Electronic device including a breakage prevention structure

Abstract

An electronic device is provided that includes a vandal-resistant structure. [Solution] The electronic device according to the present invention includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge device that movably connects the first housing and the second housing relative to each other based on a folding axis, the hinge device including a hinge housing including a receiving portion and a hinge module that is arranged in the receiving portion and includes at least one rotator that connects the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display arranged to receive support from at least a portion of the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge device, and the at least one rotator is arranged so that at least a portion of it is at least partially in contact with the hinge housing in a folded state and is spaced apart from the hinge housing by a specified distance in an unfolded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device including a breakage prevention structure.

Background Art

[0002] As the functional gap between manufacturers of electronic devices decreases significantly, electronic devices are gradually being slimmed down to meet the purchasing needs of consumers, developed to enhance the rigidity of the electronic devices, strengthen the design aspect, and differentiate their functional elements. As part of this trend, electronic devices are required to have a robust structure that can withstand impacts transmitted from the outside.

[0003] An electronic device includes a foldable electronic device including a first housing, a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing via a hinge device, and a flexible display disposed to receive support from the first housing and the second housing. The first housing and the second housing are structurally coupled to a hinge module included in the hinge device and operate while receiving support from the hinge module between a folded state and / or a deployed state. For example, the hinge module is at least partially fixed to a hinge housing including a receiving portion and is coupled to a part of the first housing and the second housing via at least one rotator included in the hinge module to induce a folding operation and a deployment operation. In this case, the rotator is disposed to have a flow gap separated by a specified interval in the folding axis direction for a smooth folding operation and a deployment operation.

[0004] However, when a foldable electronic device is exposed to an external impact such as a drop, especially when only one of the two housings is impacted in the folding axis direction, the remaining housing may shift and move in the opposite direction by at least the above-mentioned fluid gap through inertia and / or shearing stress, causing damage and / or malfunction of the flexible display supported by the two housings. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device including a damage prevention structure.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device including a damage prevention structure that provides a robust structure with only relatively simple structural changes. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device including a damage prevention structure configured to support smooth folding and / or unfolding operations. Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge device that movably connects the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other based on a folding axis, the hinge device including a hinge housing including a receiving portion, and a hinge module disposed in the receiving portion and including at least one rotor that connects the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display disposed to support at least a part of the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge device, wherein at least a part of the at least one rotor is in a folded state and is at least partially in contact with the hinge housing, and in an unfolded state, is disposed to be separated from the hinge housing by a specified interval.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device includes a first housing including a first surface, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first side member surrounding a first space between the first surface and the second surface, a second housing foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge device, the second housing including a third surface facing in the same direction as the first surface and a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface in a deployed state, and a second side member surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface, and a flexible display disposed so as to be bandable from at least a part of the first surface across the hinge device to at least a part of the second surface. The hinge device includes a hinge housing including a receiving portion and at least one hinge module including at least one rotor disposed in the receiving portion and connected to the first housing and the second housing. At least a part of the at least one rotor is in contact with the hinge housing at least partially in a folded state and is disposed to be separated from the hinge housing at a specified interval in the deployed state.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] The electronic device according to the present invention can prevent malfunction and damage of the display by including a damage prevention structure for preventing a distortion phenomenon caused by a shear stress generated in the folding axis direction between two housings during a fall, and has an effect of improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0010] In addition, various effects directly or indirectly grasped throughout this specification can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a view showing an unfolded state of an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a folded state of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic device 200 includes a pair of housings 210 and 220 (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled to each other via a hinge device (e.g., hinge device 300 of FIG. 3) so as to be foldable with respect to a folding axis A1, a first display 230 (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) disposed via the pair of housings 210 and 220, and / or a second display 400 (e.g., a sub-display) disposed via the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, at least a part of the hinge device (e.g., hinge module 320 of FIG. 3) is disposed so as not to be visible from the outside via the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and in the unfolded state, it is disposed so as not to be visible from the outside via a hinge housing 310 that covers the foldable portion. In this specification, the surface on which the first display 230 is disposed is defined as the front surface of the electronic device 200, and the opposite surface of the front surface is defined as the rear surface of the electronic device 200. Also, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface is defined as the side surface of the electronic device 200.

[0014] According to various embodiments, a pair of housings 210, 220 includes a first housing 210 and a second housing 220 that are foldably arranged relative to each other via a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 of FIG. 3). According to one embodiment, the pair of housings 210, 220 is not limited to the shapes and couplings shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or couplings of components. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are arranged on both sides with respect to a folding axis A1 and have a shape that is overall symmetric with respect to the folding axis A1. According to certain embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis A1. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 have different angles and distances with respect to each other depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 is coupled to a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 of FIG. 3) in the deployed state of the electronic device 200, and includes a first surface 211 disposed to face the front of the electronic device 200, a second surface 212 facing in a direction opposite to the first surface 211, and / or a first side member 213 surrounding at least a portion of the first space between the first surface 211 and the second surface 212. According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 is coupled to a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 of FIG. 3) in the deployed state of the electronic device 200, and includes a third surface 221 disposed to face the front of the electronic device 200, a fourth surface 222 facing in a direction opposite to the third surface 221, and / or a second side member 223 surrounding at least a portion of the second space between the third surface 221 and the fourth surface 222. According to one embodiment, the first surface 211 faces in a direction substantially the same as the third surface 221 in the deployed state and at least partially faces the third surface 221 in the folded state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a recess 201 formed to receive the first display 230 through a structural coupling between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the recess 201 has substantially the same size as the first display 230.

[0016] According to various embodiments, the hinge housing 310 (e.g., hinge cover) is disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and is arranged to cover a hinge module (e.g., hinge module 320 in FIG. 3) disposed in the hinge housing. According to one embodiment, the hinge housing 310 is covered by a part of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 or is exposed to the outside according to the deployed state, folded state, or intermediate state of the electronic device 200. For example, when the electronic device 200 is in the deployed state, at least a part of the hinge housing 310 is covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and is substantially not exposed. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the folded state, at least a part of the hinge housing 310 is exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are in an intermediate state of forming a predetermined angle (folded with a certain angle), the hinge housing 310 is at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device 200 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. For example, the area where the hinge housing 310 is exposed to the outside is less than that in the completely folded state. According to one embodiment, the hinge housing 310 includes a curved surface.

[0017] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in the deployed state (e.g., the state in FIG. 1), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first region 230a, the folding region 230c, and the second region 230b of the first display 230 are in the same plane and are arranged to face substantially in the same direction. In other embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in the deployed state, the first housing 210 rotates at an angle of about 360 degrees with respect to the second housing 220 and is folded in the opposite direction (out folding method) so that the second surface 212 and the fourth surface 222 face each other.

[0018] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 2), the first surface 211 of the first housing 210 and the third surface 221 of the second housing 220 are arranged to face each other. In this case, the first region 230a and the second region 230b of the first display 230 form a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of 0 degrees to about 10 degrees) with each other via the folding region 230c and are arranged to face each other. According to one embodiment, at least a part of the folding region 230c is deformed into a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an intermediate state, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. In this case, the first region 230a and the second region 230b of the first display 230 form an angle that is larger than that in the folded state and smaller than that in the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folding region 230c is smaller than that in the folded state and larger than that in the unfolded state. In an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form an angle that stops at a specified folding angle between the folded state and the unfolded state (free stop function) via a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 shown in FIG. 3). In an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 operate while being pressed in a direction of being unfolded or folded based on a specified bending angle via a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 shown in FIG. 3).

[0019] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 includes at least one of a display 230, 400, an input device 215, audio output devices 227, 228, sensor modules 217a, 217b, 226, camera modules 216a, 216b, 225, a key input device 219, an indicator (not shown), or a connector port 229 disposed in the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220. In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 omits at least one of the components or further includes at least one other component.

[0020] According to various embodiments, at least one of the displays 230, 400 includes a first display 230 (e.g., a flexible display) arranged to receive support from a third surface 221 of a second housing 220 via a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 of FIG. 3) from a first surface 211 of a first housing 210, and a second display 400 arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through a fourth surface 222 in an internal space of the second housing 220. As another example, the second display 400 is arranged to be visible from the outside through a second surface 212 in an internal space of the first housing 210. According to one embodiment, the first display 230 is mainly used in an unfolded state of the electronic device 200, and the second display 400 is mainly used in a folded state of the electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, in the case of an intermediate state, the electronic device 200 is controllably enabled to use the first display 230 and / or the second display 400 based on a folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the first display 230 is disposed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings 210 and 220. For example, the first display 230 is disposed in a recess 201 formed by a pair of housings 210 and 220 and is disposed so as to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device 200 in the deployed state. According to one embodiment, the first display 230 includes a flexible display at least a partial region of which is deformed into a flat or curved surface. According to one embodiment, the first display 230 includes a first region 230a facing the first housing 210, a second region 230b facing the second housing 220, and a folding region 230c connecting the first region 230a and the second region 230b and facing a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 of FIG. 3). According to one embodiment, the regional division of the first display 230 is merely an exemplary physical division by a pair of housings 210 and 220 and a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 of FIG. 3), and substantially through a pair of housings 210 and 220 and a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 of FIG. 3), the first display 230 is displayed as one integral screen seamlessly. According to one embodiment, the first region 230a and the second region 230b have an overall symmetric shape or a partially asymmetric shape with respect to the folding region 230c.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 includes a first rear cover 240 disposed on a second surface 212 of the first housing 210 and a second rear cover 250 disposed on a fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover 240 is integrally formed with the first side member 213. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover 250 is integrally formed with the second side member 223. According to one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover 240 and the second rear cover 250 is formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. According to one embodiment, the first rear cover 240 is formed of an opaque plate such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. According to one embodiment, the second rear cover 250 is formed through a substantially transparent plate such as, for example, glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display 400 is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 220 so as to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover 250.

[0023] According to various embodiments, the input device 215 includes a microphone. In certain embodiments, the input device 215 includes a plurality of microphones arranged to sense the direction of sound. According to one embodiment, the acoustic output devices 227, 228 include speakers. According to one embodiment, the acoustic output devices 227, 228 include a call receiver 227 arranged via the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220 and an external speaker 228 arranged via at least a portion of the second side member 223 of the second housing 220. In certain embodiments, the input device 215, the acoustic output devices 227, 228, and the connector 229 are arranged in the space of the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220 and are exposed to the external environment via at least one hole formed in the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220. In certain embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220 are shared and used for the input device 215 and the acoustic output devices 227, 228. In certain embodiments, the acoustic output devices 227, 228 include speakers (e.g., piezo speakers) that operate while remaining except for the holes formed in the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220.

[0024] According to various embodiments, the camera modules 216a, 216b, 225 include a first camera module 216a disposed on the first surface 211 of the first housing 210, a second camera module 216b disposed on the second surface 212 of the first housing 210, and / or a third camera module 225 disposed on the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a flash 218 disposed near the second camera module 216b. According to one embodiment, the flash 218 includes, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to one embodiment, the camera modules 216a, 216b, 225 include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In certain embodiments, at least one of the camera modules 216a, 216b, 225 includes two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle and a telephoto lens) and an image sensor, and is disposed together on any surface of the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, 226 generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to the internal operating state or the external environmental state of the electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, 226 include a first sensor module 217a disposed on the first surface 211 of the first housing 210, a second sensor module 217b disposed on the second surface 212 of the first housing 210, and / or a third sensor module 226 disposed on the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. In certain embodiments, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, 226 include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a TOF (time) of flight sensor or a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor).

[0026] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 further includes at least one of a sensor module (not shown), such as a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In one embodiment, the fingerprint recognition sensor is disposed via at least one of the side members of the first side member 213 of the first housing 210 and / or the second side member 223 of the second housing 220.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the key input device 219 is disposed to be exposed to the outside via the first side member 213 of the first housing 210. In one embodiment, the key input device 219 is disposed to be exposed to the outside via the second side member 223 of the second housing 220. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 does not include some or all of the key input device 219, and the key input device 219 that is not included is implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on at least one of the displays 230 and 400. In other embodiments, the key input device 219 is implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one of the displays 230 and 400.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the connector port 229 includes a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. In one embodiment, the connector port 229 further includes a separate connector port (e.g., an earphone jack hole) that together performs a function of transmitting and receiving an audio signal with an external electronic device or performs a function of transmitting and receiving an audio signal.

[0029] According to various embodiments, at least one of the camera modules 216a, 225 among the camera modules 216a, 216b, 225, at least one of the sensor modules 217a, 226 among the sensor modules 217a, 217b, 226, and / or the indicator are arranged to be exposed via at least one display 230, 400. For example, at least one of the camera modules 216a, 225, at least one of the sensor modules 217a, 226, and / or the indicator are arranged below the display area of the displays 230, 400 within the internal space of at least one of the housings 210, 220, and are arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening or a transparent region perforated in a cover member (for example, a window layer (not shown) of the first display 230 and / or the second rear cover 250). According to one embodiment, the region where the displays 230, 400 face at least one of the camera modules 216a, 225 is formed as a transmissive region having a certain transmittance as a part of the region for displaying content. According to one embodiment, the transmissive region is formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. Such a transmissive region includes a region that overlaps with the effective region (for example, the angular field region) of at least one of the camera modules 216a, 225 through which light for forming an image by the image sensor passes to generate an image. For example, the transmissive region of the displays 230, 400 includes a region with a lower pixel density than the surroundings. For example, the transmissive region replaces the opening. For example, at least one of the camera modules 216a, 225 includes an under display camera (UDC). In other embodiments, some of the camera modules or sensor modules 217a, 226 are arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, the region facing the camera modules 216a, 225 and / or the sensor modules 217a, 226 arranged below the displays 230, 400 (for example, the display panel) has a structure of an under display camera (UDC) and does not require a perforated opening.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device 200 includes a first display 230, a second display 400, a hinge device 300, a support member assembly 260, at least one printed circuit board 270, a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a first rear cover 240, and / or a second rear cover 250.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the first display 230 includes a display panel 231 (e.g., a flexible display panel) and one or more plates 232 or layers on which the display panel 231 is seated. According to one embodiment, the display panel 231 includes a first panel region 231a corresponding to a first region of the display 230 (e.g., the first region 230a in FIG. 1), a second panel region 231b extending from the first panel region and corresponding to a second region of the display 230 (e.g., the second region 230b in FIG. 1), and a third region 231c connecting the first panel region 231a and the second panel region 231b and corresponding to a folding region of the display 230 (e.g., the folding region 230c in FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the one or more plates 232 include a conductive plate (e.g., a Cu sheet or a SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel 231 and the support member assembly 260. According to one embodiment, the one or more plates 232 are formed to have substantially the same region as the first display 230, and a region facing the folding region of the first display 230 (e.g., the folding region 230c in FIG. 1) is formed to be bendable. According to one embodiment, the one or more plates 232 include at least one auxiliary material layer (e.g., a graphite member) disposed on the back surface of the display panel 231. According to one embodiment, the one or more plates 232 are formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel 231.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the second display 400 is disposed in the space between the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 250. According to one embodiment, the second display 400 is disposed in the space between the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 250 such that it is visible from the outside through substantially the entire area of the second rear cover 250.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the support member assembly 260 includes a first support member 261 (e.g., a first support plate) and a second support member 262 (e.g., a second support plate). According to one embodiment, the first support member 261 is foldably coupled to the second support member 262 via a hinge device 300. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes at least one wiring member 263 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) disposed from at least a part of the first support member 261 across the hinge device 300 to a part of the second support member 262. According to one embodiment, the support member assembly 260 is disposed between one or more plates 232 and at least one printed circuit board 270. According to one embodiment, the first support member 261 is disposed between a first region of the first display 230 (e.g., the first region 230a in FIG. 1) and the first printed circuit board 271. According to one embodiment, the second support member 262 is disposed between a second region of the first display 230 (e.g., the second region 230b in FIG. 1) and the second printed circuit board 272. According to one embodiment, at least a part of at least one wiring member 263 and / or at least a part of the hinge device 300 are disposed to be supported via at least a part of the support member assembly 260. According to one embodiment, at least one wiring member 263 is disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) crossing the first support member 261 and the second support member 262. According to one embodiment, at least one wiring member 263 is disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis A1 in FIG. 1) of the folding region 230c.

[0035] According to various embodiments, at least one printed circuit board 270 includes a first printed circuit board 271 disposed to face the first support member 261 or a second printed circuit board 272 disposed to face the second support member 262. According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board 271 and the second printed circuit board 272 are disposed in an internal space formed by the support member assembly 260, the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the first rear cover 240, and / or the second rear cover 250. According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board 271 and the second printed circuit board 272 include a plurality of electronic components disposed to implement various functions of the electronic device 200. In certain embodiments, the first support member 261 extends at least partially as a component of the first housing 210 into a first space (e.g., a first internal space) formed by the first housing 210 from the first side member 213. In certain embodiments, the second support member 262 extends at least partially as a component of the second housing 220 into a second space (e.g., a second internal space) formed by the second housing 220 from the second side member 223.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 includes a first printed circuit board 271 disposed in the first space of the first housing 210, a first battery 291 disposed at a position facing a first swelling hole 2611 of the first support member 261, at least one camera module 282 (e.g., the first camera module 216a and / or the second camera module 216b of FIG. 1), or at least one sensor module 281 (e.g., the first sensor module 217a and / or the second sensor module 217b of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a second printed circuit board 272 disposed in the second space of the second housing 220 or a second battery 292 disposed at a position facing a second swelling hole 2621 of the second support member 262. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 and the first support member 261 are integrally formed. According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 and the second support member 262 are integrally formed.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 includes a first rotation support surface 214, and the second housing 220 includes a second rotation support surface 224 corresponding to the first rotation support surface 214. According to one embodiment, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 include curved surfaces (naturally connected) corresponding to the curved outer surface of the hinge housing 310. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the deployed state, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 cover the hinge housing 310, so that the hinge housing 310 is not exposed or only partially exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the folded state, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 rotate along the curved outer surface of the hinge housing 310 to expose at least a part of the hinge housing 310 on the rear surface of the electronic device 200.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the hinge device 300 includes a hinge housing 310 and at least one hinge module 320 disposed in a receiving portion of the hinge housing 310 (for example, the receiving portion 3101 in FIG. 4a). According to one embodiment, the hinge module 320 is fixed to the receiving portion 3101 of the hinge housing 310 and is connected to the first support member 261 and the second support member 262 via at least one rotator (for example, the rotators 331, 332, 333, 334 in FIG. 4a).

[0039] FIG. 4a is a separated perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4b is a perspective view of an electronic device showing the folded state according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electronic device 200 includes a first housing 210 including a first side member 213, a second housing 220 including a second side member 223, a hinge device 300 that foldably couples the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to each other, and a display 230 (e.g., the first display 230 of FIG. 1) disposed to be supported via the first housing 210, the hinge device 300, and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 further includes a first protection frame 235 coupled to the first housing 210 and a second protection frame 236 coupled to the second housing 220 across an edge of the display 230. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 operate to be folded or unfolded with respect to each other about a folding axis A1 via the hinge device 300.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the hinge device 300 has a length in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis A1 (e.g., the y-axis direction), and includes a hinge housing 310 including a receiving portion 3101, and at least one hinge module 320 fixed to the receiving portion 3101 of the hinge housing 310. According to one embodiment, the at least one hinge module 320 includes at least one plate type rotator 331, 332, 333, 334 that foldably connects the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to each other. According to one embodiment, the hinge housing 310 includes a cover portion 311 arranged to have a length along the folding axis A1, a first closed end 312 (first closed end) extending from one end of the cover portion 311, and a second closed end 313 (second closed end) extending from the other end of the cover portion 311. According to one embodiment, the receiving portion 3101 is formed through the cover portion 311, the first closed end 312, and the second closed end 313. According to one embodiment, the cover portion 311 has an outer surface formed in a curved shape and is exposed at least partially outside when in the folded state. According to one embodiment, the receiving portion 3101 is open in the direction toward the display 230 and has a fixing structure and / or a seating structure to which at least one hinge module 320 is fixed. According to one embodiment, although not shown, the at least one hinge module 320 provides a pressing force in the folding direction or the unfolding direction with respect to the inflection point during the folding operation and / or the unfolding operation of the electronic device via a cam member that presses the hinge cam in the longitudinal direction of the hinge shaft via a hinge shaft, a hinge cam, and a hinge spring sequentially arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis A1.

[0042] According to various embodiments, at least one rotator 331, 332, 333, 334 is coupled to the first support member 261 of the first housing 210 near the first closed end 312, which is an upper region of the hinge housing 310, the second rotator 332 coupled to the second support member 262 of the second housing 220 near the first closed end 312, which is an upper region of the hinge housing, the third rotator 333 coupled to the first support member 261 of the first housing 210 near the second closed end 313, which is a lower region of the hinge housing 310, and the fourth rotator 334 coupled to the second support member 262 of the second housing 220 near the second closed end 313, which is a lower region of the hinge housing 310. According to one embodiment, at least one rotator 331, 332, 333, 334 is coupled to the first support member 261 and the second support member 262 via a fastening member such as a screw. According to one embodiment, the hinge housing 310 is coupled to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 via at least one hinge module 320. According to one embodiment, at least one hinge module 320 including at least one rotator 331, 332, 333, 334 is coupled to the first support member 261 and the second support member 262 to have a substantially flat surface for receiving the display 230.

[0043] According to various embodiments, at least one hinge module 320 is coupled to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 via at least one rotator 331, 332, 333, 334. In this case, the at least one rotator 331, 332, 333, 334 is arranged to have a flow gap (e.g., an operating gap) (e.g., the flow gaps g1, g2 in FIG. 6a) in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis in order to avoid interference with the hinge housing 310 during the folding operation and / or the unfolding operation. However, such a flow gap acts as a cause of shear stress when the electronic device 200 drops or when one housing receives an impact, causing the other housing to move in the opposite direction, and causing damage (e.g., disconnection of wiring) to the display 230 by shifting or deforming both housings along the folding axis by the amount of the flow gap. The electronic device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a damage prevention structure for removing such a flow gap when in the folded state. The electronic device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a damage prevention structure for removing such a flow gap when in the unfolded state.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an electronic device showing an arrangement state of a hinge device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] In the description of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are assigned to substantially the same components as those of the electronic device 200 of FIGS. 4a and 4b, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows the arrangement relationship among the hinge device 300, the first housing 210, and the second housing 220 when the electronic device is in the deployed state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a first housing 210, a second housing 220, and a hinge device 300 that connects the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to be foldable relative to each other. According to one embodiment, the hinge device 300 has a length in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis A1 (for example, the y-axis direction), and includes a hinge housing 310 including a receiving portion 3101 and at least one hinge module 320 including rotators 331, 332, 333, 334 fixed to the receiving portion 3101 of the hinge housing 310 and fixed to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the rotators 331, 332, 333, 334 are arranged in the receiving portion 3101 of the hinge housing 310 near the first closed end 312, and include a first rotator 331 and a second rotator 332 respectively coupled to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the rotators 331, 332, 333, 334 are arranged in the receiving portion 3101 of the hinge housing 310 near the second closed end 313, and include a third rotator 333 and a fourth rotator 334 respectively coupled to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0047] FIG. 6a is an enlarged view of region 6a of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6b is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the hinge housing and the rotator viewed along line 6b-6b of FIG. 6a according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 perform a folding operation and / or a deployment operation with respect to each other, the first rotor 331 and the second rotor 332 are arranged in the receiving portion 3101 of the hinge housing 310 to have fluid gaps g1, g2 separated from the first closed end 312 at a specified interval in a direction parallel to the folding axis A1. According to one embodiment, the fluid gaps g1, g2 are provided to minimize interference caused by contact between the first rotor 331 and the second rotor 332 with the hinge housing 310 during the operation of folding and deploying the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, or in the deployed state. Such fluid gaps g1, g2 are maintained from the deployed state until immediately before the folding state of the first rotor 331 and the second rotor 332 (for example, from the fully folded state to a folding angle about 5° before). Although not shown, the third rotor 333 and the fourth rotor 334 also have substantially the same structure with respect to the second closed end 313.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first rotor 331 includes a protrusion 3311 formed to extend in the direction of the first closed end 312. According to one embodiment, the protrusion 3311 includes an attachment surface 331a facing a display (e.g., the display 230 in FIG. 4a) and a side surface 331b extending from the attachment surface 331a and facing the first closed end 312. According to one embodiment, the first rotor 331 includes a first inclined portion 3312 formed to be inclined at a specified angle θ on the side surface 331b of the protrusion 3311. According to one embodiment, the first closed end 312 includes a second inclined surface 3122 formed at a corresponding position so as to contact the first inclined surface 3312 when the electronic device 200 is in the folded state. According to one embodiment, the second inclined surface 3122 is formed at a position where it does not contact the first inclined surface 3312 even when the first rotor 331 moves from the deployed state to immediately before the folded state. In an embodiment, the first inclined surface 3312 included in the protrusion 3311 is formed in a structure that does not contact the second inclined surface 3312 even when the first rotor 331 moves from the deployed state to immediately before the folded state. According to one embodiment, the second inclined surface 3312 is formed at a position where it is in surface contact with the first inclined surface 3312 when the electronic device 200 reaches the folded state. Therefore, the first inclined portion 3312 is formed to gradually become lower as it advances in the -z axis direction in the deployed state. According to one embodiment, the second inclined portion 3122 is formed to gradually become higher as it advances in the x axis direction.

[0050] Although not shown, the second rotor 332 and the first closed end 312, the third rotor 333 and the second closed end 313, and / or the fourth rotor 334 and the second closed end 313 are also configured to have substantially the same contact structure as the contact structure between the first inclined portion 3312 and the second inclined portion 3122 formed between the first rotor 331 and the first closed end 312.

[0051] FIG. 7a is a partial configuration diagram showing the arrangement structure of the hinge housing and the rotors in the folded state according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic coupling structure of the hinge housing and the rotors as viewed along line 7b-7b of FIG. 7a according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 7a is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device viewed along line 7a-7a of FIG. 4b.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, in the folded state of the electronic device 200, the first inclined portion 3312 of the first rotor 331 contacts the second inclined portion 3122 of the first closed end 312. According to one embodiment, the first inclined portion 3312 and the second inclined portion 3122 contact in a manner of at least partially surface contact. Although not shown, the second rotor 332 and the first closed end 312, the third rotor 333 and the second closed end 313, and / or the fourth rotor 334 and the second closed end 313 also contact at least partially in surface contact in substantially the same manner as the first inclined portion 3312 and the second inclined portion 3122 respectively formed between the first rotor 331 and the first closed end 312. In this case, in the folded state, at least a part of the flow gaps g1, g2 provided in a direction parallel to the folding axis A1 between the rotors 331, 332, 333, 334 and the hinge housing 310 is filled through the contact structure between the first inclined portion 3312 and the second inclined portion 3122, so that even when an external impact such as a drop is applied, the phenomenon that both housings 210, 220 are displaced or distorted by a shearing force is reduced. Further, the first inclined portion 3312 and the second inclined portion 3122 do not contact each other from the unfolded state until immediately before the folded state (for example, from the completely folded state to about 5° before the folding angle), and flow gaps g1, g2 are provided between the rotors 331, 332, 333, 334 and the hinge housing 310, which is helpful for the smooth folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device 210.

[0054] FIG. 7c is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic coupling structure of the hinge housing and the rotor according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7c, when the electronic device 200 transitions to the folded state, noise is generated or unwanted frictional force is generated by the pressing force of at least one hinge module 320 on the first inclined portion 3312 of the first rotator 331 and the second inclined portion 3122 of the first closed end 312. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device 200 includes a buffer layer 3123 disposed between the first inclined portion 3312 and the second inclined portion 3122. According to one embodiment, the buffer layer 3123 is formed on the first inclined portion 3312 and / or the second inclined portion 3122. According to one embodiment, the buffer layer 3123 includes an elastic coating layer or a Teflon (registered trademark) coating layer based on an elastic material (e.g., urethane, rubber, resin, or silicon) disposed on the first inclined portion 3312 and / or the second inclined portion 3122. Although not shown, the same buffer layer 3123 can be substantially applied to the second rotator 332 and the first closed end 312, the third rotator 333 and the second closed end 313, and / or the fourth rotator 334 and the second closed end 313.

[0056] FIG. 8 is an operation diagram showing the operation locus of the rotator with respect to the hinge housing while transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 8, while the electronic device 200 transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first rotor 331 moves from the position (a) in the unfolded state with respect to the hinge housing along the trajectories of (b), (c), and (d) and finally to the position (e) in the folded state. In this case, the first rotor 331 does not contact the hinge housing 310 in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis A1 (for example, the y-axis direction) during the states of (a) to (d). For example, the first rotor 331 has the protruding portion 3311 and the first inclined portion 3312 that do not contact the first closed end 312 of the hinge housing 310 during the states of (a) to (d). According to an embodiment, the first inclined portion 3312 of the first rotor 331 contacts the second inclined portion 3122 of the hinge housing 310 when the electronic device 200 reaches the folded state (for example, the state of (e)). Therefore, when the electronic device 200 is folded for portable use (when the possibility of dropping is relatively high), the fluid gaps (for example, the fluid gaps g1, g2 in FIG. 6a) formed between the hinge housing 310 and the first rotor 331 in the direction of the folding axis A1 are filled through the surface contact of the first inclined portion 3312 and the second inclined portion 3122, thereby reducing the distortion and displacement phenomena of the two housings 210 and 220 caused by dropping. Although not shown, the second rotor 332 and the first closed end 312, the third rotor 333 and the second closed end 313, and / or the fourth rotor 334 and the second closed end 313 also have substantially the same contact structure when in the folded state.

[0058] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams schematically showing the arrangement structures of the hinge housing and the rotors in the unfolded state and the folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the electronic device 200 includes a first housing 210, a second housing 220, and a hinge device 300 that foldably connects the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to each other. According to one embodiment, the hinge device 300 includes a hinge housing 310 having a length in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis A1, and a hinge module 320 fixed to the hinge housing 310 and including rotators 331, 332, 333, 334 coupled to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the rotators 331, 332, 333, 334 are disposed near a first closed end 312 formed in an upper region UA of the hinge housing 310, and include a first rotator 331 and a second rotator 332 respectively coupled to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and are disposed near a second closed end 313 formed in a lower region LA, and include a third rotator 333 and a fourth rotator 334 respectively coupled to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the first rotator 331 and the third rotator 333 are coupled to a first support member 261 included in the first housing 210, and the second rotator 332 and the fourth rotator 334 are coupled to a second support member 262 included in the second housing 220.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the first rotator 331 does not contact the second inclined portion 3122 formed at the first closed end 312 of the hinge housing 310 by the first inclined portion 3312 in the upper region UA until the electronic device 200 reaches immediately before the folded state from the unfolded state. Similarly, in the upper region UA, the second rotator 332 also does not contact the first closed end 312 of the hinge housing 310. Similarly, in the lower region LA, the third rotator 333 also does not contact the second closed end 313 of the hinge housing 310. Similarly, in the lower region UA, the fourth rotator 334 also does not contact the second closed end 313 of the hinge housing 310.

[0061] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 reaches the folded state, the first rotor 331 contacts, in the first upper region UA1, the second inclined portion 3122 formed at the first closed end 312 of the hinge housing 310 with the first inclined portion 3312. Similarly, the second rotor 332 contacts at least a part of the first closed end 312 in substantially the same manner in the second upper region UA2. Similarly, the third rotor 333 contacts at least a part of the second closed end 313 in substantially the same manner in the first lower region LA1. Similarly, the fourth rotor 332 contacts at least a part of the second closed end 313 in substantially the same manner in the second lower region LA2. Therefore, when the electronic device 200 transitions to the folded state, by filling the fluid gaps (e.g., the fluid gaps g1, g2 in FIG. 6a) formed between the hinge housing 310 and the rotors 331, 332, 333, 334 in the folding axis A1 direction through surface contact of the inclined portions (e.g., the first inclined portion 3312 and the second inclined portion 3122), it is possible to reduce the distortion or displacement phenomenon of the two housings 210, 220 due to external impacts such as dropping.

[0062] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of region 10 of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] The electronic device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded state includes an additional damage prevention structure for reducing the displacement or distortion of the two housings 210, 220 caused by external impacts such as dropping.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 10, the first rotor 331 protrudes in the direction of the second rotor 332 (e.g., the -x axis direction) in the deployed state of the electronic device 200, and includes a first coupling protrusion 3315 formed to be fitted together with a first receiving groove 3325 formed in the second rotor 332. According to an embodiment, the second rotor 332 protrudes in the direction of the first rotor 331 (e.g., the x axis direction) in the deployed state of the electronic device 200, and includes a second coupling protrusion 3326 formed to be fitted into a second receiving groove 3316 formed in the first rotor 331. According to an embodiment, the first and second coupling protrusions 3315 and 3326 and the first and second receiving grooves 3325 and 3316 are coupled only when the electronic device 200 is in the deployed state, and are disengaged so as not to interfere with each other while moving from the deployed state to the folded state. Therefore, when the electronic device 200 is in the deployed state, the first coupling protrusion 3315 is coupled to the first receiving groove 3325, and the second coupling protrusion 3326 is coupled to the second receiving groove 3316, thereby reducing the phenomenon of distortion or displacement in a direction parallel to the folding axis A1 of the two housings 210 and 220 due to an external impact such as a drop.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an electronic device including a hinge housing and a break prevention structure disposed between two housings in region 11 of FIG. 4b according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 11, in the folded state, the electronic device 200 includes an additional blocking structure for filling the fluid gap g3 formed between the hinge housing 310 and the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a first contact protrusion 315 disposed to fill the fluid gap g3 between the first housing 210 and the hinge housing 310 in the folded state. According to one embodiment, the first contact protrusion 315 is formed at a corresponding position of the first housing 210 or at a corresponding position on the outer surface of the hinge housing 310. In certain embodiments, the first contact protrusion 315 can also replace the surface contact structure of the first inclined portion (e.g., the first inclined portion 3312 in FIG. 6a) and the second inclined portion (e.g., the second inclined portion 3122 in FIG. 6a) described above. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a second contact protrusion 316 having substantially the same structure as the first contact protrusion 315 to fill the fluid gap g3 between the second housing 220 and the hinge housing 310. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are separated from the hinge housing 310 through the fluid gap g3 until immediately before the folded state, and in the folded state, the fluid gap is filled through the first contact protrusion 315 and the second contact protrusion 316, so that the hinge housing 310 contacts in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis A1. Although not shown, in the lower region, the electronic device 200 also has substantially the same protrusions disposed between the hinge housing 310 and the first housing 210 and between the hinge housing 310 and the second housing 220. Therefore, the electronic device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can reduce the displacement or distortion phenomenon of the two housings 210 and 220 generated by an external impact such as a fall in the unfolded state.

[0067] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 200 in FIG. 5) includes a first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIG. 5), a second housing (e.g., the second housing 220 in FIG. 5), and a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device 300 in FIG. 5) that movably connects the first housing and the second housing relative to each other with respect to a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A1 in FIG. 5). The hinge device includes a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing 310 in FIG. 5) including a receiving portion (e.g., the receiving portion 3101 in FIG. 5), and a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module 320 in FIG. 5) disposed in the receiving portion and including at least one rotator (e.g., the first rotator 331 in FIG. 5) that connects the first housing and the second housing. The hinge device further includes a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 230 in FIG. 4a) disposed to support at least a part of the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge device. At least one rotator is arranged such that at least a part thereof is in a folded state and at least partially contacts the hinge housing, and in a deployed state, is spaced apart from the hinge housing by a specified interval.

[0068] According to various embodiments, in the folded state, at least one rotator and the hinge housing are at least partially in contact along a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the hinge housing includes a cover portion formed to have a length along the folding axis, a first closed end extending from one end of the cover portion, and a second closed end extending from the other end of the cover portion. The receiving portion is formed through the cover portion, the first closed end, and the second closed end.

[0070] According to various embodiments, at least one rotator includes a protruding portion including a first inclined portion. In the folded state, at least one rotator contacts such that the first inclined portion is at least partially in surface contact with a second inclined portion formed on the first closed end and / or the second closed end.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the first inclined portion is formed to gradually increase in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis direction in the deployed state, and the second inclined portion is formed in a shape corresponding to contact the first inclined portion in the folded state.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the hinge module includes a first hinge module fixed near the first closed end in the receiving portion, and a second hinge module separated from the first closed end by a specified interval in the receiving portion and fixed near the second closed end.

[0073] According to various embodiments, at least one rotor includes a first rotor included in the first hinge module and coupled to the first housing, a second rotor included in the first hinge module and coupled to the second housing, a third rotor included in the second hinge module and coupled to the first housing, and a fourth rotor included in the second hinge module and coupled to the second housing.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the protrusion including the first inclined portion is formed on at least one rotor among the first rotor, the second rotor, the third rotor, or the fourth rotor, and the second inclined portion is formed at a position corresponding to the first inclined portion of the first closed end and / or the second closed end.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the first housing includes a first side member that at least partially forms an appearance of the electronic device, and a first support member coupled to the first side member, and the first rotor and the third rotor are coupled to the first support member.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the first rotor and the third rotor are coupled to form substantially the same plane as the first support member.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the second housing includes a second side member that at least partially forms an appearance of the electronic device, and a second support member coupled to the second side member, and the second rotor and the fourth rotor are coupled to the second support member.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the second rotor and the fourth rotor are coupled to form substantially the same plane as the second support member.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the flexible display is disposed to receive support from the first support member and the second support member across the hinge device.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the hinge housing and / or at least one rotor is formed of a metallic material.

[0081] According to various embodiments, in the folded state, the cover portion is covered so as not to be visible from the outside through the first housing and the second housing.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the electronic device includes a first housing including a first side member surrounding a first surface, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first space between the first surface and the second surface, and a second housing that is foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge device and includes a third surface facing in the same direction as the first surface, a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface, and a second side member surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface in the unfolded state, and a flexible display disposed to be bendable from at least a part of the first surface across the hinge device to at least a part of the second surface. The hinge device includes a hinge housing including a receiving portion, and at least one hinge module including at least one rotor disposed in the receiving portion and coupled to the first housing and the second housing. At least one rotor is disposed such that at least a part thereof is in contact with the hinge housing at least partially in the folded state and is separated from the hinge housing at a specified interval in the unfolded state.

[0083] According to various embodiments, in the folded state, at least one rotor and the hinge housing are at least partially in contact along a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0084] According to various embodiments, the hinge housing includes a cover portion formed to have a length along the folding axis, a first closed end extending from one end of the cover portion, and a second closed end extending from the other end of the cover portion, and the receiving portion is formed via the cover portion, the first closed end, and the second closed end.

[0085] According to various embodiments, at least one rotor includes a protruding portion including a first inclined portion, and in the folded state, at least one rotor contacts such that the first inclined portion is at least partially in surface contact with a second inclined portion formed on the first closed end and / or the second closed end.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the first inclined portion is formed to gradually increase in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis direction in the unfolded state, and the second inclined portion is formed in a corresponding shape so as to contact the first inclined portion in the folded state.

[0087] Moreover, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification and the drawings are merely specific examples presented to easily explain the technical content of the embodiments of the present invention and to assist in understanding the embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should be construed as including all modifications or variations derived based on the technical idea of various embodiments of the present invention in addition to the embodiments disclosed in this specification.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 200 Electronic device 210 First housing 220 Second housing 230 First display 240 First rear cover 250 Second rear cover 260 Support member assembly 270 Printed circuit board 300 Hinge device 310 Hinge housing 320 Hinge module 400 Second display

Claims

1. An electronic device, a first housing, a second housing, a hinge device including a hinge housing that movably connects the first housing and the second housing relative to each other with respect to a folding axis, a cover portion, a first closed end extending from one end of the cover portion, and a second closed end extending from the other end of the cover portion, and a receiving portion formed by the cover portion, the first closed end, and the second closed end, and a hinge module disposed in the receiving portion and including a first rotor coupled to the first housing and a second rotor coupled to the second housing, a flexible display disposed to support at least a part of the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge device, wherein the first rotor includes a first protrusion disposed to contact one end of the first closed end in a folded state and separated from the first closed end by a specific distance in a range from a deployed state to immediately before the folded state, the second rotor includes a second protrusion disposed to contact the other end of the first closed end in the folded state and separated from the first closed end by a specific distance in a range from the deployed state to immediately before the folded state, the first closed end is formed in an upper region of the hinge housing and disposed above the first rotor and the second rotor, each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion includes a first inclined portion, the first closed end contacts each of the first inclined portions of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the folded state, and each of the first closed end and the other end of the first closed end corresponding to the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed at a corresponding position so as not to contact each of the first inclined portions of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a range from the deployed state to immediately before the folded state. An electronic device characterized by each including a second inclined portion.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein in the folded state, the first rotor, the second rotor, and the hinge housing are at least partially in contact along a direction parallel to the folding axis.

3. The first inclined portion is formed to gradually increase in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis in the deployed state. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second inclined portion is formed in a shape corresponding to contact the first inclined portion in the folded state.

4. The hinge module includes a first hinge module fixed near the first closed end in the receiving portion, and a second hinge module spaced apart from the first closed end by a specified interval and fixed near the second closed end in the receiving portion. The electronic device according to claim 1.

5. The second hinge module includes a third rotor coupled to the first housing, and a fourth rotor coupled to the second housing. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The first housing includes a first side member that at least partially forms an appearance of the electronic device and a first support member coupled to the first side member, and the first rotor and the third rotor are coupled to the first support member. The electronic device according to claim 5.

7. The first rotor and the third rotor are coupled to form the same plane as the first support member. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. The second housing includes a second side member that at least partially forms an appearance of the electronic device and a second support member coupled to the second side member, and the second rotor and the fourth rotor are coupled to the second support member. The electronic device according to claim 6.

9. The second rotor and the fourth rotor are coupled to form the same plane as the second support member. The electronic device according to claim 8.

10. The flexible display is disposed to receive support from the first support member and the second support member across the hinge device. The electronic device according to claim 8.

11. At least one of the hinge housing, the first rotor, and the second rotor is formed of a metal material. The electronic device according to claim 1.

12. In the unfolded state, the cover portion is covered so as not to be visible from the outside through the first housing and the second housing. The electronic device according to claim 1.

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