FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Abstract

The invention relates to a foldable electronic device (100) comprising a first (110) housing, a second (120) housing, a hinged structure (164a) coupled with the first (110) housing and the second (120) housing, a hinged housing (165) in which the hinged structure (164a) is arranged, a first (811) dustproof structure and a second (812) dustproof structure arranged between the first (110) housing and the hinged housing (165), and a first (821) support structure arranged between the first (811) dustproof structure and the second (812) dustproof structure along the length of the hinged housing (165). The first dustproof structure (811) and the first support structure (821) are in contact with each other or are placed at a distance less than the length of the first support structure (821), and the second dustproof structure (812) and the first support structure (821) are in contact with each other or are placed at a distance less than the length of the first support structure (821).At least part of the first dustproof structure (811) and at least part of the second dustproof structure (812) are brought into contact with the first part (621) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) in the folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (100).

Description

Multiple structures and foldable electronic devices comprising the same

[0001] One embodiment of the present document relates to a plurality of structures and a foldable electronic device including the same.

[0002] Portable electronic devices such as smartphones can offer a variety of functions, including calling functions, based on various applications. During this process, the portable electronic device can display a screen corresponding to each function. To utilize these various functions, users may desire a wider screen. However, enlarging the display for screen display in typical portable electronic devices increases the overall size, potentially reducing portability. Accordingly, foldable portable electronic devices are being developed to increase screen size while maintaining portability.

[0003] A foldable electronic device may typically include at least one folding axis that is foldable. The foldable electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge structure coupled to the first housing and the second housing. The foldable electronic device may be configured to fold about the hinge structure. When the foldable electronic device is folded, components of the foldable electronic device may move relative to one another about the folding axis in the hinge structure. In the hinge structure, it may be difficult to maintain a seal around and within the hinge structure to prevent foreign matter, such as dust and other particulates, from entering the electronic device.

[0004] It may be desirable to prevent foreign matter from entering electronic devices, as foreign matter can interfere with the function of electronic devices, for example, by blocking airflow or creating undesirable conductivity between components. Thus, it may be desirable to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of a foldable electronic device through the hinge structure.

[0005] Additionally, when a foldable electronic device is folded, if at least one of the components of the electronic device moves in an unspecified manner relative to another component of the foldable electronic device, a portion of the foldable electronic device may experience unspecified or undesirable deformation. If such deformation occurs repeatedly, the components of the foldable electronic device may be damaged. When the foldable electronic device is folded, it may be desirable for the components of the electronic device to move in a specified manner and remain in a specified position.

[0006] A foldable electronic device (or a portable electronic device, a portable communication device, a foldable electronic device, or a foldable electronic device having a communication function) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing; a second housing; a hinge structure coupled to the first housing and the second housing; a hinge housing in which the hinge structure is disposed; a first anti-vibration structure and a second anti-vibration structure disposed between the first housing and the hinge housing; and a first support structure disposed along a longitudinal direction of the hinge housing between the first anti-vibration structure and the second anti-vibration structure. According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first anti-vibration structure and the first support structure may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart from each other by a distance less than a length of the first support structure. According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second anti-vibration structure and the first support structure may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart from each other by a distance less than a length of the first support structure.

[0007] A foldable electronic device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention may include: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge structure coupled to the first housing and the second housing; a hinge housing substantially disposed between the first housing and the second housing, the hinge structure accommodating at least a portion of the hinge structure; at least one first structure disposed between an inner surface of the first housing and an outer surface of the hinge housing, the first structure having at least a portion in contact with a first portion of the outer surface of the hinge housing while the state of the electronic device is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state; and at least one second structure disposed adjacent to the first structure between the inner surface of the first housing and the outer surface of the hinge housing, the second structure having at least a portion in contact with a second portion of the outer surface of the hinge housing, the second structure being different from the first portion, while the state of the electronic device is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a folded state of the electronic device of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portable communication device or electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration in which a plurality of structures are mounted in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a plurality of structures according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device including a plurality of structures according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a folded state of an electronic device including a plurality of structures according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a first structure and a second structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 9A to 9F are drawings showing examples of a dustproof structure and a support structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of the width of a dustproof structure and a support structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 11 is an example showing a vibration-proof structure and a support structure according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example of the height relationship between a vibration-proof structure and a support structure according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of a support structure included in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an example of an assembly process between a first housing and a support structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of a method for manufacturing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an example of a support structure according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an assembly process of a support structure including a euro and a first housing according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing an assembly process of a first housing including a support structure and a guide groove according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment including a support structure assembled to a housing in a sliding manner.

[0027] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment including a support structure assembled to a housing in a sliding manner.

[0028] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment including a support structure assembled to a housing in a sliding manner.

[0029] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an example of a sliding motion of a support structure assembled with a first housing of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Hereinafter, at least one embodiment of the present document is described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] One embodiment of the present invention, described below, provides a plurality of structures having a support structure and a dust-proof structure, and a foldable electronic device including the same. The dust-proof structure may be a structure that blocks the passage of some or all of dust, particulates, contaminants, or foreign substances. The dust-proof structure included in the electronic device may block some, most, or all of the dust, particulates, contaminants, or foreign substances from entering the electronic device through a specific passage at least partially blocked by the dust-proof structure.

[0032] One embodiment of the present invention provides a plurality of structures capable of maintaining a constant gap between each of a first housing and a second housing and a hinge housing through a support structure in close contact with a dustproof structure, and a foldable electronic device including the same.

[0033] A support structure may be disposed between components of the foldable electronic device, for example, between the first housing or the second housing and the hinge structure or the hinge housing. When the first housing or the second housing is pushed toward the hinge housing or the hinge structure, the support structure may resist movement of the first housing or the second housing toward the hinge housing or the hinge structure. When the hinge housing or the hinge structure is pushed toward the first housing or the second housing, the support structure may resist movement of the hinge housing or the hinge structure toward the first housing or the second housing.

[0034] One embodiment of the present invention provides a plurality of structures and a foldable electronic device including the same, which can prevent or reduce the inflow of external foreign matter between each of a first housing and a second housing and a hinge housing or / and between the dustproof structure and the support structure by bringing the dustproof structure into close contact with the support structure.

[0035] A plurality of structures and a foldable electronic device including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of structures. An example of a technology related to a dust-proof structure among the plurality of structures is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0047139 (Title: Electronic Device Including Dust-Proof Structure, Inventor: Hee-Cheol Moon, Publication Date: April 29, 2021) previously filed by the applicant of the present invention. As described in the aforementioned patent application, the foldable electronic device may be equipped with a dust-proof structure to prevent or reduce the inflow of foreign substances from outside.

[0036] In addition, various purposes and effects provided by a plurality of structures and electronic devices including the same according to various embodiments may be mentioned according to embodiments of the detailed description.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a folded state of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0038] In the detailed description below, a configuration in which a pair of housings are rotatably coupled by a hinge structure may be exemplified. However, it should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the portable communication device or electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. For example, the portable communication device or electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may include two or more housings, and the "pair of housings" in the embodiments disclosed below may mean "two housings that are rotatably coupled to each other among the two or more housings."

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (100) (or, a foldable electronic device, a portable electronic device, a portable communication device, a foldable electronic device, a portable device) may include a pair of housings (110, 120) that are rotatably coupled to each other via a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (164a) of FIG. 3) so as to be folded, a hinge housing (165) that covers a foldable portion of the pair of housings (110, 120), and a display (130) (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display) that is positioned or accommodated in a space formed by the pair of housings (110, 120). The hinge housing (165) may be positioned between at least a portion of a first housing (110) and at least a portion of a second housing (120). The hinge structure (164a) is disposed between the display (130) and the hinge housing (165), and may be connected to the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a foldable housing in which a pair of housings (110, 120) are rotatably coupled from a position where the housings are folded to face each other to a position where the housings are unfolded parallel to each other. In this document, when the pair of housings (110, 120) are unfolded parallel to each other on one side, the side where the display (130) is disposed may be defined as the front side of the electronic device (100), and the side opposite the front side may be defined as the back side of the electronic device (100). In addition, the side surrounding the space between the front side and the back side may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (100).

[0040] In one embodiment, a pair of housings (110, 120) may include a first housing (110) including a sensor area (131d), a second housing (120), a first back cover (140), and a second back cover (150). The pair of housings (110, 120) of the electronic device (100) are not limited to the shapes and combinations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the first back cover (140) may be formed integrally, and the second housing (120) and the second back cover (150) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include the first back cover (140), and the second housing (120) may include the second back cover (150).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be arranged on both sides about a first axis, for example, a folding axis (A), and may have an overall symmetrical shape about the folding axis (A). In one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be rotatable about different folding axes about the hinge structure (164a) or the hinge housing (165). For example, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be rotatably coupled to the hinge structure (164a) or the hinge housing (165), respectively. According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) can be rotated about the folding axis (A) or about different folding axes, such that the two different areas of the front can be rotated between a position where they are folded facing each other, to a position where they are inclined relative to each other, or to a position where they are unfolded parallel to each other.

[0042] In this document, "positioned parallel to each other" or "extending parallel to each other" may mean a state in which two structures are positioned at least partially next to each other, or a state in which at least the portions positioned next to each other are arranged in parallel. In one embodiment, "positioned parallel to each other" may mean that two structures are positioned next to each other and are arranged to face in a parallel direction or the same direction. In one embodiment, "positioned parallel to each other" may be interpreted to mean a state in which they are inclined with respect to each other within an angle range of approximately 160 degrees to 180 degrees. Although expressions such as "parallel" and "parallel" may be used in the detailed description below, this can be easily understood according to the shape or arrangement relationship of the structures by referring to the attached drawings, etc.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may have different angles or distances from each other depending on whether the state of the electronic device (100) is a flat state (unfolding state or open state), a folded state (folding state or close state), or an intermediate state. According to one embodiment, unlike the second housing (120), the first housing (110) additionally includes a sensor area (131d) in which various sensors are arranged, but may have a mutually symmetrical shape in other areas. In one embodiment, the sensor area (131d) may be additionally arranged in or replaced with at least a portion of the second housing (120).

[0044] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include a first side (111) that is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure (164a) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, and may include a first side (111) that is arranged to face the front of the electronic device (100), a second side (112) that faces in an opposite direction to the first side (111), and a first side member (113) that surrounds at least a portion of the space between the first side (111) and the second side (112). In one embodiment, the first side member (113) may include a first side (113a) that is arranged parallel to a folding axis (A), a second side (113b) that extends from one end of the first side (113a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and a third side (113c) that extends from the other end of the first side (113a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A). In describing various embodiments of the present invention, expressions such as “parallel” or “vertical” are used with respect to the arrangement relationship of the above-described aspects, but depending on the embodiment, this may include the meaning of “partially parallel,” “partially vertical,” “substantially parallel,” or “substantially vertical.” In one embodiment, expressions such as “parallel” or “vertical” may mean an inclined arrangement relationship within an angular range of approximately 10 degrees.

[0045] In one embodiment, the second housing (120) may be connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (164a) of FIG. 3) and may include a third side (121) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (100) when the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, a fourth side (122) facing in an opposite direction to the third side (121), and a second side member (123) surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third side (121) and the fourth side (122). In one embodiment, the second side member (123) may include a fourth side (123a) arranged parallel to the folding axis (A), a fifth side (123b) extending from one end of the fourth side (123a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and a sixth side (123c) extending from the other end of the fourth side (123a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A). In one embodiment, the third side (121) may be positioned to face the first side (111) in a folded state. In one embodiment, the second side member (123) may be manufactured with substantially the same shape or material as the first side member (113), although there may be some differences in specific shapes.

[0046] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a receiving portion (101) formed to receive a display (130) through a structural shape combination of a first housing (110) and a second housing (120). The receiving portion (101) may have substantially the same size as the display (130). In one embodiment, due to the sensor area (131d), the receiving portion (101) may have two or more different widths (W1, W2) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A). For example, the receiving portion (101) may have a first width (W1) between a first portion (120a) of the second housing (120) that is parallel to the folding axis (A) and a first portion (110a) formed at the edge of the sensor area (131d) of the first housing (110), and a second width (W2) formed by a second portion (120b) of the second housing (120) and a second portion (110b) that is parallel to the folding axis (A) and does not correspond to the sensor area (131d) of the first housing (110). In this case, the second width (W2) may be formed to be longer than the first width (W1). For example, the receiving portion (101) may be formed to have a first width (W1) formed from a first portion (110a) of a first housing (110) having a mutually asymmetrical shape to a first portion (120a) of a second housing (120), and a second width (W2) formed from a second portion (110b) of the first housing (110) having a mutually symmetrical shape to a second portion (120b) of the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the first portion (110a) and the second portion (110b) of the first housing (110) may be formed to have different distances from the folding axis (A). The width of the receiving portion (101) is not limited to the illustrated example. In one embodiment, the receiving portion (101) may have two or more different widths due to the shape of the sensor area (131d) or the asymmetrical shape of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

[0047] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity selected to support the display (130). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may include an electrically conductive material. When the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) include a conductive material, the electronic device (100) may transmit and receive wireless radio waves using portions of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) made of the conductive material. For example, a processor or a communication module of the electronic device (100) may perform wireless communication using portions of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

[0048] In one embodiment, the sensor area (131d) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the first housing (110). However, the arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor area (131d) is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor area (131d) may be provided in another corner of the first housing (110) or any area between the upper corner and the lower corner. In one embodiment, the sensor area (131d) may be arranged in at least a portion of the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the sensor area (131d) may be arranged to extend to the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include components exposed on the front side of the electronic device (100) through the sensor area (131d) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (131d), and may perform various functions through these components. The components arranged in the sensor area (131d) may include, for example, at least one of a front camera device, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (140) may be disposed on the second side (112) of the first housing (110) and may have a substantially rectangular periphery. In one embodiment, the periphery of the first rear cover (140) may be at least partially wrapped by the first housing (110). Similarly, the second rear cover (150) may be disposed on the fourth side (122) of the second housing (120) and may have at least a portion of its periphery wrapped by the second housing (120).

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover (140) and the second rear cover (150) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A). In one embodiment, the first rear cover (140) and the second rear cover (150) may include various different shapes. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (140) may be formed integrally with the first housing (110), and the second rear cover (150) may be formed integrally with the second housing (120).

[0051] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (140), the second rear cover (150), the first housing (110), and the second housing (120) may be coupled to each other to provide a space in which various components of the electronic device (100) (e.g., a printed circuit board, an antenna module, a sensor module, or a battery) may be placed. In one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device (100). For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear area (141) of the first rear cover (140). In one embodiment, the sensors may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera device, and / or a flash. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the sub-display (152) may be visually exposed through the second rear area (151) of the second rear cover (150).

[0052] The display (130) may be placed on a space formed by a pair of housings (110, 120). For example, the display (130) may be mounted in a receiving portion (e.g., receiving portion (101) of FIG. 1) formed by a pair of housings (110, 120) and may be placed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (100). For example, the front surface of the electronic device (100) may include the display (130) and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of the first housing (110) adjacent to the display (130) and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the back of the electronic device (100) may include a first back cover (140), a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of a first housing (110) adjacent to the first back cover (140), a second back cover (150), and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of a second housing (120) adjacent to the second back cover (150).

[0053] In one embodiment, the display (130) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the display (130) may include a folding portion (131c), a first portion (131a) disposed on one side (e.g., a right side of the folding portion (131c)) with respect to the folding portion (131c), and a second portion (131b) disposed on the other side (e.g., a left side of the folding portion (131c)). For example, the first portion (131a) may be disposed on a first surface (111) of the first housing (110), and the second portion (131b) may be disposed on a third surface (121) of the second housing (120). For example, the display (130) may extend from the first side (111) to the third side (121) through the hinge housing (165) or the hinge structure (164a) of FIG. 3, and at least a portion corresponding to the hinge housing (165) or the hinge structure (164a) (e.g., the folding portion (131c)) may be a flexible portion that can be transformed from a flat shape to a curved shape.

[0054] In one embodiment, the division of the regions of the display (130) is exemplary, and the display (130) may be divided into a plurality of regions (for example, four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the folding portion (131c) extends in the direction of the vertical axis (for example, the y-axis in FIG. 3) parallel to the folding axis (A), and the regions of the display (130) may be divided by the folding portion (131c) or the folding axis (A-axis), but in one embodiment, the display (130) may also be divided into regions based on another folding portion (for example, a folding portion parallel to the horizontal axis (for example, the x-axis in FIG. 3)) or another folding axis (for example, a folding axis parallel to the x-axis in FIG. 3). The division of the areas of the display described above is merely a physical division by a pair of housings (110, 120) and a hinge structure (e.g., hinge housing (165) or hinge structure (164a) of FIG. 3), and in reality, one display (130) can be placed in an area or space provided by a pair of housings (110, 120) and a hinge structure (e.g., hinge housing (165) or hinge structure (164a) of FIG. 3) to display one entire screen.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first portion (131a) and the second portion (131b) may have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the folding portion (131c). However, unlike the second portion (131b), the first portion (131a) may include a notch region (e.g., the notch region (133) of FIG. 3) that provides a sensor region (131d), and may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the second portion (131b) in other regions. For example, the first portion (131a) and the second portion (131b) may include portions having mutually symmetrical shapes and portions having mutually asymmetrical shapes.

[0056] Referring further to FIG. 3, the hinge housing (165) may be configured to be disposed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and to cover internal components (e.g., the hinge structure (164a) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the hinge housing (165) may be covered by portions of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) or exposed to the outside, depending on the operating state (unfolded state or folded state) of the electronic device (100). For example, the hinge housing (165) may be exposed to the outside more in the folded state than in the unfolded state.

[0057] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and each area of ​​the display (130) according to the operating state (e.g., unfolded state and folded state) of the electronic device (100) will be described.

[0058] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 1), the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) form an angle of 180 degrees, and the first part (131a) and the second part (131b) of the display may be arranged to face the same direction, for example, to display the screen in a direction parallel to each other. In addition, the folding part (131c) may form the same plane as the first part (131a) and the second part (131b).

[0059] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be arranged to face each other. For example, when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the first portion (131a) and the second portion (131b) of the display (130) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and face each other. When the electronic device (100) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the folding portion (131c) may form a curved surface having at least a predetermined curvature.

[0060] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (100) is in an intermediate state, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be arranged to form a certain angle with respect to each other, for example, a 90 degree or 120 degree angle. For example, in the intermediate state, the first portion (131a) and the second portion (131b) of the display (130) may form an angle that is greater than the angle in the folded state and less than the angle in the unfolded state. The folding portion (131c) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a certain curvature, and the curvature at this time may be less than that in the folded state.

[0061] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portable communication device or electronic device (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a display (130), a support member assembly (160), at least one printed circuit board (170), a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a first rear cover (140), and a second rear cover (150). In this document, the display (130) may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

[0063] 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 one 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 one surface of the plate (132) (e.g., the surface in the Z direction of FIG. 3). The plate (132) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel (131). For example, a portion of the plate (132) may be formed in a shape corresponding to a notch region (133) of the display panel (131).

[0064] The support member assembly (160) may include a first support member (161), a second support member (162), a hinge structure (164a) disposed between the first support member (161) and the second support member (162), a hinge housing (165) covering the hinge structure (164a) when viewed from the outside, and a wiring member (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) crossing the first support member (161) and the second support member (162). In one embodiment, the support member assembly (160) may include a first hinge plate (164b) mounted on the first support member (161) and a second hinge plate (164c) mounted on the second support member (162). In one embodiment, the wiring member may be arranged in a direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) transverse to the first support member (161) and the second support member (162), and may be covered by the first hinge plate (164b) or the second hinge plate (164c) and thus not shown in FIG. 3.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (164b) may be mounted inside the first housing (110), and the second hinge plate (164c) may be mounted inside the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (164b) may be directly mounted to the first support structure (161), and the second hinge plate (164c) may be directly mounted to the second support structure (162). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (164b) (or the second hinge plate (164c)) may be directly mounted to another structure (e.g., the first rotational support surface (114) or the second rotational support surface (124)) inside the first housing (110) (or the second housing (120)). For example, the structure in which the first hinge plate (164b) (or the second hinge plate (164c)) is mounted inside the first housing (110) (or the second housing (120)) may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the hinge structure (164a) may be mounted on the first hinge plate (164b) and the second hinge plate (164c) to rotatably connect the second hinge plate (164c) to the first hinge plate (164b). For example, a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 1) is formed by the hinge structure (164a), and the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) (or the first support structure (161) and the second support structure (162)) may substantially rotate relative to each other about the folding axis (A).

[0066] In one embodiment, a support member assembly (160) can be disposed between a plate (132) and at least one printed circuit board (170). For example, a first support member (161) can be disposed between a first portion (131a) of the display (130) and a first printed circuit board (171). A second support member (162) can be disposed between a second portion (131b) of the display (130) and a second printed circuit board (172).

[0067] At least one printed circuit board (170) may include a first printed circuit board (171) disposed on the first support member (161) side and a second printed circuit board (172) disposed on the second support member (162) side, as mentioned above. The first printed circuit board (171) and the second printed circuit board (172) may be disposed inside a space formed by the support member assembly (160), the first housing (110), the second housing (120), the first rear cover (140), and the second rear cover (150). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (100) may be disposed on the first printed circuit board (171) and the second printed circuit board (172).

[0068] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be assembled to each other so as to be coupled to both sides of the support member assembly (160) while the display (130) is coupled to the support member assembly (160). The first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be slidably coupled to both sides of the support member assembly (160), for example, to the first support member (161) and the second support member (162), respectively. The first support member (161) and the second support member (162) are substantially accommodated in the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), and may be interpreted as parts of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) according to an embodiment.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include a first rotational support surface (114), and the second housing (120) may include a second rotational support surface (124) corresponding to the first rotational support surface (114). The first rotational support surface (114) and the second rotational support surface (124) may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the hinge housing (165).

[0070] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 1), the first rotational support surface (114) and the second rotational support surface (124) may cover the hinge housing (165) so that the hinge housing (165) is not exposed or is minimally exposed to the rear of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the first rotational support surface (114) and the second rotational support surface (124) may rotate along a curve included in the hinge housing (165) so that the hinge housing (165) is maximally exposed to the rear of the electronic device (100).

[0071] In the detailed description above, the ordinal numbers, such as first housing (110), second housing (120), first side member (113), or second side member (123), are used to simply distinguish the components, and it should be noted that the present invention is not limited by the description of such ordinal numbers. For example, although the sensor area (131d) is exemplified as being formed in the first housing (110), the sensor area (131d) may be formed in the second housing (120) or may be formed in both the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). In one embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the first rear area (141) is disposed on the first rear cover (140) and the sub-display (152) is disposed on the second rear cover (150), but both the first rear area (141) for disposing sensors and the like and the sub-display (152) for outputting a screen may be disposed on either the first rear cover (140) or the second rear cover (150).

[0072] In the detailed description below, reference may be made to the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 1 to 3 as needed. In examining the embodiments below, reference numerals in the drawings are given the same meaning as those in the preceding embodiments or are omitted for configurations that can be easily understood through the preceding embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof are also omitted.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a plurality of structures (210, 310, 220, 320) provided between the hinge housing (165) and the first housing (110) or the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the plurality of structures may include at least one first structure (210), at least one second structure (310), at least one third structure (220), and at least one fourth structure (320).

[0074] At least one of the first structure (210) and the third structure (220) may be a structure that blocks or reduces the inflow of foreign substances in the form of solid particles or liquids, such as dust or chips. For example, the first structure (210) and the third structure (220) may be a dustproof structure (or a sweeper, a fiber structure) that blocks or reduces the inflow of foreign substances in the form of solid particles or liquids into the interior of the electronic device (100).

[0075] At least one of the second structure (310) and the fourth structure (320) may be a structure that maintains a gap between at least one of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165). For example, the second structure (310) may be a support structure (or spacer, gap maintaining member) that maintains a gap between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165), and the fourth structure (320) may be a support structure (or spacer, gap maintaining member) that maintains a gap between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165). At least one of the second structure (310) and the fourth structure (320) may be formed of a material having lubricating properties, thereby providing wear resistance and a smooth operating feel suitable for a folding lifespan determined by repeated folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device. The second structure (310) and the fourth structure (320) may be formed of a material having a nonpolar property, low surface energy, and lubricating performance. For example, the second structure (310) and the fourth structure (320) may be formed of a resin such as POM, UHMWPE, PTFE, or / and PEEK.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first structure (210) may be in contact with the second structure (310) or may be spaced apart from the second structure (310) by a distance less than the length of the second structure (310). The third structure (220) may be in contact with the fourth structure (320) or may be spaced apart from the fourth structure (320) by a distance less than the length of the fourth structure (320).

[0077] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first structure (210), the second structure (310), the third structure (220), and the fourth structure (320) is made of an elastic material, and can accumulate elasticity when compressed by an external force, and can be restored to its initial shape when no external force is applied. For example, the second structure (310) and the fourth structure (320) include an elastic material, and thus can suppress or alleviate noise or wear due to friction during operation of the electronic device.

[0078] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration in which a structure is mounted in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device (100) (or a foldable electronic device, a portable electronic device, a portable communication device, a foldable electronic device, a portable device) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a first structure (210), a second structure (310), a third structure (220), and a fourth structure (320).

[0080] The first housing (110) may include a first mounting portion (401) corresponding to the outer surface of the hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (165) of FIGS. 2 and 3). The first mounting portion (401) may have a concave shape when viewed in the -z-axis direction from the z-axis direction. The first mounting portion (401) may be formed to be elongated along the folding axis (A) (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 1). The first mounting portion (401) may be arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the hinge housing with a predetermined gap therebetween or adjacent to the hinge housing, depending on the hinge operation of the hinge structure (or the folding operation of the electronic device). At least one first structure (210) and at least one second structure (310) may be arranged on at least a portion of the first mounting portion (401).

[0081] The second housing (120) may include a second mounting portion (402) corresponding to the outer surface of the hinge housing. The second mounting portion (402) may have a concave shape when viewed in the -z-axis direction from the z-axis direction. The second mounting portion (402) may be formed to be elongated along the folding axis (A) (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 1). The second mounting portion (402) may be arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the hinge housing with a predetermined gap therebetween or adjacent to the hinge housing, depending on the hinge operation of the hinge structure (or the folding operation of the electronic device). At least one third structure (220) and at least one fourth structure (320) may be arranged on at least a portion of the second mounting portion (402).

[0082] Figure 5 is a drawing showing an example of a first structure according to one embodiment. In Figure 5 <501> The drawing is an example of a perspective view of the first structure, <502> The drawing is an example of a state before the fiber member of the first structure is pressurized. <503> The drawing is a drawing showing an example of a fiber member of the first structure in a pressurized state.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, the first structure (210) (or the third structure (220)) <501> floor plan, <502> Drawings and <503> As shown in the drawing, it may include a fiber member (212) (or fiber bundle, cilia member) and a base member (211).

[0084] The base member (211) may be formed of, for example, plastic, polymer, and / or fiber in the shape of a plate of a certain thickness. A fiber member (212) may be woven and arranged in a certain arrangement on the base member (211). The base member (211) may be provided to have a width parallel to the X-axis and a length parallel to the Y-axis (or folding axis).

[0085] According to one embodiment, an adhesive material (e.g., double-sided tape or liquid adhesive material) is placed on the lower portion of the base member (211), thereby fixing the base member (211) to the first mounting portion (e.g., the first mounting portion (401) of FIG. 4) and the second mounting portion (e.g., the second mounting portion (402) of FIG. 4).

[0086] The fiber member (212) may be composed of a plurality of aggregates including a plurality of fibers, and may include portions in which each aggregate is inserted into a groove or hole (213) of a predetermined pattern arranged in the base member (211). One aggregate may be inserted and fixed into one groove or hole (213). One aggregate may be composed of a predetermined number of fibers, and overall, each aggregate may be composed of the same or similar number of fibers. According to one embodiment, the number of fibers constituting each aggregate may vary depending on the size or shape of the grooves or holes (213), or the pattern arrangement. At least a portion of the lower portions of the aggregates of the fiber member (212) may be inserted into the base member (211) or may protrude below the base member (211). The pattern of grooves or holes (213) of the base member (211) into which the aggregates of fiber members (212) are inserted and fixed may have various arrangements, including, for example, a zigzag pattern arrangement, a matrix or grid arrangement, a mixture of a grid arrangement and a zigzag pattern, a random arrangement, and / or a straight arrangement. According to one embodiment, the pattern of grooves or holes (213) may include a pattern in the form of a protrusion.

[0087] At least some of the aggregates of fiber members (212) are fixed to the base member (211), and the remaining portions of the aggregates can be arranged upward (in the Z-axis direction) based on the upper surface of the base member (211). The lower portion of the aggregate of fiber members (212) (e.g., a portion that is arranged relatively close to the base member (211)) is inserted and fixed while being concentrated on one side of a groove or hole (213) formed in the base member (211), and the upper portion of the aggregate (e.g., a portion that is arranged relatively far from the base member (211)) can be arranged with irregular spacing from adjacent hairs. According to one embodiment, the spacing between the grooves or holes (213) of the base member (211) can be arranged at a spacing such that the hairs included in the fiber member (212) can contact each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the base member (211). The height of the upper surface of the fiber member (212) can be formed to have a generally constant height. As the lower part of the fiber member (212) is concentrated on the base member (211) and the upper part is scattered and arranged, the overall shape can be arranged in the shape of an inverted cone (a shape with the wide surface facing upward).

[0088] The first structure (210) described above <502> As shown in the drawing, it can be placed at a certain height upward based on the base member (211). Thereafter, the first structure (210) is placed on the first mounting portion (or the second mounting portion), and a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (165) of FIGS. 2 and 3) can be placed on the upper side. For example, at least a part of the first structure (210) <503> As shown in the drawing, at least a portion of the upper surface may be curved (the hairs of the fiber member (212) are arranged to be curved by the height difference (H1-H2). Even if the upper portion of the fiber member (212) of the first structure (210) is curved, the hairs of the fiber member (212) are entangled with each other, thereby closing the space between the hairs and also closing the space between the hinge housing (165) and the first mounting portion. Accordingly, even if the space between the first mounting portion and the hinge housing (165) is deformed according to the hinge operation of the hinge housing (165), the deformed space is closed by the first structure (210), so that the inflow of foreign substances from the outside can be blocked or reduced. The height of the fiber member (212) may vary depending on the size of the space between the hinge housing (165) and the first mounting portion. The number of hairs forming the fiber member (212) assembly may be selected such that the hairs are pressed by the hinge housing after being placed on the first mounting portion to close the space between the hairs. In addition, the number of hairs forming one assembly may vary depending on the thickness (or diameter) of the hairs. Alternatively, the material, elasticity, and diameter of the hairs may be determined so that the original shape of the fiber member (212) can be maintained even when the hinge operation of the electronic device (100) is performed a specified number of times (e.g., 20,000 times or more), and the number of hairs of the assembly concentrated in one groove or hole (213) may be determined based on this determination. The hairs of the fiber member (212) may be selected from at least one of various fibers including, for example, artificial fibers, natural fibers, optical fibers, and / or glass fibers, and mixed fibers may be selected as needed.

[0089] Figure 6 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. In Figure 6, <601> The drawing is a drawing showing the unfolded state of the electronic device illustrated in Fig. 1. In Fig. 6, <602> The drawing is an example of a cross-section of an electronic device taken along line B1-B1' in Fig. 1. For example, <602> The drawing is an example of a cross-section showing the location where the vibration-proof structure of an electronic device is placed. In Fig. 6, <603> The drawing is an example of a cross-section of an electronic device taken along line B2-B2' in Fig. 1. For example, <603> The drawing is an example of a cross-section cut through the location where the support structure of the electronic device is placed.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (100) may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a hinge housing (165), a display (130), a first structure (210), and a second structure (310).

[0091] The first housing (110) may include a first securing portion (401) and a first securing protrusion (611). The first securing protrusion (611) may protrude in the Z-axis direction. The first securing protrusion (611) may be formed to extend along a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 1) and / or a linear direction of a plurality of first structures (210) and / or a linear direction of a plurality of second structures (310). By arranging the first securing portion (401) adjacent to the first securing protrusion (611), the first securing protrusion (611) may limit the positions of the first structure (210) and the second structure (310) secured to the first securing portion (401).

[0092] The second housing (120) may include a second securing portion (402) and a second securing protrusion (612). The second securing protrusion (612) may protrude in the Z-axis direction. The second securing protrusion (612) may be formed to extend along a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 1) and / or a linear direction of a plurality of second structures (310) and / or a linear direction of a plurality of fourth structures (320). By arranging the second securing portion (402) adjacent to the second securing protrusion (612), the second securing protrusion (612) may limit the positions of the second structure (310) and the fourth structure (320) secured to the second securing portion (402).

[0093] When the electronic device (100) is in an open state, the display (130) may have an overall flat state. The display (130) may be placed in a space formed by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). A plurality of structures (210, 310, 220, 320) may be placed at the lower portion of the hinge housing (165) that covers the foldable portions of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). A first structure (210) and a second structure (310) may be placed between the hinge housing (165) and the first housing (110). A third structure (220) and a fourth structure (320) may be placed between the hinge housing (165) and the second housing (120).

[0094] When the electronic device (100) is in an open state, a portion of the outer surface (or back surface, outer surface, external surface) (e.g., the surface facing the -Z axis) of the hinge housing (165) may be placed on the upper portions of the first structure (210) and the third structure (220). When the electronic device (100) is in an open state, the first structure (210) may be placed between the inner surface (or front surface, inner surface, internal surface, surface facing the +Z axis) of the first housing (110) (e.g., the mounting surface (1135) of FIG. 13) and the outer surface of the hinge housing (165). When the electronic device (100) is in an open state, the third structure (220) may be placed between the inner surface of the second housing (120) and the outer surface of the hinge housing (165). The first fixing protrusion (611) and the second fixing protrusion (612) may be arranged to face each other. The fiber members of the first structure (210) fixed to the first fixing portion (401) and the third structure (220) fixed to the second fixing portion (402) may be arranged to face the Z-axis direction. The upper ends of the fiber members of the first structure (210) and the third structure (220) are pressed by the back surface of the hinge housing (165), and thus, the fiber members may be arranged to be bent in a certain direction. When the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the entire upper surfaces (or a certain percentage or more) of the first structure (210) and the third structure (220) may be bent by the back surface of the hinge housing (165).

[0095] When the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the remaining outer surface of the hinge housing (165) may be placed on the upper portions of the second structure (310) and the fourth structure (320). When the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state (open), the second structure (310) may be positioned between the inner surface of the first housing (110) and the outer surface of the hinge housing (165). When the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state (open), the fourth structure (320) may be positioned between the inner surface of the second housing (120) and the outer surface of the hinge housing (165). The first mounting protrusion (611) and the second mounting protrusion (612) may be positioned to face each other. The second structure (310) mounted on the first mounting portion (401) and the fourth structure (320) mounted on the second mounting portion (402) may be arranged adjacent to each other. The second structure (310) mounted on the first mounting portion (401) and the fourth structure (320) mounted on the second mounting portion (402) may be in contact with the hinge housing (165). The second structure (310) mounted on the first mounting portion (401) and the fourth structure (320) mounted on the second mounting portion (402) are in close contact with the hinge housing (165), thereby maintaining a constant gap between each of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first structure (210) may face a first portion (621) of an outer surface (e.g., a back surface or an outer side) of the hinge housing (165) in an unfolded state of the electronic device. The first structure (210) may contact at least a portion of the first portion (621) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) in an unfolded state of the electronic device. The second structure (310) may face a second portion (622) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) that is different from the first portion (621) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) in an unfolded state of the electronic device. The second structure (310) may contact at least a portion of the second portion (622) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) in an unfolded state of the electronic device.

[0097] The third structure (220) can face the third part of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) when the electronic device is in an unfolded state. The third part (623) can be a different part from the first part (621) and the second part (622), and can be a part symmetrical with respect to the first part (621) with respect to the folding axis (A) (or, the hinge housing (165)). The third structure (220) can contact at least a part of the third part (623) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) when the electronic device is in an unfolded state. The fourth structure (320) can face the fourth part (624) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) when the electronic device is in an unfolded state. The fourth portion (624) may be a different portion from the first portion (621), the second portion (622), and the third portion (623), and may be a portion symmetrical with respect to the second portion (622) with respect to the folding axis (A) (or, hinge housing (165)). The fourth structure (320) may contact at least a portion of the fourth portion (624) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) when the electronic device is in an unfolded state.

[0098] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one first structure (210) may be in contact with a first portion (621) of an outer surface of the hinge housing (165) while the state of the electronic device (100) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. At least a portion of at least one second structure (310) may be in contact with a second portion (622) of an outer surface of the hinge housing (165) while the state of the electronic device (100) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. At least a portion of at least one third structure (220) may be in contact with a third portion (623) of an outer surface of the hinge housing (165) while the state of the electronic device (100) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. At least a portion of at least one fourth structure (320) may be in contact with a fourth portion (624) of an outer surface of the hinge housing (165) while the state of the electronic device (100) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the space between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165) is sealed by the first structure (210) and the second structure (310), thereby preventing or reducing external foreign substances from entering between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165). The space between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165) is sealed by the third structure (220) and the fourth structure (320), thereby preventing or reducing external foreign substances from entering between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165).

[0100] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. In Fig. 7, <701> The drawing is a drawing showing the folded state of the electronic device illustrated in Fig. 2. In Fig. 7, <702> The drawing is an example of a cross-section of an electronic device taken along line C1-C1' in FIG. 2. For example, <702> The drawing is an example of a cross-section showing the location where the vibration-proof structure of an electronic device is placed. In Fig. 7, <703> The drawing is an example of a cross-section of an electronic device taken along line C2-C2' in FIG. 2. For example, <703> The drawing is an example of a cross-section cut through the location where the support structure of the electronic device is placed.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the display (130) may have a folded state in which a folding portion (e.g., the folding portion (131c) of FIGS. 1 and 3) is folded. The first hinge plate (164b) and the second hinge plate (164c), which are arranged under the display (130) and support the display (130), may be separated and arranged in an upright state in the Z-axis direction. The back surface of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be arranged to face each other. The first mounting protrusion (611) and the second mounting protrusion (612) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the hinge housing (165) therebetween.

[0102] When the electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the first structure (210) may be arranged higher in the Z-axis direction than the first securing protrusion (611), and the third structure (220) may be arranged higher in the Z-axis direction than the second securing protrusion (612). The first structure (210) may be arranged to face one edge (the edge in the X-axis direction) of the hinge housing (165), and the third structure (220) may be arranged to face the other edge (the edge in the -X-axis direction) of the hinge housing (165). Accordingly, some of the fiber members of the first structure (210) may remain upright, and the remaining some may be arranged to be bent while facing one edge of the hinge housing (165). Some of the fiber members of the third structure (220) may remain upright, and the remaining parts may be arranged to be bent so as to face the other edge of the hinge housing (165). The first structure (210) closes the gap between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165), and the third structure (220) closes the gap between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165), thereby preventing or reducing foreign substances from entering through the gap (or gap) between each of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165).

[0103] When the electronic device (100) is in a folded state (closed), the second structure (310) may be disposed higher in the Z-axis direction than the first securing protrusion (611), and the fourth structure (320) may be disposed higher in the Z-axis direction than the second securing protrusion (612). The second structure (310) may be disposed to face one edge (the edge in the X-axis direction) of the hinge housing (165), and the fourth structure (320) may be disposed to face the other edge (the edge in the -X-axis direction) of the hinge housing (165). The second structure (310) may be in contact with one edge of the hinge housing (165), and the fourth structure (320) may be in contact with the other edge of the hinge housing (165). Accordingly, the second structure (310) closes the gap between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165), and the fourth structure (320) closes the gap between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165), thereby preventing or reducing foreign substances from entering through the gap (or gap) between each of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165).

[0104] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 22, the first structure (210) (or third structure (220)) and the second structure (310) (or fourth structure (320)) formed between the hinge housing (165) and the first housing (110) (or second housing (120)) will be described.

[0105] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a first structure and a second structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a first structure (810) (e.g., the first structure (210) of FIGS. 3 to 7) (or / and a third structure (e.g., the third structure (220) of FIGS. 3 to 7)) including at least one anti-vibration structure (811, 812, 813, 814), and a second structure (820) (e.g., the second structure (310) of FIGS. 3 to 7) (or / and a fourth structure (e.g., the fourth structure (320) of FIGS. 3 to 7)) including at least one support structure (821, 822, 823).

[0107] At least one support structure (821, 822, 823) and at least one anti-vibration structure (811, 812, 813, 814) may be arranged longitudinally along the folding axis (A). For example, a plurality of support structures (821, 822, 823) and a plurality of anti-vibration structures (811, 812, 813, 814) may be arranged longitudinally along a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (165) of FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7).

[0108] At least one support structure (821, 822, 823) and at least one anti-vibration structure (811, 812, 813, 814) may be formed in different numbers. The number of at least one anti-vibration structure (811, 812, 813, 814) may be greater than the number of at least one support structure (821, 822, 823). For example, the number of at least one anti-vibration structure (811, 812, 813, 814) may be at least one greater than the number of at least one support structure (821, 822, 823).

[0109] At least one support structure (821, 822, 823) and at least one anti-vibration structure (811, 812, 813, 814) may be arranged alternately. Anti-vibration structures (811, 812, 813, 814) may be arranged on both sides of the hinge housing to block or reduce foreign matter from entering both ends of the hinge housing.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the at least one anti-vibration structure may include a first anti-vibration structure (811), a second anti-vibration structure (812), a third anti-vibration structure (813), and a fourth anti-vibration structure (814). The at least one support structure may include a first support structure (821), a second support structure (822), and a third support structure (823).

[0111] According to one embodiment, a first support structure (821) supporting one side of the hinge housing may be positioned between the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812). A second support structure (822) supporting a central portion of the hinge housing may be positioned between the second anti-vibration structure (812) and the third anti-vibration structure (813). A third support structure (823) supporting the other side of the hinge housing may be positioned between the third anti-vibration structure (813) and the fourth anti-vibration structure (814). The second support structure (822) may be positioned between the first support structure (821) and the third support structure (823). The second support structure (822), which relatively corresponds to the central portion of the hinge housing, may be formed longer than at least one of the first support structure (821) and the third support structure (823). The second support structure (822) may be formed to have a second length (L2) that is longer than the first length (L1) of at least one of the first support structure (821) and the third support structure (823). By forming the second support structure (822) that supports the center of the hinge housing to be longer than at least one of the first support structure (821) and the third support structure (823), the hinge housing can be firmly supported without sagging. For example, by forming the second support structure (822) that supports the center of the hinge housing to be longer than at least one of the first support structure (821) and the third support structure (823), sagging of an area adjacent to the hinge housing (165) of the housing (e.g., the first housing (110) or the second housing (120)) can be reduced.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812) may be in contact with the first support structure (821) or may be spaced apart from the first support structure (821) by a distance less than the length of the first support structure (821). The second anti-vibration structure (812) and the third anti-vibration structure (813) may be in contact with the second support structure (822) or may be spaced apart from the second support structure (822) by a distance less than the length of the second support structure (822).

[0113] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first support structure (821), the second support structure (822), and the third support structure (823) may be formed in the form of a sub-structure divided into multiple parts. For example, the second support structure (822), which is longer than the first support structure (821) and the third support structure (823), may be formed in the form of a sub-structure divided into multiple parts. At least one of the sub-structures divided into multiple parts may be formed to have a shorter length than the first support structure (821) and the third support structure (823).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of anti-vibration structures (811, 812, 813, 814) and the plurality of support structures (821, 822, 823) may be formed in a symmetrical manner. The plurality of anti-vibration structures (811, 812, 813, 814) included in the first structure (810) may be formed in a symmetrical manner with respect to the plurality of anti-vibration structures included in the third structure, with respect to the folding axis (A) that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing. The plurality of support structures (821, 822, 823) included in the second structure (820) may be formed in a symmetrical manner with respect to the plurality of support structures included in the fourth structure, with respect to the folding axis (A) that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812) included in each of the first structure (810) and the third structure may be formed symmetrically with the third anti-vibration structure (813) and the fourth anti-vibration structure (814) with an imaginary axis (or, the second support structure (822)) perpendicular to the folding axis (A) interposed therebetween. The first support structure (821) included in each of the second structure (820) and the fourth structure may be formed symmetrically with the third support structure (823) with an imaginary axis (or, the second support structure (822)) perpendicular to the folding axis (A) interposed therebetween.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the arrangement, length and / or number of each of the plurality of anti-vibration structures (811, 812, 813, 814) and the plurality of support structures (821, 822, 823) may be determined according to the length of the hinge housing.

[0117] FIGS. 9A to 9F are drawings showing examples of a dustproof structure and a support structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9F, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include at least one anti-vibration structure (9101, 9102, 9103, 9104, 9105, 9125) (e.g., anti-vibration structure (811, 812, 813, 814) of FIG. 8) and at least one support structure (9201, 9202, 9203, 9204, 9205, 9225) (e.g., support structure (821, 822, 823) of FIG. 8).

[0119] According to one embodiment, at least one first anti-vibration structure (9101) illustrated in FIG. 9A may include at least one anti-vibration groove (9111) formed by digging a portion of the first anti-vibration structure (9101). The at least one anti-vibration groove (9111) may be formed in a concave shape toward the folding axis (A) (or, X-axis direction). At least one first support structure (9201) may be arranged within the anti-vibration groove (9111). For example, the width (Ws) of the first support structure (9201) may be formed to be narrower than the width (Wg) of the anti-vibration groove (9111). Within the difference between the width (Ws) of the first support structure (9201) and the width (Wg) of the anti-vibration groove (9111), the width of the securing protrusion (e.g., the first securing protrusion (611) and the second securing protrusion (612) of FIGS. 6 and 7) that limits the position of the first support structure (9201) can be formed wide. Accordingly, the force applied to the supporting structure (9201) can be better received due to the movement of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIGS. 1 to 7) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIGS. 1 to 7). For example, the width (Ws) of the first support structure (9201) can be formed to be the same as the width (Wg) of the anti-vibration groove (9111). Since one end of the first support structure (9201) and the other end of the fixing protrusion can be aligned, the manufacturing of each of the first housing and the second housing including the fixing protrusion can be facilitated. For example, the width (Ws) of the first support structure (9201) can be formed to be wider than the width (Wg) of the dustproof groove (9111). As the width (Ws) of the first support structure (9201) increases, the surface area of ​​the support structure (9201) in contact with the hinge housing increases, so that the support structure (9201) can firmly support the hinge housing.For example, as the width (Ws) of the first support structure (9201) increases, the surface area of ​​the support structure (9201) in contact with the hinge housing (165) increases, so that the support structure (9201) can be configured such that when the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are in a folding operation (or in a closed state), the adjacent area of ​​the hinge housing of the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) and the hinge housing maintain a constant gap.

[0120] According to one embodiment, at least one first anti-vibration structure (9102) illustrated in FIG. 9B may include a plurality of anti-vibration grooves (9121, 9122) formed by digging a portion of the first anti-vibration structure (9102). The first anti-vibration groove (9121) and the second anti-vibration groove (9122) included in the plurality of anti-vibration grooves (9121, 9122) may be formed in a concave shape facing in opposite directions. The first anti-vibration groove (9121) may be formed in a concave shape facing in the -X-axis direction. At least one first support structure (9211) may be arranged within the first anti-vibration groove (9121). The second anti-vibration groove (9122) may be formed in a concave shape facing in the X-axis direction. At least one second support structure (9212) may be arranged within the second anti-vibration groove (9122). The sizes of the first support structure (9211) and the second support structure (9212) may be the same or different. For example, the first support structure (9211) adjacent to the folding axis and the second support structure (9212) distant from the folding axis may be formed with different sizes.

[0121] For example, the sizes of the plurality of support structures (9211, 9212) may be determined according to the direction of the housing corresponding to the support structures (9211, 9212) (e.g., the first housing positioned on one side with respect to the folding axis or the second housing positioned on the other side with respect to the folding axis). The first support structure (9211) and the second support structure (9212) that are included in the second structure corresponding to the first housing and have different sizes, and the first support structure (9211) and the second support structure (9212) that are included in the fourth structure corresponding to the second housing and have different sizes, may be formed symmetrically with respect to each other with the central axis of the hinge housing parallel to the folding axis therebetween.

[0122] According to one embodiment, at least one support structure (9231, 9232) may be arranged on each of two sides of at least one anti-vibration structure (9103) illustrated in FIG. 9C. A first support structure (9231) may be arranged on one side of the anti-vibration structure (9103), and a second support structure (9232) may be arranged on the other side of the first anti-vibration structure (9103). Each of the first support structure (9231) and the second support structure (9232) may have the same or different sizes. A separation distance between the first support structure (9231) and the first anti-vibration structure (9103) may be the same as or different from a separation distance between the second support structure (9232) and the first anti-vibration structure (9103). The separation distance between each of the support structures (9231, 9232) and the first anti-vibration structure (9103) can be determined depending on the direction of the housing corresponding to the support structures (9231, 9232) (e.g., the first housing positioned on one side relative to the folding axis or the second housing positioned on the other side relative to the folding axis).

[0123] According to one embodiment, at least one first support structure (9204) may be disposed between a plurality of anti-vibration structures (9141, 9142) as illustrated in FIG. 9D. For example, at least one support structure (9204) may be disposed between the first anti-vibration structure (9141) and the second anti-vibration structure (9142). The first support structure (9204) may include a first protrusion (9214) having a curved shape formed on one side facing the first anti-vibration structure (9141), and a second protrusion (9224) having a curved shape formed on the other side facing the second anti-vibration structure (9142). The first anti-vibration structure (9141) may have one end facing the first support structure (9204) formed in a “C” shape, and the other end facing the first support structure (9204) formed in an inverted “C” shape. The first anti-vibration structure (9141) may include a first anti-vibration groove (9143) corresponding to the first protrusion (9214). The first anti-vibration groove (9143) may be formed in a concave shape toward the Y-axis direction. The second anti-vibration structure (9142) may include a second anti-vibration groove (9144) corresponding to the second protrusion (9224). The second anti-vibration groove (9144) may be formed in a concave shape toward the Y-axis direction. The first anti-vibration structure (9141) may be formed in a shape that at least partially surrounds the first protrusion (9214) (or the first edge) of the support structure (9204). The first anti-vibration structure (9141) may be in contact with the first protrusion (9214) (or the first edge) of the support structure (9204). The inflow of external foreign matter between the first anti-vibration structure (9141) and the first support structure (9204) can be prevented or reduced. The second anti-vibration structure (9142) can be formed in a shape that at least partially surrounds the second protrusion (9224) (or the second edge) of the support structure (9204). The second anti-vibration structure (9142) can be in contact with the second protrusion (9224) (or the second edge) of the support structure (9204).It is possible to prevent or reduce the inflow of external foreign matter between the second anti-vibration structure (9142) and the first support structure (9204).

[0124] According to one embodiment, at least one first support structure (9205) may be arranged on the inside of the first anti-vibration structure (9105) illustrated in FIG. 9E. The first anti-vibration structure (9105) may be formed to surround at least one first support structure (9205). The inflow of external foreign matter between the first anti-vibration structure (9105) and the first support structure (9205) may be prevented or reduced, and the inflow of foreign matter into a gap of the first support structure (9205) may be prevented or reduced.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first anti-vibration structure (9125) illustrated in FIG. 9F may be arranged to overlap the first support structure (9225). The first anti-vibration structure (9125) may be arranged above and below the first support structure (9225). The inflow of external foreign substances between the first anti-vibration structure (9125) and the first support structure (9225) may be prevented or reduced, and the inflow of foreign substances into the gap of the first support structure (9225) may be prevented or reduced.

[0126] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of the width of a dustproof structure and a support structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic device may include at least one anti-vibration structure (1010) and at least one support structure (1020). The width of the at least one anti-vibration structure (1010) may be formed to be larger than the width of the at least one support structure (1020). As the width of the anti-vibration structure (1010) increases, the path for external foreign substances to enter may become longer, thereby preventing or reducing the inflow of external foreign substances into the interior of the electronic device.

[0128] According to one embodiment, a virtual center line (F) on which at least one anti-vibration structure (1010) is arranged and a virtual center line (F) on which at least one support structure (1020) is arranged may coincide. The longitudinal center line (F) of at least one anti-vibration structure (1010) and the longitudinal center line (F) of at least one support structure (1020) may coincide. The center line (F) may be formed parallel to the folding axis (A). At least one anti-vibration structure (1010) may include a first anti-vibration region (1011) and a second anti-vibration region (1012) that are separated by the virtual center line (F). A width (Wd1) of the first anti-vibration region (1011) located on one side with respect to the center line (F) may be formed to be identical to or similar to a width (Wd2) of the second anti-vibration region (1012) located on the other side with respect to the center line (F). At least one support structure (1020) may include a first support area (1021) and a second support area (1022) separated by an imaginary center line (F). The width (Ws1) of the first support area (1021) located on one side of the center line (F) may be formed to be the same as or similar to the width (Ws2) of the second support area (1022) located on the other side of the center line (F).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the width (Wd1) of the first anti-vibration region (1011) located on one side with respect to the center line (F) may be formed to be larger than the width (Ws1) of the first support region (1021) located on one side with respect to the center line (F). The width (Wd2) of the second anti-vibration region (1012) located on the other side with respect to the center line (F) may be formed to be larger than the width (Ws2) of the second support region (1022) located on the other side with respect to the center line (F).

[0130] Fig. 11 is an example showing a vibration-proof structure and a support structure according to one embodiment.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11, at least one of the anti-vibration structure (1110) and the support structure (1120) according to one embodiment may be formed in the shape of a polygon with curved corners. For example, the anti-vibration structure (1110) and the support structure (1120) may be formed in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0132] The dustproof structure (1110) may be formed in the shape of a square with rounded corners by a base member (e.g., a base member (211) of FIG. 5) included in the dustproof structure (1110), or a plurality of cilia (e.g., a fiber member (212) of FIG. 5) included in the dustproof structure (1110) may be formed in the shape of a square with rounded corners, or the base member and the plurality of cilia may each be formed in the shape of a square with rounded corners.

[0133] The curvature (R2) of the corner of the support structure (1120) may be formed differently from the curvature (R1) of the corner of the dustproof structure (1110). The curvature (R2) of the corner of the support structure (1120) may be formed to be greater than the curvature (R1) of the corner of the dustproof structure (1110). The curvature (R2) of the corner of the support structure (1120) formed of an injection-molded material may be formed to be greater than the curvature (R1) of the corner of the dustproof structure (1110).

[0134] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing an example of the height relationship between a vibration-proof structure and a support structure according to one embodiment. In Fig. 12, <1201> The drawing is an example of a state before the vibration-proof structure and the support structure are pressed into the hinge housing. <1202> The drawing is an example of a state in which the vibration-proof structure and the support structure are pressed into the hinge housing.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 12, the anti-vibration structure (1210) and the support structure (1220) according to one embodiment may be formed to have different heights before being pressed against the hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (165) of FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7). The height (Hs) of the support structure (1220) that maintains a specified gap between each of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIGS. 1 to 4, 6, and 7) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIGS. 1 to 4, 6, and 7) and the hinge housing may be formed to be lower than the height (Hd) of the anti-vibration structure (1210).

[0136] At least a portion of the dustproof structure (1210) according to one embodiment may be pressed by the hinge housing depending on at least one of the unfolded state and the folded state of the electronic device. The upper ends of at least a portion of the fiber members included in the dustproof structure (1210) are pressed by the back surface of the hinge housing (165), and thus, the fiber members may be arranged to be bent in a certain direction.

[0137] According to one embodiment, at least one of the dustproof structure (1210) and the support structure (1220) may be formed by insert injection molding. For example, the dustproof structure (1210) and the support structure (1220) may be formed by insert injection molding, so that the dustproof structure (1210) and the support structure (1220) may be formed as an integral part.

[0138] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of a support structure included in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0139] In Fig. 13, <1301> The drawing is an example of a perspective view of a support structure included in an electronic device. <1302> The drawing is an example of a plan view of a support structure included in an electronic device. <1303> The drawing is <1302> A drawing showing an example of a cross-section of an electronic device taken along line D1-D1' in the drawing. <1304> The drawing is <1302> This is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section of an electronic device taken along line D2-D2' in the drawing.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 13, an electronic device according to one embodiment may include a first housing (110) (or / and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIGS. 1 to 4, 6 and 7), at least one anti-vibration structure (1311, 1312) and at least one support structure (1320).

[0141] At least one anti-vibration structure (1311, 1312) may be included in at least one first structure (e.g., the first structure (210) of FIGS. 3 to 7 and the first structure (810) of FIG. 8) (or / and the third structure (220) of FIGS. 3 to 7).

[0142] The support structure (1320) may be included in at least one second structure (e.g., the second structure (310) of FIGS. 3 to 7 and the second structure (820) of FIG. 8) (or / and the fourth structure (320) of FIGS. 3 to 7). The support structure (1320) included in at least one second structure may be arranged adjacent to the first anti-vibration structure (1311) in the -Y-axis direction and adjacent to the second anti-vibration structure (1312) in the +Y-axis direction. The support structure (1320) may be arranged between the first anti-vibration structure (1311) and the second anti-vibration structure (1312). For example, the first anti-vibration structure (1311) and the second anti-vibration structure (1312) may be in contact with the support structure (1320) or may be spaced apart from the support structure (1320) by a distance less than the length of the support structure (1320).

[0143] At least a portion of the support structure (1320) may be formed with a reverse slope or undercut structure. At least a portion of a side surface of the support structure (1320) may be formed with a reverse slope or undercut structure. For example, at least a portion of the support structure (1320) may be formed such that the width becomes narrower and then wider as it goes from the seating surface (1135) (or inner surface) of the first housing (110) toward the hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (165) of FIGS. 1 to 7). The support structure (1320) may include a body region (1321), a neck region (1322), and a head region (1330).

[0144] The neck region (1322) may be positioned between the head region (1330) and the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). For example, the neck region (1322) may be positioned between the body region (1321) and the head region (1330) to connect the body region (1321) and the head region (1330). The neck region (1322) may have a narrower width than the body region (1321) and the head region (1330).

[0145] The body region (1321) may extend from the neck region (1322) to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). At least a portion of the side surface of the body region (1321) extending from the neck region (1322) having a narrow width may be formed as an inclined surface.

[0146] The head region (1330) may face the outer surface of the hinge housing. The head region (1330) may be an area that comes into contact with the back surface of the hinge housing. The head region (1330) may protrude further than the neck region (1322) toward each of the first anti-vibration structure (1311) and the second anti-vibration structure (1312). Each of the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110) and at least a portion of the head region (1330) may have a length that is parallel to the +Y-axis direction (or / and, the -Y-axis direction). The length of at least a portion of the head region (1330) may be formed to be longer than the length of the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). At least a portion of the mounting surface (1135) and the head region (1330) of the first housing (110) may each have a width parallel to the +X-axis direction (or / and, the -X-axis direction). The width of at least a portion of the head region (1330) may be formed to be less than or equal to the width of the inner surface (1135) of the first housing (110).

[0147] The head region (1330) may include a first head region (1331), a second head region (1332), and a third head region (1333). The first head region (1331) may extend from the third head region (1333) overlapping the receiving space (1350) (or the first receiving space) in which the support structure (1320) is mounted to the first anti-vibration structure (1311). The first head region (1331) may be mounted on the third side wall (1133) of the first housing (110). The first head region (1331) may extend from the third head region (1333) overlapping the receiving space (1350) in which the support structure (1320) is mounted to the first anti-vibration structure (1311). The gap between the first head area (1331) extending toward the first anti-vibration structure (1311) on the third side wall (1133) of the first housing (110) and the first anti-vibration structure (1311) can be minimized. Accordingly, external foreign matter flowing between the first head area (1331) of the support structure (1320) and the first anti-vibration structure (1311) can be blocked or reduced.

[0148] The second head region (1332) may be mounted on the fourth side wall (1134) of the first housing (110). The second head region (1332) may extend from the third head region (1333) overlapping the receiving space (1350) in which the support structure (1320) is mounted to the second anti-vibration structure (1312). The gap between the second head region (1332) extending toward the second anti-vibration structure (1312) on the fourth side wall (1134) of the first housing (110) and the second anti-vibration structure (1312) may be minimized. Accordingly, external foreign matter flowing between the second head region (1332) of the support structure (1320) and the second anti-vibration structure (1312) may be blocked or reduced.

[0149] The third head area (1333) can be positioned between the first head area (1331) and the second head area (1332) to connect the first head area (1331) and the second head area (1332).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the support structure (1320) may be formed such that the inclined surface of the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) face at least one of the first side wall (1131), the second side wall (1132), the third side wall (1133), and the fourth side wall (1134) of the first housing (110) to form a first cavity (1351). For example, the first cavity (1351) may be formed by arranging the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) to face the third side wall (1133) in the -Y-axis direction, and may be formed by arranging the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) to face the fourth side wall (1134) in the +Y-axis direction. For example, the first cavity (1351) may be formed by arranging the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) to face the first side wall (1131) in the -X-axis direction, and the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) to face the second side wall (1132) in the +X-axis direction. For example, the first cavity (1351) may be formed by arranging the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) to face the first side wall (1131), the second side wall (1132), the third side wall (1133), and the fourth side wall (1134) of the first housing (110). The first cavity (1351) may be filled with an adhesive member (1360). The support structure (1320) can be fixed to the first housing (110) via an adhesive member (1360).

[0151] The first housing (110) may include a plurality of side walls surrounding a receiving space (1350) in which the support structure (1320) is mounted. The plurality of side walls may include a first side wall (1131) facing the folding axis (e.g., the first mounting protrusion (611) of FIGS. 6 and 7), a second side wall (1132) facing the first side wall (1131), a third side wall (1133) positioned between the first side wall (1131) and the second side wall (1132), and a fourth side wall (1134) facing the third side wall (1133). The first side wall (1131) and the second side wall (1132) may be formed to be long along the folding axis. The third side wall (1133) and the fourth side wall (1134) may be arranged perpendicular to the folding axis. The third side wall (1133) may be positioned between the first anti-vibration structure (1311) and the support structure (1320). The fourth side wall (1134) may be positioned between the second anti-vibration structure (1312) and the support structure (1320).

[0152] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first side wall (1131) and the third side wall (1133) may include a first catch protrusion (1141) protruding toward the support structure (1320). At least one of the second side wall (1132) and the fourth side wall (1134) may include a second catch protrusion (1142) protruding toward the support structure (1320). For example, the first side wall (1131) may include a first catch protrusion (1141) protruding toward the support structure (1320). The second side wall (1132) may include a second catch protrusion (1142) protruding toward the support structure (1320). The first catch protrusion (1141) and the second catch protrusion (1142) can be arranged to face each other with the support structure (1320) interposed therebetween.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) may be formed such that the inner surface (1136) of each of the first side wall (1131) and the second side wall (1132) faces the inclined surface and the neck region (1322) of the body region (1321) of the support structure to form a second cavity (1352). The second cavity (1352) may be formed such that the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) are arranged to face the first side wall (1131) having the inner surface (1136) of the multi-stage structure in the -X-axis direction. The second cavity (1352) may be formed such that the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) are arranged to face the second side wall (1132) having the inner surface (1136) of the multi-stage structure in the +X-axis direction. The second cavity (1352) can form a relatively large space by forming the inner surfaces (1136) that are spaced further apart from the support structure (1320) than the inner surfaces of each of the first and second catch protrusions (1141 and 1142), and the inclined surface of the body region (1321) and the neck region (1322) face each other. The second cavity (1352) that is in communication with the first cavity (1351) can be filled with an adhesive member (1360). The support structure (1320) can be fixed to the first housing (110) through the adhesive member (1360).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the adhesive member (1360) may include a first protruding region (1361), a second protruding region (1362), a third protruding region (1363), and a fourth protruding region (1364).

[0155] The first protruding region (1361) of the adhesive member (1360) may protrude in an opposite direction to the first catch protrusion (1141) of the first housing (110). The first catch protrusion (1141) may protrude in the X-axis direction (or toward the head region (1330) of the support structure (1320), and the first protruding region (1361) of the first adhesive member (1360) may protrude in the -X-axis direction more than the support structure (1320) (e.g., the third head region (1333) of the support structure). The first protruding region (1361) of the adhesive member (1360) may be formed to engage with the first catch protrusion (1141). The first protruding area (1361) of the adhesive member (1360) can be caught by the first catch protrusion (1141) so that the first protruding area (1361) of the adhesive member (1360) faces the first catch protrusion (1141) in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the support structure (1320) adhered to the first protruding area (1361) of the adhesive member (1360) can be prevented or reduced from being detached in the Z-axis direction (or in the direction toward the display (e.g., the display (130) of FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7)).

[0156] The second protruding region (1362) of the adhesive member (1360) may protrude in the opposite direction to the second catch protrusion (1142) of the first housing (110). The second protruding region (1362) of the adhesive member (1360) may protrude in the X-axis direction relative to the support structure (1320) (e.g., the third head region (1333) of the support structure), and the second catch protrusion (1142) may protrude in the -X-axis direction (or toward the head region (1330) of the support structure (1320). The second protruding region (1362) of the adhesive member (1360) may be formed to engage with the second catch protrusion (1142). The second protruding area (1362) of the adhesive member (1360) can be caught by the second catch protrusion (1142) so that the second protruding area (1362) of the adhesive member (1360) faces the second catch protrusion (1142) in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the support structure (1320) adhered to the second protruding area (1362) of the adhesive member (1360) can be prevented or reduced from being detached in the Z-axis direction (or, in the direction toward the display (e.g., the display (130) of FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7)).

[0157] The third protruding region (1363) of the adhesive member (1360) may protrude in an opposite direction to the first head region (1331) of the support structure (1320). The third protruding region (1363) of the adhesive member (1360) may protrude from the third side wall (1133) in the Y-axis direction (or, the neck region (1322) of the support structure), and the first head region (1331) of the support structure (1320) may protrude in the -Y-axis direction. The third protruding region (1363) of the adhesive member (1360) may be formed to engage with the first head region (1331) of the support structure (1320). The third protruding region (1363) of the adhesive member (1360) can be caught on the first head region (1331) of the support structure (1320) so that the third protruding region (1363) of the adhesive member (1360) faces the first head region (1331) of the support structure (1320) in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the support structure (1320) adhered to the third protruding region (1363) of the adhesive member (1360) can be prevented or reduced from being detached in the Z-axis direction (or, in the direction toward the display (e.g., the display (130) of FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7)).

[0158] The fourth protruding region (1364) of the adhesive member (1360) may protrude in an opposite direction to the second head region (1332) of the support structure (1320). The fourth protruding region (1364) of the adhesive member (1360) may protrude from the fourth side wall (1134) in the -Y-axis direction (or, the neck region (1322) of the support structure), and the second head region (1332) of the support structure (1320) may protrude in the Y-axis direction. The fourth protruding region (1364) of the adhesive member (1360) may be formed to engage with the second head region (1332) of the support structure (1320). The fourth protruding region (1364) of the adhesive member (1360) can be caught on the second head region (1332) of the support structure (1320) so that the fourth protruding region (1364) of the adhesive member (1360) faces the second head region (1332) of the support structure (1320) in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the support structure (1320) adhered to the fourth protruding region (1364) of the adhesive member (1360) can be prevented or reduced from being detached in the Z-axis direction (or in the direction toward the display (e.g., the display (130) of FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7)).

[0159] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an example of an assembly process between a first housing and a support structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 14, in operation 1401, a first housing (110) (or / and a second housing (120)) including a receiving space (1350) may be provided. The receiving space (1350) may be formed in a groove shape by processing at least one groove in the first housing (110). An adhesive material (1360) may be applied to the receiving space (1350).

[0161] In operation 1402, the support structure (1320) can be assembled (or inserted) vertically (or in a direction parallel to the depth direction of the receiving space) into the receiving space (1350) of the first housing (110).

[0162] In operation 1403, after the support structure (1320) is assembled, the adhesive member (1360) is cured, so that the support structure (1320) can be fixed to the first housing (110) via the adhesive member (1360). A portion of the adhesive member (1360) attached to the support structure (1320) can be engaged with the first hooking protrusion (1141) and the second hooking protrusion (1142) of the first housing (110).

[0163] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of a method for manufacturing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 15, in operation 1501, a first housing (110) (or / and a second housing (120)) including a receiving space (1350) (or a first receiving space), a second receiving space (1451), and a third receiving space (1452) can be provided. By processing a plurality of grooves in the first housing (110), the receiving space (1350), the second receiving space (1451), and the third receiving space (1452) can be formed in a groove shape. The receiving space (1350), the second receiving space (1451), and the third receiving space (1452) can be arranged in a row.

[0165] In operation 1502, an adhesive member (1360) may be applied to at least one of the receiving space (1350), the second receiving space (1451), and the third receiving space (1452). For example, the adhesive member (1360) may be applied to at least one of the third receiving space (1452) in which the support structure (1320) is to be mounted.

[0166] In operation 1503, the support structure (1320) can be assembled (or inserted) vertically (or in a direction parallel to the depth direction of the support space) into the receiving space of the first housing (110). After the support structure (1320) is assembled, the adhesive member (1360) is cured, so that the support structure (1320) can be fixed to the first housing (110) through the adhesive member (1360).

[0167] In operation 1504, the first anti-vibration structure (1311) can be assembled into the second receiving space (1451), and the second anti-vibration structure (1312) can be assembled into the third receiving space (1452). The first anti-vibration structure (1311) assembled into the second receiving space (1451) and the second anti-vibration structure (1312) assembled into the third receiving space (1452) can be attached to the first housing (110). The first anti-vibration structure (1311), the support structure (1320), and the second anti-vibration structure (1312) can be arranged in a row.

[0168] Figure 16 is a drawing showing an example of a support structure according to one embodiment. In Figure 16, <1601> The drawing is a perspective view showing a support structure according to one embodiment; <1602> The drawing is a view of the back of a support structure according to one embodiment.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 16, a support structure (1620) (e.g., support structure (1320) of FIGS. 13 to 15) may include a head region (1330), a neck region (1322), and a body region (1321).

[0170] The body region (1321) may include a flow path (1610) formed along the longitudinal direction of the body region (1321). The flow path (1610) may be formed in an engraved shape from a bottom surface (1323) of the body region (1321) facing a mounting surface (e.g., mounting surface (1135) of FIG. 13) of a first housing (e.g., at least one of the first housings (110) of FIGS. 1 to 15) toward a head region (1330).

[0171] The flow path (1610) can be formed to penetrate from one side facing the -Y axis of the body region (1321) to the other side facing the Y axis. The flow path (1610) can be used as a movement path of the adhesive liquid of the adhesive material applied to the receiving space of the first housing (e.g., the adhesive material (1360) of at least one of FIGS. 13 to 15). After the support structure is assembled in the receiving space, the liquid adhesive material (1360) can move through the flow path (1610), thereby preventing or reducing the liquid adhesive material (1360) from overflowing outside the receiving space.

[0172] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an assembly process of a support structure including a euro and a first housing according to one embodiment.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 17, in operation 1701, a first housing (110) (or / and a second housing (120)) including a receiving space (1350) may be provided. A liquid adhesive material (1360) may be applied inside the first housing (110).

[0174] In operation 1702, a support structure (1620) may be provided that is at least partially accommodated in the accommodation space (1350) of the first housing (110). The support structure (1620) may include a flow path (1610) that is parallel to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). According to one embodiment, in order to prevent or reduce overflow defects of the liquid adhesive material (1360) that occur when the support structure (1620) is not vertically attached to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110) but is attached at an angle, the support structure (1620) may include the flow path (1610).

[0175] In operation 1703, if the support structure (1620) is not vertically fixed to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110) but is tilted and mounted, the flow path (1610) may also be tilted relative to the mounting surface (1135). The liquid adhesive member (1360) may move through one end of the flow path (1610) to the other end of the flow path (1610). The liquid adhesive member (1360) may move through one end of the flow path (1610) that is positioned far from the mounting surface (1135) to the other end of the flow path (1610) that is positioned close to the mounting surface (1135). Since the liquid adhesive material (1360) is distributed from the area where the liquid adhesive material (1360) is concentrated to the opposite area through the flow path (1610), it is possible to prevent or reduce the liquid adhesive material (1360) from being biased to one side or the other. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent or reduce the liquid adhesive material (1360) from overflowing to an area other than the receiving space (1350).

[0176] In operation 1704, the liquid adhesive member (1360) may be pressed by the weight of the support structure (1620) and may move between the support structure (1620) and the first housing (110). The liquid adhesive member (1360) and the support structure (1620) may be formed in the receiving space (1350) without bias. The liquid adhesive member (1360) may be formed into a solid adhesive member (1360) through a curing process. The support structure (1620) may be fixed to the first housing (110) without bias (or without tilting) through the solid adhesive member (136). The bottom surface (1323) of the support structure (1620) may be arranged parallel to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface (1323) of the support structure (1620) can be in direct contact with the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface (1323) of the support structure (1620) can be fixed to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110) via a solid adhesive member (1360).

[0177] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing an assembly process of a first housing including a support structure and a guide groove according to one embodiment.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 18, in operation 1801, a first housing (110) (or / and a second housing (120)) including a guide groove (1810) and an accommodation space (1350) may be provided. The guide groove (1810) and the accommodation space (1350) may have depths in the same direction. The guide groove (1810) and the accommodation space (1350) may be formed in a concave shape in the same direction. The guide groove (1810) may be formed in a concave shape in the same direction as the accommodation space (1350) from the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). The guide groove (1810) may be connected to the accommodation space (1350). The guide groove (1810) may be positioned at a deeper position than the accommodation space (1350). A liquid adhesive material (1360) may be applied inside the first housing (110). The liquid adhesive material (1360) can be filled in the guide groove (1810) and a portion of the receiving space (1350).

[0179] In operation 1802, a support structure (1820) may be provided, at least partially accommodated in the accommodation space (1350) of the first housing (110). The support structure (1820) may include a guide protrusion (1821) corresponding to the guide groove (1810). The guide protrusion (1821) may be formed to protrude from the bottom surface (1323) of the support structure (1820) toward the guide groove (1810).

[0180] In operation 1803, the guide protrusion (1821) of the support structure (1820) can be aligned with the guide groove (1810) of the first housing (110). The guide protrusion (1821) of the support structure (1820) can be assembled into the guide groove (1810) of the first housing (110) in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). According to one embodiment, the guide protrusion (1821) of the support structure (1820) can be assembled into the guide groove (1810) of the first housing (110) before the liquid adhesive member (1360) is pressed by the support structure (1820). The support structure (1820) can be vertically assembled in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent or reduce the support structure (1820) from being assembled at an angle with respect to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110).

[0181] In operation 1804, the liquid adhesive member (1360) can be moved between the support structure (1820) and the first housing (110) by being pressed by the weight of the support structure (1820). The liquid adhesive member (1360) and the support structure (1820) can be formed in the receiving space (1350) without bias. The liquid adhesive member (1360) can be formed into a solid adhesive member (1360) through a curing process. The support structure (1820) can be fixed to the first housing (110) without bias (or without tilting) through the solid adhesive member (136). The bottom surface (1323) of the support structure (1820) can be arranged parallel to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface (1323) of the support structure (1820) can be in direct contact with the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface (1323) of the support structure (1820) can be fixed to the mounting surface (1135) of the first housing (110) via a solid adhesive member (1360).

[0182] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment including a support structure assembled to a housing in a sliding manner.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 19, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a first housing (110) (or a second housing), at least one support structure (1920), and at least one anti-vibration structure (1911, 1912). Hereinafter, a case in which at least one anti-vibration structure (1911, 1912) includes a first anti-vibration structure (1911) and a second anti-vibration structure (1912) will be described as an example.

[0184] The first housing (110) may include a first receiving space (1350) in which a support structure (1920) is received, a second receiving space (1451) in which a first anti-vibration structure (1911) is received, and a third receiving space (1452) in which a second anti-vibration structure (1912) is received. The first receiving space (1350) and the second receiving space (1451) may be connected to each other. The first receiving space (1350) and the third receiving space (1452) may be separated by a side wall in which a first engaging protrusion (1940) of the first housing (110) (e.g., the catch protrusions (1141, 1142) of FIG. 13) is formed. The first engaging protrusion (1940) may protrude toward at least one of the support structure (1920) and the second anti-vibration structure (1912). For example, the first coupling protrusion (1940) may protrude from the side wall of the first housing (110) toward the support structure (1920).

[0185] The first housing (110) may include a fourth receiving space (1930). The fourth receiving space (1930) may be formed between the first receiving space (1350) and the second receiving space (1451). The fourth receiving space (1930) may be connected to the first receiving space (1350) and the second receiving space (1451). The second seating surface (1952) formed by the fourth receiving space (1930) may have a different plane from the first seating surface (1951) formed by the first receiving space (1350) (e.g., the seating surface (1135) of FIG. 13). A step (1953) may be formed between the second seating surface (1952) and the first seating surface (1951). The step (1953) can limit the movement of the support structure (1920) when the support structure (1920) slides.

[0186] The first anti-vibration structure (1911) may be positioned on one side of the support structure (1920), and the second anti-vibration structure (1912) may be positioned on the other side of the support structure (1920). Either the first anti-vibration structure (1911) or the second anti-vibration structure (1912) may be positioned on a portion of the support structure (1920) that is assembled to the first housing (110) in a sliding manner. For example, at least a portion of the first anti-vibration structure (1911) may be positioned on a flange (1922) of the support structure (1920) that is assembled to the first housing (110) in a sliding manner. The first anti-vibration structure (1911) may directly face the support structure (1920). Since the first anti-vibration structure (1911) can be closely attached to the support structure (1920) without a separate separation member, the first anti-vibration structure (1911) can prevent or reduce the inflow of external foreign substances between the support structure (1920). A side wall having the first coupling protrusion (1940) of the first housing (110) formed thereon can be arranged between the second anti-vibration structure (1912) and the support structure (1920).

[0187] The support structure (1920) can be slidably moved in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the first housing (110) (or / and the second housing (120)). The support structure (1920) can be slidably moved from the second receiving space (1451) to the first receiving space (1350) and assembled into the first receiving space of the first housing. The support structure (1920) can include a body region (1923), a second engaging protrusion (1921), a flange (1922), and a groove (1924).

[0188] The second coupling protrusion (1921) may protrude toward at least one of the first anti-vibration structure (1911) and the second anti-vibration structure (1912). The second coupling protrusion (1921) may protrude in an opposite direction to the first coupling protrusion (1940) of the first housing (110). For example, the second coupling protrusion (1921) may protrude from the body region (1923) toward the second anti-vibration structure (1912). The second coupling protrusion (1921) may protrude in a direction parallel to the sliding movement direction of the support structure (1920). The second coupling protrusion (1921) may be formed to engage with the first coupling protrusion (1940) of the first housing (110). The second coupling protrusion (1921) of the support structure (1920) can be caught on the first coupling protrusion (1940) of the first housing (110) so that the second coupling protrusion (1921) of the support structure (1920) faces the first coupling protrusion (1940) of the first housing (110) in the thickness direction of the support structure (1920). Accordingly, the support structure (1920) coupled to the first coupling protrusion (1940) of the first housing (110) can be prevented or reduced from being detached in the thickness direction of the support structure (1920) (or, in the direction toward the display (e.g., the display (130) of FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7)).

[0189] The flange (1922) may protrude in an opposite direction to the second coupling protrusion (1921). For example, the flange (1922) may protrude from the body region (1923) toward the first anti-vibration structure (1911). The flange (1922) may be accommodated in the fourth accommodation space (1930) of the first housing (110). When the support structure (1920) slides, the flange (1922) may be caught by the step (1953), thereby limiting the sliding movement of the support structure (1920).

[0190] The groove (1924) may be positioned on the side of the support structure (1920). The groove (1924) may be formed concavely in a shape corresponding to the first engaging protrusion (1940) of the first housing (110). The groove (1924) may be slidably engaged with at least a portion of the first engaging protrusion (1940).

[0191] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment including a support structure assembled to a housing in a sliding manner.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 20, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a first housing (110) (or a second housing), at least one support structure (1920), and at least one dustproof structure (1911, 1912). The electronic device illustrated in FIG. 20 may have the same configuration as the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 19 except that it has a plurality of plates (2011, 2012) instead of a flange. Accordingly, the same configuration or operation may be applied as described above.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the plurality of plates (2011, 2012) may include a first plate (2011) and a second plate (2012) spaced apart with a first support structure (1920) therebetween.

[0194] A first plate (2011) may be disposed between a first anti-vibration structure (1911) and a first housing (110). A portion of the first anti-vibration structure (1911) may be disposed on a flange (1922) of a first support structure (1920). A first plate (2011) may be disposed between at least a portion of the remainder of the first anti-vibration structure (1911) and the first housing (110). The first plate (2011) may have a thickness corresponding to a difference between a maximum thickness of the support structure (1920) and a thickness of the first anti-vibration structure (1911). For example, the first plate (2011) may be formed with a thickness corresponding to a thickness of a flange (1922) disposed on the first housing (110).

[0195] The second plate (2012) may be disposed between the second anti-vibration structure (1912) and the first housing (110). At least a portion of the second anti-vibration structure (1912) may be disposed on the second plate (2012). The second plate (2012) may have a thickness corresponding to a difference between the maximum thickness of the first support structure (1920) and the thickness of the second anti-vibration structure (1912). The second plate (2012) may have a thickness that is the same as or different from the thickness of the first plate (2011).

[0196] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment including a support structure assembled to a housing in a sliding manner.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 21, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a first housing (110) (or a second housing), at least one support structure (1920), and at least one anti-vibration structure (1911, 1912). The electronic device illustrated in FIG. 21 may have substantially the same configuration as the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 19, except that it further includes a third anti-vibration structure (1913) (or an auxiliary anti-vibration structure). Accordingly, the same configuration or operation may be applied as described above.

[0198] At least a portion of the third anti-vibration structure (1913) may be disposed on the flange (1922) of the first support structure (1920). The third anti-vibration structure (1913) may be disposed between the first anti-vibration structure (1911) and the body region (1923) of the first support structure (1920). The third anti-vibration structure (1913) may be formed to have a different thickness than at least one of the first anti-vibration structure (1911) and the second anti-vibration structure (1912). The third anti-vibration structure (1913) may be formed to have a thickness thinner than at least one of the first anti-vibration structure (1911) and the second anti-vibration structure (1912). The third anti-vibration structure (1913) may have a thickness corresponding to a difference between the thickness of the body region (1923) of the first support structure (1920) and the thickness of the flange (1922). The third anti-vibration structure (1913) can be fitted between the first anti-vibration structure (1911) and the first support structure (1920). This can prevent or reduce foreign matter from entering between the first anti-vibration structure (1911) and the first support structure (1920).

[0199] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an example of a sliding motion of a support structure assembled with a first housing of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 22, in operation 2201, a first housing (110) (or second housing) including a first receiving space (1350) (e.g., the first receiving space (1350) of FIGS. 19 to 21) and a second receiving space (1451) (e.g., the second receiving space (1451) of FIGS. 19 to 21) may be provided. A first support structure (1920) may be mounted in the second receiving space (1451) of the first housing (110).

[0201] In operation 2202, the first support structure (1920) can slide from the second receiving space (1451) to the first receiving space (1350).

[0202] In operation 2203, a liquid adhesive material (1360) may be applied to the second receiving space (1451). The liquid adhesive material (1360) may diffuse from the second receiving space (1451) to the first receiving space (1350), thereby fixing the support structure (1920) to the first housing (110) via the adhesive material (1360).

[0203] In operation 2204, a first anti-vibration structure (1911) can be assembled into a second receiving space (1451). Since the second receiving space (1451) and the first receiving space (1350) are connected without a separate separation member, the first anti-vibration structure (1911) can be assembled into the second receiving space (1451) in close contact with the first support structure (1920) accommodated in the first receiving space (1350).

[0204] Meanwhile, the above-described anti-vibration structures and support structures are not limited to the embodiments described in each drawing, and the anti-vibration structures and support structures described in each drawing may be applied in combination with each other. For example, an electronic device according to an embodiment may employ only a plurality of support structures described in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 to 13, 16, and 19 to 21, or may employ a composite of the support structures described in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 to 13, 16, and 19 to 21. In addition, an electronic device according to an embodiment may employ only a plurality of anti-vibration structures described in FIGS. 3 to 13, 16, and 19 to 21, or may employ a composite of the anti-vibration structures described in FIGS. 3 to 13, 16, and 19 to 21.

[0205] In addition, at least one of the assembly methods of FIGS. 14, 15, 17, 18 and 22 can be applied to the support structure described in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 to 13, 16, 19 to 21, and at least one of the assembly methods of FIGS. 14, 15, 17, 18 and 22 can be applied to the vibration-proof structure described in FIGS. 3 to 13, 16, 19 to 21.

[0206] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable electronic device may include a first housing; a second housing; and a hinge coupled to the first housing and the second housing. The foldable electronic device may further include a first member disposed between the first housing and the hinge, and a first support structure disposed between the first housing and the hinge, wherein the first member and the first support structure may be adjacent to each other. The first member may contact the hinge housing and the first housing when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state or an unfolded state.

[0207] The above hinge may include a hinge structure coupled to the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge housing (165) in which the hinge structure (164a) is arranged.

[0208] The foldable electronic device may be configured such that the first member can contact both the hinge housing and the second housing when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state and an unfolded state. The first member may be configured such that the first member can contact both the hinge housing and the second housing when the foldable electronic device is in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0209] The first member and the first support structure may be in contact. The first member and the first support structure may be arranged to contact each other when deformed during use. The first member and the first support structure may be spaced apart by a distance less than a length of the first support structure, wherein the length of the first support structure may be measured in a direction parallel to a folding axis of the hinge. The first member and the first support structure may be spaced apart by a distance less than a width of the first support structure in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the hinge, wherein the width of the first support structure may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the hinge. The first member and the first support structure may be spaced apart by a distance less than a minimum distance between two outer points of the first support structure, wherein the distance may pass through a center of mass of the support structure.

[0210] The first member may be arranged to prevent at least some dust, particulate matter, contaminants, or foreign matter from passing between the first housing and the hinge. The first member may be a dustproof structure.

[0211] The foldable electronic device may include a second member disposed between the first housing and the hinge such that the first support structure is positioned between the first member and the second member. The second member and the first support structure may be adjacent. The second member may contact the hinge housing and the first housing when the foldable electronic device is in a folded or unfolded state.

[0212] When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state and an unfolded state, the second member can contact both the hinge housing and the first housing. When the foldable electronic device is in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state, the second member can contact both the hinge housing and the first housing.

[0213] The second member and the first support structure may be in contact. The second member and the first support structure may be arranged to contact each other when deformed during use. The second member and the first support structure may be spaced apart by a distance less than a length of the first support structure, wherein the length of the first support structure may be measured in a direction parallel to a folding axis of the hinge. The second member and the first support structure may be spaced apart by a distance less than a width of the first support structure in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the hinge, wherein the width of the first support structure may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the hinge. The second member and the first support structure may be spaced apart by a distance less than a minimum distance between two outer points of the first support structure, wherein the distance may pass through a center of mass of the support structure.

[0214] The second member may be arranged to prevent at least some dust, particulate matter, contaminants, or foreign matter from passing between the first housing and the hinge. The second member may be a dustproof structure.

[0215] The support structure may be configured to resist movement of the first housing toward the hinge when the first housing is pressed toward the hinge. When the first housing is pressed toward the hinge in a folded state of the foldable electronic device, the support structure may be configured to resist movement of the first housing toward the hinge. When the first housing is pressed toward the hinge in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, the support structure may be configured to resist movement of the first housing toward the hinge. When the first housing is pressed toward the hinge in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, the support structure may be configured to resist movement of the first housing toward the hinge. A force provided by the support structure against a pressurization may be greater than a force provided by the first member in reaction to the same pressurization. A force provided by the support structure against a pressurization may be greater than a force provided by the second member in reaction to the same pressurization.

[0216] In at least one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (110); a second housing (120); a hinge structure (164a) coupled to the first housing (110) and the second housing (120); a hinge housing (165) in which the hinge structure (164a) is disposed; a first anti-vibration structure (811) and a second anti-vibration structure (812) disposed between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165); and a first support structure (821) disposed along the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing (165) between the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the first support structure (821) may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart by a distance less than the length of the first support structure (821).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the second anti-vibration structure (812) and the first support structure (821) may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart by a distance less than the length of the first support structure (821).

[0219] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812) may be in contact with a first portion of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) in the unfolded or folded state of the electronic device (100).

[0220] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support structure (1320) may be formed such that the width becomes narrower and then wider as it goes from the inner surface (1135) of the first housing (110) toward the hinge housing.

[0221] In one embodiment, the length of the first support structure may be measured in a direction parallel to the folding axis of the hinge. The height of the first support structure may be measured along an axis between a point where the first support structure and the first housing contact each other when the electronic device is in use and a point where the first support structure and the hinge housing contact each other when the electronic device is in use. The width of the first support structure may be measured along any axis perpendicular to both the length axis and the height axis. At least a portion of the first support structure may be formed in a shape in which the width narrows and then widens from an inner surface of the first housing between the hinge housing. At least a portion of the first support structure may be formed to have a minimum width at a point between the first housing and the hinge housing, and the minimum width of at least a portion of the first support structure may be formed to be smaller than a width of a portion of the support structure at a point adjacent to the first housing and the hinge housing.

[0222] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support structure (1320) may include a head region (1330) facing an outer surface of the hinge housing (165) and a neck region (1322) disposed between the head region (1330) and an inner surface (1135) of the first housing (110).

[0223] According to one embodiment, the head region (1330) may protrude further than the neck region (1322) toward at least one of the first anti-vibration structure (1311) and the second anti-vibration structure (1312).

[0224] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first housing (110) may include a receiving space (1350) that receives at least a portion of the first support structure (1320).

[0225] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first support structure (1320) may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the receiving space (1350) to form at least one cavity (1351).

[0226] According to one embodiment, an adhesive member (1360) may be formed within at least one cavity (1351). According to one embodiment, the inner surface of the receiving space (1350) may include a multi-stage structure (1136).

[0227] According to one embodiment, a portion of the multi-stage structure is spaced apart from a portion of the first support structure (1320) to form at least one cavity (1352), and an adhesive member (1360) may be formed within the at least one cavity (1352).

[0228] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support structure (310) may contact a second portion (622) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) that is different from the first portion (621) when the electronic device is in a closed state.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a third anti-vibration structure (813) arranged in a line with the second anti-vibration structure (812) along the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing (165); and at least one second support structure (822) arranged between the second anti-vibration structure (812) and the third anti-vibration structure (813).

[0230] According to one embodiment, the length of the first support structure (821) may be different from the length of the second support structure (822).

[0231] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812) may include a recess (9111, 9121, 9122).

[0232] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support structure (9201, 9202, 9211, 9212) may be positioned within the recess (9111, 9121, 9122).

[0233] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first anti-vibration structure (9141) and the second anti-vibration structure (9142) (9141) may include at least one recess (9143, 9144) formed at one end.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the first support structure (9204) may have at least one protrusion corresponding to the at least one recess (9143, 9144).

[0235] In one embodiment, the first anti-vibration structure (9105) can at least partially surround a first edge of the first support structure (9205), and the second anti-vibration structure can at least partially surround a second edge of the first support structure.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the first anti-vibration structure (1010) has a first virtual center line (F) parallel to the hinge housing (165), and the first support structure (1020) can coincide with at least a portion of the first virtual center line (F).

[0237] According to one embodiment, the first curvature (R1) of at least one edge of the first anti-vibration structure (1110) may be smaller than the second curvature (R2) of at least one edge of the first support structure (1120).

[0238] According to one embodiment, the height of the first anti-vibration structure (1210) may be higher than the height of the first support structure (1220).

[0239] According to one embodiment, the first support structure (1620) may include a path (1610) formed along the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing (165).

[0240] According to one embodiment, the first support structure (1820) may include at least one guide protrusion (1821).

[0241] According to one embodiment, each of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may include at least one guide groove (1810) corresponding to the guide protrusion (1821).

[0242] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a third anti-vibration structure and a fourth anti-vibration structure disposed between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165); and a second support structure (320) disposed adjacent to the third anti-vibration structure and the fourth anti-vibration structure between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165).

[0243] According to one embodiment, the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812) disposed between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165) may be symmetrical with the third anti-vibration structure and the fourth anti-vibration structure disposed between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165).

[0244] According to one embodiment, the first support structure (310) disposed between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165) may be symmetrical with the second support structure (320) disposed between the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (165).

[0245] According to one embodiment, the first support structure (310) can slide in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include a first coupling protrusion (1940).

[0247] According to one embodiment, the first support structure (1920) may be slidably coupled to at least a portion of the first coupling protrusion (1940), and may include a groove (1924) disposed on a side surface of the first support structure (1920); and a flange (1922) protruding in an opposite direction to the second coupling protrusion (1921).

[0248] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first anti-vibration structure (1911) may overlap the flange (1922).

[0249] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable electronic device (100) comprises: a first housing (110); a second housing (120); a hinge structure (164a) coupled to the first housing (110) and the second housing (120); a hinge housing (165) that accommodates at least a portion of the hinge structure (164a) and is substantially disposed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120); at least one first structure (210) that is disposed between an inner surface of the first housing (110) and an outer surface of the hinge housing (165), and at least a portion of which contacts a first portion (621) of an outer surface of the hinge housing (165) while the state of the electronic device (100) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state; The electronic device (100) may include at least one second structure (310) disposed adjacent to the first structure (210) between the inner surface of the first housing (110) and the outer surface of the hinge housing (165), and at least a portion of which is in contact with a second portion (622) different from the first portion (621) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) while the state of the electronic device (100) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0250] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gap between each of the first housing and the second housing and the hinge housing can be maintained at a constant level through a support structure that is in close contact with the dustproof structure.

[0251] One embodiment of the present invention can prevent or reduce the inflow of external foreign matter between each of the first housing and the second housing and the hinge housing or / and between the dustproof structure and the support structure by bringing the dustproof structure into close contact with the support structure.

[0252] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. The singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," "A, B, or C," or "at least one of A, B, and / or C" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second," may modify the corresponding components regardless of order or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the corresponding components. When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(functionally or communicatively) connected” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), said component may be directly connected to said other component, or may be connected via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0253] In this document, "adapted to or configured to" may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," "capable of," or "designed to," for example, hardware-wise or software-wise. In some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or adapted) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or AP) that can perform those operations by executing one or more programs stored in a memory device (e.g., a memory).

[0254] The term "module" as used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "module" may be an integral component or a minimum unit or part thereof that performs one or more functions. A "module" may be implemented mechanically or electronically, and may include, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or programmable logic device, known or to be developed in the future, that performs certain operations.

[0255] At least a part of a device (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be implemented as instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory) in the form of a program module. When the instructions are executed by a processor (e.g., a processor), the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic medium (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical recording medium (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD, a magneto-optical medium (e.g., a floptical disk), an internal memory, etc. The instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter.

[0256] Each component (e.g., a module or a program module) according to various embodiments may be composed of one or more entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., a module or a program module) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the respective components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, program modules, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0257] It should be understood that all of the above-described embodiments and their technical features can be combined with each other in each and every combination, as long as the two embodiments or features do not conflict. That is, each and every combination of two or more of the above-described embodiments is contemplated and encompassed within this document. One or more features from any embodiment can be incorporated into any other embodiment and provide corresponding advantages or benefits.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device (100), First housing (110) and; Second housing (120) and; A hinge structure (164a) coupled to the first housing (110) and the second housing (120); A hinge housing (165) in which the above hinge structure (164a) is arranged; A first dustproof structure (811) and a second dustproof structure (812) arranged between the first housing (110) and the hinge housing (165); It includes a first support structure (821) arranged along the length direction of the hinge housing (165) between the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812). The first anti-vibration structure (811) and the first support structure (821) are in contact with each other or are spaced apart by a distance smaller than the length of the first support structure (821). The second anti-vibration structure (812) and the first support structure (821) are in contact with each other or are spaced apart by a distance smaller than the length of the first support structure (821). An electronic device in which at least a portion of the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812) comes into contact with the first portion (621) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165) in the unfolded or folded state of the electronic device (100).

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which at least a portion of the first support structure (1320) is formed such that the width gradually narrows and then widens from the inner surface (1135) of the first housing (110) toward the hinge housing (165).

3. In paragraph 1, At least a portion of the first support structure (1320) A head area (1330) facing the outer surface of the hinge housing (165); It includes a neck region (1322) arranged between the head region (1330) and the inner surface (1135) of the first housing (110). An electronic device in which the head region (1330) protrudes further than the neck region (1322) toward at least one of the first anti-vibration structure (1311) and the second anti-vibration structure (1312).

4. In paragraph 1, A portion of the first housing (110) includes a receiving space (1350) that receives at least a portion of the first support structure (1320), A portion of the first support structure (1320) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the receiving space (1350) to form at least one cavity (1351), An electronic device in which an adhesive member (1360) is formed within at least one cavity (1351).

5. In paragraph 4, The inner surface of the above-mentioned accommodation space (1350) includes a multi-stage structure (1136), An electronic device in which a portion of the above multi-stage structure is spaced apart from a portion of the first support structure (1320) to form at least one cavity (1352), and an adhesive member (1360) is formed within the at least one cavity (1352).

6. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which at least a portion of the first support structure (310) contacts a second portion (622) of the outer surface of the hinge housing (165), which is different from the first portion (621), when the electronic device is in a closed state.

7. In paragraph 1, A third anti-vibration structure (813) arranged in a line with the second anti-vibration structure (812) along the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing (165); It further includes a second support structure (822) arranged between the second anti-vibration structure (812) and the third anti-vibration structure (813). An electronic device in which the length of the first support structure (821) is different from the length of the second support structure (822).

8. In paragraph 1, At least one of the first anti-vibration structure (811) and the second anti-vibration structure (812) includes a recess (9111, 9121, 9122), An electronic device wherein at least a portion of the first support structure (9201, 9202, 9211, 9212) is positioned within the recess (9111, 9121, 9122).

9. In paragraph 1, At least one (9141) of the first anti-vibration structure (9141) and the second anti-vibration structure (9142) includes at least one recess (9143, 9144) formed at one end, An electronic device wherein the first support structure (9204) has at least one protrusion (9124, 9224) corresponding to the at least one recess (9143, 9144).

10. In paragraph 1, The first anti-vibration structure (9105) at least partially surrounds a first edge of the first support structure (9205), An electronic device wherein the second vibration-proof structure at least partially surrounds the second edge of the first support structure.

11. In paragraph 1, The above first anti-vibration structure (1010) has a first virtual center line (F) parallel to the hinge housing (165), The above first support structure (1020) is an electronic device that coincides with at least a portion of the first virtual center line (F).

12. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein a first curvature (R1) of at least one edge of the first vibration-proof structure (1110) is smaller than a second curvature (R2) of at least one edge of the first support structure (1120).

13. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the height of the first anti-vibration structure (1210) is higher than the height of the first support structure (1220).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, An electronic device in which the first support structure (1620) includes a path (1610) formed along the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing (165).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above first support structure (1820) includes at least one guide protrusion (1821), An electronic device in which each of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) includes at least one guide groove (1810) corresponding to the guide protrusion (1821).

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