Foldable electronic device including protective cover

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device may be provided. The foldable electronic device may comprise: a housing forming the exterior of the foldable electronic device and comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the first housing portion about a folding axis; a flexible display comprising a first display area disposed in the first housing portion, a second display area disposed in the second housing portion, and a bending area disposed between the first display area and the second display area; a frame structure disposed to surround the edge of the flexible display and forming the exterior of the foldable electronic device, the frame structure comprising a first frame structure disposed on the first housing portion and a second frame structure disposed on the second housing portion; and a protective cover comprising a first portion disposed between the first frame structure and the first housing portion, a second portion disposed between the second frame structure and the second housing portion, and a bendable portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

Description

Foldable electronic device including a protective cover

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to a foldable electronic device including a protective cover.

[0002] Due to advancements in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, various functions are being integrated into a single portable electronic device. For example, electronic devices can implement not only communication functions but also entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music / video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, or functions such as schedule management and electronic wallets. These electronic devices are being miniaturized to allow users to carry them conveniently.

[0003] 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 related to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device may be provided. The foldable electronic device may include a housing that forms the exterior of the foldable electronic device and includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the first housing portion about a folding axis; a flexible display including a first display area disposed in the first housing portion, the second display area disposed in the second housing portion, and a bending area disposed between the first display area and the second display area; a frame structure disposed to surround the edge of the flexible display and forming the exterior of the foldable electronic device, comprising a first frame structure disposed on the first housing portion and a second frame structure disposed on the second housing portion; a protective cover including a first portion disposed between the first frame structure and the first housing portion, a second portion disposed between the second frame structure and the second housing portion, and a bendable bending portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion of the protective cover may include a first hole formed through a first direction parallel to the folding axis and a second direction intersecting the first direction and facing a first display area. The second portion of the protective cover may include a second hole formed through a third direction intersecting the first direction and facing a second display area. The first frame structure may include a first locking member positioned to pass through the first hole and configured to move within the first hole based on the rotation of the second housing portion relative to the first housing. The second frame structure may include a second locking member positioned to pass through the second hole and configured to move within the second hole based on the rotation of the second housing portion relative to the first housing.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device may be provided. The foldable electronic device comprises: a housing that forms the exterior of the foldable electronic device and includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the first housing portion about a folding axis; a flexible display including a first display area disposed in the first housing portion, the second display area disposed in the second housing portion, and a bending area disposed between the first display area and the second display area; a frame structure disposed to surround the edge of the flexible display and forming the exterior of the foldable electronic device, comprising a first frame structure including a first front portion facing the first display area and a first side wall portion spaced apart from the first front portion and having a first locking portion formed thereon; a second frame structure disposed on the second housing portion spaced apart from the second front portion and having a second locking portion formed thereon; a first portion disposed between the first frame structure and the first housing portion and having a first hole in which the first locking portion is movably disposed; and a second frame structure disposed between the second frame structure and the second housing portion. The protective cover may include a second part comprising a second hole in which the second locking part is movably disposed, a bending part disposed between the first part and the second part and capable of bending, a first adhesive member disposed at least partially between the first locking part and the first front part, and a second adhesive member disposed at least partially between the second locking part and the second front part.

[0006] The aspects, configurations, and / or advantages described above regarding one embodiment of the present disclosure may become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4a is an enlarged perspective view of part B of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4b is a side cross-sectional view along line C-C' of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5a is a side view of part D of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5b is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a display, a frame structure, and a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a frame structure, a protective cover, and an adhesive member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6b is an exploded perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a frame structure, a protective cover, and an adhesive member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a second frame and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7b is a side cross-sectional view along line E-E' of FIG. 7a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7c is a cross-sectional perspective view along line E-E' of FIG. 7a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a second locking part of a second frame structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9a is a drawing showing a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9b is a side cross-sectional view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the lattice structure of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11a is a partial side view of a flexible display in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11b is a schematic side view showing a flexible display in a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12a is a side view showing a frame structure and a protective cover in a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12b is a side view showing a flexible display, frame structure, and protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 12c is a rear view showing a flexible display, a frame structure, and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 13a is a side view showing a frame structure and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 13b is a side view showing a flexible display, a frame structure, and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 13c is a rear view showing a flexible display, a frame structure, and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 14a is a rear view showing a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 14b is a side view showing a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 15a is a perspective view showing a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 15b is a rear view showing a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 15c is a side view showing a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 16a is a drawing for explaining the process of combining a second part of a protective cover to a second frame structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 16b is a drawing for explaining the process of combining a second part of a protective cover to a second frame structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 16c is a drawing for explaining the process of combining a second part of a protective cover to a second frame structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 16d is a drawing for explaining the process of combining a second part of a protective cover to a second frame structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 17a is a side view of a second frame structure in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 17b is a side view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 17c is a side view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 17d is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 18a is a side view of a second frame structure in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 18b is a side view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 18c is a side view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 18d is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 19a is a perspective view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 19b is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 19c is a rear view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 20a is a perspective view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 20b is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 20c is a rear view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 21a is a perspective view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 21b is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 21c is a rear view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 22a is a perspective view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 22b is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 22c is a rear view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 23a is a schematic side view showing a flexible display in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 23b is a side view schematically showing a flexible display when an electronic device is in a folded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 24a is a schematic side view showing a flexible display of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 24b is a side view schematically showing a flexible display when an electronic device is in a folded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Throughout the attached drawings, similar parts, configurations, and / or structures may be assigned similar reference numbers.

[0065] The following description, with reference to the attached drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While the following description includes various specific details to aid understanding, they should be considered merely as examples. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications to the various embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Additionally, descriptions of known functions and configurations may be omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity.

[0066] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their bibliographic meanings and are used by the inventor merely to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the invention is provided for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0067] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include multiple referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "part surfaces" includes a reference to one or more of these surfaces.

[0068] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In one embodiment, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In one embodiment, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0070] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0071] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence is performed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0072] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0073] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0074] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0075] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0076] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a hall area-gram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0077] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0078] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0079] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0080] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0081] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0082] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0083] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0084] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0085] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0086] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0087] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to an external source (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive it from an external source. According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to one embodiment, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0089] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0090] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0091] In the following detailed description, the length direction, width direction, and / or thickness direction of the electronic device may be mentioned, and the length direction may be defined as the 'Y-axis direction', the width direction as the 'X-axis direction', and / or the thickness direction as the 'Z-axis direction'. In one embodiment, regarding the direction in which the component is oriented, 'negative / positive (- / +)' may be mentioned together with the Cartesian coordinate system illustrated in the drawings. For example, the front of the electronic device or housing may be defined as the 'face facing the +Z direction', and the rear may be defined as the 'face facing the -Z direction'. In one embodiment, the side of the electronic device or housing may include an area facing the +X direction, an area facing the +Y direction, an area facing the -X direction, and / or an area facing the -Y direction. Also, in one embodiment, the 'X-axis direction' may mean both the '-X direction' and the '+X direction'. It should be noted that this is based on the Cartesian coordinate system described in the drawings for the sake of brevity of description, and that the description of these directions or components does not limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the direction in which the aforementioned front or rear faces may vary depending on whether the electronic device is unfolded or folded, and the aforementioned direction may be interpreted differently depending on the user's gripping habits.

[0092] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a is an enlarged perspective view of portion B of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4b is a side cross-sectional view along line C-C' of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5a is a side view of portion D of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5b is a perspective view for explaining the arrangement of a display, a frame structure, and a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a frame structure, a protective cover, and an adhesive member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6b is an exploded perspective view for explaining the arrangement of a frame structure, a protective cover, and an adhesive member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 3 can be referred to as the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5a, an electronic device (or foldable electronic device) (101) may include a housing (202), a flexible display (240) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1), a frame structure (205), and a protective cover (270). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be a portable terminal such as a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet PC, or a smartphone. The configuration of the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 through 3 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1. In the present disclosure, the electronic device (101) may also be referred to as a foldable electronic device. Referring to FIG. 4b, FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a cap (285), a first adhesive layer (291), a second adhesive layer (292), and a second adhesive member (282).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the housing (202) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (101). For example, the housing (202) may be formed to support electrical / electronic components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a display (240), a circuit board) and internal structures of the electronic device (101). For example, the housing (202) may include a first housing portion (210) and a second housing portion (220) connected to the first housing portion (210) so as to be rotatable about a folding axis (e.g., folding axis (A) in FIG. 3). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a hinge module (e.g., hinge module (204) in FIG. 3) connected to the housing (202). For example, the hinge module (204) may be connected to the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220). For example, the hinge module (204) may be formed to provide at least a folding axis (e.g., folding axis (A) of FIG. 3). According to one embodiment, the housing (202) may be formed of a metal or non-metal material having a selected size of rigidity. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the electronic device (101) formed of the metal material may provide a ground plane and may be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a circuit board(s) of the electronic device (101) provided within the housing (202). For example, the housing (202) may be electrically connected to the circuit board through a capacitive component.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first housing portion (210) may be configured to rotate at a specified angle (e.g., 0 to 180 degrees, or 0 to 360 degrees) with respect to the second housing portion (220). According to one embodiment, the second housing portion (220) may be defined and / or interpreted as rotating at a specified angle with respect to the first housing portion (210).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may be disposed in the housing (202). For example, the flexible display (240) may have at least some portions deformed into a flat and / or curved surface and may be referred to as a foldable or rollable display. For example, at least a portion of the flexible display (240) may be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) through an opening formed in the housing (202). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may include a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing portion (210), the second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing portion (220), and a bending area (240c) disposed between the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b). For example, the flexible display (240) may be combined with or placed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of the touch, and / or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field type stylus pen.

[0098] In the present disclosure, the electronic device (101) may be changed between an unfolded state (or open state) (e.g., FIG. 3) or a folded state (or closed state) (e.g., FIG. 2) based on the rotation (or rotational movement) of the second housing part (220) relative to the first housing part (210), and may be set to an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state. In the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b) may be positioned to face the same direction (e.g., +Z direction). In the present disclosure, in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b) may be positioned to face each other.

[0099] According to one embodiment, a frame structure (205) is positioned to surround the edge of a flexible display (240) and can form the exterior of an electronic device (101). For example, the frame structure (205) may be made of a material including a metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum) and / or a synthetic resin. For example, a surface including the side of the frame structure (205) that is exposed to the outside of the electronic device (1011) may be matte or glossy.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the frame structure (205) may include a first frame structure (250) disposed on a first housing portion (210) and a second frame structure (260) disposed on a second housing portion (220). According to one embodiment, the first frame structure (250) may be disposed to face the first housing portion (310) with the edge of the first display area (240a) and / or part of the bending area (240c) in between. According to one embodiment, the second frame structure (260) may be disposed to face the second housing portion (220) with the edge of the second display area (240b) and / or part of the bending area (240c) in between.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the first frame structure (250) may include a first front portion (251) facing the first display area (240a) and a first side wall portion (252) connected to the first front portion (251). For example, the first front portion (251) may include a flat plate parallel to the front of the first display area (240a) (e.g., the +Z direction plane). For example, the first front portion (251) may form a front frame that is visible when looking down at the front of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the +Z direction plane). For example, the first side wall portion (252) may form a side frame structure (or side bezel structure) of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, a portion of the first side wall portion (252) may be positioned between the first housing portion (210) and the first front portion (251).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the second frame structure (260) may include a second front portion (261) facing the second display area (240b) and a second side wall portion (262) connected to the second front portion (261). For example, the second front portion (261) may include a flat plate parallel to the front of the second display area (240b) (e.g., the +Z direction plane). For example, the second front portion (261) may form a front frame that is visible when looking down at the front of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the +Z direction plane). For example, the second side wall portion (262) may form a side frame structure (or side bezel structure) of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, a portion of the second side wall portion (262) may be positioned between the second housing portion (220) and the second front portion (261).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a first adhesive layer disposed between a first front portion (251) and a first display area (240a). Referring to FIG. 5a and FIG. 6b, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a second adhesive layer (292) disposed between a second front portion (261) and a second display area (240b).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first front portion (251) may be integrally formed with the first side wall portion (252) as a single member or connected to each other. According to one embodiment, the second front portion (261) may be integrally formed with the second side wall portion (262) as a single member or connected to each other. Referring to FIG. 6a, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a first adhesive member (281) disposed between the first front portion (251) and the first side wall portion (252). Referring to FIG. 4b, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a second adhesive member (282) disposed between the second front portion (261) and the second side wall portion (262). For example, the first adhesive member (281) may strengthen the bonding force between the first front portion (251) and the first side wall portion (252). For example, the second adhesive member (282) can strengthen the bonding force between the second front portion (261) and the second side wall portion (262).

[0105] According to one embodiment, a protective cover (270) (or dust cover) may be placed within the housing (202). According to one embodiment, the protective cover (270) may be located at the connection between the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220), at the connection between the first frame structure (250) and the second frame structure (260), near the folding axis of the electronic device (101) (e.g., folding axis (A) in FIG. 3) or near the bending area (240c) of the flexible display (240). Referring to FIG. 6a, the protective cover (270) may be provided in multiple numbers and may include a protective cover (270) connected to one end of the first frame structure (250) and one end of the second frame structure (260), and a disposed protective cover (270) connected to the other end of the first frame structure (250) and the other end of the second frame structure (260). For example, the protective cover (270) can prevent external foreign matter from entering the electronic device (101) through the assembly gap of the electronic device (101) near both ends of the hinge module (204).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the protective cover (270) may include a first part (271) disposed between a first frame structure (250) and a first housing part (210) of the electronic device (101), a second part (272) disposed between a second frame structure (260) and the second housing part (220), and a bending part (273) disposed between the first part (271) and the second part (272) and capable of being bent. For example, the first part (271) may face a first front part (251), and the second part (272) may face a second front part (261).

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 6b, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a cap (285) to be placed within a housing (202) and to wrap around a portion of the bending portion (273) of the protective cover (370). For example, the cap (285) may prevent external foreign matter from entering the electronic device (101) through the assembly gap of the electronic device (101) near both ends of the hinge module (204). For example, the cap (285) may be provided in multiple numbers and may include a cap (285) placed and connected to one end of the first frame structure (250) and one end of the second frame structure (260), and a cap (285) connected to the other end of the first frame structure (250) and the other end of the second frame structure (260).

[0108] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a second frame and a second portion of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7b is a side cross-sectional view along line E-E' of FIG. 7a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7c is a cross-sectional perspective view along line E-E' of FIG. 7a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a second locking portion of a second frame structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9a is a drawing showing a second portion of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9b is a side cross-sectional view of a second portion of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] The second frame structure (260) and protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 7a to 9b may be referred to as the second frame structure (260) and protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 6b.

[0110] According to one embodiment, a first portion of the protective cover (270) (e.g., the first portion (271) of FIG. 5a, FIG. 12a to FIG. 13c) may include a first hole (e.g., the first hole (2711) of FIG. 5a, FIG. 12a to FIG. 13c). According to one embodiment, the first hole (2711) may be formed through a first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) parallel to the folding axis (e.g., folding axis (A) of FIG. 2) and a second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and facing the first display area (240a). According to one embodiment, a second portion (272) of the protective cover (270) may include a second hole (2721). According to one embodiment, the second hole (2721) may be formed through a first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and a third direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) that intersects the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and faces the second display area (240b). According to one embodiment, based on the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) and the third direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) may be parallel or parallel to each other. According to one embodiment, the first hole (e.g., the first hole (2711) of FIG. 5a, FIG. 12a to FIG. 13c) and the second hole (2721) may include an 'L'-shaped through hole.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the first frame structure (250) may include a first locking portion (e.g., the first locking portion (2521) of FIG. 5a, FIG. 12a to FIG. 13c). According to one embodiment, the first locking portion (2521) may be arranged to pass through a first hole (e.g., the first hole (2711) of FIG. 5a, FIG. 12a to FIG. 13c). According to one embodiment, the first locking portion (2521) may be configured to move (e.g., in the X-axis direction) within the first hole (2711) based on the rotation of the second housing portion (220) relative to the first housing portion (210). According to one embodiment, the first locking portion (2521) may include a protrusion extending in a fourth direction (e.g., -X direction) that intersects the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and the second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the second frame structure (260) may include a second locking portion (2621). According to one embodiment, the second locking portion (2621) may be positioned to pass through a second hole (2721) and configured to move (e.g., in the X-axis direction) within the second hole (2721) based on the rotation of the second housing portion (220) relative to the first housing portion (210). According to one embodiment, the second locking portion (2621) may include a protrusion extending in a fifth direction (e.g., +X direction) that intersects the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and the third direction (e.g., Z-axis direction).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first locking portion (e.g., the first locking portion (2521) of FIG. 5A) may be spaced apart from the first front portion (e.g., the first front portion (251) of FIG. 5A), and the second locking portion (262) may be spaced apart from the second front portion (261). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first adhesive member (281) may be positioned between the first locking portion (e.g., the first locking portion (2521) of FIG. 5A) and the first front portion (251). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second adhesive member (282) may be positioned between the second locking portion (2621) and the second front portion (261).

[0114] The details regarding the second frame structure (260) and the second part (272) of the protective cover (270), described below with reference to FIGS. 7a to 9b, can be applied in the same way to the first frame structure (250) and the first part (271) of the protective cover (270).

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 7a through 7c, according to one embodiment, the second side wall portion (262) of the second frame structure (260) may include a second-1 side wall portion (262a) and a second-2 side wall portion (262b) that extends from the second-1 side wall portion (262a) and intersects with the second-1 side wall portion (262a). For example, the second-1 side wall portion (262a) may face or be parallel to the first front portion (261). According to one embodiment, a second catch portion (2621) may be formed on the second-1 side wall portion (262a). According to one embodiment, the second-1 side wall portion (262a) may be spaced apart from the first front portion (261). According to one embodiment, a portion of the second adhesive member (282) may be disposed between the second-1 side wall portion (262a) and the first front portion (261).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, the second locking portion (2621) may include a base (2621a) extending from the second-first side wall portion (262a) and a protrusion (2621b) extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the base (2621) (e.g., +X direction). According to one embodiment, the first locking portion (2521) and the second locking portion (2621) may include a protrusion (e.g., 2621b in FIG. 8) in a shape that is extended to be caught or spanned by the first hole (2711) and the second hole (2721) without being disengaged from the first hole (2711) and the second hole (2721) when the relative angle or inclination with respect to the first portion (271) and the second portion (272) changes as the electronic device (101) changes between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 7a through 9b, according to one embodiment, a second portion (272) of a protective cover (270) may include a second-1 portion (272a) and a second-2 portion (272b) extending from the second-1 portion (272a). According to one embodiment, the second-1 portion (272a) of the second portion (272) may be placed on the second front portion (261) of the second frame structure (262). According to one embodiment, the second-2 portion (272b) of the second portion (272) may be parallel to or facing the second-2 side wall portion (262b) of the second side wall portion (262) of the frame structure (262). Referring to FIG. 9b, the angle (R1) formed by the second-1 part (272a) and the second-2 part (272b) may be approximately 85 to 95 degrees, for example, approximately 90 degrees. Referring to FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b, according to one embodiment, the second hole (2721) may include a second-1 hole region (2721a) formed in the second-1 part (272a) and a second-2 hole region (2721b) formed in the second-2 part (272b). For example, the shapes of the second-1 hole region (2721a) and the second-2 hole region (2721b) may be symmetrical or different from each other. For example, the second-1 hole region (2721a) and the second-2 hole region (2721b) may be connected to each other. According to one embodiment, in the second hole (2721), the second-2 hole region (2721b) may be formed through in a first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and the second-1 hole region (2721a) may be formed through in a third direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) that intersects the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and faces the second display region (240b).

[0118] According to one embodiment, as the electronic device (101) approaches the folded state from the unfolded state, the second part (272) may be tilted to form a non-zero angle with respect to the second locking part (2621). For example, if the second-2 hole area (2721b) is not formed in the protective cover (270) and only the second-1 hole area (2721a) is formed, interference of the second locking part (2621) with respect to the second part (272) may occur as the electronic device (101) approaches the folded state from the unfolded state.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the protective cover (270) includes a second-2 hole area (2721b), compared to when it includes only a second-1 hole area (2721a), interference of the second catch (2621) with respect to the second part (272) can be reduced or eliminated when the electronic device (101) approaches the folded state from the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective cover (270) includes a second-2 hole area (2721b) so that, compared to the case where only the second-1 hole area (2721a) is included, the interference of the second locking part (2621) with respect to the second part (272) is reduced or eliminated, and the thickness (thickness in the Z-axis direction) of the second locking part (2621) can be increased, the rigidity of the second locking part (2621) is strengthened, and damage or breakage of the second locking part (2621) can be reduced or prevented. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective cover (270) may include a second-2 hole area (2721b) so as to provide a space for a second adhesive member (281) to be placed between the second locking part (2621) and the second front part (261), unlike when only the second-1 hole area (2721a) is included, and by adding the second adhesive member (281), the bonding force between the second locking part (2621) and the second front part (261) may be strengthened.

[0120] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the lattice structure of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11a is a partial side view of a flexible display in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11b is a schematic side view of a flexible display in a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 10 through 11b, according to one embodiment, a flexible display (240) (e.g., the flexible display (240) of FIG. 3) may include an upper structure (241) comprising a display panel (241a) and a support plate (245) supporting the upper structure (241). According to one embodiment, the support plate (245) may include a lattice pattern (2451) disposed in a bending region (240c). For example, the lattice pattern (2451) may enable the support plate (245) to support the bending region (240c), where stress is concentrated when the flexible display (240) is bent, while also allowing it to bend together with the support plate (245). For example, the lattice pattern (2451) may include a plurality of recesses and / or a plurality of through holes.

[0122] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) and the flexible display (240) change from an unfolded state (see FIG. 11a) to a folded state (see FIG. 11b) based on rotation of the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2 and 3) with respect to the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2 and 3), the overall length of the lattice pattern (2451) may be increased due to the gap between the plurality of recesses and / or the plurality of through holes of the lattice pattern (2451). For example, due to the gap between the multiple recesses and / or multiple through holes of the lattice pattern (2451), the total length of the lattice pattern is a first length (F in FIG. 11a) when the electronic device (101) and flexible display (240) shown in FIG. 11a are unfolded, and when the flexible display (240) is folded, it may be a second length (F+α in FIG. 11b) of the lattice pattern (2451) by increasing by a certain length (α in FIG. 11b) compared to the first length (F in FIG. 11a). At this time, unlike the above-mentioned length change of the lattice pattern (2451) of the lattice plate (245), the total length of the upper structure (241) stacked on the lattice plate (245) may be maintained at a certain length without change when the electronic device (101) and flexible display (240) are unfolded and folded.

[0123] For example, the upper structure (241) may maintain its full length by moving, displaced, deformed, pushed, or slipped (or slipped) in the direction of the arrow indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 11b to compensate for the length increase (α in FIG. 11b) of the lattice pattern (2451). Referring to FIG. 11b, the amount of slip between the support plate (245) and the upper structure (241) due to the slipping of the upper structure (241) may be indicated as a first displacement (d1) in FIG. 11b. Referring to FIG. 11b, the amount of slip of the protective cover (270) relative to the support plate (245) due to the slipping of the upper structure (241) may be indicated as a second displacement (d2) in FIG. 11b. Here, the first displacement (d1) and the second displacement (D2) may be lengths measured in a direction intersecting the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) or the Y-axis in FIG. 3). According to one embodiment, the first displacement (d1) and the second displacement (D2) may be maximum when the electronic device (1010) and the display assembly (240) are in a folded state. For example, the upper structure (241) may have a greater elastic modulus than the lattice plate (245).

[0124] According to one embodiment, when the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2 and 3) is rotated relative to the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2 and 3), the travel distance within the first hole (2711) of the first locking part (2521) may be less than or equal to the first length (d1). According to one embodiment, when the second housing part (220) is rotated relative to the first housing part (210), the travel distance within the second hole (2721) of the second locking part (2621) may be less than or equal to the first length (d1). According to one embodiment, when the second housing portion (220) is rotated relative to the first housing portion (210), the length difference (e.g., first length (d1)) can be compensated by moving within the first hole (2711) of the first locking portion (2521) and moving within the second hole (2721) of the second locking portion (2621).

[0125] FIG. 12a is a side view showing a frame structure and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12b is a side view showing a flexible display, a frame structure, and a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12c is a rear view showing a flexible display, a frame structure, and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13a is a side view showing a frame structure and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13b is a side view showing a flexible display, a frame structure, and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13c is a rear view showing a flexible display, a frame structure, and a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14a is a rear view showing a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14b is a side view showing a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15a is a perspective view showing a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15b is a rear view showing a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15c is a side view showing a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] The flexible display (240), frame structure (250, 260), and / or protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 12a to 15c may be referred to as the flexible display (240), frame structure (250, 260), and / or protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 11b.

[0127] FIGS. 12a to 12c show a flexible display (240), a frame structure (250, 260), and a protective cover (270) in a folded state of an electronic device (101), and FIGS. 14a to 14c show the arrangement of a second locking part (2621) and a second part (272) in a folded state of an electronic device (101). FIGS. 13a to 13c show a flexible display (240), a frame structure (250, 260), and a protective cover (270) in an unfolded state of an electronic device, and FIGS. 14a to 14c show the arrangement of a second locking part (2621) and a second part (272) in an unfolded state of an electronic device.

[0128] According to one embodiment, when the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) is rotated relative to the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), it may be moved within the first hole (2711) of the first locking part (2521) and within the second hole (2721) of the second locking part (2621).

[0129] Referring to FIG. 14c and FIG. 15c, according to one embodiment, the second locking portion (2621) may be displaced away from the end of the second portion (272) or closer to the bending area (273) of the flexible display (240) as the electronic device (101) approaches the folded state from the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). Likewise, according to one embodiment, the first locking portion (2521) may be displaced away from the end of the first portion (271) or closer to the bending area (273) of the flexible display (240) as the electronic device (101) approaches the folded state from the unfolded state of the electronic device (101).

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 14a through 15c, according to one embodiment, as the electronic device (101) approaches the unfolded state of the electronic device (101) as it approaches the folded state, the second part (272) may be tilted to form a non-zero angle with respect to the second locking part (2621). According to one embodiment, when the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIGS. 2 and 3) is rotated relative to the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIGS. 2 and 3), the second part (272) may be tilted to an angle range between 0 and a second angle (e.g., the second angle (R2) of FIG. 15c) with respect to the second locking part (2621). Likewise, according to one embodiment, the first locking portion (2521) may be tilted to form a non-zero angle with respect to the first portion (271) as the electronic device (101) approaches the unfolded state of the electronic device (101) as it approaches the folded state of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, when the second housing portion (220) is rotated relative to the first housing portion (210), the first portion (271) may be tilted to an angle range between 0 and a second angle (e.g., the second angle (R2) in FIG. 15c) with respect to the first locking portion (2521). According to one embodiment, the first catch portion (2521) and the second catch portion (2621) may include a protrusion in the shape of an extension that is engaged or spanned by the first hole (2711) and the second hole (2721) without being disengaged from the first hole (2711) and the second hole (2721) when the relative angle or inclination with respect to the first part (271) and the second part (272) changes as the electronic device (101) changes between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0131] FIG. 16a is a drawing for explaining the process of attaching a second part of a protective cover to a second frame structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16b is a drawing for explaining the process of attaching a second part of a protective cover to a second frame structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16c is a drawing for explaining the process of attaching a second part of a protective cover to a second frame structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16d is a drawing for explaining the process of attaching a second part of a protective cover to a second frame structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] The frame structure (250, 260) and / or protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 16a to 16d may be referred to as the frame structure (250, 260) and / or protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 15c.

[0133] FIGS. 16a to 16d may sequentially illustrate the process of combining or connecting a second part (272) of a protective cover (270) to a second frame structure (260) according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16a, a second locking part (2621) may be positioned within a second hole (2721) of the second part (272), and the second part (272) may be moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16b so that the protrusion of the second locking part (2621) is positioned to be caught or hooked on the second part (272). According to one embodiment, the second part (272) may be tilted in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16c and the second part (2722) may be moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16f to position the second part (272) on the first front part (261).

[0134] FIG. 17a is a side view of a second frame structure in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17b is a side view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17c is a side view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate state or a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17d is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate state or a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18a is a side view of a second frame structure in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18b is a side view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18c is a side view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate state or a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18d is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second part of a protective cover in an intermediate or folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] The protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 17a to 18d may be referred to as the protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 16d. The embodiments of FIGS. 17a to 18d may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 16d.

[0136] The description of the second locking part (2621) of the second frame structure (260) of the embodiments of FIGS. 17a to 18d below can be applied in the same way to the first locking part (2521) of the first frame structure (250) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 17a through 17d, according to one embodiment, the second catch portion (2621) may include a first protrusion (2621a) and a second protrusion (2621b). According to one embodiment, the first protrusion (2621a) and the second protrusion (2621b) may have extension directions that are parallel or parallel to each other. For example, the first protrusion (2621a) and the second protrusion (2621b) may be formed to form a straight line.

[0138] For example, the first protrusion (2621a) and / or the second protrusion (2621b) may be crossed or caught around the second hole (2721) of the second part (272) when the angle or inclination relative to the second part (272) of the second catch (2621) changes as the electronic device (101) changes between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 18a through 18d, according to one embodiment, the second catch portion (2621) may include a first protrusion (2621a) and a second protrusion (2621b). According to one embodiment, the second protrusion (2621b) may be formed to form a non-zero angle with respect to the first protrusion (2621a). For example, the second protrusion (2621b) may form a non-zero angle with respect to the surface of the second front portion (261). For example, the angle formed by the second protrusion (2621b) with respect to the surface of the second front portion (261) may be greater than or equal to the second angle (e.g., the second angle (R2) in FIG. 15c).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the second protrusion (2621b) is such that when the relative angle or inclination with respect to the second part (272) of the second locking part (2621) changes as the electronic device (101) changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the second locking part (2621) is maintained within the second hole (2721). For example, according to one embodiment, the first protrusion (2621a) and the second protrusion (2621b) can prevent the second locking structure (2621) from being disengaged from the second hole (2721) when the relative angle or inclination with respect to the second part (272) of the second locking part (2621) changes. For example, if the second locking part (2621) further includes a second protrusion (2621b), compared to the case where the second locking part (2621) includes only a first protrusion (2621a), the function of preventing the second locking structure (2621) from detaching from the second hole (2721) and / or the function of maintaining the second locking part (2621) within the second hole (2721) may be enhanced.

[0141] FIG. 19a is a perspective view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19b is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19c is a rear view of a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20a is a perspective view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20b is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20c is a rear view of a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21a is a perspective view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21b is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21c is a rear view of a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22a is a perspective view of a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22b is a perspective view of a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22c is a rear view of a second frame structure and a second portion of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] The description of the second hole (2721) of the second part (272) of the protective cover (270) in the embodiments of FIGS. 19a to 22c below can be applied in the same way to the first hole (2711) of the first part (271) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 19a through 22c, according to one embodiment, the second hole (2721) may include a second-first hole region (2721a) formed in the second-first part (272a) and a second-second hole region (2721b) formed in the second-second part (272b). For example, the second-first hole region (2721a) and the second-second hole region (2721b) may be connected to each other. For example, the shapes of the second-first hole region (2721a) and the second-second hole region (2721b) may be symmetrical or different from each other.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 19a through 19c, according to one embodiment, the corner area of ​​the second-1 hole area (2721a) may be chamfered. For example, the corner of the second-1 hole area (2721a) may be formed to form an angle greater than 90 degrees. For example, the shapes of the second-1 hole area (2721a) and the second-2 hole area (2721b) may be symmetrical or different from each other. For example, the corner area of ​​the second-2 hole area (2721b) may also be chamfered.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 20a through 20c, according to one embodiment, the corner area of ​​the second-1 hole area (2721a) may be curved. For example, the shapes of the second-1 hole area (2721a) and the second-2 hole area (2721b) may be symmetrical or different from each other. For example, the corner area of ​​the second-2 hole area (2721b) may also be curved.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 21a through 21c, according to one embodiment, the shape of the second-2 hole region (2721b) may be a shape including a semicircle, an arc, a semi-ellipse, or a curve. For example, the shapes of the second-1 hole region (2721a) and the second-2 hole region (2721b) may be symmetrical or different from each other. For example, the shape of the second-1 hole region (2721a) may be a shape including a semicircle, an arc, a semi-ellipse, or a curve.

[0147] The embodiments of FIGS. 19a to 19c, the embodiments of FIGS. 20a to 20c, and the embodiments of FIGS. 21a to 21c can be combined with each other. Referring to FIGS. 22a to 22c, according to one embodiment, the corner region of the second-1 hole region (2721a) may be in the shape of a curve. According to one embodiment, the shape of the second-2 hole region (2721b) may be a shape including a semicircle, an arc, a semi-ellipse, or a curve.

[0148] For example, if the corner area of ​​the second-1 hole area (2721a) and / or the second-2 hole area (2721b) is chamfered and / or curved, compared to the case where the corner area is right angle, damage to the second catch (2621) caused by interference with the second catch (2621) when the second catch (2621) moves within the second hole (2721) can be reduced or prevented. If the shape of the second-1 hole area (2721a) and / or the second-2 hole area (2721b) includes a semicircle, arc, semi-ellipse, or curve, compared to the case where it includes only a straight line, damage to the second locking part (2621) caused by interference with the second locking part (2621) when the second locking part (2621) moves within the second hole (2721) can be reduced or prevented.

[0149] FIG. 23a is a schematic side view illustrating a flexible display of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 23b is a schematic side view illustrating a flexible display of an electronic device when it is in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24a is a schematic side view illustrating a flexible display of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24b is a schematic side view illustrating a flexible display of an electronic device when it is in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] A flexible display (240) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 23a to 24b may be applied to an electronic device (101) comprising a frame structure (250 and / or 260) or a protective cover (270) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 23a. For example, the flexible display (240) of FIGS. 23a to 24b may be applied to a multi-foldable electronic device (e.g., Z-type, G-type).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may include a pair of folding axes (A, H). For example, the pair of folding axes (A, H) may be spaced apart from each other. According to one embodiment, the housing (e.g., the housing (202) of FIG. 2 and 3) may further include a third housing portion (not shown) rotatably connected to a second housing portion (e.g., the second housing portion (220) of FIG. 2 and 3) about an additional folding axis (H). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) (e.g., the flexible display (240) of FIG. 3) may further include a third display area (240d) disposed in the third housing and a second bending area (240e) disposed between the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240d).

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 23a through 24b, for example, the flexible display (240) may have a first display area (240a) and a third display area (240d) facing a second display area (240b) when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 through 3) is in a folded state. Referring to FIGS. 23a through 23b, for example, the flexible display (240) may be formed so that the first display area (240a) and the third display area (240d) do not partially overlap or stack on each other when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. Referring to FIGS. 24a and 24b, for example, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the first display area (240a) and the third display area (240d) may be formed to partially overlap or be stacked on top of each other.

[0153] The problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The effects obtainable by this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and various effects identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

[0154] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (101) may be provided. The foldable electronic device comprises: a housing (202) forming the exterior of the foldable electronic device and including a first housing portion (210) and a second housing portion (220) rotatably connected to the first housing portion about a folding axis (A); a flexible display (240) including a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing portion, a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing portion, and a bending area (240c) disposed between the first display area and the second display area; a frame structure (205) disposed to surround the edge of the flexible display and forming the exterior of the foldable electronic device, comprising a first frame structure (250) disposed on the first housing portion and a second frame structure (260) disposed on the second housing portion, a first portion (271) disposed between the first frame structure and the first housing portion, a second portion (272) disposed between the second frame structure and the second housing portion, and the A protective cover (270) may be included, comprising a bendable bending portion (273) positioned between a first portion and the second portion. The first portion of the protective cover may include a first hole (2711) formed through a first direction parallel to the folding axis and a second direction intersecting the first direction and facing a first display area. The second portion of the protective cover may include a second hole (2721) formed through a third direction intersecting the first direction and facing a second display area. The first frame structure may include a first locking portion (2521) positioned to pass through the first hole and configured to move within the first hole based on the rotation of the second housing portion relative to the first housing.The second frame structure may include a second locking part (2621) arranged to pass through the second hole and configured to move within the second hole based on the rotation of the second housing part relative to the first housing.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the first frame structure may include a first front portion (251) facing the first display area and a first side wall portion (252) connected to the first front portion and having the first locking portion formed thereon. The second frame structure may include a second front portion (261) facing the second display area and a second side wall portion (262) connected to the second front portion and having the second locking portion formed thereon.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the first locking portion is spaced apart from the first front portion, and the second locking portion is spaced apart from the second front portion, and may further include at least one of a first adhesive member (281) disposed at least partially between the first locking portion and the first front portion or a second adhesive member (282) disposed at least partially between the second locking portion and the second front portion.

[0157] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first side wall portion may be positioned between the first housing portion and the first front portion, and a portion of the second side wall portion may be positioned between the second housing portion and the second front portion.

[0158] According to one embodiment, based on the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged to face the same direction, the second direction and the third direction may be parallel to each other.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first hole and the second hole may include an 'L'-shaped through hole.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the first locking portion may include a protrusion extending in a fourth direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the second catch may include a protrusion extending in a fifth direction that intersects the first and third directions.

[0162] According to one embodiment, based on the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged to face the same direction, the fourth direction and the fifth direction may be opposite directions and directions moving away from each other.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may include an upper structure (241) comprising a display panel (241a) and a support plate (245) comprising a lattice pattern (2451) disposed between the upper structure and the housing and disposed in the bending area.

[0164] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state, in which the first display area and the second display area are positioned to face the same direction, to a folded state, in which the first display area and the second display area are positioned to face each other, the upper structure may be configured to slip by a first displacement (d1) in a direction intersecting the folding axis with respect to the support plate.

[0165] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first locking member may be moved by a second displacement (d2) in a direction intersecting the folding axis within the first hole, and the second locking member may be moved by the second displacement (d2) within the second hole.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the second displacement may be smaller than the first displacement.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the lattice pattern (2451) may include a plurality of recesses or a plurality of through holes.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the housing further includes a third housing portion rotatably connected around an additional folding axis (H) spaced apart from the folding axis (A) of the second housing portion, and the flexible display may further include a third display area (240d) disposed in the third housing portion and a second bending area (240e) disposed between the second display area and the third display area.

[0169] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (101) may be provided. The above-described foldable electronic device comprises: a housing (202) that forms the exterior of the foldable electronic device and includes a first housing portion (210) and a second housing portion (220) rotatably connected to the first housing portion about a folding axis (A); a flexible display (240) that includes a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing portion, a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing portion, and a bending area (240c) disposed between the first display area and the second display area; and a frame structure (205) disposed to surround the edge of the flexible display and forms the exterior of the foldable electronic device, comprising a first frame structure (250) that includes a first front portion (251) facing the first display area and a first side wall portion (252) spaced apart from the first front portion and having a first locking portion (2521) formed thereon, and a second front portion (261) facing the second display area and the second front portion A frame structure comprising a second frame structure (260) disposed on a second housing portion that is spaced apart and has a second locking portion (2621) formed thereon, a first portion (271) disposed between the first frame structure and the first housing portion and having a first hole (2711) in which the first locking portion (2521) is movably disposed, a second portion (272) disposed between the second frame structure and the second housing portion and having a second hole (2721) in which the second locking portion (2621) is movably disposed, and a protective cover (270) disposed between the first portion and the second portion and having a bendable bending portion (273), a first adhesive member (281) disposed at least partially between the first locking portion and the first front portion, and a second adhesive member (282) disposed at least partially between the second locking portion and the second front portion.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the first hole may be formed through a first direction parallel to the folding axis and a second direction intersecting the first direction and facing a first display area, and the second hole may be formed through a third direction intersecting the first direction and facing a second display area.

[0171] According to one embodiment, based on the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged to face the same direction, the second direction and the third direction may be parallel to each other.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may include an upper structure (241) comprising a display panel (241a) and a support plate (245) comprising a lattice pattern (2451) disposed between the upper structure and the housing and disposed in the bending area.

[0173] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the upper structure is configured to slip by a first displacement (d1) in a direction intersecting the folding axis with respect to the support plate, and the first locking part may be moved by a second displacement (d2) in a direction intersecting the folding axis within the first hole, and the second locking part may be moved by the second displacement (d2) within the second hole.

[0174] The electronic device including the frame structure and protective cover of the present disclosure described above is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and drawings, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0175] Although the present disclosure has been described by way of example with respect to one embodiment, it should be understood that the embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detailed configuration may be made without departing from the whole context of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0176] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0177] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to a specific embodiment, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include said item or multiple items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0178] As used in one embodiment of this document, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0179] One embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0181] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to one embodiment, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device (101), A housing (202) that forms the exterior of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device and includes a first housing portion (210) and a second housing portion (220) rotatably connected to the first housing portion about a folding axis (A); A flexible display (240) comprising a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing portion, a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing portion, and a bending area (240c) disposed between the first display area and the second display area; A frame structure (205) arranged to surround the edges of the flexible display and forming the exterior of the foldable electronic device, comprising a first frame structure (250) arranged on the first housing portion and a second frame structure (260) arranged on the second housing portion; A protective cover (270) comprising a first part (271) disposed between the first frame structure and the first housing part, a second part (272) disposed between the second frame structure and the second housing part, and a bendable bending part (273) disposed between the first part and the second part. The first portion of the protective cover comprises a first hole (2711) formed through a first direction parallel to the folding axis and a second direction intersecting the first direction and facing a first display area, and the second portion of the protective cover comprises a second hole (2721) formed through a third direction intersecting the first direction and facing a second display area. A foldable electronic device, wherein the first frame structure comprises a first locking part (2521) positioned to pass through the first hole and configured to move within the first hole based on rotation of the second housing part relative to the first housing, and the second frame structure comprises a second locking part (2621) positioned to pass through the second hole and configured to move within the second hole based on rotation of the second housing part relative to the first housing.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first frame structure includes a first front portion (251) facing the first display area and a first side wall portion (252) connected to the first front portion and having the first locking portion formed thereon. The above second frame structure comprises a second front portion (261) facing the second display area and a second side wall portion (262) connected to the second front portion and having the second locking portion formed thereon, forming a foldable electronic device.

3. In Paragraph 2, A foldable electronic device comprising at least one of a first locking portion spaced apart from the first front portion and a second locking portion spaced apart from the second front portion, and further comprising a first adhesive member (281) disposed at least partially between the first locking portion and the first front portion or a second adhesive member (282) disposed at least partially between the second locking portion and the second front portion.

4. In Paragraph 2 or 3, A foldable electronic device in which a portion of the first side wall is disposed between the first housing portion and the first front portion, and a portion of the second side wall is disposed between the second housing portion and the second front portion.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, A foldable electronic device in which, based on the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged to face the same direction, the second direction and the third direction are parallel to each other.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, A foldable electronic device in which the first hole and the second hole include an 'L'-shaped through hole.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, A foldable electronic device comprising a first locking portion including a protrusion extending in a fourth direction intersecting the first and second directions.

8. In Paragraph 7, A foldable electronic device comprising a second locking portion including a protrusion extending in a fifth direction intersecting the first and third directions.

9. In Paragraph 8, A foldable electronic device in which, based on the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged to face the same direction, the fourth direction and the fifth direction are opposite directions and are directions moving away from each other.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, The above flexible display (240) is a foldable electronic device comprising an upper structure (241) including a display panel (241a) and a support plate (245) including a lattice pattern (2451) disposed between the upper structure and the housing and disposed in the bending area.

11. In Paragraph 10, A foldable electronic device configured such that when the above foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged to face the same direction to a folded state in which the first display area and the second display area are arranged to face each other, the upper structure is configured to slip by a first displacement (d1) in a direction intersecting the folding axis with respect to the support plate.

12. In Paragraph 11, A foldable electronic device in which, when the above foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first locking part moves by a second displacement (d2) in a direction intersecting the folding axis within the first hole, and the second locking part moves by the second displacement (d2) within the second hole.

13. In Paragraph 12, A foldable electronic device in which the second displacement is smaller than the first displacement.

14. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 13, The above lattice pattern (2451) comprises a plurality of recesses or a plurality of through holes, forming a foldable electronic device.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 14, A foldable electronic device, wherein the housing further comprises a third housing portion rotatably connected around an additional folding axis (H) spaced apart from the folding axis (A) of the second housing portion, and the flexible display further comprises a third display area (240d) disposed in the third housing portion and a second bending area (240e) disposed between the second display area and the third display area.

Images