Protective case for foldable electronic device

Abstract

According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a protective case for a foldable electronic device comprises: a first case configured to be coupled to a first housing of the foldable electronic device; a second case configured to be coupled to a second housing of the foldable electronic device; and a hinge case detachably coupled to the first case or both the first case and the second case and configured to protect a hinge cover of the foldable electronic device. At least one first magnet is located at an end portion of the hinge case and at least one second magnet is located on a portion of the first case facing the end portion, and thus the hinge case may be coupled to the first case by the attractive force between the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet. The at least one second magnet may be located inside the first case such that a portion of the first case corresponding to the at least one second magnet is flush with the surrounding area.

Description

Protective case for foldable electronic devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a protective case, for example, to a protective case for a foldable electronic device.

[0002] As the use of personal or portable communication devices such as smartphones becomes more widespread, user demand for portability and ease of use is increasing. For example, a touchscreen display is an output device that outputs visual information, such as a screen, and can also provide a virtual keypad that replaces mechanical input devices (e.g., button-type input devices). Recently, with the commercialization of flexible, for example, foldable displays, the portability and ease of use of electronic devices are expected to improve further. Foldable electronic devices including flexible displays can improve portability and ease of use by allowing multiple different structures (e.g., housings) to be carried in a folded state and providing a large screen when unfolded.

[0003] A protective case can protect the foldable electronic device from external impacts by covering at least a portion of the exterior of the foldable electronic device including a flexible display.

[0004] The protective case is composed of multiple parts to cover and protect multiple structures of the foldable electronic device, and can be combined with each of the multiple structures of the foldable electronic device.

[0005] 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.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case for a foldable electronic device comprises a first case configured to be coupled to a first housing of the foldable electronic device, a second case configured to be coupled to a second housing of the foldable electronic device, and a hinge case configured to protect a hinge cover of the foldable electronic device, wherein at least one first magnet is disposed at an end portion of the hinge case and at least one second magnet is disposed in a part of the first case facing the end portion, so that the hinge case is coupled to the first case by an attractive force between the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet, and the at least one second magnet may be located inside the first case such that a part of the first case corresponding to the at least one second magnet forms a coplanar plane with a surrounding area.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case for a foldable electronic device comprises a first case configured to be coupled to a first housing of the foldable electronic device, a second case configured to be coupled to a second housing of the foldable electronic device, and a hinge case coupled to the first case and configured to cover a hinge including a hinge cover of the foldable electronic device, wherein the hinge case comprises a first portion elongated in a first direction and a second portion extending from the first portion in at least one second direction different from the first direction, and at least one first magnet is disposed in the second portion and at least one second magnet is disposed in a portion of the first case facing the second portion, so that the hinge case is coupled to the first case by an attractive force between the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet, and when the foldable electronic device is folded, the hinge case is formed by at least both of an attractive force and a repulsive force between the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet. It can be configured to return to a position covering the hinge cover.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case for a foldable electronic device may include: a first case comprising a first side portion and an opening defined by the first side portion; a second case comprising a second side portion and a plate connected to the second side portion; a hinge case detachably coupled to the first case and the second case; at least one first magnet disposed in the hinge case; at least one second magnet disposed in the first side portion or the second side portion and at least partially overlapping with the at least one first magnet; and at least one shielding member disposed to cover at least one surface of the at least one second magnet and comprising a shielding material.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case for a foldable electronic device comprises a hinge case including a first portion elongated in a first direction and a second portion extending from the first portion, and a magnet disposed in the second portion, wherein the magnet may be positioned to overlap with the magnet of the foldable electronic device when the protective case is coupled to the foldable electronic device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view, a side view, and a rear view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view, a side view, and a rear view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a protective case for a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a combined state of a protective case for a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which a protective case for a foldable electronic device is coupled to a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the state in which a protective case for a foldable electronic device is separated from a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a protruding portion of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a protective case comprising a plurality of magnets according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of magnets in a fully folded protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of magnets in a protective case in a partially unfolded state (or partially folded state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of magnets in a fully unfolded protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 15, FIGS. 16, and FIGS. 17 are perspective views showing a protective case coupled to a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a protective case in a completely folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a protective case in a fully unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a protective case in a completely folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a protective case in a fully unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 23 is a side view showing a protective case in a fully folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 24 is a side view showing a protective case in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 25 is a side view showing a protective case in a fully unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 27 is a plan view showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 28 is a side view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 29 is a side view showing a protective case in a fully folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 30 is a side view showing a protective case in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 31 is a side view showing a protective case in a fully unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIGS. 33a, FIG. 33b, and FIG. 33c are schematic diagrams showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 34a is a front view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 34b is a side view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 35a is a front view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 35b is a side view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0047] 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 at least one of 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 some embodiments, 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 some embodiments, 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)).

[0048] 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 less 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.

[0049] 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 model is executed, 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 holographic 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The power management module (188) can manage the 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, 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 realizing URLLC.

[0065] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). 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 some embodiments, 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).

[0066] According to various embodiments, 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 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 another 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 a 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.

[0069] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document 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 devices described above.

[0070] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. 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 one or more of said 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.

[0071] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document 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).

[0072] Various embodiments 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.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as 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 distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) 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.

[0074] According to various embodiments, 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 various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of 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 various embodiments, 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.

[0075] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view, a side view, and a rear view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view, a side view, and a rear view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] The embodiments of FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 can be combined with the embodiment of FIG. 1 or the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to FIGS. 35b.

[0078] The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 1, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 35b.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a foldable housing (201) and a flexible display (230) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed on the foldable housing (201). The electronic device (101) may be defined and / or referred to as a foldable electronic device. The flexible display (230) may be defined and / or referred to as a foldable display.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) can be folded or unfolded at least partially.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (240), a second rear cover (250), and a hinge cover (260) (e.g., the hinge cover (260) of FIG. 3).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the surface on which the flexible display (230) is placed may be defined as the front of the electronic device (101). The front of the electronic device (101) may be formed by a front plate (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate containing various coating layers) in which at least a portion is substantially transparent. The opposite side of the front may be defined as the rear of the electronic device (101). The rear of the electronic device (101) may be formed by a rear plate (hereinafter referred to as the 'rear cover') that is substantially opaque. The rear cover may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and the rear may be defined as the side of the electronic device (101). The side of the electronic device (101) may be formed by a side bezel structure (or "side member") comprising a metal and / or polymer, which is combined with the front plate and the rear cover. In some embodiments, the rear cover and the side bezel structure may be formed integrally and may comprise the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a flexible display (230), an audio module (241, 243, 245), a sensor module (255), a camera module (251, 253), a key input device (211, 212, 213), and a connector hole (214). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., a key input device (211, 212, 213)) or additionally include another component (e.g., a light-emitting element).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a display in which at least a portion of the flexible display (230) can be deformed into a flat or curved surface.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a folding area (233), a first area (231) disposed on one side (e.g., the upper side of the folding area (233) shown in FIG. 2) based on the folding area (233), and a second area (232) disposed on the other side (e.g., the lower side of the folding area (233) shown in FIG. 2). However, the division of the areas of the flexible display (230) shown in FIG. 2 is exemplary, and the flexible display (230) may be divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the area of ​​the flexible display (230) may be divided by a folding area (233) or a folding axis (A), but in other embodiments, the flexible display (230) may be divided by a different folding area or a different folding axis (e.g., a folding axis perpendicular to the folding axis (A)).

[0086] According to one embodiment, a microphone hole (241) may have a microphone placed inside to acquire external sound. In one embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be placed to detect the direction of the sound.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the speaker holes (243, 245) may include an external speaker hole (243) and a receiver hole (245) for communication. In one embodiment, the speaker holes (243, 245) and the microphone hole (241) may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without speaker holes (243, 245) (e.g., a piezo speaker). The location and number of the microphone hole (241) and the speaker holes (243, 245) may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the camera module (251, 253) may include a first camera device (251) disposed on a first surface (210a) (e.g., the front of the first housing (210)) of a first housing (210) of an electronic device (101), and a second camera device (253) disposed on a second surface (210b) (e.g., the rear of the first housing (210)) of the first housing (210). The electronic device (101) may further include a flash (not shown). The camera devices (251, 253) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (not shown) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (255) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state. Although not illustrated, the electronic device (101) may additionally or substantially include other sensor modules (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) in addition to the sensor module (255) provided on the second surface (210b) of the first housing (210). The electronic device (101) may include at least one of the following as sensor modules: a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an HRM sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the key input devices (211, 212, 213) may be placed on the side of the foldable housing (201) (e.g., the side of the first housing (210) or the side of the second housing (220). In another embodiment, the electronic device (101) may not include some or all of the aforementioned key input devices (211, 212, 213), and the key input devices not included may be implemented in the form of soft keys on the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the key input devices may be configured so that key input is implemented by a sensor module (e.g., a gesture sensor).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the connector hole (214) may be configured to accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device, or additionally or alternatively, a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (240), a second rear cover (250), and a hinge cover (260). The hinge cover (260) may cover a hinge module or a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be coupled to the first housing (210). The second rear cover (250) may be coupled to the second housing (220).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) may be at least partially folded or unfolded. For example, the foldable structure of the foldable housing (201) may be implemented by a combination of a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (240), a second rear cover (250), and / or a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4). The foldable housing (201) of the electronic device (101) is not limited to the form and combination shown in FIG. 2 and may be implemented by a combination and / or combination of other shapes or parts. For example, in other embodiments, the first housing (210) and the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally, and the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally. According to one embodiment, the term 'housing' may mean a combination and / or combined configuration of various other parts not mentioned. For example, the first region (231) of the flexible display (230) may be described as forming one side of the first housing (210), and in another embodiment, the first region (231) of the flexible display (230) may be described as being placed or attached to one side of the first housing (210).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4) and may include a first surface (210a) facing a first direction and a second surface (210b) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing (220) is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4) and may include a third surface (220a) facing a third direction and a fourth surface (220b) facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may rotate or pivot relative to the first housing (210) about a folding axis (A) provided by the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be positioned on both sides (or upper / lower sides) around the folding axis (A). The angle or distance at which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) intersect each other may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (101) is an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2), a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3), or an intermediate state that is partially unfolded (or partially folded).

[0097] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be formed of a metal or non-metal material having a selected size of rigidity to support the flexible display (230). The at least portion formed of the metal material may be provided as a ground plane or a radiating conductor of the electronic device (101), and when provided as a ground plane, may be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board (216, 226) of FIG. 4).

[0098] According to one embodiment, a first rear cover (240) may be positioned on the rear of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the rear (210b) of the first housing (210)). For example, the first rear cover (240) may be positioned on one side of the folding axis (A) and may have a periphery that is, for example, substantially rectangular, and said periphery may be wrapped by the first housing (210) (and / or side bezel structure). Similarly, a second rear cover (250) may be positioned on the other side of the folding axis (A) of the rear of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the rear (220b) of the second housing (220)), and said periphery may be wrapped by the second housing (220) (and / or side bezel structure).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A). However, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in another embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) of various shapes. In yet another embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first housing (210), and the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second housing (220).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240), the second rear cover (250), the first housing (210), and the second housing (220) may form a space in which various components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., printed circuit boards (216, 226) of FIG. 4, or batteries (215, 225)) may be placed. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear of the electronic device (101). For example, at least a portion of the sub-display (239) may be visually exposed through the first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the components or sensors may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera, and / or a flash. Additionally, although not separately illustrated in the drawings, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear cover (250).

[0101] According to one embodiment, a front camera device (251) exposed on the front of the electronic device (101) through one or more openings or a rear camera (253) exposed through a first rear cover (240) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. A flash (not shown) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device (101).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be rotated through a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4). When the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state (e.g., from FIG. 2 to FIG. 3), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be rotated about the hinge structure (270) so that the front of the first housing (210) and the front of the second housing (220) come closer to or face each other. When the electronic device (101) is moved from a folded state to an unfolded state (e.g., from FIG. 3 to FIG. 2), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be rotated about a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4) so ​​that the front of the first housing (210) and the front of the second housing (220) face substantially the same direction.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the folding direction of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) may include the direction in which the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) are rotated with respect to the hinge structure (270) when the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) are transitioned from an unfolded state to a folded state. The unfolding direction of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) may include the direction in which the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) are rotated with respect to the hinge structure (270) when the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) are transitioned from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first region (231) may be disposed on the first housing (210) and supported by the first housing (210). The second region (232) may be disposed on the second housing (220) and supported by the second housing (220). The folding region (233) may be connected to the first region (231) and the second region (232). The folding region (233) may be folded or unfolded at least partially. For example, when the state of the electronic device (101) changes, the folding region (233) of the flexible display (230) may be configured to be folded or unfolded.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) can be varied between a folded state and an unfolded state. For example, the flexible display (230) can be varied between a state where the first region (231) and the second region (232) face each other (e.g., a folded state) and a state where the first region (231) and the second region (232) face substantially the same direction (e.g., an unfolded state). For example, the flexible display (230) can be at least partially folded or unfolded as the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) rotate about a folding axis (A).

[0106] According to one embodiment, as the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) rotate about a folding axis (A), the electronic device (101) may include a folded state and an unfolded state. The folded state may be a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) face each other, and the angle formed by the front of the first housing (210) and the front of the second housing (220) may be less than a predetermined angle (e.g., 10 degrees). The unfolded state may be a state in which the electronic device (101) is fully unfolded or partially unfolded, and the angle formed by the front of the first housing (210) and the front of the second housing (220) may be greater than the predetermined angle. In a fully unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2), the angle formed by the front of the first housing (210) and the front of the second housing (220) may be substantially 180 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] FIG. 2 illustrates an unfolded state of an electronic device (101) in which the front of the first housing (210) and the front of the second housing (220) form an angle of approximately 180 degrees. FIG. 3 illustrates a folded state of an electronic device (101) in which the front of the first housing (210) and the front of the second housing (220) face each other and are parallel. In the folded state, the first region (231) and the second region (232) of the flexible display (230) can be positioned to face each other, and the folding region (233) can be bent.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the folding of the electronic device (101) can be implemented in two ways: 'in-folding,' where the first region (231) and the second region (232) are folded to face each other, and 'out-folding,' where the first region (231) and the second region (232) are folded to face opposite directions. For example, in the folded state in the in-folding manner, the first region (231) and the second region (232) can be substantially concealed, and in the fully unfolded state, the first region (231) and the second region (232) can be positioned to face substantially the same direction. For example, when folded in an out-folding manner, the first region (231) and the second region (232) may be positioned to face opposite directions and exposed to the outside, and when fully unfolded, the first region (231) and the second region (232) may be positioned to face substantially the same direction.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a display panel (not shown) and a window member (not shown), at least a portion of which may be formed to be flexible. Although not illustrated, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the flexible display (230) or the display panel may include various layer(s), such as a light-emitting layer, a substrate(s) encapsulating the light-emitting layer, an electrode or wiring layer, and / or an adhesive layer(s) bonding adjacent different layers. When the flexible display (230) (e.g., a folding region (233)) is deformed into a flat shape and a curved shape, relative displacement may occur between the layers forming the flexible display (230). The relative displacement resulting from the deformation of the first display (203) may increase as the point is further from the folding axis (A) and / or as the thickness of the flexible display (230) increases.

[0110] According to one embodiment, a window member (e.g., a thin film plate) can serve as a protective film to protect a display panel. As a protective film, the thin film plate may use a material that protects the display panel from external impacts, is resistant to scratches, and causes fewer wrinkles in the folding area (233) even during repeated folding and unfolding movements of the housings (210, 220). For example, the thin film plate may include a clear polyimide (CPI) film or ultra-thin glass (UTG).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a sub-display (239). The sub-display (239) may be defined and / or referred to as a rear display. The sub-display (239) may be positioned to face in a different direction from the flexible display (230) (e.g., the first area (231)). For example, the flexible display (230) may be visually exposed through the front of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the first front (210a) and / or the second front (220a)), and the sub-display (234) may be visually exposed through the rear of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the first rear (210b) or the first rear cover (240)). In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the position or size of the sub-display (239) is exemplary and may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include protective members(s) (214, 224) disposed on at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display (230) on the front (e.g., the first surface (210a) or the third surface (220a)). The protective members(s) (214, 224) may be configured to prevent at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display (230) from coming into contact with a mechanical structure (e.g., the first housing (210) or the second housing (220)). The protective members(s) (214, 224) may include a first protective member (214) covering at least a portion of the edge of the first region (231), and a second protective member (224) covering at least a portion of the edge of the second region (232).

[0113] According to one embodiment, a speaker hole (245) may be formed in a first protective member (214) that is at least partially interposed between the edge of a first region (231) of a flexible display (230) and the inner wall of a first housing (210).

[0114] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] The embodiment of FIG. 4 can be combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 3, or the embodiments of FIG. 5 to 35b.

[0116] The configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 4 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 3, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 5 to 35b.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be exposed through a significant portion of the front surface of the electronic device (101). In some embodiments, the shape of the flexible display (230) may be formed to be generally the same as the outer shape of the front surface of the electronic device (101).

[0118] According to one embodiment, a foldable housing (201) of an electronic device (101) (e.g., the foldable housing (201) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first surface (210a) and a second surface (210b) opposite to the first surface (210a), and the second housing (220) may include a third surface (220a) and a fourth surface (220b) opposite to the third surface (220a). The electronic device (101) or the foldable housing (201) may additionally or substantially include a bracket assembly (217, 227). The bracket assembly (217, 227) may include a first bracket assembly (217) disposed in a first housing (210) and a second bracket assembly (227) disposed in a second housing (220). At least a portion of the bracket assembly (217, 227), for example, at least a portion of the first bracket assembly (217) and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly (227), may be connected to a hinge structure (270).

[0119] According to one embodiment, various electrical components may be disposed on the printed circuit board (216, 226). For example, the printed circuit board (216, 226) may be equipped with a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1), and / or an interface (e.g., interface (177) of FIG. 1). The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface may, for example, electrically or physically connect the electronic device (101) to an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card / MMC connector, or an audio connector.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the printed circuit boards (216, 226) may include a first printed circuit board (216) disposed on the side of the first bracket assembly (217) and a second printed circuit board (226) disposed on the side of the second bracket assembly (227). The first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226) may be disposed inside the space formed by the foldable housing (201) and the bracket assembly (217, 227). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (101) may be disposed separately on the first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226). For example, a processor may be disposed on the first printed circuit board (216), and an audio interface may be disposed on the second printed circuit board (226).

[0121] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery (215, 225) may be configured to supply power to an electronic device (101) and may be disposed adjacent to a printed circuit board (216, 226). At least a portion of the battery (215, 225) may be disposed substantially coplanar with, for example, the printed circuit board (216, 226). According to one embodiment, a first battery (215) may be disposed adjacent to a first printed circuit board (216), and a second battery (225) may be disposed adjacent to a second printed circuit board (226). The battery (215, 225) may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (101) and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery (215, 225) may be integrally placed inside the foldable housing (210, 220, 260) and may also be detachably placed in the foldable housing (210, 220, 260).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (270) provides a folding axis (e.g., folding axis (A) of FIG. 2) and may be configured to rotatably connect or combine the foldable housing (201) and / or bracket assembly (217, 227). The hinge structure (270) may include a first hinge structure (271) disposed on the side of the first printed circuit board (216) and a second hinge structure (272) disposed on the side of the second printed circuit board (226). The hinge structure (270) may be disposed between the first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226). According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (270) may be substantially integral with at least a portion of the first bracket assembly (217) and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly (227).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the 'housing structure' may include a foldable housing (201) and at least one component disposed inside the foldable housing (201) and assembled and / or combined with the foldable housing (201). The housing structure may include a first housing structure and a second housing structure. For example, a configuration assembled including a first housing (210), a first rear cover (240), and a first bracket assembly (217) disposed inside the first housing (210) may be referred to as the 'first housing structure'. As another example, a configuration assembled including a second housing (220), a second rear cover (250), and a second bracket assembly (227) disposed inside the second housing (220) may be referred to as the 'second housing structure'. However, it should be noted that the 'first housing structure and second housing structure' are not limited to the addition of the components described above, and may additionally include or omit various other components.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible connection member (280). The flexible connection member (280) may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The flexible connection member (280) may connect various electrical components placed on a first printed circuit board (216) and a second printed circuit board (226). To this end, the flexible connection member (280) may be positioned to cross the 'first housing structure' and the 'second housing structure'. According to one embodiment, the flexible connection member (280) may be positioned to cross at least a portion of the hinge structure (270). According to one embodiment, the flexible connecting member (280) may be configured to connect the first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226) across the hinge structure (270) along a direction parallel to the X-axis of FIG. 4, for example. In another example, the flexible connecting member (280) may be extended or positioned through an opening (273, 274) formed in the hinge structure (270). In this case, one part (281) of the flexible connecting member (280) may be positioned to span one side (e.g., the top) of the first hinge structure (271), and another part (282) of the flexible connecting member (280) may be positioned to span one side (e.g., the top) of the second hinge structure (272). And, another part (283) of the flexible connecting member (280) may be placed on the other side (e.g., the bottom) of the first hinge structure (271) and the second hinge structure (272). At a location adjacent to the first hinge structure (271) and the second hinge structure (272), a space (hereinafter referred to as a 'wiring space') surrounded by at least a part of the first hinge structure (271), at least a part of the second hinge structure (272), and at least a part of the hinge cover (260) may be formed.According to one embodiment, at least a portion (283) of the flexible connection member (280) may be disposed within the wiring space.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (260) may be configured to accommodate or enclose at least a portion of the hinge structure (270) or the wiring space. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (260) may form a wiring space together with the hinge structure (270) and protect a component disposed within the wiring space (e.g., at least a portion (283) of a flexible connection member (280)) from external impact. According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (260) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In an in-folding electronic device (101), the hinge cover (260) may be at least partially concealed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3), the hinge cover (260) may be visually exposed to the outside space between the rear of the first housing (210) (e.g., first rear cover (240)) and the rear of the second housing (220) (e.g., second rear cover (250)), and in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2), it may be substantially received inside the first housing (210) or the second housing (220) and visually concealed.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an antenna module (219, 229) (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1). The antenna module (219, 229) may be positioned between the rear cover (240, 250) and the battery (215, 225). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (219, 229) may include a first antenna module (219) positioned on the side of the first housing (210) and a second antenna module (229) positioned on the side of the second housing (220). The antenna module (219, 229) may communicate near-field communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging by including, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. In one embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a side bezel structure of the foldable housing (201) and / or a part or combination thereof of a bracket assembly.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the rear cover (240, 250) may include a first rear cover (240) and a second rear cover (250). The first rear cover (240) may be coupled to the first housing (210), and the second rear cover (250) may be coupled to the second housing (220). The rear cover (240, 250) may be coupled to the housings (210, 220) to protect the above-described components (e.g., printed circuit board (216, 226), battery (215, 225), flexible connector (280), or antenna module (219, 229)) disposed within the foldable housing (201). The rear cover (240, 250) may be formed substantially integrally with the housing (210, 220).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the first protective member (214) and the second protective member (224) can protect at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display (230). The first protective member (214) can be positioned at least partially between the edge of the first region (231) of the flexible display (230) and the inner wall of the first housing (210) and can cover the edge of the first region (231). The second protective member (224) can be positioned at least partially between the edge of the second region (232) of the flexible display (230) and the inner wall of the second housing (220) and can cover the edge of the second region (232).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a first region (231), a second region (232), and a folding region (233). The first region (231) may be supported by the front (210a) of the first housing (210) (e.g., the front of the first bracket assembly (217)). The second region (232) may be supported by the front (220a) of the second housing (220) (e.g., the front of the second bracket assembly (227)). The folding region (233) may be disposed between the first region (231) and the second region (232) and may be connected to the first region (231) and the second region (232). The folding region (233) may be disposed over a hinge structure (270).

[0130] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a protective case for a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which a protective case for a foldable electronic device is coupled according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which a protective case for a foldable electronic device is coupled to a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a protective case for a foldable electronic device is separated from a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] The embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 8 may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4, or the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 8 may be partially or wholly identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4, or the configurations of FIGS. 9 to 35b.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 5, a protective case (300) for a foldable electronic device (hereinafter referred to as "protective case (300)") may include a first case (310), a second case (320), a hinge case (330), at least one first magnet (340), and at least one second magnet (350).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may be attached to or separated from the foldable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 4). The protective case (300) may be defined and / or referred to as an accessory for the foldable electronic device. For example, the protective case (300) may be referred to as a case accessory.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the first case (310) may be coupled to or separated from the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2 to 4) of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 4). For example, the first case (310) may be coupled to the first housing and may cover at least a portion of the first housing to protect the first housing from external impact. The first case (310) may be configured to be coupled to the first housing of the foldable electronic device.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the first case (310) may be formed generally of a non-conductive material or a non-metallic material (e.g., injection molded plastic or silicone), but is not limited thereto. For example, the portion of the first case (310) where the magnet is placed may be formed of a non-conductive material or a non-metallic material, and the portion of the first case (310) where the magnet is not placed may be formed of a conductive material or a metallic material.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the second case (320) may be coupled to or separated from the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2 to 4) of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 4). For example, the second case (320) may be coupled to the second housing and may cover at least a portion of the second housing to protect the second housing from external impact. The second case (320) may be configured to be coupled to the second housing of the foldable electronic device.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the second case (320) may be formed generally of a non-conductive material or a non-metallic material (e.g., injection molded plastic or silicone), but is not limited thereto. For example, the portion of the second case (320) where the magnet is placed may be formed of a non-conductive material or a non-metallic material, and the portion of the second case (320) where the magnet is not placed may be formed of a conductive material or a metallic material.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may be coupled to the first case (310) and / or the second case (320), or separated from the first case (310) and / or the second case (320). For example, the hinge case (330) may be detachably coupled to the first case (310), or to both the first case (310) and the second case (320). For example, the hinge case (330) may be detachably coupled to the first case (310) and the second case (320). The hinge case (330) may be positioned to cover the hinge cover of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the hinge cover (260) of FIGS. 3 and 4) when the protective case (300) is coupled to the foldable electronic device. The hinge case (330) may be configured to protect the hinge cover of the foldable electronic device. For example, the hinge case (330) may be configured to cover a hinge (e.g., a hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4) including a hinge cover (e.g., a hinge cover (260) of FIG. 4) of a foldable electronic device.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) can be coupled to the first case (310) or the second case (320) by the attractive force between at least one first magnet (340) and at least one second magnet (350).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may be formed of a generally non-conductive material or a non-metallic material (e.g., injection molded (plastic) or silicone), but is not limited thereto.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the first case (310) may include a first side portion (311) and an opening (312).

[0142] According to one embodiment, when the first case (310) is coupled to the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 4), the first side portion (311) may be positioned to cover the side of the first housing (e.g., the side connecting the front (210a) and rear (210b) of the first housing (210) of FIG. 4). For example, the first side portion (311) may be configured to protect the side of the first housing by covering the side among the outer surfaces of the first housing. The first side portion (311) may include three side walls to cover three sides of the first housing, but is not limited thereto.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the opening (312) may include a hole formed on one side of the first case (310). When the first case (310) is coupled to the first housing, the rear surface of the first housing (e.g., the rear surface (210b) of the first housing (210) in FIGS. 2 to 4 or the first rear cover (240)) may be exposed to the outside of the protective case (300) through the opening (312). According to one embodiment, the opening (312) may be an open space formed by a combination of three side walls of the first side portion (311), but is not limited thereto.

[0144] According to one embodiment, when the first case (310) is coupled to the first housing, the sub-display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the sub-display (239) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) may be visible through the opening (312) of the first case (310). For example, the sub-display may be visually exposed to the outside of the protective case (300) through the opening (312) of the first case (310).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the second case (320) may include a second side portion (321) and a plate (312).

[0146] According to one embodiment, when the second case (320) is coupled to the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4), the second side portion (321) may be positioned to cover the side of the second housing (e.g., the side connecting the front (220a) and rear (220b) of the second housing (210) of FIG. 4). For example, the second side portion (321) may be configured to protect the side of the second housing by covering the side among the outer surfaces of the second housing. The second side portion (321) may include three side walls to cover three sides of the second housing, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the plate (322) may be connected to the second side portion (321). When the second case (320) is coupled to the second housing, the plate (322) may cover the rear of the second housing (e.g., the rear (220b) of the second housing (220) in FIG. 2 to 4 or the second rear cover (250)). For example, the rear of the second housing may be covered by the plate (322) so as not to be exposed to the outside of the protective case (300).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may be detachably coupled to the first case (310) and the second case (320). For example, the hinge case (330) may be coupled to the first case (310) and / or the second case (320) by an attractive force generated from at least one first magnet (340) and at least one second magnet (350). For example, the hinge case (330) may be separated from the first case (310) and the second case (320) by an external force (e.g., user operation).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may include a first portion (331) and a second portion (332). The first portion (331) may be defined and / or referred to as a first cover portion. The second portion (332) may be defined and / or referred to as a second cover portion. According to one embodiment, the first portion (331) may be defined and / or referred to as a body portion. The second portion (332) may be defined and / or referred to as an end portion.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first part (331) may be elongated in a first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 5). The first direction may be substantially parallel to the axial direction of the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 2) provided by the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4), but is not limited thereto.

[0151] According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) is positioned to cover a hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover (260) of FIG. 4), the hinge case (330) may cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the hinge cover.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the first part (331) may have a first length in a first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 5) and a first width in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 5). The first length may be greater than the first width, but is not limited thereto.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the second part (332) may extend from the end of the first part (331) in a second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 5). The second direction may be different from the first direction. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction, but is not limited thereto. The second part (332) may include two parts extending from opposite ends of the first part (331), but is not limited thereto.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the second part (332) may extend from the end of the first part (331) in at least one second direction different from the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 5).

[0155] According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) is coupled to the first case (310) and the second case (320), the second part (332) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the first case (310) and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second case (320). For example, the second part (332) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the first side part (311) and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second side part (321).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may include a protruded portion (333). The protruded portion (333) may protrude from the inner surface (e.g., the surface facing the hinge cover) of the first portion (331) of the hinge case (330). For example, the protruded portion (333) may protrude from the inner surface of the first portion (331) in a second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 5). For example, the direction in which the protruded portion (333) protrudes from the first portion (331) may be substantially parallel to, but is not limited to, the direction in which the second portion (332) extends from the first portion (331).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the protrusion (333) may comprise a soft or hard material such as silicone, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), or velvet. The protrusion (333) may limit and / or reduce the hinge case (330) sliding against the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover (260) of FIG. 4) during use of the hinge case (330).

[0158] According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) is positioned to cover a hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover (260) of FIG. 4), the hinge case (330) may cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the hinge cover. For example, when the hinge case (330) is positioned to cover the hinge cover, the protruding portion (333) may come into contact with the outer surface of the hinge cover, but is not limited thereto.

[0159] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (340) and / or at least one second magnet (340) may include a permanent magnet. According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (340) and / or at least one second magnet (350) may have an arrangement such as a Halbach array.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the attractive force generated between at least one first magnet (340) and at least one second magnet (350) may be configured to form at least a portion of a rotational axis on which the first case (310) and / or the second case (320) rotate relative to the hinge case (330).

[0161] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (340) may be disposed in the hinge case (330). For example, at least one first magnet (340) may be disposed in a second portion (332) (e.g., an end portion) of the hinge case (330). At least one first magnet (340) may be disposed in at least a portion of the second portion (332) that overlaps with the first case (310) or the second case (320). For example, at least one first magnet (340) may be placed in a second portion (332) (e.g., end portion) of the hinge case (330) facing a portion of the first case (310) (or the second case (320)) when the hinge case (330) is coupled to the first case (310) (or the second case (320)).

[0162] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (340) may be located inside a second part (332) of a hinge case (330). For example, at least one first magnet (340) may be located inside a first case (310) (or a second case (320)) such that a portion of the second part (332) corresponding to or where at least one first magnet (340) is located forms a continuous surface with the surrounding area. For example, a portion of the second part (332) corresponding to at least one first magnet (340) forms a plane continuous with the surrounding area, which can be defined as having no opening, recess, or protrusion in the portion of the second part (332) of the hinge case (330). For example, as no configuration such as an opening, recess, or protrusion is formed in the portion of the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) corresponding to at least one first magnet (340) and is positioned at a step relative to the surrounding area, one side of the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) facing the first case (310) (or the second case (320)) can form a smooth surface.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the statement that at least one first magnet (340) is located inside the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) can be defined and / or interpreted as at least one first magnet (340) being covered by the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) and not exposed to the outside of the second part (332), but is not limited thereto.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the statement that at least one first magnet (340) is located inside the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) can be defined and / or interpreted as one side of the at least one first magnet (340) being exposed to the outside of the second part (332) of the hinge case (330), while forming substantially the same plane (e.g., a continuous plane) with at least a portion of the one side of the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) (e.g., portions adjacent to the at least one first magnet (340). For example, one side of the at least one first magnet (340) may form substantially the same plane without protruding relatively to at least a portion of the one side of the second part (332) of the hinge case (330).

[0165] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (340) may include a first-1 magnet (341) and a first-2 magnet (342).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the first-1 magnet (341) may be positioned correspondingly to the second-1 magnet (351) placed in the first case (310). For example, when the hinge case (330) is coupled with the first case (310), the first-1 magnet (341) may overlap with the second-1 magnet (351) at least partially in the first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 5).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the first-2 magnet (342) may be spaced apart from the first-1 magnet (341). The first-2 magnet (342) may be positioned correspondingly with the second-2 magnet (352) placed in the second case (320). For example, when the hinge case (330) is coupled with the second case (320), the first-2 magnet (342) may overlap with the second-2 magnet (352) at least partially in the first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 5).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the first-1 magnet (341) and the first-2 magnet (342) may be arranged side by side on the second part (332) of the hinge case (330).

[0169] According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (350) may be placed in the first case (310) or the second case (320). At least one second magnet (350) may be placed in at least a part of the first case (310) or at least a part of the second case (320). At least one second magnet (350) may be placed in at least a part of the first side part (311) of the first case (310) that overlaps with the second part (332) of the hinge case (330), or in at least a part of the second side part (321) of the second case (320) that overlaps with the second part (332) of the hinge case (330). For example, at least one second magnet (350) may be placed in a portion of the first case (310) (or the second case (320)) facing the second portion (332) (e.g., end portion) of the hinge case (330) when the hinge case (330) is coupled to the first case (310) (or the second case (320)).

[0170] According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (350) may be located inside the first case (310) (or the second case (320)). For example, at least one second magnet (350) may be located inside the first case (310) (or the second case (320)) such that a portion of the first case (310) (or the second case (320)) corresponding to or where the at least one second magnet (350) is located forms a continuous surface with the surrounding area. For example, a portion of the first case (310) (or second case (320)) corresponding to at least one second magnet (350) forms a plane continuous with the surrounding area, which may be defined as having no opening, recess, or protrusion in the portion of the first case (310) (or second case (320)). For example, as no configuration such as an opening, recess, or protrusion is formed in the portion of the first case (310) (or second case (320)) corresponding to at least one second magnet (350) and is positioned at a height difference relative to the surrounding area, one side of the first case (310) (or second case (320)) facing the second portion (332) of the hinge case (330) may form a smooth surface.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the statement that at least one second magnet (350) is located inside the first case (310) (or, second case (320)) may be defined and / or interpreted as at least one second magnet (350) being covered by the first case (310) (or, second case (320)) so as not being exposed outside the first case (310) (or, second case (320)), but is not limited thereto.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the statement that at least one second magnet (350) is located inside the first case (310) (or, second case (320)) can be defined and / or interpreted as one side of at least one second magnet (350) being exposed to the outside of the first case (310) (or, second case (320)) and forming substantially the same plane (e.g., a continuous plane) with at least a portion of one side of the first case (310) (or, second case (320)) (e.g., portions adjacent to at least one second magnet (350)). For example, one side of at least one second magnet (350) may form substantially the same plane without protruding relatively to at least a portion of one side of the first case (310) (or, second case (320)).

[0173] According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (350) may partially overlap with at least one first magnet (340) in a first direction when the hinge case (330) is coupled to the first case (310) and the second case (320).

[0174] According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (350) may include a second-1 magnet (351) and a second-2 magnet (352).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the second-1 magnet (351) may be positioned on at least a portion of the first side portion (311) of the first case (310). The second-1 magnet (351) may be positioned on at least a portion of the first side portion (311) that overlaps with the second portion (332) of the hinge case (330). For example, the second-1 magnet (351) may be positioned adjacent to the edge of the first side portion (311). For example, when the hinge case (330) is coupled with the first case (310), the second-1 magnet (351) may overlap with the first-1 magnet (341) at least partially in the first direction.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) can be fixed or coupled to the first case (310) by means of the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (341) and the second-1 magnet (351).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the second-2 magnet (352) may be placed on at least a portion of the second side portion (321) of the second case (320). The second-2 magnet (352) may be placed on at least a portion of the second side portion (321) that overlaps with the second portion (332) of the hinge case (330). For example, the second-2 magnet (352) may be positioned adjacent to the edge of the second side portion (321). For example, when the hinge case (330) is coupled with the second case (320), the second-2 magnet (352) may overlap with the first-2 magnet (342) at least partially in the first direction.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) can be fixed or coupled to the second case (320) by the attractive force generated between the first-second magnet (342) and the second-second magnet (352).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the first case (310) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330) based on a rotation axis provided by the attractive force between the first-1 magnet (341) and the second-1 magnet (351), while being fixed to the hinge case (330).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the second case (320) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330) based on a rotation axis provided by the attractive force between the first-second magnet (342) and the second-second magnet (352), while being fixed to the hinge case (330).

[0181] Referring to FIG. 6, a state in which a hinge case (330) is coupled to a first case (310) and a second case (320) is illustrated. According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) is fixed or coupled to the first case (310) and the second case (320) by means of an attractive force provided by magnets (e.g., at least one first magnet (340) and at least one second magnet (350) of FIG. 5), the edge portion of the first side portion (311) of the first case (310) and the edge portion of the second side portion (321) of the second case (320) can be covered by the second portion (332) of the hinge case (330).

[0182] Referring to FIG. 7, a protective case (330) is shown coupled to a foldable electronic device (101). The description of the relationship between the first case (310), hinge case (330), first-1 magnet (341), and second-1 magnet (351), which is illustrated with FIG. 7 as an example, may be applied in the same and / or similarly to the relationship between the second case (320), hinge case (330), first-2 magnet (342), and second-2 magnet (352).

[0183] According to one embodiment, when a protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device (101), a sub-display (239) of the foldable electronic device (101) can be visually exposed to the outside of the protective case (300) through an opening of the first case (310) (e.g., opening (312) of FIG. 5).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may cover the hinge cover (260) of the foldable electronic device (101). The inner surface of the first part (331) of the hinge case (330) may come into contact with the hinge cover (260), but is not limited thereto.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the first part (331) may be formed elongated along the longitudinal direction of the hinge cover (260) (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the second part (332) may extend from opposite ends of the first part (331). The second part (332) may include two parts each extending from opposite ends of the first part (331). For example, a first-1 magnet (341) may be placed on the second part (332) positioned on one side (e.g., the second part (332) facing the +Y direction in FIG. 7), and a second-1 magnet (351) may be placed on at least a portion of the first side part (311) corresponding to the second part (332) positioned on one side. For example, a first-1 magnet (341a) identical or similar to the first-1 magnet (341) may be placed on the other side (e.g., the second part (332) facing the -Y direction in FIG. 7), and a second-1 magnet (351a) identical or similar to the second-1 magnet (351) may be placed on another part of the first side part (311) corresponding to the second part (332) placed on the other side. The description of the first-1 magnet (341) and the second-1 magnet (351) described below may be applied and / or understood in the same and / or similar way to the first-1 magnet (341a) and the second-1 magnet (351a).

[0187] According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) is in a state coupled to the first case (310), the first-1 magnet (341) disposed in the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) may overlap in a first direction with the second-1 magnet (351) disposed in the first side part (311) of the first case (310). For example, the first-1 magnet (341) may face the second-1 magnet (351) in a first direction.

[0188] According to one embodiment, as the first-1 magnet (341) and the second-1 magnet (351) face each other, the attractive force generated between them can be provided as a force to connect or fix the first case (310) and the hinge case (330) to each other. For example, one polarity of the first-1 magnet (341) (e.g., the polarity of the part facing the second-1 magnet (351)) may be opposite to the polarity of the second-1 magnet (351) (e.g., the polarity of the part facing the first-1 magnet (341)).

[0189] According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) is combined with the first case (310), at least a portion of the second part (332) on which the first-1 magnet (341) is placed may come into contact with at least a portion of the first side part (311) on which the second-1 magnet (351) is placed.

[0190] According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) is coupled with the first case (310), an air gap may be formed between at least a portion of the second part (332) where the first-1 magnet (341) is placed and at least a portion of the first side part (311) where the second-1 magnet (351) is placed. For example, when the hinge case (330) is coupled with the first case (310), at least a portion of the second part (332) where the first-1 magnet (341) is placed may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first side part (311) where the second-1 magnet (351) is placed.

[0191] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the separation of a protective case from a foldable electronic device. With reference to FIG. 8, the relationship between the foldable electronic device and the protective case is described in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3), but the description may be applied in the same and / or similarly to the relationship between the foldable electronic device and the protective case in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2).

[0192] Referring to "300a" ​​in FIG. 8, a state in which a protective case is coupled to a foldable electronic device is illustrated. In a state like "300a" ​​in FIG. 8, the hinge case (330) can be maintained in a fixed state to the first case (310) and the second case (320) by means of an attractive force generated by magnets.

[0193] Referring to “300b” in FIG. 8, a state of separating the hinge case (330) from the foldable electronic device is illustrated. For example, a user may hold a part of the protective case (300b) (e.g., the first case (310) and the second case (320)) and separate the hinge case (330) from the hinge cover (260) in a direction (e.g., P1 direction). Accordingly, the hinge case (330) is separated, and the hinge cover (260) can be exposed to the outside of the protective case (300b).

[0194] Referring to “300c” in FIG. 8, a state of separating the first case (310) or the second case (320) from the foldable electronic device is illustrated. For example, a user may grasp a part of the protective case (300c) (e.g., the first case (310), or the second case (320)) or a part of the foldable electronic device and separate the first case (310) or the second case (320) from the foldable electronic device in a direction (e.g., P2 direction). Accordingly, the protective case can be completely separated from the foldable electronic device.

[0195] Although a method for separating a protective case from a foldable electronic device has been described using FIG. 8 as an example, it will be clear to a person of ordinary knowledge that the protective case can be attached to the foldable electronic device by performing the separation in the reverse order.

[0196] FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a protruding portion of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] The embodiment of FIG. 9 may be combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 8, or the embodiments of FIG. 10 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 9 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 8, or the configurations of FIG. 10 to 35b.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 9, the protective case (300) (e.g., the protective case (300) of FIG. 5) may include a first case (310) (e.g., the first case (310) of FIG. 5), a second case (320) (e.g., the second case (320) of FIG. 5), and a hinge case (330) (e.g., the hinge case (330) of FIG. 5).

[0199] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may include a first part (331), a second part (332), and a protruding part (333).

[0200] According to one embodiment, the protruding portion (333) may protrude from the inner surface of the first portion (331) (e.g., the surface facing the hinge cover (260)) toward the hinge cover (260) of the foldable electronic device.

[0201] According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) covers the hinge cover (260) of a foldable electronic device, the protruding portion (333) may come into contact with the outer surface of the hinge cover (260).

[0202] According to one embodiment, at least one portion of the outer surface of the hinge cover (260) may have a curved shape.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the shape of the surface of the protrusion (333) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the hinge cover (260). For example, the shape of the surface of the protrusion (333) may be formed to wrap around the curved shape of the outer surface of the hinge cover (260).

[0204] According to one embodiment, the protruding portion (333) may include a first projection (333a) and a second projection (333b) that protrude relatively more than the remaining portions of the protruding portion (333). The first projection (333a) and the second projection (333b) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0205] According to one embodiment, as the first projection (333a) and the second projection (333b) each come into contact with the outer surface of the hinge cover (260), the sliding of the hinge case (330) relative to the hinge cover (260) in a horizontal direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 5) may be limited and / or reduced. The projection portion (333) may be defined and / or referred to as a non-slip portion.

[0206] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a protective case including a plurality of magnets according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an arrangement of a plurality of magnets in a protective case in a fully folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating an arrangement of a plurality of magnets in a protective case in a partially unfolded state (or partially folded state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an arrangement of a plurality of magnets in a protective case in a fully unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] The embodiments of FIGS. 10 to 13 may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9, or the embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 10 to 13 may be partially or wholly identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9, or the configurations of FIGS. 14 to 35b.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 10, at least one first magnet (340) (e.g., at least one first magnet (340) of FIG. 5) may be placed in at least a part of the hinge case (330) (e.g., the second part (332) of FIG. 5). At least one second magnet (350) (e.g., at least one second magnet (350) of FIG. 5) may be placed in the first case (310) and the second case (320) so as to be positioned correspondingly to the at least one first magnet (340).

[0209] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (340) may include a first-1 magnet (341) and a first-2 magnet (342) spaced apart from the first-1 magnet (341).

[0210] According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (350) may include a second-1 magnet (351) disposed in at least a part of the first case (310) (e.g., the first side part (311) of FIG. 5) and a second-2 magnet (352) disposed in at least a part of the second case (320) (e.g., the second side part (321) of FIG. 5).

[0211] According to one embodiment, the second-1 magnet (351) can be positioned correspondingly to the first-1 magnet (341), and the second-2 magnet (352) can be positioned correspondingly to the first-2 magnet (342).

[0212] According to one embodiment, the first-1 magnet (341) may include a first pole (341a) and a second pole (341b). The first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) may face the second-1 magnet (351), and the second pole (341b) of the first-1 magnet (341) may face opposite to the first pole (341a). The first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) may have opposite polarity to the second pole (341b) of the first-1 magnet (341). For example, if the first pole (341a) is the N pole (or S pole), the second pole (341b) may be the S pole (or N pole).

[0213] According to one embodiment, the second-1 magnet (351) may include a first pole (351a) and a second pole (351b). The first pole (351a) of the second-1 magnet (351) may face the first-1 magnet (341), and the second pole (351b) of the second-1 magnet (351) may face opposite to the first pole (351a). The first pole (351a) of the second-1 magnet (351) may have opposite polarity to the second pole (351b) of the second-1 magnet (351). For example, if the first pole (351a) is the N pole (or S pole), the second pole (351b) may be the S pole (or N pole).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) and the first pole (351a) of the second-1 magnet (351) may face each other.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (351a) of the second-1 magnet (351). For example, if the first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) is an N pole (or S pole), the first pole (351a) of the second-1 magnet (351a) may be an S pole (or N pole).

[0216] According to one embodiment, as the poles of the first-1 magnet (341) and the second-1 magnet (351) facing each other have opposite polarities, the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (341) and the second-1 magnet (351) can be provided as a force to fix the first case (310) and the hinge case (330).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the first-second magnet (342) may include a first pole (342a) and a second pole (342b). The first pole (342a) of the first-second magnet (342) may face the second-second magnet (352), and the second pole (342b) of the first-second magnet (342) may face opposite to the first pole (342a). The first pole (342a) of the first-second magnet (342) may have opposite polarity to the second pole (342b) of the first-second magnet (342). For example, if the first pole (342a) is the N pole (or S pole), the second pole (342b) may be the S pole (or N pole).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the second-2 magnet (352) may include a first pole (352a) and a second pole (352b). The first pole (352a) of the second-2 magnet (352) may face the first-2 magnet (342), and the second pole (352b) of the second-2 magnet (352) may face opposite to the first pole (352a). The first pole (352a) of the second-2 magnet (352) may have opposite polarity to the second pole (352b) of the second-2 magnet (352). For example, if the first pole (352a) is the N pole (or S pole), the second pole (352b) may be the S pole (or N pole).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342) and the first pole (352a) of the second-2 magnet (352) may face each other.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (352a) of the second-2 magnet (352). For example, if the first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342) is an N pole (or S pole), the first pole (352a) of the second-2 magnet (352) may be an S pole (or N pole).

[0221] According to one embodiment, as the poles of the first-2 magnet (342) and the second-2 magnet (352) facing each other have opposite polarities, the attractive force generated between the first-2 magnet (342) and the second-2 magnet (352) can be provided as a force to fix the second case (320) and the hinge case (330).

[0222] According to one embodiment, the first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) may face substantially the same direction as the first pole (341b) of the first-2 magnet (342). The first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342). For example, if the first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) is the N pole (or S pole), the first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342) may be the S pole (or N pole). As the first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) and the first pole (341b) of the first-2 magnet (342), which are substantially facing the same direction, have opposite polarities, an attractive force may be generated between the first pole (341a) and the first pole (341b). Accordingly, as an attractive force rather than a repulsive force is generated between the first-1 magnet (341) and the first-2 magnet (342) arranged side by side in the hinge case (330), the first-1 magnet (341) and the first-2 magnet (342) can be fixed without their positions being twisted on the hinge case (330).

[0223] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may further include at least one shielding member (360). The at least one shielding member (360) may include a shielding material. The at least one shielding member (360) may include a metallic material (e.g., aluminum or copper), but is not limited thereto.

[0224] According to one embodiment, at least one shielding member (360) may be configured to block and / or reduce the magnetic field generated from at least one first magnet (340) or at least one second magnet (350) acting as noise (e.g., electromagnetic interference (EMI)) to an electrical / electronic component placed inside a foldable electronic device.

[0225] According to one embodiment, at least one shielding member (360) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of at least one second magnet (350). For example, at least one shielding member (360) may be positioned in a first case (310) or a second case (320) and configured to cover at least one side of at least one second magnet (350).

[0226] According to one embodiment, at least one shielding member (360) may include a first shielding portion (361) and a second shielding portion (362).

[0227] According to one embodiment, the first shielding portion (361) may be disposed in the first case (310). The first shielding portion (361) may be disposed to cover at least one side of the second-first magnet (351). For example, the first shielding portion (361) may be disposed to cover the inner surface of the second-first magnet (351) (e.g., the side facing the first housing of the foldable electronic device disposed in or housed in the first case (310)) and at least one side. The first shielding portion (361) may be configured to block and / or reduce the magnetic field generated from the second-first magnet (351) from acting as noise on the electrical / electronic components disposed inside the first housing of the foldable electronic device combined with the first case (310).

[0228] According to one embodiment, the second shielding portion (362) may be disposed in the second case (320). The second shielding portion (362) may be disposed to cover at least one side of the second-second magnet (352). For example, the second shielding portion (362) may be disposed to cover the inner surface of the second-second magnet (352) (e.g., the side facing the second housing of the foldable electronic device disposed in or housed in the second case (320)) and at least one side. The second shielding portion (362) may be configured to block and / or reduce the magnetic field generated from the second-second magnet (352) from acting as noise on the electrical / electronic components disposed inside the second housing of the foldable electronic device combined with the second case (320).

[0229] FIG. 11 is a drawing for illustrating the arrangement of a protective case and a plurality of magnets when the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 3). For example, when the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state, the protective case (300) can be positioned in a fully folded state (301). For example, the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 11 is a plan view of the protective case viewed from above the hinge case, and the state shown in the lower part of FIG. 11 is a side view of the protective case viewed from the side.

[0230] According to one embodiment, a first case (310) coupled to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and a second case (320) coupled to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) may be positioned in a folded state relative to each other. For example, the angle formed by the first case (310) and the second case (320) (e.g., the angle between them) may be less than a predetermined angle (e.g., 10 degrees).

[0231] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is in a completely folded state (301), the first-1 magnet (341) and the first-2 magnet (351) can face the second-1 magnet (351) and the second-2 magnet (352), respectively.

[0232] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is in a completely folded state (301), the second-1 magnet (351) and the second-2 magnet (352) may be spaced apart by a first distance (d1).

[0233] FIG. 12 is a drawing for illustrating the arrangement of a protective case and a plurality of magnets when a foldable electronic device is in a partially folded state or partially unfolded state (e.g., an intermediate state between FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). For example, when the foldable electronic device is in a partially folded state or partially unfolded state, the protective case (300) may be positioned in a partially folded state or a partially unfolded state (302). For example, the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 12 is a plan view of the protective case viewed from above the hinge case, and the state shown in the lower part of FIG. 12 is a side view of the protective case viewed from the side.

[0234] According to one embodiment, a first case (310) coupled to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and a second case (320) coupled to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) may be positioned with respect to each other in a partially folded or partially unfolded state. For example, the first case (310) and the second case (320) may have an angle formed by the first case (310) and the second case (320) that is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle (e.g., 10 degrees) and less than 180 degrees.

[0235] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) changes from a fully folded state (301) to a partially folded state or a partially unfolded state (302), the first case (310) and the second case (320) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330).

[0236] According to one embodiment, as the folding axis (e.g., folding axis (A) of FIG. 2) provided by the hinge structure of the foldable electronic device (e.g., hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4) is configured as a multi-axis, the axis to which the first case (310) rotates with respect to the hinge case (330) may be different from the axis to which the second case (320) rotates with respect to the hinge case (330).

[0237] According to one embodiment, the first case (310) and the hinge case (330) may not be separated from each other by the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (341) and the second-1 magnet (351). Additionally, the first case (310) may not be separated from the hinge case (330) and may be rotated relative to the hinge case (330) based on the force provided by the attractive force.

[0238] According to one embodiment, as the first case (310) rotates relative to the hinge case (330), the second-1 magnet (351) disposed in the first case (310) may be moved relative to the first-1 magnet (341) disposed in the hinge case (330) with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction, which is the length direction of the first part (331) of FIG. 5) (e.g., a plane direction including the X-axis and Z-axis of FIG. 5), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the first case (310) rotates relative to the hinge case (330), the degree of overlap between the second-1 magnet (351) and the first-1 magnet (341) in the first direction may be varied, but is not limited thereto.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the second case (320) and the hinge case (330) may not be separated from each other by the attractive force generated between the first-2 magnet (342) and the second-2 magnet (352). Additionally, the second case (320) may not be separated from the hinge case (330) and may be rotated relative to the hinge case (330) based on the force provided by the attractive force.

[0240] According to one embodiment, as the second case (320) rotates relative to the hinge case (330), the second-2 magnet (352) disposed in the second case (320) may be moved relative to the first-2 magnet (342) disposed in the hinge case (330) with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the first part (331) of FIG. 5) (e.g., a plane direction including the X-axis and Z-axis of FIG. 5), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the second case (320) rotates relative to the hinge case (330), the degree of overlap between the second-2 magnet (352) and the first-2 magnet (342) in the first direction may be varied, but is not limited thereto.

[0241] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is partially folded or partially unfolded (302), the second-1 magnet (351) and the second-2 magnet (352) may be spaced apart by a second distance (d2) which is greater than the first distance (e.g., the first distance (d1) in FIG. 11).

[0242] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is partially folded or partially unfolded (303), the corner (310a) of the first case (310) and the corner (320a) of the second case (320) may be supported by or come into contact with the inner surface (331a) of the first part (331) of the hinge case (330).

[0243] According to one embodiment, as the first case (310) and the second case (320) come into contact with the inner surface (331a) of the first part (331) of the hinge case (330), the first housing and the second housing of the foldable electronic device, each mounted on the first case (310) and the second case (320), may be limited and / or reduced from directly colliding with the hinge case (330) during rotational movement. Accordingly, the occurrence of scratches on the first housing or the second housing may be limited and / or reduced.

[0244] FIG. 13 is a drawing for illustrating the arrangement of a protective case and a plurality of magnets when the foldable electronic device is in a fully unfolded state (e.g., the intermediate state of FIG. 3). For example, when the foldable electronic device is in a fully unfolded state, the protective case (300) can be positioned in a fully unfolded state (303). For example, the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 13 is a plan view of the protective case viewed from above the hinge case, and the state shown in the lower part of FIG. 13 is a side view of the protective case viewed from the side.

[0245] According to one embodiment, a first case (310) coupled to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and a second case (320) coupled to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) may be positioned in a fully unfolded state relative to each other. For example, the angle formed by the first case (310) and the second case (320) may be substantially about 180 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0246] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) changes from a partially folded or partially unfolded state (302) to a fully unfolded state (303), the first case (310) and the second case (320) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330).

[0247] According to one embodiment, the first case (310) and the hinge case (330) may not be separated from each other by the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (341) and the second-1 magnet (351). Additionally, the first case (310) may not be separated from the hinge case (330) and may be rotated relative to the hinge case (330) based on the force provided by the attractive force.

[0248] According to one embodiment, as the first case (310) rotates relative to the hinge case (330), the second-1 magnet (351) disposed in the first case (310) may be moved relative to the first-1 magnet (341) disposed in the hinge case (330) with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction, which is the length direction of the first part (331) of FIG. 5) (e.g., a plane direction including the X-axis and Z-axis of FIG. 5), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the first case (310) rotates relative to the hinge case (330), the degree of overlap between the second-1 magnet (351) and the first-1 magnet (341) in the first direction may be varied, but is not limited thereto.

[0249] According to one embodiment, the second case (320) and the hinge case (330) may not be separated from each other by the attractive force generated between the first-2 magnet (342) and the second-2 magnet (352). Additionally, the second case (320) may not be separated from the hinge case (330) and may be rotated relative to the hinge case (330) based on the force provided by the attractive force.

[0250] According to one embodiment, as the second case (320) rotates relative to the hinge case (330), the second-2 magnet (352) disposed in the second case (320) may be moved relative to the first-2 magnet (342) disposed in the hinge case (330) with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the first part (331) of FIG. 5) (e.g., a plane direction including the X-axis and Z-axis of FIG. 5), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the second case (320) rotates relative to the hinge case (330), the degree of overlap between the second-2 magnet (352) and the first-2 magnet (342) in the first direction may be varied, but is not limited thereto.

[0251] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is fully unfolded (303), the second-1 magnet (351) and the second-2 magnet (352) may be spaced apart by a third distance (d3) that is smaller than the second distance (e.g., the second distance (d2) in FIG. 12).

[0252] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, when the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the distance between the second-1 magnet (351) placed in the first case (310) and the second-2 magnet (352) placed in the second case (310) can be varied.

[0253] For example, FIGS. 11 to 13 describe a state in which a protective case (300) changes from a fully folded state (301) through a partially unfolded state (302) to a fully unfolded state (303); however, this description can be applied and / or interpreted in the same and / or similarly to a state in which a protective case (300) changes from a fully unfolded state (303) through a partially unfolded state (302) to a fully folded state (301).

[0254] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0255] The embodiment of FIG. 14 may be combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 13, or the embodiments of FIG. 15 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 14 may be partially or wholly identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 13, or the configurations of FIG. 15 to 35b.

[0256] Referring to FIG. 14, the protective case (300) may include an NFC (near field communication) tag (370).

[0257] According to one embodiment, the NFC tag (370) may be placed in the second case (320). For example, the NFC tag (370) may be placed on the plate (322) of the second case (320), but is not limited thereto.

[0258] According to one embodiment, the NFC tag (370) may be configured to transmit and receive data to and from the NFC antenna (229a) of the second antenna module (e.g., the second antenna module (229) of FIG. 4) of the foldable electronic device (101) (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101) of FIG. 4). The illustrated NFC antenna (229a) is intended to explain the relative positional relationship between the NFC antenna (229a) and the NFC tag (370) when the second case (320) is coupled to the second housing of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4), and it will be obvious to those with ordinary knowledge that the NFC antenna (229a) is not placed or formed on the plate (322). For example, the NFC antenna (229a) may be placed within the second housing of the foldable electronic device.

[0259] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device or at least one processor of a foldable electronic device (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be configured to recognize or determine that a protective case (300) is attached to the foldable electronic device through data transmitted and received between an NFC antenna (229a) and an NFC tag (397).

[0260] FIGS. 15, FIGS. 16, and FIGS. 17 are perspective views showing a protective case coupled to a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0261] The embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 17 may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 14, or the embodiments of FIGS. 18 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 17 may be partially or wholly identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 14, or the configurations of FIGS. 18 to 35b.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 15, the protective case (300) may include a first case (310) including an opening (312). According to one embodiment, the opening (312) of the first case (310) may be defined by a first side portion (311) of the first case (310). According to one embodiment, one side of the opening (312) of the first case (310) (e.g., one side facing the hinge case (330)) may be defined by a connecting portion (312a) of the first case (310). For example, the opening (312) may be surrounded by the first side portion (311) and the connecting portion (312a).

[0263] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion (312a) may connect the edges of two side walls of the first side portion (311) arranged parallel to each other. The connecting portion (312a) may extend along the elongated direction of the hinge case (330), but is not limited thereto.

[0264] Referring to FIG. 16, the protective case (300) may include a first case (310) that includes an opening (312). According to one embodiment, the opening (312) of the first case (310) may be defined by a first side portion (311) of the first case (310). According to one embodiment, one side of the opening (312) of the first case (310) (e.g., the side facing the hinge case (330)) may be completely open (e.g., see reference numeral 312a). For example, compared to FIG. 15, the connecting portion (311a) of FIG. 15 may be omitted in the protective case (300) of FIG. 16. For example, the opening (312) may be surrounded by the first side portion (311).

[0265] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the first case (310) may provide a structure in which at least one part of the sub-display is not obscured, depending on the shape and / or size of the sub-display (e.g., sub-display (239) of FIGS. 2 and 3) of the foldable electronic device (e.g., foldable electronic device (101) of FIG. 4), the connecting part (311a) may be omitted.

[0266] Referring to FIG. 17, a protective case (1300) (e.g., protective case (300) of FIG. 15 and 16) may include a first case (1310) (e.g., first case (310) of FIG. 15 and 16), a second case (1320) (e.g., second case (320) of FIG. 15 and 16), and a hinge case (1330) (e.g., hinge case (1330) of FIG. 15 and 16). The first case (1310) may include a first side portion (1311) and an opening (1312) defined by the first side portion (1311).

[0267] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the size and / or ratio of the shape of the foldable electronic device (101) can be varied in design, and the size and / or ratio of the shape of the protective case (300, 1300) and its components can be varied in design.

[0268] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a protective case in a completely folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a protective case in a completely unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a protective case in a completely folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a protective case in a completely unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0269] The embodiments of FIGS. 18 to 21 may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 17, or the embodiments of FIGS. 22 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 18 to 21 may be partially or wholly identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 17, or the configurations of FIGS. 22 to 35b.

[0270] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the protective case (300) may include a strap (380).

[0271] According to one embodiment, the strap (380) may extend from the hinge case (300). The strap (380) may be fixed at least partially to the second case (320). For example, the strap (380) may include an extended portion (381) and a first stopper portion (382).

[0272] According to one embodiment, one end of the extension portion (381) may be coupled or connected to the hinge case (330). For example, the extension portion (381) may extend from the hinge case (330). The extension portion (381) may include a flexible material (e.g., fabric), but is not limited thereto.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the extension portion (381) may overlap the plate (322) of the second case (320), but is not limited thereto.

[0274] According to one embodiment, the first stopper portion (382) may be disposed at the other end of the extension portion (381). The thickness of at least a portion of the strap (380) corresponding to the first stopper portion (382) may be thicker than the thickness of another portion of the strap (380) that does not correspond to the first stopper portion (382).

[0275] According to one embodiment, the second case (320) may include a second stopper portion (323). The second stopper portion (323) may extend from the second side portion (321). The second stopper portion (323) may be coupled to the second side portion (321). The second stopper portion (323) may be configured to wrap around at least a portion of the extension portion (381).

[0276] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, as the protective case (300) is folded (e.g., FIG. 18) or unfolded (e.g., FIG. 19), at least a portion of the extension portion (381) may be moved relative to the second stopper portion (323).

[0277] According to one embodiment, the first stopper portion (382) and the second stopper portion (323) can limit and / or reduce the detachment of the hinge case (310) from the second case (320). For example, even if the hinge case (330) is separated in a direction away from the second case (320), the hinge case (330) can remain connected to the second case (320) through the extension portion (381) and the second stopper portion (323) as the first stopper portion (382) engages with the second stopper portion (323). Accordingly, the loss of the hinge case (330) can be prevented and / or limited.

[0278] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a protective case (300) comprising an extension portion (3811) (e.g., the extension portion (381) of FIGS. 18 and 19) and a first stopper portion (3812) (e.g., the first stopper portion (381) of FIGS. 18 and 19), a strap (380) (e.g., the strap (380) of FIGS. 18 and 19), and a second stopper portion (3231) (e.g., the second stopper portion (323) of FIGS. 18 and 19). For FIGS. 20 and 21, the description of FIGS. 18 and 19 may be applied mutatis mutandis.

[0279] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, a protective case (300) with various designs (e.g., various lengths of straps (381, 3811)) may be provided according to the user's preference or taste.

[0280] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the second stopper portion (323) may be located adjacent to the hinge case (330). Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the second stopper portion (3231) may be located far from the hinge case (330). However, the location of the second stopper portion (323, 3231) is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be modified in various ways.

[0281] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the extension portion (381) of the strap (380) may have a length such that at least a portion of the strap (380) does not extend beyond the second case (320) when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the extension portion (3811) of the strap (3801) may have a length such that at least a portion of the strap (3801) extends beyond the second case (320) when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded.

[0282] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0283] The embodiment of FIG. 22 may be combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 21, or the embodiments of FIG. 23 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 22 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 21, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 23 to 35b.

[0284] Referring to FIG. 22, a protective case (300) (e.g., protective case (300) of FIG. 5) may include at least one first magnet (440) (e.g., at least one first magnet (340) of FIG. 5) disposed in a hinge case (330), and at least one second magnet (450) (e.g., at least one second magnet (350) of FIG. 5) disposed in a first case (310).

[0285] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (440) may include a first-1 magnet (441) disposed in a second part (332) of a hinge case (330). According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (450) may include a second-1 magnet (451) disposed in a first side part (311) of a first case (310).

[0286] According to one embodiment, the first-1 magnet (441) can be overlapped with the second-1 magnet (451).

[0287] According to one embodiment, a magnet may not be placed in the second case (320), but is not limited thereto.

[0288] FIG. 23 is a side view showing a protective case in a fully folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 is a side view showing a protective case in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 is a side view showing a protective case in a fully unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0289] The embodiments of FIGS. 23 to 25 may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 22, or the embodiments of FIGS. 26 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 23 to 25 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 22, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 26 to 35b.

[0290] FIG. 23 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the protective case and a plurality of magnets when the protective case is in a completely folded state.

[0291] Referring to FIG. 23, a first-1 magnet (441) (e.g., the first-1 magnet (441) of FIG. 22) disposed in a hinge case (330) may include a first pole (4411) and a second pole (4412). The first pole (4411) may face the second case (420), and the second pole (4412) may face opposite to the first pole (4411). The first pole (4411) and the second pole (4412) may have opposite polarities.

[0292] According to one embodiment, a second-1 magnet (451) (e.g., the second-1 magnet (451) of FIG. 22) disposed in a first case (310) may include a first pole (4511) and a second pole (4512). The first pole (4511) may face the second case (420), and the second pole (4512) may face opposite to the first pole (4511). The first pole (4511) and the second pole (4512) may have opposite polarities.

[0293] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) are illustrated as having a circular shape, but the shape of the first-1 magnet (441) and the shape of the second-1 magnet (451) are not limited thereto.

[0294] According to one embodiment, the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) may each include one dipole magnet, but are not limited thereto. As another example, the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) may each be provided in a combined form of two dipole magnets.

[0295] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is completely folded, the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) may overlap with the second-1 magnet (4511). When the protective case (300) is completely folded, the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) may overlap with the second-1 magnet (4512).

[0296] According to one embodiment, the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451). For example, if the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) is an N pole (or S pole), the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451) may be an S pole (or N pole).

[0297] According to one embodiment, the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have opposite polarity to the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451). For example, if the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441) is an N pole (or S pole), the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451) may be an S pole (or N pole).

[0298] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is completely folded, an attractive force may be generated between the first pole(s) (4411, 4511) of the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451). When the protective case (300) is completely folded, an attractive force may be generated between the second pole(s) (4412, 4512) of the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451).

[0299] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is in a completely folded state, the poles (4411, 4412, 4511, 4512) of the magnets (441, 451) do not overlap with each other with the same polarity, so that an attractive force of a first value can be formed between the magnets (441, 451).

[0300] FIG. 24 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a protective case and a plurality of magnets in a partially folded or partially unfolded state of the protective case.

[0301] Referring to FIG. 24, the first case (310) and the second case (320) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330).

[0302] According to one embodiment, as the first case (310) rotates in a first rotational direction (R1) (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 24) relative to the hinge case (330), the second-1 magnet (451) placed in the first case (310) can be rotated in the first rotational direction (R1) relative to the first-1 magnet (441) placed in the hinge case (330).

[0303] According to one embodiment, as the second-1 magnet (451) is rotated relative to the first-1 magnet (441), at least a portion of the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the remainder of the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0304] According to one embodiment, as the second-1 magnet (451) is rotated relative to the first-1 magnet (441), at least a portion of the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the remainder of the second pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0305] According to one embodiment, the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have the same polarity as the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have the same polarity as the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451). Accordingly, parts having the same polarity may exert a repulsive force on each other. Accordingly, an attractive force of a second value may occur between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) when the protective case (300) is partially folded or partially unfolded. The attractive force of the second value may be smaller than the attractive force of the first value when the protective case (300) is completely folded.

[0306] FIG. 24 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a protective case and a plurality of magnets in a partially folded or partially unfolded state of the protective case.

[0307] Referring to FIG. 24, the first case (310) and the second case (320) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330). For example, the first case (310) and the second case (320) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330) by a user so that the protective case (300) can be varied from a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 23) to a partially folded state or a partially unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 24).

[0308] According to one embodiment, as the first case (310) rotates in a first rotational direction (R1) (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 24) relative to the hinge case (330), the second-1 magnet (451) placed in the first case (310) can be rotated in the first rotational direction (R1) relative to the first-1 magnet (441) placed in the hinge case (330).

[0309] According to one embodiment, as the second-1 magnet (451) is rotated relative to the first-1 magnet (441), at least a portion of the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the remainder of the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0310] According to one embodiment, as the second-1 magnet (451) is rotated relative to the first-1 magnet (441), at least a portion of the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the remainder of the second pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0311] According to one embodiment, the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have the same polarity as the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have the same polarity as the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451). Accordingly, parts having the same polarity may exert a repulsive force on each other. Accordingly, an attractive force of a second value may occur between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) when the protective case (300) is partially folded or partially unfolded. The attractive force of the second value may be smaller than the attractive force of the first value when the protective case (300) is completely folded.

[0312] FIG. 25 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the protective case and a plurality of magnets when the protective case is fully unfolded.

[0313] Referring to FIG. 25, the first case (310) and the second case (320) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330). For example, the first case (310) and the second case (320) can be rotated relative to the hinge case (330) by a user so that the protective case (300) can be varied from a partially folded or partially unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 24) to a fully unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 25).

[0314] According to one embodiment, as the first case (310) rotates in a first rotational direction (R1) (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 24) relative to the hinge case (330), the second-1 magnet (451) placed in the first case (310) can be rotated in the first rotational direction (R1) relative to the first-1 magnet (441) placed in the hinge case (330).

[0315] According to one embodiment, as the second-1 magnet (451) is rotated relative to the first-1 magnet (441), at least a portion of the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the remainder of the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0316] According to one embodiment, as the second-1 magnet (451) is rotated relative to the first-1 magnet (441), at least a portion of the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the remainder of the second pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) overlaps with the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0317] According to one embodiment, the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have the same polarity as the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451), and the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have the same polarity as the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0318] According to one embodiment, the size of the overlapping area between parts with the same polarity when the protective case (300) is fully unfolded may be larger than the size of the overlapping area between parts with the same polarity when the protective case (300) is partially folded or partially unfolded. Accordingly, the magnitude of the repulsive force generated between parts with the same polarity when the protective case (300) is fully unfolded may be greater than the magnitude of the repulsive force generated between parts with the same polarity when the protective case (300) is partially folded or partially unfolded. Accordingly, an attractive force of a third value may be generated between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) when the protective case (300) is fully unfolded. The attractive force of the third value may be smaller than the attractive force of the second value when the protective case (300) is partially folded or partially unfolded.

[0319] With reference to FIGS. 23 to 25, a state in which the protective case (300) changes from a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 23) through a partially folded state or a partially unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 24) to a fully unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 25) has been described; however, this description can be applied and / or interpreted in the same and / or similarly to a state in which the protective case (300) changes from a fully unfolded state through a partially folded state or a partially unfolded state to a fully folded state.

[0320] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, when the protective case (300) changes from a completely folded state to a completely unfolded state, the magnitude of the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) can be reduced. Accordingly, the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) can apply a force to the first case (310) to return their positions to a completely folded arrangement so that the magnitude of the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) increases again. Accordingly, when the protective case (300) changes from a fully unfolded state to a fully folded state, the force that causes it to return can cause the first case (310) to rotate smoothly in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction (R1) relative to the hinge case (330), and thus the first case (310) can be rotated more easily relative to the hinge case (330).

[0321] Referring to FIGS. 23 through 25, when the protective case (300) is in a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 23), the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) are arranged so that their polarities do not overlap, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) may be arranged so that their polarities do not overlap when the protective case (300) is in a fully unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 25).

[0322] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, when the protective case (300) is folded or unfolded (e.g., when the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the magnitude of the attractive force between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) can be varied.

[0323] Referring to FIGS. 23 through 25, when the protective case (300) is changed from a fully unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 25) to a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 23) (e.g., when the foldable electronic device is folded), the hinge case (330) may be configured to return to a position covering the hinge cover of the foldable electronic device due to at least both of the attractive and repulsive forces between at least one first magnet (e.g., first-1 magnet (441)) and at least one second magnet (e.g., second-1 magnet (451)). For example, when the protective case (300) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 23), the magnitude of the attractive force formed between at least one first magnet (e.g., first-1 magnet (441)) and at least one second magnet (e.g., second-1 magnet (451)) can be formed to the greatest extent, so that when the foldable electronic device is folded, the hinge case (330) of the protective case (300) can return to a position covering the hinge cover, or a position coupled to the first case (310) and the second case (320), for example, a position where the attractive force formed between at least one first magnet and at least one second magnet is formed to the greatest extent. That is, the hinge case (330) can be configured to return to a position covering the hinge cover without being detached or separated from the first case (310) or the second case (320) due to at least both of the attractive and repulsive forces.

[0324] FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 is a plan view showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0325] The embodiments of FIGS. 26 and 27 may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 25, or the embodiments of FIGS. 28 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 26 and 27 may be partially or wholly identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 25, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 28 to 35b.

[0326] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, a foldable electronic device (101) and a protective case (300) are shown in a fully unfolded state.

[0327] Referring to FIG. 26, the first-1 magnet (441) placed in the hinge case (330) and the second-1 magnet (451) placed in the first case (310) are placed so as to overlap each other, so that an attractive force may be generated between them. The attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) can be provided as a force that fixes the hinge case (330) and the first case (310) to each other.

[0328] According to one embodiment, at least one part of the hinge case (330) may be positioned to cover at least one part of the sub-display (239) of the foldable electronic device (101).

[0329] Referring to FIG. 27, the hinge case (330) can be positioned so as not to cover the sub-display (239) of the foldable electronic device (101).

[0330] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, depending on the position where the first-1 magnet (441) is placed in the hinge case (330) and the size of the hinge case (330), the hinge case (330) may or may not overlap with the sub-display (239) when the foldable electronic device (101) and the protective case (300) are fully unfolded. For example, if the first-1 magnet (441) is located in the central portion of the hinge case (330) (e.g., FIG. 26), at least a portion of the hinge case (330) may overlap with at least a portion of the sub-display (239) when the protective case (300) is fully unfolded. For example, if the first magnet (441) is positioned at the corner of the hinge case (330) (e.g., FIG. 27), the hinge case (330) may not overlap with the sub-display (239) when the protective case (300) is fully unfolded.

[0331] FIG. 28 is a side view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0332] The embodiment of FIG. 28 may be combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 27, or the embodiments of FIG. 29 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 28 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 27, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 29 to 35b.

[0333] Referring to FIG. 28, the protective case (300) (e.g., the protective case (300) of FIG. 5) may include a hinge case (330) (e.g., the hinge case (330) of FIG. 5) that includes a protruding part (333) (e.g., the protruding part (333) of FIG. 5).

[0334] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (300) may include another magnet (336) disposed on the protruding portion (333). The other magnet (336) may be defined and / or referred to as a third magnet.

[0335] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101) of FIG. 4), another magnet (336) of the hinge case (330) can form a magnetic force with the metal of the hinge structure of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4). The magnetic force generated between the other magnet (336) and the metal of the hinge structure can limit and / or reduce the hinge case (330) from detaching from the hinge cover (260) of the foldable electronic device.

[0336] FIG. 29 is a side view showing a protective case in a fully folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 30 is a side view showing a protective case in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 is a side view showing a protective case in a fully unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0337] The embodiments of FIGS. 29 to 31 may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 28 or the embodiments of FIGS. 32 to 35b. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 29 to 31 may be partially or wholly identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 28 or the configurations of FIGS. 32 to 35b.

[0338] Referring to FIGS. 29 through 31, a protective case (300) (e.g., protective case (300) of FIGS. 22 through 25) may include at least one first magnet (440) (e.g., at least one first magnet (440) of FIG. 22) disposed in a hinge case (330). The protective case (300) may include at least one second magnet (450) (e.g., at least one second magnet (450) of FIG. 22) disposed in a first case (310) or a second case (320).

[0339] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (440) may include a first-1 magnet (441) (e.g., the first-1 magnet (441) of FIGS. 22 to 25), and a first-2 magnet (442).

[0340] According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (450) may include a second-1 magnet (451) positioned correspondingly to the first-1 magnet (441) and disposed in the first case (310) (e.g., the second-1 magnet (451) of FIGS. 22 to 25), and a second-2 magnet (452) positioned correspondingly to the second-1 magnet (442) and disposed in the second case (320).

[0341] According to one embodiment, the first-1 magnet (441) may include a first pole (4411) facing the first-2 magnet (442) and a second pole (4412) facing opposite to the first pole (4411) and having opposite polarity to the first pole (4411).

[0342] According to one embodiment, the first-2 magnet (442) may include a first pole (4421) facing the first-1 magnet (441) and a second pole (4422) facing opposite to the first pole (4411) and having opposite polarity to the first pole (4411).

[0343] According to one embodiment, the second-1 magnet (451) may include a first pole (4511) and a second pole (4512) that faces opposite to the first pole (4411) and has opposite polarity to the first pole (4511). When the protective case (300) is in a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 29), the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451) may face the second-2 magnet (452) and may overlap with the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441). The first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441). When the protective case (300) is in a completely folded state (e.g., FIG. 29), the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451) may overlap with the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441). The second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451) may have opposite polarity to the second pole (4412) of the first-1 magnet (441).

[0344] According to one embodiment, the second-2 magnet (452) may include a first pole (4521) and a second pole (4522) that faces opposite to the first pole (4521) and has opposite polarity to the first pole (4521). When the protective case (300) is in a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 29), the first pole (4521) of the second-2 magnet (452) may face the second-1 magnet (451) and overlap with the first pole (4421) of the first-2 magnet (442). The first pole (4521) of the second-2 magnet (452) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (4421) of the first-2 magnet (442). When the protective case (300) is in a completely folded state (e.g., FIG. 29), the second pole (4522) of the second-2 magnet (452) may overlap with the second pole (4422) of the first-2 magnet (442). The second pole (4522) of the second-2 magnet (452) may have opposite polarity to the second pole (4422) of the first-2 magnet (442).

[0345] Referring to FIGS. 29 to 31, the protective case (300) can be varied from a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 29) through a partially folded or partially unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 30) to a fully unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 31). At this time, the first case (310) can be rotated in a first rotational direction (R1) with respect to the hinge case (330), and the second case (320) can be rotated in a second rotational direction (R2) with respect to the hinge case (330), which is opposite to the first rotational direction (R1).

[0346] According to one embodiment, when the state of the protective case (300) is varied, the degree to which parts having the same polarity overlap and parts having opposite polarity overlap of at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450) can be varied. Accordingly, when the state of the protective case (300) is varied, the magnitude of the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451), and the magnitude of the attractive force generated between the first-2 magnet (442) and the second-2 magnet (452) can be varied.

[0347] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is in a completely folded state (e.g., FIG. 29), the degree of overlap between opposite polarities of at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450) may be greatest and the degree of overlap between like polarities may be smallest, and in such a case, the attractive force between at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450) may be greatest. When the protective case (300) is in a completely unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 31), the degree of overlap between opposite polarities of at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450) may be smallest and the degree of overlap between like polarities may be greatest, and in such a case, the attractive force between at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450) may be smallest. When the protective case (300) is partially folded or partially unfolded (e.g., FIG. 30), the degree of overlap between opposite polarities of at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450) may be small for the arrangement of FIG. 29 and large for the arrangement of FIG. 31, and the degree of overlap between like polarities may be large for the arrangement of FIG. 29 and small for the arrangement of FIG. 31, and the attractive force between at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450) may have a magnitude between the magnitude of the attractive force in the arrangement of FIG. 29 and the magnitude of the attractive force in the arrangement of FIG. 31.

[0348] Referring to FIGS. 29 to 31, when the protective case (300) is folded or unfolded (e.g., when the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the magnitude of the attractive force between at least one first magnet (440) and the second magnet (450) can be varied.

[0349] Referring to FIGS. 29 to 31, when the protective case (300) is changed from a fully unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 31) to a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 29) (e.g., when the foldable electronic device is folded), the hinge case (330) may be configured to return to a position covering the hinge cover of the foldable electronic device due to at least both of the attractive and repulsive forces between at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450). For example, when the protective case (300) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 29), the magnitude of the attractive force formed between at least one first magnet (440) and at least one second magnet (450) can be formed to the greatest extent, so that when the foldable electronic device is folded, the hinge case (330) of the protective case (300) can return to a position covering the hinge cover, or a position coupled to the first case (310) and the second case (320), for example, a position where the attractive force formed between at least one first magnet and at least one second magnet is formed to the greatest extent. That is, the hinge case (330) can be configured to return to a position covering the hinge cover without being detached or separated from the first case (310) or the second case (320) due to at least both of the attractive and repulsive forces.

[0350] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0351] FIGS. 33a, FIG. 33b, and FIG. 33c are schematic diagrams showing a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0352] The embodiments of FIGS. 32 to 33c may be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 31, or the embodiments of FIGS. 34a to 35b. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 32 to 33c may be partially or wholly identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 31, or the configurations of FIGS. 34a to 35b.

[0353] Referring to FIGS. 32 to 33c, the protective case (300) may include a first-1 magnet (541) disposed in a second part (332) of the hinge case (300) (e.g., the first-1 magnet (441) of FIG. 28 or 29), a second-1 magnet (551) disposed in a first side part (311) of the first case (310) (e.g., the second-1 magnet (451) of FIG. 28 or 29), and a first shielding part (561) disposed in the first case (310) and disposed to cover at least one side of the second-1 magnet (551).

[0354] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include an elastic member (580) (e.g., a spring) comprising an elastic material.

[0355] According to one embodiment, an elastic member (580) may be disposed in a second part (332) of a hinge case (330). One end of the elastic member (580) may be connected to the second part (332), and another end of the elastic member (580) may be connected to a first-1 magnet (541). One end of the elastic member (580) may be supported by the second part (332). The elastic member (580) and the first-1 magnet (541) may be defined as being located inside the second part (332). One surface of the first-1 magnet (541) may be positioned to form substantially the same plane as one surface of the second part (332) or to protrude from one surface of the second part (332). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0356] According to one embodiment, when the hinge case (330) is coupled to the first case (310), the elastic member (580) may be configured to press the first-1 magnet (541) so that the first-1 magnet (541) disposed in the hinge case (330) moves toward the second-1 magnet (561) disposed in the first case (310). For example, the first-1 magnet (541) may be pressed toward the first case (310) or the second-1 magnet (551) by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member (580).

[0357] According to one embodiment, by means of an elastic member (580) and a first magnet (541) moved by the elastic member (580), the protective case (300) can provide an optimized coupling structure corresponding to a foldable electronic device (101) of various sizes or a first case (310) of various sizes.

[0358] Referring to FIG. 32, the size of the hinge case (330) and the size of the first case (310) correspond to each other, so that no air gap is formed between the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) and the first side part (311) of the first case (310). In this case, the first-1 magnet (541) can be pressed by the elastic member (580) and come into contact with the first side part (311), and can overlap with the second-1 magnet (551) to generate an attractive force between them.

[0359] Referring to FIG. 33a, the size of the hinge case (330) and the size of the first case (310) do not correspond, so an air gap is formed between the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) and the first side part (311) of the first case (310). In this case, the first-1 magnet (541) can be moved to be connected to or in contact with the first side part (311) by being pressed by the elastic member (580). This will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 33b and FIG. 33c.

[0360] Referring to FIG. 33b, an air gap (g) may be formed between the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) and the first side part (311) of the first case (310). In this case, the elastic member (580) may press the first-1 magnet (541) so that the first-1 magnet (541) moves toward the first side part (311) or the second-1 magnet (551). For example, the elastic member (580) may press the first-1 magnet (541) in a direction in which the first-1 magnet (541) approaches the second-1 magnet (551) (e.g., direction E in FIG. 33b).

[0361] Referring to FIG. 33c, the first-1 magnet (541) can be moved to protrude from the second part (332) of the hinge case (330) by being pressed by an elastic member (580). The first-1 magnet (541) can be in close contact with the outer surface of the first side part (311) and can overlap with the second-1 magnet (551). An attractive force can be generated between the first-1 magnet (541) and the second-1 magnet (551). This attractive force can be provided as a force that fixes the hinge case (330) and the first case (310) to each other.

[0362] FIG. 34a is a front view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 34b is a side view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 35a is a front view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 35b is a side view of a protective case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0363] The embodiments of FIGS. 34a to 35b can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 33. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 34a to 35b may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 33.

[0364] Referring to FIGS. 34a and FIGS. 34b, the protective case (300) may include a hinge case (630) (e.g., the hinge case (330) of FIG. 5).

[0365] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include a first-1 magnet (641) (e.g., the first-1 magnet (441) of FIG. 23) disposed in the hinge case (630).

[0366] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101) of FIG. 4) may include a second-1 magnet (651) disposed in a first housing (210) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 4).

[0367] According to one embodiment, a first portion (631) of the hinge case (630) may be formed to be elongated in a first direction. When the protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device, the hinge case (630) may be positioned to cover the hinge cover (260). A second portion (632) of the hinge case (630) may extend from the first portion (631) in at least one second direction different from the first direction. When the protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device, the second portion (632) of the hinge case (630) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the outer surface (e.g., side) of the first housing (210) or the outer surface (e.g., side) of the second housing (220).

[0368] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device, the hinge case (630) and the first housing (210) can be fixed to each other by the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (641) and the second-1 magnet (651) that overlap each other.

[0369] Referring to FIGS. 35a and FIGS. 35b, the protective case (300) may include a hinge case (630) (e.g., the hinge case (330) of FIG. 5).

[0370] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include a first-1 magnet (641) (e.g., the first-1 magnet (441) of FIG. 29) disposed in the hinge case (630), and a second-1 magnet (642) (e.g., the first-2 magnet (442) of FIG. 29) disposed in the hinge case (630).

[0371] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101) of FIG. 4) may include a second-1 magnet (651) disposed in a first housing (210) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 4) and a second-2 magnet (652) disposed in a second housing (220) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4).

[0372] According to one embodiment, a first portion (631) of the hinge case (630) may be formed to be elongated in a first direction. When the protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device, the hinge case (630) may be positioned to cover the hinge cover (260). A second portion (632) of the hinge case (630) may extend from the first portion (631) in at least one second direction different from the first direction. When the protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device, the second portion (632) of the hinge case (630) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the outer surface (e.g., side) of the first housing (210) or the outer surface (e.g., side) of the second housing (220).

[0373] According to one embodiment, FIG. 35b only illustrates the arrangement relationship between the second-1 magnet (651) placed in the first housing (210) and the first-1 magnet (641) placed in the hinge case (630), but the arrangement relationship between the second-2 magnet (652) placed in the second housing (220) and the first-2 magnet (642) placed in the hinge case (630) may be substantially the same and / or similar to the arrangement relationship between the second-1 magnet (651) and the first-1 magnet (641).

[0374] According to one embodiment, when the protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device, the hinge case (630) and the first housing (210) can be fixed to each other by the attractive force generated between the first-1 magnet (641) and the second-1 magnet (651) that overlap each other. When the protective case (300) is coupled to a foldable electronic device, the hinge case (630) and the second housing (220) can be fixed to each other by the attractive force generated between the first-2 magnet (642) and the second-2 magnet (652) that overlap each other.

[0375] A foldable electronic device including a flexible display can be configured such that a plurality of structures can move relative to each other. Accordingly, a case for protecting the foldable electronic device (e.g., a protective case) can be composed of a plurality of parts and each can be coupled to a plurality of structures of the foldable electronic device.

[0376] Multiple parts of the protective case are connected and fixed to each other, and a structure that allows relative movement between the multiple parts may be required.

[0377] When multiple parts of a protective case are connected to each other through a physical fastening structure (e.g., protrusions and grooves), there is a risk that the physical fastening structure of the protective case may wear out due to the repeated folding and unfolding motion of the foldable electronic device.

[0378] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case for a foldable electronic device may be provided, which provides a structure that can be easily coupled to or easily separated from the foldable electronic device.

[0379] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case for a foldable electronic device may be provided in which the wear of a combined structure of a plurality of elements of the protective case may be limited and / or reduced even with repeated folding and unfolding operations of the foldable electronic device.

[0380] However, the problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0381] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case for a foldable electronic device may be provided such that the elements of the protective case (e.g., a first case, a second case, and a hinge case) are connected to one another by an attractive force generated by magnets, so that the elements of the protective case can be easily connected to or easily separated from the foldable electronic device, and the wear of the elements of the protective case can be prevented and / or reduced even with repeated use.

[0382] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0383] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case (300) for a foldable electronic device may include a first case (310) configured to be coupled to a first housing of the foldable electronic device, and a second case (320) configured to be coupled to a second housing of the foldable electronic device.

[0384] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include a hinge case (330) that is detachably coupled to the first case (310) or both the first case (310) and the second case (320) and is configured to protect the hinge cover of the foldable electronic device.

[0385] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include at least one first magnet (340).

[0386] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (340) may be placed in the end portion (332) of the hinge case (330).

[0387] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include at least one second magnet (350).

[0388] According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (350) may be placed in a portion (a portion) of the first case (310) facing the end portion (332).

[0389] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) can be coupled to the first case (310) by the attractive force between the at least one first magnet (340) and the at least one second magnet (350).

[0390] According to one embodiment, the at least one second magnet (350) may be located inside the first case (310) such that the portion of the first case (310) corresponding to the at least one second magnet (350) forms a continuous surface with the surrounding areas.

[0391] According to one embodiment, the first case (310) and the second case (320) may each be rotatably positioned relative to the hinge case (330).

[0392] According to one embodiment, the attractive force between the at least one first magnet (340) and the at least one second magnet (350) may be configured to form at least a part of the rotation axis on which the first case (310) or the second case (320) rotates relative to the hinge case (330).

[0393] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may further include a protruding portion (333) protruding along the second direction from one side of the hinge case (330).

[0394] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may further include another magnet (336) disposed on the protruding part (333).

[0395] According to one embodiment, the at least one second magnet (350) may include a second-1 magnet (351) disposed in the first case (310) and a second-2 magnet (352) disposed in the second case (320).

[0396] According to one embodiment, the at least one first magnet (340) may include a first-1 magnet (341) positioned correspondingly to the second-1 magnet (351), and a first-2 magnet (342) positioned correspondingly to the second-2 magnet (352).

[0397] According to one embodiment, the first-1 magnet (341) may include a first pole (341a) facing the second-1 magnet (351) and a second pole (341b) opposite to the first pole (341a).

[0398] According to one embodiment, the second-1 magnet (351) may include a first pole (351a) facing the first-1 magnet (341) and a second pole (351b) opposite to the first pole (351a).

[0399] According to one embodiment, the first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (351a) of the second-1 magnet (351).

[0400] According to one embodiment, the first-2 magnet (342) may include a first pole (342a) facing the second-2 magnet (352) and a second pole (342b) opposite to the first pole (342a).

[0401] According to one embodiment, the second-2 magnet (352) may include a first pole (352a) facing the first-2 magnet (342) and a second pole (352b) opposite to the first pole (352a).

[0402] According to one embodiment, the first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (352a) of the second-2 magnet (352).

[0403] According to one embodiment, the first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342).

[0404] According to one embodiment, when the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the distance between the second-1 magnet (351) and the second-2 magnet (352) can be varied.

[0405] According to one embodiment, the at least one second magnet (450) may include a second-1 magnet (451) disposed in the first case (310).

[0406] According to one embodiment, the at least one first magnet (440) may include a first-1 magnet (441) disposed in the hinge case (330) and at least partially overlapping with the second-1 magnet (451).

[0407] According to one embodiment, the second-1 magnet (451) may include a first pole (4511) facing the second case (320) and a second pole (4512) opposite to the first pole (4511).

[0408] According to one embodiment, the first-1 magnet (441) may include a first pole (4411) that is at least partially overlapping with the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451) and a second pole (4412) that is opposite to the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) and at least partially overlapping with the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0409] According to one embodiment, the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) may have opposite polarity to the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451).

[0410] According to one embodiment, when the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the magnitude of the attractive force between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) can be varied.

[0411] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may further include a strap (380) that extends from the hinge case (330) and is at least partially fixed to the second case (320).

[0412] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may further include an elastic member (580) disposed on the hinge case (330) and comprising an elastic material.

[0413] According to one embodiment, one end of the elastic member (580) is connected to the hinge case (330), and the other end of the elastic member (580) can be connected to the at least one first magnet (541).

[0414] According to one embodiment, when the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the at least one second magnet (350) may be configured to move in a plane direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the at least one first magnet (340).

[0415] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may further include an NFC tag (370) placed in the second case (320).

[0416] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case (300) for a foldable electronic device may include a first case (310) configured to be coupled with a first housing of the foldable electronic device and a second case (320) configured to be coupled with a second housing of the foldable electronic device.

[0417] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include a hinge case (330) coupled to the first case (310) and configured to cover a hinge including a hinge cover of the foldable electronic device.

[0418] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may include a first part (331) elongated in a first direction and a second part (332) extending from the first part (331) in at least one second direction different from the first direction.

[0419] According to one embodiment, at least one first magnet (340) may be placed in the second part (332).

[0420] According to one embodiment, at least one second magnet (350) may be placed in a portion of the first case (310) facing the second portion (332).

[0421] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) can be coupled to the first case (310) by the attractive force between the at least one first magnet (340) and the at least one second magnet (350).

[0422] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device is folded, the hinge case (330) may be configured so that the hinge case (330) returns to a position covering the hinge cover due to at least both of the attractive and repulsive forces between the at least one first magnet (340) and the at least one second magnet (350).

[0423] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective case (300) may include a first case (310) comprising a first side portion (311) and an opening (312) defined by the first side portion (311).

[0424] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include a second case (320) comprising a second side portion (321) and a plate (312) connected to the second side portion (321).

[0425] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include a hinge case (330) detachably coupled to the first case (310) and the second case (320).

[0426] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include at least one first magnet (340) disposed on the hinge case (330).

[0427] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include at least one second magnet (350) disposed on the first side portion (311) or the second side portion (321) and at least partially overlapping with the at least one first magnet (340).

[0428] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include at least one shielding member (360) comprising a shielding material, which is positioned to cover at least one surface of the at least one second magnet (350).

[0429] According to one embodiment, the hinge case (330) may include a first part (331) elongated in a first direction, and a second part (332) extending from opposite ends of the first part (331) in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0430] According to one embodiment, the second part (332) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the first side part (311) and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second side part (321).

[0431] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may further include a strap (380) that extends from the hinge case (330) and includes an extension portion (381) made of a flexible material and a first stopper portion (382) disposed at the end of the extension portion (381).

[0432] According to one embodiment, the second case (320) may further include a second stopper portion (323) that is coupled to the second side portion (321) and configured to wrap around at least one part of the extension portion (381).

[0433] According to one embodiment, the thickness of at least a portion of the strap (380) corresponding to the first stopper portion (382) may be thicker than the thickness of another portion of the strap (380) that does not correspond to the first stopper portion (382).

[0434] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective case (300) for a foldable electronic device may include a hinge case (630) comprising a first portion (631) elongated in a first direction and a second portion (632) extending from the first portion (631).

[0435] According to one embodiment, the protective case (300) may include a magnet (641) disposed in the second part (632).

[0436] According to one embodiment, the magnet (641) may be positioned to overlap with the magnet (642) of the foldable electronic device when the protective case (300) is coupled to the foldable electronic device.

[0437] Although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of this document, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible within the scope of this document.

Claims

1. In a protective case (300) for a foldable electronic device, A first case (310) configured to be coupled to a first housing of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device; A second case (320) configured to be coupled to a second housing of the foldable electronic device; and It includes a hinge case (330) that is detachably coupled to the first case (310) or both the first case (310) and the second case (320) and is configured to protect the hinge cover of the foldable electronic device. At least one first magnet (340) is disposed in an end portion (332) of the hinge case (330) and at least one second magnet (350) is disposed in a portion of the first case (310) facing the end portion (332), so that the hinge case (330) is coupled to the first case (310) by the attractive force between the at least one first magnet (340) and the at least one second magnet (350). The above at least one second magnet (350) is a protective case (300) located inside the first case (310) such that the portion of the first case (310) corresponding to the above at least one second magnet (350) forms a continuous surface with the surrounding areas.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first case (310) and the second case (320) are each rotatably positioned relative to the hinge case (330), and The attractive force between the at least one first magnet (340) and the at least one second magnet (350) is configured such that the first case (310) or the second case (320) forms at least a part of the rotation axis that rotates relative to the hinge case (330), in a protective case (300).

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The above hinge case (330) is a protective case (300) further comprising a protruding portion (333) protruding along the second direction from one side of the hinge case (330).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above hinge case (330) is a protective case (300) further comprising another magnet (336) disposed on the protruding part (333).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above at least one second magnet (350) includes a second-1 magnet (351) disposed in the first case (310) and a second-2 magnet (352) disposed in the second case (320). The above at least one first magnet (340) is a protective case (300) comprising a first-1 magnet (341) positioned correspondingly to the second-1 magnet (351), and a first-2 magnet (342) positioned correspondingly to the second-2 magnet (352).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The first-1 magnet (341) includes a first pole (341a) facing the second-1 magnet (351) and a second pole (341b) opposite to the first pole (341a). The above second-1 magnet (351) includes a first pole (351a) facing the first-1 magnet (341) and a second pole (351b) opposite to the first pole (351a). The first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) has a polarity opposite to that of the first pole (351a) of the second-1 magnet (351), in a protective case (300).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The first-2 magnet (342) includes a first pole (342a) facing the second-2 magnet (352) and a second pole (342b) opposite to the first pole (342a). The above second-second magnet (352) includes a first pole (352a) facing the first-second magnet (342) and a second pole (352b) opposite to the first pole (352a). The first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342) has a polarity opposite to that of the first pole (352a) of the second-2 magnet (352), in a protective case (300).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The first pole (341a) of the first-1 magnet (341) has a polarity opposite to that of the first pole (342a) of the first-2 magnet (342) in the protective case (300).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, When the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the distance between the second-1 magnet (351) and the second-2 magnet (352) is variable protection case (300).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, The above at least one second magnet (450) includes a second-1 magnet (451) disposed in the first case (310), and The above at least one first magnet (440) comprises a first-1 magnet (441) disposed in the hinge case (330) and at least partially overlapping with the second-1 magnet (451), and The above second-1 magnet (451) includes a first pole (4511) facing the second case (320) and a second pole (4512) opposite to the first pole (4511). The first-1 magnet (441) comprises a first pole (4411) that overlaps at least partially with the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451) and a second pole (4412) that is opposite to the first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) and overlaps at least partially with the second pole (4512) of the second-1 magnet (451). The first pole (4411) of the first-1 magnet (441) has a polarity opposite to that of the first pole (4511) of the second-1 magnet (451), in a protective case (300).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, When the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the magnitude of the attractive force between the first-1 magnet (441) and the second-1 magnet (451) is variable protective case (300).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, A protective case (300) further comprising a strap (380) extending from the hinge case (330) and fixed at least partially to the second case (320).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 12, It further includes an elastic member (580) disposed in the hinge case (330) and includes an elastic material, and One end of the elastic member (580) is connected to the hinge case (330), and the other end of the elastic member (580) is connected to the protective case (300) that is connected to the at least one first magnet (541).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 13, A protective case (300) configured such that when the first case (310) and the second case (320) are rotated relative to the hinge case (330), the at least one second magnet (350) moves in a plane direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the at least one first magnet (340).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 14, A protective case (300) further comprising an NFC tag (370) placed in the second case (320) above.

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