Patent Description:
Electronic apparatuses have become slimmer and improved to increase the rigidity of the electronic apparatuses, to enhance design aspects thereof, and to differentiate functional elements thereof. Electronic apparatuses have evolved from unilateral rectangular shapes to more diversified shapes. Electronic apparatuses may have deformable structures such that large-screen displays can be used while ensuring portability. As an example of the deformable structure, an electronic apparatus may include at least two foldable housings configured to operate so as to fold or unfold with regard to each other. Such an electronic apparatus may include multiple electronic components disposed in the inner space. Electronic apparatuses may be required to have an efficient disposition structure such that electronic components perform unique functions, respectively, without interfering with functions of others.

<CIT> discloses a foldable electronic apparatus with a spacing member arranged in a microphone opening. <CIT> discloses a foldable electronic device having a flexible display and conductive portions on its housing parts acting as antennas.

A foldable electronic apparatus may include a hinge module and first and second housings connected through the hinge module so as to face each other. Such a foldable electronic apparatus may operate in an in-folding and/or out-folding type as the first housing rotates with regard to the second housing in a range of <NUM>-<NUM>° through the hinge module. The foldable electronic apparatus may include a flexible display disposed across the first and second housings when unfolded by <NUM>°.

An electronic apparatus (for example, foldable electronic apparatus) may have a first housing at least partially including a first conductive part, and may have a second housing at least partially including a second conductive part. The first conductive part and/or second conductive part may be used as an antenna operating in at least one frequency band through a wireless communication circuit disposed in the inner space of the electronic apparatus.

However, the electronic apparatus may be configured such that first and second conductive parts substantially face each other in a folding state, and this may degrade the antenna radiation performance. The electronic apparatus includes protective covers positioned between the first and second housings and disposed on respective housings to protect edges of the flexible display, but the distance of spacing between the two housings, which are spaced apart as the protective covers substantially face each other, may make it difficult to improve the antenna radiation performance.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic apparatus (for example, foldable electronic apparatus) including multiple housings disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a folding state, for example. In addition, various embodiments may provide a spacing member configured to form a distance of spacing between multiple housing in a folding state of the electronic apparatus, for example.

According to an embodiment, an electronic apparatus is provided as defined by appended claims.

An electronic apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may form a distance of spacing between two housings through a spacing member. For example, the electronic apparatus may have a spacing member which is used as a sound guide structure of a sound module, and which at least partially spaces the two housings from each other, thereby securing a distance of spacing between antennas disposed on the two housings, and helping improve the radiation performance. In addition, a sound guide structure may be provided by structurally changing the spacing member such that sound is discharged outwards even in a folding state, thereby improving utility of the electronic apparatus.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an electronic device in a flat or unfolded state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating the front of the electronic device in an unfolded state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating the back of the electronic device in an unfolded state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the electronic device in a folded state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of the electronic device in an intermediate state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled as to allow folding relative to a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). In certain embodiments, the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed in the X-axis direction or in the Y-axis direction. In certain embodiments, two or more hinge mechanisms (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) may be arranged to be folded in a same direction or in different directions. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., foldable display) disposed in an area formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed on both sides about the folding axis (axis A), and may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (axis A). According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may vary, depending on whether the state of the electronic device <NUM> is a flat or unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

According to certain embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> (e.g., first housing structure) coupled to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>), and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., second housing structure) coupled to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first housing <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> facing a first direction (e.g., front direction) (z-axis direction), and a second surface <NUM> facing a second direction (e.g., rear direction) (negative z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the second housing <NUM> may include a third surface <NUM> facing the first direction (z-axis direction), and a fourth surface <NUM> facing the second direction (negative z-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated in such a manner that the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction) in the unfolded state, and the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> face one another in the folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated in such a manner that the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> face substantially the same second direction (negative z-axis direction) in the unfolded state, and the second surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> face one another in opposite directions in the folded state. For example, in the folded state, the second surface <NUM> may face the first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth surface <NUM> may face the second direction (negative z-axis direction).

According to certain embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may include a first side member <NUM> that at least partially forms an external appearance of the electronic device <NUM>, and a first rear cover <NUM> coupled to the first side member <NUM> that forms at least a portion of the second surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may include a first side surface 113a, a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape (e.g., square or rectangle) through the first side surface 113a, second side surface 113b, and third side surface 113c.

According to certain embodiments, the second housing <NUM> may include a second side member <NUM> that at least partially forms the external appearance of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM> coupled to the second side member <NUM>, forming at least a portion of the fourth surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second side member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface 123a, a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a, and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a. According to an embodiment, the second side member <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape through the fourth side surface 123a, fifth side surface 123b, and sixth side surface 123c.

According to certain embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> are not limited to the shape and combinations illustrated herein, and may be implemented with a combination of other shapes or parts. For example, in certain embodiments, the first side member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second side member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the second side surface 113b of the first side member <NUM> and the fifth side surface 123b of the second side member <NUM> may be connected without a gap formed therebetween. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the third side surface 113c of the first side member <NUM> and the sixth side surface 123c of the second side member <NUM> may be connected without a gap formed therebetween. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured such that the combined length of the second side surface 113b and the fifth side surface 123b is longer than the combined length of the first side surface 113a and/or the fourth side surface 123a. In addition, the combined length of the third side surface 113c and the sixth side surface 123c may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side surface 113a and/or the fourth side surface 123a.

According to certain embodiments, the first side member <NUM> and/or the second side member <NUM> may be formed of a metal, and may further include a polymer injected into the metal. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> and/or the second side member <NUM> may include at least one conductive portion <NUM> and/or <NUM> electrically segmented through one or more segmenting portions <NUM> and <NUM> and/or segmenting <NUM> and <NUM>, which may be formed using a polymer. In this case, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device <NUM>, and may be used as an antenna operating in at least one designated band (e.g., legacy band).

According to certain embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and/or the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel or "STS", or magnesium), or a combination thereof.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to extend from the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> across the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) to at least a portion of the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. For example, the flexible display <NUM> may include a first region 130a substantially corresponding to the first surface <NUM>, a second region 130b corresponding to the second surface <NUM>, and a third region 130c (e.g., the bendable region) connecting the first region 130a and the second region 130b and corresponding to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first protection cover <NUM> (e.g., first protection frame or first decoration member) coupled along the periphery of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second protection cover <NUM> (e.g., second protection frame or second decoration member) coupled along the periphery of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first protection cover <NUM> and/or the second protection cover <NUM> may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to an embodiment, the first protection cover <NUM> and/or the second protection cover <NUM> may be used as a decorative member. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be positioned such that the periphery of the first region 130a is interposed between the first housing <NUM> and the first protection cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be positioned such that the periphery of the second region 130b is interposed between the second housing <NUM> and the second protection cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be positioned such that the periphery of the flexible display <NUM> corresponding to a protection cap <NUM> is protected through the protection cap disposed in a region corresponding to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). Consequently, the periphery of the flexible display <NUM> may be substantially protected from the outside. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a hinge housing <NUM> (e.g., hinge cover) that is disposed so as to support the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). The hinge housing <NUM> may further be exposed to the outside when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, and be invisible as viewed from the outside when retracted into a first space (e.g., internal space of the first housing <NUM>) and a second space (e.g., internal space of the second housing <NUM>) when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state. In certain embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to extend from at least a portion of the second surface <NUM> to at least a portion of the fourth surface <NUM>. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may be folded so that the flexible display <NUM> is exposed to the outside (out-folding scheme).

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sub-display <NUM> disposed separately from the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed to be at least partially exposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and may display status information of the electronic device <NUM> in place of the display function of the flexible display <NUM> in case of the folded state. According to an embodiment, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least some region of the first rear cover <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In this case, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least some region of the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of an input device <NUM> (e.g., microphone), sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, camera devices <NUM> and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, or a connector port <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device <NUM> (e.g., microphone), sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor module <NUM>, camera devices <NUM> and <NUM>, key input device <NUM>, and connector port <NUM> indicate a hole or shape formed in the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>, but may be defined to include a substantial electronic component (e.g., input device, sound output device, sensor module, or camera device) that is disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> and operated through a hole or a shape.

According to certain embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include at least one microphone disposed on the second housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones disposed to detect the direction of a sound. In certain embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed at appropriate positions in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include speakers. According to an embodiment, the input device <NUM> may include a receiver for calls disposed in the first housing <NUM>, and a speaker disposed in the second housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the input device <NUM>, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, and the connector port <NUM> may be disposed in a space arranged in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one connector port <NUM> may be used to transmit and receive power and/or data to and from an external electronic device. In certain embodiments, at least one connector port (e.g., ear jack hole) may accommodate a connector (e.g., ear jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device. In certain embodiments, the hole formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> may be commonly used for the input device <NUM> and the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., piezo speaker) that operates without using a hole formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The sensor module <NUM> may detect an external environment, for example, through the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one sensor module disposed to detect an external environment through the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., illuminance sensor) may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM> to detect an external environment through the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illuminance sensor <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> (e.g., front camera device) disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a flash <NUM> disposed close to the second camera device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera device <NUM> or <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be arranged so that two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle lens, super-wide-angle lens, or telephoto lens) and image sensors are positioned on one surface (e.g., first surface <NUM>, second surface <NUM>, third surface <NUM>, or fourth surface <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include time-of-flight (TOF) lenses and/or an image sensor.

According to certain embodiments, the key input device <NUM> (e.g., key button) may be disposed on the third side surface 113c of the first side member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the key input device <NUM> may be disposed on at least one of the other side surfaces 113a and 113b of the first housing <NUM> and/or the side surfaces 123a, 123b and 123c of the second housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input devices <NUM>, and those not included key input devices <NUM> may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the flexible display <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the key input device <NUM> may be implemented by using a pressure sensor included in the flexible display <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, some of the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., first camera device <NUM>) or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed through the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the first camera device <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> so as to be in contact with the external environment through an opening (e.g., through hole) formed at least partially in the flexible display <NUM>. In another embodiment, some sensor modules <NUM> may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> so as to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the flexible display <NUM>. For example, in this case, the opening of a region of the flexible display <NUM> facing the sensor module may be not needed.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated to remain in an intermediate state through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may control the flexible display <NUM> to display different pieces of content on the display area corresponding to the first surface <NUM> and the display area corresponding to the third surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated substantially in an unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state of <FIG>) and/or substantially in a folded state (e.g., folded state of <FIG>) with respect to a specific inflection angle (e.g., angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> in the intermediate state) through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, when a pressing force is applied in the unfolding direction (B direction) in a state where the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded at a specific inflection angle, through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be transitioned to an unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state of <FIG>). For example, when a pressing force is applied in the folding direction (C direction) in a state where the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded at a specific inflection angle, through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be transitioned to a closed state (e.g., folded state of <FIG>). In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated to remain in an unfolded state at various angles (not shown) through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>).

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first side member <NUM> (e.g., first side frame), a second side member <NUM> (e.g., second side frame), and a hinge mechanism <NUM> (e.g., hinge module) rotatably connecting the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> (e.g., first support member) at least partially extending from the first side member <NUM>, and a second support member <NUM> at least partially extending from the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first side member <NUM> or may be structurally coupled to the first side member <NUM>. Similarly, the second support member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second side member <NUM> or may be structurally coupled to the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> disposed to be supported by the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first rear cover <NUM> that is coupled to the first side member <NUM> and provides a first space between itself and the first support member <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM> that is coupled to the second side member <NUM> and provides a second space between itself and the second support member <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the first side member <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed. In certain embodiments, the second side member <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., first housing structure) provided through the first side member <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, and the first rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., second housing structure) provided through the second side member <NUM>, the second support member <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sub-display <NUM> that is disposed to be visible from the outside through at least some region of the first rear cover <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first substrate assembly <NUM> (e.g., main printed circuit board), a camera assembly <NUM>, a first battery <NUM>, or a first bracket <NUM>, arranged in the first space between the first side member <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), and may be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first bracket <NUM> may provide a support structure for supporting the first substrate assembly <NUM> and/or the camera assembly <NUM>, and improved rigidity. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second board assembly <NUM> (e.g., sub printed circuit board), an antenna <NUM> (e.g., coil member), a second battery <NUM>, or a second bracket <NUM>, arranged in the second space between the second side member <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a wiring member <NUM> (e.g., FPCB) extending from the first substrate assembly <NUM> across the hinge mechanism <NUM> to a plurality of electronic components arranged between the second side member <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>, to provide electrical connections therebetween. According to an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM> may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power utilized for charging.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a hinge housing <NUM> (e.g., hinge cover) that supports the hinge mechanism <NUM> and is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., folded state of <FIG>) and be invisible from the outside by being retracted into the first space and/or the second space when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state of <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first protection cover <NUM> coupled along the periphery of the first side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second protection cover <NUM> coupled along the periphery of the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the flexible display <NUM>, the periphery of a first flat portion (e.g., first flat portion 130a in <FIG>) may be protected by the first protection cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the flexible display <NUM>, the periphery of a second flat portion (e.g., second flat portion 130b in <FIG>) may be protected by the second protection cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a protection cap <NUM> that protects the periphery of the third region (e.g., third region 130c in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> corresponding to the hinge mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of an electronic apparatus <NUM>, which shows a state in which two housings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced by means of a spacing member <NUM>, in a folding state according to various embodiments of the disclosure. At least one of elements of an electronic apparatus <NUM> according to various embodiments may be the same as or similar to at least one of the elements of the electronic apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic apparatus <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> which are coupled to be rotatable with a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>). According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include at least one input device <NUM> and <NUM>' disposed on the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> and connected to the outside. According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a sound output device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker) and a connector port <NUM> which are connected to the outside in a folding state.

According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may be configured such that at least a part of the first housing <NUM> and at least a part of the second housing <NUM> substantially face each other in a folding state. For example, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may be configured such that at least a part (e.g., the first side surface 113a of <FIG>) of a first side frame <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> substantially faces at least a part (e.g., the fourth side surface 123a of <FIG>) of a second side frame <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> in a folding state. According to one embodiment, the first side frame <NUM> may include a first conductive portion <NUM> disposed to be electrically segmented through at least one non-conductive portion <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, in at least a part of the first side frame <NUM>, the first conductive portion <NUM> may be disposed to be electrically segmented through the first non-conductive portion <NUM> and the second non-conductive portion <NUM> which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. According to one embodiment, the second side frame <NUM> may include a second conductive portion <NUM> disposed to be electrically segmented through at least one non-conductive portion <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, in at least a part of the second side frame <NUM>, the second conductive portion <NUM> may be disposed to be electrically segmented through a third non-conductive portion <NUM> and a fourth non-conductive portion <NUM> which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. According to one embodiment, at least a part of the first conductive portion <NUM> and/or the second conductive portion <NUM> may be utilized as an antenna. According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a wireless communication circuit (not shown) disposed in an inner space thereof. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (not shown) may be configured to transmit and/or receive a wireless signal in a designated frequency band (e.g., a legacy band or a frequency band in the range of <NUM> - <NUM>) through the first conductive portion <NUM> and/or the second conductive portion <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first conductive portion <NUM> and the second conductive portion <NUM> are arranged to substantially face each other when the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state. In this case, the first non-conductive portion <NUM> and the third non-conductive portion <NUM> are arranged to substantially face each other when the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state. Likewise, the second non-conductive portion <NUM> and the fourth non-conductive portion <NUM> are arranged to substantially face each other when the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state.

According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a first protective cover <NUM> disposed along the edge of the first housing <NUM>, and may include a second protective cover <NUM> disposed along the edge of the second housing <NUM>. For example, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may be configured to protect a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) by using the first protective cover <NUM> and/or the second protective cover <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> includes a spacing member <NUM> disposed such that the first protective cover <NUM> and the second protective cover <NUM> are spaced apart by a designated distance of spacing (e.g., the first distance of spacing g1) in a folding state.

According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> includes the spacing member <NUM> configured to prevent the performance degradation of the antenna, which is caused by that the two conductive portions <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially face in a folding state. For example, the electronic apparatus <NUM> is be formed such that the two housings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart by a designated first distance of spacing g1 through the spacing member <NUM> in a folding state. For example, the first distance of spacing g1 may be more advantageous as being greater in order for antenna radiation performance. According to one embodiment, the first distance of spacing g1 may be a range of about <NUM> - <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the spacing member <NUM> may be formed of an elastic material, and thus may be configured to perform a buffering action during a folding operation (e.g., a change to a folding state) of the two housings <NUM> and <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the spacing member <NUM> is disposed around a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the first housing <NUM>, and includes an opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) for delivering sound generated from the speaker. According to one embodiment, the spacing member <NUM> may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, urethane or silicone. In some embodiments, the spacing member <NUM> may be formed of a polymer such as polycarbonate (PC) or a metal material.

<FIG> and <FIG> are partial perspective views of an electronic apparatus <NUM>, which show an arrangement relationship before and after a spacing member <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure is assembled. At least one of elements of an electronic apparatus <NUM> according to various embodiments may be the same as or similar to at least one of the elements of the electronic apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a first protective cover <NUM> disposed along the edge of a first housing <NUM> while surrounding the edge of a flexible display <NUM> interposed therein. Accordingly, the edge of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed so as not to be exposed to the outside between the first housing <NUM> and the first protective cover <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> configured to allow a spacing member <NUM> to be disposed therein. According to one embodiment, the recess <NUM> may be formed lower than the outer surface of the first protective cover <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover <NUM> may include at least one sound connection path <NUM> connected to a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in an inner space of the first housing <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the sound connection path <NUM> may be formed in at least a part of the recess <NUM>. According to one embodiment, when the spacing member <NUM> is disposed in the recess <NUM>, an opening <NUM> of the spacing member <NUM> is functionally connected to the sound connection path <NUM> of the first protective cover <NUM> so as to deliver the sound output through a speaker to the outside of the electronic apparatus <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the spacing member <NUM> is disposed in the recess <NUM> of the first protective cover <NUM> so as to protrude further than the outer surface of the first protective cover <NUM>. According to one embodiment, when the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state, the amount of protrusion of the spacing member <NUM> is determined as a designated distance of spacing (e.g., the first distance of spacing g1 of <FIG>) which allows the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> to be spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the spacing member <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surface of the first protective cover <NUM> without the recess <NUM>. In some embodiments, without the first protective cover <NUM>, the spacing member <NUM> may be disposed on the first housing <NUM> so as to functionally connect the opening <NUM> and a sound discharge hole (e.g., the sound discharge hole <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to emit the sound of a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) formed in the first housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state, the spacing member <NUM> is used as a spacing means for spacing the two housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and is further used as a sound delivery means (e.g., a speaker decoration) for delivering the sound generated in a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) to the outside of the electronic apparatus as further explained in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the spacing member <NUM> may be disposed around a microphone, and thus may be used to space the two housings <NUM> and <NUM> and may be used as a sound delivery means for delivering an external sound to the microphone also.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic apparatus <NUM> seen from the line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. At least one of elements of an electronic apparatus <NUM> according to various embodiments may be the same as or similar to at least one of the elements of the electronic apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the description of <FIG>, a connector port (e.g., the connector port <NUM> of <FIG>) will be omitted for the convenience of description.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic apparatus <NUM> is configured to operate such that a first housing <NUM> substantially faces the second housing <NUM> in a folding state. For example, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may be configured such that at least a part (e.g., the first side surface 113a of <FIG>) of a first side frame <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> substantially faces at least a part (e.g., the fourth side surface 123a of <FIG>) of a second side frame <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> in a folding state.

According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the first housing <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) may be used as a receiver for calls. According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a sound resonance space <NUM> configured to provide sound pressure for sound generated through a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) and functionally connected to a sound discharge hole <NUM> for delivering sound to the outside of the electronic apparatus <NUM>. For example, the sound resonance space <NUM> may be formed in a self-structure (e.g., a self-structure of a first support plate (e.g., the first support plate <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first housing <NUM> and/or by means of a separate speaker enclosure. In some embodiments, the sound resonance space <NUM> may be formed in a type of bypassing an electronic component (e.g., the camera device <NUM>) disposed therearound. According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a first protective cover <NUM> disposed on the edge of the first housing <NUM> while surrounding the edge of the flexible display <NUM> interposed therein. According to one embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be protected such that the edge of the flexible display <NUM> is not exposed to the outside by the first protective cover <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover <NUM> may include a sound connection path <NUM> disposed at a position corresponding to the sound discharge hole <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the sound connection path <NUM> may be formed in a recess <NUM> which is formed on the first protective cover <NUM> to be lower than the outer surface of the first protective cover <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover <NUM> may include a spacing member <NUM> disposed in the recess <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the spacing member <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> disposed at a position corresponding to the sound connection path <NUM>. Accordingly, the sound generated through a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) is emitted to the outside of the electronic apparatus <NUM> through the sound resonance space <NUM>, the sound discharge hole <NUM>, the sound connection path <NUM>, and the opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a breathable waterproof member (not shown) disposed between the sound resonance space <NUM> and the sound discharge hole <NUM> so as to prevent foreign materials and/or moisture from entering the inside of the electronic apparatus <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the breathable waterproof member (not shown) may include a Gore-Tex material, a non-woven fabric for waterproofing, or a membrane.

According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a second protective cover <NUM> disposed on the edge of the second housing <NUM> while surrounding the edge of the flexible display <NUM> interposed therein. According to one embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be protected such that the edge thereof is not exposed to the outside by the second protective cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> is configured to operate such that the first protective cover <NUM> substantially faces the second protective cover <NUM> in a folding state. In this case, the second protective cover <NUM> is disposed to have a designated first distance of spacing g1 from the first protective cover <NUM> by the spacing member <NUM> disposed to protrude from the first protective cover <NUM>. Accordingly, when a first conductive portion <NUM> disposed on the first side frame <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and/or a second conductive portion <NUM> disposed on the second side frame <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> are used as an antenna, the first conductive portion <NUM> and the second conductive portion <NUM> are configured to maintain a state of being spaced apart by the first distance of spacing g1, so that the radiation performance degradation of an antenna is advantageously reduced in a folding state of the electronic apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of an electronic apparatus <NUM>, which shows a state in which two housings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced by means of a spacing member <NUM> and a damper <NUM> and <NUM>, in a folding state according to various optional embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic apparatus <NUM> seen from the line 7b-7b of <FIG> according to various optional embodiments of the disclosure.

In the description of <FIG> and <FIG>, the same reference numerals are assigned to the elements substantially the same as the elements illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic apparatus <NUM> may optionally include at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on a second housing <NUM> so as to substantially face a spacing member <NUM> in a folding state. According to an optional embodiment, at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on a second protective cover <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an optional embodiment, the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first damper <NUM> and a second damper <NUM> which are configured to substantially face the spacing member <NUM> and arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval, in a folding state. According to an optional embodiment, the first damper <NUM> and the second damper <NUM> may be configured to substantially face the spacing member <NUM>, and may be arranged at positions which do not at least partially overlap an opening <NUM> of the spacing member <NUM>. Therefore, in a folding state of the electronic apparatus <NUM>, the space between the two dampers <NUM> and <NUM> may be used as a sound guide path for emitting the sound generated from a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) to the outside of the electronic apparatus. In some embodiments, the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed at a position overlapping the opening <NUM> of the spacing member <NUM>. According to an optional embodiment, the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> may include an elastic material such as rubber, urethane, or silicone. For example, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may be configured to distribute an impact generated during a folding operation (e.g., a change to a folding state) by using the spacing member <NUM> and/or the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may optionally include the spacing member <NUM> that may be disposed on the first protective cover <NUM> and at the least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the second protective cover <NUM>, which are configured to substantially face each other. For example, the second protective cover <NUM> may be disposed to have a designated second distance of spacing g2 from the first protective cover <NUM>. For example, the second distance of spacing g2 may be greater than a first distance of spacing (e.g., the first distance of spacing g1 of <FIG>). Advantageously, when a first conductive portion <NUM> disposed on a first side frame <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and/or a second conductive portion <NUM> disposed on a second side frame <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> are used as an antenna, the first conductive portion <NUM> and the second conductive portion <NUM> may be configured to maintain a state of being spaced apart by the second distance of spacing g2, so that the radiation performance degradation of an antenna is significantly reduced in a folding state of the electronic apparatus <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the shapes of the spacing member <NUM> and/or the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> may not be limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the shapes of the spacing member <NUM> and/or the dampers <NUM> and <NUM> may be changed according to various embodiments. For example, one surface of the spacing member <NUM> and one surface of the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to substantially face each other, but it may be not limited thereto. In addition, according to an embodiment, when seen from a direction toward a side surface (e.g., a direction opposite to the direction ①), one surface of the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in an oblique shape (not shown).

According to various embodiments, the shape of the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> may not be limited to the illustrated embodiment, and may be formed in various shapes. For example, the shape of the multiple dampers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to have a straight line, a circle, a polygon, or the like, or may be formed to have a point shape (e.g., a circular point or a quadrilateral point) in point contact with the spacing member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, as shown in <Table <NUM>> below, in connection with the total radiated power (TRP) and the total isotropic sensitivity (TIS) of an antenna before and after the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> is applied thereto, for example, it may be known that gains in the TRP and the TIS: are respectively increased by <NUM> dB and <NUM> dB in the DCS band (e.g., about <NUM> - <NUM>); are respectively increased by <NUM> dB and <NUM>. 2dB in the LTE band <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM> band); and are respectively increased by <NUM> dB and <NUM> dB in the LTE band <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM> band). Advantageously, the radiation performance of an antenna is improved when the distance of spacing between the two housings <NUM> and <NUM> increases by means of the spacing member <NUM> and at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> in a folding state of the electronic apparatus <NUM>.

Hereinafter, in the description of <FIG>, the same reference numerals are assigned to the elements substantially the same as the elements illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a spacing member <NUM> according to various optional embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view of an electronic apparatus <NUM>, which shows a state in which two housings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced by means of a spacing member <NUM> including a sound induction slit <NUM> of <FIG>, in a folding state according to various optional embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a spacing member <NUM> may optionally include at least one sound induction slit <NUM> formed such that the sound emitted through an opening <NUM> is guided in an external direction (the direction ①) of the electronic apparatus <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the spacing member <NUM> may include the at least one sound induction slit <NUM> formed from the opening <NUM> in the external direction (the direction ①) of the electronic apparatus <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the at least one sound induction slit <NUM> may be formed when the spacing member <NUM> is formed (e.g., when ejected).

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may be configured to operate such that a first protective cover <NUM> substantially faces a second protective cover <NUM> in a folding state. In this case, the second protective cover <NUM> may be disposed to have a designated first distance of spacing g1 from the first protective cover <NUM> by the spacing member <NUM> disposed to protrude from the first protective cover <NUM>. According to an optional embodiment, when the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state, the spacing member <NUM> between a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> may be disposed such that at least one sound induction slit <NUM> is exposed to the outside. In this case, the sound emitted through the opening <NUM> of the spacing member <NUM> may be guided to be emitted to the outside of the electronic apparatus <NUM> through the at least one sound induction slit <NUM>, and thus may contribute to performance improvement in sound of the electronic apparatus <NUM>. For example, in a state where the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state, the sound induction slit <NUM> may be configured to deliver the sound emitted through the opening <NUM> to the outside of the electronic apparatus and thus to a user when the user is calling or listening to music. In some optional embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may further include at least one damper (e.g., the damper <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the second protective cover <NUM> and configured to substantially face the spacing member <NUM>. In this case, the at least one damper (e.g., the damper <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed to substantially face the spacing member <NUM> at a position avoiding the at least one sound induction slit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of a second protective cover <NUM> including a sound induction slit <NUM> according to various optional embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view of an electronic apparatus <NUM>, which shows a state in which two housings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced by means of a spacing member <NUM> and a second protective cover <NUM> including a sound induction slit <NUM>, in a folding state according to various optional embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a second protective cover <NUM> may optionally include at least one sound induction slit <NUM> formed such that the sound emitted through an opening <NUM> of a spacing member <NUM> is guided in an external direction (the direction ①) of the electronic apparatus <NUM> in a folding state of the electronic apparatus <NUM>. According to an optional embodiment, the at least one sound induction slit <NUM> may be formed to have a designated depth lower than the outer surface of the second protective cover <NUM>. According to an optional embodiment, the at least one sound induction slit <NUM> may be disposed at a position in which the sound induction slit at least partially overlaps an opening <NUM> of the spacing member <NUM> when the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state. According to an optional embodiment, the at least one sound induction slit <NUM> may be formed when the second protective cover <NUM> is formed.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may be configured to operate such that the first protective cover <NUM> substantially faces the second protective cover <NUM> in a folding state. In this case, the second protective cover <NUM> may be disposed to have a designated first distance of spacing g1 from the first protective cover <NUM> by the spacing member <NUM> disposed to protrude from the first protective cover <NUM>. According to an optional embodiment, when the electronic apparatus <NUM> is in a folding state, the spacing member <NUM> between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed to substantially face the at least one sound induction slit <NUM>. In this case, the sound emitted through the opening <NUM> of the spacing member <NUM> may be guided to be emitted to the outside of the electronic apparatus <NUM> through the at least one sound induction slit <NUM>, and thus may contribute to performance improvement in sound of the electronic apparatus <NUM>. In some optional embodiments, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may further include at least one damper (e.g., the damper <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the second protective cover <NUM> and configured to substantially face the spacing member <NUM>. In this case, at least one damper (e.g., the damper <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed to substantially face the spacing member <NUM> at a position avoiding the at least one sound induction slit <NUM>.

As another optional embodiment, the electronic apparatus may include a first antenna disposed in an inner space of the first housing <NUM> and/or a second antenna disposed in an inner space of the second housing. According to an optional embodiment, the first antenna and/or the second antenna may include a laser direct structuring (LDS) pattern formed on a dielectric structure (e.g., an antenna carrier). Even in this case, it may be possible to reduce the radiation performance degradation thereof by spacing the two antennas by means of the spacing member <NUM> and/or the at least one damper <NUM> and <NUM> in a folding state.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic apparatus (e.g., the electronic apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>), a first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) which is coupled to the hinge module and includes a sound discharge hole (e.g., the sound discharge hole <NUM> of <FIG>) formed to deliver sound output from a sound module (e.g., the sound output device <NUM> of <FIG> or a speaker) disposed in a first space to the outside, a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled to be foldable with respect to the first housing through the hinge module, a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to be supported by at least a part of the first housing and the second housing, and a spacing member (e.g., the spacing member <NUM> of <FIG>) including at least one opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in a portion corresponding to the sound discharge hole so as to protrude further than the outer surface of the first housing, wherein in a folding state, the first housing and the second housing may be spaced and arranged to have at least partially a first distance of spacing (e.g., the first distance of spacing g1 of <FIG>) by means of the spacing member.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a first protective cover (e.g., the first protective cover <NUM> of <FIG>), which is disposed along an edge of the first housing and includes at least one sound connection path (e.g., the sound connection path <NUM> of <FIG>) formed at a position corresponding to the sound discharge hole, may be included therein.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the spacing member may be disposed on the first protective cover such that the at least one opening corresponds to the at least one sound connection path.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a second protective cover (e.g., the second protective cover <NUM> of <FIG>), which is disposed along an edge of the second housing, may be further included therein.

Further, at least one damper (e.g., the damper <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>), which is disposed on the second protective cover so as to protrude further than the outer surface of the second protective cover, and disposed to be in contact with at least a part of the spacing member in the folding state, may be included therein.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, in the folding state, the first housing and the second housing may be spaced and arranged to have a second distance of spacing (e.g., the second distance of spacing g2 of <FIG>) greater than the first distance of spacing by means of the spacing member and the at least one damper.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one damper may be disposed at a position which does not at least partially overlap the opening in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one damper may include a first damper in contact with the spacing member at one side of the opening, and a second damper in contact with the spacing member at the other side of the opening, in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second protective cover may include at least one sound induction slit, and the at least one sound induction slit may be formed lower than the outer surface of the second protective cover and may be disposed to at least partially overlap the at least one opening in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the spacing member may be configured to face the second protective cover in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the spacing member may further include at least one sound induction slit (e.g., the sound induction slit <NUM> of <FIG>) formed to deliver the sound delivered from the sound discharge hole to the outside.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one sound induction slit may be formed lower than the outer surface of the second protective cover, and may be disposed to overlap the at least one opening in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the spacing member may further include at least one sound induction slit (e.g., the sound induction slit <NUM> of <FIG>) formed to be connected from the at least one opening to the outside in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one sound induction slit may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the electronic apparatus in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the spacing member may be formed of at least one of rubber, urethane or silicone.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first housing, in the unfolding state, may include a first side frame (e.g., first side frame <NUM> of <FIG>) which is configured to at least partially surround a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first surface, and the first space between the first surface and the second surface, and includes a first conductive portion (e.g., first conductive portion <NUM> of <FIG>), the second housing, in the unfolding state, may include a second side frame (e.g., the second side frame <NUM> of <FIG>) which is configured to at least partially surround a third surface facing the first direction, a fourth surface facing the second direction, and a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface and includes a second conductive portion (e.g., second conductive portion <NUM> of <FIG>), and a wireless communication circuit, which is electrically connected to the first conductive portion and/or the second conductive portion in the first space and/or the second space, may be included therein, wherein the wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive a wireless signal in at least one designated frequency band through the first conductive portion and/or the second conductive portion.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first conductive portion, in the first side frame, may be electrically segmented through a first non-conductive portion (e.g., the first non-conductive portion <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second non-conductive portion (e.g., the second non-conductive portion <NUM> of <FIG>) which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the second conductive portion, in the second side frame, may be electrically segmented through a third non-conductive portion (e.g., the third non-conductive portion <NUM> of <FIG>) and a fourth non-conductive portion (e.g., the fourth non-conductive portion <NUM> of <FIG>) which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion may be arranged at corresponding positions in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first non-conductive portion may be disposed at a position corresponding to the third non-conductive portion and
the second non-conductive portion may be disposed at a position corresponding to the fourth non-conductive portion, in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a first antenna disposed in a first inner space of the first housing and a second antenna disposed in a second inner space of the second housing may be further included therein, and the first antenna may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second antenna in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, and the spacing member may be disposed on at least a part of the first surface and may be configured to substantially face the third surface, in a folding state, wherein in the folding state, the first side frame and the second side frame may be arranged to have the first distance of spacing (e.g., the first distance of spacing of <FIG> g1) by means of the spacing member (e.g., the spacing member <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first conductive portion may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second conductive portion, and may be disposed to have the first distance of spacing by means of the spacing member, in the folding state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a wireless communication circuit, which is electrically connected to the first conductive portion and/or the second conductive portion, may be included therein, and the wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive a wireless signal in at least one designated frequency band through the first conductive portion and/or the second conductive portion.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic apparatus (e.g., the electronic apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>), a first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) which is functionally coupled to the hinge module, at least partially includes a first conductive portion (e.g., the first conductive portion <NUM> of <FIG>), and includes a sound discharge hole (e.g., the sound discharge hole <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to allow a sound module (e.g., the sound module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in an inner space of the electronic apparatus (e.g., the electronic apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>) to be connected to the outside, a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) which is foldably coupled to the first housing through the hinge module and includes a second conductive portion (e.g., the second conductive portion 1261of <FIG>), a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to be supported by at least a part of the second housing through the hinge module from at least a part of the first housing, a wireless communication circuit configured to transmit and/or receive a wireless signal in at least one designated frequency band through the first conductive portion and/or the second conductive portion, and a spacing member (e.g., the spacing member <NUM> of <FIG>) including at least one opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on a portion of the first housing, which corresponds to the sound discharge hole, so as to protrude further than the outer surface of the first housing, wherein in the folding state, the first housing and the second housing may be arranged to have a first distance of spacing (e.g., the first distance of spacing g1 of <FIG>) by means of the spacing member.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, at least one damper, which is disposed on the second housing so as to protrude further than the outer surface of the second housing and disposed to be in contact with at least a part of the spacing member in the folding state, may be further included therein.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first housing and the second housing may be arranged to have a second distance of spacing greater than the first distance of spacing by means of the spacing member and the at least one damper, in the folding state.

Claim 1:
An electronic apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a hinge module (<NUM>);
a sound module (<NUM>);
a first housing (<NUM>) coupled to the hinge module (<NUM>), the first housing (<NUM>) comprising a sound discharge hole (<NUM>) formed to be connected to an outside of the electronic apparatus (<NUM>) and a first side frame (<NUM>) comprising a first conductive portion (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) coupled to be foldable with respect to the first housing (<NUM>) through the hinge module (<NUM>), the second housing (<NUM>) comprising a second side frame (<NUM>) comprising a second conductive portion (<NUM>);
a wireless communication circuit, which is electrically connected to the first conductive portion (<NUM>) and/or the second conductive portion (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) disposed to be supported by at least a part of the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>); and
a spacing member (<NUM>) comprising at least one opening (<NUM>) disposed in a portion (<NUM>) corresponding to the sound discharge hole (<NUM>), the spacing member (<NUM>) being protruded further than the outer surface of the first housing (<NUM>),
wherein at least part of a sound output from the sound module (<NUM>) is emitted to the outside of the electronic apparatus (<NUM>) through the sound discharge hole (<NUM>) and the at least one opening (<NUM>), and
wherein in a folding state that the second housing (<NUM>) is folded with respect to the first housing (<NUM>) through the hinge module (<NUM>), the first side frame (<NUM>) of the first housing (<NUM>) and the second side frame (<NUM>) of the second housing (<NUM>) are spaced and arranged to at least partially have a first distance of spacing by means of the spacing member (<NUM>).