RU2804413C2 - Foldable electronic device including protective structure for display - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electronic devices.

SUBSTANCE: foldable electronic device with a flexible display. Foldable electronic device with a flexible display comprises a first housing, a second housing, a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing in a foldable manner relative to the folding axis, a flexible display containing a first area corresponding to the first housing, a second area corresponding to the second housing, a first protective cover, located on top of the first body to cover the periphery of the first area of the flexible display, a second protective cover located on top of the second body to cover the periphery of the second area of the flexible display, and a protective structure located on top of the hinge structure. The protective structure comprises a blocking element covering the periphery of the flexible display and a foldable protective cap supporting the blocking element. The protective cap comprises a base attached to the hinge structure, a protrusion extending from the base, and a support portion extending from the protrusion towards the flexible display. In the direction perpendicular to the folding axis, the protrusion has a first width, and the supporting part has a second width smaller than the first width.

EFFECT: prevention of deformation and damage of the display when the device is folded.

14 cl, 45 dwg

Description

Technical field

[1] The disclosure relates generally to a foldable electronic device including a protective structure for a display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Electronic devices are becoming thinner and being redesigned to increase rigidity, improve design aspects, and differentiate their functional elements. Electronic devices that often have a single rectangular shape are gradually evolving into electronic devices that have a variety of shapes. For example, electronic devices may have a changeable design that is highly portable and supports a large screen display when in use. In line with this trend, foldable electronic devices in which at least two housings can be folded or unfolded relative to each other are constantly being developed, and various improvements are being made to the folding design.

Publication US 2017/0374749 A1 dated December 28, 2017 discloses a mobile terminal containing a flexible display; a first housing located at the rear of the flexible display and connected to the flexible display; a second housing located at the rear of the flexible display, connected to the flexible display and spaced from the first housing, the second housing being movable relative to the first housing; a hinge assembly located at a rear portion of the flexible display and located between the first housing and the second housing, the hinge assembly connecting the first housing and the second housing; and a hinge cover located on the longitudinal side of the hinge assembly between the first body and the second body, wherein the hinge cover has a smaller thickness towards the central part of the hinge cover from both ends thereof in the direction from the hinge cover to the hinge assembly.

Korean patent KR2019/0001864 dated 01/07/2019 relates to a flexible display device that minimizes the mechanical stress applied to the bendable area of the display panel.

Disclosure of the Invention

Technical problem

[3] The foldable electronic device may include a hinge structure, a first housing structure, and a second housing structure, where the first housing structure and the second housing structure are connected through the hinge structure. The foldable electronic device can be folded and unfolded by rotating the first housing structure in a range of 0 to 360 degrees relative to the second housing structure using a hinge structure. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display located throughout the first housing structure and the second housing structure in an open state of 180 degrees.

[4] Unlike a traditional bar-type electronic device, a foldable electronic device does not include a rigid protective structure (such as a front window) for the display, since the display must be folded with the housing structures. Therefore, in a foldable electronic device, the display is attached to housing structures with a protective layer (eg, polyimide (PI) film) located on its top surface, and its periphery can be hidden using a separate protective cover.

[5] The foldable electronic device in a portion corresponding to the hinge structure may be provided with a release space where protective covers located in the housing structures are detached, providing a degree of freedom to the hinge structure according to the folding action. When the display periphery is opened through the release space, foreign matter may enter the release space.

[6] Additionally, the user may lift the display periphery with a fingernail or a sharp tool, causing the display to malfunction.

[7] In addition, flattening may occur in the release space due to the gap between the display and the hinge structure, which may also cause the display to malfunction.

Solution

[8] The disclosure is made to overcome at least the disadvantages described above and provide at least the advantages described below.

[9] Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a foldable electronic device including a protective structure for a display.

[10] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include: a housing as a housing structure, which includes: a hinge structure corresponding to a folding area and including a hinge body; a first body structure corresponding to the first region connected to the hinge structure and including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a first side member surrounding a first space between the first surface and the second surface; and a second body structure corresponding to the second region connected to the hinge structure and including a third surface, a fourth surface facing away from the third surface, and a second side member surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface, the first body structure and the second the body structure is configured to fold relative to the hinge structure so that the first surface and the third surface face the same direction when expanded, and the second surface and the fourth surface face opposite directions to each other when folded; a display located extending from at least a portion of the first surface to at least a portion of the third surface through the folding region; a first protective cover located in a first region on at least some portion of the periphery of the display and along its periphery; a second protective cover located in a second region on at least some portion of the periphery of the display and along its periphery; and at least one protective structure configured to protect the periphery of the display in the folding area.

Advantageous effects of the invention

[11] According to an embodiment, a foldable electronic device is provided that includes a display protective structure that can protect the periphery of the display through a hinge structure.

[12] According to an embodiment, a foldable electronic device is provided that includes a protective structure for a display that can prevent the display from being broken by replacing the space between the display and the hinge structure in the hinge structure.

Brief description of drawings

[13] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference symbols may be used to refer to the same or similar parts and in which :

[14] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment;

[15] FIG. 2 illustrates an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment;

[16] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[17] FIG. 4A illustrates an electronic device including a security structure according to an embodiment;

[18] FIG. 4B illustrates areas or zones configured in an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[19] FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate a first blocking area B1 including a security structure in the electronic device of FIG. 4B according to an embodiment;

[20] FIG. 6A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 5A taken along line C1-C1' according to an embodiment;

[21] FIG. 6B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 5A taken along line D-D' according to an embodiment;

[22] FIG. 6C illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 5A taken along line C2-C2' according to an embodiment;

[23] FIG. 6D illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[24] FIG. 7 illustrates the size of the protective cap determined based on the curvature radius of the display when the electronic device is folded, according to an embodiment;

[25] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of an electronic device including a locking element according to an embodiment;

[26] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view illustrating a locking member provided on the protective covers according to the embodiment;

[27] FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 8 taken along line E-E' according to an embodiment;

[28] FIG. 11 and 12 illustrate a partial view of an electronic device including a locking element according to an embodiment;

[29] FIG. 13 illustrates a partial view of an electronic device including a protective cap according to an embodiment;

[30] FIG. 14A and 14B illustrate a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 13 taken along the line F-F', according to an embodiment;

[31] FIG. 15 illustrates the size of the protective cap determined based on the curvature radius of the display when the electronic device is folded according to the embodiment;

[32] FIG. 16 and 17 illustrate a partial view of an electronic device including a security structure according to an embodiment;

[33] FIG. 18 illustrates the assembly process of the protective structure in FIG. 16 according to an embodiment;

[34] FIG. 19 and 20 illustrate partial front and rear perspective views of a locking element located on the protective covers according to the embodiment;

[35] FIG. 21A illustrates a partial perspective view of a hinge body according to an embodiment;

[36] FIG. 21B illustrates a partial perspective view of a locking member located in a hinge body of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[37] FIG. 21C illustrates a locking member folded along the hinge body according to an embodiment;

[38] FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line G-G' in FIG. 21C, according to an embodiment;

[39] FIG. 23 illustrates a partial view of an electronic device including a protective cap and a locking structure according to an embodiment;

[40] FIG. 24 illustrates a hinge plate according to an embodiment;

[41] FIG. 25A and 25B illustrate an electronic device including a security structure according to an embodiment;

[42] FIG. 25C illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 25B taken along the line H-H' according to an embodiment;

[43] FIG. 26A illustrates a perspective view of a locking member according to an embodiment;

[44] FIG. 26B illustrates a rear view of a locking member according to an embodiment;

[45] FIG. 26C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the locking member of FIG. 26A taken along the line I-I' according to an embodiment;

[46] FIG. 27 illustrates a partial rear perspective view of a locking element located on the protective covers according to an embodiment;

[47] FIG. 28A illustrates a partial view of an electronic device including a security structure according to an embodiment;

[48] FIG. 28B illustrates a partial view of housing structures including auxiliary locking elements according to an embodiment;

[49] FIG. 29A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 28A taken along the line J-J' according to an embodiment;

[50] FIG. 29B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 28A taken along line K-K' according to an embodiment;

[51] FIG. 29C illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the folded state of the electronic device of FIG. 29B according to an embodiment; And

[52] FIG. 30 illustrates a functional diagram of a contact configuration between the protective cap and the auxiliary locking members due to the folding action of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

Mode of implementation of the invention

[53] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to assist in a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various information to assist in this understanding, but it should be regarded as merely indicative. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity.

[54] FIG. 1 illustrates an expanded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[55] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 may include a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 pivotally connected through a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 164 in FIG. 3) to fold relative to each other, a hinge cover 165 covering a foldable portion of the pair of housing structures 110 and 120, and a display 130 (for example, a flexible display or a foldable display) located in the space defined by a pair of housing structures 110 and 120. In the description, the surface on which the display 130 is located may be referred to as the front surface of the electronic device 100, and the opposite surface the front surface side may be referred to as a rear surface of the electronic device 100. The surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface may be referred to as a side surface of the electronic device 100.

[56] In one embodiment, a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 may include a first housing structure 110 including a sensor area 131d, a second housing structure 120, a first back cover 140, and a second back cover 150. The pair of housing structures 110 and 120 the electronic device 100 is not limited to the shape or combination illustrated in FIG. 1 and 2, and can be implemented in various forms or combinations. For example, in another embodiment, the first body structure 110 and the first back cover 140 may be formed as a single body, and the second body structure 120 and the second back cover 150 may be formed as a single body.

[57] In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be located on either side of the folding axis (A) and may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A). In one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 100 is in a flat state or a closed state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 includes a sensor area 131d where various sensors are located, but may be symmetrically shaped with the second housing structure 120 in other areas. In another embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be located in a specific area of the second housing structure 120 or may be replaced.

[58] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first housing structure 110 may be coupled to a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 164 in FIG. 3) and may include a first surface 111 facing a front surface of the electronic device 100 , a second surface 112 facing away from the first surface 111, and a first side member 113 spanning (surrounding) at least a portion of the space between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. In one embodiment, the first side member 113 may include a first side surface 113a located parallel to the folding axis (A), a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the axis folding

[59] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first housing structure 120 may be coupled to a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 164 in FIG. 3) and may include a third surface 121 facing the front surface of the electronic device 100 , a fourth surface 122 facing away from the third surface 121, and a second side element 123 spanning at least a portion of the space between the third surface 121 and the fourth surface 122. In one embodiment, the second side element 123 may include a fourth side surface 123a located parallel to the folding axis (A), a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis. In one embodiment, the third surface 121 may face the first surface 111 when folded.

[60] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a recess 101 formed to accommodate a display 130 by the design combination of the shapes of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. The recess 101 may be substantially the same size as the display 130 In one embodiment, the recess 101 may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A) due to the sensor area 131d. For example, the recess 101 may have a first width (W1) between the first part 120a of the second body structure 120 parallel to the folding axis (A) and the first part 110a of the first body structure 110 formed at the edge of the sensor area 131d, and have a second width (W2) between the second part 120b of the second body structure 120 and the second part 110b of the first body structure 110, which does not correspond to the sensor area 113d and is parallel to the folding axis (A). Here, the second width (W2) may be wider than the first width (W1). In other words, the recess 101 may be formed having a first width (W1) ranging from the first portion 110a of the first body structure 110 to the first portion 120a of the second housing structure 120 (asymmetrical shape), and a second width (W2) ranging from the second portion 110b of the first the body structure 110 to the second part 120b of the second body structure 120 (symmetrical shape). In one embodiment, the first portion 110a and the second portion 110b of the first body structure 110 may be located at different distances from the folding axis (A). The width of the recess 101 is not limited to the example shown above. In various embodiments, the recess 101 may have two or more different widths due to the shape of the sensor area 113d or the asymmetry of the first housing structure 110 or the second housing structure 120.

[61] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material having a stiffness value selected to support the display 130.

[62] In one embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the first body structure 110. However, the arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor area 131d is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in a certain embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be formed in another corner of the first housing structure 110 or in any area between the upper corner and the lower corner. In another embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be located in a portion of the second housing structure 120. In another embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be formed extending between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. In one embodiment, to perform various functions, electronic the device 100 may include components exposed on the front surface of the electronic device 100 through the second area 113d or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area 131d. The components may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

[63] In one embodiment, the first back cover 140 may be located on the second surface 112 of the first housing structure 110 and may have a substantially rectangular periphery. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the periphery may be enclosed by the first housing structure 110. Likewise, a second back cover 150 may be located on a fourth surface 122 of the second housing structure 120, and at least a portion of its periphery may be enclosed by the second housing structure 120.

[64] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover 140 and the second rear cover 150 may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A). In another embodiment, the first back cover 140 and the second back cover 150 may have a variety of different shapes. In another embodiment, the first back cover 140 may be integrally formed with the first body structure 110, and the second back cover 150 may be integrally formed with the second body structure 120.

[65] In one embodiment, the first back cover 140, the second back cover 150, the first housing structure 110, and the second housing structure 120 may be combined with each other to provide a space where various components (e.g., a printed circuit board, an antenna module) can be placed , sensor module, and battery) of the electronic device 100. In one embodiment, one or more components may be located on or visibly exposed through a rear surface of the electronic device 100. For example, one or more components or sensors may be visibly exposed through the first rear region 141 of the first back cover 140. Sensors may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera, and/or a flash. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the secondary display 152 may be visually exposed through a second rear region 151 of the second rear cover 150.

[66] The display 130 may be located in a space defined by a pair of housing structures 110 and 120. For example, the display 130 may be seated in a recess (e.g., recess 101 in FIG. 1) formed by a pair of housing structures 110 and 120, and may be located occupying substantially the majority of the front surface of the electronic device 100. Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device 100 may include a display 130, a portion (e.g., an edge region) of the first housing structure 110 adjacent the display 130, and a portion (e.g., an edge region) of the second housing structure 120 adjacent the display 130. In one embodiment, the back surface of the electronic device 100 may include a first back cover 140, a portion (e.g., an edge region) of the first housing structure 110 adjacent the first back cover 140, a second back cover 150, and a portion (e.g., an edge region) of the second body structure 120 adjacent the second back cover 150.

[67] In one embodiment, display 130 may refer to a display in which at least a portion can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the display 130 may include a folding area 131c, a first area 131a located on one side (e.g., the right side of the folding area 131c) relative to the folding area 131c, and a second area 131b located on the other side (e.g., the left side from the folding area 131c). For example, the first region 131a may be located on the first surface 111 of the first cabinet structure 110, and the second region 131b may be located on the third surface 121 of the second cabinet structure 120. This demarcation of the display 130 is only an example, and the display 130 may be divided into multiple regions. (e.g. four or more areas) according to design or functionality. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the display area 130 may be subdivided with respect to the folding area 131c or the folding axis (A) extending parallel to the y-axis. However, in another embodiment, the display area 130 may be subdivided relative to another folding area (eg, a folding area parallel to the x-axis) or another folding axis (eg, a folding axis parallel to the x-axis). The above display subdivision is only a physical demarcation based on a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and an hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 164 in FIG. 3), and the display 130 can essentially represent one complete screen using a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and an hinge structure. structure (eg, hinge structure 164 in FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first region 131a and the second region 131b may have a symmetrical shape relative to the folding region 131c. Although the first region 131a may include a recess region (eg, the recess region 133 in FIG. 3) cut according to the presence of the sensor region 131d, it may have a symmetrical shape with the second region 131b on other parts. In other words, the first region 131a and the second region 131b may include portions with symmetrical shapes and portions with asymmetrical shapes.

[68] FIG. 2 illustrates a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[69] Referring to FIG. 2, a hinge cover 165 may be positioned between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 to cover internal components (eg, hinge structure 164 in FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may be covered by portions of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 or open outward according to the operating state (e.g., flat state or folded state) of the electronic device 100.

[70] For example, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, as shown in FIG. 1, the hinge cover 165 may be covered by the first body structure 110 and the second body structure 120 so that it is not exposed. When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (eg, a fully folded state), as illustrated in FIG. 2, the hinge cover 165 can be opened outward between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. When the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state when the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 form an angle, the hinge cover 165 can be partially opened outwardly between the first body structure 110 and the second body structure 120. In this case, the open portion may be smaller than that of the fully collapsed state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may include a curved surface.

[71] Next, a description will be provided of the configurations of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 and areas of the display 130 according to the operating state (e.g., flat state or folded state) of the electronic device 100.

[72] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state (eg, the state of FIG. 1), the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may create an angle of 180 degrees, and the first display area 131a and the second display area 131b can be positioned facing the same direction. In addition, the folding region 131c may be in the same plane as the first region 131a and the second region 131b.

[73] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (eg, the state of FIG. 2), the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be positioned facing each other. The first area 131a and the second area 131b of the display 130 may face each other, creating an acute angle (eg, between 0 degrees and 10 degrees). At least a portion of the folding area 131c may form a curved surface with a predetermined curvature.

[74] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be positioned to form an angle. The first area 131a and the second area 131b of the display 130 may form an angle greater than the angle for the folded state and less than the angle for the flat state. At least a portion of the folding area 131c may form a curved surface with a predetermined curvature. This bend may be less than the folded bend.

[75] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[76] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a display 130, a support member assembly 160, at least one printed circuit board 170, a first housing structure 110, a second housing structure 120, a first back cover 140, and a second back cover 150. In the description, the display 130 may be referred to as a display unit, a display module, or a display unit.

[77] The display 130 may include a display panel 131 (eg, a flexible display panel) and at least one plate 132 or layer on which the display panel 131 sits. In one embodiment, plate 132 may be located between display panel 131 and support member assembly 160. The display panel 131 may be located on at least a portion of one surface of the plate 132. The plate 132 may include a first plate 1321 and a second plate 1322 separated based on a hinge structure 164. The plate 132 may include at least one element that cannot be folded together when the first body structure 110 and the second body structure 120 are rotated into a folded and/or unfolded state based on the hinge structure 164. The plate 132 may include at least one auxiliary layer of material (for example, a graphite element) and/or or a conductive plate (eg, SUS sheet or Cu sheet) located on the rear surface of the display panel 131. In one embodiment, the plate 132 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel 131. For example, the partial area of the first plate 1321 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the recess area 133 of the display panel 131. In another embodiment, the conductive plate may be formed entirely by a bendable connecting region.

[78] The support member assembly 160 may include a first support member 161, a second support member 162, a hinge structure 164 located between the first support member 161 and the second support member 162, a hinge cover 165 covering the hinge structure 164 as viewed from the outside, and a wiring member 163 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) that intersects the first support member 161 and the second support member 162.

[79] In one embodiment, the support element assembly 160 may be located between the plate 132 and at least one circuit board 170. For example, the first support element 161 may be located between the first area 131a of the display 130 and the first circuit board 171. The second support element 162 may be located between the second area 131b of the display 130 and the second circuit board 172.

[80] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the wiring member 163 and the hinge structure 164 may be located in the support member assembly 160. The wiring member 163 may be located in a direction intersecting the first support member 161 and the second supporting member 162 (eg, the x-axis direction). The wiring member 163 may be located in a direction (eg, x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (eg, y-axis or folding axis (A) in FIG. 2) of the folding area 131c.

[81] The at least one circuit board 170 may include, as described above, a first circuit board 171 located on a side of the first support member 161 and a second circuit board 172 located on a side of the second support member 162. The first circuit board 171 and the second circuit board 172 may be located within the space formed by the support member assembly 160, the first housing structure 110, the second housing structure 120, the first back cover 140, and the second back cover 150. On the first circuit board 171 and the second circuit board 172 there may be Various components are installed to implement the functions of the electronic device 100.

[82] In an embodiment, the first housing structure 110 may include a first circuit board 171, a battery 191, at least one sensor module 181, or at least one camera module 182 located in a space formed by the first support element 161. The first housing structure 110 may include a glass window 183 positioned to protect at least one sensor module 181 and at least one camera module 182 in a position corresponding to a recess area 133 of the display 130. In an embodiment, the second housing structure 120 may include a second circuit board 172 located in the space formed by the second support member 162. According to one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the first support member 161 may be formed as one piece. According to one embodiment, the second body structure 120 and the second support element 162 may also be formed as one piece.

[83] In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 may include a first rotational support surface 114, and the second housing structure 120 may include a second rotational support surface 124 corresponding to the first rotational support surface 114. The first rotation support surface 114 and the second rotation support surface 124 may include a curved surface corresponding to a curved surface included in the hinge cover 165.

[84] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state (eg, the state of FIG. 1), the first rotation support surface 114 and the second rotation support surface 124 may cover the hinge cover 165 such that the hinge cover 165 may not be open or be minimally exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 100. When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (for example, the state of FIG. 2), the first rotation support surface 114 and the second rotation support surface 124 can rotate along the curved surface included in hinge cover 165 such that the hinge cover 165 can be opened as far as possible on the rear surface of the electronic device 100.

[85] Some embodiments of the disclosure may provide a housing, a method of manufacturing it, and an electronic device including the same.

[86] Some embodiments of the disclosure may provide a housing, and in the housing, which includes corners having different bending radii, a uniform processing line, a method for manufacturing the housing, and an electronic device including the same may be formed.

[87] Some embodiments of the disclosure may provide a housing, a method of manufacturing the housing, and an electronic device including the same, wherein the electronic device has an improved aesthetic appearance due to a uniform processing line in the housing that includes corners having different bend radii.

[88] Some embodiments of the disclosure may provide a housing, a method for making the housing, and an electronic device, including the same, configured to transmit sound. Sound transmission can be improved because the adhesive area between the acoustic module assembly and the housing can be expanded regardless of the size and/or shape of the sound transmission hole formed in the outer surface of the housing.

[89] FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an electronic device including a security structure according to an embodiment. Fig. 4B illustrates areas or zones configured in an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[90] Referring to FIG. 4A and 4B, the electronic device 400 includes a first housing structure 410 that includes a first surface 411, a second surface 412 facing opposite the first surface 411, a first side member 413 surrounding a first space between the first surface 411 and the second surface 412. Electronic device 400 includes a second housing structure 420 that includes a third surface 421 facing the same direction as the first surface 411, a fourth surface 422 facing the same direction as the second surface 412, a second side member 423 surrounding a second space between the third surface 421 and the fourth surface 422. The first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 may be rotatably mounted relative to each other by means of a hinge structure 464. For example, the hinge structure 464 may allow the first housing structure 410 to and the second housing structure 420 be folded or unfolded relative to each other using at least one hinge module included in the hinge structure 470. When the electronic device 400 is folded, the first surface 411 and the third surface 421 face each other. When the electronic device 400 is unfolded, the first surface 411 and the third surface 421 may face the same direction.

[91] Electronic device 400 includes a display 430 (e.g., a flexible display) that at least partially intersects the first surface 411 and the third surface 421. The display 430 may be configured to be supported by at least some portions of the first housing structure 410. a hinge structure 464 and a second body structure 420.

[92] The electronic device 400 includes a first region h1 facing the first housing structure 410, a second region h2 facing the second housing structure 420, and a folding region h3 facing the hinge structure 464. In the electronic device 400, the first housing structure 410 , corresponding to the first area h1, is folded or unfolded relative to the second body structure 420, corresponding to the second area h2, by means of a hinge structure 464, corresponding to the folding area h3.

[93] The electronic device 400 may include at least one protective cover 440 or 450 located on the display 430. The at least one protective cover 440 and 450 may be used as a decorative element. The at least one protective cover 440 or 450 may include a first protective cover 440 located in the first area h1 and a second protective cover 450 located in the second area h2. The first protective cover 440 may be located on the display 430 in the first area h1. For example, the display 430 may be positioned such that the first periphery (edge) 431 corresponding to the first area h1 is not exposed outwardly between the first protective cover 440 and the first housing structure 410.

[94] A second protective cover 450 may be located on the display 430 in a second area h2. For example, the display 430 may be positioned such that the second periphery (edge) 432 corresponding to the second area h2 is not exposed outwardly between the second protective cover 450 and the second housing structure 420. The protective covers 440 and 450 may be made of a polymeric material or a metallic material. and may be housed, respectively, in the housing structures 410 and 420 using at least one connection option, such as gluing, taping, fusing, or structural attachment.

[95] Alternatively, for the folding action of the first body structure 410 and the second body structure 420 relative to the hinge structure 464, the pair of protective covers 440 and 450 may be excluded from the folding area h3 corresponding to the hinge structure 464.

[96] The electronic device 400 may include protective structures 500 for protecting the third periphery (edge) 433 and the fourth periphery (edge) 434 of the display 430 exposed to the outside in the folding area h3. The third periphery 433 and fourth periphery 434 of the display 430 may be at least partially blocked by the protective structures 500 so as not to be visible from the outside.

[97] The protective structures 500 may be suitably arranged to protect the third periphery 433 exposed to the first locking area B1 being one end of the hinge structure 464 in the folding area h3 and the fourth periphery 434 opening to the second locking area B2 being the other end. hinge structure 464. The protective structure 500 includes a protective cap 510 located in the hinge structure 470 of the electronic device 400, and a locking element 520 at least partially supported by the protective cap 510 and configured to at least partially hide the third periphery 433 of the display 430 outside. The protective structures 500 located in the blocking zones B1 and B2 may have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, the protective structure 500 located in the first blocking zone B1 will be shown and described in detail below, while the description of the protective structure 500 located in the second blocking zone B2 will be omitted.

[98] FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate the first blocking area B1 including the security structure 500 in the electronic device of FIG. 4B according to embodiment.

[99] Referring to FIG. 5A and 5B, the electronic device 400 includes a first region h1 facing the first housing structure 410, a second region h2 facing the second housing structure 420, and a folding region h3 facing the hinge structure. The electronic device 400 includes, as a protective structure 500, a protective cap 510 and a locking member 520 formed to be at least partially supported by the protective cap 510 in the first locking area B1 of the folding area h3. The blocking element 520 includes a film element made of a polymeric material such as polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[100] Alternatively, blocking element 520 may include a thin metal plate. The locking element 520 may be supported by at least a portion of the security cap 510, cover the third periphery 433 of the display 430, and may connect the first security cap 440 and the second security cap 450. In particular, the locking element 520 may connect the first security cover 440 and the second security cover 450 and may block the third periphery 433 of the display 430 exposed to the folding area h3 from being within view from the outside, thereby preventing the display from being damaged when the periphery 433 is arbitrarily manipulated. In addition, at least a portion of the protective cap 510 fills the space between the hinge body and display 430, thereby preventing the display 430 from being deformed due to pressure.

[101] The protective cap 510 includes, in the folding area h3, a base 511 attached to the hinge body 470, a projection 512 extending upward from the base 511 and having a first width w1, and a support portion 513 extending from the projection 512 to the display, supporting at least a portion of the blocking element 520 and having a second width w2 smaller than the first width w1. The support portion 513 may be formed such that its width gradually decreases as it approaches the display, or the width may be fixed. Alternatively, the support portion 513 may be formed such that its width gradually increases as it approaches the display. The base 511 may include a stepped portion formed below the projection 512 at the left and right ends. For the quality of the appearance of the electronic device 400 and to prevent the entry of foreign substances, the first width w1 of the protrusion 512 may be determined to reduce the gap g1 with the protective covers 440 and 450. The second width w2 of the support portion 513 may be determined based on the bend radius formed when the display 430 is folded. The protective cap 510 may be made of polycarbonate (PC), rubber, urethane, silicone and/or metal. Alternatively, the protective cap 510 may be formed using insert injection molding, which injects a metallic material into a polymeric material.

[102] The locking member 520 includes, in a region corresponding to the folding region h3, a foldable portion 521 located at least partially covering the third periphery 433 of the display 430, a first expansion portion 522 extending between the first body structure 410 and the first protective cover 440 from the foldable portion 521, and a second expansion portion 523 extending between the second body structure 420 and the second protective cover 450 from the foldable portion 521. The foldable portion 521 includes a seating portion 5211 for receiving a projection 512 of the protective cap 510. The projection 512 of the protective cap 510 is seated. onto the landing portion 5211 of the locking member 520, and certain portions of the expansion portions 522 and 523 extending to the left and right of the landing portion 5211 are supported by the stepped base portion 511.

[103] FIG. 6A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device 400 of FIG. 5A taken along the line C1-C1' according to the embodiment.

[104] Referring to FIG. 6A, the support portion 513 of the protective cap 510 may be located in a position at least partially overlapping with the third periphery 433 of the display 430 when viewed from above of the display 430. The blocking element 520 may be positioned on the display 430 such that at least a portion of the blocking element 520 covers the third periphery 433 of the display 430. At least a portion of the blocking element 520 may be positioned between the support portion 513 of the protective cap 510 and the display 430 such that the blocking member 520 can be firmly supported.

[105] FIG. 6B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 5A taken along line D-D' according to the embodiment.

[106] Referring to FIG. 5B and 6B, the electronic device 400 may further include a guide structure for reducing the concentration of mechanical stress applied to the bending portion 521 of the locking member 520 due to the folding action of the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420, and providing smooth bending characteristics without excessive mechanical stress. on the display 430. The locking member 520 includes a first guide hole 5221 formed in the first expansion portion 522 for receiving a first guide projection 441 projecting from the inner surface of the first protective cover 440 to the first housing structure 410, and a second guide hole 5231 formed in the second expansion portion 523 to receive a second guide projection 451 projecting from the inner surface of the second protective cover 450 to the second housing structure 420. When the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 are in folding action, the first expansion portion 522 and the second expansion portion 523 of the locking element 520 can be moved in the left and right directions (for example, direction (1) or direction (2) in FIG. 6B) being guided by the first guide protrusion 441 and the second guide protrusion 451 penetrating the first guide hole 5221 and the second guide hole 5231, respectively, reducing the concentration of mechanical stress applied to the bendable portion 521. For example, to prevent separation of the first expansion portion 522 and the second expansion portion 523 during folding or unfolding of the electronic device 400, the first guide projection 441 and the second guide projection 451 may extend to the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420.

[107] Alternatively, the first guide 441 and the second guide 451 may be structurally coupled to the first body structure 410 and the second body structure 420, respectively, or the first guide 441 and the second guide 451 may be shaped (e.g., hook-shaped) to prevent separation of the first expansion portion 522 and the second expansion portion 523 during folding or unfolding of the electronic device 400.

[108] The protective cap 510 includes at least one seating projection 5111 projecting downwardly from the base 511. When the protective cap 510 is located in the hinge body 470, the protective cap 510 can be secured by seating the at least one seating projection 5111 in a landing groove 471 formed in the hinge body 470. The seat lip 5111 of the protective cap 510 may be attached to the seat groove 471 of the hinge body 470 by at least one process including bonding, taping, or fusion.

[109] FIG. 6C illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 5A taken along the line C2-C2' according to the embodiment. In particular, FIG. 6C illustrates the placement of the display 430 between the first protective cover 440 and the first housing structure 410 in the first area h1. In the second area h2, the arrangement of the display 430 between the second protective cover 450 and the second housing structure 420 is substantially the same as in the first area h1, and description thereof can be omitted.

[110] Referring to FIG. 6C, the first protective cover 440 may be located in the first housing structure 410 to at least partially cover the display 430 (eg, the first periphery 431) when viewed from above the display 430. The first protective cover 440 includes a first portion 4401 in contact with at least a portion of the display 430 to protect the display 430 from deflection, and a second portion 4402 extending from the first portion 4401 and spaced from the display 430 by a predetermined vertical distance. direction. A first portion 4401 of the first protective cover 440 may support the display 430 adjacent the first periphery 431. A second portion 4402 extending from the first portion 4401 of the first protective cover 440 may be spaced apart from the display 430, thereby preventing damage to the outer surface of the display 430.

[111] FIG. 6D illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[112] Referring to FIG. 6D, the supporting portion 513 of the protective cap 510 may be positioned not to overlap the third periphery 433 of the display 430 when viewed from above the display 430. When the support portion 513 and the display 430 overlap, damage to the portion of the display 430 overlapping the protective cap 510 may be caused when the display 430 is folded. Also, the supporting portion 513 of the protective cap 510 not overlapping the third periphery 433 of the display 430 prevents the height of the protrusion 512 from increasing. Therefore, The protective cap 510 may be placed in the folding area h3 so that the support portion 513 maintains a predetermined gap g2 with the third periphery 433 of the display 430 when viewed from the top of the display 430.

[113] FIG. 7 illustrates the size of the protective cap determined based on the curvature radius of the display when the electronic device is folded according to the embodiment.

[114] Referring to FIG. 7, when the electronic device 400 is folded, the display 430 corresponding to the folding area h3 formed by the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 can be folded to have a specific bending radius R due to the folding characteristic. The locking member 520 may also be folded to have a substantially uniform bend radius R along with the display 430 while surrounding the support portion 513 extending from the protrusion 512 of the protective cap 510. As a result, the size of the support portion 513 extending from the protrusion 512 of the protective cap 510 is may be determined based on the bend radius R generated by the display 430 when the electronic device 400 is folded. For example, when the bending radius is smaller, the size of the support portion 513 (eg, the second width w2) can be reduced.

[115] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of an electronic device including a locking element according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view illustrating the locking element of FIG. 8 placed on the protective covers according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 8 taken along line E-E' according to an embodiment.

[116] Referring to FIG. 8-10, the electronic device 400 includes, as a protective structure 600 in the folding area h3, a locking member 620 that covers the third periphery 433 of the display 430 and is supported at both ends by the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450 without opening outwardly ( for access) protective cap. The locking member 620 includes, in a region corresponding to the folding area (h3), a foldable portion 621 formed to at least partially cover the third periphery 433 of the display 430, a first extension portion 622 extending between the first housing structure 410 and the first protective cover 440 from a bendable portion 621, and a second expansion portion 623 extending between the second body structure 420 and a second protective cover 450 from the bendable portion 621.

[117] The locking member 620 includes a first guide hole 6221 formed in the first expansion portion 622 to receive a first guide projection 441 projecting from the inner surface of the first protective cover 440 to the first housing structure 410, and a second guide hole 6321 formed in a second expansion portion 623 to accommodate a second guide projection 451 projecting from the inner surface of the second protective cover 450 to the second housing structure 420. When the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 are folded, the first expansion portion 622 and the second expansion portion 623 of the locking member 620 can be moved in the left and right directions by being guided by the first guide protrusion 441 and the second guide protrusion 451 penetrating the first guide hole 6221 and the second guide hole 6231, respectively, thereby reducing the concentration of mechanical stress applied to the bendable portion 621 and preventing damage to the display 430 due to excessive bending force of the bendable portion 621. The electronic device 400 may include a support member 610 seated in a housing groove 472 formed in the hinge structure 470 and positioned having a thickness to support the rear surface of the locking member 620. The support member 610 may be located in the housing 470 hinge at a location overlapping the locking element 620 so as to be invisible from the outside when viewed from above the display 430. The support member 610 may be made of a polymeric material having resiliency, such as rubber, urethane, or silicone.

[118] The blocking element 620 may be a thin film element made of a metallic element such as stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum (Al). The blocking element 620 may be a thin film element including a polymer element such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PU or TPU.

[119] FIG. 11 and 12 illustrate a partial view of an electronic device including a locking element according to an embodiment.

[120] Referring to FIG. 11 and 12, the electronic device 400 includes, in the folding area (h3), a locking member 720 that covers the third periphery 433 of the display 430 and is attached at both ends to the first protective cap 440 and the second protective cap 450 without opening the protective cap outward. The locking member 720 includes, in a region corresponding to the folding area (h3), a foldable portion 721 formed to at least partially cover the third periphery 433 of the display 430, a first extension portion 722 extending between the first housing structure 410 and the first protective cover 440 from a foldable portion 721, and a second expansion portion 723 extending between the second body structure 420 and a second protective cover 450 from the foldable portion 721.

[121] Similar to the above description, the locking element 720 may include a first guide hole 7221 formed in the first expansion portion 722 to receive a first guide projection 441 projecting from the inner surface of the first protective cover 440 to the first housing structure 410, and a second guide an opening 7221 formed in the second expansion portion 723 to receive a second guide 451 projecting from the inner surface of the second protective cover 450 to the second housing structure 420.

[122] The locking member 720 may include a plurality of openings 7211 formed at regular or irregular intervals in the folding portion 721. The plurality of openings 7211 may be configured to have a length in the longitudinal direction (eg, y-axis direction) of the folding region h3. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a plurality of openings 7212 may be configured to have a length in a transverse direction (eg, x-axis direction) of the folding region h3. The bending characteristics of the bendable portion 721 may be determined according to at least one of the shape of the openings, the spacing of the openings, the density (frequency) of the openings, or the dimensions of the openings. For example, the bendable portion 721 may have improved bendability when the openings 7211 are tightly spaced. Alternatively, when some of the openings 7211 are eliminated, the bendable portion (721) may include a reinforcing stiffening portion with reduced bendability but increased stiffness. The foldable portion 721 may also be configured such that the central portion has improved flexibility compared to the portions adjacent the first protective cap 440 and the second protective cap 450. Although not illustrated, a support member may be further included that is positioned between the hinge cover and the foldable portion. 721 of the locking element 720 and supports the bendable portion 721 to compensate for the gap between the hinge body 470 and the display 430.

[123] The blocking element 720 may include a filler element that fills a plurality of openings 7121 or 7212, or a shielding element that screens a plurality of openings 7121 or 7212. With the filler element or shielding element, the blocking element 720 can add rigidity while maintaining some degree of flexibility, and can increase the aesthetics of the structure. As another example, a filler member or shielding member may prevent foreign matter from entering through the plurality of openings 7121 or 7212 from the outside. The filling element may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, urethane or silicone. The shielding element may include a film element made of a polymeric material.

[124] FIG. 13 illustrates a partial view of an electronic device including a protective cap according to an embodiment. Fig. 14A and 14B illustrate a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 13 taken along the line F-F' according to the embodiment. Fig. 15 illustrates the size of the protective cap determined based on the curvature radius of the display when the electronic device is folded according to the embodiment.

[125] Referring to FIG. 13, the electronic device 400 includes, in the folding area h3, a protective cap 810 positioned to at least partially cover the third periphery 433 of the display 430 without a separate locking member. The protective cap 810 includes, in the folding area h3, a fastening portion 811 located in the hinge body 470, and a supporting part 812 extending from the fastening portion 811 to the display 430. In the folded state, the fastening portion 811 may be formed having a first width w3, which substantially occupies most of the width of the folding region h3 except for a minimum gap to avoid interference between the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450. Alternatively, the support portion 812 may be formed to have a second width w4 smaller than the first width w3. The support portion 812 may be positioned to overlap at least a portion of the third periphery 433 of the display 430 when viewed from above the display 430. The protective cap 810 may be made of a resilient material such as rubber, urethane, or silicone.

[126] Referring to FIG. 14A, the locking portion 811 includes at least one locking projection 8111 that extends at least partially downwardly in a hook manner. When the protective cap 810 is installed on the hinge body 470, assembly can be completed by engaging the at least one locking projection 8111 with at least one locking groove 473 formed in the hinge body 470. For example, a protective cap 810 made of an elastic material can be easily coupled to the hinge body 470 using a connecting structure between the locking projection 8111 and the locking groove 473. Such a connecting structure can improve the assembly of the electronic device 400 and simplify the separation of the protective cap 810 for maintenance. . Alternatively, the connection structure between the protective cap 810 and the hinge body 470 can be applied to the connection between the protective cap and the hinge body described previously.

[127] Referring to FIG. 14B, the protective cap 810 can be secured by seating a projection 474 formed in the hinge body 470 on a seating portion 8113 formed by ribs 8112 at least partially projecting from the rear side of the securing portion 811, and through an attachment process such as gluing, tying tape or fusion.

[128] Referring to FIG. 15, when the electronic device 400 is folded, the display 430 corresponding to the folding area h3 formed by the first body structure 410 and the second body structure 420 can be folded to have a specific bending radius R due to the folding characteristic. The second width w4 of the supporting portion 812 of the protective cap 810 may be determined based on the bending radius R formed by the display 430 when the electronic device 400 is folded. For example, when the bending radius is smaller, the size of the support portion 513 (eg, the second width w4) can be reduced.

[129] FIG. 16 and 17 illustrate a partial view of an electronic device including a security structure according to an embodiment.

[130] Referring to FIG. 16 and 17, the electronic device 400 includes, in the folding area h3, a protective cap 910 that is located in the hinge housing 470 and at least partially covers a portion of the third surface 433 of the display 430. The electronic device 400 may include a pair of locking elements 920 , which are located between the first protective cap 440 and the second protective cap 450 and extend to at least some portions of the folding area h3, covering at least a portion of the third periphery 433 of the display 430. The protective cap 910 may include a base 911 attached to the housing 470 hinge, and a support portion 912 extending from the base 911 to a position at least partially overlapping with the display 430 when viewing the display 430 from above. A pair of locking members 920 may be attached to the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450 by gluing, taping or fusing so as to at least partially protrude into the folding area h3. The blocking element 920 may include a polymer film element such as PET.

[131] FIG. 18 illustrates the assembly process of the protective structure of FIG. 16 according to an embodiment.

[132] Referring to FIG. 18, the assembly of the electronic device 400 can be improved since the locking member 920 is assembled with the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 while being attached to the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450. The first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420, connected to the hinge body 470 via the hinge structure can be prepared. The display 430 can then be positioned by the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420. The adhesive element can be applied through the illustrated adhesive line BL in the housing structures 410 and 420 and the hinge body 470 where the display 430 is located. The adhesive element can be replaced. by binding (gluing) with tape or fusion. A pair of locking members 920 may be attached to the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450 by gluing, taping or fusing so as to at least partially protrude into the folding area h3.

[133] Assembly of the protective cap 910 can be completed by seating a seating lip 9111 protruding from the base 911 of the protective cap 910 into a seating groove 475 of the hinge body 470 to which the adhesive element is applied. The support portion 912 of the protective cap 910 may cover, in the folding area h3, at least a portion of the third periphery 433 of the display 430. Thereafter, the assembly may be completed when the first protective cap 440 and the second protective cap 450 to which the locking member 920 is attached are located in the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420, respectively, in which the display 430 is located. The pair of blocking elements 920 may cover, in the folding area h3, at least a portion of the third periphery 433 of the display 430. The pair of blocking elements 920 may be disposed extending adjacent the support portion 912 of the protective cap 910, and the placement line of the pair of locking members 920 and the placement line of the support portion 912 may coincide on the display 430.

[134] FIG. 19 and 20 illustrate partial front and rear perspective views of a locking element located on the protective covers according to an embodiment.

[135] Referring to FIG. 19 and 20, the locking member 1010 may be physically connected to the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450. The locking member 1010 includes a foldable portion 1011 located in an area corresponding to the folding area h3 of the display 430, a first securing portion 1012 extending from one end of the foldable portion 1011 and attached to the first protective cap 440, and a second securing portion 1013 extending from the other end of the foldable portion 1011 and attached to the second protective cap 450. The locking member 101 may be made of rubber, silicone, or urethane material having an elastic restorative power. The locking element 1010 may be attached to the first security cap 440 and the second security cap 450 by means of an injection insert. Alternatively, the locking member 1010 may be attached to the first security cap 440 and the second security cap 450 by gluing, taping, or fusing. The locking element 1010 may be aligned with the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450 on the display 430, thereby seamlessly covering the periphery 433 of the display 430.

[136] The locking member 1010 may include a plurality of grooves 1011a formed on a rear surface of the bendable portion 1011. The bending characteristics of the bendable portion 1011 may be determined by the plurality of grooves 1011a. For example, the bending characteristics of the bendable portion 1011 may be determined based on the shape, size, depth, frequency (density), or spacing of the slots 1011a.

[137] The locking element 1010 may include an assembly structure that is located on the rear surface of the bendable portion 1011 and assembled with the hinge body 470. The blocking member 1010 may include a pair of support ribs 1011b and 1011c that project at a predetermined interval from each other to form a guide groove 1011d. A pair of support ribs 1011b and 1011c may be formed in a direction from the first protective cover 440 to the second protective cover 450, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the foldable portion 1011.

[138] Since the protective structure is formed integrally with the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450, it can cover the periphery 433 of the display 430 exposed to the folding area h3 by installing the protective covers 440 and 450 in the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420. Therefore, the assembly of the electronic device can be improved.

[139] FIG. 21A illustrates a partial perspective view of a hinge body according to an embodiment. Fig. 21B illustrates a partial perspective view of a locking member located in a hinge body of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Fig. 21C illustrates a locking member folded along a hinge body according to an embodiment. Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken along line G-G' in FIG. 21C, according to an embodiment.

[140] Referring to FIG. 21A-22, the hinge body 470 includes, in the folding region h3, an element securing portion 476 that accommodates a pair of support ribs 1011b and 1011c of the locking element 1010. The hinge housing 470 includes a guide rib 4761 protruding from the element securing portion 476. When the locking member 1010 is installed in the hinge body 470, the guide rib 4761 of the hinge body 470 is inserted into the guide groove 1011d formed by the pair of support ribs 1011b and 1011c, completing the assembly. The first protective cover 440, the blocking member 1010, and the second protective cover 450 may be formed as one piece and arranged such that all lines covering the periphery of the display 430 may coincide.

[141] The fastening portion 476 and guide rib 4761 of the hinge body 470 includes a curved groove 4762 recessed inwardly relative to the central portion. The curved groove 4762 can be used as an accommodating space for accommodating a downwardly extending portion of the elastic foldable portion 1011 of the elastic locking member 1010, which is also folded when the electronic device 400 is folded.

[142] FIG. 23 illustrates a partial view of an electronic device including a protective cap and a locking structure according to an embodiment.

[143] Referring to FIG. 23, the electronic device 400 includes, in the folding area h3, a protective cap 1100 located in the hinge body. The protective cap 1100 includes a fastening portion 1110 attached to the hinge body 470 and a supporting portion 1120 extending from the fastening portion 1110 to the third periphery 433 of the display 430.

[144] The display 430 may further include a protective film 4301 positioned to protect substantially the entire outer surface. The protective film 4301 may include a PI film. The protective film 4301 may be formed extending to a portion of the support portion 1120 in the folding area h3. In the folding area h3, the third display periphery 433 may be protected by the protective film 4301, and the periphery of the protective film 4301 may be protected by the support portion 1120 of the protective cap 1100.

[145] Alternatively, the shape of the display 430 may be changed in the folding area h3 to extend to a position supported by the support portion 1120 of the protective cap 1100. The expanded display area 430 may extend to the folding area h3 of at least a portion of the first area h1, extending from the folding region h3, and at least part of the second region h2.

[146] FIG. 24 illustrates a hinge plate according to an embodiment.

[147] Referring to FIG. 24, the electronic device includes, in the folding area h3, a hinge plate 1300 located in the hinge body 470. The hinge plate 1300 includes a first hinge plate 1310 and a second hinge plate 1320 rotatably coupled to each other by at least one hinge module 1330. The first hinge plate 1310 may be coupled to the first housing structure. The second hinge plate 1320 may be coupled to the second housing structure. Therefore, the display 430 may be positioned by supporting a first housing structure 410, a pair of hinge plates 1300, and a second housing structure 420.

[148] The first hinge plate 1310 and the second hinge plate 1320 include, for supporting the third periphery 433 of the display 430 in the folding area h3, a first expansion portion 1311 and a second expansion portion 1321 that are formed as closely as perhaps to such an extent that they do not interfere with each other during the folding action. The first expansion portion 1311 and the second expansion portion 1321 can prevent a pressing phenomenon due to a gap created between the hinge body 470 and the display 430.

[149] FIG. 25A and 25B illustrate a partial view of an electronic device including a security structure according to an embodiment.

[150] Referring to FIG. 25A and 25B, the electronic device 400 includes a first region h1 facing the first housing structure 410, a second region h2 facing the second housing structure 420, and a folding region h3 facing the hinge structure. The electronic device 400 includes, as a protective structure 200, a protective cap 210 located in the folding region h3, and a locking member 220 located at least partially supported by the protective cap 210.

[151] The protective cap 210 may have a configuration substantially the same as the protective cap 510 of FIG. 5A. The protective cap 210 includes, in the folding area h3, a projection 212 at least partially attached to the hinge body 470, and a support portion 213 extending from the projection 212 to the display 430 to support at least a portion of the locking member 220. Width of the support portion 213 may be fixed or may gradually decrease as it approaches the display. Alternatively, the width of the support portion 513 may gradually increase as it approaches the display.

[152] The locking element 220 may be supported by at least a portion of the security cap 210, cover the third periphery 433 of the display 430, and connect the first security cap 440 and the second security cap 450. In particular, the locking element 220 may connect the first security cap 440 and the second security cap cover 450 and may block the third periphery 433 of the display 430 exposed to the folding area h3 from being within view from the outside, thereby preventing the display 430 from being damaged when the third periphery 433 is arbitrarily manipulated. In addition, at least a portion of the protective cap 210 fills the space between the hinge body and the display 430, thereby preventing the display 430 from being deformed due to pressure.

[153] The blocking element 220 may be formed by layering various materials. The blocking element 220 may be formed by attaching a first element having rigidity and a second element having flexibility or tortuosity together. The blocking element 220 may include a shock-absorbing rib 2212 at least partially curved downward to protect the third periphery 433 of the display 430 from external impact.

[154] The locking member 220 includes, in a region corresponding to the folding area h3, a foldable portion 221 located at least partially covering the third periphery 433 of the display 430, a first expansion portion 222 extending between the first body structure 410 and the first protective cover 440 from foldable portion 221, and a second expansion portion 223 extending between the second body structure 420 and the second protective cover 450 from the foldable portion 221. The foldable portion 221 includes a landing portion 2211 for receiving a projection 212 of the protective cap 210. The locking member 220 may be so positioned. such that the protrusion 212 of the protective cap 210 is received in the landing portion 2211.

[155] The electronic device 400 may further include a guide structure to reduce the concentration of mechanical stress applied to the bending portion 221 of the locking member 220 due to the folding action of the first body structure 410 and the second body structure 420 and provide smooth bending characteristics without excessive mechanical stress. voltage on the display 430. The blocking member 220 may include a first guide hole 2221 formed in the first expansion portion 222 for receiving a first guide projection 441 projecting from an inner surface of the first protective cover 440 to the first housing structure 410, and a second guide hole 2231 , formed in the second expansion portion 223 to receive a second guide projection 451 projecting from the inner surface of the second protective cover 450 to the second housing structure 420. When the electronic device 400 is in the folding action, the first expansion portion 222 and the second expansion portion 223 of the locking member 220 can be moved by being guided by the first guide protrusion 441 and the second guide protrusion 451 penetrating the first guide hole 2221 and the second guide hole 2231, respectively, reducing the concentration of mechanical stress applied to the bendable portion 221. For example, to prevent separation of the first expansion portion 222 and the second expansion portion 223 during folding or unfolding of the electronic device 400, the first guide protrusion 441 and the second guide protrusion 451 may be formed to extend to the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420, respectively.

[156] Alternatively, the first guide 441 and the second guide 451 may be structurally coupled to the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420, respectively, or the first guide 441 and the second guide 451 may be formed to have a locking shape (e.g. hook shape) to prevent separation of the first expansion portion 222 and the second expansion portion 223 during folding or unfolding of the electronic device 400.

[157] FIG. 25C illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 25B taken along the line H-H' according to the embodiment.

[158] Referring to FIG. 25C, the protective cap 210 includes a seating projection 2111 projecting downwardly from the projection 212. When the protective cap 210 is positioned in the hinge body 470, the protective cap 210 may be secured by seating at least one mounting projection 2111 into a mounting groove 471 formed in 470 hinge body. For example, the mounting lip 2111 of the protective cap 210 may be attached to the mounting groove 471 of the hinge body 470 by at least one process including bonding, taping, or fusion.

[159] The support portion 213 of the protective cap 210 may at least partially overlap the third periphery 433 of the display 430 with a predetermined overlap amount "d" when viewed from the display 430 from above. At least a portion of the blocking element 220 may be disposed on the display 430, covering a third periphery 433 of the display 430. The blocking element 200 may be positioned such that the first relatively stiffened element 220a faces the protective cap 210 and the second element 220b faces the protective cap 210. , having flexibility, was facing the display 430. The shock-absorbing rib 2212 may extend downward from the second element 220b facing the third periphery 433 of the display 430. Alternatively, the shock-absorbing rib 2212 may extend from the first element 220a of the blocking element 220.

[160] FIG. 26A illustrates a perspective view of a locking member according to an embodiment. Fig. 26B illustrates a rear view of a locking member according to an embodiment. Fig. 26C illustrates a sectional view of the locking member of FIG. 26A taken along the line I-I' according to the embodiment.

[161] Referring to FIG. 26A-26C, the blocking member 220 may be formed by layering various materials. The locking element 220 may be formed by attaching together a first element 220a having rigidity and a second element 220b having flexibility. The first element 220a may substantially face the protective cap to help prevent damage to the display, for example, due to a user's fingernail. The second element 220b may include a shock-absorbing rib 2212 that is at least partially folded downward to protect the third periphery of the display from external impact. The first element 220a may include PU, TPU or PC. The second element 220b may include silicone, urethane or rubber. The first element 220a and the second element 220b may be attached to each other by gluing, taping or fusion. The blocking element 220 may be made of the same single material as the first element 220a or the second element 220b.

[162] The shock-absorbing (buffer) rib 2212, which folds from the second element 220b and extends facing the third periphery 433 of the display 430, includes at least one fold-receiving groove 2213 at least partially formed to provide excellent bending property. When the electronic device 400 is in folding action, the locking element 220 may help provide improved tortuosity, thereby allowing the display 430 to flexibly fold.

[163] FIG. 27 illustrates a partial rear perspective view of a locking element located on the protective covers according to an embodiment.

[164] Referring to FIG. 27, the locking member 220 is positioned such that the first guide 441 of the first protective cover 440 penetrates the first guide hole 2221 of the first expansion portion 222, and the second guide 451 of the second protective cover 450 penetrates the second guide hole 2231 of the second expansion portion 223. Guide a design in which the guide protrusions 441 and 451 move along the guide holes 2221 and 2231, respectively, during the folding and unfolding action of the electronic device 400 may help relieve mechanical stress concentrated on the locking member 220. The first guide protrusion 441 protruding through the first guide hole 2221, and a second guide projection 451 protruding through the second guide hole 2223 may be in contact with or structurally connected to the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420, thereby preventing the locking member 220 from being separated from the electronic device 400 during operation.

[165] The locking element 220 may overlap at least a portion of the third periphery 433 of the display 430, thereby preventing the third periphery 433 of the display 430 from being opened outwards from the electronic device 400. The locking element 220 may help prevent damage to the third periphery 433 due to external impact by means of an elastic a shock-absorbing rib 2212 extending toward the third periphery 433 of the display 430.

[166] FIG. 28A illustrates a partial view of an electronic device including a security structure according to an embodiment. Fig. 28B illustrates a partial view of the housing structures and shows auxiliary locking elements according to an embodiment.

[167] FIG. 29A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 28A taken along the line J-J' according to the embodiment. Fig. 29B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIG. 28A taken along line K-K' according to an embodiment. Fig. 29C illustrates a partial sectional view showing a folded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[168] In FIG. 28A, the same or similar reference numerals are provided to substantially the same elements as the elements of the electronic device 400 of FIG. 25B, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

[169] Referring to FIG. 28A-29C, the third periphery 433 of the display 430 of the electronic device 400 may be placed in the folding area h3 protected by the locking member 220, which is located on the third periphery 433, is in the form of a film and has both ends connected to the first protective cover 440 and the second protective cover 450. For example, at least a portion of the locking member 220 may be positioned in the folding region h3 so as to be at least partially supported by the supporting portion 213 of the protective cap 210 located in the hinge body.

[170] The electronic device 400 further includes a pair of auxiliary locking elements 231 and 232 located between the protective cap 210 and the first protective cap 440 and between the protective cap 210 and the second protective cap 450, respectively. A pair of auxiliary blocking elements 231 and 232 can block foreign matter from entering the electronic device 400 by shielding between the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 and the first protective cap 440 and shielding between the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 and the second protective cover 450. A pair of auxiliary blocking elements 231 and 232 may be adjacent to the blocking element 220 without overlapping when viewed from above the display 430.

[171] The pair of auxiliary locking elements 231 and 232 may include a first auxiliary locking element 231 located extending from a portion between the first body structure 410 and the first protective cap 440 in the first region h1 to at least a portion between the protrusion 212 of the protective cap 210 and hinge housing 470 in folding area h3. The pair of auxiliary locking elements 231 and 232 may include a second auxiliary locking element 232 located extending from a portion between the second housing structure 420 and the second protective cover 450 in the second region h2 to at least a portion between the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 and the hinge body 470 in the folding area h3. A pair of auxiliary locking elements 231 and 232 may at least partially overlap the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 when viewed from above the display 430.

[172] A first auxiliary locking member 231 may be coupled to a first safety cap 440. A second auxiliary locking member 232 may be coupled to a second safety cap 450. A pair of auxiliary locking members 231 and 232 may be disposed on a first body structure 410, a hinge body 470 and a second housing structure 420 prior to housing the display 430. A pair of accessory locking members 231 and 232 may be attached to the protective covers 440 and 450, respectively, by taping, gluing, or fusing. Alternatively, a pair of auxiliary locking members 231 and 232 may be attached to at least some of the housing structures 410 and 420. A pair of auxiliary locking members 231 and 232 may be positioned such that one end thereof is attached, respectively, to the protective covers 440 and 450, and the other ends thereof extend over the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 according to the folding or unfolding of the electronic device 400. For example, the pair of auxiliary locking members 231 and 232 may be made of a material such as PET and may be formed into a thin film having elasticity.

[173] FIG. 30 illustrates the contact configuration between the protective cap and the auxiliary locking members 231 and 232 due to the folding action of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[174] Referring to FIG. 30, a pair of auxiliary locking members 231 and 232 have fixed ends 231a and 232a respectively attached to the protective covers 440 and 450, and free ends 231b and 232b extending over the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 according to the folding or unfolding of the electronic device 400. When the electronic device unfolded, the free ends 231b and 232b of the auxiliary locking elements 231 and 232 can be positioned under the projection 212 of the protective cap 210. While the electronic device is folded, the free ends 231b and 232b of the auxiliary locking elements 231 and 232 can move over the projection 212 after passing over the periphery of the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 with elastic deformation. The two ends of the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 can be formed to have a relatively thin thickness by a corner beveling process so that the free ends 231b and 232b of the auxiliary locking members 231 and 232 easily pass over the projection 212 by elastic deformation. In addition, the two ends of the projection 212 of the protective cap 210 can be formed into a curved curve so that the free ends 231b and 232b of the auxiliary locking members 231 and 232 easily pass over the projection 212.

[175] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 400 in FIG. 4B) may include: a housing as a housing structure that includes: a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 464 in FIG. 4B) , corresponding to a folding area (eg, folding area h3 in FIG. 4B) and including a hinge body (eg, hinge body 470 in FIG. 4A); a first body structure (e.g., first body structure 410 in FIG. 4B) corresponding to a first region (e.g., first area h1 in FIG. 4B) connected to the hinge structure and including a first surface (e.g., first surface 411 in FIG. 4B), a second surface (eg, second surface 412 in FIG. 4B) facing away from the first surface, and a first side member (eg, first side member 413 in FIG. 4B) surrounding the first space between the first surface and the second surface; and a second body structure (e.g., second body structure 420 in FIG. 4B) corresponding to a second region (e.g., second area h2 in FIG. 4B) coupled to the hinge structure and including a third surface (e.g., third surface 421 in FIG. 4B), a fourth surface (e.g., fourth surface 422 in FIG. 4B) facing away from the third surface, and a second side member (e.g., second side member 423 in FIG. 4B) surrounding the second space between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the first body structure and the second body structure are configured to fold relative to the hinge structure so that the first surface and the third surface face in the same direction when unfolded, and the second surface and the fourth surface face in opposite directions to each other folded; a display (eg, display 430 in FIG. 4B) positioned extending from at least a portion of the first surface to at least a portion of the third surface through the folding region; a first protective cover (eg, first protective layer 440 in FIG. 4B) located on at least some of the periphery (eg, first periphery 431 in FIG. 4B) of the display and along its periphery in a first region; a second protective cover (eg, second protective cover 450 in FIG. 4B) located on at least some of the periphery (eg, second periphery 432 in FIG. 4B) of the display and along its periphery in a second region; and at least one protective structure (eg, protective structure 500 in FIG. 4A) configured to protect a periphery (eg, third periphery 433 and/or fourth periphery 434 in FIG. 4B) of the display in the folding region.

[176] In various embodiments, the protective structure may include, in the folding region, a protective cap (e.g., protective cap 510 in FIG. 5B) located in the hinge body, and a locking element (e.g., locking element 520 in FIG. 5B) supported by a protective cap and configured to at least partially cover the periphery of the display.

[177] In various embodiments, the protective cap may include, in the folding region, a base (e.g., base 511 in FIG. 5B) attached to the hinge body, a protrusion (e.g., protrusion 512 in FIG. 5B) extending upward from base and formed having a first width (eg, first width w1 in FIG. 5B) smaller than the base, and a support portion (eg, support portion 513 in FIG. 5B) extending from the protrusion to the display supporting at least a portion of the blocking element on the top surface of the blocking element and having a second width (eg, second width w2 in FIG. 5B) smaller than the first width. When viewing the display from above, the support portion may be positioned to at least partially overlap the display.

[178] In various embodiments, the protrusion and support portion may be formed in an upwardly curved shape.

[179] In various embodiments, the size of the second width of the support portion may be determined based on the bend radius (eg, bend radius R in FIG. 7) formed by the folded display when the electronic device is folded.

[180] In various embodiments, the locking element may include a foldable portion (e.g., foldable portion 521 in FIG. 5B) facing the folding area and covering the periphery of a first flared portion (e.g., first flared portion 522 in FIG. 5B) extending between the first protective cover and the first body structure from one end of the bendable portion, and a second expansion portion (eg, second expansion portion 523 in FIG. 5B) extending between the second protective cover and the second housing structure from the other end of the bendable portion. At least a portion of the bendable portion may be positioned supported by the supporting portion.

[181] In various embodiments, the first expansion portion may include a first guide hole (e.g., first guide hole 5221 in FIG. 5B) for receiving a first guide projection (e.g., first guide 441 in FIG. 5B) protruding from the inner the surface of the first protective cover; the second expansion portion may include a second guide hole (eg, second guide hole 5231 in FIG. 5B) for receiving a second guide projection (eg, second guide lip 451 in FIG. 5B) protruding from the inner surface of the second protective cover; and the first expansion portion and the second expansion portion may be guided along the first guide projection and the second guide projection when the electronic device is folded or unfolded.

[182] In various embodiments, the locking element may further include a shock-absorbing rib extending from the foldable portion to the hinge body facing the periphery of the display.

[183] In various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a pair of auxiliary locking elements (e.g., auxiliary locking elements 231 and 232 in FIG. 28A) disposed, respectively, between the security cap and the first security cap and between the security cap and the second security cap , and a pair of auxiliary blocking elements may be located adjacent to the blocking element when viewing the display from above.

[184] In various embodiments, the security structure may include a locking element. The locking element may include, in a folding region, a foldable portion located in the hinge body at least partially covering the periphery of the display, a first expansion portion extending from one end of the foldable portion and located between the first protective cover and the first housing structure, and a second expansion portion a portion extending from the other end of the bendable portion and located between the second protective cover and the second housing structure. The foldable portion may include a plurality of openings (eg, openings 7211 in FIG. 11) formed at regular or irregular intervals.

[185] In various embodiments, the flexural characteristics of the bendable portion may be determined based on at least one of the size of the openings, the shape of the openings, the spacing between openings, or the density of the openings.

[186] In various embodiments, the plurality of openings may be configured to have the same or different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the foldable portion or in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[187] In various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one support member (eg, support member 610 in FIG. 10) positioned between the hinge body and the bendable portion to support the bendable portion.

[188] In various embodiments, the protective structure may include, in the folding region, as a protective cap (e.g., protective cap 810 in FIG. 13) located in the hinge body, a securing portion (e.g., securing portion 811 in FIG. 13) located in the transverse direction of the folding area, and a support portion (for example, support portion 812 in FIG. 13) extending from the securing portion to the display. The support portion may be expanded to cover at least some of the periphery of the display.

[189] In various embodiments, the size of the support portion may be determined based on the bend radius (eg, bend radius R in FIG. 15) formed by the folded display when the electronic device is folded.

[190] In various embodiments, the security structure may include a first locking element extending between the first security cover and the first housing structure in the folding region, and a second locking element extending between the second protective cover and the second housing structure in the folding region. The first blocking element and the second blocking element may be arranged in the folding area to at least partially cover the periphery of the display.

[191] In various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a protective cap located between the first locking element and the second locking element in the folding area hinge body. The protective cap may include a support portion that at least partially covers the periphery of the display.

[192] In various embodiments, each of the first blocking element and the second blocking element may include a film element made of a polymeric material attached to the first security cap or the second security cap.

[193] In various embodiments, the security structure may include a locking element. The locking member may include a foldable portion located at least partially covering the periphery of the display, a first securing portion extending from one end of the folding portion and attached to the first protective cover, and a second securing portion extending from the other end of the folding portion and attached to the second protective cover. protective cover. The lines of the foldable portion, the first protective cover and the second protective cover covering the display may be made to coincide.

[194] In various embodiments, the locking element may be made of at least one of rubber, urethane, or silicone having resiliency, and may be attached to the first security cap and the second security cap via an injection insert.

[195] Embodiments of the disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific terms or words used in the specification are to be construed in accordance with the spirit of the disclosure without limiting the scope thereof. While the invention has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and its equivalents.

Thus it is proposed:

1. Electronic device containing:

a hinge structure corresponding to the folding area of the electronic device;

a first body structure coupled to the hinge structure and including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a first side member surrounding a first space between the first surface and the second surface;

a second body structure coupled to the hinge structure and including a third surface, a fourth surface facing away from the third surface, and a second side member surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the first body structure and the second body structure are foldable and unfoldable around the hinge structure, the first surface and the third surface facing in the same direction when expanded, and the second surface and the fourth surface facing in opposite directions when folded;

a display that extends along at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the third surface through the folding region;

a first protective cover located in the first housing structure on at least some portion of the periphery of the display;

a second protective cover located in the second housing structure on at least some portion of the periphery of the display; And

protective structure that protects the display periphery in the folding area.

2. Electronic device according to claim 1, in which the protective structure contains:

a protective cap located on the hinge structure in the folding area; And

a blocking element supported by a protective cap and configured to at least partially cover the periphery of the display.

3. Electronic device according to claim 2, in which the protective cap contains:

a base that is attached to the hinge structure in the folding area;

a projection that projects upward from the base and has a first width that is smaller than the base; And

a support portion that extends from the projection toward the display, supports at least a portion of the locking element on an upper surface of the locking element, and has a second width that is smaller than the first width,

wherein the supporting portion at least partially overlaps the display when viewed from above.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion and the supporting portion are formed in an upwardly curved shape.

5. The electronic device as set forth in claim 4, wherein the second width of the support portion is determined based on a bending radius formed by the folded display when the electronic device is folded.

6. Electronic device according to claim 3, in which the blocking element contains:

a foldable portion that faces the folding area and covers the periphery of the display;

a first expansion portion that extends between the first protective cover and the first body structure from the first end of the bendable portion; And

a second expansion portion that extends between the second protective cover and the second body structure from the second end of the bendable portion,

wherein at least a portion of the bendable portion is supported by the supporting portion.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first expansion portion includes a first guide hole that accommodates a first guide protrusion projecting from an inner surface of the first protective cover,

wherein the second expansion portion includes a second guide hole that accommodates a second guide protrusion projecting from the inner surface of the second protective cover, and

wherein the first expansion portion and the second expansion portion are guided along the first guide projection and the second guide projection when the electronic device is folded or unfolded.

8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the locking member further comprises a shock-absorbing rib that extends from the bendable portion to a hinge body facing the periphery of the display.

9. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising a pair of auxiliary locking elements located respectively between the protective cap and the first protective cap and between the protective cap and the second protective cap,

wherein a pair of auxiliary blocking elements are located adjacent to the blocking element when viewed from above the display.

10. Electronic device according to claim 1, in which the protective structure contains a blocking element,

the blocking element contains:

a foldable portion that is located in the hinge structure and at least partially covers the periphery of the display in the folding area;

a first expansion portion that extends from the first end of the bendable portion and that is located between the first protective cover and the first body structure; And

a second expansion portion that extends from the second end of the bendable portion and that is located between the second protective cover and the second body structure, and

wherein the bendable portion includes a plurality of openings formed at regular or irregular intervals.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the bending characteristics of the bendable portion are determined based on at least one of a size of the plurality of openings, a shape of the plurality of openings, a spacing between the plurality of openings, or a density of the plurality of openings.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of openings are made to have the same or different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the bendable part or in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

13. The electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising at least one supporting element located between the hinge structure and the bendable part,

wherein said at least one supporting element supports the bendable part.

14. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the protective structure comprises, in the foldable area, a protective cap in a hinged structure, wherein the protective cap comprises:

a fastening portion that is located in the transverse direction of the folding area; And

a support portion that extends from the anchor portion to the display, and

wherein the support portion covers at least a portion of the periphery of the display.

15. The electronic device as set forth in claim 14, wherein the size of the support portion is determined based on a bending radius formed by the folded display portion when the electronic device is folded.

16. Electronic device according to claim 1, in which the protective structure contains:

a first locking element that extends between the first protective cover and the first body structure into a folding area; And

a second locking element that extends between the second protective cover and the second body structure into the folding area, and

wherein the first blocking element and the second blocking element at least partially cover the periphery of the display in the folding area.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, further comprising a protective cap located between the first locking element and the second locking element in the hinge structure of the folding area,

wherein the protective cap includes a support portion that at least partially covers the periphery of the display.

18. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the first blocking element and the second blocking element include film elements attached to the first protective cover and the second protective cover, respectively, and

the film elements are made of polymer material.

19. Electronic device according to claim 1, in which the protective structure contains a blocking element,

the blocking element contains:

a foldable portion that at least partially covers the periphery of the display;

a first fastening portion that extends from the first end of the bendable portion and is attached to the first protective cover; And

a second fastening portion that extends from the second end of the foldable portion and is attached to the second protective cover,

wherein the foldable part, the first protective cover and the second protective cover covering the display are arranged in a line.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the locking element is made of at least one of rubber, urethane or silicone and is secured between the first protective cap and the second protective cap by an injection insert.

Claims (37)

1. A foldable electronic device with a flexible display, containing: first building; second building; a hinge structure connecting the first body and the second body in a folding manner relative to the folding axis; a flexible display that includes a first area corresponding to the first housing, a second area corresponding to the second housing; a first protective cover disposed over the first housing to cover the periphery of the first area of the flexible display; a second protective cover disposed over the second housing to cover the periphery of the second flexible display area; And a protective structure located on top of the hinge structure, the protective structure contains: a locking member covering the periphery of the flexible display and being foldable; And at least one protective cap supporting the locking element, said at least one protective cap comprising: a base attached to a hinged structure; a projection extending from the base; And a supporting portion extending from the protrusion to the flexible display, wherein in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis, the protrusion has a first width, and the supporting part has a second width, smaller than the first width. 2. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 1, wherein the hinge structure includes a hinge module and a hinge body covering the hinge module, and wherein the protective cap is secured by seating at least part of the protrusion in a seating groove formed in the hinge body. 3. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the protrusion is secured in a landing groove formed in the hinge structure. 4. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 1, wherein in the direction along the folding axis of the hinge structure, the protrusion of the protective cap is spaced from the periphery of the flexible display. 5. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 1, wherein in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the hinge structure, at least a portion of the support portion is spaced away from the flexible display. 6. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is formed such that its width gradually decreases or increases as it approaches the flexible display. 7. A foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 1, wherein said at least one protective cap comprises: a first protective cap located at one end of the hinge structure in a region corresponding to the folding axis between the first protective cap and the second protective cap in a direction along the folding axis, and a second protective cap located at the other end of the hinge structure in a region between the first protective cap and the second protective cap in a direction along the folding axis. 8. A foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 1, wherein the locking element is arranged covering the periphery of an area corresponding to the folding axis of the flexible display, the blocking element contains: a central portion located at least partially overlapping with the periphery of the flexible display in said area when viewed from above of the flexible display; a first end portion extending from the first side of the central portion and located at least partially between the first protective cover and the flexible display in the first region; And a second end portion extending from a second side of the central portion opposite the first side and located at least partially between the second protective cover and the flexible display in the second area. 9. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 8, wherein the central portion of the locking member at least partially overlaps with a supporting portion of the at least one protective cap when viewed from above of the flexible display. 10. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 8, wherein the central portion is connected to a support portion between the support portion and the flexible display. 11. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 8, wherein the central portion, the first end portion, and the second end portion are arranged in a line. 12. A foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 8, wherein, if the electronic device is folded, the central portion of the locking element is elastically deformed by the flexible display. 13. A foldable electronic device with a flexible display according to claim 8, in which: the first end portion of the locking element is slidably connected to at least a portion of the first protective cover, and the second end portion of the locking element is slidably connected to at least a portion of the second protective cover. 14. The foldable electronic device with a flexible display as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the support portion is disposed over a periphery of the flexible display so as to at least partially overlap with the periphery of the flexible display in a region corresponding to a folding axis as viewed from the flexible display. above.