shields the back and sides of the first body (A1). The first side cover 102 is not formed on the side where the hinge of the foldable smartphone (see A4 in FIG. 3) is located.

The second case 200 is coupled to the other one of the two bodies of the foldable smartphone, for example, the second body (see A2 in FIG. 3). The second case 200 includes a second back cover 201 that covers the back of the second body A2 of the foldable smartphone. The second case 200 may also further include a second side cover 202 disposed around the second back cover 201, and the second back cover 201 and the second side cover 202 are connected to each other. It may be formed to shield the back and sides of the second body (A2). The second side cover 202 is also not formed on the side where the hinge A4 of the foldable smartphone is located.

The detailed structures of the first case 100 and the second case 200 may be different. For example, the first case 100 may be coupled to a body in which a speaker, a charging terminal, etc. of a foldable smartphone are formed, and thus a groove 121 of a corresponding shape may be disposed at a corresponding position. On the other hand, the second case 200 can be coupled to the body in which the volume button, start button, camera, etc. of the foldable smartphone are formed, and therefore has a groove portion 223 and a button portion 222 of another shape at the corresponding position. etc. may be placed. An exposure hole 113 that can expose a credit card (B) may be formed open in the card insertion half pocket (11) of the first case (100), and a foldable smartphone may be installed in the second case (200). The camera hole 221 exposing the camera may be formed open. This arrangement may change depending on the structure of the foldable smartphone.

A structure to protect against impact may be formed at the corners of each of the first case 100 and the second case 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the first buffer 130 is formed to protrude outward at the corner of the first case 100 to increase the thickness of the first case 100, and the corner of the second case 200 A second buffer portion 230 that protrudes outwardly to increase the thickness of the second case 200 may be disposed in each case. Since the first case 100 and the second case 200 may be formed at least partially of a soft elastic material capable of elastic deformation, they can be used when falling using the first buffer 130 and the second buffer 230. It can effectively relieve shock from corners.

The materials of the first case 100 and the second case 200 may be changed within the limit of possible cushioning, so there is no need to be limited by material. For example, each case may contain a relatively hard plastic material. In such cases, for example, the hardness, elasticity, etc. of the necessary parts can be adjusted by means of multiple injection, etc., and thus a buffer structure (structure including the first buffer part and the second buffer part) can be formed with an appropriate material at an appropriate position. You can.

Referring to FIG. 4, the half pocket 110 for card insertion is disposed on the first rear cover 101 of the first case 100. The half pocket 110 for card insertion accommodates only a portion of the credit card (see B in FIG. 3), and the unaccommodated end of the credit card (B) protrudes toward the hinge of the foldable smartphone (see A4 in FIG. 3). The half pocket 110 for card insertion is formed so that only a portion of the entire credit card can be inserted.

The half pocket 110 for inserting a card is formed by indenting the inner surface of the first back cover 101. At this time, the inner surface refers to the side of each back cover that is in contact with the foldable smartphone (therefore, the outer surface is the opposite side of each back cover that is not in contact with the foldable smartphone). As shown in FIG. 4, the half pocket 110 for inserting a card may be formed into a groove structure by recessing a portion of the inner surface of the first rear cover 101, and thus it is possible to insert a credit card therein.

More specifically, the half pocket 110 for inserting a card has an entrance groove 111 formed at the end of the hinge side of the first back cover 101 (see A4 in FIG. 3 - refers to the hinge of a foldable smartphone), and an entrance It may include a card fixing groove 112 that is connected to the groove 111 and extends to a length shorter than the credit card standard.

As mentioned above, since the side cover of each case is not formed on the side where the hinge (A4) is located, but only the back cover is formed, the entrance groove 111, which becomes the entrance when inserting a credit card, is placed at the end of the hinge (A4) side of the back cover. can do. The entrance groove 111 may be formed by indenting the inner end of the first rear cover 101, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 4.

The card fixing groove 112 is connected to the entrance groove 111, and its length (length in the direction matching the longitudinal direction of the credit card, referring to the vertical length in FIG. 4) is shorter than the credit card standard. The entrance groove 111 and the card fixing groove 112 may be formed integrally with each other and connected to each other.

For example, a part located on the open end side (side where the hinge is disposed) of the half pocket 110 for card insertion may become the entrance groove 111, and the remaining part may become the card fixing groove 112. As will be described later, an inclined surface 111a may be formed in the entrance groove 111, so in this embodiment, the area where the inclined surface 111a is formed is defined as the entrance groove 111.

The card fixing groove 112 may have a groove structure that starts from the entrance groove 111 and extends to the opposite end of the inner surface of the first rear cover 101. The credit card (see B in FIG. 3) inserted into the entrance groove 111 is substantially inserted and fixed inside the card fixing groove 112. The card fixing groove 112 is only shorter in length than the credit card (B), and the width (width in the direction perpendicular to the length) is the same as the credit card (B) standard, so the credit card ( B) can be substantially rigidly fixed.

Although not shown, it is possible to form a protruding protrusion around the card fixing groove 112 to prevent the credit card (B) from falling out, and other fixing structures (e.g., guide grooves in close contact with both sides of the card, etc.) It is also possible to place it on the card fixing groove 112. In this way, a half pocket 110 for card insertion can be formed on the inner surface of the first back cover 101 of the first case 100.

On the other hand, the buffer plate 210 is disposed on the second rear cover 201 of the second case 200. When the foldable smartphone is unfolded, the buffer plate 210 is between the end of the protruding credit card (B) (i.e., the part that protrudes and cannot be accommodated in the half pocket for card insertion - see Figure 2) and the foldable smartphone. It is included in As shown in FIG. 4, the buffer plate 210 may be formed at the end of the hinge side (see A4 in FIG. 3 - refers to the hinge of the foldable smartphone) of the second rear cover 201.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the buffer plate 210 may be connected to a groove structure recessed in the outer surface of the second case 200. At the end of the second back cover 201 on the hinge A4 side, the outer surface of the second back cover 201 is indented so that the end of the credit card (i.e., a portion that protrudes and cannot be accommodated in the half pocket for card insertion - Fig. 2) A terminal insertion groove 211 is formed to accommodate (see). The buffer plate 210 may be disposed at the bottom of the end insertion groove 211.

That is, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, a recessed groove structure (end insertion groove) can be formed on the outer surface of the second rear cover 201, and the buffer plate 210 can be placed inside the recessed structure. As the groove is indented, a step is formed, lowering the height from the surface, and the lower height portion forms the bottom, so the position of the shown buffer plate 210 corresponds to the bottom of the terminal insertion groove 211.

Due to this continuous structure of the end insertion groove 211 and the buffer plate 210, the protruding end of the credit card is guided toward the buffer plate 210 along the end insertion groove 211. Therefore, it can be in closer contact with the buffer plate 210.

The terminal insertion groove 211 is formed on the outer surface of the second back cover 201, and the half pocket 110 for card insertion is formed on the inner surface of the first back cover 101, so that when the foldable smartphone is unfolded, A step may be created between the entrance groove 111 and the end insertion groove 211 of the half pocket 110 for card insertion. This step structure induces the credit card to bend and elastically deform, making it possible to more effectively limit the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone. This will be explained in more detail later.

In addition, an inclined surface (see 111a in FIG. 4) is formed on at least one of the entrance groove 111 and the buffer plate 210, so that the degree of deformation of the credit card can be adjusted to the inclined surface 111a while in close contact with the credit card. there is. This structure and effect will be described in more detail with reference to the operation diagrams of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the cover case of FIG. 1 when the foldable smartphone is folded, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the cover case of FIG. 1 when the foldable smartphone is unfolded.

As shown in FIG. 6, the foldable smartphone (A) can be folded around the hinge (A4). In the cover case (1) of the present invention, the first case (100) and the second case (200) are separated and coupled to the first body (A1) and the second body (A2) of the foldable smartphone (A), respectively. Therefore, the foldable smartphone (A) can be protected from impact regardless of whether the foldable smartphone (A) is folded or unfolded.

At this time, the credit card (B) is inserted and fixed into the half pocket 110 for card insertion. The credit card (B) can be inserted into the entrance groove (111) formed at the end of the hinge (A4) side of the first back cover (101), and is substantially inserted into the card fixing groove (112) connected to the entrance groove (111). is fixed to Since the credit card (B) is in close contact with the first back cover 101 and the first body (A1) inside the card fixing groove 112, the length of the card fixing groove 112 (the horizontal length in FIG. 6) is Even if the length is shorter than the standard of the card (B), it can actually remain fixed until a person pulls it out with external force.

When you want to remove the credit card (B), you can rub the credit card (B) through the exposed hole (113) and push it toward the entrance groove (111), and the part protruding outside of the half pocket (110) for card insertion can also be pushed out. Since the user can easily hold the credit card (B), the user can conveniently insert or remove the credit card (B) from the card insertion half pocket (110) by holding the protruding part, etc.

In the foldable smartphone (A), the first body (A1) and the second body (A2) unfold around the hinge (A4), so the unfolding angle is the angle of the first body (A1) and the second body (A2) around the hinge (A4). This refers to the angle at which the body (A2) is opened. For example, in Figure 6 the unfolding angle may be 90 degrees and in Figure 7 the unfolding angle may be 180 degrees.

The range of motion of the hinge (A4) may vary depending on the structure of the foldable smartphone (A), but generally, if the unfolding angle exceeds 180 degrees, there may be a risk of damage. The present invention limits the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone by engaging the credit card (B) inserted into the half pocket 110 for card insertion and the buffer plate 210.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the foldable smartphone (A) is operated within the range of motion of the hinge (A4), the credit card (B) and the buffer plate 210 do not interfere with each other, so the foldable smartphone (A) can be freely operated. You can.

On the other hand, when the foldable smartphone A is unfolded in a straight line as shown in FIG. 7, the unfolding angle is approximately 180 degrees, so the hinge A4 may actually be close to its movable limit. As shown at this time, the end of the credit card (B) protruding from the card insertion half pocket 110 is supported by the buffer plate 210 and is elastically deformed, and the resulting reaction force acts to prevent damage to the hinge A4. .

When the foldable smartphone (A) is unfolded, the buffer plate 210 is interposed between the protruding end of the credit card (B) and the foldable smartphone (A) to deform the credit card (B) outward. Therefore, because a reaction force acts from the credit card (B) inward (in the direction toward the foldable smartphone), expansion of the unfolding angle is suppressed. If the thickness of the buffer plate 210 is increased, the degree of deformation of the credit card (B) can be greater at the same unfolding angle, so the unfolding angle can be limited by increased reaction force.

On the other hand, even if the protruding part of the credit card (B) is increased by reducing the length of the card fixing groove (112), the interference between the credit card (B) and the second case (200) may increase (interference areas other than the buffer plate) may increase. may occur) The degree of deformation of the credit card (B) may increase. Therefore, the expansion angle of the foldable smartphone can be suppressed by the increased reaction force, so as the length of the card fixing groove 112 decreases, the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone can decrease.

In particular, as shown in Figure 7, the end of the credit card (B) protrudes from the entrance groove 111 of the card insertion half pocket 110 and is inserted into the opposite end insertion groove 211. As described above, the end of the credit card (B) The insertion groove 211 is formed on the outer surface of the second rear cover 201, and the entrance groove 111 is formed on the inner surface of the first rear cover 101, thereby creating a step between the two grooves. Therefore, the end of the credit card (B) cannot be maintained in a straight line and is elastically deformed outward, creating a restoring force directed inward (the side facing the foldable smartphone).

That is, at least a portion of the credit card (B) may be elastically deformed outward due to the step between the entrance groove (111) and the end insertion groove (211). This structure is intentionally designed when the foldable smartphone (A) is unfolded. It is a structure that bends a portion of the credit card (B), and by using this groove structure together with the buffer plate 210, a restoring force of an appropriate size can be created.

At this time, the inclined surface 111a formed in at least one of the entrance groove 111 and the buffer plate 210 is in close contact with the credit card B, and adjusts the degree of deformation of the credit card B. If the slope of the inclined surface 111a is steep, it is advantageous to increase the deformation of the credit card B, and if the slope of the inclined surface 111a is small, it is advantageous to reduce the deformation of the credit card B, so the slope of the inclined surface 111a By adjusting the inclination angle, the degree of deformation of the credit card (B) can be adjusted and the size of the restoring force can also be controlled.

In this embodiment, the inclined surface 111a is illustrated only on one side of the entrance groove 111, but the inclined surface may also be formed on the side of the buffer plate 210. Additionally, an inclined surface may be formed only on the buffer plate 210. When inclined surfaces are formed on both sides of the entrance groove 111 and the buffer plate 210, the degree of deformation of the end of the credit card (B) can be more precisely adjusted by adjusting the inclination angles on both sides, so that the restoring force generated in response to the unfolding angle can be adjusted more precisely. Size can also be controlled more precisely.

This structure can prevent operations that exceed the operating limits of the foldable smartphone (A). The cover case (1) of the present invention is capable of utilizing the elastic force of the credit card (B) by combining it with the credit card (B) that people carry, so the cover case (1) has a simple structure (no need for a separate elastic body, etc.) and is very effective. am. In addition, various plastic cards made to the same specifications as the credit card (B) can be used equally, making it very convenient for a variety of users.

The foldable smartphone (A) equipped with the cover case (1) of the present invention is not only protected from impact when dropped by the shock absorbing structure (the first and second shock absorbers, etc.) described above. As shown, the hinge (A4) can be effectively protected from damage by the restoring force applied when the foldable smartphone (A) is unfolded. Therefore, even in situations where the hinge (A4), etc. may be damaged due to the user's careless manipulation of the foldable smartphone (A), damage to the device can be prevented with the cover case (1) of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a cover case for a foldable smartphone according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In order to make the explanation concise and clear, repeated explanation of the above-mentioned matters will be omitted and the explanation will focus on the parts that differ from the previous embodiment.

Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views showing a cover case for a foldable smartphone according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the cover case 1-1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the end 112a of the card fixing groove 112 opposite the entrance groove 111 has a width L2 of the entrance groove 111. ) can be formed narrower than that. Therefore, the credit card inserted into the card fixing groove 112 can be more strongly fixed using the end 112a having a relatively narrow width.

The width (L2) of the end (112a) of the card fixing groove (112) and the width (L1) of the entrance groove (111) mean the width in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the credit card. The difference in width may be very small, and the difference in width is intended to increase the adhesion between the credit card inserted in the half pocket 110 for card insertion and the half pocket 110 for card insertion, so it can be adjusted appropriately within that limit.

For example, if the width (L1) of the entrance groove (111) is the same as the credit card width, the fixing force increases even if the width (L2) of the end of the card fixing groove (112) is slightly reduced (may be around a few millimeters). You can do it. Since the cover case 1 can be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation, the end 112a of the card fixing groove 112 can be elastically deformed appropriately and thereby secure the credit card.

With this structure, the credit card is firmly fixed inside the card insertion half pocket 110, and the protruding part of the credit card is supported by the buffer plate 210 to limit the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 9, the cover case 1-1 according to another embodiment of the present invention may have an inclined surface 210a formed on the buffer plate 210. When inclined surfaces are formed on both sides of the entrance groove 111 and the buffer plate 210, the inclined angles on both sides can be relatively adjusted, so the degree to which the end of the credit card (B) is deformed at the same unfolding angle can be more precisely controlled.

The inclined surface 210a of the buffer plate 210 may be formed on the outer surface of the second rear cover 201, and therefore, the credit card can be used on the opposite side from the inclined surface formed on the inner surface of the first rear cover 101 (see 111a in FIG. 4). can be in close contact with Therefore, the degree of deformation of the credit card can be changed as desired by mutually adjusting the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces in close contact with the different sides of the credit card.

Due to this structure, the size of the restoring force generated in response to the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone can be controlled more precisely, creating a reaction force of an appropriate size that is not excessive, allowing the user to use the device more conveniently. .

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical idea or essential features. You will be able to understand it. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

1, 1-1: Cover case for foldable smartphone
100: first case 101: first back cover
102: First side cover 110: Half pocket for card insertion
111: entrance groove 111a, 210a: slope
112: Card fixing groove 112a: End of card fixing groove
113: exposed hole 121, 223: groove
130: first buffer 200: second case
201: second back cover 202: second side cover
210: Buffer plate 211: End insertion groove
221: Camera hole 222: Button portion
230: Second buffer A: Foldable smartphone
A1: First body A2: Second body
A3: Flexible display A4: Hinge
B: Credit card

Claims (9)

A cover for a foldable smartphone to protect the foldable smartphone, which has one flexible display and two bodies that are combined by dividing the flexible display into two parts, and is formed to be foldable by installing a hinge between the two bodies. In the case,
A first case coupled to the first of the two bodies and including a first back cover covering the back of the first body;
A second case coupled to the second of the two bodies and including a second back cover covering the back of the second body;
a half pocket for card insertion disposed on the first rear cover, accommodating only a portion of a credit card and having an end of the credit card protrude toward the hinge; and
Including a buffer plate disposed on the second back cover and interposed between the end of the credit card and the foldable smartphone that protrudes when the foldable smartphone is unfolded,
A cover case for a foldable smartphone in which the credit card and the buffer plate engage to limit the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes an end insertion groove formed on an outer surface of the hinge-side end of the second back cover to accommodate the end of the credit card,
The buffer plate is a cover case for a foldable smartphone disposed at the bottom of the terminal insertion groove. According to paragraph 2,
A cover case for a foldable smartphone in which the half pocket for inserting a card is formed by indenting the inner surface of the first back cover. According to paragraph 3,
The half pocket for card insertion includes an entrance groove formed at the hinge side end of the first back cover, and a card fixing groove connected to the entrance groove and extending to a length shorter than the credit card standard. A cover for a foldable smartphone case. According to clause 4,
A cover case for a foldable smartphone in which at least a portion of the credit card is elastically deformed outward due to a step between the entrance groove and the terminal insertion groove when the foldable smartphone is unfolded. According to clause 5,
A cover case for a foldable smartphone further comprising an inclined surface formed on at least one of the entrance groove and the buffer plate to adjust the degree of deformation of the credit card in close contact with the credit card. According to clause 4,
A cover case for a foldable smartphone in which the unfolding angle of the foldable smartphone decreases in inverse proportion to the length of the card fixing groove. According to clause 4,
A cover case for a foldable smartphone in which the end of the card fixing groove opposite the entrance groove is narrower than the entrance groove. According to paragraph 1,
a first buffer portion that protrudes outward at a corner of the first case to increase the thickness of the first case, and
A cover case for a foldable smartphone further comprising a second buffer portion that protrudes outward from a corner of the second case to increase the thickness of the second case.

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