Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a hinge housing extending in a direction of a rotation axis, a first housing connected to one side of the hinge housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis to rotate about the rotation axis with respect to the hinge housing, a second housing connected to an opposite side of the hinge housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis to rotate about the rotation axis with respect to the hinge housing, and a flexible display including a bending area disposed at least partially in the hinge housing and formed as a flat surface or a curved surface, a first area extending from the bending area in one direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a second area extending from the bending area in an opposite direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of patent application number "2020103699140" (invention title: electronic device), filed on April 30, 2020. The application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0052458, filed on May 3, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an electronic device including a display. Background Technology

[0004] Foldable electronic devices may include a flexible display, which includes a curved region that can deform into a curved or flat surface. Foldable electronic devices may include a flat state for providing a large screen to a user and a folded state for providing mobility to the user.

[0005] Flexible displays can comprise multiple layers. In a folded state, shear stresses can form in the curved regions of the flexible display, depending on the difference in curvature radii between the layers. Therefore, the curved regions may be more susceptible to external impacts compared to other regions.

[0006] The above information is provided for background information purposes only to aid in understanding this disclosure. There is no determination or assertion as to whether any of the above content can be used as prior art in relation to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Foldable electronic devices may include a flexible display and a housing structure in which the flexible display is mounted. When an external impact (e.g., a drop impact) is applied to a foldable electronic device, shear stress may be generated between the housing structure and the flexible display. This shear stress may degrade the surface quality of the flexible display. To mitigate shear stress, the flexible display can be attached to the housing structure in a movable manner within a certain range.

[0008] When an external impact (e.g., a drop impact) is applied to a foldable electronic device, the flexible display, which is movably attached to the housing structure, may collide with the internal structure of the housing. The housing structure, formed of rigid material, may damage the flexible display. In particular, bending areas that are relatively susceptible to impact may be damaged.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, in order to at least solve the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages, an electronic device is provided. The aforementioned problems include at least the following advantages. Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure provides an electronic device for preventing a flexible display from colliding with a rigid structure in a housing structure and for absorbing external impacts.

[0010] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will also be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a hinge housing extending in a direction of a rotation axis; a first housing connected to one side of the hinge housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis for rotation about the rotation axis relative to the hinge housing; a second housing connected to the opposite side of the hinge housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis for rotation about the rotation axis relative to the hinge housing; and a flexible display including a curved region at least partially disposed in the hinge housing and formed as a flat or curved surface, a first region extending from the curved region in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a second region extending from the curved region in the opposite direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The hinge housing includes: a protrusion formed on an opposite end of the hinge housing in the direction of the rotation axis and adjacent to the periphery of the flexible display; and a buffer member disposed between the protrusion and the periphery of the flexible display and spaced apart from the periphery of the flexible display by a certain gap.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a housing structure including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge housing disposed between the first housing and the second housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are configured to fold together about a folding axis aligned with the hinge housing; a flexible display including a curved region at least partially disposed in the hinge housing and formed as a flat or curved surface, a first region extending from the curved region and disposed in the first housing, and a second region extending from the curved region and disposed in the second housing; and a shock-absorbing structure absorbing impacts applied to the flexible display. The hinge housing includes a sidewall, at least a portion of which faces the direction of the folding axis. The shock-absorbing structure includes a shock-absorbing member formed between the sidewall and the periphery of the flexible display.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a flexible display including a first region formed as a flat surface, a second region formed as a flat surface, and a curved region formed between the first and second regions and formed as a flat or curved surface; a housing structure surrounding the periphery of the flexible display and including a frame structure spaced apart from the periphery by a first gap; and a shock-absorbing structure including a shock-absorbing member formed between the frame structure and the periphery of the flexible display, and spaced apart from the periphery by a second gap smaller than the first gap.

[0014] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a view showing the flat state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 A view of the folded state of the electronic device;

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a view showing the folded and flat states of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view showing the folded and flat states of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a view showing the hinge housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a view showing the buffer member and protruding portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a view showing the flexible display and hinge housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C This is a view showing the hinge housing and flexible display of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C This is a view showing a flexible display and a cushioning member in the event of a drop of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a view showing a drop impact applied to a flexible display of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12C This is a view showing the assembly of the buffer member and hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 13C This is a view showing the buffer member and hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 14 This is a view showing the buffer member and hinge housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 15A , Figure 15B and Figure 15C This is a view illustrating the shock-absorbing structure of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 16 This is a view showing the buffer member and hinge housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Throughout the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to describe the same or similar elements, features, and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following description, provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, is intended to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details are to be considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Additionally, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted.

[0034] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are used by the inventors only to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the contents of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0035] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” also include plural indicators. Thus, for example, referring to “the surface of a component” includes referring to one or more of these surfaces.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a view showing the flat state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 A view of the folded state of the electronic device.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 The electronic device 100 may include a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 (e.g., foldable housing structures) attached to surround a hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge structure 164) pivots to fold relative to each other; the hinge cover (e.g., Figure 4A The device 100 includes a hinged cover 165 that covers the foldable portions of a pair of housing structures 110 and 120; and a display 130 (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display) disposed in the space formed by the pair of housing structures 110 and 120. In this disclosure, the surface on which the display 130 is disposed can be defined as the front surface of the electronic device 100, and the surface opposite to the front surface can be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device 100. Furthermore, the surface surrounding the space between the front and rear surfaces can be defined as the side surface of the electronic device 100.

[0039] A pair of housing structures 110 and 120 may include a first housing structure 110 having a sensor region 131d, a second housing structure 120, a first rear cover 140, and a second rear cover 150. The pair of housing structures 110 and 120 of the electronic device 100 are not limited to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The forms and attachments shown can be combined and / or attached to other shapes or components. For example, the first housing structure 110 and the first rear cover 140 can be integrated with each other, and the second housing structure 120 and the second rear cover 150 can be integrated with each other.

[0040] The first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can be disposed on opposite sides of the folding axis (axis F) and can have shapes that are completely symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (axis F). The angle or distance formed by the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can vary depending on whether the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, a closed state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. Unlike the second housing structure 120, the first housing structure 110 may additionally include a sensor region 131d in which various sensors are disposed, but may have mutually symmetrical shapes in other regions. The sensor region 131d may be additionally disposed in at least a portion of the second housing structure 120, or may be replaced by at least a portion of the second housing structure 120.

[0041] The first housing structure 110 can be connected to the hinge structure (e.g., in the flat state of the electronic device 100) Figure 3 The hinge structure 164 may include a first surface 111 facing the front surface of the electronic device 100, a second surface 112 facing away from the first surface 111, and a first side member 113 surrounding at least a portion of the space between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The first side member 113 may include a first side surface 113a disposed parallel to the folding axis (axis F), a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis F).

[0042] The second housing structure 120 can be connected to the hinge structure (e.g., in the flat state of the electronic device 100) Figure 3 The hinge structure 164 may include a third surface 121 facing the front surface of the electronic device 100, a fourth surface 122 facing away from the third surface 121, and a second side member 123 surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third surface 121 and the fourth surface 122. The second side member 123 may include a fourth side surface 123a disposed parallel to the folding axis (axis F), a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis F), and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis F). In an embodiment, the third surface 121 may face the first surface 111 in the folded state.

[0043] Electronic device 100 may include a recess 101 formed to accommodate display 130 by coupling with the structural shapes of a first housing structure 110 and a second housing structure 120. Recess 101 may have substantially the same dimensions as display 130. Due to the sensor region 131d, recess 101 may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis F). For example, recess 101 may have a first width W1 between a first portion 120a of the second housing structure 120 parallel to the folding axis (axis F) and a first portion 110a of the first housing structure 110 formed on the periphery of the sensor region 131d, and a second width W2 between a second portion 120b of the second housing structure 120 and a second portion 110b of the first housing structure 110 that does not correspond to the sensor region 131d and is parallel to the folding axis (axis F). In this case, the second width W2 may be formed to be greater than the first width W1. For example, the recess 101 may be formed to have a first width W1 between the first portion 110a of the first shell structure 110 and the first portion 120a of the second shell structure 120, which are asymmetrical in shape, and a second width W2 between the second portion 110b of the first shell structure 110 and the second portion 120b of the second shell structure 120, which are symmetrical in shape.

[0044] The first portion 110a and the second portion 110b of the first housing structure 110 can be formed at different distances from the folding axis (axis F). The width of the recess 101 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. Due to the shape of the sensor region 131d or the asymmetrical shape of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120, the recess 101 can have two or more different widths.

[0045] At least a portion of the first housing structure 110 and at least a portion of the second housing structure 120 may be formed of a rigid metallic or non-metallic material selected to support the display 130.

[0046] Sensor region 131d may be formed having a specific area adjacent to one corner of the first housing structure 110. However, the arrangement, shape, or size of sensor region 131d is not limited to the example shown. For example, sensor region 131d may be located in another corner of the first housing structure 110 or in any area between the upper and lower corners of the first housing structure 110. In another embodiment, sensor region 131d may be located in at least a portion of the second housing structure 120. Sensor region 131d may be configured to extend into both the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. Electronic device 100 may include components that perform various functions and are configured to be exposed on the front surface of electronic device 100 through sensor region 131d or through one or more openings formed in sensor region 131d. In various embodiments, these components may include at least one of, for example, a front-facing camera device, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

[0047] A first rear cover 140 may be disposed on a second surface 112 of a first housing structure 110 and may have a generally rectangular periphery. At least a portion of the periphery may be surrounded by the first housing structure 110. Similarly, a second rear cover 150 may be disposed on a fourth surface 122 of a second housing structure 120, and at least a portion of the periphery of the second rear cover 150 may be surrounded by the second housing structure 120.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover 140 and the second rear cover 150 may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (axis F). In other embodiments, the first rear cover 140 and the second rear cover 150 may include a variety of different shapes. The first rear cover 140 may be integrated with the first housing structure 110, and the second rear cover 150 may be integrated with the second housing structure 120.

[0049] The first rear cover 140, the second rear cover 150, the first housing structure 110, and the second housing structure 120 can provide space for various components of the electronic device 100 (e.g., printed circuit boards, antenna modules, sensor modules, or batteries) through an interconnected structure. One or more components can be disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 100, or visually exposed. For example, one or more components or sensors can be visually exposed through a first rear region 141 of the first rear cover 140. Sensors may include proximity sensors, rear camera devices, and / or flash. At least a portion of the sub-display 152 can be visually exposed through a second rear region 151 of the second rear cover 150. The electronic device 100 may include a speaker module 153 disposed through at least a portion of the second rear cover 150.

[0050] The display 130 can be disposed in the space formed by a pair of housing structures 110 and 120. For example, the display 130 can be mounted in a recess 101 formed by the pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and can be configured to substantially occupy the entire front surface of the electronic device 100. Therefore, the front surface of the electronic device 100 may include the display 130, a portion of the first housing structure 110 adjacent to the display 130 (e.g., a peripheral region), and a portion of the second housing structure 120 adjacent to the display 130 (e.g., a peripheral region). The rear surface of the electronic device 100 may include a first rear cover 140, a portion of the first housing structure 110 adjacent to the first rear cover 140 (e.g., a peripheral region), a second rear cover 150, and a portion of the second housing structure 120 adjacent to the second rear cover 150 (e.g., a peripheral region).

[0051] Display 130 can refer to a display whose at least a portion of area can be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. In an embodiment, display 130 may include a folded region 131c, a first region 131a disposed on one side of the folded region 131c (e.g., the right side of the folded region 131c), and a second region 131b disposed on the opposite side of the folded region 131c (e.g., the left side of the folded region 131c). For example, the first region 131a may be disposed on the first surface 111 of the first housing structure 110, and the second region 131b may be disposed on the third surface 121 of the second housing structure 120. In an embodiment, the region division of display 130 is exemplary, and display 130 may be divided into multiple regions (e.g., four or more regions, or two regions) depending on the structure or function of display 130. For example, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the various regions of the display 130 can be divided by a folding region 131c or a folding axis (axis F) extending parallel to the y-axis. However, in another embodiment, the display 130 can be divided into multiple regions relative to different folding regions (e.g., folding regions parallel to the x-axis) or different folding axes (e.g., folding axes parallel to the x-axis). The aforementioned region division of the display 130 can simply be achieved by a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and a hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 The physical division of the hinge structure 164) can be achieved through a pair of shell structures 110 and 120 and the hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge structure 164) displays essentially a full screen on the display 130.

[0052] The first region 131a and the second region 131b may have shapes that are completely symmetrical to each other with respect to the folded region 131c. However, unlike the second region 131b, the first region 131a may include a recessed region cut out according to the presence of the sensor region 131d (e.g., Figure 3 The first region 131a may have a shape symmetrical to the second region 131b in one region (recessed region 133), but in another region, the first region 131a may have a shape symmetrical to the second region 131b. For example, the first region 131a and the second region 131b may include portions with symmetrical shapes and portions with asymmetrical shapes.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 The hinge cover 165 can be disposed between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120, and can be configured to conceal internal components (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge structure 164). In an embodiment, depending on the operating state of the electronic device 100 (flat state or folded state), the hinge cover 165 may be hidden by a part of the first housing structure 110 and a part of the second housing structure 120, or it may be exposed to the outside.

[0054] For example, when the electronic device 100 is in such a state Figure 1 In the case of the flat state shown, such as Figure 1 As shown, the hinge cover 165 can be concealed by the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 without being exposed. In another example, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), as... Figure 2 As shown, the hinge cover 165 can be exposed to the outside between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. In another example, when the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state where the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 are folded at an angle, the hinge cover 165 can be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device 100 between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. In this case, the exposed area may be smaller than the exposed area in the fully folded state. In an embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may include a curved surface.

[0055] The operation of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120, as well as the area of ​​the display 130 depending on the operating state of the electronic device 100 (e.g., flat or folded state), will be described below.

[0056] When the electronic device 100 is in a flat state (e.g., Figure 1In the case of a flat state, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can form an angle of 180 degrees, and the first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display 130 can be configured to face the same direction. Furthermore, the folded region 131c, together with the first region 131a and the second region 131b, can form a coplanar plane. In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can be rotated 360 degrees relative to each other and can be folded in opposite directions, such that the second surface 112 and the fourth surface 122 face each other.

[0057] When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., Figure 2 In the case of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120, they can be configured to face each other. The first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display 130 can face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., an angle between 0 degrees and 10 degrees). At least a portion of the folded region 131c can be formed as a curved surface with a certain curvature.

[0058] When the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can be arranged at a certain angle. The first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display 130 can form an angle greater than that in the folded state and less than that in the flat state. At least a portion of the folded region 131c can be formed as a curved surface with a certain curvature, and in this case, the curvature can be less than that in the folded state.

[0059] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a display 130, a support component assembly 160, at least one printed circuit board 170, a first housing structure 110, a second housing structure 120, a first rear cover 140, and a second rear cover 150. In this disclosure, the display 130 may be referred to as a display module or display assembly.

[0061] The display 130 may include a display panel 131 (e.g., a flexible display panel) and one or more plates 132 or layers on which the display panel 131 is mounted. In an embodiment, the plate 132 may be disposed between the display panel 131 and the support member assembly 160. The display panel 131 may be disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the plate 132. The plate 132 may include a first plate 1321 and a second plate 1322 that are separated from each other relative to the hinge structure 164. When the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 are rotated relative to the hinge structure 164 into a folded and / or flat state, the plate 132 may include at least one member that cannot be folded together. The plate 132 may include at least one auxiliary material layer (e.g., a graphite member) and / or a conductive plate (e.g., a copper sheet) disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 131. The plate 132 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel 131. For example, a portion of the first plate 1321 may be formed in a shape corresponding to a recessed region 133 of the display panel 131.

[0062] The support member assembly 160 may include a first support member 161, a second support member 162, a hinge structure 164 disposed between the first support member 161 and the second support member 162, a hinge cover 165 covering the hinge structure 164 when viewed from the outside, and at least one wiring member 163 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) spanning the first support member 161 and the second support member 162.

[0063] Support member assembly 160 may be disposed between board 132 and at least one printed circuit board 170. For example, a first support member 161 may be disposed between a first region 131a of display 130 and a first printed circuit board 171. A second support member 162 may be disposed between a second region 131b of display 130 and a second printed circuit board 172.

[0064] At least a portion of the wiring member 163 and the hinge structure 164 may be disposed within the support member assembly 160. The wiring member 163 may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) spanning the first support member 161 and the second support member 162. The wiring member 163 may be disposed perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., perpendicular to the folding region 131c) of the folding region 131c. Figure 1 Set in the direction of the y-axis or folding axis F (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0065] As described above, at least one printed circuit board 170 may include a first printed circuit board 171 disposed on one side of the first support member 161 and a second printed circuit board 172 disposed on one side of the second support member 162. The first printed circuit board 171 and the second printed circuit board 172 may be disposed in the space formed by the support member assembly 160, the first housing structure 110, the second housing structure 120, the first rear cover 140, and the second rear cover 150. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 100 may be mounted on the first printed circuit board 171 and the second printed circuit board 172.

[0066] The first housing structure 110 may include a first printed circuit board 171, a battery 119, at least one sensor module 181, or at least one camera module 182 disposed in the space formed by the first support member 161. The first housing structure 110 may include a window glass 183 disposed in a position corresponding to the recessed region 133 of the display 130 and used to protect at least one sensor module 181 and at least one camera module 182. The second housing structure 120 may include a second printed circuit board 172 disposed in the space formed by the second support member 162. The first housing structure 110 and the first support member 161 may be integrated with each other. The second housing structure 120 and the second support member 162 may also be integrated with each other.

[0067] The first housing structure 110 may include a first rotary support surface 114, and the second housing structure 120 may include a second rotary support surface 124 corresponding to the first rotary support surface 114. The first rotary support surface 114 and the second rotary support surface 124 may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 165.

[0068] When the electronic device 100 is in a flat state (e.g., Figure 1 In the case of a folded state (e.g., when the device 100 is in a folded state), the first rotary support surface 114 and the second rotary support surface 124 can cover the hinge cover 165, thereby not exposing the hinge cover 165 through the rear surface of the electronic device 100, or exposing the hinge cover 165 to a minimum. In another embodiment of this disclosure, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., when the device 100 is in a folded state), the hinge cover 165 is not exposed through the rear surface of the electronic device 100, or the hinge cover 165 is exposed to a minimum. Figure 2 In the state of ( ), the first rotary support surface 114 and the second rotary support surface 124 can rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover 165 to expose the hinge cover 165 to the maximum extent through the rear surface of the electronic device 100.

[0069] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a view showing the folded and flat states of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The electronic device 100 disclosed herein may include a folded state ( Figure 4A ) and flat state ( Figure 4B Folded state () Figure 4A ) and flat state ( Figure 4B Depending on whether the hinge cover 165 forms the exterior of the electronic device 100, a flexible display (e.g., Figure 3 The folding area of ​​the flexible display 130 (e.g., Figure 3 The folded area 131c) is defined by whether it is bent, or by the positional relationship between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the folded state (e.g., Figure 4A This may include a state in which the hinge cover 165 of the electronic device 100 is exposed between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. In this case, the hinge cover 165 may form part of the exterior (e.g., the rear surface) of the electronic device 100.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the flat state ( Figure 4B This may include a state in which the hinge cover 165 of the electronic device 100 is completely hidden by the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. In this case, the hinge cover 165 may be accommodated in the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 and may not form the exterior of the electronic device 100.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 is rotatable about the hinge cover 165 by a certain angle. The folding axis (axis F) of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can extend parallel to the direction in which the hinge cover 165 extends. The folding axis (axis F) can be formed by the aforementioned hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge structure 164 is formed. The folding axis (axis F) may refer to the virtual axis around which the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 rotate. In the folded state, the folding axis (axis F) may be formed between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. The folding axis (axis F) may be formed at a position spaced apart from the hinge cover 165 in the direction toward the front surface of the electronic device 100.

[0074] The electronic device 100 disclosed herein may include one or more folding axes (axis F). For example, the folding axes (axis F) may include a first folding axis (axis Fa) about which a first housing structure 110 rotates and a second folding axis (axis Fb) about which a second housing structure 120 rotates. In this case, the first folding axis (axis Fa) and the second folding axis (axis Fb) may extend parallel to each other.

[0075] The first housing structure 110 can rotate along an arc-shaped path about a first folding axis Fa. The second housing structure 120 can rotate along an arc-shaped path about a second folding axis Fb. The first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can rotate in opposite directions.

[0076] The folding axis F disclosed herein may refer to the central axis around which the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 are folded or unfolded (folded or flat), rather than a physically driven drive shaft (e.g., a pivot). For example, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may rotate about the first folding axis Fa and the second folding axis Fb along arcuate paths in opposite directions, respectively. Therefore, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may fold about the folding axis F.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing structure 110 may include a first rear cover 140 forming the rear surface of the electronic device 100 and a rear region 141 formed on the first rear cover 140. The first housing structure 110 may be connected to one side of the hinge cover 165 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis F). The first housing structure 110 may be rotatable relative to the hinge cover 165 about the illustrated folding axis (axis F).

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing structure 120 may include a second rear cover 150 forming the rear surface of the electronic device 100 and a rear display area 152 and / or a rear sensor area 154 formed on the second rear cover 150. The second housing structure 120 may be connected to the opposite side of the hinge cover 165 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis F). The second housing structure 120 may be rotatable relative to the hinge cover 165 about the illustrated folding axis (axis F).

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may extend in the direction of the folding axis (axis F). The hinge cover 165 may include a surface whose curvature corresponds to the rotational curvature of the first housing structure 110 or the second housing structure 120.

[0080] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view showing the folded and flat states of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5A It is along Figure 4AA sectional view taken by line A-A'. Figure 5B It is along Figure 4B The sectional view taken by line B-B'.

[0081] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The electronic device 200 may include a folded state ( Figure 5A ) and flat state ( Figure 5B Folded state () Figure 5A The flexible display 250 may include a folded region 253 formed as a curved surface. (Flat state) Figure 5B It may include the state in which the folded area 253 of the flexible display 250 is formed as a flat surface.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible display 250 may include a first region 251 formed as a flat surface, a second region 252 formed as a flat surface, and a folded region 253 capable of deforming into a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0083] The folded state of the electronic device 200 may include a state in which the folded region 253 forms a curved surface with a certain curvature. In this case, the first region 251 and the second region 252 may be configured such that their normal vectors form an angle instead of 0 degrees.

[0084] The flat state of the electronic device 200 may include a state in which the folded region 253 forms substantially the same plane with the first region 251 and the second region 252. For example, in the flat state, the first region 251 and the second region 252 may face the same direction (e.g., towards the front surface of the electronic device). In the flat state, the first region 251 and the second region 252 may be configured such that their normal vectors form 0 degrees.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible display 250 may further include metal layers 254 and 255. Metal layers 254 and 255 may support the rear surface of the flexible display 250 to allow the flexible display 250 to remain flat in a flat state. Metal layers 254 and 255 may include a first metal layer 254 attached to the rear surface of a first region 251 and having a portion extending to the folded region 253, and a second metal layer 255 attached to the rear surface of a second region 252 and having a portion extending to the folded region 253. The first metal layer 254 and the second metal layer 255 may be separable from the rear surface of the folded region 253. Therefore, in the folded state, the first metal layer 254 and the second metal layer 255 may be formed as flat surfaces extending from the first region 251 and the second region 252 and facing each other. In the folded state, the first metal layer 254 and the second metal layer 255 may extend in a tangential direction to the folded region 253. At least a portion of the first metal layer 254 and at least a portion of the second metal layer 255 may be accommodated in a third recess 2331 formed on the hinge housing 230.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, in the folded state, the flexible display 250 can be configured such that at least a portion of the folded region 253 is housed within the hinge housing 230. When viewed along the folding axis F, at least a portion of the folded region 253 may overlap with the protrusion 234 of the hinge housing 230.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a first rear cover 218, which forms the rear surface of the electronic device 200 in a flat state. Figure 5B In a flat state, the first back cover 218 may be opposite to the first region 251 of the flexible display 250. A first recess 219 may be formed between the first back cover 218 and the first region 251.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a first recess 219, in which at least a portion of the hinge housing 230 is received. The first recess 219 may be shaped to open toward the hinge housing 230. In this case, the first recess 219 may include a first rotational support surface 217, which includes a surface having a curvature corresponding to the rotational curvature of the first housing 210.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing 220 may include a second rear cover 228, which forms the rear surface of the electronic device 200 in a flat state. Figure 5BIn a flat state, the second back cover 228 may be opposite to the second region 252 of the flexible display 250. A second recess 229 may be formed between the second back cover 228 and the second region 252.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing 220 may include a second recess 229, in which at least a portion of the hinge housing 230 is received. The second recess 229 may be shaped to open toward the hinge housing 230. In this case, the second recess 229 may include a second rotational support surface 227, which includes a surface having a curvature corresponding to the rotational curvature of the second housing 220.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, in the flat state, a portion of the hinge housing 230 may be disposed in the first recess 219, while the remaining portion of the hinge housing 230 may be disposed in the second recess 229. Therefore, the hinge housing 230 may not be exposed to the exterior of the electronic device 200. In the folded state, the hinge housing 230, together with the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, may form part of the exterior of the electronic device 200.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge housing 230 may include a first surface 231 facing the rear surface of the flexible display 250 in a flat state, a second surface 232 opposite to the first surface 231 and having at least a portion formed as a curved surface, and an inner surface 233 forming a third recess 2331. In a folded state, the third recess 2331, housing a portion of the first metal layer 254 and a portion of the second metal layer 255, may be formed on the first surface 231. A protrusion 234 facing the periphery of the flexible display 250 may be formed on the first surface 231 of the hinge housing 230. Relative to the flat state, the protrusion 234 may protrude from the first surface 231 of the hinge housing 230 in a direction facing the flexible display 250 (e.g., towards the front surface). When viewed along the folding axis F, the protrusion 234 may be formed to overlap at least a portion of the folded region 253 of the flexible display 250. In a flat state, when viewed along the folding axis F, the protruding portion 234 can be formed to overlap with the folded region 253, a portion of the first region 251, and a portion of the second region 252.

[0093] Figure 6 This is a view showing the hinge housing 230 of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] refer to Figure 6The hinge housing 230 may be formed in a shape that extends in the folding axis direction F. The hinge housing 230 may include a sidewall 235 extending from the second surface 232 and including a protrusion 234. The sidewall 235 together with the inner surface 233 may form an internal space 2332 of the hinge housing 230.

[0095] Hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 A portion of the hinge structure 164) and / or connecting components (e.g., Figure 3 A portion of the wiring component 163 may be disposed in the internal space 2332.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 235 may include a first sidewall 235-1 and a second sidewall 235-2 facing the first sidewall 235-1. A portion of the flexible display 250 may be disposed between the first sidewall 235-1 and the second sidewall 235-2. For example, a folding region 253 may be disposed between the first sidewall 235-1 and the second sidewall 235-2.

[0097] The first sidewall 235-1 may include a first protrusion 234-1 projecting toward the front surface of the electronic device 200. The first protrusion 234-1 may include a surface facing the folding axis direction F. The first protrusion 234-1 may include a first edge 250-1 facing the flexible display 250. The first edge 250-1 may include an edge extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis direction F among the edges of the flexible display 250.

[0098] The second sidewall 235-2 may include a second protrusion 234-2 projecting toward the front surface of the electronic device 200. The second protrusion 234-2 may include a surface facing the folding axis direction F. The second protrusion 234-2 may face the second edge 250-2 of the flexible display 250. The second edge 250-2 may include an edge extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis direction F among the edges of the flexible display 250. The second edge 250-2 may be opposite to and parallel to the first edge 250-1.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 234 may further include a buffer member 240 formed toward the flexible display 250. The buffer member 240 may be disposed between the edges 250-1 and 250-2 of the flexible display 250 and the protrusion 234 to prevent the flexible display 250 from directly colliding with the protrusion 234.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the buffer member 240 may include a first buffer member 240-1 disposed between a first edge 250-1 and a first protrusion 234-1 of the flexible display 250, and a second buffer member 240-2 disposed between a second edge 250-2 and a second protrusion 234-2 of the flexible display 250. The first buffer member 240-1 and the second buffer member 240-2 can absorb a portion of the impact applied to the flexible display 250.

[0101] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a view showing the buffer member and protruding portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B The buffer member 240 may include a first portion 241 and a second portion 242 extending from the first portion 241. The first portion 241 may include a mating surface 245 attached to the bottom surface of the first recess 237 of the protrusion 234 and an opposing surface 243 opposite to the mating surface 245 and facing the internal space 2332 of the hinge housing 230. The mating surface 245 may include an adhesive member 244 in at least a portion thereof. The mating surface 245 may be attached to the bottom surface of the first recess 237 of the protrusion 234 by means of the adhesive member 244. The second portion 242 may be accommodated in a second recess 239 formed on the inner surface 233 of the hinge housing 230. The second portion 242 may include a mounting surface 246 disposed on the bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 239.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing surface 243 may include a first region 243-1 facing the folding axis direction F and a second region 243-2 extending from the first region 243-1 and inclined relative to the folding axis directions F1 and F2. The first portion 241 may be formed such that the thickness of the portion forming the first region 243-1 is greater than the thickness of the portion forming the second region 243-2. ​​That is, the second region 243-2 may extend obliquely from the first region 243-1 to have a gradually decreasing distance to the bonding surface 245.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge housing 230 may include a first recess 237 in which a first portion 241 is received and a second recess 239 in which a second portion 242 is received. The mating surface 245 of the first portion 241 may be attached to the bottom surface of the first recess 237. The second recess 239 may be shaped to open in the folding axis direction F2. For example, the second recess 239 may be shaped to open toward the internal space 2332 of the hinge housing 230. This may correspond to the sliding and compression directions of the buffer member 240, as will be referred to below. Figures 10A to 10C The second portion 242's mounting surface 246 can be mounted on the bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 239. The bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 239 can be formed at a position lower than the surrounding area. The bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 239 can be formed to be longer than the mounting surface 246 of the buffer member 240 in the folding axis direction (e.g., direction F2). The bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 239, as well as the sidewalls 2392 and 2393, can be formed to have a width corresponding to the mounting surface 246 of the buffer member 240 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis directions F1 and F2). Therefore, since the second recess 239 opens in the folding axis direction F2, the buffer member 240 can be constrained in the width direction by the sidewalls 2392 and 2393 and can move in the folding axis directions F1 and F2.

[0105] Figure 8 This is a view showing the flexible display and hinge housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 yes Figure 4A The cross-sectional view of the folding axis F of the hinge housing shown.

[0106] refer to Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a flexible display 250 and a hinge housing 230 that houses at least a portion of the flexible display 250. In this case, the portion of the flexible display 250 housed in the hinge housing 230 may be a region (e.g., a folded region 253) whose shape can deform depending on the state of the electronic device 200.

[0107] The hinge housing 230 may include an inner surface 233 and a sidewall 235 forming an internal space 2332. The sidewall 235 may be formed facing the folding axis direction F2. The sidewall 235 may include a protrusion 234 facing the flexible display 250. The protrusion 234 may extend from the sidewall 235 in a direction facing the flexible display 250. The protrusion 234 may include a first recess 237 formed on the surface facing the flexible display 250. The first recess 237 may be formed on the surface of the protrusion 234 and / or the sidewall 235 facing the internal space 2332 of the hinge housing 230. The first recess 237 may be recessed in the folding axis direction F1. The hinge housing 230 may include a second recess 239 formed on a portion of the inner surface 233 adjacent to the sidewall 235. The second recess 239 may be recessed in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis directions F1 and F2. Some portions of the buffer member 240 can be accommodated in the first recess 237 and the second recess 239.

[0108] The buffer member 240 may include a first portion 241 attached to the sidewall 235 of the hinge housing 230 and a second portion 242 attached to the inner surface 233 of the hinge housing 230. At least a portion of the first portion 241 may be accommodated in a first recess 237 of the hinge housing 230. The second portion 242 may be accommodated in a second recess 239 of the hinge housing 230.

[0109] The first recess 237 may include a first inner wall 2372 and a second inner wall 2373 facing each other, and a first bottom surface 2371 that engages with the mating surface 245 of the buffer member 240. At least a portion of the first portion 241 of the buffer member 240 may be disposed between the first inner wall 2372 and the second inner wall 2373. The mating surface 245 of the first portion 241 of the buffer member 240 may be attached to the first bottom surface 2371 of the first recess 237. The mating surface 245 of the buffer member 240 may be bonded to the first bottom surface 2371 by an adhesive member 244. At least a portion of the second portion 242 of the buffer member 240 may be disposed on the second bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 239. When the flexible display 250 is viewed from above, at least a portion of the second portion 242 of the buffer member 240 may be hidden by the flexible display 250. The placement position of the second portion 242 can be used to determine whether the buffer member 240 is precisely attached to the hinge housing 230. For example, when the second part 242 protrudes beyond the second bottom surface 2391 (e.g., into the internal space 2332 of the hinge housing 230), it can be seen that it is not securely attached to the first part 241. Therefore, defects that may occur during the assembly of the buffer member 240 can be prevented.

[0110] As used herein, the term "gap" may refer to the distance in the folding axis directions F1 and F2. The protrusion 234 may be spaced from the folding region 253 of the flexible display 250 by at least a first gap d1. The buffer member 240 may be spaced from the folding region 253 of the flexible display 250 by at least a second gap d2.

[0111] The first gap d1 can be larger than the second gap d2. That is, the buffer member 240 can be positioned closer to the folding region 253 of the flexible display 250 than the protrusion 234. In the event of an external impact applied to the electronic device 200, the flexible display 250 can move in the folding axis direction F1 (e.g., toward the protrusion 234), and the periphery of the flexible display 250 may collide with the opposing surface 243 of the buffer member 240.

[0112] When viewed from above, the buffer member 240 can protrude further toward the flexible display 250 beyond the protrusion 234. This structure prevents the flexible display 250 from directly colliding with the protrusion 234, thereby protecting the impact-sensitive folded area 253.

[0113] A C-shaped cut structure can be formed on the surface of the protruding portion 234 facing the folded area 253. The first inner wall 2372, the second inner wall 2373, and the first bottom surface 2371 of the first recess 237, as described above, can be formed with a C-shaped cut structure. The C-shaped cut structure can protect the buffer member 240 and reduce the area of ​​the buffer member 240 exposed to the outside of the electronic device 200.

[0114] The buffer member 240 may include an opposing surface 243 facing the folded region 253 of the flexible display 250. The opposing surface 243 may include a first region 243-1 substantially facing the folding axis direction F2 and a second region 243-2 extending from the first region 243-1 and inclined at an increasing interval from the folded region 253. At least a portion of the first inner wall 235 of the protrusion 234 may have a slope corresponding to a virtual inclined surface extending from the second region 243-2. ​​In various embodiments, the angle θ of the second region 243-2 relative to the folding axis direction F1 may be between 50 degrees and 80 degrees. The angle θ may preferably be approximately 66 degrees.

[0115] The buffer member 240 can be partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device 200 through the space between the flexible display 250 and the protrusion 234. The inclined structure and C-shaped cut structure shown (e.g., the first recess 237) can reduce the area of ​​the buffer member 240 exposed to the outside of the electronic device 200, thereby improving the aesthetics of the electronic device 200.

[0116] The first region 243-1 of the opposing surface 243 may be spaced apart from the folded region 253 by a second gap d2, and the second region 243-2 of the opposing surface 243 may be spaced apart from the folded region 253 by a third gap d3 larger than the second gap d2. In this case, the protruding portion 234 may be spaced apart from the folded region 253 by a first gap d1 larger than the second gap d2.

[0117] The minimum gap (e.g., a first gap d1) between the protruding portion 234 and the folded area 253 can be greater than the maximum gap (e.g., a third gap d3) between the buffer member 240 and the folded area 253. That is, the buffer member 240 can be positioned closer to the folded area 253 than the protruding portion 234. When viewed along the folding axis directions F1 and F2, the buffer member 240 can be positioned closer to the folded area 253 than the protruding portion 234.

[0118] Figure 9A This is a view showing a buffer member of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9B This is a view showing a buffer member and a flexible display of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9C This is a view showing a buffer member and a flexible display of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] refer to Figures 9A to 9C The hinge housing 230 may include outer surfaces 231 and 232 forming the exterior, an inner surface 233 forming the interior space 2332, a protrusion 234 formed in the folding axis direction F, and a buffer member 240 attached to the protrusion 234. The outer surfaces 231 and 232 of the hinge housing 230 may include a first surface 231 facing the flexible display 250 in a flat state and a second surface 232 opposite to the first surface 231 and having at least a portion formed as a curved surface. When viewed along the folding axis F, the buffer member 240 may be formed to at least partially overlap with the folding region 253 of the flexible display 250.

[0120] At least a portion of the first portion 241 of the cushioning member 240 may be attached to the protrusion 234, and at least a portion of the second portion 242 of the cushioning member 240 may be attached to the inner surface 233. The first portion 241 may further protrude toward the folded region 253 beyond the opposing surface 243 of the protrusion 234.

[0121] The electronic device 200 can be configured such that the folding region 253 of the flexible display 250 faces a portion of the buffer member 240 in the folded state. In the folded state, the periphery of the folding region 253 can face a first portion 241 of the buffer member 240. In the folded state, at least a portion of the first metal layer 254 and at least a portion of the second metal layer 255 can be accommodated in a third recess 2331 formed on the first surface 231 of the hinge housing 230. The third recess 2331 can be recessed from the first surface 231 toward the inner surface 233.

[0122] The electronic device 200 can be configured such that the folded region 253 of the flexible display 250 faces a portion of the buffer member 240 in a flat state. In the flat state, the flexible display 250 can be configured such that at least a portion of the periphery of the first region 251, the second region 252, the first metal layer 254, and the second metal layer 255 faces the first portion 241 of the buffer member 240.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed along the folding axis direction F, the flexible display 250 can be configured such that the folded region 253 overlaps with the buffer member 240. In the folded state, the folded region 253 can be configured to overlap with the first portion 241 of the buffer member 240. In the flat state, portions of the folded region 253, the first region 251, and the second region 252 can be configured to overlap with the first portion 241 of the buffer member 240.

[0124] The protruding portion 234 may be formed of a rigid metallic material. The buffer member 240 may contain an impact-absorbing material capable of absorbing impacts.

[0125] Figures 10A to 10C This is a view illustrating a flexible display and cushioning member in the event of an electronic device being dropped, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0126] Figure 11 This is a view illustrating a drop impact applied to a flexible display of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] refer to Figures 10A to 10C and Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible display 250 can be configured to be movable within the electronic device 200 (e.g., within the first housing 210 and within the second housing 210) in the folding axis direction F. This is intended to mitigate the potential impact between the rear surface of the flexible display 250 and the interior of the housing (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The shear stress generated between the first support member 161 and the second support member 162, and the flexible display 250 can be within the housing (e.g., Figure 3 The first support member 161 and the second support member 162 are attached in a manner that allows them to move within a predetermined range.

[0128] The center of gravity of the electronic device 200, including the flexible display 250, can be formed at the end of the hinge housing 230 located in the folding axis direction F. Therefore, in the event that the electronic device 200 falls in the folded state, the impact of the fall can be applied to the end of the hinge housing 230 (e.g., the protruding portion).

[0129] refer to Figures 10A to 10C The folding area 253 of the flexible display 250, which is movably attached to the housings 210 and 220, can move toward the protrusion 234 by inertia.

[0130] refer to Figure 11The buffer member 240 can be formed to protrude toward the folding area 253, thereby preventing the folding area 253 from directly colliding with the protrusion 234. The buffer member 240 can absorb the impact applied to the folding area 253, thereby protecting the foldable display 250 from drop impacts.

[0131] The folded region 253 of the flexible display 250 may be more susceptible to impact than other regions (e.g., the first region 251 and the second region 252). The folded region 253 can be a region formed when the multiple layers included in the flexible display 250 are bent in a folded state. Shear stress may form depending on the different radii of curvature between the multiple layers included in the folded region 253. Therefore, the folded region 253 is more susceptible to impact than other regions (e.g., the first region 251 and the second region 252). Therefore, the electronic device 200 disclosed herein may include a buffer member 240 that further protrudes into the folded region 253 and can prevent the folded region 253 from directly colliding with the protrusion 234.

[0132] The electronic device 200 disclosed herein may include a buffer member 240 formed between a hinge housing 230 comprising a metallic material and a folded region 253 of a flexible display 250.

[0133] refer to Figure 11 The impact applied to the folded region 253 when it comes into contact with the buffer member 240 may be weaker than the impact when the folded region 253 comes into contact with the protrusion 234. Understandably, the buffer member 240 absorbs a portion of the impact.

[0134] The damping structure, including the buffer member 240 disclosed herein, is not limited to applications in... Figures 1 to 10C The foldable electronic devices 100 and 200 are shown. For example, a shock-absorbing structure can be applied to electronic devices including a rollable display having a rollable area in at least a portion thereof, or to foldable electronic devices that form the exterior of the electronic device in a folded state (e.g., Figure 15A (The outwardly folded electronic device is shown in the figure). The damping structure disclosed herein can be applied to various electronic devices, including displays in which at least a portion is formed as a curved surface.

[0135] Figures 12A to 12C This is a view showing the assembly of the buffer member and hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0136] refer to Figures 12A to 12CThe cushioning member 240 can be attached to the protrusion 234 such that a first portion 241 is received in a first recess 237 and a second portion 242 is received in a second recess 239. The mating surface 245 of the first portion 241 can be attached to the first bottom surface 2371 of the first recess 237 via an adhesive member 244. The mounting surface 246 of the second portion 242 can be mounted on the second bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 239. The mounting surface 246 can be formed such that its length in the folding axis directions F1 and F2 corresponds to the length of the second bottom surface 2391 in the folding axis directions F1 and F2. This can be used as an indicator to determine whether the cushioning member 240 is precisely attached to the protrusion 234 during assembly. For example, if the mounting surface 246 (e.g., in the direction toward the interior space 2332) protrudes beyond the second bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 2391, it can be determined that the cushioning member 240 is not precisely attached to the protrusion 234.

[0137] refer to Figures 12A to 12C The buffer member 240 can be slidably attached to the protrusion 234, such that a first portion 241 is inserted into a first recess 237 formed on the protrusion 234, and a second portion 242 is inserted into a second recess 239. The sliding direction of the buffer member 240 can be the folding axis direction F1. Accordingly, the second recess 239 can open in a direction opposite to the sliding direction (e.g., F2). An additional compression process can be performed on the buffer member 240 to securely attach the buffer member 240 to the protrusion 234. In this case, the compression direction of the buffer member 240 can be a direction parallel to the sliding direction (e.g., F1).

[0138] Figures 13A to 13C This is a view showing the buffer member and hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0139] refer to Figures 13A to 13C The electronic device may include a hinge housing 330 and a buffer member 340 attached to the hinge housing 330.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge housing 330 may include: a sidewall 331 formed at one end in the direction of the rotation axis (e.g., F1); an inner surface 332 that, together with the sidewall 331, forms an interior space 333; and one or more attachment protrusions 335 formed on the sidewall 331.

[0141] The buffer member 340 can be attached to the attachment protrusion 335. The attachment protrusion 335 can protrude from the sidewall 331 of the hinge housing 330 in the +z axis direction. Each attachment protrusion 335 can include a first portion 335-1 extending in the +z axis direction and a second portion 335-2 extending from the first portion 335-1 in a direction perpendicular to the z axis. For example, the second portion 335-2 can extend from the first portion 335-1 in the folding axis direction F1 or F2, or it can extend from the first portion 335-1 in the x-axis direction as shown in the figure.

[0142] A buffer member 340 may be attached to an attachment protrusion 335 formed on a hinge housing 330. The buffer member 340 may include an opposing surface 342 substantially facing the interior space 333 of the hinge housing 330. When the buffer member 340 is attached to the hinge housing 330, the opposing surface 342 may be a surface extending from a sidewall 331 of the hinge housing 330. The buffer member 340 may include a second recess 349 formed on the opposing surface 342. The second recess 349 may connect with a first recess 339 formed on the hinge housing 330. The second recess 349 of the buffer member 340 may open in a direction toward the sidewall 331 of the hinge housing 330, and the first recess 339 of the hinge housing 330 may open in a direction toward the buffer member 340. When the buffer member 340 is attached to the hinge housing 330, the first recess 339 and the second recess 349 are connected to each other in the opening direction. The buffer member 340 may contain a cushioning material capable of absorbing impacts.

[0143] Figure 14 This is a view showing the hinge housing and cushioning member of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 It is along Figure 13A The cross-sectional view shown is taken along line C-C'.

[0144] refer to Figure 14 The flexible display 250 can be configured such that the edge of the folding region 253 faces the sidewall 331 of the hinge housing 330 and the opposing surface 342 of the buffer member 340. The folding region 253 of the flexible display 250 can be spaced apart from the sidewall 331 of the hinge housing 330 and the opposing surface 342 of the buffer member 340 by a certain gap. For example, the folding region 253 can be spaced apart from the sidewall 331 of the hinge housing 330 by a first gap d1, and the folding region 253 can be spaced apart from the opposing surface 342 of the buffer member 340 by a second gap d2 smaller than the first gap d1.

[0145] The buffer member 340 may further protrude beyond the sidewall 331 of the hinge housing 330 in a direction toward the interior space 333 of the hinge housing 330 (e.g., direction F2). Therefore, if the flexible display 250 moves in the folding axis direction F1 due to an external impact, the edge of the folding area 253 may collide with the buffer member 340, and the impact applied to the flexible display 250 may be absorbed by the buffer member 340.

[0146] A first recess 339 formed on the side wall 331 of the hinge housing 330 and a second recess 349 formed on the opposite surface 342 of the buffer member 340 can be connected to form a recess.

[0147] The buffer member 340 may include a support surface 343 facing the sidewall 331. An opening 347 may be formed on the support surface 343 into which the attachment protrusion 335 of the hinge housing 330 is inserted. The opening 347 may be recessed from the support surface 343 of the buffer member 340 in the +z axis direction.

[0148] The opening 347 of the buffer member 340 can be formed smaller than the attachment protrusion 335, such that the attachment protrusion 335 is press-fitted into the opening 347. For example, the diameter of the opening 347 can be smaller than a portion of the attachment protrusion 335 (e.g., Figure 13B The diameter of the second part 335-2). For example, the second part of the attachment protrusion 335 (e.g., Figure 13B The second part 335-2) can be pressed into the opening 347.

[0149] Figures 15A to 15C This is a view illustrating the shock-absorbing structure of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0150] Figure 15A This is a view showing an outwardly foldable electronic device 1501 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15B This illustrates an inwardly foldable electronic device 1502 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 A view of the electronic device 100. Figure 15C Based on embodiments of this disclosure Figure 15A and Figure 15B A cross-sectional view of the folding axis F of each foldable electronic device shown.

[0151] refer to Figures 15A to 15C The outward-folding foldable electronic device 1501 may include a flexible display 250 forming the exterior of the foldable electronic device in the folded state.

[0152] Foldable electronic devices 1501 and 1502 may include a housing structure comprising a plate structure 1506 on which a flexible display 250 is mounted and a frame structure 1505 surrounding at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible display 250. The frame structure 1505 may surround the plate structure 1506. The frame structure 1505 and the plate structure 1506 may be integrated with each other or may be assembled as separate components.

[0153] Plate structure 1506 can be called Figure 3 The supporting component assembly 160 shown. The frame structure 1505 can be referred to as... Figure 1 The first side member 113 and the second side member 123 are shown in the figure.

[0154] The flexible display 250 can be attached to the plate structure 1506 so that it can move within a certain range. For example, the flexible display 250 can be attached to the plate structure 1506 by double-sided tape, but can move precisely within a certain range in the direction of the folding axis F.

[0155] The frame structure 1505 may include: a first frame structure 1510 surrounding at least a portion of the first region 251; a second frame structure 1520 surrounding at least a portion of the second region 252; and a third frame structure 1530 surrounding at least a portion of the folded region 253. The third frame structure 1530 may include the above-mentioned references. Figures 5A to 12C The highlighted part of the description is 234.

[0156] The frame structure 1505 may include a damping structure on at least a portion thereof. The damping structure may be formed at a location corresponding to the folding region 253 of the flexible display 250. The damping structure may include damping members 1550 projecting toward the flexible display 250 (e.g., Figures 5A to 12C (Buffer member 240). The damping member 1550 can be formed closer to the periphery of the flexible display 250 than other parts of the frame structure 1505.

[0157] refer to Figure 15C The third frame structure 1530 may be spaced apart from the flexible display 250 by a first gap d1, and the shock-absorbing member 1550 may be spaced apart from the flexible display 250 by a second gap d2. Therefore, the relatively impact-sensitive folded area 253 can be prevented from directly colliding with the frame structure 1505 formed of metallic material. In various embodiments, the shock-absorbing member 1550 may be integrally formed with the frame structure 1505. For example, the shock-absorbing member 1550 may include an injection-molded portion on a portion of the frame structure 1505 formed of metallic material.

[0158] The damping structure disclosed herein can be applied to various electronic devices including a flexible display 250, which includes a region capable of deforming (to a flat or curved surface) regardless of the direction in which the flexible display 250 is folded (e.g., folded inward 1501, folded outward 1502, and bidirectionally folded (not shown)).

[0159] Figure 16 This is a view showing the hinge housing and cushioning member of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] refer to Figure 16 In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge housing 430 may include a sidewall 431 attached to the cushioning member 440, an inner surface 432 forming an internal space 433 of the hinge housing 430 together with the sidewall 431, and an outer surface 434 forming the exterior of the electronic device. At least a portion of the sidewall 431 may face the folding axis directions F1 and F2. The cushioning member 440 may be disposed inside the sidewall 431.

[0161] In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the buffer member 440 may be formed on the inner side of the sidewall 431, facing the interior space 433 of the hinge housing 430. Unlike the other embodiments described above, Figure 16 The hinge housing 430 shown may omit the protrusions formed on the sidewall 431 (e.g., Figures 5A to 14 The protruding part 234 or Figure 13B Attachment protrusion 335).

[0162] The buffer member 440 may protrude further into the interior space 433 of the hinge housing 430 beyond the sidewall 431 of the hinge housing 430.

[0163] A portion of the buffer member 440 may be accommodated in a recess 435 formed on the sidewall 431 of the hinge housing 430. The remainder of the buffer member 440 may further protrude toward the interior space 433 of the hinge housing 430 beyond the peripheral portion of the recess 435. Therefore, it is possible to prevent flexible displays (e.g., Figure 14 The folding area 253 of the flexible display 250 was damaged by direct collision with the side wall 431.

[0164] In some embodiments (not shown), at least a portion of the buffer member 440 may be located in the interior space 433 of the hinge housing 430, and the remaining portion of the buffer member 440 may extend (e.g., in the +z axis direction) to the outside of the interior space 433.

[0165] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a hinge housing 230 extending in the direction of a folding axis F; a first housing 210 connected to one side of the hinge housing 230 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis F for rotation about the folding axis F relative to the hinge housing 230; a second housing 220 connected to the opposite side of the hinge housing 230 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis F for rotation about the folding axis F relative to the hinge housing 230; and a flexible display 250 including a folding region 253 at least partially disposed in the hinge housing 230 and formed as a flat surface or a curved surface, a first region 251 extending from the folding region 253 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis F, and a second region 252 extending from the folding region 253 in the opposite direction perpendicular to the folding axis F. The hinge housing 230 may include: a protrusion 234 formed on the opposite end of the hinge housing in the direction of the folding axis F and adjacent to the periphery of the flexible display 250; and a buffer member 240 disposed between the protrusion 234 and the periphery of the flexible display 250 and spaced apart from the periphery of the flexible display 250 by a certain gap.

[0166] Each protrusion 234 may include a first protrusion 234-1 located on one side of the direction of the folding axis F and a second protrusion 234-2 located on the opposite side of the direction of the folding axis F, and each buffer member 240 may include a first buffer member 240-1 formed between the first protrusion 234-1 and the edge of the folding region 253 and a second buffer member 240-2 formed between the second protrusion 234-2 and the folding region 253.

[0167] Each protrusion 234 may be spaced apart from the edge of the folded area 253 of the flexible display 250 by a first gap d1, and each buffer member 240 may be spaced apart from the edge of the folded area 253 of the flexible display 250 by a second gap d2 smaller than the first gap.

[0168] Each protrusion 234 may include a first recess 237 formed on a surface facing the edge of the folded region 253, and each buffer member 240 may be at least partially accommodated in the first recess 237.

[0169] When the flexible display 250 is viewed along the folding axis F, each buffer member 240 can be formed to overlap with a portion of the folding region 253.

[0170] Each buffer member 240 may include a first portion facing the edge of the folded region 253 of the flexible display 250 and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the space between the flexible display 250 and the hinge housing 230.

[0171] When viewed from above, the hinge housing 230 can be configured to be at least partially hidden by the flexible display 250.

[0172] The hinge housing 230 may include an inner surface 233 facing the rear surface of the folding region 253 of the flexible display 250 and a sidewall 235 extending from the inner surface 233 and including a region facing the folding axis F. Each protrusion 234 may protrude from the sidewall 235 toward the front surface of the flexible display 250, and a portion of each buffer member 240 may be attached to the protrusion 234, and the remainder of the buffer member extends to the inner surface.

[0173] The inner surface may include a second recess 239, at least a portion of the buffer member 240 is accommodated in the second recess 239, and the second recess 239 may open in the direction of the folding axis F.

[0174] Each buffer member 240 may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a mating surface 245 attached to each protrusion 234 and an opposing surface 234 opposite to the mating surface 245 and facing the folded region 253. The second portion includes a mounting surface 246 disposed on the inner surface of the hinge housing 230. The buffer member 240 may be attached to the hinge housing 230 such that the mating surface 245 is attached to a first bottom surface of the first recess formed on the protrusion 234, and the mounting surface 246 is located on a second bottom surface 2391 of the second recess 239 formed on the inner surface of the hinge housing 230.

[0175] The opposing surface 243 may include a first region 251 facing the folding axis F and a second region 252 extending from the first region 251 and forming an angle with the folding axis F. The second region 252 may include an inclined surface that is inclined away from the folding region 253 as the distance from the first region 251 gradually increases.

[0176] This angle can be in the range of 50 to 80 degrees.

[0177] The first recess 237 may include a first bottom surface 2371 facing the edge of the folded region 235, a first sidewall 2372 extending from the first bottom surface 2371 and facing the inner surface of the hinge housing 230, and a second sidewall 2373 opposite to the first sidewall 2372. At least a portion of the first part of the buffer member 240 may be disposed between the first sidewall 2372 and the second sidewall 2373, and the first sidewall 2372 may be formed as forming a virtual inclined surface extending from the inclined surface of the opposing surface 243.

[0178] An electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing structure comprising: a first housing 210; a second housing 220; a hinge housing 430 disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, wherein the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are configured to fold toward each other about a folding axis F aligned with the hinge housing 430; a flexible display 250 including a folding region 253 at least partially disposed in the hinge housing 430 and formed as a flat surface or a curved surface, a first region 251 extending from the folding region 253 and disposed in the first housing 210, and a second region 252 extending from the folding region 253 and disposed in the second housing 220; and a shock-absorbing structure that absorbs impacts applied to the flexible display 250. The hinge housing 430 may include a sidewall, at least a portion of which faces the folding axis F. The shock-absorbing structure may include a shock-absorbing member formed between the sidewall and the periphery of the flexible display 250.

[0179] The hinge housing 430 may be formed such that the sidewall is spaced apart from the periphery of the flexible display 250 by a first gap, and the buffer member 440 is spaced apart from the periphery of the flexible display 250 by a second gap smaller than the first gap, and the buffer member 440 may be located at least partially in the internal space 433 of the hinge housing 430.

[0180] The sidewall 431 may include a first sidewall 235-1 formed on one side in the direction of the folding axis F and a second sidewall 235-2 formed on the opposite side in the direction of the folding axis F. The buffer member 440 may include a first buffer member 240-1 formed between the first sidewall 235-1 and the periphery of the flexible display 250, and a second buffer member 240-2 formed between the second sidewall 235-2 and the periphery of the flexible display 250. The folding region 235 of the flexible display 250 may be disposed between the first buffer member 240 and the second buffer member 240.

[0181] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a flexible display 250, which includes a first region 251 formed as a flat surface, a second region 252 formed as a flat surface, and a folded region 253 formed between the first region 251 and the second region 252 and formed as a flat surface or a curved surface; a housing structure surrounding the periphery of the flexible display 250 and including a frame structure 1505 spaced apart from the periphery by a first gap; and a shock-absorbing structure including a shock-absorbing member 1550 formed between the frame structure 1505 and the periphery of the flexible display 250 and spaced apart from the periphery by a second gap smaller than the first gap.

[0182] The frame structure 1505 may include: a first frame structure 1510 surrounding at least a portion of the first region 251; a second frame structure 1520 surrounding at least a portion of the second region 252; and a third frame structure 1530 surrounding at least a portion of the folded region 253; and a damping structure may be formed in the third frame structure 1530.

[0183] The housing structure may further include a plate structure 1506 on which a frame structure 1505 is formed and on which the rear surface of the flexible display 250 is mounted. The damping structure may include a first damping structure disposed adjacent to a first edge of the flexible display and a second damping structure disposed adjacent to a second edge of the flexible display and facing the first edge of the flexible display in the folding axis direction. The rear surfaces of the first region 251 and the second region 252 may be attached to the plate structure 1506, allowing the flexible display 250 to move relative to the plate structure 1506 within a certain range in the direction of the folding axis F, and this range may be greater than or equal to the second gap.

[0184] The damping structure can be integrated with the frame structure 1505.

[0185] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the gap between the flexible display and the housing structure can be reduced. Furthermore, it can prevent foreign objects from penetrating into the housing structure through this gap.

[0186] According to embodiments of this disclosure, direct collisions between the flexible display and the rigid housing structure can be prevented. Therefore, the risk of deviations during the assembly of the flexible display can be reduced.

[0187] Furthermore, this disclosure can provide various effects that can be recognized directly or indirectly.

[0188] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. 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 home appliance. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the devices described above.

[0189] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions for the respective embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. As used herein, each of the 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 or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0190] As used herein, the term "module" can include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is used interchangeably with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "component," or "circuit." A module can be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or portion of such a single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module can be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0191] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal or external memory). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) can invoke and execute at least one instruction from one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media can be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0192] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0193] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0194] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable communication device, the portable communication device comprising: A flexible display, comprising a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area, the third display area being located between the first display area and the second display area, and configured to bend or straighten as the portable communication device is folded or unfolded; A first housing, the first housing accommodating the first display area of ​​the flexible display; A second housing that accommodates the second display area of ​​the flexible display; A hinge structure is provided, in which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected to fold or unfold relative to each other. A hinge housing that accommodates the hinge structure, the hinge housing comprising: A first protruding member is formed on a sidewall located at one end of the hinge housing along its length, such that a first protruding portion of the first protruding member protrudes in a first direction toward the direction facing the flexible display, the first direction being substantially perpendicular to the flexible display when the portable communication device is in a flat state, and a second protruding portion of the first protruding member protrudes in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. as well as A first buffer member is attached to the first protruding member such that the first buffer member is fixed to the first protruding member and at least a portion of the first buffer member is disposed between the first protruding member and the flexible display.

2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, When the portable communication device is folded or unfolded, the first buffer member remains in at least partial contact with the second protruding portion of the first protruding member.

3. The portable communication device according to claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the first buffer member is disposed between the first protruding portion of the first protruding member and the flexible display.

4. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, When the portable communication device is in the flat state, the second protruding portion protrudes along the second direction, which is substantially parallel to the flexible display.

5. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge housing further includes a second protruding member, which is formed on a sidewall disposed at an end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing, such that a third protruding portion of the second protruding member protrudes in the direction facing the flexible display along the first direction, and a fourth protruding portion of the second protruding member protrudes in a third direction opposite to the second direction.

6. The portable communication device according to claim 5, in, The first protruding member and the second protruding member face each other. Wherein, the second protruding portion of the first protruding member protrudes from the first protruding portion of the first protruding member toward the second protruding member, and The fourth protruding portion of the second protruding member protrudes from the third protruding portion of the second protruding member toward the first protruding member.

7. The portable communication device according to claim 5, further comprising: The second buffer member is attached to the second protruding member.

8. The portable communication device according to claim 7, in, The third display area of ​​the flexible display is disposed between the first buffer member and the second buffer member.

9. The portable communication device according to claim 6, wherein, At least a portion of the first buffer member is positioned between the first protruding member and the third display area of ​​the flexible display.

10. The portable communication device according to claim 9, wherein, In the folded and unfolded states of the first housing and the second housing, at least a portion of the first buffer member is positioned between the first protruding portion of the first protruding member and the third display area of ​​the flexible display.

11. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The first display area extends from one side of the third display area, and the second display area extends from the opposite side of the third display area, and the third display area overlaps with the hinge housing along the first direction.

12. The portable communication device according to claim 1, in, The flexible display is configured such that the outer periphery of the third display area faces the sidewall of the hinge housing and the first buffer member, and The outer periphery of the third display area is spaced apart from the sidewall of the hinge housing by a first gap, and is spaced apart from the first buffer member by a second gap smaller than the first gap.

13. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed along the length of the hinge housing, at least a portion of the first buffer member is configured to overlap with the outer surface of a portion of the third display area between the first housing and the second housing.

14. A portable communication device, the portable communication device comprising: A first housing structure, the first housing structure including a first recess; A second housing structure, the second housing structure including a second recess; A hinge structure is provided, in which the first housing structure and the second housing structure are rotatably connected to fold or unfold relative to each other. A flexible display comprising a first region disposed on a first housing structure, a second region disposed on a second housing structure, and a third region located between the first region and the second region, and configured to bend or straighten as the portable communication device is folded or unfolded; A hinge housing, which is received in a flat state on the first recess and the second recess, wherein the hinge housing comprises: A first attachment protrusion is formed on a sidewall located at one end of the hinge housing in the direction of the rotation axis, such that a first portion of the first attachment protrusion protrudes in a first direction toward the direction facing the flexible display, the first direction being substantially perpendicular to the flexible display when the portable communication device is in the flat state, and a second portion of the first attachment protrusion protrudes from the first portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and A first buffer member is attached to the first attachment protrusion such that the first buffer member is fixed to the first attachment protrusion and at least a portion of the first buffer member is disposed between the first attachment protrusion and the flexible display.

15. The portable communication device according to claim 14, wherein, When the portable communication device is folded or unfolded, the first buffer member is configured to remain in contact with the second portion of the first attachment protrusion.

16. The portable communication device according to claim 14, wherein, At least a portion of the first buffer member is disposed between the first portion of the first attachment protrusion and the flexible display.

17. The portable communication device according to claim 14, in, The first housing structure is rotatably attached to one side of the hinge structure about a first axis, and the second housing structure is rotatably attached to the opposite side of the hinge structure about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The second direction is substantially parallel to the first axis and the second axis.

Images