Electronic device comprising acoustic output module

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing including a first surface and a first side surface connected to the first surface; a second housing including a second surface and a second side surface connected to the second surface, which moves relative to the first housing between a closed state in which the second surface faces the first surface and the second side surface faces the first side surface and an open state in which the second surface moves along the first surface and the second side surface moves along the first side surface; and a display located on the opposite side of the first surface and on the opposite side of the second surface, having a first area in the closed state and a second area larger than the first area in the open state. The acoustic unit configured to output or receive sound may include an acoustic unit located in the second housing such that the sound is radiated in a first direction through the second side surface in the open state and radiated in a second direction different from the first direction along the first side surface in the closed state.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following various embodiments relate to an electronic device including an acoustic unit, for example, an electronic device including a flexible display that switches the direction of radiation from the acoustic unit or the direction of radiation to the acoustic unit. Background Technology

[0002] An electronic device including a flexible display is being developed. According to one example of an electronic device, a display is positioned on a plurality of housings, and the plurality of housings can fold and unfold the display by forming an angle. According to another example of an electronic device, the screen display area of ​​the display can be expanded by moving one housing relative to another housing. The problem to be solved

[0003] According to various embodiments, an electronic device that secures stable acoustic performance in an electronic device using a flexible display can be provided. means of solving the problem

[0004] An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing including a first surface and a first side surface connected to the first surface; a second housing including a second surface and a second side surface connected to the second surface, wherein the second housing moves relative to the first housing between a closed state in which the second surface faces the first surface and the second side surface faces the first side surface, and an open state in which the second surface moves along the first surface and the second side surface moves along the first side surface; a display located on the opposite side of the first surface and on the opposite side of the second surface, having a first area in the closed state and a second area larger than the first area in the open state, and wherein output sound is radiated in a first direction through the second side surface in the open state and radiated in a second direction different from the first direction through the second side surface and along the first side surface in the closed state. It may include an acoustic output module located in the second housing.

[0005] An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing including a first surface, a first side surface connected to the first surface, and a first duct connected to the first side surface; a second housing including a second surface, a second side surface connected to the second surface, and a second duct connected to the second side surface, wherein the second housing moves relative to the first housing between a closed state in which the second surface faces the first surface and the second side surface faces the first side surface and the first duct and the second duct are aligned, and an open state in which the second surface moves along the first surface and the second side surface moves along the first side surface and the first duct and the second duct are not aligned; a display located on the opposite side of the first surface and on the opposite side of the second surface, having a first area in the closed state and a second area larger than the first area in the open state. It may include an acoustic output module located in the second housing and connected to the second duct, and a seal located between the first side surface and the second side surface and around the first duct and the second duct.

[0006] An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a display comprising a first region, a second region, and a flexible region between the first region and the second region; a first housing located in the first region and comprising a wave guide; a second housing located in the second region; a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing, located in at least a portion of the flexible region, and rotating the second housing relative to the first housing between a folding state in which the first region and the second region face each other and an unfolded state in which the first region and the second region do not face each other; and an acoustic output module located in the second housing such that output sound is radiated in a first direction through the second housing in the unfolded state and radiated in a second direction different from the first direction through the second housing and along the wave guide in the folding state. Effects of the invention

[0007] According to various embodiments, stable acoustic performance can be secured by switching the radiation direction according to changes in the state of the electronic device. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. FIG. 2a is a drawing of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment. FIG. 2b is a drawing of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment. FIG. 3a is a partial perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3b is a partial perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional perspective view of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment, viewed along the AA line of FIG. 2a. FIG. 3d is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment, viewed along the AA line of FIG. 2a. FIG. 3e is a cross-sectional perspective view of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment, viewed along the BB line of FIG. 2b. FIG. 3f is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment, viewed along the BB line of FIG. 2b. FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a closed state according to another embodiment, viewed along the AA line of FIG. 2a. FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional perspective view of an electronic device in a closed state according to another embodiment, viewed along the AA line of FIG. 2a. FIG. 5a is a plan view of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment. FIG. 5b is a plan view of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment. FIG. 5c is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5d is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one embodiment, viewed along the line 5D-5D of FIG. 5c. FIG. 5e is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment, viewed along the line 5E-5E of FIG. 5c. FIG. 6a is a drawing of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment. FIG. 6b is a drawing of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment. FIG. 7a is a drawing of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 7b is a drawing of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 8a is a side view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 8b is a side view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0011] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0012] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0013] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0014] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0015] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0016] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0017] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0018] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0019] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0020] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0021] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0022] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0023] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0024] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0025] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0026] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0027] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0028] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0029] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0030] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0031] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0032] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be a device of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0033] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., first) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationally,” it means that said component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0034] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0035] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0037] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0038] FIG. 2a is a drawing of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2b is a drawing of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, a sliderable or rollable electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) movably coupled to each other, a driving body (e.g., driving body (330) of FIG. 3a), and a display (261) (e.g., flexible display or rollable display) disposed in the space formed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In this document, the surface on which the display (261) is disposed may be defined as the front of the electronic device (201), and the surface opposite to the front may be defined as the rear of the electronic device (201). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and the rear may be defined as the side of the electronic device (201).

[0040] In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may be slidably coupled to the first housing (210) relative to the first housing (210). Meanwhile, in various embodiments of this document, the second housing (220) is described as moving relative to the first housing (210), but is not limited thereto and may also be understood as the first housing (210) sliding relative to the second housing (220). In other words, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may move relative to each other.

[0041] In one embodiment, the state of the electronic device (201) may be determined by the driving of a driving body (e.g., driving body (330)). For example, when the driving body is in a first state (e.g., when the rotation angle of the roller (331) exceeds a first threshold value and the display (261) has a first area), the closed state of the electronic device (201) (e.g., the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2a) may be determined. Here, the closed state of the electronic device (201) may be defined as a state in which the area of ​​the first housing (210) and the area of ​​the second housing (220) substantially overlap when viewed from FIG. 2a. Meanwhile, when the driving body is in a second state in which it moves the second housing (220) and / or extends the display (261) (e.g., when the rotation angle of the roller (331) exceeds a second threshold greater than a first threshold so that the display (261) extends to have a second area larger than a first area), an open state of the electronic device (201) (e.g., the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2b) may be defined. Here, the open state of the electronic device (201) may be defined as a state in which, when viewed in FIG. 2b, the area of ​​the first housing (210) and the area of ​​the second housing (220) overlap at least partially. When the electronic device (201) is in an open state, substantially all of the area of ​​the display (261) may be exposed to the outside. Meanwhile, if the display (261) has an area between the first area and the second area, it can be defined as an intermediate state of the electronic device (201).

[0042] The electronic device (201) may include a circuit board (209), an input module (250) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1), a first acoustic unit (255a) (e.g., the acoustic output module (155) or audio module (170) of FIG. 1), a second acoustic unit (255b) (e.g., the acoustic output module (155) or audio module (170) of FIG. 1), a camera module (280) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1), and a battery (289) (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1). Meanwhile, the term 'acoustic unit' as used in this document is used as a concept including an acoustic output module (e.g., acoustic output module (155) of FIG. 1) or one or more components constituting an acoustic output module (e.g., a speaker), an audio module (e.g., audio module (170) of FIG. 1) or one or more components constituting an audio module (e.g., a microphone), and other acoustic processing devices. For example, in embodiments where the acoustic unit includes an acoustic output module, the acoustic unit may include a speaker configured to generate sound and an enclosure (e.g., enclosure (357) of FIG. 3d) that surrounds the speaker and defines a resonance space, but is not limited thereto and may also be understood as a device including a speaker without a resonance space.

[0043] In one embodiment, the circuit board (209), input module (250), and camera module (280) may be located in the first housing (210), and the first acoustic unit (255a), second acoustic unit (255b), and battery (289) may be located in the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the first acoustic unit (255a) may be located at or adjacent to the first end (e.g., top end) of the second housing (220), and the second acoustic unit (255b) may be located at or adjacent to the second end (e.g., bottom end) opposite to the first end of the second housing (220). A structure in which the first acoustic unit (255a) and the second acoustic unit (255b) are placed in the second housing (220) can improve stereo acoustic output efficiency and channel separation that can be formed by the first acoustic unit (255a) and the second acoustic unit (255b) by improving the transmission and reception performance of the electronic device (201) in the closed state of the electronic device (201) and improving the radiation performance of the acoustic output from the first acoustic unit (255a) and / or the second acoustic unit (255b) in the open state of the electronic device (201).

[0044] In another embodiment, the circuit board (209), input module (250), first acoustic unit (255a), and camera module (280) may be located in the first housing (210), and the second acoustic unit (255b) and battery (289) may be located in the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the first acoustic unit (255a) may be located at one end (e.g., top end) of the first housing (210) or adjacent to that end, and the second acoustic unit (255b) may be located at one end (e.g., bottom end) of the second housing (220) or adjacent to that end.

[0045] FIG. 3a is a partial perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3b is a partial perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional perspective view of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment, viewed along line AA of FIG. 2a, and FIG. 3d is a cross-sectional perspective view of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment, viewed along line AA of FIG. 2a. FIG. 3e is a cross-sectional perspective view of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment, viewed along line BB of FIG. 2b, and FIG. 3f is a cross-sectional perspective view of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment, viewed along line BB of FIG. 2b.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3a through 3f, an electronic device (301) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2a and 2b) may include a first housing (310) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2a and 2b), a second housing (320) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2a and 2b), a driving body (330), an acoustic unit (355) (e.g., the first acoustic unit (255a) of FIGS. 2a and 2b), and a display (361) (e.g., the display (261) of FIGS. 2a and 2b).

[0047] The first housing (310) may include a first surface (311) (e.g., a first bottom surface or a first base surface), a plurality of first outer side surfaces (312) connected to the first surface (311), and a plurality of first inner side surfaces (313) connected to the first surface (311). The first surface (311) may form a part of the electronic device (301) (e.g., a first bottom part or a first base part), and the plurality of first outer side surfaces (312) and the plurality of first inner side surfaces (313) corresponding to each of the plurality of first outer side surfaces (312) may form a part of the electronic device (301) (e.g., a first side part).

[0048] In one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include a third surface (314) (e.g., a first top surface or a first bezel surface) extending in one direction (e.g., +Y direction) from at least one of the plurality of first inner side surfaces (313). The third surface (314) may be positioned opposite to the first surface (311). In one embodiment, the third surface (314) may overlap at least partially with the edge region of the display (361). In one embodiment, the third surface (314) may extend in one direction (e.g., + / -X direction) along at least a portion of the first inner side surface (313). In the closed state of the electronic device (301), the third side (314) can guide sound radiated between the first inner side side (313) and the second outer side side (322) to the outside of the electronic device (301).

[0049] In one embodiment, the first inner side surface (313) may include a recess (315). In one embodiment, the recess (315) may include a border (3151) that forms a boundary between the portion of the first inner side surface (313) where the recess (315) is formed and the portion where the recess (315) is not formed. In one embodiment, the border (3151) may protrude from the first inner side surface (313). In one embodiment, the recess (315) and / or the border (3151) may have substantially circular, polygonal, and various other shapes.

[0050] The second housing (320) may include a second surface (321) (e.g., a second bottom surface or a second base surface), a plurality of second outer side surfaces (322) connected to the second surface (321), and a plurality of second inner side surfaces (323) connected to the second surface (321).

[0051] In the closed state of the electronic device (301) (e.g., FIG. 3c), the second surface (321) is substantially positioned over the first surface (311), and a plurality of second outer side surfaces (322) may be separated from the plurality of first inner side surfaces (313) by a gap, facing a plurality of first inner side surfaces (313) corresponding to each of the plurality of second outer side surfaces (322). In the open state of the electronic device (301) (see FIG. 3e), the second surface (321) moves along the first surface (311) (e.g., in the +X direction) to form a part of the electronic device (301) (e.g., a second bottom part or a second base part), and a plurality of second outer side surfaces (322) move along a plurality of first inner side surfaces (313), and the plurality of second outer side surfaces (322) and a plurality of second inner side surfaces (323) can form a part of the electronic device (301) (e.g., a second side part).

[0052] In one embodiment, the first inner side surface (313) and the second outer side surface (322) may define at least a portion of the first duct (D1) through which sound is radiated. For example, the first inner side surface (313) and the second outer side surface (322) may be substantially parallel to each other. For another example, the first inner side surface (313) and the second outer side surface (322) may not be parallel and may form at least a portion of the first duct (D1) in a different shape (e.g., a tapered shape). In some embodiments, the second outer side surface (322) may form at least a portion of the first duct (D1) together with the recess (315). The recess (315) may guide the sound radiated between the first inner side surface (313) and the second outer side surface (322).

[0053] In one embodiment, the second outer side surface (322) and the second inner side surface (323) may form a first wall (3221) connected to the second surface (321) and a second wall (3222) separated from the first wall (3221) by a gap. The first wall (3221) and the second wall (3222) may form at least a portion of the second duct (D2) through which sound is radiated. In one embodiment, the gap between the first wall (3221) and the second wall (3222) may be implemented as a slit (S) extending at least partially along the second outer side surface (322) and the second inner side surface (323).

[0054] In one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a fourth surface (324) (e.g., a second top surface or a second bezel surface) extending in one direction (e.g., +Y direction) from at least one of the plurality of second inner side surfaces (323). The fourth surface (324) may be positioned opposite to the second surface (321). In one embodiment, the fourth surface (324) may overlap at least partially with the edge region of the display (361). In one embodiment, the fourth surface (324) may overlap at least partially with the third surface (314). In one embodiment, the fourth surface (324) may extend in one direction (e.g., + / -X direction) along at least a portion of the second inner side surface (323).

[0055] In one embodiment, the third surface (314) and the fourth surface (324) may form at least a portion of the first duct (D1) through which sound is radiated. In one embodiment, the width of the portion of the first duct (D1) formed between the third surface (314) and the fourth surface (324) may be substantially equal to or smaller than the width of the portion of the first duct (D1) formed between the first inner side surface (313) and the second outer side surface (322). In the closed state of the electronic device (301), the fourth surface (324), together with the third surface (314), may guide the sound radiated between the first inner side surface (313) and the second outer side surface (322) to the outside of the electronic device (301). In one embodiment, the third surface (314) and the fourth surface (324) may be substantially parallel to each other. In another embodiment, the third surface (314) and the fourth surface (324) are not parallel to each other, and at least a portion of the first duct (D1) can be formed in a different shape (e.g., tapered shape).

[0056] In one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a pair of rails (325) guided by a drive body (330). The pair of rails (325) may be positioned on the second inner side surface (323). The pair of rails (325) may be separated from each other by a gap and may form at least a portion of the second duct (D2). Meanwhile, the pair of rails (325) may be sealed so that sound radiated along the second duct (D2) can be radiated substantially into the first duct (D1).

[0057] In one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a first support structure (326) and / or a second support structure (327). The first support structure (326) may surround at least a portion of the acoustic unit (355) and support at least a portion of the display (361) (e.g., a portion of the bottom surface). The second support structure (327) may surround at least a portion of the acoustic unit (355) and support the acoustic unit (355) (e.g., an enclosure (357)). The first support structure (326) and / or the second support structure (327) may perform sealing so that sound can be radiated through the second duct (D2).

[0058] In one embodiment, the drive body (330) may include a rolling shaft (331) that moves the second housing (320) relative to the first housing (310) and a rolling coupler (332) (e.g., a rotary bearing) that couples the rolling shaft (331) to the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the rolling shaft (331) may be positioned between the first wall (3221) and the second wall (3222). In one embodiment, the rolling shaft (331) may rotate while contacting and guiding a pair of rails (325). By the rotation of the rolling shaft (331), the electronic device (301) may change state from a closed state to an open state in which the second housing (320) moves relative to the first housing (310). Meanwhile, the driving body (330) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and may be implemented by various driving means (e.g., elastic drive, hydraulic drive) that move the second housing (320) relative to the first housing (310).

[0059] In one embodiment, the acoustic unit (355) may be located within the second housing (320). The acoustic unit (355) may be configured to output sound (e.g., lateral radiation, -Y direction radiation) toward the second outer side surface (322) and the second inner side surface (323) or to receive sound radiated from the outside toward the second outer side surface (322) and the second inner side surface (323). In one embodiment, the acoustic unit (355) may include a circuit board (356) that outputs an acoustic signal to the outside of the electronic device (301) or receives an acoustic signal from the outside of the electronic device (301), and an enclosure (357) surrounding the circuit board (356). The enclosure (357) may be at least partially surrounded by the first support structure (326) and the second support structure (327). Meanwhile, the acoustic unit (355) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and may be implemented in various shapes and / or forms. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure (357) defines a resonance space and surrounds the circuit board (356), but alternatively, the circuit board (356) may be located on one side (e.g., the bottom surface) of the enclosure (357), or the enclosure (357) may have a structure that substantially surrounds the circuit board (356) without a resonance space.

[0060] According to the operation of an electronic device (301) in one embodiment in which an acoustic unit (355) includes an acoustic output module, when the electronic device (301) is in a closed state, the acoustic output by the acoustic unit (355) is radiated in a first direction (e.g., lateral radiation, -Y direction radiation) through a second duct (D2), and the acoustic within the second duct (D2) is radiated to a first duct (D1) so that the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2) form an acoustic radiation path, and can be radiated in a second direction of the electronic device (301) (e.g., upward radiation, +Z direction, +Y direction radiation and / or radiation at about 45 degrees on the YZ plane). Meanwhile, in the open state of the electronic device (301), the sound output by the acoustic unit (355) is radiated in the first direction through the second duct (D2) and can be radiated to the outside of the electronic device (301) connected to the second duct (D2).

[0061] According to the operation of an electronic device (301) according to another embodiment in which the sound unit (355) includes an audio module, sound from outside the electronic device (301) (e.g., sound of a user) can be radiated through a first duct (D1) in the second direction of the electronic device (301), radiated in the first direction through a second duct (D2) connected to the first duct (D1), and input into the sound unit (355).

[0062] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a closed state according to another embodiment, viewed along line AA of FIG. 2a, and FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional perspective view of an electronic device in a closed state according to another embodiment, viewed along line AA of FIG. 2a.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (301) of FIGS. 3a to 3f) may include a first housing (410) (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIG. 3a), a second housing (420) (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIGS. 3c, 3d and 3f), a driver (e.g., the driver (330) of FIG. 3a), an acoustic unit (455) (e.g., the acoustic unit (355) of FIGS. 3c to 3f), and a display (461) (e.g., the display (361) of FIGS. 3a to 3f). The first housing (410) may include a first surface (411) (e.g., the first surface (311) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), a plurality of first outer side surfaces (412) (e.g., the first outer side surfaces (312) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), a plurality of first inner side surfaces (413) (e.g., the first inner side surfaces (313) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), and at least one third surface (414) (e.g., the third surface (314) of FIGS. 3a to 3f). The second housing (420) may include a second surface (421) (e.g., the second surface (321) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), a plurality of second outer side surfaces (422) (e.g., the second outer side surfaces (322) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), a plurality of second inner side surfaces (423) (e.g., the second inner side surfaces (323) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), and at least one fourth surface (424) (e.g., the fourth surface (324) of FIGS. 3a to 3f). In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may include a pair of rails (425) (e.g., rails (325) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), a first support structure (426) (e.g., first support structure (326) of FIGS. 3a to 3f) and / or a second support structure (427) (e.g., second support structure (327) of FIGS. 3a to 3f).

[0064] In one embodiment, the third surface (414) may include an opening (4141). The opening (4141) can further improve transmission and reception performance, for example, in a closed state of the electronic device (401) (e.g., FIG. 3d, FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b). In the closed state of the electronic device (401), sound output from the acoustic unit (455) may be radiated through the second duct (D2), and sound radiated through the first duct (D1) may be radiated in one direction of the electronic device (401) through the opening (4141) (e.g., upward radiation, +Z direction radiation). In some embodiments, sound radiated from the space between the first inner side surface (413) and the second outer side surface (422), which form at least part of the first duct (D1), may also be radiated through the space between the third surface (414) and the fourth surface (424) in addition to the opening (4141). In other embodiments, the space between the third surface (414) and the fourth surface (424) is substantially shielded from sound, so sound radiated from the space between the first inner side surface (413) and the second outer side surface (422) may be radiated substantially through the opening (4141). In one embodiment, the opening (4141) may have a substantially circular, polygonal, and any shape suitable for sound radiation.

[0065] Meanwhile, the above-described embodiment may also be applied when the acoustic unit (455) is an audio module. For example, external sound from the electronic device (401) may enter the first duct (D1) through the opening (4141), be radiated through the first duct (D1), enter the second duct (D2) connected to the first duct (D1), be radiated through the second duct (D2), and be input to the acoustic unit (455).

[0066] In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may include a protective member (4142) that protects the opening (4141). The protective member (4142) may prevent foreign matter or moisture from entering the interior of the electronic device (401) through the opening (4141). For example, the protective member (4142) may have a grill structure or a mesh structure. In one embodiment, the protective member (4142) may cover at least a portion of the opening (4141). In another embodiment, the protective member (4142) may be inserted into the opening (4141). In some embodiments, the protective member (4142) may be coupled into the opening (4141).

[0067] FIG. 5a is a plan view of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment, FIG. 5b is a plan view of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5c is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 5a through 5c, an electronic device (501) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2a and 2b and / or the electronic device (301) of FIGS. 3a through 3f) comprises a first housing (510) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2a and 2b and / or the first housing (310) of FIGS. 3a through 3f) comprising a first surface (e.g., the first surface (311) of FIGS. 3a through 3f) and a plurality of first side surfaces (512) (e.g., the first outer side surfaces (312) of FIGS. 3a through 3f), a second surface (e.g., the second surface (321) of FIGS. 3a through 3f) and a plurality of second side surfaces (522) (e.g., the second outer side surfaces of FIGS. 3a through 3f). It may include a second housing (520) (e.g., the second housing (220; 320) of FIGS. 2a to 3f) including a side surface (322), a first acoustic unit (555a) (e.g., the first acoustic unit (255a) of FIGS. 2a and 2b), a second acoustic unit (555b) (e.g., the second acoustic unit (255b) of FIGS. 2a and 2b), and a display (561) (e.g., the display (261) of FIGS. 2a and 2b and / or the display (361) of FIGS. 3a to 3f). In one embodiment, the first acoustic unit (555a) and the second acoustic unit (555b) may implement a first mode (e.g., a transceiver mode and a speaker mode) and a second mode (e.g., a speaker mode and a stereo mode) depending on the state of the electronic device (501).

[0069] In the closed state of the electronic device (501) (e.g., FIG. 5a and FIG. 5c), as a first mode, sound output by the first acoustic unit (555a) is radiated in a first direction (e.g., -Y direction) and along the first side surface (512) intersecting the first direction in a first direction (e.g., +Z direction) through either a second side surface (522) (e.g., the second side surface of the upper part of the electronic device (501)) and towards either a first side surface (512) (e.g., the first side surface of the upper part of the electronic device (501)) in a transceiver mode, and sound output by the second acoustic unit (555b) is radiated in a speaker mode through a second side surface (522) opposite to the upper second side surface (522) (e.g., the second side surface of the lower part of the electronic device (501)) and the upper first side It can be radiated toward another first side surface (512) opposite to the surface (512) (e.g., the first side surface of the lower part of the electronic device (501)), for example, through a hole (H1) formed in the first side surface (512), in a third direction (e.g., +Y direction) substantially opposite to the first direction.

[0070] In the open state of the electronic device (501) (e.g., FIG. 5b), as a second mode, sound output by the first acoustic unit (555a) is radiated in a first direction (e.g., -Y direction) through one of the second side surfaces (522) (e.g., the second side surface of the upper part of the electronic device (501)), and sound output by the second acoustic unit (555b) can be radiated in a third direction (e.g., +Y direction) through another second side surface (522) opposite to the upper second side surface (522) (e.g., the second side surface of the lower part of the electronic device (501)).

[0071] Meanwhile, the operation of the electronic device (501) as described above may also be applied when at least one of the first acoustic unit (555a) and the second acoustic unit (555b) is an audio module. For example, in the closed state of the electronic device (501) (e.g., FIG. 5a and FIG. 5c), the external sound of the electronic device (501) may be radiated in a fourth direction (e.g., -Z direction) along one of the first side surfaces (512) (e.g., the first side surface of the upper part of the electronic device (501)), radiated in a fifth direction (e.g., +Y direction) intersecting the fourth direction through the first side surface (512) and the second side surface (522) (e.g., the second side surface of the upper part of the electronic device (501)), and input to the first acoustic unit (555a). Meanwhile, external sound of the electronic device (501) may be radiated in a sixth direction (e.g., -Y direction) through another first side surface (512) opposite to the upper first side surface (512) (e.g., the lower first side surface of the electronic device (501)) and another second side surface (522) opposite to the upper second side surface (522) (e.g., the lower second side surface of the electronic device (501)), and input into a second sound unit (555b). In the open state of the electronic device (501) (e.g., FIG. 5b), external sound of the electronic device (501) may be radiated in a seventh direction (e.g., +Y direction) through a second side surface (522) (e.g., the upper second side surface of the electronic device (501)) and input into a first sound unit (555a). Meanwhile, external sound of the electronic device (501) may be radiated in the sixth direction through the other first side surface (512) and the other second side surface (522) above, and may be input to the second sound unit (555b).

[0072] FIG. 5d is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one embodiment, viewed along the line 5D-5D of FIG. 5c.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5d, in an electronic device (501') according to one embodiment, a first acoustic unit (555a) may be located in a locally thick portion of the second housing (520). In one embodiment, the thickness of the second housing (520) may increase from a central region (520a) of the second housing (520) toward an edge region (520b), and the first acoustic unit (555a) may be located in the second edge region (520b). In some embodiments, the second housing (520) may include a second central region (520a) having a substantially constant first thickness (T1) and a second edge region (520b) having a substantially increasing second thickness (T2). In some embodiments, the second thickness (T2) may increase at a substantially constant slope. However, not limited thereto, the increasing profile of the second thickness (T2) may be determined according to various functions representing polynomial functions, exponential functions, and other increasing profiles. Meanwhile, the thickness of the first housing (510) may be determined such that the shape of the first housing (510) and the shape of the second housing (520) correspond to each other. For example, the first housing (510) may include a first central region (510a) having a relatively large thickness and a first edge region (510b) having a relatively small and decreasing thickness.

[0074] FIG. 5e is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment, viewed along the line 5E-5E of FIG. 5c.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5e, in an electronic device (501'') according to one embodiment, a first acoustic unit (555a) may be located in a locally thick portion of the second housing (520) and / or a second acoustic unit (555b) may be located in a locally thick portion of the first housing (510). In one embodiment, the second housing (520) may have a structure that decreases from a first thickness (T1) to a second thickness (T2) smaller than the first thickness (T1) along a first direction (e.g., +Y direction) of the electronic device (501), and the first housing (510) may have a structure that decreases from a third thickness (T3) to a fourth thickness (T4) smaller than the third thickness (T3) along a second direction (e.g., -Y direction) opposite to the first direction of the electronic device (501). The first acoustic unit (555a) may be located in an area having a first thickness (T1) or in an area adjacent to a portion having the first thickness (T1), and the second acoustic unit (555b) may be located in an area having a third thickness (T3) or in an area adjacent to a portion having the third thickness (T3). In one embodiment, the thickness profile of the first housing (510) and the thickness profile of the second housing (520) may be profiles having a constant slope (e.g., a straight line). However, they are not limited thereto, and the thickness profile of the first housing (510) and the thickness profile of the second housing (520) may be determined according to various functions representing polynomial functions, exponential functions, and other increasing profiles.

[0076] FIG. 6a is a drawing of an electronic device in a closed state according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6b is a drawing of an electronic device in an open state according to one embodiment.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, an electronic device (601) (e.g., electronic device (301)) according to one embodiment comprises a first housing (610) (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIGS. 3a to 3f) comprising a first surface (611) (e.g., the first surface (311) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), a first outer side surface (612) (e.g., the first outer side surface (312) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), and a first inner side surface (613) (e.g., the first inner side surface (313) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), a second surface (621) (e.g., the second surface (321) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), a second outer side surface (622) (e.g., the second outer side surface (322) of FIGS. 3a to 3f), and It may include a second housing (620) (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIGS. 3A to 3F) including a second inner side surface (623) (e.g., the second inner side surface (323) of FIGS. 3A to 3F), an acoustic unit (655) (e.g., the acoustic unit (355) of FIGS. 3A to 3F), and a display (e.g., the display (361) of FIGS. 3A to 3F).

[0078] In one embodiment, the first housing (610) may include a first duct (D1) formed between the first outer side surface (612) and the first inner side surface (613) and along at least a portion of the first surface (611). The second housing (620) may include a second duct (D2) formed between the second outer side surface (622) and the second inner side surface (623) and extending from the second inner side surface (623) along at least a portion of the second surface (621). The first duct (D1) is connected to the outside of the electronic device (601), and the second duct (D2) may be connected to the acoustic unit (655) and the first duct (D1). In another embodiment, the first duct (D1) may be formed in a different direction (e.g., + / -Z axis direction) along the first inner side surface (613) rather than between the first outer side surface (612) and the first inner side surface (613).

[0079] In one embodiment, in the closed state of the electronic device (601) (e.g., FIG. 6a), the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2) are substantially aligned with each other, and in the open state of the electronic device (601) (e.g., FIG. 6b), the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2) may not be aligned with each other.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first inner side surface (613) may substantially include a first horizontal surface (613a) and a first inclined surface (613b) inclined with respect to the first horizontal surface (613a). A first duct (D1) may be connected to the first inclined surface (613b). In one embodiment, the second inner side surface (623) may substantially include a second horizontal surface (623a) and a second inclined surface (623b) inclined with respect to the second horizontal surface (623a). A second duct (D2) may be connected to the second inclined surface (623b). In one embodiment, the first horizontal surface (613a) and the second horizontal surface (623a) may be substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the first inclined plane (613b) and the second inclined plane (623b) may be substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the first horizontal plane (613a) and the second horizontal plane (623a) may face each other. In one embodiment, the first inclined plane (613b) and the second inclined plane (623b) may face each other. In one embodiment, the angle of inclination of the first inclined plane (613b) may be substantially the same as the angle of inclination of the second inclined plane (623b).

[0081] In some embodiments, the first inclined plane (613b) may be located between a pair of substantially first horizontal planes (613a). In some embodiments, the second inclined plane (623b) may be located between a pair of substantially second horizontal planes (623a).

[0082] In some embodiments, the first inner side surface (613) may include a plurality of first inclined surfaces (613b). In some embodiments, the second inner side surface (623) may include a plurality of second inclined surfaces (623b). The plurality of first inclined surfaces (613b) and the plurality of second inclined surfaces (623b) may face each other in a corresponding manner.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first inclined surface (613b) and the second inclined surface (623b) may be inclined with respect to one side of the electronic device (601) (e.g., side, YZ plane, or XZ plane). In another embodiment, the first inclined surface (613b) and the second inclined surface (623b) may be inclined with respect to the other side of the electronic device (601) (e.g., front, XY plane).

[0084] In one embodiment, the electronic device (601) may include a seal (640) that delays or suppresses the radiation of sound through an acoustic duct that may be formed with a gap between the first inner side surface (613) and the second inner side surface (623). The seal (640) may seal a connecting duct or joint between the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2) so that sound output from the acoustic unit (655) can be radiated to the outside of the electronic device (601) through the second duct (D2) and the first duct (D1) in a closed state of the electronic device (601).

[0085] In one embodiment, the seal (640) may have a first shape (e.g., a compressed shape) in the closed state of the electronic device (601) (e.g., FIG. 6a), while having a second shape (e.g., an expanded shape) different from the first shape in the open state of the electronic device (601) (e.g., FIG. 6b). In one embodiment, the seal (640) may maintain a compressed shape, for example, by closing the electronic device (601), and then deform and return to its original shape by opening the electronic device (601). In one embodiment, the seal (640) may be formed of a compressible material. For example, the compressible material may be a sponge, rubber, silicone, any other suitable compressible material and / or a combination thereof.

[0086] In one embodiment, the seal (640) may include a single sealing member (e.g., an O-ring). In another embodiment, the seal (640) may include a first seal (641) located on a first side (e.g., left) with respect to the connecting duct or joint of the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2) and sealing the first side, and a second seal (642) located on a second side (e.g., right) opposite the first side and sealing the second side.

[0087] In one embodiment, the seal (640) may be located on the first inclined surface (613b). In another embodiment, the seal (640) may be located on the second inclined surface (623b). In some embodiments, the seal (640) may be located between the first inclined surface (613b) and the second inclined surface (623b). In yet another embodiment, the electronic device (601) may include a pair of seals (640) located on the first inclined surface (613b) and the second inclined surface (623b), respectively. In yet another embodiment, the electronic device (601) may include a plurality of seals (640) arranged between the first inner side surface (613) and the second inner side surface (623) so that sound can be substantially radiated through the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2).

[0088] FIG. 7a is a drawing of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7b is a drawing of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, a foldable electronic device (701) according to one embodiment may include a pair of housings (710, 720) (e.g., the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) of FIGS. 3a through 3f) which are rotatably coupled through a hinge structure to be folded against each other, a hinge cover (765) which covers a foldable portion of the pair of housings (710, 720), and a display (761) (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display, display (361)) which is disposed in the space formed by the pair of housings (710, 720). In this document, the surface on which the display (761) is disposed may be defined as the front surface of the foldable electronic device (701), and the surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as the rear surface of the foldable electronic device (701). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and the back can be defined as the side of the foldable electronic device (701).

[0090] In one embodiment, a pair of housings (710, 720) may include a first housing (710), a second housing (720), a first rear cover (740), and a second rear cover (750). A pair of housings (710, 720) of an electronic device (701) is not limited to the combination and / or combination of shapes or parts shown in FIG. 7a and 7b, and may be implemented by other combinations and / or combinations of shapes or parts.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) are positioned on both sides (e.g., upper and lower) around the folding axis (A) and may be positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the folding axis (A). In one embodiment, the angle or distance formed by the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) with respect to each other may vary depending on whether the electronic device (701) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0092] In one embodiment, the first housing (710) may be connected to a hinge structure in the unfolded state of the electronic device (701). The first housing (710) may include a first surface (711) positioned to face the front of the electronic device (701), a second surface (712) facing in the opposite direction of the first surface (711), and a first side portion (713) surrounding at least a portion of the space between the first surface (711) and the second surface (712). The first side portion (713) may include a first side (713a) positioned substantially parallel to the folding axis (A), a second side (713b) extending from one end of the first side (713a) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and a third side (713c) extending from the other end of the first side (713a) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (A) and substantially parallel to the second side (713b). The second housing (720) may be connected to a hinge structure in the unfolded state of the electronic device (701). The second housing (720) may include a third side (721) positioned to face the front of the electronic device (701), a fourth side (722) facing in the opposite direction of the third side (721), and a second side portion (723) that surrounds at least a portion of the space between the third side (721) and the fourth side (722). The second side portion (723) may include a fourth side (723a) positioned substantially parallel to the folding axis (A), a fifth side (723b) extending from one end of the fourth side (723a) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and a sixth side (723c) extending from the other end of the fourth side (723a) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (A) and substantially parallel to the fifth side (723b). The first side (711) and the third side (721) can face each other when the electronic device (701) is in a folded state.

[0093] In one embodiment, the electronic device (701) may include a recessed receiving portion (702) that accommodates a display (761) through the structural combination of a first housing (710) and a second housing (720). The receiving portion (702) may have substantially the same size as the display (761).

[0094] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) may be formed of a metal or non-metal material having any rigidity suitable for supporting the display (761).

[0095] In one embodiment, the electronic device (701) may include an acoustic unit (755) (e.g., the acoustic output module (155) or audio module (170) of FIG. 1) disposed through at least a portion of the first surface (711).

[0096] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (740) may be positioned on the second side (712) of the first housing (710) and may have substantially rectangular edges. At least some of the edges of the first rear cover (740) may be surrounded by the first housing (710). The second rear cover (750) may be positioned on the fourth side (722) of the second housing (720) and may have substantially rectangular edges. At least some of the edges of the second rear cover (750) may be surrounded by the second housing (720).

[0097] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (740) and the second rear cover (750) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A). In another embodiment, the first rear cover (740) and the second rear cover (750) may have different shapes. In yet another embodiment, the first housing (710) and the first rear cover (740) may be formed integrally, and the second housing (720) and the second rear cover (750) may be formed integrally.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first housing (710), the second housing (720), the first rear cover (740), and the second rear cover (750) may provide a space in which various components of the electronic device (701) (e.g., printed circuit board, antenna module (197), sensor module (176), or battery (189)) can be placed through a structure joined together. In one embodiment, at least one component may be visually exposed on the rear of the electronic device (701). For example, at least one component may be visually exposed through the first rear area (741) of the first rear cover (740). Here, the component may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera module, and / or a flash. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the sub-display (762) may be visually exposed through the second rear area (742) of the first rear cover (740).

[0099] In one embodiment, the display (761) may be placed in a receiving portion (702) formed by a pair of housings (710, 720). For example, the display (761) may be placed to occupy substantially most of the surface of the front of the electronic device (701). The front of the electronic device (701) may include an area where the display (761) is placed, and a portion of the first housing (710) adjacent to the display (761) (e.g., an edge area) and a portion of the second housing (720) adjacent to the display (761). The rear of the electronic device (701) may include a first rear cover (740), a portion of the first housing (710) adjacent to the first rear cover (740) (e.g., an edge area), a second rear cover (750), and a portion of the second housing (720) adjacent to the second rear cover (750) (e.g., an edge area). In one embodiment, the display (761) may be a display in which at least some area can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the display (761) may include a folding area (761c), a first area (761a) on a first side (e.g., upper) relative to the folding area (761c), and a second area (761b) on a second side (e.g., lower) relative to the folding area (761c). The first area (761a) may be located on a first surface (711) of a first housing (710), and the second area (761b) may be located on a third surface (721) of a second housing (710). However, the division of the areas of the display (761) is exemplary, and the display (761) may be divided into multiple areas depending on the structure or function of the display (761).For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7a, the area of ​​the display (761) may be divided by a folding area (761c) extending parallel to the X-axis or a folding axis (A), but the area of ​​the display (761) may also be divided based on another folding area (e.g., a folding area extending parallel to the Y-axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the Y-axis). The division of the area of ​​the display (761) as described above is merely a physical division by a pair of housings (710, 720) and a hinge structure, and substantially, the display (761) can display a single screen through the pair of housings (710, 720) and the hinge structure. In one embodiment, the first area (761a) and the second area (761b) may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding area (761c).

[0100] In one embodiment, the hinge cover (765) may be positioned between the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) and configured to cover the hinge structure. The hinge cover (765) may be hidden by at least a portion of the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) or exposed to the outside depending on the operating state of the electronic device (701). For example, as shown in FIG. 7a, when the electronic device (701) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (765) may be hidden by the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) and not exposed to the outside, and as shown in FIG. 7b, when the electronic device (701) is in a folded state, the hinge cover (765) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (710) and the second housing (720). Meanwhile, when the electronic device (701) is in an intermediate state where the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) form an angle with each other, at least a portion of the hinge cover (765) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (710) and the second housing (720). At this time, the area of ​​the hinge cover (765) exposed to the outside may be smaller than the exposed area of ​​the hinge cover (765) when the electronic device (701) is in a folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (765) may have a curved surface.

[0101] To describe the operation of the electronic device (701) according to one embodiment, when the electronic device (701) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device (701) in FIG. 7a), the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) may form a first angle (e.g., about 180 degrees) with respect to each other, and the first region (761a) and the second region (761b) of the display (761) may be oriented in substantially the same direction. The folding region (761c) of the display (761) may be substantially on the same plane as the first region (761a) and the second region (761b). In another embodiment, when the electronic device (701) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) may be folded in the opposite direction so that the second side (712) and the fourth side (722) face each other by rotating the first housing (710) with respect to the second housing (720) at a second angle (e.g., about 360 degrees). Meanwhile, when the electronic device (701) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device (701) in FIG. 7b), the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) may face each other. The first housing (710) and the second housing (720) may form an angle of about 0 to about 10 degrees, and the first area (761a) and the second area (761b) of the display (761) may face each other. At least a portion of the folding area (761c) of the display (761) may be deformed into a curved surface. Meanwhile, when the electronic device (701) is in an intermediate state, the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) may form a specific angle with respect to each other. The angle formed by the first area (761a) and the second area (761b) of the display (761) with respect to each other (e.g., a third angle, approximately 90 degrees) may be greater than the angle when the electronic device (701) is in a folding state and smaller than the angle when the electronic device (701) is in an unfolded state.At least a portion of the folding area (761c) of the display (761) may be deformed into a curved surface. In this case, the curvature of the curved surface of the folding area (761c) may be smaller than the curvature of the curved surface of the folding area (761c) when the electronic device (701) is in a folded state.

[0102] FIG. 8a is a side view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8b is a side view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, an electronic device (801) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (701) of FIGS. 7a and 7b) may include a first housing (810) (e.g., the first housing (710) of FIGS. 7a and 7b), a second housing (820) (e.g., the second housing (720) of FIGS. 7a and 7b), a hinge cover (865) (e.g., the hinge cover (765) of FIGS. 7a and 7b), and a display (e.g., the display (761) of FIGS. 7a and 7b).

[0104] In one embodiment, the electronic device (801) may include an acoustic unit (855) located in a second housing (820). Sound output by the acoustic unit (855) may be radiated through one side (e.g., side surface) of the second housing (820).

[0105] In one embodiment, the electronic device (801) may include a wave guide (870) that redirects the direction in which sound output by the acoustic unit (855) is radiated (e.g., lateral direction) to another direction (e.g., upward direction) when the electronic device (801) is in a folded state (e.g., closed state, FIG. 8b). In one embodiment, the wave guide (870) may be located in the first housing (810). For example, the wave guide (870) may be located in an edge region (e.g., an edge region or an upper edge region) on the first surface (711) adjacent to the edge region of the first housing (810) (e.g., the first side (713a) in FIG. 7a and 7b).

[0106] In one embodiment, the wave guide (870) may include a first guide surface (871) extending from the first housing (810) in a first direction (e.g., vertical direction). The first guide surface (871) may extend in a normal direction of the display (e.g., a first region (761a) of the display (761) of FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b).

[0107] In one embodiment, the wave guide (870) may further include a second guide surface (872) connected to the first guide surface (871) and inclined with respect to the first guide surface (871). The second guide surface (872) may extend in a direction (e.g., about 45 degrees) that intersects the normal direction of the display (e.g., the first region (761a) of the display (761) in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b). In another embodiment, the second guide surface (872) may be substantially perpendicular to the first guide surface (871).

[0108] Meanwhile, the above embodiments may also be applied when the acoustic unit (855) is an audio module. For example, external sound of the electronic device (801) may be radiated in one direction (e.g., lateral radiation) through the second housing (820) and input into the acoustic unit (855) when the electronic device (801) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 8a), while when the electronic device (801) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 8b), it may be radiated in another direction (e.g., downward radiation) along the wave guide (870), radiated in one direction (e.g., lateral radiation) through the second housing (820), and input into the acoustic unit (855).

[0109] An electronic device (301) according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing (310) comprising a first surface (311) and a first side surface (313) connected to the first surface (311); and a second housing (320) comprising a second surface (321) and a second side surface (322) connected to the second surface (321), wherein the second surface (321) faces the first surface (311) and the second side surface (322) faces the first side surface (313), and the second housing (320) moves relative to the first housing (310) between a closed state in which the second surface (321) moves along the first surface (311) and the second side surface (322) moves along the first side surface (313). It may include a display (361) located on the opposite side of the first side (311) and the opposite side of the second side (321), having a first area in the closed state and a second area larger than the first area in the open state; and a sound unit (355) located in the second housing (320) configured to output or receive sound, wherein the sound is radiated in a first direction through the second side surface (322) in the open state and radiated in a second direction different from the first direction along the first side surface (313) in the closed state.

[0110] In one embodiment, the second side surface (322) may include a first wall (3221) connected to the first surface (311); and a second wall (3222) separated from the first wall (3221) and forming a gap through which the output sound passes.

[0111] In one embodiment, the gap may include a slit (S) extending along the second side surface (322).

[0112] In one embodiment, the first housing (310) further includes a recess (315) formed on the first side surface (313), and the recess (315) can guide the sound between the first side surface (313) and the second side surface (322) in the closed state.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first housing (310) further includes a third surface (314) positioned opposite to the first surface (311) and connected to the first side surface (313), and the third surface (314) can guide sound radiated along the first side surface (313) in the closed state.

[0114] In one embodiment, the third surface (314) may overlap at least partially with the edge area of ​​the display (361).

[0115] In one embodiment, the second housing (320) further includes a fourth surface (324) positioned opposite to the second surface (321) and connected to the second side surface (322), and the fourth surface (324) forms a gap with the third surface (314) and can guide the sound together with the third surface (314).

[0116] In one embodiment, the fourth surface (324) may overlap at least partially with the edge area of ​​the display (361).

[0117] In one embodiment, the third surface (314) and the fourth surface (324) may be substantially parallel.

[0118] In one embodiment, the first housing (410) further includes an opening (4141) formed on the third surface (414), and the opening (4141) may be configured to radiate sound radiated along the first side surface (413) in the closed state to the outside, or to radiate external sound of the electronic device (401) along the first side surface (413) into the inside of the electronic device (401).

[0119] An electronic device (601) according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing (610) including a first surface (611), a first side surface (613) connected to the first surface (611), and a first duct (D1) connected to the first inner side surface (613); A second housing (620) that moves relative to the first housing (610) between a closed state in which the second surface (621) faces the first surface (611) and the second side surface (623) faces the first side surface (613) and the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2) are aligned, and an open state in which the second surface (621) moves along the first surface (611) and the second side surface (623) moves along the first side surface (613) and the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2) are not aligned; It may include: a display located on the opposite side of the first side (611) and the opposite side of the second side (621), having a first area in the closed state and a second area larger than the first area in the open state; an acoustic unit (655) configured to output or receive sound, located in the second housing (620), and connected to the second duct (D2); and a sealing part (640) located between the first side side (613) and the second side side (623) and around the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2).

[0120] In one embodiment, a connecting duct is formed between the first duct (D1) and the second duct (D2) in the closed state, and the sealing part (640) may include a first sealing part (641) located on the first side of the connecting duct; and a second sealing part (642) located on the second side opposite to the first side of the connecting duct.

[0121] In one embodiment, the seal (640) can be modified to have a first shape in the closed state and a second shape different from the first shape in the open state.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first side surface (613) includes a first inclined surface (613b), the second side surface (623) includes a second inclined surface (623b) facing the first inclined surface (613b), and the sealing portion (640) may be located on the first inclined surface (613b) or the second inclined surface (623b).

[0123] In one embodiment, the second housing (520) includes a first part (520b) in which the acoustic unit (555a) is located; and a second part (520a) in which the acoustic unit (555a) is not located, and the thickness of the first part (520b) may be greater than the thickness of the second part (520a).

[0124] An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a display (761) including a first region (761a), a second region (761b), and a flexible region (761c) between the first region (761a) and the second region (761b); a first housing (710; 810) located in the first region (761a) and including a wave guide (870); and a second housing (720; 820) located in the second region (761b). A hinge structure connecting the first housing (710; 810) and the second housing (720; 820), positioned in at least a part of the flexible area (761c), and rotating the second housing (720; 820) relative to the first housing (710; 810) between a folding state in which the first area (761a) and the second area (761b) face each other and an unfolded state in which the first area (761a) and the second area (761b) do not face each other; The acoustic unit configured to output or receive sound may include an acoustic unit (855) located in the second housing (820) such that the sound is radiated in a first direction through the second housing (820) in the unfolded state and radiated in a second direction different from the first direction along the wave guide (870) in the folded state.

[0125] In one embodiment, the wave guide (870) may include a first guide surface (871) extending in a direction parallel to the normal direction of the first region (761a).

[0126] In one embodiment, the wave guide (870) may further include a second guide surface (872) that is connected to the first guide surface (871) and extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first guide surface (871).

[0127] In one embodiment, the second guide surface (872) may be inclined with respect to the first guide surface (871).

[0128] In one embodiment, the second housing (820) includes a side surface, and the output sound can be radiated through the side surface.

Claims

Claim 1 A first housing comprising a first surface and a first side surface connected to the first surface; a second housing comprising a second surface and a second side surface connected to the second surface, wherein the second surface faces the first surface and the second side surface faces the first side surface, and the second housing moves relative to the first housing between a closed state in which the second surface moves along the first surface and the second side surface moves along the first side surface; and an open state in which the second surface moves along the first side surface; and a display located on the opposite side of the first surface and the opposite side of the second surface, having a first area in the closed state and a second area larger than the first area in the open state. An electronic device comprising: an acoustic unit configured to output or receive sound, wherein the acoustic unit is positioned in the second housing such that the sound is radiated in a first direction through the second side surface in the open state and radiated in a second direction different from the first direction along the first side surface in the closed state; wherein the first housing further comprises a third surface positioned opposite to the first surface and connected to the first side surface, and the third surface guides the sound radiated along the first side surface in the closed state. Claim 2 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second side surface comprises: a first wall connected to the second surface; and a second wall separated from the first wall and forming a gap through which the output sound passes. Claim 3 In claim 2, the gap comprises an electronic device including a slit extending along the second side surface. Claim 4 In claim 1, the first housing further comprises a recess formed on the first side surface, and the recess is an electronic device that guides the sound between the first side surface and the second side surface in the closed state. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 In claim 1, the third surface is an electronic device that at least partially overlaps with the edge area of ​​the display. Claim 7 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second housing further comprises a fourth surface positioned opposite to the second surface and connected to the second side surface, and the fourth surface forms a gap with the third surface and guides the sound together with the third surface. Claim 8 In claim 7, the fourth surface is an electronic device that at least partially overlaps with the edge area of ​​the display. Claim 9 In claim 7, the third surface and the fourth surface are substantially parallel electronic devices. Claim 10 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first housing further comprises an opening formed on the third surface, and the opening is configured to radiate sound radiated along the first side surface to the outside in the closed state, or to radiate external sound of the electronic device to the inside of the electronic device along the first side surface. Claim 11 A first housing comprising a first surface, a first side surface connected to the first surface, and a first duct connected to the first side surface; a second housing comprising a second surface, a second side surface connected to the second surface, and a second duct connected to the second side surface, wherein the second surface faces the first surface and the second side surface faces the first side surface and the first duct and the second duct are aligned in a closed state and the second surface moves along the first surface and the second side surface moves along the first side surface and the first duct and the second duct are not aligned relative to the first housing; a display located on the opposite side of the first surface and the opposite side of the second surface, having a first area in the closed state and a second area larger than the first area in the open state; for outputting or receiving sound. An acoustic unit configured and located in the second housing and connected to the second duct; and a seal located between the first side surface and the second side surface and around the first duct and the second duct; wherein the first housing further comprises a third surface located opposite to the first surface and connected to the first side surface, and the third surface guides acoustics radiated along the first side surface in the closed state. Claim 12 An electronic device according to claim 11, wherein a connecting duct is formed between the first duct and the second duct in the closed state, and the sealing portion comprises: a first sealing portion located on the first side of the connecting duct; and a second sealing portion located on the second side opposite to the first side of the connecting duct. Claim 13 An electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the seal is deformable to have a first form in the closed state and a second form different from the first form in the open state. Claim 14 In claim 11, the first side surface includes a first inclined surface, and the second side surface includes a second inclined surface facing the first inclined surface, and the sealing portion is an electronic device located on the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface. Claim 15 An electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the second housing comprises: a first portion in which the acoustic unit is located; and a second portion in which the acoustic unit is not located; and wherein the thickness of the first portion is thicker than the thickness of the second portion. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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