Foldable electronic device comprising housing and cover

Abstract

A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise: a first housing (110); a second housing (120); a hinge structure (140); a flexible display (130); a first cover (210) disposed on the first housing and disposed to cover at least a portion of one edge of the flexible display; and a second cover (220) disposed on the second housing and disposed to cover at least a portion of the other edge of the flexible display, wherein the first cover (210) includes a first portion (211) disposed at the edge of the first housing, and a second portion (212) connected to the first portion and disposed to at least partially overlap the first portion with respect to a front direction facing the flexible display when the flexible display is in an unfolded state, and the first portion and the second portion are formed of different materials. Various other embodiments understood through the specification are also possible.

Description

Foldable electronic device including housing and cover

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a foldable electronic device comprising a housing and a cover.

[0002] With the integration of communication technologies and advancements in display technology, portable electronic devices are now used by almost everyone as everyday electronic devices. Many users make calls with others or utilize web-based information search, collection, and information provision functions without being restricted by location or time. Currently, the majority of usage time for portable electronic devices is concentrated on information retrieval. Users feel the need for faster information retrieval and verification, and in this regard, they are demanding larger display panels.

[0003] If the display panel becomes larger, the size of the portable electronic device must increase, which may lead to an increase in weight. Consequently, larger display panels can reduce the portability of the device and create vulnerabilities that make it susceptible to deformation or damage from external impacts. To address these issues, research is being conducted on various types of display panels. For example, foldable electronic devices allow the display to be unfolded or folded as needed, enabling the device to maintain portability while keeping its size below a certain threshold.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art in relation to the present disclosure.

[0005] A foldable electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a hinge structure (140) connecting the first housing and the second housing, a flexible display (130) disposed on the first housing and the second housing and folded or unfolded in response to a hinge operation, a first cover (210) disposed on the first housing and disposed to cover at least a portion of one side edge of the flexible display, and a second cover (220) disposed on the second housing and disposed to cover at least a portion of the other side edge of the flexible display, wherein the first cover (210) comprises a first portion (211) disposed on the edge of the first housing, and a second portion (212) connected to the first portion and disposed to cover at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display, and the first portion and the second portion may be formed of different materials.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rear direction of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 including a hinge device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of a first modified cover of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a second modified cover included in a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of a third variant cover included in a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a first modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a second modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a structure of a third modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing some configurations related to the light emission of a third modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an example of a fourth modified foldable electronic device structure according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of the non-luminous and luminous states of a fourth modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a light emission control method for a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to 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 brevity.

[0024] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this disclosure. Terms used in this disclosure that are defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even terms defined in this disclosure are not to be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0025] Additionally, in this disclosure, expressions such as "greater than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled; however, this is merely for the purpose of expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions of "greater than" or "less than." Conditions described as "greater than" may be replaced with "greater than," conditions described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and conditions described as "greater than and less than" may be replaced with "greater than and less than." Furthermore, "A" to "B" below refer to at least one of the elements from A (including A) to B (including B). Below, "C" and / or "D" refers to at least one of "C" or "D," i.e., including {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.

[0026] The present invention, described below, presents a foldable electronic device comprising a housing and cover structure (e.g., a decorative structure) configured to allow for easy recognition of a slim shape by reducing the perceived thickness of the foldable electronic device in the folded state. By applying an improved cover structure, the foldable electronic device of the present invention can reduce the weight of the housing and thereby maintain more robust characteristics against drop impacts or external shocks. Furthermore, the foldable electronic device of the present invention supports the transmission of various information through the cover, thereby increasing the usability of the cover, and supports more convenient operation of user functions by ensuring an intuitive method of using various user functions of the foldable electronic device. For example, by expanding the width of the cover while reducing the thickness (or width) of the housing, the cover can absorb at least a portion of the drop impact upon impact, thereby reducing or improving damage to the foldable electronic device.

[0027] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

[0028] Hereinafter, various structures, arrangements, and relationships with surrounding structures of a foldable electronic device including the antenna described herein will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a foldable electronic device (100) may include a first housing (110) (e.g., a first housing structure) comprising a first side member (113) (e.g., a side bezel) and a second housing (120) (e.g., a second housing structure) comprising a second side member (123) (e.g., a side bezel), which are foldably joined to each other with respect to a folding axis (F) through at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge structure) with respect to a folding axis (F). For example, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be configured as a foldable housing (e.g., a housing structure). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a first display (130) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) positioned to be supported by a first housing (110) and a second housing (120). For example, the first housing (110) may include a first surface (111) and a second surface (112) facing in the opposite direction of the first surface (111) (e.g., the -z axis direction). For example, the second housing (120) may include a third surface (121) and a fourth surface (122) facing in the opposite direction of the third surface (121) (e.g., the -z axis direction). For example, the first housing (110) may include a first rear cover (114) coupled with a first side member (113). For example, the second housing (120) may include a second rear cover (124) combined with a second side member (123). For example, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a fully unfolded first state (e.g., unfolded state or unfolded state), the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) may be operated so that they face substantially the same direction (e.g., z-axis direction).For example, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a completely folded second state (e.g., folded state or folded state), the first side (111) and the third side (121) may be operated to face each other or face in opposite directions. For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may be operated to maintain a third state (e.g., intermediate state) between the first state and the second state.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a hole (110_rch) in which a receiver is disposed on a first side (111) of a first housing (110), at least one sensor module (104) (e.g., an ambient light sensor) and / or at least one first camera module (105) (e.g., a UDC, under display camera). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include at least one key (106) disposed on a first side member (113). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a second display (131) (e.g., a sub-display), at least one second camera module (108) and / or a flash (109) disposed on a second side (112) (e.g., a first rear cover (114)) of the first housing (110). For example, the second display (131) may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (114). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a speaker (102), a microphone (103), or a connector port (107) disposed on a second side member (123). At least some of the aforementioned plurality of components may be repositioned to the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first display (130) (e.g., flexible display) may include a first region (130a) (e.g., first planar portion) corresponding to at least a portion of the first surface (111), a second region (130b) (e.g., second planar portion) corresponding to at least a portion of the third surface (121), and a third region (130c) (e.g., flexible portion) connecting the first region (130a) and the second region (130b), wherein the foldable electronic device (100) is deformed in a second state (e.g., folded state) and / or a third state (e.g., intermediate state). For example, the third region (130c) may be positioned so as to overlap at least partially with at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) when the first display (130) is viewed from above (e.g., in the z-axis direction). For example, the first display (130) may be positioned so as not to be seen from the outside in the second state, with the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) facing each other (e.g., inward-fold type). For example, the first display (130) may be positioned so as to be seen from the outside in the second state, with the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) facing in opposite directions (e.g., outward-fold type).

[0033] The first side member (113) may include a first side (110a) positioned in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first housing (110) of the foldable electronic device (100), a second side (110b) positioned in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction perpendicular to the first direction) of the first housing (110), and a third side (110c) positioned in a third direction (e.g., -x-axis direction opposite to the first direction) of the first housing (110). Additionally, the first side member (113) may include a fourth side (110d) positioned in a fourth direction (e.g., -y-axis direction opposite to the second direction) of the first housing (110). The second side (110b) and the fourth side (110d) may be positioned between the first side (110a) and the third side (110c). The upper edge (e.g., y-axis edge) of the first side (110a) may be connected to the left edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the second side (110b), the right edge (e.g., -x-axis edge) of the second side (110b) may be connected to the upper edge (e.g., y-axis edge) of the third side (110c), the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the third side (110c) may be connected to the right edge (e.g., -x-axis edge) of the fourth side (110d), and the left edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the fourth side (110d) may be connected to the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the first side (110a). One edge of the first to third sides (110a, 110b, 110c) (e.g., edge in the z-axis direction) may be arranged to wrap around one edge of the first display (130).

[0034] The second side member (123) may include a fifth side (120a) positioned in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the second housing (120) of the foldable electronic device (100), a sixth side (120b) positioned in a fourth direction (e.g., -y-axis direction perpendicular to the first direction) of the second housing (120), and a seventh side (120c) positioned in a third direction (e.g., -x-axis direction opposite to the first direction) of the second housing (120). Additionally, the second side member (123) may include an eighth side (120d) positioned in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction opposite to the fourth direction) of the second housing (120). The sixth side (120b) and the eighth side (120d) may be positioned between the fifth side (120a) and the seventh side (120c). Based on the illustrated drawing, the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the fifth side (120a) may be connected to the left edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the sixth side (120b), the right edge (e.g., -x-axis edge) of the sixth side (120b) may be connected to the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the seventh side (120c), the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the seventh side (120c) may be connected to the right edge (e.g., -x-axis edge) of the eighth side (120d), and the left edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the eighth side (120d) may be connected to the upper edge (e.g., y-axis edge) of the fifth side (120a). One edge of the fifth to seventh sides (120a, 120b, 120c) (e.g., the edge in the z-axis direction) may be positioned to wrap around the other edge of the first display (130). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the fourth side (110d) and the eighth side (120d) may be positioned facing or adjacent to each other. When the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the fourth side (110d) and at least a portion of the eighth side (120d) may be positioned spaced apart by the thickness of the hinge housing.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 including a hinge device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 through 5, the foldable electronic device (100) may include at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) (e.g., hinge module or hinge structure) connecting a first housing (110) and a second housing (120) below a first display (130) (e.g., in the -z axis direction). For example, the at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) may include a first hinge device (140) and a second hinge device (140-1) spaced apart from the first hinge device (140) along a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the ± y axis direction). For example, at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) may be supported by a first support member (1131) extending from a first side member (113) into a first space (1101) of a first housing (110) and a second support member (1231) extending from a second side member (123) into a second space (1201) of a second housing (120). For example, at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) may be positioned between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) so as not to be seen from the outside through a hinge housing (150) (e.g., a hinge cover).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first hinge device (140) may include a first rotation member (141) (e.g., a first arm or a first rotator) disposed on a first support member (1131) of a first housing (110), a second rotation member (142) (e.g., a second arm or a second rotator) disposed on a second support member (1231) of a second housing (120), and a gear assembly (143) connected to the first rotation member (141) and the second rotation member (142) so that the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) rotate symmetrically with respect to each other. For example, the gear assembly (143) may include a plurality of gears (e.g., spur gears and / or worm gears) that are geared to each other. For example, the gear assembly (143) may include a cam coupling structure for providing a free stop at various folding angles, which presses the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) with respect to each other in a direction intended to transition from a first state (e.g., unfolded state) to a second state (e.g., folded state) or from a second state to a first state. For example, the second hinge device (140-1) may be substantially symmetric to or have substantially the same configuration as the first hinge device (140).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) may be coupled with at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) and may include at least one detent module (144) for providing a stopping sensation at various angles. For example, at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) and / or detent module (144) may form substantially the same plane as the first support member (1131) and the second support member (1231) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a first state. For example, the second hinge device (140-1) may be substantially symmetric to the first hinge device (140) or have substantially the same configuration.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a cover (200) (or a damper, damper structure, bezel, bezel structure, auxiliary frame, auxiliary housing, deco structure). The cover (200) may be placed (or coupled) to one side of the top of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) (e.g., the top edge in the z-axis direction). As an example, the cover (200) may include a first cover (210) (or top cover, top deco, top deco structure) and a second cover (220) (or bottom cover, bottom deco, bottom deco structure). At least a portion of the cover (200) may be formed of a colored material with a specific color added and a transparency greater than or equal to a specified value, and may apply (perform) at least one of reflection, refraction, scattering, and diffusion of incident light.

[0040] The first cover (210) may form, for example, a C-shaped structure or a partial band (or an angular shape or a curved shape) with one side open toward the -y-axis. The first cover (210) may include a first partial cover (210a) positioned (or coupled, fixed) on the top of the first side (110a), a second partial cover (210b) positioned (or coupled, fixed) on the top of the second side (110b), and a third partial cover (210c) positioned (or coupled, fixed) on the top of the third side (110c). The first partial cover (210a), the second partial cover (210b), and the third partial cover (210c) may be connected to each other, but the foldable electronic device (100) of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the first part cover (210a), the second part cover (210b), and the third part cover (210c) may be disposed on the top of each side (e.g., first to third sides (110a, 110b, 110c)) in a separated state. The width, area, and thickness of the first part cover (210a), the second part cover (210b), and the third part cover (210c) may be formed to be the same or similar, but the present description is not limited thereto. For example, the width length of the second part cover (210b) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) may be formed to be larger (or smaller) than the width length of the first part cover (210a) or the third part cover (210c) (e.g., length in the x-axis or -x-axis direction).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the width length (e.g., x-axis length) of the first part cover (210a) may be the same as or similar to the top width length of the first side (110a). Alternatively, the width length (e.g., x-axis length) of the first part cover (210a) may be formed shorter (narrower) than the top width length of the first side (110a). The width length (e.g., y-axis length) of the second part cover (210b) may be the same as or similar to the top width length of the second side (110b). Alternatively, the width length (e.g., y-axis length) of the second part cover (210b) may be formed shorter (narrower) than the top width length of the second side (110b). The width length (e.g., -x-axis length) of the third part cover (210c) may be the same as or similar to the top width length of the third side (110c). Alternatively, the width length (e.g., -x-axis length) of the third part cover (210c) may be formed shorter (narrower) than the top width length of the third side (110c). The edge of the first cover (210) and the edge of the first housing (110) may form a step. Alternatively, the length from the center of the foldable electronic device (100) (or the center of the first display (130)) to the edge of the first housing (110) may be formed longer than the length from the center of the foldable electronic device (100) to the edge of the first cover (210). Alternatively, the length from the center of the foldable electronic device (100) to the edge of the first cover (210) may be formed shorter than the length from the center of the foldable electronic device (100) to the edge of the first housing (110).

[0042] At least a portion of the material of the first cover (210) may be formed from a material different from the material of the first housing (110) (e.g., metal material, aluminum material, opaque material). Alternatively, the first cover (210) may be formed from a material having a different light transmittance than the first housing (110), or a material having a different color than the first housing (110). For example, at least a portion of the first cover (210) may be formed from a plastic structure, a polymer structure, a silicone structure, rubber, fiber, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the first cover (210) may be formed from a material having higher elasticity or higher ductility than the material of the first housing (110). The first cover (210) may have a composite structure in which materials having different physical properties form a multilayer or materials having different physical properties are partially combined. The first to third partial covers (210a, 210b, 210c) included in the first cover (210) may have the same or similar composite structure, but the present description is not limited thereto. For example, the second partial cover (210b) and the first partial cover (210a) (or the third partial cover (210c)) may have different composite structures. Alternatively, the second partial cover (210b) may have a composite structure (e.g., a form in which multiple materials are partially combined), and the first partial cover (210a) and the third partial cover (210c) may have a single structure (e.g., a structure formed from a single material).

[0043] The second cover (220) may form, for example, a C-shaped structure or a partial band (or an angular shape or a curved shape) with one side open toward the -y-axis. The opening direction of the second cover (220) may be a direction facing (or opposite direction) to the opening direction of the first cover (210). The second cover (220) may include a fourth partial cover (220a) positioned (or coupled, fixed) on the top of the fifth side (120a), a fifth partial cover (220b) positioned (or coupled, fixed) on the top of the sixth side (120b), and a sixth partial cover (220c) positioned (or coupled, fixed) on the top of the seventh side (120c). The fourth part cover (220a), the fifth part cover (220b), and the sixth part cover (220c) may be connected to each other, but the foldable electronic device (100) of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the fourth part cover (220a), the fifth part cover (220b), and the sixth part cover (220c) may be disposed on the top of each side (e.g., fifth to seventh sides (120a, 120b, 120c)) in a separated state. The width, height, and thickness of the fourth part cover (220a), the fifth part cover (220b), and the sixth part cover (220c) may be formed identically or similarly, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the width of the fifth part cover (220b) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) may be formed to be larger (or smaller) than the width of the fourth part cover (220a) or the sixth part cover (220c) (e.g., length in the x-axis or -x-axis direction). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, one edge of the fourth part cover (220a) (e.g., y-axis edge) may be positioned adjacent to one edge of the first part cover (210a) (e.g., -y-axis edge).When the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, one edge (e.g., y-axis edge) of the sixth part cover (220c) may be positioned adjacent to one edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the third part cover (210c). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, each of the fourth to sixth part covers (220a, 220b, 220c) may be positioned parallel to the first to third part covers (210a, 210b, 210c).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the width length (e.g., x-axis length) of the fourth part cover (220a) may be the same as or similar to the top width length of the fifth side (120a). Alternatively, the width length (e.g., x-axis length) of the fourth part cover (220a) may be formed shorter (narrower) than the top width length of the fifth side (120a). The width length (e.g., y-axis length) of the fifth part cover (220b) may be the same as or similar to the top width length of the sixth side (120b). Alternatively, the width length (e.g., y-axis length) of the fifth part cover (220b) may be formed shorter (narrower) than the top width length of the sixth side (120b). The width length (e.g., -x-axis length) of the sixth part cover (220c) may be the same as or similar to the top width length of the seventh side (120c). Alternatively, the width length (e.g., -x-axis length) of the sixth part cover (220c) may be formed shorter (narrower) than the top width length of the seventh side (120c). Accordingly, the edge of the second cover (220) and the edge of the second housing (120) may form a step. Alternatively, the length from the center of the foldable electronic device (100) (or the center of the first display (130)) to the edge of the second housing (120) may be formed longer than the length from the center of the foldable electronic device (100) to the edge of the second cover (220). Alternatively, the length from the center of the foldable electronic device (100) to the edge of the second cover (220) may be formed shorter than the length from the center of the foldable electronic device (100) to the edge of the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the width, thickness, and depth of each of the fourth to sixth partial covers (220a, 220b, 220c) may be formed to be identical or similar to the first to third partial covers (210a, 210b, 210c).

[0045] At least some of the material of the second cover (220) may be formed from a material different from the material of the second housing (120) (e.g., metal material, aluminum material, opaque material). Alternatively, the second cover (220) may be formed from a material having a different light transmittance than the second housing (120), or a material of a different color than the second housing (120). At least some of the material of the second cover (220) may be formed from the same or similar material as the first cover (210). For example, at least some of the second cover (220) may be formed from a plastic structure, a polymer structure, a silicone structure, rubber, fiber, or a combination thereof, similar to the first cover (210). Alternatively, the second cover (220) may be formed from a material with higher elasticity or higher ductility than the material of the second housing (120). The second cover (220) may include a structure in which materials having different physical properties form a multilayer structure, or may have a composite structure in which materials with different physical properties are partially combined. The fourth to sixth partial covers (220a, 220b, 220c) included in the second cover (220) may have the same or similar composite structure, but the present description is not limited thereto, and the fifth partial cover (220b) and the fourth partial cover (220a) (or the sixth partial cover (220c)) may have different composite structures. Alternatively, the fifth partial cover (220b) may have a composite structure (e.g., a form in which multiple materials are partially combined), and the fourth partial cover (220a) and the sixth partial cover (220c) may have a single structure (e.g., a structure formed from a single material).

[0046] The first cover (210) and the second cover (220) may have the same or similar material and structure, but the present description is not limited thereto. For example, the first cover (210) and the second cover (220) may be made of similar material and have different transparency (or light transmittance). Alternatively, at least a portion of the first cover (210) may include a composite structure, and at least a portion of the second cover (220) may be formed as a single structure. As at least a portion of the first cover (210) and the second cover (220) described above are formed differently from the material or color of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the gap between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) is perceived by the user, and accordingly, the slim shape of the foldable electronic device (100) can be easily perceived by the user.

[0047] Additionally or generally, the foldable electronic device (100) may further include a center cover (190) positioned between the first cover (210) and the second cover (220). The center cover (190) may include a first center cover positioned between the first partial cover (210a) and the fourth partial cover (220a), and a second center cover positioned between the third partial cover (210c) and the sixth partial cover (220c). The center cover (190) may be positioned to cover at least some edges (e.g., x-axis or -x-axis edges) of the area where the foldable electronic device (100) is folded in the center portion of the first display (130).

[0048] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section cut along the AA' cutting line of FIG. 5.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a first housing (110), a first cover (210), and a first display (130). Additionally or generally, the foldable electronic device (100) may further include a printed circuit board, a rear case, a rear cover, a battery, and a camera device, but the foldable electronic device (100) described herein is not limited to a configuration in which it is placed within the first housing (110). In the following description, the structure of the first housing (110) and the first cover (210) cut along the AA' cutting line is described as an example. When the above AA' cutting line is applied to a certain position of the second housing (the second housing (120) of FIGS. 1 to 5) and the second cover (the second cover (220) of FIGS. 3 to 5), at least a portion of the cutting surface of the second housing (120) and the second cover (220) may be the same or similar to the cutting surface of the first housing (110) and the first cover (210).

[0050] The first housing (110) may include, for example, a rear (110_bts), a side (110_sds) (e.g., one side of the second side (the second side (110b) in FIG. 3)), and a housing front (110_ups). Similarly, the second housing (120) may include, for example, a rear corresponding to the rear (110_bts) of the first housing (110), a side corresponding to the side (110_sds) of the first housing (110) (e.g., one side of the second side (110b)), and a housing front corresponding to the housing front (110_ups) of the first housing.

[0051] The rear surface (110_bts) may include at least a portion of the surface facing the -z axis of the first housing (110). The rear surface (110_bts) may include at least a portion of the first rear cover included in the foldable electronic device (100). The rear surface (110_bts) may include a rear portion corresponding to the first area (130a) of the first display (130) and at least a portion of the rear surface of the third area (130c) (or third display area). At least a portion of the rear surface (110_bts) may be formed flat. Alternatively, the rear surface (110_bts) may include at least one groove engraved in the direction of the z axis from the -z axis or a hole penetrating the front and rear surfaces (e.g., a hole penetrating the z axis).

[0052] The above side (110_sds) may include a side (e.g., a second side (110b)) formed in a direction perpendicular to the rear (110_bts) (e.g., z-axis direction) from one edge (e.g., y-axis edge) of the rear (110_bts) that is observed from the outside. The above side (110_sds) may be formed flat, and various structures related to user functions of the foldable electronic device (100) may be arranged thereon. For example, at least one groove or hole penetrating the side (e.g., penetrating from the -y-axis to the y-axis) may be arranged in the above side (110_sds). As an example, a connector hole (or groove) (e.g., USB connector hole, earphone hole, card insertion hole) may be arranged in the above side (110_sds). A physical key (e.g., volume key, power key) may be arranged in the above side (110_sds). Alternatively, at least one of a speaker hole or a microphone hole may be disposed on the side (110_sds). Alternatively, at least one slit dividing the first housing (110) may be disposed on the side (110_sds), and the slit may be filled with a non-conductive material. The side (110_sds) may be disposed between the rear (110_bts) and the front (110_ups) of the housing. In the illustrated drawing, the side of the second side (110b) is described by illustrating a cross-section cut along the AA' cutting line, and the first housing (110) may include sides forming a part of four sides (e.g., first to fourth sides (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d)).

[0053] The front surface (110_ups) of the housing may include a side opposite to the rear surface (110_bts) of the first housing (110). A first display (130) may be disposed on the front surface (110_ups) of the housing. As an example, at least a portion of the first area (130a) (or first display area) of the first display (130) may be disposed on the front surface (110_ups) of the first housing (110). One side of the front surface (110_ups) of the housing may be connected to the side surface (110_sds). Alternatively, the front surface (110_ups) of the housing may be disposed spaced apart from the rear surface (110_bts) by the height of the side surface (110_sds). The above-described housing front surface (110_ups) may include a first upper surface (110_ups1), a second upper surface (110_ups2), a first protrusion (110_pr1) (or protruding structure), a second protrusion (110_pr2) (or protruding structure), and a cover mounting groove (110_rec). At least a portion of the above-described housing front surface (110_ups) may be applied to the housing front surface of the second housing (120) in the same or similar manner.

[0054] The first top surface (110_ups1) may form (or include) a portion of the y-axis edge of the housing front (110_ups). For example, the first top surface (110_ups1) may include a flat area formed between the z-axis end of the side (110_sds) and the first protrusion (110_pr1). The y-axis edge of the first top surface (110_ups1) may be connected to the top of the side (110_sds) (e.g., the z-axis edge). The first top surface (110_ups1) represents a portion of the housing front (110_ups), and when viewed with respect to the housing front (110_ups), the first top surface (110_ups1) may include a band shape positioned around the first cover (210). When the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the first upper surface (110_ups1) of the first housing (110) may be positioned to face the first upper surface of the second housing (120). Alternatively, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the first upper surface (110_ups1) of the first housing (110) may be positioned spaced apart from the first upper surface of the second housing (120) by the z-axis height of the first cover (210) and the second cover (220). The height of the first upper surface (110_ups1) from the rear surface (110_bts) may form a first height (110_fh1). The first top surface (110_ups1) may be positioned horizontally on the flexible display (130) while forming at least a portion of the front direction of the edge of the first housing (110) when the flexible display (130) is in an unfolded state. Alternatively, the first top surface (110_ups1) may form a portion of the front direction of the edge of the first housing (110) when the flexible display (130) is in an unfolded state, while forming a portion of the first part (211) of the first cover (210) so as not to overlap with it.

[0055] The y-axis width of the first protrusion (110_pr1) may be formed to be larger than the y-axis length of the first top surface (110_ups1). The y-axis width of the first protrusion (110_pr1) may have a size equal to or similar to the width of the first inclined portion (211a) of the first part (211) of the first cover (210). The first protrusion (110_pr1) may have a first width in the -y-axis direction at the right edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the first top surface (110_ups1) and may be formed to protrude in the z-axis direction from the first top surface (110_ups1) of the first housing (110). As an example, the first protrusion (110_pr1) may have a non-zero slope value while protruding by a second height in the z-axis direction from the first top surface (110_ups1). Alternatively, the first protrusion (110_pr1) may have a protruding inclined surface (110_slp1) in which the height along the z-axis increases as it moves from the y-axis to the -y-axis. At least a portion of the protruding inclined surface (110_slp1) may be formed by a diamond cut or CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machining. Alternatively, the right edge of the first protrusion (110_pr1) may form a vertical side wall (or an edge with a slope of 1). Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the cross-section of the first protrusion (110_pr1) in the z-axis direction may include a triangular shape. Alternatively, the cross-section of the first protrusion (110_pr1) in the z-axis direction may include a right-angled triangle shape. According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the protruding inclined surface (110_slp1) may be flat or include a specific pattern (e.g., an uneven pattern, a stepped pattern).

[0056] The cover mounting groove (110_rec) may be connected to the -y-axis edge of the first protrusion (110_pr1). The cover mounting groove (110_rec) may be formed by being incised to a specific depth in the -z-axis direction from the first top surface (110_ups1). As an example, the cover mounting groove (110_rec) may form (or include) a C-shaped band-shaped groove along the edge of the first housing (110). At least a portion of the second part (212) of the first cover (210) may be inserted into the cover mounting groove (110_rec). The first protrusion (110_pr1) may be positioned between the first top surface (110_ups1) and the cover mounting groove (110_rec).

[0057] One side of the second protrusion (110_pr2) may be connected to the right edge (e.g., the -y-axis edge) of the cover mounting groove (110_rec), and the other side of the second protrusion (110_pr2) may be connected to the left edge of the second upper surface (110_ups2). The upper surface of the second protrusion (110_pr2) may be formed flat. The cover mounting groove (110_rec) may be positioned between the second protrusion (110_pr2) and the first protrusion (110_pr1). The protrusion height in the z-axis direction from the first upper surface (110_ups1) of the second protrusion (110_pr2) may be formed to be smaller than the protrusion height in the z-axis direction from the first upper surface (110_ups1) of the first protrusion (110_pr1). At least a portion of the second part (212) of the first cover (210) may be placed on the top of the second protrusion (110_pr2). The second height (110_fh2) from the rear surface (110_bts) to the top of the second protrusion (110_pr2) may be greater than the first height (110_fh1) of the first top surface (110_ups1).

[0058] At least a portion of the second top surface (110_ups2) may be positioned at a distance from a point on the first top surface (110_ups1) (e.g., edge in the y-axis direction) in the -y-axis direction (e.g., direction of the left edge of the first display (130)) by a certain interval (e.g., the sum of the width of the first protrusion (110_pr1) (e.g., y-axis length), the width of the cover mounting groove (110_rec), and the width of the second protrusion (110_pr2). Alternatively, the y-axis edge of the second top surface (110_ups2) may be connected to the right edge of the second protrusion (110_pr2). The second top surface (110_ups2) may be formed with a lower z-axis length than the second protrusion (110_pr2). Alternatively, the second top surface (110_ups2) and the second protrusion (110_pr2) may form a step. At least a portion of the first display (130) may be placed on at least a portion of the second top surface (110_ups2). The third height (110_fh3) from the rear surface (110_bts) to the second top surface (110_ups2) may be greater than the second height (110_fh2). One edge of the first display (130) (e.g., the y-axis edge) may be positioned adjacent to the step formed by the second protrusion (110_pr2) and the second top surface (110_ups2). The thickness of the first display (130) (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) may be greater than the height of the step formed by the second protrusion (110_pr2) and the second top surface (110_ups2).

[0059] The first cover (210) may include a first part (211) (or a transparent part, a first cover part, a first top part) and a second part (212) (or an opaque part, a second cover part). The first part (211) and the second part (212) may include different materials. Alternatively, the first part (211) and the second part (212) may have the same or similar materials, but different colors or different degrees of transparency. According to various embodiments, the description of the first cover (210) may be applied to the second cover (220) in the same or similar manner. For example, the second cover (220) may include a first part and a second part, and the first part and the second part of the second cover (220) may be defined by at least some of the descriptions of the first part and the second part of the first cover (210) described below.

[0060] The first part (211) may have an overall inverted L shape. The first part (211) may include a first inclined part (211a) positioned to cover the first protrusion (110_pr1) of the first housing (110) and a first cover part (211b) positioned to cover the second part (212). At least a portion of the first part (211) may include a portion formed of a transparent material (or a material with a transparency value greater than a defined reference value, or a material with a transparency value greater than (more transparent than) the transparency of the first housing (110). Alternatively, the transparency (or elasticity, or flexibility) of the first inclined part (211a) and the transparency (or elasticity, or flexibility) of the first cover part (211b) may be different. For example, the transparency (or elasticity, or ductility) of the first inclined portion (211a) may be greater than the transparency (or elasticity, or ductility) of the first cover portion (211b). At least a portion of the second portion (212) may be formed of a material different from that of the first portion (211). Alternatively, the first portion (211) and the second portion (212) may be formed by double injection molding.

[0061] The first inclined portion (211a) may include an inclined side (211_sds), an inclined upper surface (211_ups), and a first cover inclined surface (211_slp) (or a first inclined surface). At least a portion of the inclined upper surface (211_ups) (e.g., a surface facing the z-axis direction) may be formed flat. The lower portion of the first inclined portion (211a) may include a first cover inclined surface (211_slp) corresponding to the protruding inclined surface (110_slp1) of the first protrusion (110_pr1) (or in contact with the protruding inclined surface (110_slp1), or facing the protruding inclined surface (110_slp1). One side (e.g., the y-axis edge) of the lower part (e.g., the lower part in the -z-axis direction) of the first inclined portion (211a) may be positioned at the right edge of the first top surface (110_ups1) (or between the boundary of the first top surface (110_ups1) and the first protrusion (110_pr1). The height of the inclined side (211_sds) (e.g., the length in the z-axis direction) may be greater than the height of the first protrusion (110_pr1) (e.g., the height protruding in the z-axis direction from the first top surface (110_ups1). The right edge of the inclined top surface (211_ups) may be connected to the first cover portion (211b).

[0062] The first cover portion (211b) may be positioned to cover the upper portion (212) of the first cover (210). At least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the first cover portion (211b) may be formed flat. The z-axis thickness of the first cover portion (211b) may be formed to be smaller than the height of the inclined side (211_sds).

[0063] The second part (212) may have an overall inverted L-shape. The second part (212) may include a groove insertion part (212a), a support part (212b), and a second cover part (212c).

[0064] At least a portion of the groove insertion portion (212a) may be inserted into the cover mounting groove (110_rec). Alternatively, the groove insertion portion (212a) may be positioned between the first protrusion (110_pr1) and the second protrusion (110_pr2), the lower portion of the groove insertion portion (212a) may be inserted into the cover mounting groove (110_rec), and the upper portion of the groove insertion portion (212a) may be in contact with the right side of the first protrusion (110_pr1) and the lower portion of the first cover portion (211b).

[0065] The support portion (212b) is connected to the groove insertion portion (212a) and may be positioned between the groove insertion portion (212a) and the second cover portion (212c). The upper part of the support portion (212b) faces (or contacts) the lower part of the first cover portion (211b), and at least a portion of the lower part of the support portion (212b) may be placed on the top of the second protrusion (110_pr2). The height of the support portion (212b) (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) may be smaller than the height of the groove insertion portion (212a) (e.g., length in the z-axis direction). The width of the groove insertion portion (212a) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) may be smaller than the width of the support portion (212b) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, depending on the width of the cover mounting groove (110_rec), the width of the groove insertion portion (212a) may be larger than the width of the support portion (212b). The width of the support portion (212b) may be formed to be smaller than the width of the second protrusion (110_pr2) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction).

[0066] The second cover portion (212c) may be formed by extending in the -y-axis direction from the top of the support portion (212b). The upper part of the second cover portion (212c) may face (or contact) the lower part of the first cover portion (211b). The height (or thickness) (e.g., length in the z-axis direction) of the second cover portion (212c) may be smaller than the thickness of the support portion (212b). Accordingly, a void space (or gap) may be formed between the lower part of the second cover portion (212c) and the second protrusion (110_pr2). The gap between the lower part of the second cover portion (212c) and the second protrusion (110_pr2) may be smaller than the gap (210_h) between the lower part of the second cover portion (212c) and the second upper surface (110_ups2). The gap (210_h) between the lower part of the second cover portion (212c) and the second upper surface (110_ups2) may be greater than the thickness of the first display (130). The y-axis length of the second cover portion (212c) may be formed to be greater than the y-axis length of the support portion (212b). The upper right end (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the second cover portion (212c) may be aligned in the z-axis direction with the right end (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the first cover portion (211b) (or the right end of the second cover portion (212c) may be positioned parallel to the right end of the first cover portion (211b). According to one embodiment, when viewed from the z-axis direction to the -z-axis direction, the lengths protruding to the right ends of the first cover portion (211b) and the second cover portion (212c) are the same (or similar), and the first cover portion (211b) and the second cover portion (212c) may be arranged to overlap in the z-axis direction. The sum of the width of the groove insertion portion (212a) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction), the width of the support portion (212b) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction), and the width of the second cover portion (212c) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) may be formed to be the same or similar to the width of the first cover portion (211b) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction).

[0067] According to one embodiment, when viewed from the z-axis direction to the -z-axis direction, the first cover portion (211b) and the second cover portion (212c) may be positioned so as to overlap at least a portion with one edge of the first display (130) (e.g., the edge in the y-axis direction). Alternatively, the second cover portion (212c) and the one edge of the first display (130) may be positioned so as to overlap with respect to the z-axis, and a gap may be formed vertically. According to various embodiments, a first gap may be formed between the top of the one edge of the first display (130) and the second cover portion (212c), and a second gap may be formed between the bottom of the one edge of the first display (130) and the second top surface (110_ups2).

[0068] As described above, in a foldable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment, a first cover (210) (or at least one of the first cover (210) and the second cover (220)) having a first portion (211) of a transparent material is disposed on a first protrusion (110_pr1) having an inclination greater than or less than (or not zero) (e.g., a first protrusion of at least one of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120)), so that when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the first portion (211) of the transparent material is observed from the outside, and thus the gap between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) can be perceived as shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) can be perceived as slimmer. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) can achieve weight reduction of the first housing (110) (or at least one of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120)) and provide a shock-absorbing effect by forming the height of the first housing (110) (or at least one of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120)) where the first top surface (110_ups1) is located shorter than the height of the first housing (110) (or at least one of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120)) where the second protrusion (110_pr2) is located, thereby forming the thickness of the first housing (110) (or at least one of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120)) thinner overall. A foldable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment utilizes a cover (200) for recognition of a slim shape, thereby increasing the possibility of changing the size or shape of the cover (200) and, in response, supporting a reduction in the size or thickness of the housing (e.g., at least one of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120)), so that the housing can be made thinner and lighter, the weight of the device can be reduced, and a strong characteristic against impact can be secured.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the second part (212) is formed of an opaque material and arranged to wrap around the edge of the first display (130), thereby reducing light leakage or light reflection through the edge of the first display (130) and protecting the edge of the first display (130), and at least a portion of the first part (211) is formed of a transparent material so as to scatter and diffuse incident light, thereby aesthetically reducing the sense of thickness and supporting an intuitive perception of a slim feel.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of a first modified cover of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. For example, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section cut along the AA' cutting line shown in FIG. 3. The cross-section described in FIG. 7 may be applied to at least one of a first cover (e.g., the first cover (210) of FIG. 3 or FIG. 6) and a first housing (110), a second cover (220), and a second housing (120).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a foldable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a first modified cover (210_ch1) (or a modified version of the second cover (220) described in FIG. 3) comprising a first part (211), a second part (212), and a first adhesive member (213_1).

[0072] The first part (211) above may include the same structure as the first part (211) of the first cover (210) described in FIG. 6. For example, the first part (211) may include a first inclined part (211a) and a first cover part (211b).

[0073] The first inclined portion (211a) may include an inclined side (211_sds) forming a y-axis side, an inclined upper surface (211_ups), a first cover inclined surface (211_slp), and a first cover connecting portion (211_sds2). Substantially, the inclined side (211_sds) and the inclined upper surface (211_ups) may be formed on each of the first to third part covers (210a, 210b, 210c) of the first modified cover (210_ch1). The first cover inclined surface (211_slp) may be formed on at least some or all of the first to third part covers (210a, 210b, 210c). For example, the first cover inclined surface (211_slp) may be formed only on the first part cover (210a) and the third part cover (210c). Alternatively, the first cover slope (211_slp) may be formed only on the second part cover (210b). The first cover connecting part (211_sds2) may have the same thickness as the first cover part (211b). The first cover part (211b) may have the same width and area as the upper surface of the second part (212). As previously described, one edge of the first cover part (211b) (e.g., the -y-axis edge) may be positioned to overlap with one edge of the first display (130) with respect to the z-axis direction.

[0074] The second part (212) may include a groove insertion part (212a), a support part (212b), and a second cover part (212c). The second part (212) may have substantially the same or similar size and shape as the second part (212) described in FIG. 6. As an example, the height of the groove insertion part (212a) (e.g., z-axis height) may be greater than the height of the support part (212b) (e.g., z-axis height), and the height of the support part (212b) may be greater than the height of the second cover part (212c). The upper surface of the second part (212) (e.g., the upper surface of the groove insertion part (212a), the upper surface of the support part (212b), and the upper surface of the second cover part (212c)) is formed flat and may face (or contact) the inner surface of the first cover part (211b). According to one embodiment, the width of the groove insertion portion (212a) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) is smaller than the width of the support portion (212b) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction), and the width of the support portion (212b) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) may be smaller than the width of the second cover portion (212c) (e.g., length in the y-axis direction).

[0075] The first adhesive member (213_1) may be positioned between the first part (211) and the second part (212). Alternatively, the first adhesive member (213_1) may be positioned between the first cover part (211b) and the second cover part (212c) to adhere the first cover part (211b) to the second cover part (212c). The first cover (210) described above in FIG. 6 may be formed through double injection molding. The first modified cover (210_ch1) described in FIG. 7 may be formed by preparing the first part (211) and the second part (212) through separate injection molding processes, respectively, and then adhering them through the first adhesive member (213_1). The first adhesive member (213_1) may include at least one of double-sided tape or an applied adhesive material. As an example, the first adhesive member (213_1) may include an OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive). As another example, at least a portion of the at least one adhesive member applied in the embodiments of the present invention may be composed of a material having adhesive performance under UV (ultra-violet) light. The thickness of the first adhesive member (213_1) may be formed to be thinner than the thickness of the first cover portion (211b) (e.g., z-axis height) or the thickness of the second cover portion (212c).

[0076] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a second modified cover included in a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. For instance, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section cut along the AA' cutting line shown in FIG. 3. The cross-section described in FIG. 8 may be applied to at least one of the first cover (210) and first housing (110) or the second cover (220) and second housing (120) described in FIG. 3. In the application process, the first protrusion (110_pr1) of the first housing (110) (or second housing (120)) described in FIG. 6 may be removed, and a part of the second part (212_ch1) (or second modified part) may replace the first protrusion (110_pr1).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, the foldable electronic device includes a second deformable cover (210_ch2) (or a first cover or a deformable of the first cover disposed in the first housing (110)), and the second deformable cover (210_ch2) may include a first part (211_ch1) (or a first deformable part), a second part (212_ch1) (or a second deformable part), a second adhesive member (213_2), and a third adhesive member (213_3). The first part (211_ch1) and the second part (212_ch1) of the second deformable cover (210_ch2) may be formed through double injection. For example, the second part (212_ch1) may be formed through a first injection process, and then the first part (211_ch1) may be formed through a second injection process. Accordingly, the first part (211_ch1) and the second part (212_ch1) (or the first deformed slope part (211a_slp) and the second slope part (212d), and the first cover part (211b) and the second cover part (212c)) can remain joined (or bonded) to each other without a separate adhesive member. As another example, the first part (211_ch1) and the second part (212_ch1) may each be prepared by a separate injection molding process, and then the first part (211_ch1) and the second part (212_ch1) may be bonded using the adhesive member (213_1) described in FIG. 7. In this process, an additional adhesive member may be added between the first deformed slope part (211a_ch1) and the second slope part (212d) of the first part (211_ch1).

[0078] The first part (211_ch1) may include a first deformation slope part (211a_ch1) and a first cover part (211b).

[0079] The first deformation slope portion (211a_ch1) may include a first deformation slope side (211a_sds), a sloped upper surface (211_ups), a first deformation cover sloped surface (211a_slp) (or a first deformation sloped surface), a first deformation cover connecting portion (211a_sds2), and a first cover bottom surface (211a_bts).

[0080] The first deformation slope side (211a_sds) may form a side along the y-axis edge of the first deformation slope portion (211a_ch1). The first deformation slope side (211a_sds) may be formed perpendicular to the y-axis in the z-axis direction, but the present description is not limited thereto. For example, the first deformation slope side (211a_sds) may have a certain slope (e.g., a slope with an absolute value greater than 0, or a negative slope or a positive slope) and may be formed in the z-axis direction. For example, the first deformation slope side (211a_sds) may have a slope connecting a point between the -zy axis to a point between the -yz axis, or may have a slope structure (e.g., an overhang) connecting a point between the -z and -y axes to a point between the zy axis.

[0081] The inclined upper surface (211_ups) may face (or come into contact with) at least a portion of the inclined upper surface of the second housing (120) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state. In this regard, at least a portion of the inclined upper surface (211_ups) may be formed flat, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the inclined upper surface (211_ups) may have an inclination greater than (or less than) zero with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0082] The first deformation cover slope surface (211a_slp) is formed diagonally between the -z axis and the -y axis based on the corner where the first deformation slope side (211a_sds) and the slope upper surface (211_ups) meet, has a non-zero slope (or a non-zero absolute value of the slope), and may have a slope connecting a point on the -z axis to a point on the -y axis. As an example, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first deformation cover slope surface (211a_slp) may include a slope value (e.g., a positive slope value) in which the height of the z-axis increases from the edge of the housings (110, 120) toward the center. For example, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the first housing (110) is placed horizontally on the ground, and the second housing (120) is placed on top of the first housing (110), the first modified cover slope (211a_slp) of the first cover placed on the first housing (110) has a slope value (e.g., positive slope) in which the height in the z-axis direction increases from the edge of the first housing (110) toward the center, and the first modified cover slope (211a_slp) of the second cover placed on the second housing (120) may have a slope value (e.g., negative slope) in which the height in the z-axis direction decreases from the edge of the second housing (120) toward the center.

[0083] The slope of the first deformed cover slope surface (211a_slp) may be the same as or similar to the slope of the second slope portion (212d) formed in the second portion (212_ch1). The diagonal length of the first deformed cover slope surface (211a_slp) (e.g., the diagonal length between the -zy axis and the -yz axis) may be formed to be the same as or similar to the slope length of the first slope portion (211a_ch1).

[0084] The first deformation cover connection portion (211a_sds2) may include a portion connected to the first cover portion (211b). For example, the first deformation cover connection portion (211a_sds2) may be aligned (or positioned) between the groove insertion portion (212a) of the second portion (212_ch1) and the first inclined portion (211a_ch1).

[0085] The first cover bottom surface (211a_bts) may be formed with a certain length in the -y-axis direction from the bottom of the first deformed inclined side (211a_sds). The first cover bottom surface (211a_bts) may be positioned between the first deformed inclined side (211a_sds) and the first deformed cover inclined surface (211a_slp). The first cover bottom surface (211a_bts) may face (or contact) the first top surface (110_ups1) of the first housing (110) described above in FIG. 7. The first cover bottom surface (211a_bts) may be positioned parallel to the bottom surface of the second inclined portion (212d) of the second portion (212_ch1).

[0086] The second part (212_ch1) may include a second inclined part (212d), a groove insertion part (212a), a support part (212b), and a second cover part (212c). The groove insertion part (212a), the support part (212b), and the second cover part (212c) may have the same or similar structure, size, and shape as the groove insertion part (212a), the support part (212b), and the second cover part (212c) described above in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7. The second inclined part (212d) is formed in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) from the groove insertion part (212a) and may include a second cover inclined surface (212d_slp) (or a second inclined surface). The second cover inclined surface (212d_slp) may face (or contact) the first deformed cover inclined surface (211a_slp). The slope of the second cover slope (212d_slp) may be formed to be the same or similar to the slope of the first modified cover slope (211a_slp). Alternatively, the second cover slope (212d_slp) may have a shape that is the same or similar to the shape of the first protrusion (110_pr1) described in FIG. 6. The right side of the second slope portion (212d) (e.g., the side in the -y-axis direction) may face (or contact) the left side of the groove insertion portion (212a) (e.g., the side in the y-axis direction). The height of the right side of the second slope portion (212d) (e.g., the length in the z-axis direction) may be smaller than the height of the left side of the groove insertion portion (212a) (e.g., the length in the z-axis direction).

[0087] In a foldable electronic device to which the second modified cover (210_ch2) according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, the first protrusion (110_pr1) described in FIG. 6 may be removed. In this case, the structure of the first housing (110) of the foldable electronic device may be extended such that the first upper surface (110_ups1) of FIG. 6 is extended to the position where the first protrusion (110_pr1) is formed.

[0088] The second adhesive member (213_2) may be placed on the bottom surface of the second cover inclined surface (212d_slp). The second adhesive member (213_2) may adhere the bottom surface of the second cover inclined surface (212d_slp) to the top surface of the first housing (110) (e.g., the part where the first top surface (110_ups1) extends in the -y-axis direction). The second adhesive member (213_2) may be formed by applying double-sided tape or an adhesive material. For example, the second adhesive member (213_2) may include OCA or clear epoxy. Alternatively, the second adhesive member (213_2) may include the same material as the third adhesive member (213_3).

[0089] The third adhesive member (213_3) may be placed on the first cover bottom surface (211a_bts). Alternatively, when the second modified cover (210_ch2) is placed on the first housing (110), the third adhesive member (213_3) may be placed between the top surface of the first housing (110) (e.g., an extended form of the first top surface (110_ups1) in FIG. 6) and the first cover bottom surface (211a_bts). The third adhesive member (213_3) may include at least one of double-sided tape or an applied adhesive material. As an example, the third adhesive member (213_3) may include OCA or clear epoxy. Alternatively, the third adhesive member (213_3) may include the same material as the second adhesive member (213_2).

[0090] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of a third modified cover included in a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. For instance, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section cut along the AA' cutting line shown in FIG. 3. The cross-section described in FIG. 9 may be applied to at least one of the first cover (210) and first housing (110) or the second cover (220) and second housing (120) described in FIG. 3. In the application process, the first protrusion (110_pr1) of the first housing (110) (or second housing (120)) described in FIG. 6 may be removed, and a part of the second part (212_ch1) (or second modified part) may replace the first protrusion (110_pr1).

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, the foldable electronic device includes a third modified cover (210_ch3) (or a first cover or a modified version of the first cover disposed in the first housing (110)), and the third modified cover (210_ch3) may include a first part (211) and a second part (212_ch1) (or a second modified part), a film member (213_5), and a fourth adhesive member (213_4).

[0092] In the above third modified cover (210_ch3), the first part (211) may have the same or similar structure as the first part of the first cover (210) described in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7. For example, the first part (211) includes a first inclined part (211a) and a first cover part (211b), and the first inclined part (211a) may include an inclined side (211_sds), an inclined upper surface (211_ups), a first cover inclined surface (211_slp), and a first cover connecting part (211_sds2). At least some description of such first part (211) may be supplemented or replaced by the description of the configurations mentioned in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7.

[0093] In the third modified cover (210_ch3) above, the second part (212_ch1) may have the same or similar structure as the second part described in FIG. 8. For example, the second part (212_ch1) may include a second inclined part (212_d), a groove insertion part (212a), a support part (212b), and a second cover part (212c). Accordingly, at least some description of the second part (212_ch1) may be replaced or supplemented by the description of the second part described in FIG. 8. Additionally or generally, the magnitude of the inclination of the second inclined part (212_d) described in FIG. 8 and the magnitude of the inclination of the second inclined part (212_d) shown in FIG. 9 may be different. For example, the inclination of the second cover inclined surface (212d_slp) in FIG. 9 may be formed more gently than the inclination of the second cover inclined surface in FIG. 8.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first protrusion (110_pr1) described in FIG. 6 may be removed from the foldable electronic device to which the third modified cover (210_ch3) according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied. The structure of the first housing (110) of the foldable electronic device may be modified so that the first upper surface (110_ups1) of FIG. 6 extends to the portion where the first protrusion (110_pr1) is formed.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first part (211) and the second part (212_ch1) are provided separately, and then at least a portion of them may be in an adhesive state through the fourth adhesive member (213_4). For example, the first part (211) and the second part (212_ch1) are provided through an injection molding process, and at least a portion of the fourth adhesive member (213_4) may be placed between the first part (211) and the second part (212_ch1). The fourth adhesive member (213_4) may include a first adhesive portion (213_11) placed between the first cover portion (211b) and the second cover portion (212c), and a second adhesive portion (213_12) placed between the film member (213_5) and the second inclined portion (212_d) (or the second cover inclined surface (212d_slp)). One end of the first adhesive portion (213_11) and one end of the second adhesive portion (213_12) may be connected to each other. The length of the first adhesive portion (213_11) (e.g., -y-axis length) may be formed to be the same as or similar to the size of the lower surface of the first cover portion (211b) or the size of the upper surface of the second cover portion (212c). The length of the second adhesive portion (213_12) may be formed to be the same as or similar to the diagonal length of the film member (213_5). Here, in the illustrated drawing, a structure is illustrated in which one end of the first cover portion (211b) (e.g., the edge in the -y-axis direction) and one end of the second cover portion (212c) (e.g., the edge in the -y-axis direction) do not coincide, but the present description is not limited thereto, and one end of the first cover portion (211b) and one end of the second cover portion (212c) may coincide (or be aligned) with respect to the -y-axis direction.

[0096] The film member (213_5) may be positioned between the first inclined portion (211a) of the first portion (211) and the second inclined portion (212_d) of the second portion (212_ch1). The film member (213_5) may include a reflective film. The film member (213_5) may be positioned to reflect light introduced through the inclined side surface (211_sds) and the inclined upper surface (211_ups) of the first inclined portion (211a). For example, a reflective material (or reflective layer) may be disposed on one side of the film member (213_5) (e.g., the first cover inclined surface (211_slp) of the first inclined portion (211a) facing (or in contact with), and an adhesive material or adhesive layer may be disposed on the other side of the film member (213_5) (e.g., the second cover inclined surface (212d_slp) of the second inclined portion (212_d). The film member (213_5) may enhance (improve) the diffuse reflection effect of light, or enhance (improve) the scattering or diffusion function of light incident on the cover. The length of the film member (213_5) (e.g., the diagonal length between the -zy axis and the -yz axis) is the length of the first cover inclined surface (211_slp) (e.g., the diagonal length between the -zy axis and the -yz axis) or the length of the second cover inclined surface (212d_slp) (e.g., the -zy axis It can be formed to be the same or similar as the diagonal length between the -yz axes. As another example, an adhesive member (or adhesive layer) may be further disposed between the film member (213_5) and the first cover inclined surface (211_slp). As another example, the film member (213_5) may be disposed between the second adhesive portion (213_12) and the second cover inclined surface (212d_slp).

[0097] Additionally or generally, a second adhesive member (e.g., the second adhesive member (213_2) described in FIG. 8) described above may be further disposed on the bottom surface of the second inclined portion (212_d). As another example, at least one of the various embodiments of the cover described in FIG. 6 through 9 may be applied to at least one of the foldable electronic devices described below in FIG. 10 through 15. Furthermore, each form of the cover described in FIG. 6 through 9 may be combined with one another, and such combination may be applied to the foldable electronic devices in FIG. 10 through 15 below.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a first deformable foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, FIG. 10 shows an example of a part of the first deformable foldable electronic device (110_ch1) and a cross-section cut along the BB' cutting line.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 10, the first transformable foldable electronic device (100_ch1) may include a first display (130), a first transformable housing (110_ch1), and a fourth transformable cover (210_ch4). The first transformable foldable electronic device (100_ch1) may have a speaker device (110_spm) (or module) and a light-emitting device (110_Led) (or module) disposed inside the first transformable housing (110_ch1).

[0100] The speaker device (110_spm) may include a receiver of the first variable foldable electronic device (100_ch1). For example, the speaker device (110_spm) may output a call sound that is transmitted or received when the call function of the first variable foldable electronic device (100_ch1) is executed. Alternatively, the speaker device (110_spm) may include a device that outputs an audio signal when a user function including music playback or other sound playback of the first variable foldable electronic device (100_ch1) is executed.

[0101] The first display (130) may include a configuration substantially identical or similar to the first display described in at least one of the other drawings. For example, the first display (130) may include a plurality of layers, and at least a portion of which may be disposed on the first deformation housing (110_ch1). One edge of the first display (130) (e.g., y-axis edge) may be disposed within the space formed by the fourth deformation cover (210_ch4) and the first deformation housing (110_ch1). For example, with respect to the z-axis direction, one edge of the first display (130) may partially overlap with the fourth deformation cover (210_ch4) on the upper side (e.g., z-axis direction) and be disposed on the stepped portion of the first deformation housing (110_ch1) on the lower side (e.g., -z-axis direction).

[0102] The first deformation housing (110_ch1) may include a rear side (110_bts), a side (110_sds), a first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch), a second top surface (110_ups2), and a deformation protrusion (110_pr1_ch).

[0103] The above rear surface (110_bts) may form the bottom surface of the first deformation housing (110_ch1). At least a portion of the above rear surface (110_bts) may be formed flat. A separate rear cover or rear case may be disposed on the above rear surface (110_bts).

[0104] The above side (110_sds) is a configuration forming a side of the first deformation housing (110_ch1) and may include one surface of at least one of the first to third sides (110a, 110b, 110c) described above in FIGS. 1 to 3. When based on a cross-section cut along the BB' cutting line, the above side (110_sds) may include one surface of the second side (110b). At least a portion of the above side (110_sds) is formed flat, the lower part of the side (110_sds) is connected to the rear surface (110_bts), and the upper part of the side (110_sds) may be connected to the first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch).

[0105] The first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch) may form the upper edge of the first deformation housing (110_ch1). The first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch) may be formed flat except for the area where the deformation protrusion (110_pr1_ch) is placed. The right end of the first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch) (e.g., -y-axis edge) may form a step with the left edge of the second top surface (110_ups2) (e.g., y-axis edge). For example, the height of the first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch) (e.g., height in the z-axis direction from the rear (110_bts)) may be formed higher than the height of the second top surface (110_ups2). A deformation protrusion (110_pr1_ch) may be placed at the center of the first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch).

[0106] The second top surface (110_ups2) may include a configuration identical or similar to the second top surface (110_ups2) described in FIG. 6. At least a portion of the first display (130) may be placed on the second top surface (110_ups2). The left edge of the second top surface (110_ups2) may form a groove that is open to the right together with the fourth modified cover (210_ch4). The left edge of the first display (130) may be placed in the groove.

[0107] The above-deformed protrusion (110_pr1_ch) may protrude in the z-axis direction from the first deformed top surface (110_ups1_ch). The above-deformed protrusion (110_pr1_ch) may include a protruding inclined surface (110_slp2) having a positive slope from the y-axis to the -y-axis. The right edge of the above-deformed protrusion (110_pr1_ch) may be formed perpendicular to (or with a certain slope to) the first deformed top surface (110_ups1_ch). The y-axis width of the above-deformed protrusion (110_pr1_ch) may be formed with a width smaller than the y-axis width of the first deformed top surface (110_ups1_ch).

[0108] The first deformation housing (110_ch1) may be formed of a metal material or an opaque material. The first deformation housing (110_ch1) is formed to penetrate the inner side of the deformation protrusion (110_pr1_ch) from the point where the light-emitting device (110_Led) is placed, and a first passage (110_trh) (or part of the passage, through hole, empty space) may be provided to transmit light irradiated from the light-emitting device (110_Led) to the fourth deformation cover (210_ch4). For example, the first passage (110_trh) may be formed vertically (or have a certain inclination or be curved) in the z-axis direction (or the front direction of the first display (130) where the screen is displayed when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state) from the center of one side of the first deformation housing (110_ch1). At least one of the first passages (110_trh) may be disposed on the second side (110b) of the first deformation housing (110_ch1). For example, a plurality of first passages (110_trh) may be disposed at regular intervals. Accordingly, the light-emitting device (110_Led) may include a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs, light-emitting diodes).

[0109] The above-mentioned fourth deformation cover (210_ch4) may include a first part (211_ch2) (or a third deformation part) and a second part (212_ch2) (or a fourth deformation part).

[0110] The first part (211_ch2) may include a first deformation slope part (211a_ch2) (or first slope part) and a second deformation slope part (211b_ch1) (or second slope part).

[0111] The first deformed slope portion (211a_ch2) may include a triangular cross-sectional shape of the cut surface. Alternatively, the first deformed slope portion (211a_ch2) may include a polygonal shape of the cut surface. At least some corners of the first deformed slope portion (211a_ch2) may be rounded. The first deformed slope portion (211a_ch2) may be placed on the third slope portion (212ab_ch). In this regard, the first deformed slope portion (211a_ch2) may include a sloped side (211_sds), a portion of the sloped upper surface (211_ups), and a portion of the first cover slope surface (211_slp1), and the second deformed slope portion (211b_ch1) (or the second slope portion) may include another portion of the sloped upper surface (211_ups) and another portion of the first cover slope surface (211_slp1). The first deformable slope portion (211a_ch2) (or the first slope portion) and the second deformable slope portion (211b_ch1) may be connected to each other. The first cover slope surface (211_slp1) may form the lower part of the first deformable slope portion (211a_ch2) and the lower part of the second deformable slope portion (211b_ch1). The first cover slope surface (211_slp1) may be formed with the same slope as the upper cover slope surface (212_slp1) (or the upper slope surface). The inner side of the first deformable slope portion (211a_ch2) may be filled with a transparent material. An adhesive member may be placed in at least a portion of the area between the first cover slope surface (211_slp1) and the upper cover slope surface (212_slp1).

[0112] The inner side of the second deformed slope portion (211b_ch1) may have an empty cavity or a second passage (211_trh) (or another part of the passage, or a passage of the first portion (211_ch2)). The second passage (211_trh) may be connected at least partially to a third passage (212_trh) formed in the second portion (212_ch2) (or another part of the passage, or a passage formed in the second portion (212_ch2)). As another example, the second passage (211_trh) may be omitted. If the second passage (211_trh) is omitted, at least part (or the whole) of the area where the first portion (211_ch2) or the second passage (21_trh) is located may be filled with a transparent material. If the second passage (211_trh) is omitted, the upper part of the third passage (212_trh) of the second deformation slope portion (211b_ch1) may face the first cover slope surface (211_slp1).

[0113] The second part (212_ch2) may include a third inclined part (212ab_ch) and a second cover part (212c). The third inclined part (212ab_ch) and the second cover part (212c) may be connected to each other. The second part (212_ch2) may be formed of a material different from that of the first part (211_ch2) (e.g., an opaque material). Alternatively, the material of the second part (212_ch2) may be formed differently from the material of the first part (211_ch2) and the material of the first deformation housing (110_ch1).

[0114] The third inclined portion (212ab_ch) may be positioned such that at least a portion thereof is placed between the first portion (211_ch2) and the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch). For example, the third inclined portion (212ab_ch) may include an upper cover inclined surface (212_slp1) facing (or in contact with) a first cover inclined surface (211_slp1) formed on the first portion (211_ch2), and a lower cover inclined surface (212_slp2) (or lower inclined surface) facing (or in contact with) a protruding inclined surface (110_slp2) formed on the second deformed protrusion (110_pr1_ch). According to one embodiment, a portion of the first cover inclined surface (211_slp1), the upper cover inclined surface (212_slp1), and the protruding inclined surface (110_slp2) may be positioned to overlap vertically with respect to the z-axis direction. According to one embodiment, a portion of the first cover inclined surface (211_slp1) and the lower cover inclined surface (212_slp2) and a portion of the protruding inclined surface (110_slp2) may be arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the z-axis direction. An adhesive member may be disposed in at least a portion of the area between the first cover inclined surface (211_slp1) and the lower cover inclined surface (212_slp2).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the lower cover inclined surface (212_slp2) and the protruding inclined surface (110_slp2) may be arranged to overlap vertically with respect to the z-axis direction. The first slope of the first cover inclined surface (211_slp1) and the first slope of the upper cover inclined surface (212_slp1) may be the same (or similar), and the second slope of the lower cover inclined surface (212_slp2) and the second slope of the protruding inclined surface (110_slp2) may be the same (or similar). The magnitude (or absolute value magnitude) of the first slope may be greater than the magnitude (or absolute value magnitude) of the second slope. The slope length of the first cover inclined surface (211_slp1) or the upper cover inclined surface (212_slp1) may be formed to be shorter than the slope length of the lower cover inclined surface (212_slp2) or the protruding inclined surface (110_slp2).

[0116] The third inclined portion (212ab_ch) may include a third passage (212_trh) penetrating in the z-axis direction. One side of the third passage (212_trh) may be connected to a light-emitting device (110_Led), and the other part of the third passage (212_trh) may be connected to a second passage (211_trh). The first passage (110_trh), the second passage (211_trh), and the third passage (212_trh) may form a first receiver hole (110_rch1) through which a signal irradiated from a speaker device (110_spm) travels. As an example, at least a part of the first receiver hole (110_rch1) may be used as a passage for light irradiated from a light-emitting device (110_Led).

[0117] The first modified foldable electronic device (100_ch1) of the above-described invention utilizes at least a portion of the first receiver hole (110_rch1), through which a sound signal generated from a speaker device (110_spm) is output, as a passage through which light generated from a light-emitting device (110_Led) travels, thereby supporting the first portion (211_ch2) of the fourth modified cover (210_ch4) to emit light by the light irradiated by the light-emitting device (110_Led).

[0118] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a second deformable foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, FIG. 11 shows an example of a part of the second deformable foldable electronic device (110_ch2) and a cross-section cut along the CC' cutting line.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 11, the second deformation foldable electronic device (100_ch2) may include a first display (130), a first deformation housing (110_ch1), and a fifth deformation cover (210_ch5). The second deformation foldable electronic device (100_ch2) may have a speaker device (110_spm) (or module) and a light-emitting device (110_Led) (or module) disposed inside the first deformation housing (110_ch1). The first display (130), the speaker device (110_spm), and the light-emitting device (110_Led) may include the same or similar configuration as the first display, speaker device, and light-emitting device described above in FIG. 10. Accordingly, the description of the first display (130), the first speaker device (110_spm), and the light-emitting device (110_Led) may be supplemented or replaced by the description in FIG. 10.

[0120] The first deformation housing (110_ch1) may include a configuration identical or similar to the first deformation housing described in FIG. 10. For example, the first deformation housing (110_ch1) may include a rear side (110_bts), a side (110_sds), a first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch), a second top surface (110_ups2), and a protruding structure (110_pr1_ch). The description regarding the configuration of the rear side (110_bts), side (110_sds), first deformation top surface (110_ups1_ch), second top surface (110_ups2), and protruding structure (110_pr1_ch) of the first deformation housing (110_ch1) may be replaced or supplemented by the description regarding the rear side, side, first deformation top surface, second top surface, and deformation protrusion described in FIG. 10. For example, the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch) may have a first passage (110_trh) through which light irradiated from the light-emitting device (110_Led) travels. The first passage (110_trh) may be formed, for example, to penetrate the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch) in the z-axis direction.

[0121] The above-mentioned fifth deformation cover (210_ch5) may include a first part (210_ch3) (or fifth deformation part) and a second part (212_ch3) (or sixth deformation part). Here, the second part (212_ch3) of the fifth deformation cover (210_ch5) may be configured to correspond to the second cover part (212c) among the second parts (212_ch3) described above in FIG. 10.

[0122] The first part (210_ch3) may include a first slope part (211a_ch3), a second slope part (211_ch1), and a slope extension part (211c).

[0123] The first inclined portion (211a_ch3) may include a square (or polygonal) cross-sectional shape of the cut surface. Alternatively, the first inclined portion (211a_ch3) may include a polygonal shape of the cut surface. At least some corners of the first inclined portion (211a_ch3) may be rounded. The first inclined portion (211a_ch3) may be placed on the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch). For example, the first inclined portion (211a_ch3) and a part of the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch) may be placed so as to overlap with respect to the z-axis. The first inclined portion (211a_ch3) may include an inclined side (211_sds), a part of an inclined upper surface (211_ups), and a part of a first cover inclined surface (211_slp2).

[0124] The second inclined portion (211b_ch2) may include another part of the inclined upper surface (211_ups) and another part of the first cover inclined surface (211_slp2). The second inclined portion (211b_ch2) may be positioned between the first inclined portion (211a_ch3) and the inclined extension portion (211c). The second inclined portion (211b_ch2) and the first inclined portion (211a_ch3) may be connected to each other. The second inclined portion (211b_ch2) and the inclined extension portion (211c) may be connected to each other. A second passage (211_trh) that penetrates vertically may be formed in at least a part of the second inclined portion (211b_ch2). For example, the second inclined portion (211b_ch2) may include an inner wall forming the second passage (211_trh). The second passage (211_trh) formed in the second inclined portion (211b_ch2) may be connected to the first passage (110_trh) formed in the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch). Light irradiated from the light-emitting device (110_Led) and traveled through the first passage (110_trh) may be transmitted to the second passage (211_trh). The upper part of the second passage (211_trh) may be closed. Alternatively, the upper part of the second passage (211_trh) may be open. The upper surface of the second inclined portion (211b_ch2) may be flat, and the lower surface may be inclined. As another example, the second passage (211_trh) may be removed (or omitted) from the second inclined portion (211b_ch2), and the area of ​​the second passage (211_trh) may be filled with a transparent material. Alternatively, the second passage (211_trh) may be formed only in a part of the second inclined portion (211b_ch2). For example, the second passage (211_trh) may be formed up to a height of a part of the second inclined portion (211b_ch2) with respect to the z-axis.

[0125] The inclined extension portion (211c) may extend in the -y-axis direction from the second inclined portion (211b_ch2). The upper portion of the inclined extension portion (211c) may include another part of the inclined upper surface (211_ups) and another part of the first cover inclined surface (211_slp2). Correspondingly, the first cover inclined surface (211_slp2) may include the lower portion of the first inclined portion (211a_ch3), the lower portion of the second inclined portion (211b_ch2), and the lower portion of the inclined extension portion (211c). The first cover inclined surface (211_slp2) may face (or contact) the protruding inclined surface (110_slp3) of the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch). A portion (e.g., the right edge) of the inclined extension portion (211c) may face (or contact) the second portion (212_ch3) (e.g., the left edge of the second portion (212_ch3)). According to one embodiment, the thickness of the right edge of the inclined extension portion (211c) (e.g., the z-axis height) may be formed to be thinner than the thickness (e.g., the z-axis height) of the second portion (212_ch3), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the thickness of the right edge of the inclined extension portion (211c) (e.g., the z-axis height) may be formed to be the same or similar to the thickness (e.g., the z-axis height) of the second portion (212_ch3). The first inclined portion (211a_ch3), the second inclined portion (211b_ch2), and the inclined extension portion (211c) may be formed of the same material (e.g., a material having the same transparency).

[0126] The first cover inclined surface (211_slp2) may form the lower part of the first inclined portion (211a_ch3), the lower part of the second inclined portion (211b_ch2), and the lower part of the inclined extension portion (211c). The first cover inclined surface (211_slp2) may have the same or a similar slope as the protruding inclined surface (110_slp3) formed on the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch).

[0127] The second modified foldable electronic device (100_ch2) of the present invention described above utilizes at least a portion of the second receiver hole (110_rch2) (e.g., a hole including a first passage (110_trh) and a second passage (211_trh)) through which a sound signal generated from a speaker device (110_spm) is output, as a passage through which light generated from a light-emitting device (110_Led) travels, thereby supporting the first portion (210_ch3) of the fifth modified cover (210_ch5) to emit light by the light irradiated by the light-emitting device (110_Led).

[0128] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing one structure of a third modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing some configurations related to light emission of a third modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, the third variant foldable electronic device (100_ch3) comprises a first variant housing (110_ch1), a fourth variant cover (210_ch4), a printed circuit board (110_pb), a speaker device (110_spm), a light-emitting device (110_Led), and a connection board (110_co). The fourth variant cover (210_ch4) may include a receiver hole (e.g., a first receiver hole (110_rch1) or a second receiver hole (110_rch2), described below based on the first receiver hole (110_rch1). Additionally, or generally, the third variant foldable electronic device (100_ch3) may include a battery that supplies power necessary for driving the speaker device (110_spm) and the light-emitting device (110_Led), and a power control unit for controlling the power discharge and charge of the battery. The above power control unit may be connected to the printed circuit board (110_pb) or placed on the printed circuit board (110_pb).

[0130] The above-mentioned connecting board (110_co) may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connecting a printed circuit board (110_pb) and a speaker device (110_spm) or a printed circuit board (110_pb) and a light-emitting device (110_Led). Meanwhile, in the third deformation foldable electronic device (100_ch3), a structure in which the printed circuit board (110_pb), the speaker device (110_spm), and the light-emitting device (110_Led) are placed in the first deformation housing (110_ch1) has been exemplified, but the present description is not limited thereto. For example, the printed circuit board (110_pb), the speaker device (110_spm), and the light-emitting device (110_Led) may be placed in the second housing (120) (or the second deformation housing in which the protruding structure of the second housing (120) is deformed).

[0131] The printed circuit board (110_pb) may be placed on one side (e.g., the inner side (110_btin)) of the first deformation housing (110_ch1). The printed circuit board (110_pb) may include at least one processor (or hardware processor) and memory related to driving the speaker device (110_spm). Additionally, the printed circuit board (110_pb) may include at least one processor and memory related to driving the light-emitting device (110_Led). Alternatively, one processor and memory may perform the storage, processing, and transmission of signals required to drive the speaker device (110_spm) and the light-emitting device (110_Led). Regarding the mounting of the printed circuit board (110_pb), the first deformation housing (110_ch1) may include a groove into which the printed circuit board (110_pb) can be mounted.

[0132] The speaker device (110_spm) may be positioned adjacent to the first receiver hole (110_rch1). Alternatively, with respect to the z-axis direction, at least a portion of the speaker device (110_spm) may partially overlap with the first receiver hole (110_rch1).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the light-emitting device (110_Led) may be placed on a speaker PCB (printed circuit board) included in a speaker device (110_spm). The light-emitting device (110_Led) may include a light-emitting element (110_Led_lt) and a component cover (110_Led_co) covering the light-emitting element (110_Led_lt). At least a portion of the component cover (110_Led_co) may include a light guide plate. The component cover (110_Led_co) may transmit light irradiated from the light-emitting element (110_Led_lt) toward a first receiver hole (110_rch1). The component cover (110_Led_co) may be configured in a dome shape or an arc shape to provide a light spreading effect (an effect that causes light to spread while using at least one light-emitting element (110_Led_lt) according to the light reflection distance value).

[0134] The light-emitting device (110_Led) may have at least one of the light-emitting timing, light-emitting pattern, and light-emitting brightness adjusted in response to the control of a processor placed on a printed circuit board (110_pb). For example, a control signal for the light-emitting device (110_Led) from a processor placed on a printed circuit board (110_pb) is transmitted to the PCB of a speaker device (110_spm) through a connection board (110_co), and the PCB of the speaker device (110_spm) can control the light-emitting timing and light-emitting brightness of the light-emitting device (110_Led) in response to the control signal of the light-emitting device. Light irradiated from the light-emitting device (110_Led) is transmitted to the first receiver hole (110_rch1) of the fourth modified cover (210_ch4), and at least a part of the fourth modified cover (210_ch4) (e.g., a first part (211_ch2)) can diffuse the transmitted light to emit light. As an example, the light-emitting device (110_Led) may be positioned at the center of the speaker device (110_spm). Alternatively, at least a portion of the light-emitting device (110_Led) may be positioned to overlap with the first receiver hole (110_rch1) with respect to the z-axis direction.

[0135] The fourth deformation cover (210_ch4) may be positioned on the upper side walls of the first deformation housing (110_ch1). The shape of the fourth deformation cover (210_ch4) may include the shape of the fourth deformation cover (210_ch4) described above in FIG. 10. The fourth deformation cover (210_ch4) may include a portion of the first receiver hole (110_rch1). The portion of the first receiver hole (110_rch1) may be formed, for example, across the first portion (211_ch2) and the second portion (212_ch2) of the fourth deformation cover (210_ch4), or only on the second portion (212_ch2). The other portion of the first receiver hole (110_rch1) may be formed in the first deformation housing (110_ch1). Meanwhile, the fourth modified cover (210_ch4) may be replaced with the fifth modified cover (210_ch5) described in FIG. 11. In this case, a portion of the receiver hole may be formed only in the first part (211_ch3) of the fifth modified cover (210_ch5).

[0136] In the third modified foldable electronic device (100_ch3) of the above-described structure, the light emission timing and brightness of the light-emitting device (110_Led) are controlled in response to the control of a processor placed on a printed circuit board (110_pb), and light emitted from the light-emitting device (110_Led) can be transmitted to the fourth modified cover (210_ch4) or the fifth modified cover (210_ch5). A first part formed of a transparent material among the fourth modified cover (210_ch4) or the fifth modified cover (210_ch5) can diffuse the emitted light and emit light. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an example of the structure of the fourth modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0137] In FIG. 14, state 1401 illustrates the folded state of the fourth modified foldable electronic device, and state 1403 shows an example of a cross-section cut along the DD' cutting line in state 1401.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 14, the fourth variant foldable electronic device (100_ch4) may include a first housing (110) (or a variant housing mentioned in other drawings), a second housing (120), a hinge housing (150), a sixth variant cover (210_ch6) (or a first cover placed on the first housing (110), or a variant of the first cover), and a second cover (220).

[0139] The sixth modified cover (210_ch6) may include a first part (211_ch4) (or a seventh modified part) and a second part (212_ch4) (or an eighth modified part). The first part (211_ch4) may have a higher transparency than the transparency of the second part (212_ch4). Alternatively, the second part (212_ch4) may be formed of an opaque material, and the first part (211_ch4) may be formed of a material having a transparency greater than or equal to a defined value. The first part (211_ch4) may have the same or similar structure as the first part described in FIG. 6. For example, the first part (211_ch4) may include an inclined part (211a) of the first cover and a first cover part (211b) of the first cover. A portion (or left portion) of the second portion (212_ch4) (e.g., a portion corresponding to the groove insertion portion (212a) in FIG. 6) is positioned to face (or contact) the side wall of the first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion (110_pr1) in FIG. 6) formed in the first housing (110) while at least a portion is inserted into the cover mounting groove formed in the first housing (110), and another portion (or center) of the second portion (212_ch4) (e.g., a portion corresponding to the support portion (212b) in FIG. 6) may be positioned on the second protrusion (e.g., a portion corresponding to the second protrusion (110_pr2) in FIG. 6) formed in the first housing (110). Another part (or right part) of the second part (212_ch4) (e.g., the part corresponding to the second cover part (212c) of FIG. 6) may be extended in the direction of the first display area (130a) and positioned to cover one edge (e.g., the edge in the y-axis direction) of the first display area (130a). At this time, a gap may be formed in the z-axis direction between the right part of the second part (212_ch4) and the first display area (130a).

[0140] The second part (212_ch4) may include a mounting groove (212_rec) in which a light-emitting device (110_Led) and a light guide plate (110_gp) can be placed. The mounting groove (212_rec) may be formed, for example, across the left side and the center of the second part (212_ch4). Alternatively, the mounting groove (212_rec) may be formed across a portion of the left side and a portion of the center of the second part (212_ch4). The light guide plate (110_gp) is placed above the light-emitting device (110_Led) and may serve to transmit light irradiated by the light-emitting device (110_Led) to the first part (211_ch4). As an example, at least a portion of the light guide plate (110_gp) may be positioned to face (or contact) the first cover portion (211b) of the first cover among the first parts (211_ch4). The light guide plate (110_gp) may be formed of a transparent material. Alternatively, the light guide plate (110_gp) may be formed of a material with a specific color added and a transparency value greater than or equal to a specified value. Light irradiated by the light-emitting device (110_Led) is transmitted to the first cover portion (211b) of the first cover through the light guide plate (110_gp), and the light transmitted to the first cover portion (211b) of the first cover may be diffused (or transmitted) to the inclined portion (211a) through the first cover portion (211b) of the first cover. As another example, at least a portion of the light guide plate (110_gp) may be placed in the receiver hole described in FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0141] The second cover (220) may include a first part (221) of the second cover and a second part (222) of the second cover, similar to the sixth modified cover (210_ch6). The first part (221) of the second cover may include a structure identical or similar to the first part (211) of the first cover (210) described in FIG. 6. For example, the first part (221) of the second cover may include an inclined part (221a) and a first cover part (221b). The inclined part (221a) and the first cover part (221b) may have a structure identical or similar to the inclined part (211a) and the first cover part (211b) of the first part (211) of the first cover (210) described in FIG. 6. Accordingly, the description of the inclined portion (221a) and the first cover portion (221b) may be replaced or supplemented by the description of the inclined portion (211a) and the first cover portion (211b) of the first cover (210) described in FIG. 6. According to one embodiment, when the fourth deformation foldable electronic device (100_ch4) is in a folded state, at least a part of the sixth deformation cover (210_ch6) (e.g., the first part (211)) and at least a part of the second cover (220) (e.g., the first part (221) of the second cover (220)) may face or come into contact. Accordingly, light transmitted through the light guide plate (110_gp) can be transmitted to the first cover portion (221b) of the second cover (220) via the first cover portion (211b) of the first portion (211_ch4), and light transmitted to the first cover portion (221b) of the second cover (220) can be diffused (or transmitted) to the inclined portion (221a) of the second cover (220).

[0142] The first housing (110) may have the same or similar structure as the first housing described in FIG. 6. Accordingly, at least some of the description regarding the first housing (110) or parts not described regarding the first housing (110) may be replaced or supplemented by the description regarding the first housing described in FIG. 6.

[0143] The second housing (120) described above may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to the second housing described in FIGS. 1 to 3, and may have a structure identical or similar to the first housing (110). Alternatively, the structure of the second housing (120) may differ from the structure of the second housing (120). For example, while the sixth deformation cover (210_ch6) is applied to the first housing (110), at least one of the third deformation cover (210_ch3), the fourth deformation cover (210_ch4), and the fifth deformation cover (210_ch5) may be applied to the second housing (120). Alternatively, a separate multi-layered cover structure may not be applied to the second housing (120), and a single-layered cover structure may be applied. In this case, the second housing (120) may include a structure in which a separate protruding structure (e.g., the first protrusion (110_pr1) of FIG. 6 or the protruding structure (110_pr1_ch) of FIG. 10) is disposed.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include an upper surface on which a first display area (130a) (e.g., a portion of the first display (130) placed within the first housing (110) when the fourth variant foldable electronic device (100_ch4) is in a folded state) is placed. The second housing (120) may include an upper surface on which a second display area (130b) (e.g., another portion of the first display (130) placed within the second housing (120) when the fourth variant foldable electronic device (100_ch4) is in a folded state) is placed. The edge of the first housing (110) may be spaced apart from the edge of the second housing (120) by the z-axis height of the sixth variant cover (210_ch6) and the second cover (220). The sixth modified cover (210_ch6) (or the first part (211) of the sixth modified cover (210_ch6), or the inclined part (211a) of the sixth modified cover (210_ch6)) and the second cover (220) (or the first part (221) of the second cover (220), or the inclined part (221a) of the second cover (220)) may be exposed to the outside through the space (or gap) between the edge of the first housing (110) and the edge of the second housing (120). Correspondingly, light irradiated from the light-emitting device (110_Led) may be observed through the inclined part (211a) of the sixth modified cover (210_ch6) and the inclined part (221a) of the second cover (220).

[0145] In FIG. 14, a structure is presented in which the light-emitting device (110_Led) and the light guide plate (110_gp) structure are formed only on the sixth modified cover (210_ch6); however, in other embodiments, the foldable electronic device may include a structure in which a different light guide plate and a different light-emitting device are disposed on the second cover (220). In this case, the second cover (220) may have the same structure as the sixth modified cover (210_ch6). Additionally, or generally, at least one modified form of the covers described in FIG. 6 to 9 may be applied to the first cover (210) of FIG. 14.

[0146] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of the non-luminous and luminous states of a fourth modified foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 15, the fourth deformation foldable electronic device (100_ch4) comprises a first deformation housing (110_ch1) (or the first housing described in FIGS. 10 through 14) and a second housing (120). The first deformation housing (110_ch1) may include a fourth deformation cover (210_ch4) (or replaceable with the fifth deformation cover (210_ch5) of FIG. 11 or the sixth deformation cover (210_ch6) of FIG. 14) and a second cover (220). At least some components of the above-described fourth deformation foldable electronic device (100_ch4) may include at least some components of the foldable electronic device described above in FIGS. 1 through 14. State 1501 is a drawing showing an example of a non-luminous state of the fourth deformation foldable electronic device (100_ch4). As an example, the fourth modified foldable electronic device (100_ch4) can maintain its original state (or unlit state) without irradiating a separate light, as the light-emitting device (e.g., at least one light-emitting device (110_Led) of FIGS. 10 to 14) is kept in a turned-off state in response to the control of a processor mounted on the printed circuit board (110_pb) of FIG. 12.

[0148] 1503 State is a drawing showing an example of the light emission state of the fourth modified foldable electronic device (100_ch4). As an example, the fourth modified foldable electronic device (100_ch4) can output (110_eff) (or diffuse, emit) a light-emitting device (e.g., at least one light-emitting device (110_Led) of FIGS. 10 to 14) in response to the control of a processor mounted on the printed circuit board (110_pb) of FIG. 12, so that the fourth modified cover (210_ch4) and the second cover (220) can output a set light (e.g., light irradiated by the light-emitting device (110_Led)) in response to the control of the processor. The state of the light output (110_eff) may vary depending on at least one of the color of the light irradiated by the light-emitting device (110_Led), the color of the fourth modified cover (210_ch4) through which the irradiated light passes while being transmitted, and the color of the second cover (220). The light output (110_eff) may be changed to a designated pattern in response to processor control. The light The magnitude of the output (110_eff) may vary depending on the number of elements that emit light at least partially among the plurality of light-emitting elements. The intensity of the light output (110_eff) may vary depending on the magnitude of the power supplied to the light-emitting device (110_Led).

[0149] As described above, since a cover (or cover structure, or composite cover structure) formed with at least a portion of different materials can be disposed in at least one of the first deformable housing (110_ch1) (or first housing) or the second housing (120), the present invention may be an embodiment of a foldable electronic device in which the composite cover structure is included in only one housing and the other housing includes a single-layer structure (a cover structure formed of one material), as well as a foldable electronic device in which the composite cover structure is included in both housings. Furthermore, in a foldable electronic device that includes only one composite cover structure of the present invention, the composite cover structure is disposed in either the first housing or the second housing, and is not limited to the characteristics or structure of the housing. For example, the composite cover structure may be placed in a housing in which a part of the first display (130) described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and a second display (131) are arranged front and back, and in another housing (e.g., a housing in which another part of the first display (130) is arranged and a rear case or rear cover is arranged on the rear).

[0150] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a light emission control method for a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 16, a light emission control method for a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment may be configured such that when at least one instruction (or a plurality of instructions) stored in the memory of the foldable electronic device (100) (or modified foldable electronic device, hereinafter described as the foldable electronic device) (e.g., a memory mounted on the printed circuit board (110_pb) of FIG. 12) is executed by at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor mounted on the printed circuit board (110_pb) of FIG. 12), the foldable electronic device may be configured to perform a specified operation. For example, the plurality of instructions (or at least one instruction) may be configured such that, in operation 1601, the foldable electronic device (100) performs foldable hinge angle detection. For example, in operation 1601, a foldable electronic device (100) (or processor, hereinafter described as foldable electronic device (100), replaceable with processor operation) may execute a plurality of commands configured to collect sensor information corresponding to the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device (100). The foldable hinge angle detection operation may include an operation to detect the degree of folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device. In this regard, the foldable electronic device may include at least one of an angular velocity sensor, a Hall sensor, and an encoder capable of detecting the foldable hinge angle.

[0152] In operation 1603, the foldable electronic device (100) may execute a plurality of commands configured to check whether the state of the device (foldable electronic device (100)) is in a folded state. Here, the folded state may include a state in which the first cover (210) and the second cover (220) are in contact with each other, or a state in which the shortest separation distance between the first cover (210) and the second cover (220) is within a first distance (e.g., within 10 cm, for example, within 2 mm), or a state in which the angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) is within a first angle (e.g., within 90 degrees, for example, within 0 degrees).

[0153] When the foldable electronic device (100) is not in a folded state, in operation 1605, the foldable electronic device (100) may execute a plurality of commands configured to maintain the light radiation or turn-off state of the cover according to the settings. For example, when the foldable electronic device (100) is not in a folded state, it may output a specified color through the cover (e.g., at least one of the first cover (210) and the second cover (220) at a regular interval). Alternatively, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) exceeds a first angle (e.g., exceeding 90 degrees, e.g., 180 degrees), it may output light of a set color through the cover according to the type of application being executed, data or information being transmitted or received, or whether SNS or text messages are being transmitted or received. Alternatively, the foldable electronic device (100) may maintain the light-emitting device in a turn-off state within the set conditions.

[0154] In operation 1603, if the foldable electronic device (100) is determined to be in a folded state, in operation 1607, the foldable electronic device (100) may execute a plurality of commands configured to check whether it receives a set (or predefined, specified) event. If no set event is received, operation 1607 may be performed.

[0155] When a setting event is received, in operation 1609, the foldable electronic device (100) may execute a plurality of commands configured to irradiate light according to the type of event. In this regard, the foldable electronic device (100) may check the type of event and check table information that sets at least one of the color of the light to be output, the pattern of the light, the light irradiation time, and the light intensity according to the type of event. The table information may be stored in memory.

[0156] In operation 1611, the foldable electronic device (100) may execute a plurality of commands configured to check whether an event requesting the termination of the light output function through the cover is received. If no termination request event is received, the foldable electronic device (100) may execute a plurality of commands that branch to before operation 1601 and perform the following operations.

[0157] Meanwhile, the light emission control method of a foldable electronic device according to the above-described embodiment may be applied to at least one of a foldable electronic device or a modified foldable electronic device to which various covers or modified covers described in FIGS. 1 to 15 are applied. The above-described foldable electronic device can provide intuitive feedback to a user by adjusting at least one of the timing of light emission, the intensity of brightness, and the color of brightness during an interaction operation process including voice or gestures according to the operation of AI (artificial intelligence) software.

[0158] As described above, the foldable electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention can support more intuitive information acquisition for the user when using the foldable electronic device by performing light output (110_eff) through the cover according to the folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (or the degree of folding or the degree of unfolding).

[0159] A foldable electronic device described in at least one embodiment among the various embodiments described above comprises a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a hinge structure (140) connecting the first housing and the second housing, a flexible display (130) disposed on the first housing and the second housing and folded or unfolded in response to a hinge operation, a first cover (210) disposed on the first housing and disposed to cover at least a portion of one side edge of the flexible display, and a second cover (220) disposed on the second housing and disposed to cover at least a portion of the other side edge of the flexible display, wherein the first cover (210) comprises a first part (211) disposed on the edge of the first housing, and a second part (212) connected to the first part and disposed to cover at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display, and the first part and the second part may be formed of different materials.

[0160] When the flexible display is in an unfolded state, at least one part of the first part and at least a part of the second part may be arranged to overlap with respect to the front direction facing the flexible display.

[0161] Alternatively, when the flexible display is in an unfolded state, the second part may be positioned below at least one part of the first part with respect to the front direction facing the flexible display.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the first part may be formed of a transparent material, and the second part may be formed of an opaque material.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the first portion may include a first inclined portion (211a) having a cover inclined surface (211_slp) (or inclined surface) having a positive slope from the edge of the first housing toward the center of the first housing.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the first housing may include a first top surface (110_ups1) on which a part of the cover slope surface (or slope surface) is placed and which forms one edge, a protrusion (110_pr1, 110_pr1_ch) connected to the first top surface and having a protruding slope surface corresponding to the cover slope surface, and a second top surface (110_ups2) on which at least a part of the flexible display is placed.

[0165] The first top surface may form at least a portion of the first portion that does not overlap with the first portion while forming one edge of the first housing. Similarly, the second housing may also have a first top surface formed similarly to the first top surface of the first housing.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the height from the rear of the first housing to the first top surface is lower than the height from the rear of the first housing to the second top surface.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the second part (212) may include a second inclined part (212d) comprising an upper cover inclined surface (212_slp1) (or upper inclined surface) facing the cover inclined surface and a lower cover inclined surface (212_slp2) (or lower inclined surface) facing the protruding inclined surface, and a cover part (212c) connected to the second inclined part and positioned to cover at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the slope value of the upper cover slope surface is greater than the slope value of the lower cover slope surface.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device further includes a light-emitting device (110_Led) disposed inside the first housing, and the first housing may include a first passage (110_trh) formed to transmit light irradiated from the light-emitting device to the second inclined portion.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the second inclined portion may include a second passage (212_trh) connected to the first passage.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the first inclined portion may include a third passage (211_trh) connected to the second passage.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device further includes a speaker device (110_spm) disposed within the housing, and the housing includes a passage (110_rch1) through which a sound signal output from the speaker device travels, and the passage may include the first passage, the second passage, and the third passage.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device further includes a speaker device disposed within the housing, and the light-emitting device may be disposed on a substrate on which the speaker device is disposed.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include a light guide plate (110_gp) positioned to cover at least a portion of the light-emitting device.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the second portion may include a cover portion (212_ch3) that is connected to the first inclined portion and is positioned to cover at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the second portion may include a second inclined portion (212d) having an inclination corresponding to the cover inclined surface, a groove insertion portion (212a) connected to the second inclined portion and having at least a portion inserted into a groove formed in the first housing, a support portion (212b) connected to the groove insertion portion, and a cover portion (212c) extending from the support portion in the direction of the flexible display.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include an adhesive member (213_2) disposed between the second inclined portion and the first housing.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include a film member (213_5) disposed between the second inclined portion and the cover inclined surface.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include at least one adhesive member (213_12) disposed at at least one of the locations between the film member and the second inclined portion or between the film member and the first inclined portion.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the first part may further include a cover portion (211b) of the first part that is positioned to cover the cover portion of the second part while extending from the first inclined portion in the direction of the flexible display.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include an adhesive member (213_1) disposed between the cover portion of the first portion and the cover portion of the second portion.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, First housing (110); Second housing (120); A hinge structure (140) connecting the first housing and the second housing; A flexible display (130) disposed in the first housing and the second housing, which folds or unfolds in response to a hinge operation; A first cover (210) disposed on the first housing and positioned to cover at least a portion of one side edge of the flexible display; It includes a second cover (220) disposed on the second housing and positioned to cover at least a portion of the other edge of the flexible display; The first cover (210) above is, A first part (211) positioned at the edge of the first housing; When the flexible display is in an unfolded state, a second part (212) is positioned to overlap with at least one part of the first part with respect to the front direction facing the flexible display and to cover at least a part of the edge of the flexible display; A foldable electronic device characterized in that the first part and the second part are formed of different materials.

2. In Paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device characterized in that the first part is formed of a transparent material and the second part is formed of an opaque material.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above first part A foldable electronic device characterized by including: a first inclined portion (211a) having an inclined surface (211_slp) having a positive slope from the edge of the first housing toward the center of the first housing.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above first housing is A first top surface (110_ups1) that forms one edge and forms at least a portion of the area that does not overlap with the first portion; A protrusion (110_pr1, 110_pr1_ch) connected to the first upper surface and having an inclined surface corresponding to the inclined surface; A foldable electronic device characterized by including a second top surface (110_ups2) on which at least a portion of the above flexible display is placed.

5. In Paragraph 4, A foldable electronic device characterized in that the height from the rear of the first housing to the first top surface is lower than the height from the rear of the first housing to the second top surface.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above second part (212) is A second inclined portion (212d) comprising an upper inclined surface (212_slp1) facing the above inclined surface and a lower inclined surface (212_slp2) facing the above protruding inclined surface; A foldable electronic device characterized by including a cover portion (212c) connected to the second inclined portion and positioned to cover at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display.

7. In Paragraph 6, A foldable electronic device characterized in that the slope value of the upper inclined surface is greater than the slope value of the lower inclined surface.

8. In Paragraph 6, It further includes a light-emitting device (110_Led) disposed inside the first housing, and The first housing above is, A foldable electronic device characterized by including a first passage (110_trh) formed to transmit light irradiated from the light-emitting device to the second inclined portion.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above second inclined part A foldable electronic device characterized by including a second passage (212_trh) connected to the first passage above.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above first inclined portion A foldable electronic device characterized by including a third passage (211_trh) connected to the second passage above.

11. In Paragraph 10, It further includes a speaker device (110_spm) disposed within the above housing, and The above housing includes a passage (110_rch1) through which a sound signal output from the speaker device travels, and A foldable electronic device characterized in that the above passage includes the first passage, the second passage, and the third passage.

12. In Paragraph 8, A speaker device disposed within the above housing - the light-emitting device is disposed on a substrate on which the speaker device is disposed -; or A foldable electronic device characterized by further including at least one of a light guide plate (110_gp) positioned to cover at least a portion of the light-emitting device.

13. In Paragraph 3, The above second part A foldable electronic device characterized by including a cover portion (212_ch3) connected to the first inclined portion and positioned to cover at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display.

14. In Paragraph 3, The above second part is, A second inclined portion (212d) having a slope corresponding to the above inclined surface; A groove insertion portion (212a) connected to the second inclined portion and having at least a portion inserted into a groove formed in the first housing; A support part (212b) connected to the above-mentioned groove insertion part; A cover portion (212c) extending from the support portion in the direction of the flexible display; An adhesive member (213_2) disposed between the second inclined portion and the first housing; A film member (213_5) disposed between the second inclined portion and the inclined surface; or A foldable electronic device characterized by further comprising at least one adhesive member (213_12) disposed at at least one of the following: between the film member and the second inclined portion or between the film member and the first inclined portion.

15. In Paragraph 3, The above first part A cover portion (211b) of a first portion that extends from the first inclined portion in the direction of the flexible display and is positioned to cover the cover portion of the second portion; or A foldable electronic device characterized by further including at least one of an adhesive member (213_1) disposed between the cover portion of the first part and the cover portion of the second part.

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