KR20240057936A - Electronic device comprising hinge assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other, a first side of the first housing, and a flexible It may include a display, a cover member, a slide structure, and/or a guide portion. The display may be positioned across a portion of the hinge assembly and a second side of the second housing. The cover member is configured to cross a third side of the first housing facing in a direction opposite to the first side, a portion of the hinge assembly, and a fourth side of the second housing facing in a direction opposite to the second side. can be placed. At least a portion of the slide structure may be disposed between the cover member and the second housing. The slide structure may connect a portion of the cover member to be slidably movable in a first direction with respect to the second housing. The guide portion may be formed in a partial area of the second housing to at least partially accommodate the cover member and the slide structure. The guide part may extend from a point on the fourth surface of the second housing toward the inside of the second surface and form a specified angle with the fourth surface.

Description

Electronic device comprising a hinge assembly {ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING HINGE ASSEMBLY}

Examples disclosed in this document relate to electronic devices including a hinge assembly and a cover member surrounding the same.

Electronic devices refer to devices that perform specific functions according to installed programs, such as home appliances, electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, video/audio devices, desktop/laptop computers, or vehicle navigation devices. It can mean. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as sound or video. As the demand for mobile communication increases and the degree of integration of electronic devices increases, various technologies are being developed to improve the portability of electronic devices and user convenience in using multimedia functions.

The above information may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the disclosure herein. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may apply as prior art with respect to the disclosure herein.

An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other, a first side of the first housing, and a flexible It may include a display, a cover member, a slide structure, and/or a guide portion. The display may be positioned across a portion of the hinge assembly and a second side of the second housing. The cover member is configured to cross a third side of the first housing facing in a direction opposite to the first side, a portion of the hinge assembly, and a fourth side of the second housing facing in a direction opposite to the second side. can be placed. At least a portion of the slide structure may be disposed between the cover member and the second housing. The slide structure may connect a portion of the cover member to be slidably movable in a first direction with respect to the second housing. The guide portion may be formed in a partial area of the second housing to at least partially accommodate the cover member and the slide structure. The guide part may extend from a point on the fourth surface of the second housing toward the inside of the second surface and form a specified angle with the fourth surface.

The above-described or other aspects, configurations and/or advantages of an embodiment of the present disclosure may become clearer through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the electronic device in an unfolded state, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of the electronic device of FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of the electronic device of FIG. 5.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' of the electronic device of FIG. 5.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD' of the electronic device of FIG. 5.
Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the second housing according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the slide structure and the second housing according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the slide structure and the second housing according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the electronic device in an unfolded state, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.
Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar parts, components and/or structures may be assigned similar reference numbers.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment 100, the electronic device 101 communicates with the electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or a second network 199. It is possible to communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (e.g., a long-distance wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an audio output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, and a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or may include an antenna module 197. In one embodiment, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In one embodiment, some of these components (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) are integrated into one component (e.g., display module 160). It can be.

The processor 120, for example, executes software (e.g., program 140) to operate at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can be controlled and various data processing or calculations can be performed. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 120 stores commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132. The commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 can be processed, and the resulting data can be stored in the non-volatile memory 134. According to one embodiment, the processor 120 includes a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor 123 that can operate independently or together (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural network processing unit ( It may include a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and a secondary processor 123, the secondary processor 123 may be set to use lower power than the main processor 121 or be specialized for a designated function. You can. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as part of it.

The auxiliary processor 123 may, for example, act on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or while the main processor 121 is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) At least some of the functions or states related to can be controlled. According to one embodiment, co-processor 123 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190). there is. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed in the electronic device 101 itself on which the artificial intelligence model is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server 108). Learning algorithms may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but It is not limited. An artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), belief deep network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), It may be one of deep Q-networks or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to hardware structures, artificial intelligence models may additionally or alternatively include software structures.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101. Data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program 140) and instructions related thereto. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 and may include, for example, an operating system 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120) from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (eg, buttons), or digital pen (eg, stylus pen).

The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. Speakers can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of it.

The display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hall area programmable device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input module 150, the sound output module 155, or an external electronic device (e.g., directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101). Sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (e.g., speaker or headphone).

The sensor module 176 detects the operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. can do. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 176 includes, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or light sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that can be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly or wirelessly with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimulation that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 can manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least a part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

Communication module 190 is configured to provide a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108). It can support establishment and communication through established communication channels. Communication module 190 operates independently of processor 120 (e.g., an application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 may be a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., : LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module) may be included. Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module is a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., legacy It may communicate with an external electronic device 104 through a telecommunication network such as a cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be confirmed or authenticated.

The wireless communication module 192 may support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology provides high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and access to multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or ultra-reliable and low-latency (URLLC). -latency communications)) can be supported. The wireless communication module 192 may support high frequency bands (eg, mmWave bands), for example, to achieve high data rates. The wireless communication module 192 uses various technologies to secure performance in high frequency bands, for example, beamforming, massive array multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), and full-dimensional multiplexing. It can support technologies such as input/output (FD-MIMO: full dimensional MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., second network 199). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 supports Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mmTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing URLLC. Example: Downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each of 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) can be supported.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (eg, PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 is connected to the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190. can be selected. Signals or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to one embodiment, in addition to the radiator, other components (eg, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, a mmWave antenna module includes: a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band); And a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to the second side (e.g., top or side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band. can do.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and signal ( (e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, when the electronic device 101 must perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service instead of executing the function or service on its own. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology can be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In one embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

In the detailed description below, the length direction, width direction and/or thickness direction of the electronic device may be mentioned, with the length direction being the 'Y axis direction', the width direction being the 'X axis direction', and/or the thickness direction. can be defined as 'Z-axis direction'. In one embodiment, the direction in which a component faces may be referred to as 'yin/yang (-/+)' in addition to the orthogonal coordinate system illustrated in the drawing. For example, the front of an electronic device or housing can be defined as a 'side facing the +Z direction', and the back side can be defined as a 'side facing the -Z direction'. In one embodiment, the side of the electronic device or housing may include an area facing the +X direction, an area facing the +Y direction, an area facing the -X direction, and/or an area facing the -Y direction. For example, 'X axis direction' may mean including both '-X direction' and '+X direction'. Please note that this is based on the Cartesian coordinate system described in the drawings for brevity of explanation, and that the description of directions or components does not limit one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the direction in which the front or rear faces are different depending on whether the electronic device is unfolded or folded, and the direction mentioned above may be interpreted differently depending on the user's holding habits.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. The configuration of the electronic device 101 in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be the same in whole or in part as the configuration of the electronic device 101 in FIG. 1 .

2 and 3, the electronic device 101 includes a housing 202 for accommodating components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the battery 250 and/or the circuit board 260 of FIG. 4). , a flexible display or foldable display 230 (hereinafter referred to as display 230) connected to the housing 202 and/or a cover member 270 disposed on the outer surface of the housing 202. It can be included. According to one embodiment, the housing 202 may be referred to as a foldable housing.

According to one embodiment, the housing 202 may include a first housing 210 and a second housing 220 configured to rotate relative to the first housing 210 .

According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220 may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the surface on which the display 230 is visually exposed is the front side (e.g., the first side 210a and the second side 220a) of the electronic device 101 and/or the housing 202. is defined. The side opposite to the front is defined as the back of the electronic device 101 (eg, the third side 210b and the fourth side 220b). The surface surrounding at least a portion of the space between the front and rear surfaces is defined as the side (eg, first side 210c and second side 220c) of the electronic device 101.

In one embodiment, the cover member 270 may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the rear surface (eg, the third side 210b and the fourth side 220b) of the electronic device 101. For example, the cover member 270 (e.g., first cover area 271) has at least a portion of the area overlapping with the rear camera (e.g., rear camera module 206) and/or the rear display 234. It can be open.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220 are respectively disposed on the side (e.g., the first side 210c and the second side 220c) of the electronic device 101. It may include a first side frame 211 and a second side frame 221.

According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 may include a support area 223 in a portion extending from one end (eg, -Y direction end). For example, the support area 223 may be formed to accommodate one end (eg, -Y direction end) of the cover member 270 inside.

According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 may be rotatably connected to the first housing 210 . For example, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be rotatably connected to each other by a hinge structure (eg, the hinge assembly 240 of FIG. 4) disposed therebetween. The electronic device 101 may change between a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2) and an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3). When the electronic device 101 is folded, the first surface 210a can face the second surface 220a, and when the electronic device 101 is unfolded, the direction toward which the first surface 210a faces is The direction toward which the second surface 220a faces may be the same. For example, in the unfolded state, the first surface 210a may be located on substantially the same plane as the second surface 220a. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 is interlocked with the second housing 220 by receiving the rotational force of the second housing 202 using an interlocking structure (e.g., interlocking structure 330 in FIG. 6). You can rotate it. Conversely, the second housing 220 can rotate in conjunction with the first housing 210 by receiving the rotational force of the first housing 210 using an interlocking structure (e.g., interlocking structure 330 in FIG. 6). there is.

According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are disposed on both sides of the folding axis (A) and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A). The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are configured to form a first housing ( The angle between 210) and the second housing 220 may be changed.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 or the hinge assembly (eg, the hinge assembly 240 of FIG. 4 ) may include a hinge cover (eg, the hinge cover 243 of FIGS. 3 and 4 ). At least a portion of the hinge cover 243 may be disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the hinge cover 243 may protect the hinge structure (eg, the hinge assembly 240 of FIG. 4) from external impact of the electronic device 101. Referring to FIG. 3, for example, the hinge cover 243 is a side frame portion disposed side by side between the first side frame 211 and the second side frame 221 in the width direction (e.g., X-axis direction). may include. According to one embodiment (e.g., see FIGS. 15 and 16), the hinge cover 243 has a side in the width direction (e.g., ) may be at least partially obscured by .

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when the electronic device 101 is unfolded, the hinge cover 243 is covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. It may not be exposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the electronic device 101 is in a folded state (e.g., fully folded state), the hinge cover 243 is connected to the first housing 210 and It may be exposed to the outside between the second housing 220. For example, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are in an intermediate state folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover 243 is folded with a certain angle. ) and the second housing 220 may be partially exposed to the outside. However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover 243 may include a curved surface.

According to one embodiment, the display 230 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display 230 may include, for example, a hologram device or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display 230 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch.

According to one embodiment, the display 230 may refer to a display in which at least some areas can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display 230 may be formed to vary in response to the relative movement of the second housing 220 with respect to the first housing 210. According to one embodiment, the display 230 includes a folding area 233, a first display area 231 disposed on one side (e.g. above (+Y direction)) of the folding area 233, and the other side (e.g. : May include a second display area 232 disposed below (-Y direction). According to one embodiment, the folding area 233 is located on top of the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge assembly 240 of FIG. 4) (in the +Z axis direction) when the electronic device 101 is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2). ) can be located. For example, at least a portion of folding region 233 may face a hinge structure (e.g., hinge assembly 240 of FIG. 4). According to one embodiment, the folding area 233 may be referred to as a part of the display 230 that is at least partially curved based on a change in state (eg, folded or unfolded) of the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the first display area 231 may be placed on the first housing 210, and the second display area 232 may be placed on the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the display 230 may be accommodated in the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

However, the division of areas of the display 230 shown in FIG. 2 is exemplary, and the display 230 may be divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. .

Additionally, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the area of the display 230 may be divided by the folding area 233 or the folding axis (A-axis) extending parallel to the X-axis, but in another embodiment, the display 230 ) may be divided into regions based on different folding regions (e.g., folding regions parallel to the Y axis) or different folding axes (e.g., folding axes parallel to the Y axis). According to one embodiment, the display 230 is coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of touch, and/or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field-type stylus pen. It can be.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a rear display 234. The rear display 234 may be arranged to face a different direction from the display 230. For example, the display 230 is visually exposed through the front (e.g., first side 210a and/or second side 220a) of the electronic device 101, and the rear display 234 is exposed through the front of the electronic device 101. It may be visually exposed through the rear of 101 (eg, third side 210b).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include at least one camera module 204 and 206 and a flash (not shown). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 has a front camera module 204 exposed through the front (e.g., first side 210a) and/or exposed through the rear side (e.g., third side 210b). It may include an exposed rear camera module 206. The camera modules 204 and 206 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, a flash, and/or an image signal processor. A flash (not shown) may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide-angle and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be placed on one side of the electronic device 101. The configuration of the front camera module 204 and/or the rear camera module 206 may be the same in whole or in part as the configuration of the camera module 180 of FIG. 1 .

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device 101 includes a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a display 230, a hinge cover 243, a battery 250, a printed circuit board 260, and a flexible It may include a printed circuit board 263, a hinge assembly 240, and/or a cover member 270. The configuration of the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the display 230, and the cover member 270 in FIG. 4 is similar to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 in FIG. 2 and/or 3. ), all or part of the configuration of the display 230 and the cover member 270 may be the same.

According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a first side frame 211 (e.g., the first side frame 211 of FIG. 3), and the second housing 220 may include a second side frame 211. It may include a frame 221 (eg, the second side frame 221 of FIG. 3).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a first support member 212 and a second support member 222. For example, the first housing 210 may include a first support member 212 and the second housing 220 may include a second support member 222 . According to one embodiment, the first support member 212 and/or the second support member 222 are components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display 230, the battery 250, and the printed circuit board 260). )) can be supported. According to one embodiment, the first support member 212 and/or the second support member 222 may be formed of a metallic material and/or a non-metallic (eg, polymer) material. According to one embodiment, the first support member 212 may be disposed between the display 230 and the battery 250. For example, the display 230 may be coupled to one side of the first support member 212, and the battery 250 and the printed circuit board 260 may be disposed on the other side.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a first protection member 219 and a second protection member 229. For example, the first housing 210 may include a first protective member 219, and the second housing 220 may include a second protective member 229. According to one embodiment, the protection members 214 and 224 may protect the display 230 from external shock. For example, the first protective member 219 surrounds at least a portion of the display 230 (e.g., the first display area 231 in FIG. 1), and the second protective member 229 surrounds the display 230. It may surround at least a part of another part (e.g., the second display area 232 of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the first protection member 219 may be referred to as a first decor member, and the second protection member 214 may be referred to as a second decor member.

According to one embodiment, the housings 210 and 220 may include a first rear plate 218 and a second rear plate 228. For example, the first housing 210 includes a first back plate 218 connected to the first support member 212, and the second housing 220 includes a second back plate 218 connected to the second support member 222. It may include a plate 228. According to one embodiment, the rear plates 216 and 228 may form part of the exterior of the electronic device 101. For example, the outer surface (e.g., -Z direction surface) of the first back plate 218 and the second back plate 228 is respectively the back side (e.g., the third side 210b of FIG. 2) of the electronic device 101. and the fourth side 220b). According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the rear plates 216 and 228 (e.g., -Z direction surface) or the rear surface of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the third side 210b and the fourth side 220b of FIG. 2) ) A cover member 270 may be disposed.

According to one embodiment, the first battery 252 and the first printed circuit board 261 are disposed between the first support member 212 and the first back plate 218, and the second battery 254, And the second printed circuit board 262 may be disposed between the second support member 222 and the second back plate 228.

According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly 240 may include at least one hinge structure 241, 242 and/or a hinge cover 243. For example, the hinge cover 243 may form at least part of the exterior of the electronic device 101. For example, the hinge cover 243 may include a receiving groove 243a for receiving at least one hinge structure 241 or 242. According to one embodiment, the hinge cover 243 may be combined with at least one hinge structure 241 and 242. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is unfolded, at least a portion of the hinge cover 243 may be located between the hinge assembly 240 and the housings 210 and 220. According to one embodiment, the hinge cover 243 may guide the movement of the housings 210 and 220. For example, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may rotate with respect to the hinge cover 243 while being connected to the hinge cover 243 .

According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly 240 may include a plurality of hinge structures 241 and 242 arranged in parallel. For example, hinge assembly 240 may include a first hinge structure 241 and a second hinge structure 242 spaced apart from the first hinge structure 242 . According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure 241 may be symmetrical with respect to the second hinge structure 242 and the longitudinal direction (eg, Y-axis direction) of the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, depending on the embodiment of the electronic device 101, the hinge assembly 240 or some components of the hinge assembly 240 (eg, the hinge cover 243) may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the battery 250 is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device 101 and may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. You can. The battery 250 may be placed integrally within the electronic device 101, or may be placed to be detachable from the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the battery 250 may include a first battery 252 disposed in the first housing 210 and a second battery 254 disposed in the second housing 220. For example, the first battery 252 may be placed on the first support member 212 and the second battery 254 may be placed on the second support member 222 .

According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board 260 includes a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1), memory (e.g., memory 130 of FIG. 1), and/or an interface (e.g., interface of FIG. 1). (177)) can be installed. According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board 260 includes a first printed circuit board 261 disposed in the first housing 210 and a second printed circuit board 262 disposed in the second housing 220. can do.

According to one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 263 includes a component located in the first housing 210 (e.g., the first printed circuit board 261) and a component located in the second housing 220 (e.g., the first printed circuit board 261). The second printed circuit board 262) may be electrically connected. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 263 may cross the hinge assembly 240 . For example, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 263 may be disposed within the first housing 210 and another portion may be disposed within the second housing 220 . According to one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 263 may include a first flexible printed circuit board connected to the antenna and a second flexible printed circuit board connected to the display 230.

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the electronic device in an unfolded state, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of the electronic device of FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of the electronic device of FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of the electronic device of FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of the electronic device of FIG. 5.

The electronic device 101 of FIGS. 5 to 7 may be referred to as the electronic device 101 of FIGS. 1 and/or FIGS. 2 to 4 . The first housing 210 of FIGS. 5 to 8 may be referred to as the first housing 210 of FIGS. 2 to 4 . The second housing 220 of FIGS. 5 to 7, 10, and 11 may be referred to as the second housing 220 of FIGS. 2 to 4. The configuration of the hinge assembly 240 of FIGS. 5 to 7 and FIG. 9 may be the same or similar in whole or in part to the configuration of the hinge assembly 240 of FIG. 4 . The configuration of the cover member 270 of FIGS. 5 to 11 may be identical or similar in whole or in part to the configuration of the cover member 270 of FIGS. 2 to 4 . In the following description referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the above-described description may be applied in the same or similar manner to the components assigned the same reference numerals as those of FIGS. 1 to 4 and may not be repeated.

5-10, in one embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a hinge assembly 240, a cover member 270, and/or a slide structure. It may include (290).

In one embodiment, the first housing 210 has a first side (not shown) on which the display 230 (e.g., the display 230 of FIGS. 2 and 4) is disposed (e.g., the first side of FIG. 2 (e.g., the first side of FIG. 2) 210a)) and a third surface 210b (eg, third surface 210b in FIG. 2) on which a part of the cover member 270 is disposed as a surface opposite to the first surface. The first housing 210 has a first side frame 211 (e.g., the first side frame 211 in FIGS. 3 and 4) connecting at least a portion of each edge of the first and third sides 210b. ) may include.

In one embodiment, the second housing 220 has a second side (not shown) on which the display 230 (e.g., the display 230 of FIGS. 2 and 4) is disposed (e.g., the second side of FIG. 2 (e.g., the second side of FIG. 2) 220a)) and a fourth surface 220b (eg, the fourth surface 220b in FIG. 2) on which a part of the cover member 270 is disposed as a surface opposite to the second surface. The second housing 220 has a second side frame 221 (e.g., the second side frame 221 in FIGS. 3 and 4) connecting portions of each edge of the second and fourth sides 220b. may include. In one embodiment, at least one rear camera module 206 and/or rear display 234 may be disposed on the third side 210b of the second housing 220.

In one embodiment, the second housing 220 includes a support area 223 (e.g., support area 223 in FIG. 3), a guide portion 224, and a first connection member 291 of the slide structure 290. It may include at least one rail area 225 for receiving and/or a pair of side grooves 226 for receiving the second connecting member 292 of the slide structure 290.

According to one embodiment, the support area 223 may be formed in an area adjacent to one end (eg, -Y direction end) of the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the guide portion 224 of the second housing 220 may refer to a space between the support area 223 and the fourth surface 220b. As will be described later, the cover member 270 according to an embodiment disclosed in this document has a partial area formed by the guide portion ( 224) or may be provided so as to be withdrawn from the guide portion 224.

In one embodiment, cover member 270 may be positioned across first housing 210, hinge assembly 240, and second housing 220. For example, the cover member 270 may be arranged parallel to the display 230 but facing opposite directions. According to one embodiment, the cover member 270 includes at least a portion of the third side 210b of the first housing 210, a portion of the hinge assembly 240, and the fourth side 220b of the second housing 220. It may be arranged to surround at least a portion of. In one embodiment, the cover member 270 may be formed to be smaller than the rear surface (eg, the third side 210b and the fourth side 220b) of the electronic device 101. For example, the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220 may have a recess area (not shown) on each rear side (e.g., the third side 210b and/or the fourth side 220b). Poetry) may be included. For example, the recess area (not shown) may overlap the cover member 270 and may be formed so that the cover member 270 is seated.

In one embodiment, the cover member 270 does not overlap each other, and includes a first cover area 271 and a second cover area (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow ① in FIGS. 5 and 6) sequentially arranged in the first axis direction (e.g., direction ① in FIGS. 5 and 6). 272) and a third cover area 273. According to one embodiment, the first cover area 271 may be disposed on the third surface 210b of the first housing 210. For example, at least a portion of the first cover area 271 may be fixedly coupled to the first housing 210 . According to one embodiment, the second cover area 272 is connected to the first cover area 271 and may be disposed on a portion of the hinge assembly 240 and the fourth side 220b of the second housing 220. there is. For example, the second cover area 272 may be provided to be displaceable relative to the hinge assembly 240 and the second housing 220 . According to one embodiment, the third cover area 273 may be an area connected to the second cover area 272 and extending from one end in the first direction (e.g., an end in the -Y direction) of the second housing 220. there is. The third cover area 273 may be provided so that it can be inserted into or withdrawn from the guide portion 224.

Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, the cover member 270 includes at least one rear camera disposed on the rear side (e.g., the third side 210b or the fourth side 220b) of the electronic device 101. It may include at least one first opening area 271a and/or second opening area 271b each formed in an area overlapping with the module and/or the rear display 234. According to one embodiment, a plurality of first opening areas 271a may be provided in the first cover area 271, and the plurality of first opening areas 271a may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the second opening area 271b may be disposed adjacent to a plurality of first opening areas 271a. Depending on the embodiment of the electronic device 101, the first opening area 271a and/or the second opening area 271b may be omitted. The shape, location, and number of the first opening area 271a and/or the second opening area 271b are only examples and may be changed.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first cover area 271 may be fixed to the first surface. The second cover area 272 may not be fixed to the hinge assembly 240 and the second housing 220 . According to one embodiment, the second cover area 272 slides in a first axis direction (e.g., direction indicated by arrow ① in FIGS. 5 and 6) relative to the hinge assembly 240 and the second housing 220. It may be equipped to move.

In one embodiment, the slide structure 290 may be disposed on one side (eg, +Z direction) of the cover member 270. For example, the slide structure 290 may be coupled to one surface (eg, +Z direction surface) of the cover member 270. For example, the first housing 210, the second housing 220, and/or the hinge assembly 240 may be disposed on one side (eg, +Z direction) of the slide structure 290.

In one embodiment, the slide structure 290 includes a plate member, a portion of which is coupled to the cover member 270, at least one first connection member 291, and/or a pair of second connection members 292. It can be included. For example, at least a portion of the slide structure 290 may be formed of a flexible material.

Referring to Figure 7, in one embodiment, the slide structure 290 may be disposed between the second housing 220 and the cover member 270. For example, the slide structure 290 may overlap at least a portion of the fourth surface 220b. For example, the slide structure 290 may include a plate member that is smaller than the fourth surface 220b of the second housing 220. 5, 8, and 9, in one embodiment, the slide structure 290 extends from a portion disposed on the fourth side 220b of the second housing 220 at least a portion of the hinge assembly 240 and /Or it may include a plate member extending to at least a portion of the third surface 210b of the first housing 210. In this case, the slide structure 290 may have an open area that overlaps the rear camera module and/or the rear display 234. However, the shape of the slide structure 290 described above is only an example, and may be formed in a more extended or reduced form depending on the embodiment of the electronic device 101.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in one embodiment, the support area 223 may be formed to cover a portion of the fourth surface 220b and may be spaced apart from the fourth surface 220b at a predetermined distance.

Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the guide portion 224 includes a third cover area (e.g., -Y direction end) of the second cover area 272 of the cover member 270. 273) can be provided. For example, one side of the guide portion 224 facing the slide structure 290 may be a side connected to the fourth side 220b.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in one embodiment, the guide portion 224 may be formed to be inclined to form a designated angle α with the fourth surface 220b of the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the surface of the guide unit 224 facing one surface of the cover member 270 and/or the slide structure 290 may include a flat surface and/or a curved surface. For example, the guide unit 224 may be extended in the first direction or the longitudinal direction of the electronic device 101 (eg, Y-axis direction) so that at least a portion of the section draws a parabola. In this document, the guide unit 224 may be referred to as the second housing 220 or a component of the electronic device 101.

Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the second housing according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the slide structure and the second housing according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the slide structure and the second housing according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

The second housing 220 of FIGS. 12 to 14 may be referred to as the second housing 220 of FIGS. 5 to 7, 10, and 11. The cover member 270 of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be referred to as the cover member 270 of FIGS. 5 to 7 . The slide structure 290 of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be referred to as the slide structure 290 of FIGS. 7 to 10 .

According to one embodiment, the slide structure 290 may be connected to enable the cover member 270 to slide in a first axis direction (eg, arrow ① direction) relative to the second housing 220 . In one embodiment, the first connection member 291 may be disposed on one side (eg, +Z direction side) of the slide structure 290 facing the second housing 220. For example, the first connection member 291 may protrude toward the fourth surface 220b and extend in the longitudinal direction (eg, Y-axis direction) of the electronic device 101 or along the first axis. The end of the first connection member 291 may be formed to engage with the rail area 225 of the second housing 220. For example, the end of the first connection member 291 may have a 'T-shaped' shape. For example, the length of the rail area 225 may be longer than the length of the first connection member 291, and the first connection member 291 may be located along the rail area 225 in a first direction (e.g., in FIG. 14). It is provided to be able to slide in the direction of arrow ①. For example, a plurality of first connection members 291 (eg, two) may be provided.

In one embodiment, the second connecting members 292 may be formed in plural numbers (eg, two) on the width direction side (X-axis direction side) of the slide structure 290. For example, the second connection member 292 is formed to engage with the side grooves 226 formed on the inside of both sides of the second housing 220 (e.g., sides in the width direction or X-axis direction of the electronic device 101). It can be. Referring to FIG. 13, the second connection member 292 may be formed in a partial area of the width direction side of the slide structure 290 and may be formed to protrude outward from the remaining area. For example, the second connection member 292 may be formed from the lower end (eg, -Y direction end) of the slide structure 290 to the point indicated by reference numeral 292b in FIG. 13. According to one embodiment, the length of the side groove 226 of the second housing 220 may be longer than the length of the second connection member 292, and the second connection member 292 has the side groove 226. It may be provided to be able to slide in a first direction (e.g., direction indicated by arrow ① in FIG. 14). According to one embodiment, the second connection member 292 is configured so that the slide structure 290 can slide relative to the second housing 220, but the slide structure 290 is in close contact with the second housing 220. It can help you keep it that way.

According to one embodiment, based on the rotation of the hinge assembly 240 or the unfolding or folding motion of the electronic device 101, the slide structure 290 moves in a first axis direction (e.g., relative to the second housing 220). : It can be displaced in the direction of arrow ①. According to one embodiment, the first cover area 271 of the cover member 270 is fixed to the third side 210b and is not fixed to the hinge assembly 240 and/or the fourth side 220b. 2 Cover area 272 may be displaced relative to second housing 220 . For example, based on the rotation of the hinge assembly 240 or the rotation of the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220, the second cover area 272 is moved in the first axis direction (e.g., arrow ① A tensile force acting in one direction may act. The second cover area 272 may be displaced in the first axis direction (eg, in the direction of arrow ①) by the tensile force. For example, when the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220 are rotated such that the angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 decreases, the second cover area 272 may be moved toward the hinge assembly 240 along the first axis direction relative to the second housing 220 . For example, when the first housing 210 and/or the second housing 220 are rotated such that the angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 increases, the second cover area 272 may be moved away from the hinge assembly 240 along the first axis direction.

Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the electronic device in an unfolded state, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

The electronic device 101 of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be referred to as the electronic device 101 of FIGS. 5 to 7 . The cover member 270 of the first housing 210 of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be referred to as the first housing 210 of FIGS. 5 to 8 . The second housing 220 of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be referred to as the second housing 220 of FIGS. 5 to 7, 10, and 11. The hinge assembly 240 of FIG. 16 may be referred to as the hinge assembly 240 of FIGS. 5-7 and 9. The cover member 270 of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be referred to as the cover member 270 of FIGS. 13 and 14 . The slide structure 290 of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be referred to as the slide structure 290 of FIGS. 13 and 14 .

The electronic device 101 of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be at least partially different from the electronic device 101 of FIGS. 5 to 7 in the configuration of the hinge cover 243 of the hinge assembly 240, and the remaining configuration (e.g. : The second housing 220, cover member 270, and slide structure 290) may be the same as the electronic device 101 of FIGS. 5 to 7.

15 and 16, the hinge assembly 240 may include a hinge cover 243 (e.g., the hinge cover 243 of FIGS. 3, 4, and/or 6). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the hinge cover 243 is disposed inside the first side frame 211 of the first housing 210 and/or the second side frame 221 of the second housing 220. It can be. For example, the outer surfaces of both sides in the width direction (e.g., X-axis direction) of the hinge cover 243 may at least partially overlap the outer surfaces of the first side frame 211 and/or the second side frame 221. there is. For example, referring to FIG. 15 , when the electronic device 101 is unfolded, most of the hinge cover 243 may be covered by the first side frame 211 and the second side frame 221. For example, in a folded state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a fully folded state in FIG. 16) or an intermediate state (not shown) in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form a predetermined angle, At least a portion of the hinge cover 243 may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device. However, the above-described first side frame 211, second side frame 221, and hinge cover 243 are only examples, and their shapes and coupling relationships may be changed.

In general, a foldable electronic device may include a structure in which a pair of housings are connected to each other by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may include a hinge cover that stores and protects the hinge module therein. The hinge cover may be disposed between a pair of housings. This hinge cover is generally provided as a separate member from the housing, and, for example, a portion connected to the housing can be visible to the outside when the electronic device is in a folded state. Since the connection between the hinge cover and the housing forms a fine gap, the user's hand may be caught in the gap, or foreign substances such as external moisture or dust may infiltrate.

Embodiments disclosed in this document are cover members disposed on the outer surface of a housing facing in a direction opposite to the display in a foldable electronic device, and cover the connection portion between a pair of housing and the hinge assembly so that it is not exposed to the exterior of the electronic device. The object is to provide a cover member that provides an integrated appearance and an electronic device including the same.

However, the problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Embodiments disclosed in this document are, in a foldable electronic device, by being combined with a slide structure provided to be able to slide over a portion of the housing in response to the folding operation of the electronic device, so that the guide portion provided in the housing during the folding operation of the electronic device The object is to provide a cover member that can be inserted or withdrawn into a space and an electronic device including the same.

According to embodiments disclosed in this document, the connection portion between the hinge assembly and the housing in the foldable electronic device is not exposed to the outside by the cover member, thereby protecting the connection portion from foreign substances such as moisture and dust.

The effects that can be obtained from the disclosure of this document are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this description. There will be.

The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes a first housing 210, a second housing 220, and a hinge assembly 240 that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing to each other. ), a first surface 210a of the first housing, a flexible display 230, a cover member 270, a slide structure 290, and/or a guide portion 224. The display may be arranged to cross a portion of the hinge assembly and the second surface 220a of the second housing. The cover member includes a third side 210b of the first housing facing in a direction opposite to the first side, a portion of the hinge assembly, and a fourth side of the second housing facing in a direction opposite to the second side ( It can be arranged to cross 220b). At least a portion of the slide structure may be disposed between the cover member and the second housing. The slide structure may connect a portion of the cover member to be slidably movable in a first direction with respect to the second housing. The guide portion may be formed in a partial area of the second housing to at least partially accommodate the cover member and the slide structure. The guide part may extend from a point on the fourth surface of the second housing toward the inside of the second surface and form a designated angle (α) with the fourth surface.

In one embodiment, the second housing may include a support area 223 extending from one end of the second housing in the first direction. The guide part may be formed between one surface extending from the fourth surface and the support area spaced apart from the one surface.

In one embodiment, the slide structure may include a plate member coupled to one surface facing the fourth surface of the second housing. The plate member may extend to at least a portion of the hinge assembly or at least a portion of the second housing.

In one embodiment, the cover member includes a first cover area 271 disposed in the first housing, a second cover area connected to the first cover area, and disposed in the hinge assembly or the second housing. It may include (272). The cover member may include a third cover area 273 that is connected to the second cover area, is disposed in the second housing, and includes one end of the cover member. The third cover area may be provided to accommodate at least a portion of the guide part.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first cover area may be fixed to the first housing. At least a portion of the second cover area and the third cover area may not be fixed to the hinge assembly or the second housing.

In one embodiment, when at least one of the first housing or the second housing is rotated so that the angle between the first housing and the second housing becomes smaller, the third cover area may be pulled out from the guide portion. there is.

In one embodiment, the slide structure may include a plurality of connection structures that each protrude in at least one direction crossing the first direction and are slidably connected to a portion of the second housing.

In one embodiment, when at least one of the first housing or the second housing is rotated so that the angle between the first housing and the second housing increases, the third cover area may be retracted into the guide part. .

In one embodiment, when at least one of the first housing or the second housing is rotated, at least a portion of the second cover area and the third cover area are positioned relative to the hinge assembly or the second housing. It can be slid and moved in the first direction.

In one embodiment, the plurality of connection structures may include at least one first connection member 291 that protrudes toward the fourth surface and extends in the first direction. The second housing may include at least one rail area 225 concavely formed on the fourth surface in a manner that engages the first connection member. The first connection member may be slidably connected to the rail area.

In one embodiment, the first connecting member may include a T-shaped end.

In one embodiment, the rail area may be longer in the first direction than the first connection member.

In one embodiment, the second housing may include a side frame 221 that at least partially connects edges of the second side and the fourth side. The side frame includes a pair of side walls extending in parallel in the first direction, and at least one side groove 226 extending in the first direction on the inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. It can be included.

In one embodiment, the plurality of connection structures may include at least one second connection member 292 that protrudes toward the side groove and extends in the first direction. The second connection member may be slidably connected to the side groove.

In one embodiment, the side groove may be longer in the first direction than the second connecting member.

The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment disclosed in this document includes a first housing 210, a second housing 220, and a hinge assembly 240 that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing to each other. ), a first surface 210a of the first housing, a flexible display 230, a cover member 270, a slide structure 290, and/or a guide portion 224. The display may be arranged to cross a portion of the hinge assembly and the second surface 220a of the second housing. The cover member includes a third side 210b of the first housing facing in a direction opposite to the first side, a portion of the hinge assembly, and a fourth side of the second housing facing in a direction opposite to the second side ( It can be arranged to cross 220b). At least a portion of the slide structure may be disposed between the cover member and the second housing. The slide structure may connect a portion of the cover member to be slidably movable in a first direction with respect to the second housing. The guide portion may be formed in a partial area of the second housing to at least partially accommodate the cover member and the slide structure. The second housing includes a pair of side walls extending in parallel in the first direction, and at least one side groove 226 formed on the inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls extending in the first direction. may include.

In one embodiment, the second housing may include at least one second connection member 292 that protrudes toward the side groove and extends in the first direction. The second connection member may be slidably connected to the side groove.

In one embodiment, the guide part may extend from a point on the fourth surface of the second housing toward the inside of the second surface and form a designated angle α with the fourth surface.

In one embodiment, the cover member includes a first cover area 271 disposed in the first housing, a second cover area connected to the first cover area, and disposed in the hinge assembly or the second housing. It may include (272). The cover member may include a third cover area 273 that is connected to the second cover area, is disposed in the second housing, and includes one end of the cover member. The third cover area may be provided to accommodate at least a portion of the guide part.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first cover area may be fixed to the first housing. At least a portion of the second cover area and the third cover area slide in the first direction relative to the hinge assembly or the second housing when at least one of the first housing or the second housing is rotated. It may be moved and drawn into the guide part or pulled out from the guide part.

An embodiment disclosed in this document should be understood as an example rather than limiting the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made in the form and detailed structure without departing from the overall aspect disclosed in this document, including the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may be of various types. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

An embodiment of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to a specific embodiment, and should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutes for the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “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 “A Each of phrases such as “at least one of , B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one element from another, and may be used to distinguish such elements in other respects, such as importance or order) is not limited. One (e.g. first) component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g. second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively". Where mentioned, it means that any of the components can be connected to the other components directly (e.g. wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

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

One embodiment of the present document is one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., built-in memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). It may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including these. For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a device (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one command among one or more commands stored from a storage medium and execute it. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. There is no distinction between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, a method according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may be provided and included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (e.g. Play Store ^TM ) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smart phones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately placed in other components. . According to one embodiment, one or more of the above-described corresponding components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to one embodiment, operations performed by a module, program, or other component 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 , or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims (20)

In the electronic device 101,
First housing 210;
second housing (220);
A hinge assembly 240 rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other;
a flexible display 230 disposed across the first side 210a of the first housing, a portion of the hinge assembly, and the second side 220a of the second housing; and
A third side (210b) of the first housing facing away from the first side, a portion of the hinge assembly, across a fourth side (220b) of the second housing facing away from the second side. a cover member 270 arranged so as to;
a slide structure 290, at least a portion of which is disposed between the cover member and the second housing, and which connects a portion of the cover member to the second housing to be slidably movable in a first direction; and
A guide portion 224 formed in a partial area of the second housing to at least partially accommodate the cover member and the slide structure,
The guide part is formed to extend from a point on the fourth surface of the second housing toward the inside of the second surface and form a designated angle (α) with the fourth surface.
According to claim 1,
The second housing includes a support area 223 extending from one end of the second housing in the first direction,
The guide part is formed between one surface extending from the fourth surface and the support area spaced apart from the one surface.
According to claim 1 or 2,
The slide structure includes a plate member coupled to a surface facing the fourth surface of the second housing,
The electronic device wherein the plate member extends to at least a portion of the hinge assembly or at least a portion of the second housing.
According to claims 1 to 3,
The cover member is,
a first cover area 271 disposed in the first housing;
a second cover area 272 connected to the first cover area and disposed on the hinge assembly or the second housing; and
A third cover area 273 connected to the second cover area, disposed in the second housing, and including one end of the cover member, at least a portion of which can be accommodated in the guide unit. Electronic devices, including.
According to clause 4,
At least a portion of the first cover area is fixed to the first housing,
At least a portion of the second cover area and the third cover area are not secured to the hinge assembly or the second housing.
According to claim 4 or 5,
When at least one of the first housing or the second housing is rotated, at least a portion of the second cover area and the third cover area are tilted in the first direction relative to the hinge assembly or the second housing. An electronic device that moves a slide.
According to clause 6,
When at least one of the first housing or the second housing is rotated so that the angle between the first housing and the second housing decreases, the third cover area is pulled out from the guide part.
According to claim 6 or 7,
When at least one of the first housing or the second housing is rotated so that the angle between the first housing and the second housing increases, the third cover area is retracted into the guide part.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The slide structure includes a plurality of connection structures each protruding in at least one direction intersecting the first direction and slidably connected to a portion of the second housing.
According to clause 9,
The plurality of connection structures include at least one first connection member 291 that protrudes toward the fourth surface and extends in the first direction,
The second housing includes at least one rail area 225 concavely formed on the fourth surface to engage with the first connecting member,
The first connection member is slidably connected to the rail area.
According to claim 10,
The first connection member includes a T-shaped end.
The method of claim 10 or 11,
The rail area has a longer length in the first direction than the first connection member.
The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
The second housing includes a side frame 221 that at least partially connects each edge of the second side and the fourth side,
The side frame includes a pair of side walls extending in parallel in the first direction, and at least one side groove 226 extending in the first direction on the inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. Contains electronic devices
According to claim 13,
The plurality of connection structures include at least one second connection member 292 that protrudes toward the side groove and extends in the first direction,
The second connection member is slidably connected to the side groove.
According to claim 14,
The side groove has a length longer in the first direction than the second connecting member.
In the electronic device 101,
First housing 210;
second housing (220);
A hinge assembly 240 rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other;
a flexible display 230 disposed across the first side 210a of the first housing, a portion of the hinge assembly, and the second side 220a of the second housing; and
A third side (210b) of the first housing facing away from the first side, a portion of the hinge assembly, across a fourth side (220b) of the second housing facing away from the second side. a cover member 270 arranged so as to;
a slide structure 290, at least a portion of which is disposed between the cover member and the second housing, and which connects a portion of the cover member to the second housing to be slidably movable in a first direction; and
In a partial area of the second housing, a guide portion 224 is formed to at least partially accommodate the cover member and the slide structure,
The second housing includes a pair of side walls extending in parallel in the first direction, and at least one side groove 226 extending in the first direction on the inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls. electronic devices, including
According to claim 16,
The second housing includes at least one second connection member 292 that protrudes toward the side groove and extends in the first direction,
The second connection member is slidably connected to the side groove.
The method of claim 16 or 17,
The guide part is formed to extend from a point on the fourth surface of the second housing toward the inside of the second surface and form a designated angle (α) with the fourth surface.
The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18,
The cover member is,
a first cover area 271 disposed in the first housing;
a second cover area 272 connected to the first cover area and disposed on the hinge assembly or the second housing; and
A third cover area 273 connected to the second cover area, disposed in the second housing, and including one end of the cover member, at least a portion of which can be accommodated in the guide unit. Electronic devices, including.
According to clause 19,
At least a portion of the first cover area is fixed to the first housing,
At least a portion of the second cover area and the third cover area are positioned in the first direction relative to the hinge assembly or the second housing when at least one of the first housing or the second housing is rotated. An electronic device that is slidably moved into or out of the guide unit.

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