Foldable electronic device comprising hinge housing

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a foldable electronic device comprising: a first housing (110); a second housing (120); one or more hinge structures (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing; a display (160) arranged on the first housing and the second housing; a hinge housing (150) arranged between the first housing and the second housing; and a first protective structure (300a) arranged on at least one side of the hinge housing, wherein the first protective structure comprises: a first cap structure (310) coupled to one side of the hinge housing; a first guide member (330) which moves along at least part of the first cap structure; and a first protective member which is coupled to at least part of the first guide member and arranged to cover at least part of one edge of the display.

Description

Foldable electronic device comprising a hinged housing

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a foldable electronic device including a hinged housing.

[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, can support calling and various content search functions based on various applications. Portable electronic devices can display screens corresponding to each function during the process of providing these various functions. Users may desire a wider screen when utilizing these various functions. In typical portable electronic devices, expanding the display to display the screen increases the overall size, which can reduce portability. Accordingly, foldable electronic devices are being developed to increase the screen size while maintaining portability. These foldable electronic devices can be folded and unfolded. While the foldable electronic device is being folded or unfolded, or placed in a folded or unfolded state, a gap may form in an area between the folded area of ​​the display and the housings on which the display is placed.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0004] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, 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) includes a first housing (110), a second housing (120), at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing, a display (160) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, a hinge housing (150) disposed between the first housing and the second housing, and a first protective structure (300a) disposed on at least one side of the hinge housing, wherein the first protective structure may include a first cap structure (310) coupled with one side of the hinge housing, a first guide member (330) moving (or deforming) along at least a portion of the first cap structure, and a first protective member coupled with at least a portion of the first guide member and disposed to cover at least a portion of one edge of the display.

[0005] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a protective structure of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a folding area of ​​a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing at least a portion of the configuration of a cross-section cut along the AA` line of FIG. 3.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a layout state of a first protective structure and some structures of a foldable electronic device in a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating one example of a direction for a state of a first protective structure in an unfolded state and a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of another direction for the first protective structure state in the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of an arrangement of structures including a part of a first protective structure and a part of a hinge structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement of a first protective structure and some structures including a part of a hinge structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of an arrangement of a first protective structure and some structures including wing plates of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section cut along the BB` cutting line of Fig. 10.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a structure of a foldable electronic device of a first protective structure in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of a part of the structure of a first protective structure in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment and a part of the structure of the foldable electronic device.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the arrangement of wing plates and a first protective structure while changing from an unfolded state to a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of a first deformation protection structure according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section taken along the AA` cutting line of FIG. 3 for an unfolded state of a first deformation foldable electronic device to which a first deformation protection structure according to one embodiment is applied.

[0021] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section taken along the AA` cutting line of FIG. 3 for a folded state of a first deformation folding electronic device to which a first deformation protection structure according to one embodiment is applied.

[0022] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing at least a portion of a first deformation hinge structure and an example of a center bar structure of a second deformation foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an example of a support relationship between a first protective structure and a center bar applied to a second modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing another example of a third form of a foldable electronic device to which a protective structure according to one embodiment is applied.

[0025] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (2100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0026] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0028] The terms used in this disclosure are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this disclosure may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this disclosure, it cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] In addition, in the present disclosure, expressions such as more than or less than may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is only a description to express an example and does not exclude descriptions of more than or less than. A condition described as 'more than' may be replaced with 'more than', a condition described as 'less than' may be replaced with 'less than', and a condition described as 'more than and less than' may be replaced with 'more than and less than'. In addition, hereinafter, 'A' to 'B' mean at least one of elements from A to (including A) and from B to (including B). hereinafter, 'C' and / or 'D' mean at least one of 'C' or 'D', that is, including {'C', 'D', 'C' and 'D'}.

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present document propose a structure and a foldable electronic device including the same, which support the creation of a gap related to the foldable electronic device by stably and firmly supporting the foldable area of ​​the display in a folded or unfolded state (or a folding or unfolding motion) by protective structures that are mounted (or coupled) to a hinge housing to block a gap of the foldable electronic device and maintain the flatness of the display. The various embodiments of the present document improve the gap that may be formed between the foldable area of ​​the display and the housings while the display is folded or unfolded, thereby preventing foreign substances or moisture from entering through the gap, thereby reducing the possibility of failure of the foldable electronic device and improving the lifespan of the foldable electronic device.

[0032] Other intended purposes according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be mentioned as needed during the description of each embodiment. For example, various purposes and effects achieved through a foldable electronic device including a hinged housing in which protective structures according to various embodiments are arranged may be mentioned according to the embodiments described in detail.

[0033] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a foldable electronic device (100) (or electronic device, portable electronic device, portable communication device, foldable electronic device, portable device) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (110) (or a first housing portion, or a first housing structure), a second housing (120) (or a second housing portion, or a second housing structure), a hinge housing (150), wing plates (131, 132) (or plates), a display (160), protective structures (300a, 300b) (or support structures), decorations (190a, 190b) (or decoration structures, bezels, side frames, protective covers), and at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b). In the foldable electronic device (100), the wing plates (131, 132) may be removed or attached to or integrated with another structure (e.g., a display (160)). Additionally or alternatively, the foldable electronic device (100) may further include an auxiliary display and a camera, and may further include structures related to user functions of the foldable electronic device (100), such as a speaker hole or a connector hole, arranged on one side of the housing.

[0035] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the folding area of ​​the display (160) forms a teardrop shape (or a teardrop shape or dumbbell shape that is convex in the rearward direction when viewed from the front to the rearward direction of the display (160) (e.g., when viewed from the z-axis to the -z-axis direction), a rearward convex shape), thereby securing a folding R (curvature) that prevents cracks or buckling in the folding area of ​​the display (160). In addition, the foldable electronic device (100) can arrange the folding area of ​​the display (160) that can be transformed into a dumbbell shape within a predetermined space of the housings (110, 120), so that when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the arrangement gap between the housings (110, 120) can be maintained to be equal to or less than a reference value or in an 11-shape. The foldable electronic device (100) of the above-described structure can prevent or reduce the inflow of foreign substances by providing at least one protective structure on one side of the hinge housing (150) to reduce the formation of a gap in the foldable electronic device (100) or cover the created gap.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) may be connected to the second housing (120) using at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b). The first housing (110) may include a first front surface (110_fr) on which the display (160) is mounted, and side surfaces (110a, 110b, 110c) or a separately provided frame that are arranged at the edge of the first front surface (110_fr) and surround the frame of the display (160) or the edge of the area on which the display (160) is mounted. As an example, the first housing (110) may include a first side (110a) forming an edge in the -x-axis direction of the first housing (110) based on the center of the first front (110_fr), a second side (110b) forming an edge in the y-axis direction of the first housing (110) based on the center of the first front (110_fr), and a third side (110c) forming an edge in the x-axis direction of the first housing (110) based on the center of the first front (110_fr). A first decor (190a) may be arranged on the top (or edge in the z-axis direction) of the first side (110a), the top (or edge in the z-axis direction) of the second side (110b), and the top (or edge in the z-axis direction) of the third side (110c).

[0037] When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the fourth side (110d) of the first housing (110) facing the second housing (120) may include a recessed portion or a curved portion in which at least a portion is recessed so that a hinge housing (150) can be placed. The first housing (110) may include a first extension portion (110eg1) of the first housing (110) extending in the -y-axis direction from the first side (110a), and a second extension portion (110eg2) of the first housing (110) extending in the -y-axis direction from the third side (110c). The first extension portion (110eg1) and the second extension portion (110eg2) may be placed on both edges of the fourth side (110d) (e.g., the -x-axis edge and the x-axis edge based on the center of the fourth side (110d)). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first extension portion (110eg1) and the second extension portion (110eg2) may include side wall shapes that protrude further in the -y-axis direction than the center portion of the fourth side portion (110d). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, each of the first extension portion (110eg1) and the second extension portion (110eg2) may be arranged to cover (or obscure) at least a portion of one edge of the hinge housing (150) (e.g., a portion of the side wall of the -x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150)) and at least a portion of the other edge of the hinge housing (e.g., a portion of the side wall of the x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150)). When the above-described foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, each of the first extension portions (110eg1) and the second extension portions (110eg2) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the side wall of the x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150) and at least a portion of the side wall of the x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150) are exposed.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a rear cover may be arranged on the back surface of the first housing (110). Here, the rear cover may be omitted. At least a portion of the first front surface (110_fr) of the first housing (110) may be adhered to at least a portion of the first area (161) of the display (160). Alternatively, a portion of an edge of the first front surface (110_fr) of the first housing (110) may be adhered to at least a portion of an edge of the first area (161) of the display (160). In this regard, an adhesive layer may be arranged between the first front surface (110_fr) of the first housing (110) and the first area (161) of the display (160). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (110) may be formed of a metal material, or at least a portion may be formed of a non-metal material (e.g., an injection-molded material). The first housing (110) may be formed of a material having a certain amount of rigidity so as to support at least a portion of the display (160). According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) is connected to at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) and may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the z-axis direction from the y-axis or in the y-axis direction from the z-axis direction by external pressure applied from the outside.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) may be provided with at least a portion of the inside having a hollow shape (or empty shape). At least one circuit board, at least one battery, and at least one camera module may be disposed inside the first housing (110). For example, a processor and a memory may be disposed on the circuit board disposed in the first housing (110). The circuit board and the battery disposed inside the first housing (110) may be electrically connected to at least one of the at least one circuit board and the at least one battery disposed inside the second housing (120) via a flexible substrate (not shown). For example, the flexible substrate (not shown) may extend from a portion of the first housing (110) across the hinge housing (150) to a portion of the second housing (120). A portion of the flexible substrate (not shown) may be located inside the hinge housing (150).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the second housing (120) may be connected (or fastened, coupled) to the first housing (110) via at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b). The second housing (120) may include a second front surface (120_fr) on which at least a portion of the display (160) (e.g., the second area (162)) is mounted, and a frame surrounding a border of at least a portion of the second front surface (120_fr) or the second area (162) of the display (160). At least a portion of the second housing (120) may be adhered to the second area (162) of the display (160). Alternatively, a portion of an edge of the second front surface (120_fr) of the second housing (120) may be adhered to an edge of the second area (162) of the display (160). In this regard, an adhesive layer may be placed between the front surface of the second housing (120) and the second area (162) of the display (160).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the second housing (120) may have a hollow formed in at least a portion of the inside, similar to the first housing (110). At least one circuit board and at least one battery may be disposed inside the second housing (120). Alternatively, the at least one battery may be disposed in either the first housing (110) or the second housing (120), or in both. At least one of the printed circuit board or the battery disposed inside the second housing (120) may be electrically connected to a component (e.g., at least one of the printed circuit board or the battery) disposed inside the first housing (110) via a flexible substrate.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the second housing (120) may be formed of at least a portion of a metal material, similar to the first housing (110), or may be formed of at least a portion of a non-metal material (e.g., injection molded). The second housing (120) may be formed of a material having a certain amount of rigidity so as to support at least a portion of the display (160). The side wall structure of the second housing (120) may be formed to correspond to the side wall structure of the first housing (110). As an example, the second housing (120) may include a fifth side (120a) forming an edge in the -x-axis direction of the second housing (120) based on the center of the second front (120_fr), a sixth side (120b) forming an edge in the -y-axis direction of the second housing (120) based on the center of the second front (120_fr), and a seventh side (120c) forming an edge in the x-axis direction of the second housing (120) based on the center of the second front (120_fr). A second deco (190b) may be arranged on the top (or edge in the z-axis direction) of the fifth side (120a), the top (or edge in the z-axis direction) of the sixth side (120b), and the top (or edge in the z-axis direction) of the seventh side (120c).

[0043] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the eighth side (120d) of the second housing (120) may face the fourth side (110d) of the first housing (110). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the eighth side (120d) of the second housing (120), which is arranged to face the fourth side (110d) of the first housing (110), may include a recessed portion (e.g., a recessed portion or a curved portion) in which at least a portion of the hinge housing (150) is recessed so that at least a portion of the hinge housing (150) can be disposed. When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the recessed portion of the second housing (120) may be disposed adjacent to the recessed portion of the first housing (110). A rear cover may be disposed on the rear of the second housing (120). Here, the rear cover placed on the rear of the second housing (120) may be omitted.

[0044] The second housing (120) may include a third extension portion (120eg1) (or the first extension portion of the second housing (120)) extending in the y-axis direction from the fifth side portion (120a), and a fourth extension portion (120eg2) (or the second extension portion of the second housing (120)) extending in the y-axis direction from the seventh side portion (120c). The third extension portion (120eg1) and the fourth extension portion (120eg2) may be arranged at both edges of the eighth side portion (120d) (e.g., the -x-axis edge and the x-axis edge based on the center of the eighth side portion (120d)). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the third extension portion (120eg1) and the fourth extension portion (120eg2) may include side walls that protrude further in the y-axis direction than the center portion of the eighth side portion (120d). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, each of the third extension portion (120eg1) and the fourth extension portion (120eg2) may be arranged to cover (or obscure) at least a portion of one edge of the hinge housing (150) (e.g., another portion of the side wall of the x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150)) and at least a portion of the other edge of the hinge housing (e.g., another portion of the side wall of the x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150)). When the above-described foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, each of the third extension portions (120eg1) and the fourth extension portions (120eg2) may be positioned so that another part of the side wall of the x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150) and another part of the side wall of the x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150) are exposed.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (150) may be at least partially disposed in recessed portions formed in portions (e.g., the fourth side (110d) and the eighth side (120d)) where the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) face each other or are adjacent to each other when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. The hinge housing (150) may be provided in a form that extends longer in the x-axis direction than in the y-axis direction as a whole. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and depending on the type of the foldable electronic device (100), the x-axis direction may be longer than the y-axis direction, or the lengths of the x-axis and y-axis directions may be the same or similar within a certain range. According to one embodiment, a first protective structure (300a) may be coupled to one edge (e.g., an x-axis edge) of the hinge housing (150), and a second protective structure (300b) may be coupled to the other edge (e.g., an x-axis edge) of the hinge housing (150). The hinge housing (150) may be formed of a material (e.g., a metal material) that is the same as or similar to that of the first housing (110) or the second housing (120).

[0046] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the -z-axis bottom surface of the hinge housing (150) may be seated on the fourth side (110d) and the eighth side (120d) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, and may be exposed to the outside through a space between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state. For example, the z-axis cross-section of the hinge housing (150) may have a semi-elliptical shape in which at least a portion of the bottom portion is formed flat, or a shape in which at least a portion is curved. The inside of the hinge housing (150) includes an empty space, and at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) and at least a portion of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may be arranged in the inner empty space of the hinge housing (150).

[0047] The first hinge housing side wall (150_wl) (or the left hinge housing side wall, or the first hinge side wall) forming the -x-axis edge of the hinge housing (150) may be arranged to close (block) the first side edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the hinge housing (150) with respect to the center of the hinge housing (150). For example, a first cap coupling groove to which a first protective structure (300a) may be coupled may be arranged in the first hinge housing side wall (150_wl). The second hinge housing side wall (150_wr) (or right hinge housing side wall, or second hinge side wall) has a similar or identical shape to the first hinge housing side wall (150_wl), and may be formed at a position symmetrical with respect to the first hinge housing side wall (150_wl) with respect to the center of the hinge housing (150) (e.g., as a second side edge, an x-axis edge). For example, a second cap coupling groove to which a second protective structure (300b) can be coupled may be arranged in the second hinge housing side wall (150_wr).

[0048] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the display (160) may have flexibility. For example, the display (160) may include a first region (161) at least a portion of which is disposed on the first housing (110), a second region (162) at least a portion of which is disposed on the second housing (120), and a third region (163) (or a folding region, a central region, or a folding region) positioned between the first region (161) and the second region (162). As an example, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded or unfolded state, at least a portion of the first region (161) and the second region (162) may be disposed in a flat state. Alternatively, the first region (161) and the second region (162) may remain flat regardless of the state of the foldable electronic device (100) (the arrangement position of the flat surface may be changed), and the third region (163) may be transformed into a curved state or a flat state corresponding to the state of the foldable electronic device (100). For example, the third region (163) may have a flat state (or a flat state) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, and at least a portion of the third region (163) may have a curved state (or a curved state, or a teardrop shape) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the display (160) may include various layers. For example, the display (160) may include an outer protective layer (or a glass layer, or a polymer layer) having a certain amount of transparency and a specified size (e.g., a size that can cover all or most of the first front surface (110_fr) and the second front surface (120_fr) of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), a display panel layer disposed under the outer protective layer to display a screen, and at least one first back layer disposed under the display panel layer. The first back layer (or back panel, back portion) may include at least one layer of a shock absorption layer (or embossing), a heat dissipation layer (or a metal sheet layer, a metal layer, a conductive sheet) (or a layer excluding at least one of the above-described layers). Additionally or alternatively, the first back layer may further include an electromagnetic induction panel (e.g., a digitizer). The display (160) may further include a second back layer disposed under the first back layer. The second back layer (or back panel, back portion) may include at least one metal layer (or metal sheet) at least partially formed of a metal material. At least a portion of the second back layer may include a designated pattern (e.g., a lattice pattern, a slit pattern) so as to be bendable. Alternatively, at least a portion of the second back layer may be formed of another bendable material (e.g., a polymer material, rubber, leather material). At least one of the first back layer and the second back layer may be omitted.

[0050] At least one or a plurality of hinge structures (200a, 200b) may be arranged in the hinge housing (150), and at least some of the plurality of hinge structures (200a, 200b) may have similar structures and shapes to each other, and may have different structures and shapes from the remaining hinge structures. Alternatively, two hinge structures (200a, 200b) may both have the same or similar structures, and may be arranged in different directions. Meanwhile, in the illustrated drawing, a form in which two hinge structures (200a, 200b) are arranged is exemplified, and the foldable electronic device (100) may include three or more hinge structures.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) may further include a center bar (200_cen) disposed between the first hinge structure (200a) and the second hinge structure (200b). One side of the center bar (200_cen_b) may be coupled to the first hinge structure (200a), and the other side of the center bar (200_cen_b) may be coupled to the second hinge structure (200b). The center bar (200_cen_b) may move in the -z-axis direction during a folding operation of the foldable electronic device (100), and may move in the z-axis direction during an unfolding operation of the foldable electronic device (100). At least a portion of the center bar (200_cen_b) may support at least a portion of a folding area (or a third area (163)) of the display (160). According to one embodiment, the center bar (200_cen_b) configuration in the foldable electronic device (100) may be omitted.

[0052] The wing plates (131, 132) are arranged to be placed on at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) or combined with at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) so as to cover a surface in the z-axis direction of at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. The wing plates (131, 132) may be provided in a form separate from the housings (110, 120). Accordingly, a gap may be formed between the wing plates (131, 132) and the housings (110, 120). The wing plates (131, 132) may be arranged to correspond to at least a portion of a lower surface (e.g., a surface in the -z-axis direction) of a third region (163) of the display (160). The wing plates (131, 132) rotate clockwise or counterclockwise according to the hinge operation of at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b). For example, while the first wing plate (131) rotates counterclockwise, the second wing plate (132) can rotate clockwise, and while the first wing plate (131) rotates clockwise, the second wing plate (132) can rotate counterclockwise. The first wing plate (131) can support a flat first surface of a third region (163) of a display (160) that folds into a dumbbell shape, and the second wing plate (132) can support a flat second surface (a surface symmetrical with respect to the first surface with respect to the z-axis) of a third region (163) of a display (160) that folds into a dumbbell shape.

[0053] The first deco (190a) may be arranged at the edge of the first front surface (110_fr) (or the upper ends of the first to third side portions (110a, 110b, 110c)). The first deco (190a) may be arranged along the edge of the first region (161) of the display (160). For example, the first deco (190a) may include a C-shape that is opened in the -y-axis direction. The z-axis direction cross-section of the first deco (190a) may be provided in an inverted L-shape. The first deco (190a) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the second deco (190b) with respect to the third region (163) (or the folded region, or the central region) of the display (160). The first edge (190a_eg1) and the second edge (190a_eg2) of the first deco (190a) may each include spaces in which a portion of the first protective structure (300a) and a portion of the second protective structure (300b) may be placed. In this regard, the first edge (190a_eg1) and the second edge (190a_eg2) may each include structures having an inverted L shape with an open direction facing the -z-axis direction.

[0054] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first edge (190a_eg1) of the first deco (190a) may be spaced apart from the third edge (190b_eg1) of the second deco (190b) by a predetermined distance (e.g., the y-axis or -y-axis width of the third region (163)), and the second edge (190a_eg2) of the first deco (190a) may be spaced apart from the fourth edge (190b_eg2) of the second deco (190b) by a predetermined distance (e.g., the y-axis or -y-axis width of the third region (163)). The first deco (190a) may be formed of a metallic material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least a portion of the first deco (190a) may be formed of a non-metallic material. Additionally or alternatively, at least one magnetic member may be positioned between the first deco (190a) and the first housing (110). Alternatively, the first deco (190a) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the magnetic member positioned at the edge of the first housing (110).

[0055] The second deco (190b) may be arranged at the edge of the second front surface (120_fr) (or the upper portions of the fifth to seventh side portions (120a, 120b, 120c)). The second deco (190b) may be arranged along the edge of the second region (162) of the display (160). As an example, the second deco (190b) may include a C-shape that is opened in the y-axis direction. The z-axis direction cross-section of the second deco (190b) may be provided in an inverted L-shape similar to the first deco (190a). The second deco (190b) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first deco (190a) with respect to the third region (163) (or the folded region, or the central region) of the display (160). The lower portions (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the third edge (190b_eg1) and the fourth edge (190b_eg2) of the second deco (190b) may each include spaces in which another portion of the first protective structure (300a) and another portion of the second protective structure (300b) may be placed. In this regard, the third edge (190b_eg1) and the fourth edge (190b_eg2) may each include structures having an inverted L shape whose opening direction is directed toward the -z-axis direction.

[0056] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the third edge (190b_eg1) of the second deco (190b) may be spaced apart from the first edge (190a_eg1) of the first deco (190a) by a predetermined distance (e.g., the y-axis or -y-axis width of the third region (163)), and the fourth edge (190b_eg2) of the second deco (190b) may be spaced apart from the second edge (190a_eg2) of the first deco (190a) by a predetermined distance (e.g., the y-axis or -y-axis width of the third region (163)). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the third edge (190b_eg1) of the second deco (190b) may be arranged parallel to the first edge (190a_eg1) of the first deco (190a) in the z-axis direction, and the fourth edge (190b_eg2) of the second deco (190b) may be arranged parallel to the second edge (190a_eg2) of the first deco (190a) in the z-axis direction. Alternatively, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state (or a completely folded state), at least a portion of the second deco (190b) may be in contact with at least a portion of the first deco (190a). The second deco (190b) may be formed of the same material as the first deco (190a), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least a portion of the second deco (190b) may be formed of a different material from the first deco (190a). Additionally or alternatively, at least one magnetic member may be arranged between the second deco (190b) and the second housing (120). Alternatively, the second deco (190b) may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the magnetic member arranged at the edge of the second housing (120).

[0057] The first protective structure (300a) may be disposed between the first deco (190a) and the second deco (190b), or between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), or at one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the hinge housing (150). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first protective structure (300a) may be disposed between the first edge (190a_eg1) of the first deco (190a) and the third edge (190b_eg1) of the second deco (190b). The first protective structure (300a) may be disposed adjacent to the first hinge structure (200a). Alternatively, the distance from the first protective structure (300a) to the first hinge structure (200a) may be formed shorter than the distance from the first protective structure (300a) to the second hinge structure (200b). A part of the first protective structure (300a) may be covered by the first extension portion (110eg1) of the first housing (110) and the third extension portion (120eg1) of the second housing (120). The first protective structure (300a) may be arranged to cover at least a part of the display (160). For example, the first protective structure (300a) may reduce or prevent the formation of a gap between the -x-axis edge portion of the third region (163) of the display (160) and the housings (e.g., the first extension portion (110eg1) and the third extension portion (120eg1)). Alternatively, the first protective structure (300a) may be arranged to cover the gap between the third region (163) of the display (160) and the housings. The first protective structure (300a) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may improve or prevent the formation of a gap between at least a portion of the third region (163) of the display (160) and the housings by pressing at least a portion (e.g., an edge portion in the -x-axis direction) of the third region (163) in the -z-axis direction when the third region (163) of the display (160) is in a folded state. A portion of the first protective structure (300a) may be coupled to the first hinge housing side wall (150_wl).

[0058] As an example, a part of the first protective structure (300a) (e.g., a part of the edge in the y-axis direction) may be disposed within a space formed in a first edge (190a_eg1) of the first deco (190a) (or a first space or a first groove opened toward the -z-axis direction), and another part of the first protective structure (300a) (e.g., a part of the edge in the -y-axis direction) may be disposed within a space formed in a third edge (190b_eg1) of the second deco (190b) (or a third space or a third groove opened toward the -z-axis direction, or a second space or a second groove in sequence). At least a part of the first protective structure (300a) may be formed of a non-metallic material. Alternatively, the first protective structure (300a) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be partially formed of different materials. For example, the stiffness (or hardness) of the portion of the first protective structure (300a) that is coupled to the hinge housing (150) may be greater than the stiffness (or hardness) of the portion of the first protective structure (300a) that is mounted within the first deco (190a) and the second deco (190b). According to one embodiment, the first protective structure (300a) may be prepared with different first and second configurations and then assembled. As an example, the first configuration of the first protective structure (300a) may include a structure that can move along the second configuration of the first protective structure (300a). The first configuration of the first protective structure may be formed of different materials (or different strengths, hardnesses, and ductility) depending on the location.

[0059] The second protective structure (300b) may be disposed between the first deco (190a) and the second deco (190b), or between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), or on the other edge (e.g., the x-axis edge) of the hinge housing (150). Alternatively, the second protective structure (300b) may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the first protective structure (300a) with respect to a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (or the foldable third region (163)) of the foldable electronic device (100) (e.g., a direction passing through the -x-axis and the center of the x-axis while going from the y-axis toward the -y-axis, or a horizontal center line of the foldable electronic device (100) connecting the center of the second side (110b) to the center of the sixth side (120b). As an example, the second protective structure (300b) may be formed with the same shape and material as the first protective structure (300a). At least a portion of the second protective structure (300b) may be arranged to face at least a portion of the first protective structure (300a). Alternatively, the second protective structure (300b) and the first protective structure (300a) may be arranged on the vertical center line of the foldable electronic device (100) connecting the center between the first extension portion (110eg1) and the third extension portion (120eg1) and the center between the second extension portion (110eg2) and the fourth extension portion (120eg2), and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a certain length of the third region (163) (e.g., the distance from the -x-axis to the x-axis). A portion of the second protective structure (300b) may be coupled to the second hinge housing side wall (150_wr).

[0060] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second protective structure (300b) may be disposed between the second edge (190a_eg2) of the first deco (190a) and the fourth edge (190b_eg2) of the second deco (190b). The second protective structure (300b) may be disposed adjacent to the second hinge structure (200b). Alternatively, a distance from the second protective structure (300b) to the second hinge structure (200b) may be formed shorter than a distance from the second protective structure (300b) to the first hinge structure (200a). A portion of the second protective structure (300b) may be covered by the second extension portion (110eg2) of the first housing (110) and the fourth extension portion (120eg2) of the second housing (120). The second protective structure (300b) may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the display (160). For example, the second protective structure (300b) may reduce or prevent the formation of a gap between the x-axis edge portion of the third region (163) of the display (160) and the housings (e.g., the second extension portion (110eg2) and the fourth extension portion (120eg2)). Alternatively, the second protective structure (300b) may be arranged to cover the gap formed between the third region (163) of the display (160) and the housings. The second protective structure (300b) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can improve or prevent the formation of a gap between at least another part of the third region (163) of the display (160) and the housings by pressing at least another part (e.g., an edge part in the x-axis direction) of the third region (163) of the display (160) in the -z-axis direction when the third region (163) of the display (160) is in a folded state. A part of the second protective structure (300b) can be coupled with the second hinge housing side wall (150_wr).

[0061] As an example, a part of the second protective structure (300b) (e.g., a part of the edge in the y-axis direction) may be disposed within a space formed in the second edge (190a_eg2) of the first deco (190a) (or a second space or a second groove opened toward the -z-axis direction, or a third space or a third groove in sequence), and another part of the second protective structure (300b) (e.g., a part of the edge in the -y-axis direction) may be disposed within a space formed in the fourth edge (190b_eg2) of the second deco (190b) (or a fourth space or a fourth groove opened toward the -z-axis direction). At least a part of the second protective structure (300b) may be formed of a non-metallic material. Alternatively, the second protective structure (300b) may be formed of the same material as the first protective structure (300a). As an example, the second protective structure (300b) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be partially formed of different materials. For example, the rigidity (or hardness) of the portion of the second protective structure (300b) that is coupled to the hinge housing (150) may be greater than the rigidity (or hardness) of the portion of the second protective structure (300b) that is mounted within the first deco (190a) and the second deco (190b). According to an embodiment, the second protective structure (300b) may be prepared in different third and fourth configurations and then assembled. As an example, the third configuration of the second protective structure (300b) may include a structure that can move along the fourth configuration of the second protective structure (300b). The third configuration of the second protective structure may be formed of different materials (or different strengths, hardness, and ductility) depending on the location.

[0062] As described above, the foldable electronic device (100) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes protective structures (300a, 300b) for preventing foreign substances from entering at least some areas including the folding area of ​​the display (160), and the protective structures (300a, 300b) can suppress, improve, or prevent the formation of a gap between at least some of the third area (163) of the display (160), the housings (110, 120) adjacent to the third area (163), and the hinge housing (150) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state and an unfolded state (or while being folded or unfolded), thereby improving or preventing the inflow of foreign substances through the gap.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a protective structure of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a folding area of ​​a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing at least a portion of a cross-section taken along the AA` line of FIG. 3.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a foldable electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may include, for example, at least a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a first deco (190a), a second deco (190b), a first protective structure (300a), a second protective structure (300b), and a display (160). Additionally or alternatively, as described above and in FIG. 4, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a first wing plate (131) and a second wing plate (132) that support at least a portion of the display (160). The configurations of the first housing (110), the second housing (120), the first deco (190a), the second deco (190b), and the display (160) may provide the same or similar shapes, materials, and functions as those described above in FIG. 1. Accordingly, detailed descriptions of the first housing (110), the second housing (120), the first deco (190a), the second deco (190b), and the display (160) can be supplemented by the contents described above in FIG. 1.

[0065] The first protective structure (300a) and the second protective structure (300b) may include structures that are identical or similar to each other except for the positions where they are arranged. In addition, the first protective structure (300a) and the second protective structure (300b) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the horizontal center line of the foldable electronic device (100) (e.g., a line that crosses the -y-axis from the y-axis and passes through the center of the -x-axis and the x-axis), and the structures of the foldable electronic device (100) at the position where the first protective structure (300a) is arranged and the position where the second protective structure (300b) is arranged (or structures formed by the housings (110, 120)) may include similar structures or symmetrical structures. Accordingly, the following description will describe the shape and role / operational form of the protective structure based on the first protective structure (300a), and the second protective structure (300b) may be supplemented by a description of the shape and role or operational form of the first protective structure (300a). Alternatively, the description of each component of the first protective structure (300a) below may also be used to supplement the description of each component of the second protective structure (300b).

[0066] The first protective structure (300a) may include a first cap structure (310) (or a first cap portion or a first support portion), a first protective member (320) (or a second protective portion, or a foreign matter inflow prevention member), and a first guide member (330) (or a guide, or an injection member, or a guide structure). The second protective structure (300b) may include a second cap structure corresponding to the first cap structure (310) of the first protective structure (300a), a second protective member corresponding to the first protective member (320), and a second guide member corresponding to the first guide member (330).

[0067] The first cap structure (310) may include a plate shape formed so that the thickness in the x-axis direction is thinner than the thickness in the y-axis direction or the z-axis direction. At least a portion of the first cap structure (310) may be formed by metal injection molding (MIM). For example, at least a portion of the first cap structure (310) may be formed of an F75 composite material metal for MIM. However, the material of the first cap structure (310) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least a portion may include a reinforced plastic or polymer material. For example, the first cap structure (310) may have higher strength or hardness than the first protective member (320) or the first guide member (330). Alternatively, the first cap structure (310) may have lower ductility than the first protective member (320) or the first guide member (330).

[0068] At least a portion of the first cap structure (310) may be inserted and fixed into the hinge housing (150), and the remaining portion may be positioned to protrude a certain height toward the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the hinge housing (150). The first cap structure (310) includes a main body (310_bd), and the main body (310_bd) may include a cap upper portion (310_up), a cap middle portion (310_md), and a cap lower portion (310_dn). The cap lower portion (310_dn) may be inserted and fixed into one side of the hinge housing (150) (e.g., a cap engaging groove formed in the first hinge housing side wall (150_wl)). In this regard, the width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) of the cap lower portion (310_dn) may be formed to be smaller than or equal to the width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) of the hinge housing (150). The cap upper portion (310_up) may include a portion that is exposed to the outside when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. The cap upper portion (310_up) may include a structure that protrudes in the z-axis direction. The cap middle portion (310_md) may have a width that is equal to or similar to the width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) of the cap upper portion (310_up) or the width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) of the cap lower portion (310_dn). Alternatively, the cap middle portion (310_md) may have a width greater than the width of the cap lower portion (310_dn). The cap middle portion (310_md) may include a guide structure. For example, the cap stop (310_md) may include a first guide hole (310_gh1) and a second guide hole (310_gh2) in the form of a long hole that penetrates from the x-axis to the -x-axis and has a length of the z-axis longer than the length of the y-axis.

[0069] The first guide hole (310_gh1) and the second guide hole (310_gh2) above have the same or similar shapes, are spaced apart with a set size in the y-axis direction, and can be arranged in parallel in the z-axis direction. In order to support the insertion of the first protruding structure (330_pr1), the hole size of the lower part of the first guide hole (310_gh1) (e.g., a part closer to the cap lower part (310_dn) than the cap upper part (310_up)) can be formed to be larger than the hole size of the upper part (e.g., a part closer to the cap upper part (310_up) than the cap lower part (310_dn)). The first guide hole (310_gh1) can guide the movement (e.g., movement in the z-axis or -z-axis direction, or movement in the front or rear direction of the display (160)) or the movement direction of the first protruding structure (330_pr1) of the first guide member (330). In this regard, the first guide hole (310_gh1) may include hole areas of different sizes by a stepped structure in the -x-axis direction. For example, the size of a hole area arranged in the -x-axis direction among the first guide holes (310_gh1) may be larger than the size of a hole area arranged in the x-axis direction. The stepped structure of the inner wall forming the first guide hole (310_gh1) may support at least a part of the first protruding structure (330_pr1) mounted (or arranged) within the first guide hole (310_gh1).

[0070] The second guide hole (310_gh2) may have the same or similar shape and size as the first guide hole (310_gh1). For example, the second guide hole (310_gh2) may be formed so that the length in the z-axis direction is longer than the length in the other axial direction. The hole size of the lower portion of the second guide hole (310_gh2) (e.g., a portion closer to the cap lower portion (310_dn) than the cap upper portion (310_up)) may be formed larger than the hole size of the upper portion (e.g., a portion closer to the cap upper portion (310_up) than the cap lower portion (310_dn)). Correspondingly, the second protruding structure (330_pr2) may be inserted and coupled through the lower portion of the second guide hole (310_gh2). The second guide hole (310_gh2) can guide the movement (e.g., movement in the z-axis or -z-axis direction, or movement in the front or rear direction of the display (160)) or the movement direction of the second protruding structure (330_pr2) of the first guide member (330). In this regard, the second guide hole (310_gh2) may include hole areas of different sizes by a stepped structure in the -x-axis direction, similar to the first guide hole (310_gh1). For example, the size of a hole area arranged in the -x-axis direction among the second guide holes (310_gh2) may be larger than the size of a hole area arranged in the x-axis direction. The stepped structure of the inner wall forming the second guide hole (310_gh2) can support the second protruding structure (330_pr2) mounted (or arranged) within the second guide hole (310_gh2). Meanwhile, in the first protective structure (300a) described above, the first cap structure (310) is exemplified as a structure including two guide holes (310_gh1, 310_gh2), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first cap structure (310) may include three or more guide holes.In response to this, three or more protruding structures (330_pr1, 330_pr2) may be provided to be placed on the first guide member (330).

[0071] At least a portion of the first protective member (320) may be composed of a different material from the guide member (330). For example, the first protective member (320) may include a material having a certain degree of ductility or greater (e.g., rubber, polymer, leather, or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)). Alternatively, the first protective member (320) may include a material having a certain degree of elasticity or greater. As an example, the first protective member (320) may be composed of a material having higher ductility or higher elasticity than the guide member (330). The first protective member (320) may have a structure that is separate from the first cap structure (310). The first protective member (320) may have a partially deformed shape (or state) depending on the folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (100). The first protective member (320) may include a center portion (320_cen), a first wing portion (320_wg1), and a second wing portion (320_wg2). When viewed from a direction facing the front of the display (160), a portion of the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2) of the first protective member (320) may be arranged to overlap the first deco (190a) and the second deco (190b). When viewed from a direction facing the front of the display (160), the center portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) and other portions of the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside.

[0072] The central portion (320_cen) may be formed such that the length in the x-axis or -x-axis direction is longer than the length in the z-axis or -z-axis direction. The upper portion of the central portion (320_cen) may have a shape that protrudes more than the periphery due to the guide upper portion (330_up) of the first guide member (330). The lower portion of the central portion (320_cen) may have a flat shape. The central portion (320_cen) may include a portion that is exposed to the outside when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. When viewed from the direction facing the front of the display (160), the central portion (320_cen) may be arranged to overlap a part of the folding area of ​​the display (160) (e.g., the -x-axis edge and the x-axis edge). According to one embodiment, the central portion (320_cen) may be arranged to come into contact with a part of the folding area of ​​the display (160). The upper guide portion (330_up) of the guide member (330) may be placed inside the central portion (320_cen). Alternatively, the central portion (320_cen) may be placed to surround at least a portion of the upper guide portion (330_up).

[0073] The first wing part (320_wg1) may include a first portion (320_wg1p1) extending in the y-axis direction from the center part (320_cen), and a second portion (320_wg1p2) extending from the first portion (320_wg1p1) and having a first mounting hole (320_h1) formed therein. The first wing part (320_wg1) may include a strip shape extending long in the y-axis direction from the center part (320_cen) as a whole. The first portion (320_wg1p1) of the first wing part (320_wg1) (e.g., a portion adjacent to the center part (320_cen) or a portion between the center part (320_cen) and the second portion (320_wg1p2)) may have the same width (e.g., the same length in the x-axis direction) as the center part (320_cen). At least a portion of the second portion (320_wg1p2) of the first wing portion (320_wg1) (e.g., a portion spaced apart from the center portion (320_cen) by a specified distance, or a portion extending in the y-axis direction from the first portion (320_wg1p1), or a y-axis-direction edge portion of the first wing portion (320_wg1), or a peripheral portion where the first mounting hole (320_h1) is formed) may have a width narrower than that of the center portion (320_cen). Alternatively, at least a portion of the width of the second portion (320_wg1p2) of the first wing portion (320_wg1) may be formed to be narrower than the width of the center portion (320_cen).

[0074] The thickness (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) of the first part (320_wg1p1) of the first wing part (320_wg1) may be formed thinner than the thickness (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) of the center part (320_cen). The first part (320_wg1p1) of the first wing part (320_wg1) may have a constant thickness. Alternatively, the thickness of the first part (320_wg1p1) of the first wing part (320_wg1) may become thinner as it goes in the y-axis direction (or as it goes away from the center part (320_cen)). As an example, the second part (320_wg1p2) of the first wing part (320_wg1) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the first part (320_wg1p1) of the first wing part (320_wg1). In the second part (320_wg1p2), a first mounting hole (320_h1) may be formed to penetrate the z-axis direction. With respect to the y-axis, one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the second part (320_wg1p2) may be arranged to protrude further in the -x-axis direction than one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the first part (320_wg1p1). Alternatively, with respect to the y-axis, the other edge (e.g., the x-axis edge) of the first part (320_wg1p1) may be arranged to protrude further in the x-axis direction than the other edge (e.g., the x-axis edge) of the second part (320_wg1p2). Accordingly, a step may be formed at a portion where the first part (320_wg1p1) and the second part (320_wg1p2) are connected. The first wing portion (320_wg1) may have the same material as the central portion (320_cen). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, a first portion (320_wg1p1) of the first wing portion (320_wg1) may be exposed to the outside together with a part of the first cap structure (310) (e.g., the cap upper portion (310_up)), and a second portion (320_wg1p2) of the first wing portion (320_wg1) may be arranged to overlap one edge of the first deco (190a) (e.g., the first edge (190a_eg1)).Alternatively, the second portion (320_wg1p2) may be covered by the first edge (190a_eg1). The first mounting hole (320_h1) may be mounted on a protrusion formed on the inside of the first edge (190a_eg1).

[0075] The second wing part (320_wg2) may have a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the first wing part (320_wg1) with respect to the center part (320_cen). For example, the second wing part (320_wg2) may include a third part (320_wg2p1) (or a first part of the second wing part (320_wg2)) extending from the center part (320_cen) in the -y-axis direction, and a fourth part (320_wg2p2) (or a second part of the second wing part (320_wg2)) extending from the third part (320_wg2p1) and having a second mounting hole (320_h2) formed therein. The second wing part (320_wg2) may include a strip shape that extends long in the -y-axis direction from the center part (320_cen) as a whole. The third part (320_wg2p1) of the second wing part (320_wg2) may have the same width (e.g., the same length in the x-axis direction) as the first part (320_wg1p1) of the first wing part (320_wg1) or the center part (320_cen). At least a part of the fourth part (320_wg2p2) of the second wing part (320_wg2) (e.g., the edge part in the -y-axis direction of the second wing part (320_wg2) or the peripheral part where the first mounting hole (320_h1) is formed) may have the same width as the width of the second part (320_wg1p2) of the first wing part (320_wg1) or a width narrower than the center part (320_cen). Alternatively, at least a portion of the width of the fourth portion (320_wg2p2) of the second wing portion (320_wg2) may be formed narrower than the width of the center portion (320_cen).

[0076] The thickness (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) of the third portion (320_wg2p1) of the second wing portion (320_wg2) may have the same thickness as the thickness of the first portion (320_wg1p1) of the first wing portion (320_wg1). Alternatively, the thickness of the third portion (320_wg2p1) may be formed thinner than the thickness (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) of the center portion (320_cen). As an example, the thickness of the third portion (320_wg2p1) of the second wing portion (320_wg2) may be formed similarly to the thickness of the first portion (320_wg1p1) of the first wing portion (320_wg1). Alternatively, the thickness of the third portion (320_wg2p1) may become thinner in the -y-axis direction (or as it moves away from the center portion (320_cen)). As an example, the fourth part (320_wg2p2) of the second wing part (320_wg2) may be formed to be thinner than the third part (320_wg2p1) of the second wing part (320_wg2). A second mounting hole (320_h2) may be formed in the fourth part (320_wg2p2) to penetrate in the z-axis direction. With respect to the -y-axis, one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the fourth part (320_wg2p2) may be arranged to protrude further in the -x-axis direction than one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the third part (320_wg2p1). Alternatively, with respect to the -y-axis, the other edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the third part (320_wg2p1) may be positioned to protrude further in the x-axis direction than the other edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the fourth part (320_wg2p2). Accordingly, a step may be formed at the portion where the third part (320_wg2p1) and the fourth part (320_wg2p2) are connected. The step portion formed between the third part (320_wg2p1) and the fourth part (320_wg2p2) may be positioned at the same or similar position as the step portion formed between the first part (320_wg1p1) and the second part (320_wg1p2) with respect to the center (320_cen).The above second wing part (320_wg2) may have the same material as the first wing part (320_wg1) and the central part (320_cen).

[0077] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, a part of a third part (320_wg2p1) of the second wing part (320_wg2) is exposed to the outside together with a part of the first cap structure (310) (e.g., the cap upper part (310_up)), and a fourth part (320_wg2p2) of the second wing part (320_wg2) may be arranged to overlap one edge of the first deco (190a) (e.g., the first edge (190a_eg1)). Alternatively, the fourth part (320_wg2p2) may be covered by the third edge (190b_eg1). The first mounting hole (320_h1) may be mounted on a protrusion formed on the inside of the third edge (190b_eg1).

[0078] The first guide member (330) may be formed of a material having higher hardness or strength than the first protective member (320). Alternatively, the first guide member (330) may be formed of a material having lower ductility or elasticity than the first protective member (320). As an example, the first guide member (330) may include an injection-molded product. Alternatively, the first guide member (330) may be formed by metal injection molding (MIM) in the same or similar manner as the first cap structure (310). As an example, at least a portion of the first guide member (330) may include an F75 composite material metal for MIM. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first guide member (330) may be formed of an injection-molded product of a different material from the first cap structure (310). The above first guide member (330) may include a guide upper portion (330_up), a guide middle portion (330_md), and a guide lower portion (330_dn) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0079] The guide upper portion (330_up) may have a narrower width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) than the guide middle portion (330_md) or the guide lower portion (330_dn). At least a portion of the guide upper portion (330_up) may be arranged to overlap with the center portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320). Alternatively, an upper surface of the guide upper portion (330_up) (e.g., one side in the front direction of the display (160)), one side of the guide upper portion (330_up) (e.g., one side facing the x-axis), and a lower surface of the guide upper portion (330_up) (e.g., one side in the direction facing the rear of the display (160) or a side facing the front of the display (160)) may be surrounded by the center portion (320_cen). The first protective member (320) may not be arranged on the other side (e.g., the side facing the -x-axis) of the guide upper portion (330_up). The guide upper portion (330_up) may include a structure that protrudes from the upper side (e.g., the z-axis edge) of the guide middle portion (330_md) toward the center (or x-axis direction) of the display (160). Correspondingly, a portion of one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the display (160) may be arranged below the guide upper portion (330_up). According to one embodiment, the first guide member (330) may be formed by injection molding. The first protective member (320) surrounding the guide upper portion (330_up) may also be formed by an injection molding process.

[0080] The above guide stop portion (330_md) may be arranged between the guide upper portion (330_up) and the guide lower portion (330_dn), and may connect the guide upper portion (330_up) and the guide lower portion (330_dn). The guide stop portion (330_md) may have a constant width in the x-axis direction. The length of the guide stop portion (330_md) in the y-axis direction may include a structure in which it gradually decreases toward the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction). As an example, the length of the lower portion (e.g., the -z-axis direction edge) of the guide stop portion (330_md) in the y-axis direction may be the same as the length of the lower portion (330_dn) in the y-axis direction, and the length of the upper portion (e.g., the z-axis direction edge) of the guide stop portion (330_md) in the y-axis direction may be the same as the length of the upper portion (330_up) in the y-axis direction. The width (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the guide stop (330_md) can be formed to be shorter than the width (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the guide lower end (330_dn).

[0081] The guide lower part (330_dn) may include a portion protruding in the x-axis direction and a portion protruding in the -x-axis direction. According to one embodiment, the protrusion length of the portion protruding in the x-axis direction of the guide lower part (330_dn) may be formed shorter than the protrusion length of the portion protruding in the x-axis direction of the guide upper part (330_up). The guide lower part (330_dn) may include a first protruding structure (330_pr1) protruding in the -x-axis direction and fastened to a first guide hole (310_gh1), and a second protruding structure (330_pr2) protruding in the -x-axis direction and fastened to a second guide hole (310_gh2). According to one embodiment, the first protruding structure (330_pr1) may be arranged at the y-axis edge of the guide lower portion (330_dn), and the second protruding structure (330_pr2) may be arranged at the -y-axis edge of the guide lower portion (330_dn). The protruding lengths of the first protruding structure (330_pr1) and the second protruding structure (330_pr2) may have a length similar to the x-axis thickness of the first cap structure (310). The first protruding structure (330_pr1) may be formed such that the diameter of the end of the -x-axis edge is larger than that of other portions. The first protruding structure (330_pr1) may be inserted and fastened through the lower portion of the first guide hole (310_gh1), and may move (or slide) up and down along a step structure formed on the inner wall of the first guide hole (310_gh1). The second protruding structure (330_pr2) may have a structure similar to that of the first protruding structure (330_pr1). For example, the second protruding structure (330_pr2) may be formed such that the diameter of the end of the -x-axis edge is larger than that of other parts. The first protruding structure (330_pr1) is inserted and fastened through the lower end of the first guide hole (310_gh1), and can move (or slide) up and down along the step structure formed on the inner wall of the first guide hole (310_gh1).

[0082] Additionally or alternatively, the foldable electronic device (100) may be provided with a wing plate (e.g., a first wing plate (131)) disposed on a lower portion of the display (160). A first plate support member (131_sp) may be disposed at one end (e.g., an end in the -x-axis direction) of the first wing plate (131) to support a lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z-axis direction) of the guide lower portion (330_dn) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. The first plate support member (131_sp) may have a structure that protrudes further in the -z-axis direction than other portions of the first wing plate (131) so as to support the guide lower portion (330_dn). For example, at least a portion of the first plate support member (131_sp) may have an L-shaped z-axis cross-section. The above-described foldable electronic device (100) includes a second wing plate (132) that supports a display (160), and the second wing plate (132) supports one side of the guide lower portion (330_dn) in the same manner as the first plate support (131_sp) and may include a second plate support having the same or similar material and structure as the first plate support (131_sp).

[0083] At least a portion of the cross-section of a portion of the first guide member (330) in the z-axis direction may include a C-shape. The first guide member (330) may move in the -z-axis direction (or toward the rear of the display (160)) during folding of the foldable electronic device (100) and may move in the z-axis direction (or toward the front of the display (160)) during unfolding. During this process, the first guide member (330) may pressurize the central portion (320_cen) of the first protection member (320) to maintain close contact with at least a portion of the folding area of ​​the display (160). Accordingly, the generation of a gap between the folding area of ​​the display (160) and the first protection structure (300a) may be improved, thereby blocking or reducing the inflow of foreign substances.

[0084] Meanwhile, the description of the first protective structure (300a) described above may be applied to the second protective structure (300b) in the same or similar manner. For example, the second protective structure (300b) may include a second cap structure, a second protective member, and a second guide member. The second cap structure has the same or similar structure as the first cap structure (310) described above, and may have a structure similar to (or symmetrical to) the surrounding foldable electronic device. The second protective member has the same or similar structure as the first protective member (320) described above, and may have a structure similar to (or symmetrical to) the surrounding foldable electronic device. The second guide member has the same or similar structure as the first guide member (330) described above, and may have a structure similar to (or symmetrical to) the surrounding foldable electronic device.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a configuration of a first protective structure and some structures of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) shown in FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a z-axis cross-section with the configuration of the hinge housing and the hinge structure removed as mentioned above.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, some components of the foldable electronic device (100) forming a z-axis cross-section when the foldable electronic device (100) is folded may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a display (160), a first protective structure (300a), a first deco (190a), a second deco (190b), a first wing plate (131), and a second wing plate (132). The shape, material, and structure of the first housing (110), the second housing (120), the display (160), the first protective structure (300a), the first deco (190a), the second deco (190b), the first wing plate (131), and the second wing plate (132) may be the same as or similar to the shape, material, and structure of each component described above in FIGS. 1 to 4. Accordingly, detailed descriptions of the shapes, materials, and structures of the first housing (110), second housing (120), display (160), first protective structure (300a), first deco (190a), second deco (190b), first wing plate (131), and second wing plate (132) may be supplemented or replaced by the contents described above.

[0087] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be arranged parallel to each other in the z-axis direction. As the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are arranged parallel to each other in the z-axis direction, the folded area of ​​the display (160) may have a water drop shape. When the foldable electronic device (100) is changed to a folded state, the first deco (190a) and the second deco (190b) may be arranged parallel to each other in the z-axis direction. The first wing plate (131) supporting one side of the folded area of ​​the display (160) and the second wing plate (132) supporting the other side of the folded area of ​​the display (160) may be arranged in a form in which the distance between them increases as they go from the z-axis direction to the -z-axis direction.

[0088] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the first protective member (320) may form a water droplet shape similar to the folded area of ​​the display (160). The first protective member (320) may include a central portion (320_cen), a first wing portion (320_wg1), and a second wing portion (320_wg2), as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 . The first mounting hole (320_h1) formed at one end of the first wing part (320_wg1) can be mounted on the first mounting part (190a_mt) formed in the first deco (190a) (or on the sides of the first housing (110) covered by the first deco (190a) (e.g., the upper ends of each of the first side (110a) and the third side (110c)). The second mounting hole (320_h2) formed at one end of the second wing part (320_wg2) can be mounted on the second mounting part (190b_mt) formed in the second deco (190b) (or on the sides of the second housing (120) covered by the second deco (190b) (e.g., the upper ends of each of the fifth side (120a) and the seventh side (120c)). For example, when the first mounting hole (320_h1) is mounted and fixed to the first mounting portion (190a_mt), when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the second part (320_wg1p2) of the first wing part (320_wg1) is mounted to the first mounting portion (190a_mt), and the first part (320_wg1p1) of the first wing part (320_wg1) can form a part of a water drop shape while being bent in the -z-axis direction. For example, when the second mounting hole (320_h2) is mounted and fixed to the second mounting portion (190b_mt), when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the third part (320_wg2p1) of the second wing part (320_wg2) is mounted to the second mounting portion (190b_mt), and the second The fourth part (320_wg2p2) of the wing (320_wg2) can be bent in the -z-axis direction to form another part of the water drop shape.The pressure (or elastic force) generated in the -z-axis direction when the first wing part (320_wg1) and the second wing part (320_wg2) are each bent in the -z-axis direction can pressurize the center part (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) in the -z-axis direction. Accordingly, the first guide member (330) in which the center part (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) and one side (e.g., the guide upper part (330_up)) are coupled can move in the -z-axis direction along the guide holes (310_gh1, 310_gh2) formed in the first cap structure (310).

[0089] According to one embodiment, a lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z axis) of the center portion (320_cen) arranged to surround the first guide upper portion (330_up) of the first guide member (330) may be in contact with at least a portion of the center of the folding area of ​​the display (160) (or an inflection portion of the teardrop-shaped curved portion of the display (160). The guide upper portion (330_up) wrapped around the center portion (320_cen) of the first protection member (320) is pressed in the -z axis direction by the bending of the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2), and the guide upper portion (330_up) together with the center portion (320_cen) may press the folding area of ​​the display (160) in the -z axis direction. In this process, the first protrusion (320_gd1) disposed on the first wing portion (320_wg1) of the first protective member (320) protects the first side of the display (160) (e.g., a portion of the edge in the -x-axis direction of the teardrop-shaped curved display (160)), and the second protrusion (320_gd2) disposed on the second wing portion (320_wg2) of the first protective member (320) can protect the second side of the display (160) (e.g., another portion of the edge in the -x-axis direction of the teardrop-shaped curved display (160)). The first protrusion (320_gd1) can protrude toward the opposite side of the front side of the first wing portion (320_wg1) (e.g., a side observed from the front direction on which the screen of the display (160) is displayed) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. The second protrusion (320_gd2) may protrude toward the opposite side of the front surface of the second wing portion (320_wg2) (e.g., the side observed from the front direction where the screen of the display (160) is displayed) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. The first protrusion (320_gd1) and the second protrusion (320_gd2) may be formed of the same material as the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2).

[0090] Among the first guide members (330), the guide lower portion (330_dn) may be positioned close to the cap lower portion (310_dn) of the first cap structure (310) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state. As an example, the first protruding structure (330_pr1) protruding in the -x-axis direction from one end of the guide lower portion (330_dn) may be positioned at the -z-axis direction edge of the first guide hole (310_gh1) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, and the second protruding structure (330_pr2) protruding in the -x-axis direction from the other end of the guide lower portion (330_dn) may be positioned at the -z-axis direction edge of the second guide hole (310_gh2). The guide stop portion (330_md) located between the guide upper portion (330_up) and the guide lower portion (330_dn) may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the folding area of ​​the display (160) when viewed from the -x-axis to the x-axis direction.

[0091] When the first guide member (330) is moved toward the lower end of the first cap structure (310), the first plate support member (131_sp) extended from the first wing plate (131) and the second plate support member (132_sp) extended from the second wing plate (132) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first guide member (330). As an example, the first plate support member (131_sp) and the second plate support member (132_sp) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the folding axis of the display (e.g., the axis crossing the folding area of ​​the display in the x-axis direction, or the axis crossing the center of the third area (163) from the -x-axis to the x-axis).

[0092] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating one example of a direction for the first protective structure state in an unfolded state and a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a direction for the first protective structure state in an unfolded state and a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIGS. 6 and 7, the first protective structure (300a) may have a state in which the first guide member (330) is moved in the direction of the hinge housing (150) (or in the -z-axis direction) as in states 601 and 701 when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state. According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2) of the first protective member (320) may be arranged to be bent in the z-axis direction as described above in FIG. 5. As the first wing part (320_wg1) and the second wing part (320_wg2) are bent while the first mounting hole (320_h1) of the first wing part (320_wg1) is fixed to one side of the first deco (190a) and the second mounting hole (320_h2) of the second wing part (320_wg2) is fixed to one side of the second deco (190b), a portion of the first wing part (320_wg1) located closer to the center (320_cen) and a portion of the second wing part (320_wg2) located closer to the center (320_cen) can be deformed to pressurize the center (320_cen) in the -z-axis direction.

[0094] According to one embodiment, at least a part of a first protruding structure (330_pr1) formed on a first guide member (330) (e.g., a guide lower end (330_dn)) may be coupled to a first guide hole (310_gh1) formed on a cap stop portion (310_md) of a first cap structure (310), and at least a part of a second protruding structure (330_pr2) formed on a first guide member (330) (e.g., a guide lower end (330_dn)) may be coupled to a second guide hole (310_gh2) formed on a cap stop portion (310_md) of the first cap structure (310). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, as the center portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) moves in the -z-axis direction, the guide upper portion (330_up) of the first guide member (330) wrapped by the center portion (320_cen) can also move in the -z-axis direction. When the first guide member (330) moves in the -z-axis direction, the first protruding structure (330_pr1) can move toward the cap lower portion (310_dn) along the first guide hole (310_gh1) formed in the cap middle portion (310_md), and the second protruding structure (330_pr2) can move toward the cap lower portion (310_dn) along the second guide hole (310_gh2) formed in the cap middle portion (310_md). The cap lower portion (310_dn) is coupled to one side of the hinge housing (150), and thus, the first cap structure (310) can be maintained in a fixed state regardless of movement of the first guide member (330) or deformation of the first protection member (320).

[0095] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first protective member (320) may protect the -x-axis edge of the folded area of ​​the display (160) while forming a droplet shape having a shape identical or similar to the droplet shape of the display (160) while the folded area of ​​the display (160) forms a droplet shape. As an example, the first wing portion (320_wg1), the second wing portion (320_wg2), and the central portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) may protect at least a portion of the curved areas (or folded areas) in the front direction of the display (160). Additionally or alternatively, the first protrusion (320_gd1) protruding in a direction opposite to one side of the first wing portion (320_wg1) of the first protective member (320) and the second protrusion (320_gd2) protruding in a direction opposite to one side of the second wing portion (320_wg2) may each face a side of the folding area of ​​the display (160) and protect at least a portion of the side of the display (160). Alternatively, the first protrusion (320_gd1) and the second protrusion (320_gd2) may prevent damage due to contact between the side of the folding area of ​​the display (160) and the first cap structure (310) or damage due to contact with other surrounding structures (e.g., the first housing (110) and the second housing (120)).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first protective structure (300a) may have a state in which the first guide member (330) is moved in the front direction (or z-axis direction) of the display (160) as in states 603 and 703 when the foldable electronic device (100) is in the unfolded state. According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2) of the first protective member (320) may be arranged to unfold in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction. As the first wing part (320_wg1) and the second wing part (320_wg2) are arranged flat to correspond to the unfolded state of the display (160), a part of the lower surface of the first wing part (320_wg1), a part of the lower surface of the second wing part (320_wg2), and a part of the lower surface of the center part (320_cen) can be arranged to cover a part of the front edge of the display (160) while maintaining a flat state.

[0097] According to one embodiment, at least a part of a first protruding structure (330_pr1) formed on a first guide member (330) (e.g., a guide lower end (330_dn)) may be coupled to a first guide hole (310_gh1) formed on a cap stop portion (310_md) of a first cap structure (310), and at least a part of a second protruding structure (330_pr2) formed on a first guide member (330) (e.g., a guide lower end (330_dn)) may be coupled to a second guide hole (310_gh2) formed on a cap stop portion (310_md) of the first cap structure (310). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, as the center portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) moves in the z-axis direction, the guide upper portion (330_up) of the first guide member (330) wrapped by the center portion (320_cen) can also move in the z-axis direction. When the first guide member (330) moves in the z-axis direction, the first protruding structure (330_pr1) can move toward the cap upper portion (310_up) along the first guide hole (310_gh1) formed in the cap middle portion (310_md), and the second protruding structure (330_pr2) can move toward the cap upper portion (310_up) along the second guide hole (310_gh2) formed in the cap middle portion (310_md).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first protective member (320) can protect at least a portion of the -x-axis edge of the central region (or the third region (163)) of the display (160) when the display (160) is spread out flat. As an example, the first wing portion (320_wg1), the second wing portion (320_wg2), and the central portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) can protect the third region (163) in the front direction of the display (160). Additionally or alternatively, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first protrusion (320_gd1) protruding in the -z-axis direction from the first wing portion (320_wg1) of the first protective member (320) and the second protrusion (320_gd2) protruding in the -z-axis direction from the second wing portion (320_wg2) may each face a side surface of the third region (163) of the display (160), thereby protecting at least a portion of the side surface of the display (160) (or at least a portion of the side surface of the third region (163)). Alternatively, the first protrusion (320_gd1) and the second protrusion (320_gd2) may prevent damage due to contact between the side surface of the third region (163) of the display (160) and the first cap structure (310).

[0099] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement state of structures including a part of a first protective structure and a part of a hinge structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement state of some structures including a part of a first protective structure and a part of a hinge structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement state of some structures including a first protective structure and a wing plate of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section taken along the BB` line of FIG. 10.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, a foldable electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may have a display (160) in a folded state. At least a portion of a fixing bracket (200_fix_br) may be arranged and fixed to a hinge housing (150). A first rotation member (200_ro1) and a second rotation member (200_ro2) may be coupled to the fixing bracket (200_fix_br). The first rotation member (200_ro1) and the second rotation member (200_ro2) may be connected to the housings (110, 120) described in FIG. 1, respectively, and may support the first wing plate (131) and the second wing plate (132) in the folding direction of the foldable electronic device (100). The first wing plate (131) and the second wing plate (132) may be arranged to be spread apart in the -z-axis direction. When the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the first plate support (131_sp) and the second plate support (132_sp) supporting the first guide member (330) may be arranged at a position spaced apart from the first guide member (330) to form a space or passage used for moving the first guide member (330) in the -z-axis direction. The first guide member (330) may include a guide upper portion (330_up) surrounded by a center portion (320_cen) of the first protection member (320), a guide lower portion (330_dn) spaced apart from the guide upper portion (330_up) and having a first protruding structure (330_pr1) and a second protruding structure (330_pr2) arranged thereon, and a guide middle portion (330_md) connecting the guide upper portion (330_up) and the guide lower portion (330_dn).

[0101] According to one embodiment, while the display (160) is folded, at least a portion of the first rotation member (200_ro1) and the second rotation member (200_ro2) coupled to the fixed bracket (200_fix_br) among the hinge structures (200a or 200b) disposed (or fixed, secured) to the hinge housing (150) may be arranged to face each other with respect to the z-axis direction. When the display (160) is in a folded state, the first rotation member (200_ro1) and the second rotation member (200_ro2) of the hinge structure (200a or 200b) may be arranged to have a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the folding axis of the foldable electronic device (100). For example, with respect to a line passing through the z-axis, the first rotational member (200_ro1) may be arranged to be inclined at an angle less than 90 degrees in the y-axis direction, and the second rotational member (200_ro2) may be arranged to be inclined at an angle less than 90 degrees in the -y-axis direction. In response to the inclined states of the first rotational member (200_ro1) and the second rotational member (200_ro2), the folding area of ​​the display (160) may form a water droplet shape.

[0102] According to one embodiment, in response to a situation where the folding area of ​​the display (160) forms a water drop shape, at least a portion of the first protective member (320) among the first protective structures (300a) arranged to protect a portion of the edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the folding area of ​​the display (160) may be bent into a shape corresponding to the water drop shape of the display (160). As an example, at least a portion of the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2) may be arranged to face each other, and the center portion (320_cen) may be arranged at the center of the bent first protective member (320) to press the first guide member (330) in the -z-axis direction.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (150) may include a cap coupling groove (150_hd) to which the first cap structure (310) can be coupled. The cap coupling groove (150_hd) may include a groove having an engraved shape in the -z-axis direction on one side wall (e.g., a side wall in the -x-axis direction) of the hinge housing (150). At least a portion of the guide lower end (330_dn) of the first guide member (330) may be placed in the cap coupling groove (150_hd) formed on the side wall of the hinge housing (150). When the first cap structure (310) is inserted into the cap joining groove (150_hd), the lower end of the first guide hole (310_gh1) and the lower end of the second guide hole (310_gh2) can be aligned with the upper end of the side wall of the hinge housing (150) forming the cap joining groove (150_hd). Correspondingly, the first protruding structure (330_pr1) and the second protruding structure (330_pr2), which are formed in the guide lower end (330_dn) and joined to the first guide hole (310_gh1) and the second guide hole (310_gh2) of the first cap structure (310), respectively, can be positioned at the lower end of the first guide hole (310_gh1) and the lower end of the second guide hole (310_gh2), respectively, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state. Each of the first protruding structure (330_pr1) and the second protruding structure (330_pr2) can be positioned to contact the upper portion of the side wall forming the cap engaging groove (150_hd) of the hinge housing (150).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first protrusion (320_gd1) disposed on the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second protrusion (320_gd2) disposed on the second wing portion (320_wg2) may be disposed so as to protect at least a portion of the side of the folding area of ​​the display (160) while the placement position changes according to the folding operation of the display (160). Alternatively, the first protrusion (320_gd1) disposed on the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second protrusion (320_gd2) disposed on the second wing portion (320_wg2) may be disposed to cover the side of the folding area of ​​the display (160) while the arrangement position changes according to the folding operation of the display (160), thereby covering the gap between the side of the folding area of ​​the display (160) and the housings (or hinge housings), thereby preventing or reducing the inflow of foreign substances into the gap. The lower surface of the center portion (320_cen) may be in contact with the upper surface of the folding area of ​​the display (160), thereby improving (e.g., suppressing the occurrence of the gap or covering the gap) the gap that may be formed between at least a portion of the front of the folding area of ​​the display (160) and the housings, thereby preventing or reducing the inflow of foreign substances through the gap.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a part of a structure of a foldable electronic device of a first protective structure in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a part of a structure of a first protective structure and a part of a structure of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an arrangement state of wing plates and a first protective structure while the foldable electronic device is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state according to an embodiment.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, a foldable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include at least a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a first deco (190a), a second deco (190b), a hinge housing (150), and may include a first wing plate (131) and a second wing plate (132) coupled to a hinge structure at least partially secured to the hinge housing (150).

[0107] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be arranged parallel to each other on the xy plane. Alternatively, one side wall of the first housing (110) and one side wall of the second housing (120) may be arranged to face each other. The first protective structure (300a) may include a first cap structure (310), a first protective member (320), and a first guide member (330). The first cap structure (310) may be arranged between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and the first guide member (330) or between the first protective member (320) with respect to the -x-axis or x-axis direction. Alternatively, the first cap structure (310) may be disposed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and the wing plates (131, 132). When the display (160) is disposed, the first cap structure (310) may be disposed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and one side of the display (160).

[0108] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the upper end (or upper center) of the cap upper end (310_up) of the first cap structure (310) may be arranged (or formed) to protrude further in the z-axis direction than the first protective member (320) and the first guide member (330). At least a portion of the first guide member (330) (e.g., the guide middle end (330_md) and the guide lower end (330_dn)) may be arranged lower in the -z-axis direction than the first protective member (320). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first wing part (320_wg1) and the second wing part (320_wg2) of the first protective member (320) may maintain an unfolded state in the y-axis and -y-axis directions. When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first wing plate (131) and the second wing plate (132) can maintain the unfolded state. The first plate support portion (131_sp) can be arranged with a step in the direction of the first housing (110) (or the -x-axis direction) and the -z-axis direction from one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the first wing plate (131). The second plate support portion (132_sp) can be arranged with a step in the direction of the second housing (120) (or the -x-axis direction) and the -z-axis direction from one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the second wing plate (132). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first plate support portion (131_sp) and the second plate support portion (132_sp) can be arranged in parallel in the -x-axis direction. When the above foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first guide member (330) can be positioned adjacent to the top of the first cap structure (310) (or the cap top portion (310_up)).

[0109] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, a portion of the guide lower portion (330_dn) of the first guide member (330) may be supported by a first plate support portion (131_sp) that is stepped and protrudes from the first wing plate (131), and another portion of the guide lower portion (330_dn) may be supported by a second plate support portion (132_sp) that is stepped and protrudes from the second wing plate (132).

[0110] In the above-described structure, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first plate support (131_sp) and the second plate support (132_sp) can push up the guide lower portion (330_dn) of the first guide member (330) in the z-axis direction or firmly support the guide lower portion (330_dn). The -x-axis edge of the display (160) placed on the upper portions of the first wing plate (131) and the second wing plate (132) can be in close contact with the center portion (320_cen) of the first protection member (320), the first wing portion (320_wg1), and the second wing portion (320_wg2) combined with the guide upper portion (330_up) of the first guide member (330). This contact state can suppress or improve the occurrence of a gap between one edge of the folding area of ​​the display (160) and the first protective member (320), thereby preventing or reducing the inflow of foreign substances through the gap.

[0111] Meanwhile, in the above description, a structure in which a first plate support (131_sp) is formed on one edge of the first wing plate (131) and a second plate support (132_sp) is formed on one edge of the second wing plate (132) is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a third plate support symmetrical to the first plate support (131_sp) may be arranged on the other edge of the first wing plate (131), and a fourth plate support may be arranged on the other edge of the second wing plate (132). The third plate support and the fourth plate support may support the lower surface of the lower portion (e.g., the lower portion of the guide) of the second guide member arranged on the second protective structure (300b) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, the drawing illustrated in FIG. 14 illustrates a first wing plate (131), a second wing plate (132), and a first protective structure (300a) among the configurations of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the foldable electronic device (100) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state, as illustrated, the first wing plate (131) and the second wing plate (132) may be arranged in a tilted form with a certain inclination angle in the z-axis direction while being unfolded on the xy plane. When the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2) of the first protective member (320) of the first protective structure (300a) may be arranged in a state in which they are each bent in the z-axis direction. In response to this, at least a portion of the first wing portion (320_wg1) and the second wing portion (320_wg2) may be arranged to extend further in the z-axis direction than the upper portion of the cap upper portion (310_up).

[0113] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the center portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) can move along the first guide member (330) to the cap lower portion (310_dn) of the first cap structure (310). As an example, when the foldable electronic device (100) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first protruding structure (330_pr1) and the second protruding structure (330_pr2) formed at the guide lower portion (330_dn) of the first guide member (330) can move along the first guide hole (310_gh1) and the second guide hole (310_gh2) formed at the cap middle portion (310_md), respectively, to the cap lower portion (310_dn).

[0114] While the first wing plate (131) and the second wing plate (132) have a specified inclination angle in the z-axis direction and are in an inclined state, the first plate support portion (131_sp) extending from one edge of the first wing plate (131) may also be arranged in a state of being inclined at a certain angle in the z-axis direction in response to the inclined state of the first wing plate (131), and the second plate support portion (132_sp) extending from one edge of the second wing plate (132) may also be arranged in a state of being inclined at a certain angle in the z-axis direction in response to the inclined state of the second wing plate (132). In this process, the support state (or contact state) between the first plate support (131_sp) and the guide lower portion (330_dn) of the first guide member (330) and the support state (or contact state) between the second plate support (132_sp) and the guide lower portion (330_dn) of the second guide member (330) can be released.

[0115] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of a first deformation protection structure according to one embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, a first deformation protection structure (300_ch) according to one embodiment may include a first deformation cap structure (310_ch), a first protection member (320), and a first deformation guide member (330_ch).

[0117] The first deformable cap structure (310_ch) may include a cap upper portion (310_up), a deformable cap middle portion (310_md_ch), and a cap lower portion (310_dn). The cap upper portion (310_up) and the cap lower portion (310_dn) may have the same or similar structure and material as the cap upper portion and the cap lower portion described in at least one of FIGS. 2 to 14. The deformable cap middle portion (310_md_ch) may include a guide groove (310_gr) that is sunken in the -x-axis direction from the x-axis. In the drawing, the sunken shape of the guide groove (310_gr) is exemplified as a rectangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the guide groove (310_gr) may vary in correspondence with the shape of the deformable protruding structure (330_pr_ch) formed in the first deformable guide member (330_ch). For example, the guide groove (310_gr) may include 11-shaped grooves spaced apart at a specified interval and arranged in parallel in the z-axis direction. As an example, the guide groove (310_gr) may include various shapes of grooves that allow the deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) formed on the first deformable guide member (330_ch) to move in the z-axis or -z-axis direction.

[0118] The first protective member (320) includes a center portion (320_cen), a first wing portion (320_wg1), and a second wing portion (320_wg2). The first wing portion (320_wg1) may include a first mounting hole (320_h1), and the second wing portion (320_wg2) may include a second mounting hole (320_h2). The first protective member (320) may have a structure substantially the same as or similar to the first protective member described in at least one of the drawings among FIGS. 1 to 14. Accordingly, the description of each part of the first protective member (320) may be supplemented or replaced with the description of the first protective member (320) mentioned in the descriptions related to at least one of the drawings among FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0119] The first deformation guide member (330_ch) may include a guide upper portion (330_up), a guide middle portion (330_md), and a deformation guide lower portion (330_dn_ch). The guide upper portion (330_up), the guide middle portion (330_md), and the deformation guide lower portion (330_dn_ch) may be formed as an integral part. For example, the guide upper portion (330_up), the guide middle portion (330_md), and the deformation guide lower portion (330_dn_ch) may be formed from the same injection molded material.

[0120] The guide upper portion (330_up) may be formed to protrude or extend in the x-axis direction from the upper portion of the guide middle portion (330_md). At least a portion of the cross-section of the guide upper portion (330_up) (e.g., a cross-section in the z-axis direction) may include an elliptical, polygonal, or at least a partially distorted circular shape. The guide upper portion (330_up) may be arranged so as to be at least partially surrounded by the center portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320). Alternatively, the center portion (320_cen) may be arranged to surround the guide upper portion (330_up). The guide middle portion (330_md) may be arranged to connect the guide upper portion (330_up) and the deformable guide lower portion (330_dn_ch), and may include a structure in which the width (e.g., the y-axis length) decreases from the bottom to the top. The guide upper portion (330_up) and the guide middle portion (330_md) may have structures substantially identical or similar to the guide upper portion and the guide middle portion of the first guide member (330) described in at least one of the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 14. Accordingly, the description of the guide upper portion (330_up) and the guide middle portion (330_md) may be replaced with or supplemented by the description of the guide upper portion and the guide middle portion of the first guide member (330) described above.

[0121] The lower part of the above-mentioned deformation guide (330_dn_ch) may be formed so that the length in the y-axis (or -y-axis) direction is longer than the length in the x-axis (or -x-axis) direction. The bottom surface (the surface facing the -z-axis, the bottom surface) of the lower part of the deformation guide (330_dn_ch) may be formed flat. The lower part of the above-mentioned deformation guide (330_dn_ch) may include a protruding front end (330_dn_fr) protruding in the x-axis direction based on the guide middle part (330_md), and a deformable protruding structure (330_pr_ch) protruding in the -x-axis direction based on the guide middle part (330_md). Alternatively, the guide middle part (330_md) may be arranged between the protruding front end (330_dn_fr) and the deformable protruding structure (330_pr_ch). The above-described protruding front end (330_dn_fr) may include a structure identical to or similar to the front end structure facing the x-axis among the structures of the guide lower end (330_dn) of the first guide member (330) described above. When the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the above-described protruding front end (330_dn_fr) may be supported by plate support parts (131_sp, 132_sp) extending from the first wing plate (131) and the second wing plate (132).

[0122] The above-described deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) may be formed to protrude in the -x-axis direction from the center of the deformable guide lower portion (330_dn_ch) or the point where the guide stop portion (330_md) is located. The above-described deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) may include a structure corresponding to at least a portion of the shape of the guide groove (310_gr) formed in the deformable cap stop portion (310_md_ch). For example, the length of the deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) in the y-axis direction may be formed to be the same as or similar to the length of the guide groove (310_gr) in the y-axis direction. The z-axis thickness of the deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) may be formed to be shorter than the length of the guide groove (310_gr) in the z-axis direction. Alternatively, the sum of the z-axis thickness of the deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) and the z-axis and -z-axis movement distances of the first deformable guide member (330_ch) may be formed to be equal to or similar to the z-axis length of the guide groove (310_gr). The -x-axis protrusion length of the deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) may have a length corresponding to (e.g., equal to or similar to) the -x-axis depth of the guide groove (310_gr).

[0123] The first deformation protection structure (300_ch) described above may include a first deformation cap structure (310_ch) coupled with a first deformation guide member (330_ch) that replaces the guide holes (310_gh1, 310_gh2) to include a guide groove (310_gr). The first deformation protection structure (300_ch) of this structure can prevent or reduce the inflow of foreign substances through the guide holes (310_gh1, 310_gh2) by replacing the guide holes (310_gh1, 310_gh2) facing the x-axis direction from the -x-axis with the guide groove (310_gr).

[0124] Meanwhile, at least a part of each of the first cap structure (310) (or the first deformed cap structure (310_ch)), the first protective member (320) and the first guide member (330) (or the first deformed guide member (330_ch)) described in the protective structures (300a, 300b) or the first deformed protective structure (300_ch) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be deformed. For example, a foldable electronic device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a structure in which, among the contents of the protective structures (300a, 300b) or the first deformable protective structure (300_ch), the elasticity of the first protective member (320) is higher than that of the first guide member (330) (or the first deformable guide member (330_ch)), and the first guide member (330) (or the first deformable guide member (330_ch)) can move in one direction in relation to the first cap structure (310) (or the first deformable cap structure (310_ch)), and at least some of the detailed shapes or materials of the remaining components forming the foldable electronic device (100) can be deformed.

[0125] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section taken along the AA` line of FIG. 3 for an unfolded state of a first deformable foldable electronic device to which a first deformable protection structure is applied according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section taken along the AA` line of FIG. 3 for a folded state of a first deformable foldable electronic device to which a first deformable protection structure is applied according to one embodiment.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, 15 and 16, a first deformable foldable electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may include at least a first housing (110), a first deco, a display (160), a first wing plate (131), a hinge housing (150), a fixing bracket (200_fix_br) constituting a hinge structure, a first rotation member (200_ro1) and a first deformable protection structure (300_ch). Some configurations of the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) described above are examples of cross-sections cut in the z-axis direction for a portion including the first deformable protection structure (300_ch), and may further include other structures as described above in FIG. 1.

[0127] The first housing (110), the first deco, the display, the first wing plate (131), the hinge housing (150), the fixing bracket, and the first rotation member (200_ro1) may correspond to the respective configurations described in at least one of the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 14 above. Accordingly, detailed descriptions of the first housing (110), the first deco, the display, the first wing plate (131), the hinge housing (150), the fixing bracket (200_fix_br), and the first rotation member (200_ro1) may be replaced or supplemented by the contents described above.

[0128] The above first deformation protection structure (300_ch) may include a first deformation cap structure (310_ch), a first protection member (320), and a first deformation guide member (330_ch), as described above in FIG. 15.

[0129] The above first deformation cap structure (310_ch) may include a cap upper portion (310_up), a deformation cap middle portion (310_md_ch), and a cap lower portion (310_dn).

[0130] The cap upper portion (310_up) may include a portion that protrudes further in the z-axis direction than the z-axis upper portion of the first housing (110) when the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. The cap upper portion (310_up) may be disposed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) or between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) and the display (160), thereby blocking or reducing the inflow of foreign substances through the display (160) and the housings (110, 120). The upper portion of the cap upper portion (310_up) may include a curved shape in response to the movement path of the first deco (190a) (or the second deco (190b)) while the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is folded or unfolded from a folded state. The thickness length of the cap upper portion (310_up) may be formed to be shorter than the x-axis width length of the first deco (190a). Alternatively, the sum of the -x-axis (or x-axis) thickness of the cap upper portion (310_up) and the -x-axis (or x-axis) thickness of the first protective member (320) may be formed to be equal to or similar to the -x-axis length of the first deco (190a).

[0131] According to one embodiment, when the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the height of the center portion (or the upper portion protruding in the z-axis direction) of the cap upper portion (310_up) may be formed to be the same as or similar to the height of the center portion (320_cen) (or the upper portion protruding in the z-axis direction) of the first protective member (320). When the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state and observed in a direction from the -x-axis toward the x-axis (or observed from the side of the display (160) in the unfolded state), the cap upper portion (310_up) may be arranged to overlap with the first protective member (320) and the first deformable guide member (330_ch) (e.g., the guide upper portion (330_up) and the guide middle portion (330_md)). Alternatively, when observed from a direction facing the side of the display (160), the lower end of the cap upper portion (310_up) may overlap with one side of the first housing (110). Alternatively, when observed from a direction facing the side of the display (160), at least a portion of the cap upper portion (310_up) may be arranged to overlap with the side of the display (160).

[0132] The above-described deformable cap stop portion (310_md_ch) may include a guide groove (310_gr). As described in FIG. 15, the guide groove (310_gr) may include, for example, a shape that is engraved (or sunken) in the -x-axis direction from the x-axis. At least a portion of the first deformable guide member (330_ch) (for example, at least a portion of the deformable protruding structure (330_pr_ch) formed at the lower end of the deformable guide (330_dn_ch)) may be disposed within the guide groove (310_gr). When the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, when observed in a direction toward the side of the display (160), the deformable cap stop portion (310_md_ch) may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the first housing (110). Alternatively, when the first deformation foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, when observed from a direction facing the side of the display (160), the deformation cap stop portion (310_md_ch) may be arranged to overlap with a portion of the guide stop portion (330_md) of the first deformation guide member (330_ch) and the deformation guide lower portion (330_dn_ch).

[0133] The cap lower portion (310_dn) may have a structure identical to or similar to the cap lower portion described above in FIGS. 1 to 15. At least a portion of the cap lower portion (310_dn) may be inserted (or seated, placed) into a cap coupling groove (150_hd) provided in the hinge housing (150). When the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, when observed from a direction facing the side of the display (160), a portion of the first housing (110), a portion of the side wall of the hinge housing (150), and at least a portion of the cap lower portion (310_dn) may be placed to overlap each other.

[0134] The first protective member (320) may include a central portion (320_cen) and a first wing portion (320_wg1). When the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, a portion of the central portion (320_cen) and the first wing portion (320_wg1) may be positioned to be exposed to the outside. Another portion of the first wing portion (320_wg1) (e.g., a portion where the first mounting hole (320_h1) is formed) may be covered by the lower portion of the first decoration (190a). Additionally or alternatively, as described above, the first protective member (320) may further include a second wing portion (320_wg2) including a second mounting hole (e.g., the second mounting hole (320_h2) described in FIG. 2). The center portion (320_cen) of the first protective member (320) may be arranged to surround the guide upper portion (330_up) of the first deformable guide member (330_ch). The first protective member (320) may be formed of an elastic or flexible material, and may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the side portion (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the folding area of ​​the display (160).

[0135] The above first deformation guide member (330_ch) may include a guide upper portion (330_up), a guide middle portion (330_md), and a deformation guide lower portion (330_dn_ch).

[0136] When the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, when observed from the side of the display (160), the deformation guide lower portion (330_dn_ch) may be arranged to overlap the first deformation cap structure (310_ch) (e.g., deformation cap stop portion (310_md_ch)) and the first housing (110) in the -x-axis direction, and may be arranged to overlap the side surface of the display (160) in the x-axis direction. Among the deformation guide lower portions (330_dn_ch), the deformation protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) may be arranged at the upper portion of the deformation cap stop portion (310_md_ch) (e.g., at a portion of the guide groove (310_gr) closer to the cap upper portion (310_up) than a portion of the guide groove (310_gr) closer to the cap lower portion (310_dn)). The z-axis length of the above guide groove (310_gr) may be formed to be greater than the z-axis thickness of the above deformation protrusion structure (330_pr_ch). As an example, the depth (e.g., the engraved depth in the -x-axis direction) of the above guide groove (310_gr) may be formed to be equal to or similar to the protrusion length of the deformation protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) of the lower part of the deformation guide (330_dn_ch).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the protruding front end (330_dn_fr) of the lower part of the deformation guide (330_dn_ch) may be formed to protrude in the x-axis direction based on the guide middle part (330_md). For example, at least a portion of the guide upper part (330_up) and the protruding front end (330_dn_fr) may be arranged to overlap with each other in the -z-axis direction (or the direction toward the front of the display (160)) in the z-axis direction. When the first deformation foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the first wing plate (131) is arranged parallel to the xy plane, and the first plate support portion (131_sp) extended from the first wing plate (131) may be arranged to support a portion (e.g., the lower surface) of the protruding front end (330_dn_fr).

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14 and FIGS. 15 to 17, a first modified foldable electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may have a folded state.

[0139] When the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (150) (e.g., at least a portion of the side wall portion of the hinge housing (150) in the -x-axis direction) may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, when in a folded state, at least a portion of the side wall of the hinge housing (150) and at least a portion of the first deformable cap structure (310_ch) in which the cap lower portion (310_dn) is inserted into the cap engaging groove (150_hd) of the hinge housing (150) may be exposed to the outside. When in a folded state, the position of the first housing (110) is changed, so that the first housing (110) may overlap the cap upper portion (310_up) and the deformable cap middle portion (310_md_ch) in the x-axis direction from the -x-axis. Alternatively, when in the folded state, at least a portion of the first housing (110) may be arranged to overlap the cap top portion (310_up), the deformation cap stop portion (310_md_ch), the first deformation guide member (330_ch), the first protection member (320), and the side portion of the display (160).

[0140] According to one embodiment, when the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) of the first deformable guide member (330_ch) may be arranged at the lower end of the guide groove (310_gr) (e.g., a portion closer to the cap lower end (310_dn) than the cap upper end (310_up). As an example, the lower end of the deformable protrusion structure (330_pr_ch) may be placed on the step portion of the guide groove (310_gr). According to one embodiment, the z-axis direction length of the first deformable guide member (330_ch) may be formed to be equal to or similar to the z-axis direction height of the guide groove (310_gr). Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the sum of the z-axis direction length of the first deformation guide member (330_ch) and the z-axis direction length of the center portion (320_cen) of the first protection member (320) may be formed to be equal to or similar to the z-axis direction height of the guide groove (310_gr).

[0141] According to one embodiment, when the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the folding area of ​​the display (160) may implement a water droplet shape. As the display (160) is folded, at least a portion (e.g., the first protective member (320)) of the first deformable protective structure (300_ch) arranged to surround the side edge of the folding area of ​​the display (160) may also be deformed into a water droplet shape. As an example, when observing in a direction looking at the side of the display (160) from the first housing (110), the first protective member (320) may come into contact with the side edge of the display (160) and implement a water droplet shape.

[0142] As described above, when the first deformable foldable electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the upper side surface of the folding area of ​​the display (160) is in contact with the first deformable protective structure (300_ch), so that no gap is formed, and thus the inflow of foreign substances can be blocked or reduced. In this process, the first deformable guide member (330_ch) can contribute to the first protective member (320) being in closer contact with the upper side surface of the folding area of ​​the display (160) by more strongly pressing the first protective member (320) in the -z-axis direction. Additionally, the first deformation cap structure (310_ch) supports the z-axis and -z-axis movement of the first deformation guide member (330_ch) through the guide groove (310_gr) without separate guide holes, so that even if at least a part of the first deformation cap structure (310_ch) is exposed to the outside depending on the positional deformation of the first housing (110), the inflow of foreign substances from the outside through the side of the display (160) can be blocked or reduced.

[0143] Meanwhile, the first deformation protection structure (300_ch) described above may replace both the first deformation protection structure (300a) and the second deformation protection structure (300b) described above, or may replace either the first deformation protection structure (300a) or the second deformation protection structure (300b). Accordingly, in the case of a certain first deformation foldable electronic device (101), a structure may be included in which the first deformation protection structure (300_ch) and the second deformation protection structure are disposed at both edges of the folding area of ​​the display (160), or a structure may be included in which the first deformation protection structure (300_ch) and the second deformation protection structure (e.g., a deformation protection structure having a structure substantially identical to or similar to the first deformation protection structure (300_ch)) are disposed at both edges of the folding area of ​​the display (160).

[0144] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing at least a portion of a first deformation hinge structure and an example of a center bar structure of a second deformation foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an example of a support relationship between a first protective structure and a center bar applied to a second deformation foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, a second transformable foldable electronic device (102) including a first transformable hinge structure (201a) at least partly disposed (or seated or coupled) in a hinge housing (150) comprises at least a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a first rotating member (200_ro1) that rotates around a first axis, a second rotating member (200_ro2) that rotates around a second axis that is arranged parallel to the first axis, a first arm (200_arm1) that rotates around a third axis different from the first and second axes or a first shaft (200_sft1), a second arm (200_arm2) that rotates around a fourth axis different from the first and second axes, the third axis, or a second shaft (200_sft2), and the first and second rotating members (200_ro1, 200_ro2) and a fixing bracket (200_fix_br) to which the first and second arms (200_arm1, 200_arm2) are coupled. According to one embodiment, the second deformable hinge structure (102) may include a first cam (200_cam1), a first elastic member (200_el1), a first shaft fixing portion (200_st1), and a first fixing ring (200_rg1) fastened to the first shaft (200_sft1), and may include a second cam (200_cam2), a second elastic member (200_el2), a second shaft fixing portion (200_st2), and a second fixing ring (200_rg2) fastened to the second shaft (200_sft2).

[0146] The center bar (200_cen_b) may at least partially cross the center portion of the fixing bracket (200_fix_br) and may be positioned between the first elastic member (200_el1) and the second elastic member (200_el2) or the first fixing ring (200_rg1) and the second fixing ring (200_rg2). According to one embodiment, the center bar (200_cen_b) may include a flat bar-shaped main body (200_body) in which the length of the -x-axis (or x-axis) is formed longer than the length of the y-axis or z-axis, a first moving handle (200_cen_b1) extending from a first point of the main body (200_body) toward a first housing (110) and arranged to be aligned with one end of a first shaft (200_sft1), and a second moving handle (200_cen_b2) extending from a second point of the main body (200_body) toward a second housing (120) and arranged to be aligned with one end of a second shaft (200_sft2).

[0147] The first moving handle (200_cen_b1) may include, for example, a structure surrounding a hole extending in the -x-axis (or x-axis) direction. The upper end of the first moving handle (200_cen_b1) may be formed to have the same height as the front surface (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis direction) of the main body (200_body) or a height lower than the front surface of the main body (200_body) with respect to the z-axis direction. One end of a first shaft (200_sft1) may be inserted into the through-hole portion of the first moving handle (200_cen_b1). The first shaft (200_sft1) may be rotated at least at a certain angle during a folding or unfolding operation of the second deformable foldable electronic device (102). While the first shaft (200_sft1) rotates, a portion of the first shaft (200_sft1) can push the first moving handle (200_cen_b1) in the z-axis direction or move it in the -z-axis direction.

[0148] The second moving handle (200_cen_b2) may include, for example, a structure surrounding a hole extending in the -x-axis (or x-axis) direction, which is the same as or similar to the first moving handle (200_cen_b1). The second moving handle (200_cen_b2) may be formed to protrude toward the second housing (120) at a second point corresponding to the opposite direction of the first point of the main body (200_body) where the first moving handle (200_cen_b1) is formed with respect to the y-axis. With respect to the z-axis direction, the upper end of the second moving handle (200_cen_b2) may be arranged to have the same height as the upper end of the first moving handle (200_cen_b1). Alternatively, the second moving handle (200_cen_b2) may be formed to have the same height as the front surface (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis direction) of the main body (200_body) or a height lower than the front surface of the main body (200_body) in the z-axis direction, similar to the first moving handle (200_cen_b1). One end of a second shaft (200_sft2) may be inserted into the through hole portion of the second moving handle (200_cen_b2). When one end of the second shaft (200_sft2) rotates, the second moving handle (200_cen_b2) may be moved in the z-axis or -z-axis direction.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 19, the second deformable foldable electronic device (102) may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a first deco (190a), a second deco (190b), a hinge housing (150), at least a portion of the first deformable hinge structure (201a), and at least a portion of the first deformable protection structure (e.g., the first deformable cap structure (310_ch) and the first deformable guide member (330_ch)). Here, the first housing (110), the second housing (120), the first deco (190a), the second deco (190b), and the hinge housing (150) may be replaced or supplemented with descriptions of components corresponding to the respective components described above. At least a portion of the first deformable protection structure may further include an additional component, for example, a first protection member. Since the configuration of at least a portion of the first deformation protection structure includes a configuration identical or similar to at least a portion of the first deformation protection structure (300_ch) described above in FIGS. 15 to 17, the description of the configurations may be supplemented or replaced with the contents described in FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0150] At least a portion of the first deformation hinge structure (201a) may further include a fixed bracket (200_fix_br), first and second rotation members (200_ro1, 200_ro2), a first shaft (200_sft1), a second shaft (200_sft2), and first and second elastic members (200_el1, 200_el2). Meanwhile, in the above description, the first deformation hinge structure (201a) may further include an additional configuration. For example, at least a part of the first deformation hinge structure may further include a center bar (200_cen_b), a first shaft (200_sft1), a second shaft (200_sft2), a configuration for rotation of the first shaft (200_sft1) and the second shaft (200_sft2) (e.g., first and second rotation members (200_ro1, 200_ro2), first and second arms (e.g., first and second arms (200_arm1, 200_arm2) described in FIG. 18)). Alternatively, the first deformation hinge structure (201a) may include a configuration that is identical or similar to at least the configuration of the first deformation hinge structure described in FIG. 18 above.

[0151] The center bar (200_cen_b) may include a first center support (200_sp) arranged at one end. The first center support (200_sp) may include a shape that extends in the -x-axis direction from one edge (e.g., the -x-axis edge) of the main body (200_body) and is stepped in the -z-axis direction. When the second deformable foldable electronic device (102) is in an unfolded state, the first center support (200_sp) may move in the z-axis direction and support the deformation guide lower end (330_dn_ch) of the first deformable guide member (330_ch). When the second deformable foldable electronic device (102) is in an unfolded state, the first center support (200_sp) may move in the z-axis direction and support the deformation guide lower end (330_dn_ch) of the first deformable guide member (330_ch). When the second deformation foldable electronic device (102) is in a folded state, the first center support member (200_sp) can move in the -z-axis direction and operate so as not to obstruct the first deformation guide member (330_ch) from moving in the -z-axis direction.

[0152] Meanwhile, in the illustrated drawing, the first center support (200_sp) formed on the -x-axis edge of the center bar (200_cen_b) is described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a second center support having the same structure as the first center support (200_sp) or a position and shape symmetrical with respect to the center of the main body (200_body) may be arranged on the other edge (e.g., the x-axis edge) of the center bar (200_cen_b). The second center support may support at least a part (e.g., the lower guide portion of the second guide member) of the second protective structure (300b) arranged on the other side of the folding portion of the second deformable foldable electronic device (102).

[0153] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing another example of a third form of a foldable electronic device to which a protective structure according to one embodiment is applied.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 20, a third deformable foldable electronic device (2000) according to an embodiment may include a plurality of housings (2010, 2020, 2030) in which a foldable display (2060) (or a plurality of consecutive displays) is arranged, a plurality of hinge structures arranged in folding areas, and a plurality of hinge housings (2051, 2052) in which the plurality of hinge structures are arranged, and in the areas in which the plurality of hinge housings (2051, 2052) are arranged, a protective structure (or a deformable protective structure) and a hinge structure (or a deformable hinge structure) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18 may be arranged. The third deformable foldable electronic device (2000) may include a state in which the display (2060) is unfolded, as in state 2001. When the display (2060) is in an unfolded state, the plurality of housings (2010, 2020, 2030) may be placed in an unfolded state. As an example, a first hinge housing (2051) may be placed between the first housing (2010) and the second housing (2020) such that one edge of the first housing (2010) and one edge of the second housing (2020) are adjacent to each other, and a second hinge housing (2052) may be placed between the second housing (2020) and the third housing (2030) such that the other edge of the second housing (2020) and one edge of the third housing (2030) are adjacent to each other. The third modified foldable electronic device (2000) may include a state in which the display (2060) is folded, as in state 2002. When the third variant foldable electronic device (2000) is in a folded state, the first housing (2010) may be placed between the second housing (2020) and the third housing (2030). Alternatively, the second housing (2020), the first housing (2010), and the third housing (2030) may be stacked in that order.

[0155] According to one embodiment, a first protective structure (300a) (or protective structures (300a, 300b), or first deformation protective structure (300_ch), deformation protective structures) may be arranged on one side wall (or both edge side walls) of the first hinge housing (150).

[0156] The second hinge housing (150) may have a larger (or wider) size than the first hinge housing (150). Correspondingly, the protective structure disposed in the second hinge housing (150) may have the same height but a wider width than the protective structure disposed in the first hinge housing (150). The protective structure disposed in the second hinge housing (150) may include a second deformation protective structure (2330) that has the same or similar structure and shape as the first protective structure (300a) or the first deformation protective structure (300_ch) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19, but is configured to have a larger width in one direction. The second deformation protective structure (2330) may be disposed on at least one of the two edges of the second hinge housing (150).

[0157] As described above, since the protective structure (at least one of 300, 300_ch, 2330) described in the present disclosure is arranged in the foldable electronic device (2000) of the multiple infolding and outfolding types according to one embodiment, the infolding and outfolding type foldable electronic device (2000) can improve the inflow of foreign substances through the hinge housing (2051, 2052) portion (or the gap between the housings (110, 120) and the display (160).

[0158] According to various embodiments, although FIGS. 1 through 20 illustrate two protective structures positioned on opposite edges of a single hinge housing, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a foldable electronic device may employ a structure in which the protective structures are positioned on only one side wall of the hinge housing.

[0159] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (2100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 21, the electronic device (2100) may be one of various forms of electronic devices, such as a notebook (2190), smartphones (2191) having various form factors (e.g., a bar-type smartphone (2191-1), a foldable-type smartphone (2191-2), or a sliderable (or rollable) type smartphone (2191-3)), a tablet (2192), a cellular phone (not shown), and other similar computing devices (not shown). The components, their relationships, and their functions illustrated in FIG. 21 are exemplary only and do not limit the implementations described or claimed in this document. The electronic device (2100) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user device, a multi-function device, a portable device, or a server.

[0161] The electronic device (2100) may include components including at least one processor (2110) (hereinafter referred to as processor (2110)), at least one memory (2120) (hereinafter referred to as memory (2120)), at least one display (2140) (hereinafter referred to as display (2140)), at least one image sensor (2150) (hereinafter referred to as image sensor (2150)), at least one communication circuit (2160) (hereinafter referred to as communication circuit (2160)), and / or at least one sensor (2170) (hereinafter referred to as sensor (2170)). The above components are merely exemplary. For example, the electronic device (2100) may include other components (e.g., power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), audio processing circuitry, an antenna, a rechargeable battery, or an input / output interface). For example, some components may be omitted from the electronic device (2100). For example, several components can be combined into one component.

[0162] The processor (2110) may be implemented as one or more IC (integrated circuit (or circuitry)) chips and may perform various data processing. The processor (2110) may include at least one electrical circuit and may individually or collectively perform distributed processing of instructions (or programs, data) stored in the memory (2120). The processor (2110) may include a processor assembly including one or more processing circuits. The processor (2110) may include any processing circuit operative to control the performance and operations of one or more components of the electronic device (2100) (e.g., the memory (2120), the display (2140), the image sensor (2150), the communication circuit (2160), and / or the sensor (2170)). For example, the processor (2110) (e.g., an application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or chipset). For example, the processor (2110) may be implemented as multiple cores (or at least one core circuit), multiple chips, or multiple chipsets. For example, the processor (2110) may include one or more processing circuits. For example, the processor (2110) may include one or more processing circuits configured to individually and / or collectively perform various functions of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the processor (2110) may be included in a first chip of the electronic device (2100), and at least another portion of the processor (2110) may be included in a second chip of the electronic device (2100) that is different from the first chip of the electronic device (2100).

[0163] For example, the processor (2110) may include a central processing unit (CPU) (2111), a graphics processing unit (GPU) (2112), a neural processing unit (NPU) (2113), an image signal processor (ISP) (2114), a display controller (2115), a memory controller (2116), a storage controller (2117), a communication processor (CP) (2118), and / or a sensor interface (2119). These components of the processor (2110) are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (2110) may further include other components. For example, some components of the processor (2110) may be omitted from the processor (2110). For example, some components of the processor (2110) may be included as separate components of the electronic device (2100) outside the processor (2110). For example, some components of the processor (2110) (e.g., memory controller (2116)) may be included within other components (e.g., at least a portion of memory (2120), an interface (e.g., available for connection to at least one component of the electronic device (100)), a display (2140) and / or an image sensor (2150)).

[0164] The processor (2110) may cause other components of the electronic device (2100) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in the memory (2120). The CPU (2111) (or central processing circuit) may be configured to control components of the processor (2110) based on the execution of instructions stored in the memory (2120) (e.g., volatile memory (2121) and / or non-volatile memory (2122)). The GPU (2112) (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (2113) (or neural processing circuit, or artificial intelligence (AI) chip) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). The ISP (2114) (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through the image sensor (2150) into a format suitable for a component within the electronic device (2100) or a component of the processor (2110). The display controller (2115) (or display control circuit, or display processing unit (DPU)) may be configured to process an image acquired from the CPU (2111), the GPU (2112), the ISP (2114), or the memory (2120) (e.g., the volatile memory (2121)) into a format suitable for the display (2140). The memory controller (2116) (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory (2121) and writing data to the volatile memory (2121). The storage controller (2117) (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from and writing data to the nonvolatile memory (2122).The CP (2118) (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a component of the processor (2110) into a format suitable for transmission to another electronic device via the communication circuit (2160), or to process data obtained from another electronic device via the communication circuit (2160) into a format suitable for processing by the component of the processor (2110). For example, the communication circuit (2160) may include one or more communication circuits. The sensor interface (2119) (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data on the state of the electronic device (2100) and / or the state of the surroundings of the electronic device (2100), obtained via the sensor (2170), into a format suitable for the component of the processor (2110).

[0165] The memory (2120) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices). For example, the memory (2120) may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory (e.g., non-volatile memory (2122)) such as a hard drive, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), semi-permanent memory (e.g., volatile memory (2121)) such as random access memory (RAM), any other suitable type of storage (or storage assembly), or any combination thereof. The memory (2120) may include cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (2100). As a non-limiting example, the cache memory may be included within the processor (2110). The memory (2120) may be fixedly embedded within the electronic device (2100) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a subscriber identity module (SIM) card and / or a secure digital (SD) card) that may be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (2100).

[0166] For example, the memory (2120) may store one or more software applications, such as an operating system (or system) software application, a firmware software application, a driver software application, a plug-in (e.g., add-in, add-on, and / or applet) software application, and / or any other suitable software applications. For example, the one or more software applications may include instructions executable by the processor (2110). For example, the memory (2120) may store instructions callable by an application programming interface (API). For example, the memory (2120) may store instructions within a library.

[0167] A foldable electronic device including a hinge housing according to an embodiment of the present invention described above comprises a first housing (110), a second housing (120), at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing, a display (160) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, a hinge housing (150) disposed between the first housing and the second housing, and a first protective structure (300a) disposed on at least one side of the hinge housing, wherein the first protective structure comprises a first cap structure (310) coupled with one side of the hinge housing, a first guide member (330) moving (or deforming) along at least a portion of the first cap structure, and a first protective member coupled with at least a portion of the first guide member and disposed to cover at least a portion of one edge of the display.

[0168] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first protective member is formed of a first material, and at least a portion of the first guide member is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the ductility size of the first material is characterized by being higher than the ductility size of the second material.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the elasticity of the first material is characterized by being higher than the elasticity of the second material.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the material of the first cap structure is different from the material of the first guide member.

[0172] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first guide member is characterized by comprising an injection molded article.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the first guide member is characterized by including a guide upper portion (330_up), a guide stop portion (330_md) extending from the guide upper portion, and a guide lower portion (330_dn) including a protruding structure protruding in the direction of the first cap structure.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the lower part of the guide is characterized by including a first protruding structure (330_pr1) protruding in the direction of the first cap structure, and a second protruding structure (330_pr2) spaced apart from the first protruding structure and protruding in the direction of the first cap structure.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the first cap structure is characterized in that it includes a first guide hole (310_gh1) formed so that the length in the first direction toward the front of the display is longer than the length in the other direction, into which at least a part of the first protruding structure is inserted, and a second guide hole (310_gh2) arranged parallel to the first guide hole, into which at least a part of the second protruding structure is inserted.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the first guide hole includes a first step structure, the second guide hole includes a second step structure, and the first step structure and the second step structure are characterized in that each of the first step structure and the second step structure supports at least a portion of the first protruding structure and the second protruding structure, respectively, while the first protruding structure and the second protruding structure move in the first direction.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the first cap structure is characterized by including a guide groove (310_gr) engraved in a second direction perpendicular to the front surface of the display.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the lower part of the guide is characterized in that it includes a protruding structure (330_pr_ch) that protrudes in the direction of the first cap structure and is placed within the guide groove.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the length of the protruding structure in the second direction is formed to be less than or equal to the length of the guide groove in the second direction.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the first protective member is characterized by including a central portion (320_cen) surrounding the upper portion of the guide, a first wing portion (320_wg1) extending in one direction from the central portion and arranged to cover a first area corresponding to one side edge of the display, and a second wing portion (320_wg2) extending in another direction opposite to the one direction from the central portion and arranged to cover a second area corresponding to the other side edge of the display.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the first wing portion includes a first portion extending in the one direction from the center and a second portion extending from the first portion and having a first mounting hole formed therein to couple with one side of the first housing, and the second wing portion includes a third portion extending in the other direction from the center and a fourth portion extending from the third portion and having a second mounting hole formed therein to couple with one side of the second housing.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the first wing portion includes a first protrusion (320_gd1) extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction from the rear surface of the first portion, and the second wing portion includes a second protrusion (320_gd2) extending in a direction perpendicular to the other direction from the rear surface of the third portion.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device further includes a first wing plate (131) and a second wing plate (132) coupled with the at least one hinge structure, wherein the first wing plate (131) includes a first plate support portion supporting one side of the first guide member, and the second wing plate (132) includes a second plate support portion supporting the other side of the first guide member.

[0184] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first plate support member and the second plate support member are characterized in that they support the lower end of the first guide member toward the front side of the display.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the at least one hinge structure includes a first hinge structure at least partially disposed on one side of the hinge housing and a second hinge structure at least partially disposed on the other side of the hinge housing, and the foldable electronic device includes a center bar disposed between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure, wherein the center bar includes a first center support portion that supports one side of the first guide member when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device is characterized in that it further includes a second protective structure (300b) disposed on the other side of the hinge housing.

Claims

1. First housing (110); Second housing (120); At least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing; A display (160) disposed on the first housing and the second housing; A hinge housing (150) disposed between the first housing and the second housing; and A first protective structure (300a) disposed on at least one side of the hinge housing; The above first protective structure is, A first cap structure (310) coupled with one side of the hinge housing; A first guide member (330) that moves at least partly along at least part of the first cap structure; A foldable electronic device comprising: a first protective member coupled with at least a portion of the first guide member and arranged to cover at least a portion of one edge of the display; 2. In paragraph 1, At least a portion of the first protective member is formed of the first material, At least a portion of the first guide member is formed of a second material different from the first material, A foldable electronic device characterized in that the material of the first cap structure and the material of the first guide member are different.

3. In paragraph 2, The ductility of the first material is higher than that of the second material, A foldable electronic device characterized in that the elasticity of the first material is higher than the elasticity of the second material.

4. In paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device, characterized in that at least a portion of the first guide member comprises an injection molded material.

5. In paragraph 1, The above first guide member, Top of the guide (330_up); A guide stop (330_md) extending from the upper part of the above guide; A foldable electronic device characterized by including a guide lower portion (330_dn) including a protruding structure extending from the guide stop portion and protruding in the direction of the first cap structure.

6. In paragraph 5, The bottom of the above guide A first protruding structure (330_pr1) protruding in the direction of the first cap structure; A foldable electronic device characterized by including a second protruding structure (330_pr2) spaced apart from the first protruding structure and protruding in the direction of the first cap structure.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first cap structure, A first guide hole (310_gh1) formed such that the length in the first direction facing the front of the display is longer than the length in a direction other than the first direction, and into which at least a part of the first protruding structure is inserted; A foldable electronic device characterized by including a second guide hole (310_gh2) arranged parallel to the first guide hole and into which at least a part of the second protruding structure is inserted.

8. In paragraph 7, The first guide hole includes a first step structure, and the second guide hole includes a second step structure. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that each of the first step structure and the second step structure supports at least a portion of the protruding structure and the second protruding structure while the first protruding structure and the second protruding structure move in the first direction.

9. In paragraph 5, The above first cap structure, A foldable electronic device characterized by including a guide groove (310_gr) engraved in a second direction perpendicular to the front surface of the display.

10. In paragraph 9, The bottom of the above guide A foldable electronic device characterized by including a protruding structure (330_pr_ch) protruding in the direction of the first cap structure and placed within the guide groove.

11. In paragraph 10, A foldable electronic device characterized in that the length of the protruding structure in the second direction is formed to be less than or equal to the length of the guide groove in the second direction.

12. In paragraph 5, The above first protective member is, A central portion (320_cen) surrounding the upper part of the above guide; A first wing portion (320_wg1) extending in one direction from the center and arranged to cover a first area corresponding to one side edge of the display; A foldable electronic device characterized by comprising a second wing portion (320_wg2) extending from the center in a direction opposite to the one direction and arranged to cover a second area corresponding to the other side edge of the display.

13. In paragraph 12, The above first wing part, It includes a first part extending in the one direction from the center and a second part extending from the first part and having a first mounting hole formed therein that is coupled with one side of the first housing; The above second wing part, A foldable electronic device characterized by comprising: a third portion extending in the other direction from the center; and a fourth portion extending from the third portion and having a second mounting hole formed therein, the second portion being coupled to one side of the second housing.

14. In paragraph 12, The above first wing part, A first protrusion (320_gd1) extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction from the rear of the first part; The above second wing part, A foldable electronic device characterized by including a second protrusion (320_gd2) extending in a direction perpendicular to the other direction from the rear side of the third portion.

15. In paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device further comprising a second protective structure (300b) disposed on the other side of the hinge housing.

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