Electronic devices

Abstract

An electronic device is provided, comprising: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge housing; a hinge assembly; a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate covering at least a portion of the hinge assembly; an FPCB; and a flexible display. The hinge assembly includes a support portion having a plurality of support grooves, and in the deployed state of the electronic device, at least a portion of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate can be supported by the support grooves.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on February 10, 2021, with application number 202180003263.6 and entitled "Foldable Electronic Device Including Hinge Assembly". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to foldable electronic devices including hinge components. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic devices have evolved to be portable or wearable to improve mobility and accessibility. To be easy to carry and use, electronic devices have become lighter and thinner. For example, foldable electronic devices with flexible displays offer a relatively larger screen than typical strip-shaped electronic devices, but shrink in size when folded, thus improving portability.

[0004] Foldable electronic devices may include a flexible display and multiple housings. The housings and flexible display may be connected by a hinge assembly, allowing the housings to rotate within a specified range according to user manipulation. By rotating the housings, the electronic device can transition from a folded state to an unfolded state or vice versa. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] However, some areas of the flexible display may not be supported by the hinge assembly. Therefore, some areas of the flexible display may sag or be damaged due to sag.

[0007] Solution to the problem

[0008] This disclosure is provided to at least address the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the following advantages.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a first housing including at least one first electronic component; a second housing including at least one second electronic component; a hinge housing disposed between the first housing and the second housing; a hinge assembly assembled to the hinge housing to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing; a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate covering at least a portion of the hinge assembly and respectively connected to the first housing and the second housing; a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrically connected to the first electronic component and the second electronic component via the hinge housing; and a flexible display disposed across the hinge assembly from a region of the first housing to at least a region of the second housing. The hinge assembly includes: a first support connected to at least a region of the first housing to rotate about a virtual first axis of rotation; a second support connected to at least a region of the second housing to rotate about a virtual second axis of rotation; a fixed support supporting the first support and the second support; and a support portion including a plurality of support grooves located between the FPCB and the flexible display. In an unfolded state, at least a portion of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate is supported by the support grooves.

[0010] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a support structure that can securely support a flexible display to prevent it from sagging or being damaged due to sagging.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a support structure that can safely support a flexible display without affecting the drive trajectory of the flexible display when the electronic device is in an unfolded state.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a support structure that can prevent the flexible display from being damaged and improve the flatness of the flexible display. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 An electronic device in a network environment is shown according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figures 2A to 2C A foldable electronic device in a folded state is shown according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figures 3A to 3C A foldable electronic device in a 180-degree unfolded state is shown according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4AAn exploded view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment is shown;

[0019] Figure 4B An exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figures 5A to 5C This illustrates the process of opening / closing an electronic device according to one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a hinge structure according to an embodiment is shown;

[0022] Figure 7A A perspective view of a support portion according to one embodiment is shown;

[0023] Figure 7B A plan view of a support portion according to one embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 7C A side view of a support portion according to one embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 8A A hinge assembly for fastening to unfolding electronic devices is shown according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 8B A plan view of a hinge structure according to an embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figure 9 A perspective view showing the separated hinge structure and hinge housing according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 10A A hinge structure according to an embodiment is shown when the electronic device is in the unfolded state;

[0029] Figure 10B A hinge structure according to an embodiment is shown when the electronic device is rotated from an unfolded state to a folded state;

[0030] Figure 10C A hinge structure according to an embodiment is shown when the electronic device is in a folded state;

[0031] Figure 10D This illustrates the operation of the support portion according to an embodiment when the electronic device is rotated from an open state to a closed state;

[0032] Figure 11 A fixing part and a brake structure of a hinge structure according to an embodiment are shown;

[0033] Figure 12A and Figure 12B The connection relationship between the arm structure and the brake structure of the hinge structure according to one embodiment is shown;

[0034] Figure 13 An enlarged view of a hinge structure according to one embodiment is shown;

[0035] Figure 14A The diagram illustrates the compressed state of the elastic member and the first and second arms of the hinge structure when the electronic device is in the deployed state, according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 14B The diagram illustrates the elongated state of the elastic member and the first and second arms of the hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state, according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 15A A cross-section of the hinge structure is shown according to an embodiment when the electronic device is in a 180-degree unfolded state.

[0038] Figure 15B A perspective view of a cross-section of a hinge assembly when the electronic device is in the deployed state, according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 15C A cross-section of the hinge structure is shown according to an embodiment when the electronic device is in a folded state.

[0040] Figure 15D A cross-section of the hinge structure is shown according to an embodiment when the electronic device is folded.

[0041] Figure 16 A hinge assembly for fastening to unfolding electronic devices is shown according to one embodiment;

[0042] Figure 17A A support portion in an installed state is shown according to one embodiment;

[0043] Figure 17B Show Figure 17A A perspective view of the support section taken along line C-C';

[0044] Figure 17C Show Figure 17A A cross-sectional view of the support section taken along line C-C';

[0045] Figure 18 Show Figure 17A A cross-sectional view of the support portion taken along line D-D';

[0046] Figures 19A to 19C The process of opening / closing an electronic device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0047] Figure 20A The installation state of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in an electronic device that is unfolded at 180 degrees is shown according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 20B Show installation to Figure 20A Enlarged view of the protrusion of the support groove;

[0049] Figure 20C Show along Figure 20B A cross-sectional view taken from line E-E';

[0050] Figure 20D A first hinge plate in a folded electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0051] Figure 20E A second hinge plate is shown in a folded electronic device according to one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 20F This illustrates the operation of the hinge plate when the electronic device is rotated from a closed state to an open state according to one embodiment;

[0053] Figures 21A to 21C This illustrates the process of opening / closing an electronic device according to one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 22A A cap for fastening a fastener to a support portion is shown according to one embodiment;

[0055] Figure 22B The cap of the fastener fastened to the support is shown along... Figure 22A A cross-sectional view taken from line G-G';

[0056] Figure 22C A cap according to one embodiment is shown;

[0057] Figure 23A An adhesive tape attached to a first side of a support portion according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0058] Figure 23B The tape attached to the first side of the support portion according to one embodiment is shown along... Figure 20A The cross-sectional view taken by line F-F'. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with at least one of electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, 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, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components described above (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., display module 160).

[0061] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (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 result data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or may be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0062] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep mode), the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) can 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), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 can work with the main processor 121 to 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). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) can be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor #23 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include hardware architecture dedicated to processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed via electronic device #01 where the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., server #08). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. Artificial neural networks may be, but are not limited to, deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), or deep Q-networks, or combinations of two or more thereof. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include software architecture in addition to hardware architecture.

[0064] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0065] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0066] The input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0067] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0068] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0069] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0070] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0071] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0072] Connection end 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0073] The tactile module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to embodiments, the tactile module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0074] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0075] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0076] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0077] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0078] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks following 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (such as new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 104), or network systems (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0079] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0080] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 may form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to embodiments, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the multiple antennas are disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0081] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0082] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations that would be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service, instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, the one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing may be used. Electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to embodiments, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare).

[0083] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0084] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the 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 include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the respective component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0085] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0086] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0087] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0088] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0089] Figures 2A to 2C A foldable electronic device in a folded state is shown according to one embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2A A perspective view is shown. Figure 2B Showing the front view, Figure 2C The rear view is shown.

[0090] Figures 3A to 3C A foldable electronic device in a 180-degree unfolded state is shown according to one embodiment. Specifically, Figure 3A A perspective view is shown. Figure 3B Showing the front view, Figure 3C The rear view is shown.

[0091] Reference Figures 2A to 3C The electronic device 101 includes: a foldable housing 210 (or “housing”), including a first housing 211 and a second housing 212; a flexible display 220; a hinge assembly 300; and a cover 230 (or “rear cover”). The cover 230 includes a first cover 2301 contained in the first housing 211 and a second cover 2302 contained in the second housing 212.

[0092] The first housing 211 and the second housing 212 can provide space for housing electronic components (e.g., PCB, battery, processor, etc.) of the electronic device 101, and can also provide sides for the electronic device 101. Various types of components for performing various functions of the electronic device 101 can be housed inside the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. For example, a front-facing camera, a receiver, and sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor) can be housed inside the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. Electronic components can also be exposed on the front of the electronic device 101 through at least one opening 220d or recess provided on the flexible display 220.

[0093] When the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 can be arranged parallel to each other. When the electronic device 101 is in the folded state, the first housing 211 can be rotated (or turned) relative to the second housing 212, such that one side of the first housing 211 faces one side of the second housing 212.

[0094] The first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may be configured to accommodate a recess for the flexible display 220, which can be supported by the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 by being mounted into the recess. Optionally, the flexible display 220 may be supported by a first support plate and / or a second support plate located between the flexible display 220 and the first and second housings 211 and 212, as will be referred to below. Figure 4A The first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may be constructed of metallic and / or non-metallic materials with specified stiffness to support the flexible display 220.

[0095] The flexible display 220 can be disposed on the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 to form the front of the electronic device 101 when the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state. That is, the flexible display 220 can be disposed by extending from a region of the first housing 211 across the hinge assembly 300 to at least one region of the second housing 212. The flexible display 220 can be disposed on the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 by being mounted to a recess constructed by the first housing 211 and the second housing 212.

[0096] The flexible display 220 includes a first region 220a corresponding to at least one region of the first housing 211, a second region 220b corresponding to at least one region of the second housing 212, and a folding region 220c located between the first region 220a and the second region 220b and having flexible characteristics. However, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and the first region 220a, the second region 220b, and the folding region 220c of the flexible display 220 can be configured to have flexible characteristics. When the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the first region 220a, the folding region 220c, and the second region 220b can be arranged parallel to each other to face the same direction. When the electronic device 101 is in the folded state, the folding region 220c can be bent such that the first region 220a and the second region 220b are positioned facing each other.

[0097] At least one region of the flexible display 220 (e.g., first region 220a, second region 220b) may be attached to a face of the first housing 211 and a face of the second housing 212. Alternatively, the flexible display 220 may be attached to a face of the first housing 211 and a face of the second housing 212 via support plates 221 and 222 located between the flexible display 220 and the first and second housings 211 and 212.

[0098] Support plates 221 and 222 may include a first support plate 221 attached to at least one region of the first housing 211 to support a first region 220a of the flexible display 220, and a second support plate 222 attached to at least one region of the second housing 212 to support a second region 220b of the flexible display 220. The first support plate 221 may be attached to at least a portion of the first region 220a of the flexible display 220 to support the flexible display 220. Similarly, the second support plate 222 may be attached to at least a portion of the second region 220b of the flexible display 220 to support the flexible display 220. The first support plate 221 and the second support plate 222 may be made of a rigid material to support the flexible display 220.

[0099] The hinge assembly 300 connects the first housing 211 and the second housing 212, and can rotate the second housing 212 around the first housing 211 within a specified rotation range, or conversely, can rotate the first housing 211 around the second housing 212 within a specified rotation range.

[0100] The recess 211c can be constructed in the region where the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 are joined, such that the hinge assembly 300 is disposed between the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. The recess 211c can be constructed in the shape of a groove with a specific cover, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] The hinge housing 300c can be disposed between the first housing 211 and the second housing 212, and the hinge assembly 300 can be assembled to the hinge housing 300c. Depending on the state of the electronic device 101, the hinge housing 300c can be visible to the outside of the electronic device 101, or it can be hidden by the foldable housing 210. For example, see... Figure 3C When the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the hinge housing 300c is hidden by the folded housing 210, and therefore is not visible to the outside of the electronic device 101. As another example, for instance, such as... Figures 2A to 2C As shown, when the electronic device 101 is in a folded state, the hinge housing 300c is visible to the outside of the electronic device 101 due to the rotation of the first housing 211 and the second housing 212.

[0102] The cover 230 may be located at the lower end of the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 to form the back of the electronic device 101. The cover 230 may include a first cover 2301 attached to the first housing 211 and a second cover 2302 attached to the second housing 212. The first cover and the first housing 211 may be integrally constructed, and the second cover and the second housing 212 may also be integrally constructed.

[0103] Figure 4A An exploded view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 4B An exploded perspective view is shown, illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0104] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The foldable electronic device includes a flexible display 220, a first housing 211 and a second housing 212, a hinge assembly 300, batteries B1 and B2, and at least one PCB 224.

[0105] The foldable housing 210 may include a first housing 211 and a second housing 212. The first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may be physically connected in a rotatable manner via a hinge assembly 300. The first housing 211 may include a first lateral member 211a and a first cover 2301 connected to the first lateral member 211a, and the second housing 212 may include a second lateral member 212a and a second cover 2302 connected to the second lateral member 212a.

[0106] A first battery B1 is disposed in a first housing 211, and a second battery B2 is disposed in a second housing 212. The second battery B2 may have a larger capacity than the first battery B1 and may be heavier than the first battery B1.

[0107] The PCB may include a main PCB and a sub-PCB for electrically connecting at least one first electronic component disposed to the first housing 211 and at least one second electronic component disposed to the second housing 212. For example, the sub-PCB may be an FPCB disposed via a hinge housing 300c.

[0108] The hinge assembly 300 includes hinge structures 300a and 300b. Hinge structures 300a and 300b can be disposed to hinge housing 300c. A first hinge plate 300d and a second hinge plate 300e can be disposed to a first housing 211 and a second housing 212, respectively. A cap “c” can be attached to a support portion of the hinge structure. Hinge structures 300a and 300b can provide the rotation axis of the first housing 211 and the second housing 212, and can provide a force for maintaining the state of the electronic device at a specific angle (e.g., 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or 180 degrees).

[0109] Figures 5A to 5C The process of opening / closing an electronic device according to one embodiment is illustrated. Specifically, Figure 5A A perspective view showing the folded state. Figure 5B A perspective view showing the open state at approximately 90 degrees. Figure 5C A perspective view showing the open state at approximately 180 degrees.

[0110] Reference Figures 5A to 5C The hinge assembly 300 included in the electronic device 101 Figure 5A It is in a folded (closed) state. Figure 5C It is in a 180-degree unfolded (open) state. Figure 5B It is in a state of being unfolded (open) at approximately 90 degrees.

[0111] The hinge assembly 300 can provide a force capable of maintaining a closed state, a 180-degree open state, or an approximately 90-degree open state during opening / closing operations via cam operation. For example, the operation of the hinge assembly 300 can be provided by mutual cam operation between the hinge cams included in the hinge structure. By changing the cam shape of the hinge cams, a holding force can be provided at various opening / closing degrees of the electronic device 101.

[0112] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a hinge structure according to one embodiment is shown.

[0113] Reference Figure 6 The hinge structure 300a or 300b includes a support structure 310, an arm structure 320, a rotating structure 330, a brake structure 340, a support part 350, a stop part 360, an elastic member 361, and a screw 362. Figure 6 At least one of the components of hinge structure 300a or 300b may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of hinge structure 300a or 300b of FIG4, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0114] The support structure 310 includes a first support 311, a second support 312, and a fixed support 313.

[0115] A fixed bracket 313 can be disposed in the hinge housing to support the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312. A first groove 313a and a second groove 313b can be constructed in the upper surface of the fixed bracket 313 (e.g., the surface in the +y direction), and the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 can be connected to the fixed bracket 313 via the first groove 313a and the second groove 313b. The first groove 313a and the second groove 313b can be constructed as arcs with a specific curvature; the first bracket 311 can be connected to the first groove 313a, and the second bracket 312 can be connected to the second groove 313b. Although the first groove 313a and the second groove 313b are constructed as arcs with the same curvature, in… Figure 6 In the design, the first groove 313a and the second groove 313b can be constructed as arcs with different curvatures. The first groove 313a can be constructed in a region of the fixed bracket 313 adjacent to the first bracket 311 (e.g., a region in the +x direction), and the second groove 313b can be constructed in another region of the fixed bracket 313 adjacent to the second bracket 312.

[0116] Multiple gear holes 313d and multiple shaft holes 313e can be constructed in one side of the fixed bracket 313 (e.g., the face in the +z direction). The first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334 can be fastened to the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 on one side of the fixed bracket 313 through the aforementioned gear holes 313d and shaft holes 313e.

[0117] The first support 311 includes a first track portion 311a, a first sliding hole 311b, and a plurality of connecting holes 311c. The first track portion 311a may be configured to protrude from a region of the first support 311. The first track portion 311a may be configured to correspond to the shape of the first groove 313a of the fixed support 313, and the first support 311 may be connected to the first groove 313a of the fixed support 313 via the first track portion 311a. The first sliding hole 311b may be configured in a region of the first support 311 adjacent to the first arm 321, and the first support 311 and the first arm 321 may be connected via a first fixing portion 323 passing through the first sliding hole 311b and the first arm 321. When the electronic device is rotated from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first fixing portion 323 may slide inside the first sliding hole 311b.

[0118] The plurality of connecting holes 311c can be constructed in a face of the first bracket 311 facing the first housing (e.g., the face in the +y direction), and the first bracket 311 can be connected to a region of the first housing through the plurality of connecting holes 311c. The first bracket 311 connected to the first housing can slide along the first groove 313a of the fixed bracket 313 as the first housing rotates, and can rotate about a virtual first axis of rotation L1.

[0119] The second support 312 includes a second track portion 312a, a second sliding hole 312b, and a plurality of connecting holes 312c. The second track portion 312a may be configured to protrude in a region of the second support 312. The second track portion 312a may be configured to correspond to the shape of the second groove 313b of the fixed support 313, and the second support 312 may be connected to the second groove 313b of the fixed support 313 via the second track portion 312a. The second sliding hole 312b may be configured in a region of the second support 312 adjacent to the second arm 322, and the second support 312 and the second arm 322 may be connected via a second fixing portion 324 passing through the second sliding hole 312b and the second arm 322. The second fixing portion 324 may slide within the second sliding hole 312b as the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0120] The plurality of connecting holes 312c can be constructed in one face of the second bracket 312 facing the second housing (e.g., the face in the +y direction), and the second bracket 312 can be connected to a region of the second housing through the plurality of connecting holes 312c. The second bracket 312 connected to the second housing can slide along the second groove 313b of the fixed bracket 313 as the second housing rotates, and can rotate about a virtual second rotation axis L2. In this case, the virtual first rotation axis L1 and the virtual second rotation axis L2 are parallel and can be constructed in a flat surface parallel to the flexible display when the electronic device is in a folded state.

[0121] The arm structure 320 includes a first arm 321 and a second arm 322.

[0122] The first arm 321 includes a first cam portion 321a, a first support rib 321b, a first insertion hole 321c, and a first through hole 321d. The first insertion hole 321c may be constructed in a region at the lower end of the first arm 321 (e.g., in the -y direction), and the first shaft 331, which will be described below, may be inserted into the first insertion hole 321c to connect the first arm 321 and the first shaft 331. When the first arm 321 and the first shaft 331 are connected, the first arm 321 may rotate about the rotation axis of the first shaft 331.

[0123] The first cam portion 321a can be constructed in the region adjacent to the first insertion hole 321c and can be configured to protrude in the direction of the brake plate 341 (e.g., the +z direction). The first cam portion 321a can be constructed with a concave-convex shape in which multiple peaks and valleys repeat, and the first cam portion 321a can be configured to engage with the brake portion 341a constructed in the brake plate 341 to provide cam operation to the first arm 321. Furthermore, since the first cam portion 321a can be configured to engage with the brake portion 341a constructed in the brake plate 341, the first arm 321 can be fixed at a specified rotation angle and / or within a specified rotation angle range. As a result, the movement of the electronic device can be fixed within a specified rotation angle and / or within a specified rotation angle range (e.g., from 30° to 150°).

[0124] The first support rib 321b can be configured to protrude from a region of the first arm 321 and move the support portion 350 in an upward direction (e.g., the +y direction) when the electronic device is rotated from a folded state to an unfolded state. The first through hole 321d can be configured in a region (e.g., the +x direction) opposite to the region where the first insertion hole 321c of the first arm 321 is constructed. A first fixing portion 323, passing through the first sliding hole 311b, can pass through the first through hole 321d to connect the first bracket 311 and the first arm 321. A first washer ring 325 can be fastened to one end of the first fixing portion passing through the first through hole 321d, such that the first fixing portion 323 is fixed to the first arm 321.

[0125] Optionally, the first washer ring 325 can be fastened to the other end of the first fixing part 323, such that the first fixing part 323 is fixed to the first bracket 311. Furthermore, a protrusion can be constructed in a region of the first bracket 311 (or the first arm 321), and a corresponding connecting groove can be constructed in a region of the first arm 321 (or the first bracket 311), such that the first bracket 311 and the first arm 321 are connected through the protrusion passing through the connecting groove. When the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first arm 321 connected to the first bracket 311 can slide relative to the first bracket 311 while rotating about a rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the first bracket 311.

[0126] The second arm 322 includes a second cam portion 322a, a second support rib 322b, a second insertion hole 322c, and a second through hole 322d. The second insertion hole 322c may be constructed in a region at the lower end of the second arm 322 (e.g., in the -y direction), and the second shaft 332, described below, may be inserted into the second insertion hole 322c to connect the second arm 322 and the second shaft 332. When the second arm 322 and the second shaft 332 are connected, the second arm 322 can rotate about the axis of rotation of the second shaft 332. The second cam portion 322a may be constructed in a region adjacent to the second insertion hole 322c and may be configured to protrude in the direction of the brake plate 341 (e.g., in the +z direction). Similar to the first cam portion 321a, the second cam portion 322a may be constructed in a concave-convex shape with multiple repeating peaks and valleys, and the second cam portion 322a may be configured to engage with the brake portion 341b constructed in the brake plate 341 to provide cam operation to the second arm 322. Furthermore, since the second cam portion 322a can be configured to engage with the brake portion 341b constructed in the brake plate 341, the second arm 322 can be fixed at a specified rotation angle and / or within a specified rotation angle range. As a result, the movement of the electronic device can be fixed at a specified rotation angle and / or within a specified rotation angle range (e.g., from 30° to 150°).

[0127] The second support rib 322b can be configured to protrude from a region of the second arm 322 and can move the support portion 350 in an upward direction (e.g., the +y direction) when the electronic device is rotated from a folded state to an unfolded state. The second through hole 322d can be configured in a region opposite to the second insertion hole 322c. The second fixing portion 324, passing through the second sliding hole 312b, can pass through the second through hole 322d to connect the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322. The second washer ring 326 can be fastened to one end of the second fixing portion passing through the second through hole 322d, such that the second fixing portion 324 is fixed to the second arm 322. Optionally, the second washer ring 326 can be fastened to the other end of the second fixing portion 324, such that the second fixing portion 324 is fixed to the second bracket 312. Furthermore, a protrusion may be constructed in a region of the second support 312 (or the second arm 322), and a corresponding connecting groove may be constructed in a region of the second arm 322 (or the second support 312), such that the second support 312 and the second arm 322 are connected by the protrusion passing through the connecting groove. When the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the second arm 322 connected to the second support 312 can slide relative to the second support 312 while rotating about a rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the first support 312.

[0128] The rotating structure 330 includes a first shaft 331 connected to the first gear 331a, a second shaft 332 connected to the second gear 332a, a first idler wheel 333, a second idler wheel 334, a shaft support 335, and a gear cover 336.

[0129] One end of the first shaft 331 can be fastened to the shaft hole 313e of the fixed bracket 313, and the other end of the first shaft 331 can pass through the first shaft insertion hole 335a of the shaft bracket 335. The first arm 321 can be connected to a region of the first shaft 331, and the first arm 321 can rotate about the first shaft 331, which serves as the axis of rotation.

[0130] The second shaft 332 can be positioned adjacent to the first shaft 331. One end of the second shaft 332 can be fastened to the shaft hole 313e of the fixing bracket 313, and the other end of the second shaft 332 can pass through the second shaft insertion hole 335b of the shaft bracket 335. The second arm 322 can be connected to a region of the second shaft 332, and the second arm 322 can rotate about the second shaft 332, which serves as the axis of rotation.

[0131] The first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334 can be disposed between the first gear 331a connected to the first shaft 331 and the second gear 332a connected to the second shaft 332. The first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334 can be fastened to the plurality of gear holes 313d of the fixed bracket 313. The first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334 can rotate by meshing with each other, causing the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 to rotate by the same rotation angle. The first idler gear 333 can rotate by meshing with the first gear 331a and the second idler gear 334, and the second idler gear 334 can rotate by meshing with the first idler gear 333 and the second gear 332a.

[0132] Since the first gear 331, the second gear 332a, the first idler gear 333, and the second idler gear 334 rotate by the same rotation angle through meshing, the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 can rotate by the same rotation angle in opposite directions. When the first shaft 331 rotates counterclockwise by 30° (e.g., from the +x axis to the +y axis), the second shaft 332 can rotate clockwise by 30°. When the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 rotate by the same rotation angle, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 connected to the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 can rotate by the same rotation angle.

[0133] The shaft support 335 may include a first shaft insertion hole 335a into which a first shaft 331 is inserted and a second shaft hole 335b into which a second shaft 332 is inserted. The shaft support 335 may be disposed within the hinge housing to support the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 inserted into the shaft support 335 through the first shaft hole 335a and the second shaft hole 335b.

[0134] The gear cover 336 can be inserted into the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 to protect the first gear 331a, the second gear 332a, the first idler gear 333, and the second idler gear 334. The gear cover 336 can prevent the first gear 331a, the second gear 332a, the first idler gear 333, and the second idler gear 334 from being damaged by external forces, and can also prevent foreign objects from entering the first gear 331a, the second gear 332a, the first idler gear 333, and the second idler gear 334.

[0135] The brake structure 340 includes a brake plate 341, a first spring 342, and a second spring 343.

[0136] A third shaft insertion hole 341c into which the first shaft 331 is inserted can be constructed in one region of the brake plate 341, and a fourth shaft insertion hole 341d into which the second shaft 332 is inserted can be constructed in another region of the brake plate 341. The brake plate 341 can be connected to the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 via the third shaft insertion hole 341c and the fourth shaft insertion hole 341d. The brake plate 341 includes a first brake portion 341a configured to protrude in the direction of a first cam portion 321a of the first arm 321 and a second brake portion 341b configured to protrude in the direction of a second cam portion 322a of the second arm 322. The first brake portion 341a and the second brake portion 341b can be constructed as a concave-convex structure, wherein at least one peak and valley appear repeatedly. The first brake unit 341a can be configured to engage with the first cam unit 321a. Therefore, when the electronic device is in a folded or unfolded state, a cam operation can be provided to the first arm 321, fixing the movement of the first arm 321 at a specified rotation angle. Similarly, the second brake unit 341b can be configured to engage with the second cam unit 322a. Therefore, when the electronic device is in a folded or unfolded state, a cam operation can be provided to the second arm 322, fixing the movement of the second arm at a specified rotation angle.

[0137] The pitch between one peak and another, or between one valley and another, of the first brake portion 341a can be greater than the pitch between one peak and another, or between one valley and another, of the first cam portion 321a, so that even when the first brake portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a are engaged, the first arm 321 can rotate within a specified range of rotation. However, the shape of the first brake portion 341a is not limited to the example described above. The pitch between the peaks or valleys of the first brake portion 341a can be configured to be the same as the pitch between the peaks or valleys of the first cam portion 321a, or the pitch between the peaks or valleys of the first cam portion 321a can be configured to be greater than the pitch between the peaks or valleys of the first brake portion 341a.

[0138] Similarly, the pitch between one peak or valley of the second brake portion 341b can be greater than the pitch between one peak or valley of the second cam portion 322a, so that the second arm 322 can rotate within a specified range of rotation even when the second brake portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a are engaged. However, the shape of the second brake portion 341b is not limited to the foregoing example. The pitch between the peaks or valleys of the second brake portion 341b can be configured to be the same as the pitch between the peaks or valleys of the second cam portion 322a, or the pitch between the peaks or valleys of the second cam portion 322a can be configured to be greater than the pitch between the peaks or valleys of the second brake portion 341b.

[0139] The first spring 342 can be configured to surround a region of the first shaft 331, and the second spring 343 can be configured to surround a region of the second shaft 332. The first spring 342 and the second spring 343 can be configured to be compressed between the brake plate 341 and the shaft support 335, such that the brake plate 341 is in close contact in the direction of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322. Because the brake plate 341 is in close contact in the direction of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322, the engagement of the first brake portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a, as well as the engagement of the second brake portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a, can be maintained.

[0140] When the peaks of the first brake portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a, or the peaks of the second brake portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a, come into contact due to the rotation of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322, the brake plate 341 can move in one direction (e.g., the +z direction) of the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332, temporarily separating the first cam portion 321a and the first brake portion 341a and / or the second cam portion 322a and the second brake portion 341b. As the brake plate 341 moves in one direction, the first spring 342 and the second spring 343 can be compressed. When the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 rotate further by a specific angle, the brake plate 341 can move again in the direction of the first cam portion 321a and / or the second cam portion 322a due to the elastic restoring force of the first spring 342 and the second spring 343. As a result, the first cam portion 321a and the first brake portion 341a can be set together with the second cam portion 322a and the second brake portion 341b in a re-engaged state, thereby maintaining the state in which the first cam portion 321a and the first brake portion 341a are engaged and the second cam portion 322a and the second brake portion 341b are engaged.

[0141] A flat linear region can be constructed in at least one region (e.g., a apex region) of the peak of the first cam portion 321a, the peak of the second cam portion 322a, the peak of the first brake portion 341a, and / or the peak of the second brake portion 341b. Similarly, a flat linear region can also be constructed in at least one region of the valley of the first cam portion 321a, the valley of the second cam portion 322a, the valley of the first brake portion 341a, and / or the valley of the second brake portion 341b. A linear region constructed in a region of a peak and a linear region constructed in a region of a valley can be constructed to be substantially the same or similar. Since the linear region is constructed in the peaks and valleys of the first cam portion 321, the second cam portion 322a, the first brake portion 341a, and the second brake portion 341b, the movement of the first arm 321 and / or the second arm 322 can be fixed within a specified rotation angle (e.g., 30° or 60°) and / or within a specified rotation angle range (e.g., a rotation angle range of 30° to 150°). Since the movement of the first arm 321 and / or the second arm 322 is fixed at a specified rotation angle, the movement of the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device can be fixed at a specified rotation angle.

[0142] The support portion 350 can be disposed in the empty space between the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 and the first axis 321 and the second axis 332. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion 350 can support an area of ​​the flexible display that is not supported by the first arm 321 and / or the second arm 322. The support portion 350 can be moved in the upward direction (e.g., the +y direction) by using a first arm rib 321b constructed in a region of the first arm 321 and a second support rib 322b constructed in a region of the second arm 322. When the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b can contact a region of the support portion 350, and the support portion 350 can move in the upward direction (e.g., in the direction from the -y axis to the +y axis) via the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b as the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 rotate.

[0143] The stop 360 may be located at the lower end of the support 350 (e.g., in the -y direction). A fifth shaft insertion hole 360a may be constructed in one region of the stop 360, and a sixth shaft insertion hole 360b may be constructed in one region opposite to the fifth shaft insertion hole 360a. The first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 may be inserted through the fifth shaft insertion hole 360a and the sixth shaft insertion hole 360b, and the first shaft 331, the second shaft 332, and the stop 360 may be connected by the aforementioned structure. A through hole 360c may be constructed in one region at the upper end of the stop 360 (e.g., in the +y direction), and the elastic support portion 3505 of the support 350 may be inserted into the stop 360 in a downward direction by passing through the through hole 360c.

[0144] Screw 362 can be connected to a resilient support 3505 inserted into the lower end of stop 360, and resilient member 361 can be disposed between screw 362 and stop 360. Resilient member 361 can be a spring, but is not limited thereto. Resilient member 361 can contact a region of stop 360, and when the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state, resilient member 361 can be compressed while support 350 moves in the upward direction. When the electronic device rotates from an unfolded state to a folded state, support 350 can move in the downward direction (e.g., the -y direction) due to the elastic restoring force of resilient member 361.

[0145] The hinge structure 300a or 300b further includes a first auxiliary member 363 and a second auxiliary member 364. The first auxiliary member 363 can be fastened to the end of the first shaft 331 adjacent to the shaft support 335, and the second auxiliary member 364 can be fastened to the end of the second shaft 332 adjacent to the shaft support 335. A third washer ring 331b can be fastened to one end of the first shaft 331, thus securing the first shaft 331 to the first auxiliary member 363. Similarly, a fourth washer ring 332b can be fastened to one end of the second shaft 332, thus securing the second shaft 332 to the second auxiliary member 364. A nut can be fastened to one end of the first shaft 331 to secure the first shaft 331 to the first auxiliary member 363, or a nut can be fastened to one end of the second shaft 332 to secure the second shaft 332 to the second auxiliary member 364.

[0146] The first auxiliary member 363 includes a third support rib 363a, which can be configured to protrude from a region of the first auxiliary member 363. The second auxiliary member 364 includes a fourth support rib 364a, which can be configured to protrude from a region of the second auxiliary member 364. The first auxiliary member 363 can rotate by the same rotation angle as the first arm 321 via the first axis 331, and the second auxiliary member 364 can rotate by the same rotation angle as the second arm 322 via the second axis 332. When the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state, the third support rib 363a and the fourth support rib 364a allow the support portion 350 to move upward together with the first support rib 321b of the first arm 321 and the second support rib 322b of the second arm 322.

[0147] Figure 7A This is a perspective view showing a support portion according to one embodiment. Figure 7B This is a plan view showing a support portion according to one embodiment. Figure 7C This is a side view showing a support portion according to one embodiment.

[0148] Reference Figures 7A to 7C The support portion 350 supports the flexible display when it is unfolded and may have a generally strip-shaped form.

[0149] The support portion 350 supports the folding of the flexible display and can be configured to face the folding area. The support portion 350 can support the folding area flat in a 180-degree unfolded (open) state and can move away from the folding area during the folding operation (closing operation).

[0150] The support portion 350 may be a strip of length and may be disposed between two hinge structures 300a and 300b. The support portion 350 includes a first surface 350a and a second surface 350b opposite to the first surface 350a. The first surface 350a may be the surface facing the flexible display, and the second surface 350b may be the surface facing the hinge housing.

[0151] The support portion 350 is a connector that connects the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure. The two ends of the support portion 350 can be connected to the first structure and the second structure respectively.

[0152] The support portion 350 includes a central portion 3501, a fastening portion 3502, a hook portion 3504, an elastic support portion 3505, and an end portion 3506. In the support portion 350, the fastening portions 3502 may be located on both sides relative to the central portion 3501, the hook portions 3504 may be located on both sides of the fastening portions, the elastic support portions 3505 may be located on both sides of the hook portions 3504, and the end portions 3506 may be located on both sides of the elastic support portions 3505.

[0153] The central part 3501 can be located between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure, between the first hinge and the second hinge, or between the FPCB and the folding area of ​​the flexible display.

[0154] In the central portion 3501, the first surface 3501a may face the folding area of ​​the flexible display, and the second surface 3501b may face the hinge housing. The central portion 3501 may be disposed in the space between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate to act as a support member for the flexible display, supporting the flexible display to make it flat when the electronic device is in a 180-degree unfolded state.

[0155] The fastening portion 3502 may be a fastening hole into which a fastener is inserted. The hook portion 3504 may have a hook shape protruding from the second surface 350b. The hook portion 3504 may be engaged by some support structure of the hinge housing, so that the support portion 350 is constrained and does not separate from the hinge housing. The elastic support portion 3505 may have a cylindrical shape as a portion therein to house the elastic body. The end portion 3506 may have the narrowest width in the support portion 350. The central portion 3501 of the support portion 350 may be configured to have a smaller width than the fastening portion 3502, the hook portion 3504, or the elastic support portion 3505, and may be configured to have a greater thickness.

[0156] The support portion 350 includes a plurality of first support grooves 3503 on a first surface 350a. The plurality of support grooves 3503 may be grooves for mounting first and second protrusions of a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate. The plurality of support grooves 3503 may be symmetrically constructed on both sides relative to the central portion 3501, and may be symmetrically constructed on the upper and lower sides. The support portion 350 may be constructed of a metallic material, such as stainless steel (SUS) or metal powder.

[0157] Figure 8A A hinge assembly is shown, according to one embodiment, being fastened to an unfolded electronic device. Figure 8B This is a plan view showing a hinge structure according to one embodiment.

[0158] Reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B The hinge structure 300a or 300b includes a support structure 310, an arm structure 320, a rotating structure 330, a brake structure 340, and a support part 350.

[0159] The support structure 310 includes a plurality of supports 311 and 312 connected to the first housing and the second housing, and a fixed support 313 supporting the plurality of supports 311 and 312. When the electronic device is rotated from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the plurality of supports 311 and 312 connected to the first housing and the second housing can rotate together with the first housing and the second housing.

[0160] Arm structure 320 may include some construction (e.g., shaft) coupled to rotating structure 330 and an arm that can rotate within a specified range (e.g., 0° to 90° or 10° to 80°). The arm may be coupled to a region of the support of support structure 310, and thus can slide relative to the support during rotation of the electronic device.

[0161] The rotating structure 330 includes multiple shafts 331 and 332, multiple gears 331a and 332a connected to the multiple shafts 331 and 332, multiple idler gears 333 and 334 geared to the multiple gears 331a and 332a, and shaft supports supporting the multiple shafts. When the multiple shafts 331 and 332, the multiple gears 331a and 332a, and the multiple idler gears 333 and 334 rotate in a meshing manner, the rotating structure 330 allows the first housing and the second housing to rotate by the same rotation angle. The arms 321 and 322 of the arm structure 320 can be connected to the shafts 331 and 332 of the rotating structure 330. Therefore, when the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the arms can rotate about a rotation axis (or axis of rotation) different from the supports 311 and 312 of the support structure 310.

[0162] The brake structure 340 includes a brake plate 341 on which a brake portion is configured, and a plurality of springs 342 and 343. The brake portion may be configured to protrude from a region of the brake plate 341 facing the aforementioned arm. The brake portion may be configured with a concave-convex shape corresponding to a cam portion configured in a region of the arms 321 and 322. The brake portion may engage with the cam portion of the arms 321 and 322 to fix the movement of the arms when the electronic device is in a folded state. The plurality of springs 342 and 343 may be disposed between the brake plate 341 and the shaft support of the rotating structure 330. The plurality of springs 342 and 343 may be disposed in a compressed state between the brake plate 341 and the shaft support, such that the brake plate 341 contacts a region of the arms 321 and 322.

[0163] The support portion 350 can be positioned in the empty space between the plurality of arms 321 and 322 and the plurality of shafts 331 and 332. The support portion 350 can move up and down between the flexible display and the hinge housing due to the rotation of the plurality of arms 321 and 322.

[0164] When the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state, the support portion 350 can move in the direction of the flexible display due to the rotation of the plurality of arms. As a result, the support portion 350 can be positioned against the back of the flexible display to support an area of ​​the flexible display. The support portion 350 can contact at least one area of ​​the back of the flexible display to support the flexible display.

[0165] The support 350 can be spaced slightly apart from the flexible display to support an area of ​​the flexible display.

[0166] The support plate can be attached to at least one area of ​​the flexible display using an adhesive component (e.g., an adhesive). The support portion 350 can support at least one area of ​​the back side of the support plate.

[0167] When the electronic device rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support 350 can be spaced apart from the flexible display, so as not to affect the driving trajectory of the flexible display.

[0168] The support portion 350 can be disposed between the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b, and can provide a connection between the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b. One end of the support portion 350 can be disposed to the first hinge structure 300a, the other end of the support portion 350 can be disposed to the second hinge structure 300b, and the central portion of the support portion 350 can be located between the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b.

[0169] The support portion 350 may be disposed between the flexible display and at least one or more FPCBs 226 and 227. An end portion of the support portion 350 may be disposed between the flexible display and each of the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b, and a central portion may be disposed between the flexible display and at least one or more FPCBs 226 and 227. For example, the flexible display and the FPCBs may be spatially separated from each other due to the central portion of the support portion 350.

[0170] FPCBs 226 and 227 may include a main FPCB 226 and a sub-FPCB 227. The main FPCB 226 and sub-FPCB 227 may be disposed between the central portion 3501 of the support and the hinge housing. The folding area of ​​the flexible display, the central portion of the support, and FPCBs 226 and 227 may be arranged in a stacked configuration. FPCBs 226 and 227 may electrically connect at least one electronic component disposed to a first housing and at least one second electronic component disposed to a second housing. The first electronic component may be the main PCB, and the second electronic component may be a first battery.

[0171] During the opening / closing operation of the electronic device, the support portion 350 can move downward toward FPCBs 226 and 227, and the downward movement of the support portion 350 can restrict the movement of FPCBs 226 and 227. The support portion 250 can prevent FPCBs 226 and 227 from separating due to uneven wrinkling.

[0172] During the opening / closing operation of the electronic device, the central portion of the support portion 350 facing the FPCBs 226 and 227 may have curved (e.g., rounded) edge portions on both sides of the second surface, thereby preventing the FPCBs 226 and 227 from being crushed due to interference between the edge portions and the FPCBs.

[0173] Figure 9 This illustration shows a state in which the hinge structure and the hinge housing are separated according to one embodiment. Figure 10A The hinge structure is shown along the [spread] when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, according to one embodiment. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the line A-A' cut. Figure 10B The hinge structure according to one embodiment is shown when the electronic device is rotated from an unfolded state to a folded state. Figure 10C The hinge structure is shown along the folded state of the electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the line A-A' cut.

[0174] Reference Figures 9 to 10C The electronic device includes a hinge structure 300a. The hinge structure 300a includes a first support 311, a second support 312, a fixed support 313, a first arm 321, a second arm 322, a first fixing part 323, a second fixing part 324, a support part 350, a first shaft 331 (wherein a first gear 331a and a first spring 342 are connected), a second shaft 332 (wherein a second gear 332a and a second spring 343 are connected), a first idler wheel 333, a second idler wheel 334, a shaft support 335, a first auxiliary member 363, and a second auxiliary member 364. At least one of the components of the aforementioned hinge structure 300a can be coupled with… Figure 4B Hing structure 300a or 300b Figure 6 Hing structure 300a or 300b and / or Figure 7B At least one of the components of the hinge structure 300a or 300b is the same or similar, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0175] The first support 311 and the second support 312 can be mounted into the first groove 313a and the second groove 313b constructed in the fixed support 313, thereby being supported by the fixed support 313. The first support 311 may include a first track portion 311a configured to correspond to the shape of the first groove 313a, and the second support 312 may include a second track portion 312a configured to correspond to the shape of the second groove 313b. The first support 311 can be rotated by sliding within the first groove 313a via the first track portion 311a, and the second support 312 can be rotated by sliding within the second groove 313b via the second track portion 312a.

[0176] The first support 311 can be coupled to at least one region of the first housing to rotate in association with the first housing. The second support 312 can be coupled to at least one region of the second housing to rotate in association with the second housing. With the aforementioned structure, the first support 311 can rotate within a specified range about a virtual first rotation axis L1, and the second support 312 can rotate within a specified range about a virtual second rotation axis L2 adjacent to the first rotation axis L1. The first support 311 can rotate within an angular range relative to the +x axis from 0° to the angle at which the electronic device is in a folded state (e.g., 90°), and the second support 312 can rotate within an angular range relative to the +x axis from 180° to the angle at which the electronic device is in a folded state. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first support 311 and the second support 312 can be positioned horizontally relative to each other, and when the electronic device is in a folded state, the first support 311 and the second support 312 can be positioned facing each other.

[0177] The first arm 321 can be connected to a region of the first shaft 331 to rotate together with the first shaft 331. The second arm 322 can be connected to a region of the second shaft 332 adjacent to the first shaft 331 to rotate together with the second shaft 332. Due to the aforementioned connection structure, the first arm 321 can rotate about the rotation axis L3 of the first shaft 331 (hereinafter, the "third rotation axis"). Furthermore, the second arm 322 can rotate about the rotation axis L4 of the second shaft 331 (hereinafter, the "fourth rotation axis"). When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 can be arranged horizontally relative to each other, and when the electronic device is in the folded state, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 can be arranged facing each other.

[0178] The first arm 321 and the second arm 322 can rotate by the same angle through the first gear 331a of the first shaft 331, the second gear 332a of the second shaft 332, the first idler wheel 333 and the second idler wheel 334.

[0179] When the first shaft 331 rotates by a specific angle, the first gear 331a can also rotate by the same angle. The rotation of the first gear 331a can be transmitted to the first idler gear 333 meshing with it. The rotation transmitted to the first idler gear 333 can then be transmitted to the second gear 332a via the second idler gear 334 meshing with it. Due to the rotation transmitted to the second gear 332a, the second shaft 332 can also rotate by a specific angle. Through the aforementioned process, the first arm 321 connected to the first shaft 331 and the second arm 322 connected to the second arm 332 can rotate by the same angle.

[0180] The first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 can be constructed between the third rotation axis L3 and the fourth rotation axis L4. Furthermore, since the first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 are constructed in the upper region of the third rotation axis L3 and the fourth rotation axis L4, they can be constructed on the flexible display. That is, the first support 311, the second support 312, the first arm 321, and the second arm 322 can rotate within a specified angular range around different rotation axes.

[0181] According to the embodiment, the first bracket 311 can be connected to a region of the first arm 321 via the first fixing part 323, and the second bracket 312 can be connected to a region of the second arm 322 via the second fixing part 324.

[0182] A first sliding hole 311b can be constructed in a region of the first bracket 311 adjacent to the first arm 321, and a first fixing part 323 can pass through the first sliding hole 311b to connect the first bracket 311 and the first arm 321. A second sliding hole 312b can be constructed in a region of the second bracket 312 adjacent to the second arm 322, and a second fixing part 324 can pass through the second sliding hole 312b to connect the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322.

[0183] As the first bracket 311 rotates together with the first housing, the first fixing part 323 can slide within the first sliding hole 311b. Due to the sliding of the first fixing part 323, the first arm 321, which is connected to the first bracket 311 via the first fixing part 323, can also slide together. Similarly, due to the rotation of the second housing, the second fixing part 324 can slide within the second sliding hole 312b. Due to the sliding of the second fixing part 324, the second arm 322, which is connected to the second bracket 312 via the second fixing part 324, can also slide together.

[0184] When the electronic device in which the first bracket 311, the second bracket 312, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 are arranged on the same plane is in the unfolded state, the first fixing part 323 can be disposed outside the first sliding hole 311b and the second fixing part 324 can be disposed outside the second sliding hole 312b.

[0185] like Figure 10B As shown, when the electronic device rotates from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first housing and the second housing can be rotated by a first angle (e.g., 30° relative to the +x-axis or -x-axis) by user manipulation or external force. As the first housing and the second housing rotate, the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 connected to the first housing and the second housing can also rotate by the first angle.

[0186] When the first bracket 311 rotates counterclockwise, the first fixing part 323 can slide a certain distance inward from the outside of the first sliding hole 311b. Due to the sliding of the first fixing part 323, the first arm 321 can rotate counterclockwise by a second angle greater than the first angle. Due to the sliding of the second fixing part 324, the second arm 322 can rotate clockwise by a second angle.

[0187] When the electronic device is in a folded state, the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312, as well as the first arm 321 and the second arm 322, can be arranged to face each other in one plane. The first bracket 311, the second bracket 312, the first arm 321, and the second arm 322 can be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the +x axis or have an angle (e.g., 80° to 100°) when the electronic device is in a folded state. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the first fixing part 323 can be disposed in the first sliding hole 311b, and the second fixing part 324 can also be disposed in the second sliding hole 312b.

[0188] That is, the first fixing part 323 can slide inward from the outside of the first sliding hole 311b when the electronic device is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, and can slide outward from the inside of the first sliding hole 311b when the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state. The second fixing part 324 can slide in the same manner as the first fixing part 323.

[0189] In one example, when the first support 311 and the second support 312 rotate about virtual first and second rotation axes L1 and L2 by user manipulation or external force, the first fixing part 323 and the second fixing part 324 can slide within the first sliding hole 311b and the second sliding hole 312b, respectively. Due to the sliding of the first fixing part 323 and the second fixing part 324, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 can rotate about the third rotation axis L3 and the fourth rotation axis L4. As a result, due to the rotation of the first support 311, the first arm 321 can rotate about a rotation axis different from that of the first support 311 (e.g., L3). Due to the rotation of the second support 312, the second arm 322 can rotate about a rotation axis different from that of the second support 312 (e.g., L4).

[0190] When the electronic device is in a 180-degree unfolded state, the support part 350 can come into contact with the auxiliary component.

[0191] When the electronic device is rotated from the 180-degree unfolded state to the folded state, the auxiliary components 363 and 364 can perform a rotation operation, and the state in which the support 350 is in contact with the auxiliary components 363 and 364 can be released (operation ①).

[0192] Based on the restoring force of the elastic member 361, the support 350 can be moved to the lower end by pushing operations (operations ② and ③). The support 350 can be moved until it contacts the shaft support, and then the movement can be completed when it contacts the auxiliary members 363 and 364 (operation ④), that is, when the closing operation of the electronic device is completed.

[0193] Figure 11 The fixing part and the brake structure of the hinge structure according to one embodiment are shown.

[0194] Reference Figure 11 The hinge structure of the electronic device includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a fixed bracket, a first arm, a second arm, a first fixed part, a second fixed part, a first shaft 331 (a first gear 331a is connected to the first shaft 331), a second shaft 332 (a second gear 332a is connected to the second shaft 332), a first idler wheel, a second idler wheel, a brake structure 340, a support part, a first auxiliary component 363, and a second auxiliary component 364. Figure 11 At least one of the components of the hinge structure may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the hinge structure in FIG8, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0195] The first bracket 311 and the first arm 321 can be connected by a first fixing part 323 passing through a region of the first bracket 311 and the first arm 321. The second bracket 312 and the second arm 322 can be connected by a second fixing part 324 passing through a region of the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322. The first fixing part 323 and the second fixing part 324 can be configured as pins extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0196] The hinge structure also includes a first elastic body and a second elastic body. In one embodiment, the first elastic body and the second elastic body can be a spring or a disc spring, but are not limited thereto.

[0197] A first elastic body can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first fixed part and can be disposed in a compressed state between the first arm 321 and the first washer ring. Some areas of the first elastic body 323a can pass through some areas of the first arm 321 and can be disposed between the first arm 321 and the first washer ring 325. Since the first elastic body 323a is disposed in a compressed state between the first arm 321 and the first washer ring 325, friction can be generated between the first arm 321 and the first bracket 311. Due to the friction generated between the first arm 321 and the first bracket 311, torque can be generated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first arm 321, and the movement of the first arm 321 can be fixed due to the generated torque. That is, the hinge structure can fix the movement of the first arm 321 in a free-stop manner when the electronic device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state by using the first elastic body 323a, without the need for separate additional parts.

[0198] The second elastic body 324a can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second fixing part 324 and can be disposed in a compressed state between the second arm 322 and the second washer ring. Some areas of the second elastic body 324a can pass through some areas of the second arm 322 and can be disposed between the second arm 322 and the second washer ring 326. Since the second elastic body 324a is disposed in a compressed state between the second arm 321 and the second washer ring 326, frictional force can be generated between the second arm 321 and the second bracket 312. Due to the frictional force generated between the second arm 322 and the second bracket 312, torque can be generated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the second arm 322, and the movement of the second arm 322 can be fixed due to the generated torque. That is, according to one embodiment, the hinge structure 300a can fix the movement of the second arm 322 when the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state by using the second elastic body 324a, without the need for separate additional parts.

[0199] The hinged brake structure 340 includes a brake plate 341, a first spring 342, and a second spring 343.

[0200] A shaft insertion hole can be constructed in at least one region of the brake plate 341, such that the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 are connected to the brake plate 341. The diameter of the shaft insertion hole can be constructed to be larger than the diameter of the second shaft 332, such that the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 can rotate freely while connected to the brake plate 341. The brake plate 341 includes a first brake portion 341a constructed to protrude along the longitudinal direction of the first shaft 331 and a second brake portion 341b constructed to protrude along the longitudinal direction of the second shaft 332. The first brake portion 341a can be configured to engage with a first cam portion 321a of the first arm 321, and the second brake portion 341b can be configured to engage with a second cam portion 322a of the second arm 322, such that the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 can provide cam operation to each other.

[0201] The first spring 342 can be connected to the first shaft 331 and thus located between the brake plate 341 and the shaft support 335 supporting the first shaft 331. The second spring 343 can be connected to the second shaft 332 adjacent to the first shaft 331 and thus located between the brake plate 341 and the shaft support 335 supporting the second shaft 332.

[0202] The first spring 342 and the second spring 343 can be disposed in a compressed state on the shaft support 335 and the brake plate 341, and due to the elastic restoring force of the first spring 342 and the second spring 343, pressure can be applied to the shaft support 335 in the opposite direction to the brake plate 341. Due to the elastic restoring force of the first spring 342 and the second spring 343, the first brake portion 341a and the second brake portion 341b of the brake plate 341 can remain engaged with the first cam portion 321a of the first arm 321 and the second cam portion 322a of the second arm 322. As the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 rotate, the brake plate 341 can be temporarily spaced apart in the direction of the shaft support 335. The first spring 342 and the second spring 343 can be compressed due to the spaced-out state of the brake plate 341. Due to the elastic restoring force of the compressed first spring 342 and the second spring 343, the brake plate 341 can move again in the direction of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322.

[0203] Even if the brake plate 341 is temporarily separated from the first arm 321 and the second arm 322, the brake plate 341 can be brought back into contact with the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 by the first spring 342 and the second spring 343. The brake structure 340 can be maintained in an engaged state between the first brake portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a and between the second brake portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a by the aforementioned structure.

[0204] Figure 12A and Figure 12B The connection relationship between the arm structure and the brake structure of the hinge structure according to one embodiment is shown. Specifically, Figure 12A Indicates the separation state. Figure 12B The assembly status is shown.

[0205] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 12B The hinge structure of the electronic device includes a first arm 321, a second arm 322, and a brake plate 341. The first arm 321 includes a first cam portion 321a and a first support rib 321b, and the second arm 322 includes a second cam portion 322a and a second support rib 322b. The first support rib 321b of the first arm 321 and the second support rib 322b of the second arm 322 allow the support portion to move in the upward direction.

[0206] The first cam portion 321a of the first arm 321 and the second cam portion 322a of the second arm 322 can be constructed as a concave-convex structure, wherein peak A and valley B appear repeatedly. The first arm 321 and the second arm 322 can be connected to the brake plate 341, and thus can be configured such that the first cam portion 321a engages with the first brake portion 341a, and the second cam portion 322a engages with the second brake portion 341b.

[0207] The brake plate 341 includes a first brake portion 341a protruding in the direction of a first cam portion 321a of a first arm 321 and a second brake portion 341b protruding in the direction of a second cam portion 322a of a second arm 322. The first brake portion 341a and the second brake portion 341b can be configured as a concave-convex structure, wherein peaks “a” and valleys “b” appear repeatedly. The peaks and valleys of the first brake portion 341a can be configured to correspond to the peaks and valleys of the first cam portion 321a, and the peaks and valleys of the second brake portion 341b can be configured to correspond to the peaks and valleys of the second cam portion 322a. The peaks “a” of the first brake portion 341a and the valleys B of the first cam portion 321a can be configured to correspond to each other, and the valleys “b” of the first brake portion 341a and the peaks A of the first cam portion 321a can be configured to correspond to each other, such that the first brake portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a engage with each other. Similarly, the peak of the second brake portion 341b and the valley of the second cam portion 322a can be configured to correspond to each other, and the valley of the second brake portion 341b and the peak of the second cam portion 322a can be configured to correspond to each other, so that the second brake portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a engage with each other.

[0208] Because the brake plate 341 is configured such that the first cam portion 321a engages with the first brake portion 341a and the second cam portion 322a engages with the second brake portion 341b, the brake plate 341 can provide cam operation to the first arm 321 and the second arm 322. The pitch between the peaks (or valleys) of the first brake portion 341a can be configured to be longer than the pitch between the peaks (or valleys) of the first cam portion 321a, so that the first cam portion 321a rotates within a specified angular range even when engaged with the first brake portion 341a. The pitch between the peaks (or valleys) of the first brake portion 341a can be configured to be equal to the pitch between the peaks (or valleys) of the first cam portion 321a, or it can be configured to be shorter than the pitch between the peaks (or valleys) of the first cam portion 321a. When the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state or vice versa, the peak of the first cam portion 321a of the first arm 321 can engage with the peak of the first brake portion 341a, temporarily separating the first arm 321 and the brake plate 341. Although the peak of the first cam portion 321a exceeds the peak of the first brake portion 341a, the first brake portion 341a can still provide cam operation to the first arm 321. The second brake portion 341b can also provide cam operation to the second arm 322 in the same or similar manner as the first brake portion 341a.

[0209] The first brake unit 341a and the second brake unit 341b can provide cam operation to the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 and also fix the movement of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322.

[0210] A flat linear region can be constructed in at least one region (e.g., a apex region) of the peak of the first cam portion 321a, the peak of the second cam portion 322a, the peak of the first brake portion 341a, and / or the peak of the second brake portion 341b. A flat linear region can also be constructed in at least one region of the valley of the first cam portion 321a, the valley of the second cam portion 322a, the valley of the first brake portion 341a, and / or the valley of the second brake portion 341b. A linear region constructed in one region of a peak and a linear region constructed in one region of a valley can be constructed to be substantially the same or similar. Because linear regions are constructed in the peaks and valleys of the first cam portion 321, the second cam portion 322a, the first brake portion 341a, and the second brake portion 341b, the movement of the first arm 321 and / or the second arm 322 can be fixed at a specified rotation angle (e.g., 30° or 60°). Since the movement of the first arm 321 and / or the second arm 322 is fixed at a specified rotation angle, the movement of the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device can be fixed at a specified rotation angle.

[0211] Figure 13 A hinge structure according to one embodiment is shown.

[0212] Reference Figure 13 The hinge structure 300a of the electronic device includes a first bracket 311, a second bracket 312, a first arm 321, a second arm 322, a first fixing part 323, a second fixing part 324, a first shaft 331 (a first gear 331a is connected to the first shaft 331), a second shaft 332 (a second gear 332a is connected to the second shaft 332), a first idler wheel 333, a second idler wheel 334, a shaft bracket 335, a first spring 342, a second spring 343, a stop 360, a first auxiliary component 363, and a second auxiliary component 364. Figure 13 At least one of the components of the hinge structure 300a can be with Figure 6 At least one of the components of the hinge structure 300a or 300b is the same or similar, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0213] The first arm 321 includes a first support rib 321b, and the second arm 322 includes a second support rib 322b. The first support rib 321b may be configured to protrude from a region of the first arm 321. Similarly, the second support rib 322b may be configured to protrude from a region of the second arm 322. When the electronic device is in the deployed state, the first support rib 321b may be configured to protrude from the first arm 321 in the direction of a stop 360 located between the first arm 321 and the second arm 322. Likewise, the second support rib 322b may be configured to protrude from the second arm 322 in the direction of the stop 360.

[0214] The first support rib 321b can be integrally constructed with the first arm 321 and can rotate with the rotation of the first arm 321. The second support rib 322b can be integrally constructed with the second arm 322 and can rotate with the rotation of the second arm 322. When the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b rotate together with the first arm 321 and the second arm 322, the support portion provided on the stop member 360 can move in the upward direction (e.g., the +y direction). When the electronic device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, at least one region of the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b can contact a region of the support portion (e.g., the back of the support portion).

[0215] As the first arm 321 rotates clockwise (e.g., direction ①), the first support rib 312b can move the support portion 350 in the upward direction. As the second arm 322 rotates counterclockwise (e.g., direction ②), the second support rib 322b can move the support portion 350 in the upward direction.

[0216] The first auxiliary member 363 can be connected to the end of the first shaft 331 adjacent to the first arm 321, and the second auxiliary member 364 can be connected to one end of the second shaft 332 of the second arm 322. The first auxiliary member 363 can be connected to the first shaft 331 to rotate together with the first shaft 331. The second auxiliary member 364 can be connected to the second shaft 332 to rotate together with the second shaft 332.

[0217] The first auxiliary member 363 includes a third support rib 363a configured to project from a region of the first auxiliary member 363. The second auxiliary member 364 includes a fourth support rib 364a configured to project from a region of the second auxiliary member 364. The third support rib 363a may be positioned parallel to the first support rib 321b of the first arm 321, and the fourth support rib 364a may be positioned parallel to the second support rib 322b of the second arm 322. The third support rib 363a may be spaced apart from the first support rib 321b to rotate by the same rotation angle as the first axis 331 rotates. The fourth support rib 364a may be spaced apart from the second support rib 322b to rotate by the same rotation angle as the second axis 332 rotates.

[0218] Similar to the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b, the third support rib 363a and the fourth support rib 364a can move the support portion 350 in the upward direction when the electronic device is rotated from a folded state to an unfolded state. The third support rib 363a and the fourth support rib 364a can contact a region of the support portion 350 when the electronic device is rotated from a folded state to an unfolded state. As the first axis 331 rotates clockwise (e.g., direction ①), the third support rib 363a can move the support portion 350 in the upward direction. As the second axis 332 rotates counterclockwise (e.g., direction ②), the fourth support rib 364a can move the support portion 350 in the upward direction.

[0219] Therefore, the hinge structure 300a allows the support portion 350 to move upward via the first support rib 321b, the second support rib 322b, the third support rib 363a, and the fourth support rib 364a when the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state. Thus, the support portion 350 can contact the back of the flexible display, thereby preventing the flexible display from sagging and / or being damaged when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0220] Figure 14A The diagram illustrates the compressed state of the elastic member and the first and second arms of the hinge structure when the electronic device is in the deployed state, according to one embodiment. Figure 14B The diagram illustrates the elongated state of the elastic member and the first and second arms of the hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state, according to one embodiment.

[0221] Reference Figure 14A and Figure 14B The electronic device includes a flexible display 220, a first support plate 221 supporting the flexible display 220, a second support plate 222 supporting the flexible display 220, and a hinge structure 300a.

[0222] The hinge structure 300a includes a first bracket 311, a second bracket 312, a first arm 321, a second arm 322, a support 350, a stop 360, an elastic member 361, and a screw 362.

[0223] When the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state, the support portion 350 can move in the direction of the back of the flexible display 220 by using the first support rib 321b of the first arm 321 and the second support rib 322b of the second arm 322. Through the aforementioned process, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion 350 can support an area of ​​the flexible display 220 that is not supported by the first arm 321 and the second arm 322.

[0224] When the electronic device is in the deployed state, a gap "g" can be constructed between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b of the first arm 321 and the second support rib 322b of the second arm 322. When the electronic device is in the deployed state, because this gap is constructed between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b, movement of the support portion 350 in the direction of the flexible display 220 can be prevented by at least a specified distance. When the electronic device is in the deployed state, the gap between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 32b and the second support rib 322b can be constructed to be larger than the gap between the protruding area E1 of the shaft support 355 or the protruding area E2 of the stop 360 and the fixing rib constructed in a region of the support portion 350. As a result, the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b prevent the support portion 350 from moving in a repetitive manner in the upward direction. That is, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hinge structure 300a can prevent the flexible display 220 from being damaged by the support 350 by constructing a gap between the support 350 and the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b.

[0225] The stop 360 may be located at the lower end of the support 350 (e.g., in the -y direction), and the through hole 360c may be constructed in a region of the stop 360. An elastic support 3505 of the support 350 may be located at the lower end of the stop 360 by passing through the through hole 360c, and a screw 362 may be connected to the elastic support 3505 of the support 350 through the through hole 360c. The outer peripheral surface of the face of the screw 362 facing the elastic support 3505 may be constructed to be larger than the outer peripheral surface of the elastic support 3505, such that an elastic member 361 is disposed between the stop 360 and the screw 362. The elastic member 361 may be, for example, a spring, but is not limited thereto.

[0226] One end of the elastic member 361 may contact a region of the stop member 360 (e.g., the region adjacent to the through hole 360c), and the other end may contact a screw 362 connected to a protruding region of the support 350. The elastic member 361 may be compressed when the support 350 moves in the upward direction (e.g., the +y direction), or may return to its original state due to an elastic restoring force.

[0227] When the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state, the support portion 350 moves in the direction of the flexible display 220. The screw 362 connected to the elastic support portion 3505 can also move in the upward direction (e.g., the +y direction) due to the movement of the support portion 350, and the elastic member 361 can be compressed due to the upward movement of the screw 362.

[0228] When the electronic device rotates from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first arm 321 can rotate counterclockwise (e.g., direction ②), and the second arm 322 can rotate clockwise (e.g., direction ①), such that the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b are spaced apart from the support portion 350. Because the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b are spaced apart from the support portion 350, pressure can be applied to the screw 362 in a downward direction (e.g., -y direction) due to the elastic restoring force of the compressed elastic member 361. Due to the pressure applied to the screw 362, the screw 362 and the support portion 350 connected to the screw 362 can move in a downward direction (e.g., -y direction). That is, when the electronic device rotates from an unfolded state to a folded state, the support portion 350 can be spaced apart from the flexible display 220 due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 361 located between the stop member 360 and the screw 362.

[0229] Through the aforementioned driving process, the support portion 350 can maintain the rotational trajectory (or "driving trajectory") of the flexible display 220 or the first support plate 221 and the second support plate 222 without interrupting the rotation of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state. However, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion 350 can support an area of ​​the flexible display 220 that is not supported by the first arm 321 and the second arm 322, thereby preventing the flexible display 220 from being damaged or dented.

[0230] Figure 15A The hinge structure is shown along the 180-degree unfolded state according to an embodiment. Figure 10A The cross-sectional view of the line B-B' cut. Figure 15B A cross-section of the hinge assembly is shown according to an embodiment when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. Figure 15C The hinge structure is shown along the folded state according to one embodiment. Figure 10C The cross-sectional view of the line B-B' cut. Figure 15D A cross-section of the hinge structure is shown according to an embodiment when the electronic device is folded.

[0231] Reference Figures 15A to 15D The hinge structure 300b of the electronic device includes a second bracket 312, a fixed bracket 313, a second arm 322, a second fixing part 324 (which connects the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322), a rotating structure 330 (which includes a second shaft 332, a second idler wheel 334 and a shaft support 335), a support part 350, a stop 360, an elastic member 361 and a screw 362. Figure 15A At least one of the components of the hinge structure 300b can be with Figure 6 The hinge structure is the same as or similar to one of the components of 300a or 300b, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0232] The support portion 350 may be located on the stop 360 and may include an elastic support portion 3505 and a fixing rib 3504. The elastic support portion 3505 may be configured to protrude in the downward direction (e.g., the -y direction) of the support portion 350 and may be coupled to the screw 362 as described above to compress the elastic member 361 when the electronic device is rotated from a folded state to an unfolded state. Similar to the elastic support portion 3505, the fixing rib 3504 may be configured to protrude in the downward direction of the elastic support portion 3505 and, in a side view, may be configured as a hook shape bent in the direction of the shaft support 335.

[0233] The fixing rib 3504 can be fixed to a region of the shaft bracket 335 to prevent the support 350 from moving at least a specified distance in the upward direction (e.g., the +y direction) or in the direction of the flexible display when the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0234] The shaft support 335 includes a fixing region E1. The fixing region E1 can be configured to protrude from a region of the shaft support 335 in the direction of the stop 360. When the electronic device is removed from... Figure 15C Rotate the folded state shown to the following position: Figure 15A When in the unfolded state shown, the support 350 can move upward, and due to the upward movement of the support 350, the fixing rib 3504 of the support 350 can contact the fixing area E1 of the shaft support 335.

[0235] When the electronic device is in the deployed state, the hook-shaped retaining rib 3504 can contact the lower region of the retaining area E1, causing the retaining rib 3504 of the support 350 to be engaged with the retaining area E1 of the shaft bracket 335. When the support 350 moves upward at least a specified distance, pressure can be applied upward to the flexible display disposed at the upper end of the support 350, and some areas of the flexible display may be damaged due to the pressure applied by the support 350. When the electronic device is in the deployed state, the retaining rib 3504 of the support 350 can be configured to contact the retaining area E1 of the shaft bracket 335 without gap, thereby preventing the support 350 from moving upward at least a specified distance.

[0236] When the electronic device rotates from an unfolded state to a folded state, the support portion 350 can move in the downward direction (e.g., the -y direction) due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 361, as described above. Therefore, the fixing rib 3504 can be spaced apart from the fixing region E1 of the shaft support 335. Because the fixing rib 3504 is spaced apart from the fixing region E1 of the shaft support 335, the support portion 350 can move in the downward direction without being affected by the fixing region E1. That is, the hinge structure 300b can control the movement of the support portion 350 through the fixing rib 3504 of the support portion 350 and the fixing region E1 of the shaft support 335, so that the support portion 350 moves in the upward direction within a specified range.

[0237] Figure 16 A hinge assembly for fastening to unfolding an electronic device is shown according to one embodiment.

[0238] Reference Figure 16 The electronic device includes a hinge assembly 300. The hinge assembly 300 includes hinge structures 300a and 300b.

[0239] The hinge housing 300c includes a recess into which hinge structures 300a and 300b can be disposed. The hinge structures 300a and 300b can be disposed within the recess of the hinge assembly 300, and the hinge structures 300a and 300b can be supported by the hinge housing 300c.

[0240] The hinge assembly 300 includes a first hinge structure 300a disposed in one region of a hinge housing 300c and a second hinge structure 300b disposed in another region of the hinge housing 300c. The first hinge structure 300a may be disposed in the left-side region of the hinge housing 300c, and thus may be coupled (or "connected") to a region of the first and second housings. The second hinge structure 300b may be disposed in the right-side region of the hinge housing 300c, and thus may be coupled (or "connected") to the first and second housings. The first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b may rotate within a specified angular range about a virtual first axis of rotation (e.g., L1) constructed in the hinge housing 300c and a virtual second axis of rotation L2 parallel to the virtual first axis of rotation L1. One region of the first hinge structure 300a and one region of the second hinge structure 300b may rotate about the first axis of rotation L1, and the other region of the first hinge structure 300a and the other region of the second hinge structure 300b may rotate about the virtual second axis of rotation L2. That is, the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b can be folded about a virtual first rotation axis L1 and a virtual second rotation axis L2, the details of which will be described below. However, the hinge assembly 300 is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and the hinge assembly 300 may include three or more hinge structures.

[0241] The hinge assembly 300 further includes a first hinge plate 300d and a second hinge plate 300e disposed between the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b. The first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can be fastened to the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 respectively, and can support at least some areas of the flexible display. The first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can be constructed of metallic or non-metallic materials with a specified stiffness to support the flexible display.

[0242] The first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b can be disposed on both sides relative to the support portion 350, such as the left and right sides. The first hinge plate 300e and the second hinge plate 300d can be disposed on the upper and lower sides relative to the support portion 350. The first arm 321 and the second arm 322, as well as the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312, can be disposed on the upper and lower sides relative to both ends of the support portion 350, respectively.

[0243] When the electronic device is unfolded 180 degrees, the moving components (e.g., cams or hinge springs) of the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b can be covered by the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, respectively.

[0244] The support portion 350 is assembled with the cap "c" such that the first surface 350a of the support portion and the upper surface of the cap "c" are coplanar. In this state, the first surface 350a of the support portion can support the folded area of ​​the flexible display to be flat.

[0245] Figure 17A The installation state of the support portion according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 17B Show Figure 17A A perspective view of the support section cut along line C-C'. Figure 17C Show Figure 17A The cross-sectional view of the support part cut along line C-C'.

[0246] Reference Figures 17A to 17C The central portion 3501 of the support portion 350 may be a portion where operational interference may occur due to movement of the FPCB 226, which is used to electrically connect the first electronic component and the second electronic component respectively disposed to the first housing and the second housing. During the opening / closing operation of the electronic device, a portion of the FPCB 226 may fold or unfold in the space between the hinge housing 300c and the central portion 3501. The FPCB 226 may move in this space during folding and unfolding operations, and depending on the movement, the FPCB 226 may be interfered with by adjacent adjacent portions (e.g., the edge portions of the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e).

[0247] When the width "w" of the central portion 3501 is increased to safely support the flexible display, there is a risk that a portion p1 of the FPCB may be crushed (e.g., broken). To prevent this, the width "w" of the central portion 3501 can be limited, and in the operation of folding or unfolding the electronics, the width "w" can be determined by taking into account the movement trajectory of the FPCB 226 to be folded. For example, the width "w" of the central portion 3501 can be approximately 2 mm.

[0248] The element that can limit the width "w" of the central part is the distance between the first and second rotation axes located on both sides, and the width "w" can be less than the distance between the first and second rotation axes.

[0249] The central portion 3501 may have a limited thickness "t". The thickness "t" of the central portion 3501 can be determined by taking into account the movement trajectory of the FPCB being folded or bent during the operation of folding or unfolding the electronic device. For example, the thickness "t" of the central portion 3501 may be approximately 1 mm.

[0250] The edge portions 3501c of the central portion 3501 (e.g., corner portions) may be curved. When the electronic device is folded or unfolded, operational interference occurs between the two edge portions 3501c and the FPCB 226, and the FPCB may be crushed or broken. To prevent this, the edge portions 3501c on the underside of the central portion 3501 may be curved. For example, each edge portion 3501c may have a curvature.

[0251] Figure 18 Show Figure 17A A cross-sectional view of the support section cut along line D-D'.

[0252] Reference Figure 18 The central portion 3501 and the hinge housing 300c facing the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can be constructed taking into account the movement paths of the central portion 3501 and the edge portions 3000d and 3000e of the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e adjacent to the central portion 3501. The hinge housing 300c includes a first opening 3000c taking into account the movement path of the central portion 3501 and a second opening 3001c taking into account the movement paths of the edge portions 3000d and 3000e of the hinge plates.

[0253] When the electronic device moves from a folded state to an unfolded state or vice versa, the central portion 3501 can move in a limited manner toward or away from the hinge housing 300c, and the edge portions 3000d and 3000e of the first and second hinge plates can rotate. The first opening 3000c and the second opening 3001c of the hinge housing can be constructed to take into account the movement space of the central portion 3501 and the rotational movement space of the edge portions of the FPCB board. For example, the first opening 3000c has a concave shape and extends along the direction of extension of the hinge housing 300c. The second opening 3001c has a concave shape and is constructed to have a depth smaller than the concave depth of the first opening 3000c. A stepped portion 3002c can be constructed between the first opening 3000c and the second opening 3001c. The first opening 3000c may have the second opening 3001c on both sides, and the second opening 3001c can be constructed symmetrically.

[0254] From the perspective of the presence or absence of the central portion 3501, since the distance between the edge portions 3000d and 3000e of the first and second hinge plates increases due to the central portion 3501, the trajectory drawn by the edge portions 3000d and 3000e may decrease depending on the operation of opening / closing the electronic device. Therefore, the depth of the opening 3001c constructed at the hinge housing 300c is reduced, and the support structure capable of supporting the support portion 350 of the flexible display can extend to its maximum possible extent. Thus, the support portion can also move inward, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the hinge housing 300c and extending the support portion.

[0255] Figures 19A to 19C The process of opening / closing an electronic device according to one embodiment is illustrated. Specifically, Figure 19A It shows the 180-degree unfolded state. Figure 19B It shows an open state of approximately 90 degrees. Figure 19C The folded state is shown.

[0256] Reference Figure 19A When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the central portion 3501 can be located outside the first opening 3000c, and the edge portions 3000d and 3000e of the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can be located within the second opening 3001c. The first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can be supported by the hinge housing 300c. When the electronic device is unfolded 180 degrees, each of the first plate 300d and the second plate 300e is in a parallel state, and the hinge housing 300c can be a support structure for the parallel first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e.

[0257] Reference Figure 19B When the electronic device is in an approximately 90-degree open position, the central portion 3501 can be located within the first opening 3000c, and the edge portions 3000d and 3000e of the first and second hinge plates can be slightly separated from the second opening 3001c. The corresponding edge portions 3000d and 3000e of the first and second hinge plates can then rotate along the second opening 3001c.

[0258] Reference Figure 19C When the electronic device is in a folded state, the central portion 3501 can be located in the first opening 3000c, and the edge portions 3000d and 3000e of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate can be completely separated from the second opening 3001c. The first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e are not affected by the hinge housing 300c.

[0259] Figure 20AThe installation state of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in an electronic device that has been opened 180 degrees according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 20B Show installation to Figure 20A Enlarged view of the protrusion of the support groove. Figure 20C Showing the cut along line E-E' Figure 20B A cross-sectional view of the state. Figure 20D and Figure 20E A perspective view showing the state of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in a folded electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0260] Reference Figures 20A to 20E The hinge assembly 300 includes a first hinge plate 300d and a second hinge plate 300e. The first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e may be components used to cover some parts of the hinge structure (such as hinge springs and hinge cams) to prevent interference from cam operation and to support the flexible display in the closed or open state.

[0261] The first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can be fastened to the first housing and the second housing respectively by fasteners, and the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can support some areas of the flexible display. The first plate 300d and the second plate 300e can be constructed of metallic or non-metallic materials with a specified stiffness to support the flexible display.

[0262] The first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e each include a first protrusion 3001d and a second protrusion 3001e.

[0263] The first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be supported by a portion of the support 350 when the flexible display is unfolded 180 degrees, and can be mounted to a portion of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 when the flexible display is folded.

[0264] The first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e may be constructed in a symmetrical pair with respect to the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e. Each of the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e may protrude toward the support portion 350.

[0265] When the electronic device is in the 180-degree open state, the support portion 350 may have at least one support groove 3503 configured to mount the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e, and when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 may have at least one or more mounting grooves 3210 and 3220 to mount the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e, respectively. The mounting grooves 3210 and 3220 may be configured to prevent unnecessary interference when the electronic device is folded. The mounting grooves 3210 and 3220 may be escape grooves for the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e.

[0266] The first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be supported by the support portion 350 in the 180-degree unfolded state via the support groove 3503 mounted to the support portion 350, and can be mounted in the folded state via the mounting grooves 3210 and 3220 constructed at the first and second arms. The first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can overlap with the support portion 350 having the support groove 3503 in the 180-degree unfolded state, and can overlap with the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 having the mounting grooves 3210 and 3220 respectively in the folded state. The support groove 3503 can serve as a support for the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e. In the 180-degree unfolded state of the electronic device, the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can be stably supported, thus the flexible display can also be stably supported.

[0267] Since the support structure of the first protrusion 3001d, the second protrusion 3001e, and the support groove 3503 is located above the hinge spring and the hinge cam, interference with the operation of the flexible display can be prevented by being covered by the support structure when the hinge spring is compressed or stretched (which occurs during the opening / closing operation of the electronic device).

[0268] Figure 20F The operation of the hinge plate is shown according to one embodiment when the electronic device is rotated from a closed state to an open state.

[0269] Reference Figure 20F When the electronic device is in an unfolded state of approximately 90 degrees, the support 350 can be separated from the auxiliary components.

[0270] When the electronic device rotates from a 90-degree unfolded state to a 180-degree unfolded state, auxiliary components 363 and 364 can perform rotation operations, and the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e can perform rotation operations (operations ① and ②).

[0271] By pushing the auxiliary components 363 and 364 (operation ③), the support 350 can be moved to the upper end.

[0272] After the first hinge plate 300d and the second hinge plate 300e come into contact with the support portion 350, the movement can be completed (operation ④). The first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be installed into the support groove 3503.

[0273] Figures 21A to 21C This illustrates the support state between the first and second protrusions and the support portion during the opening / closing of the electronic device according to one embodiment. Specifically, Figure 21A It shows the 180-degree unfolded state. Figure 21B It shows a 90-degree folded state. Figure 20C The folded state is shown.

[0274] Reference Figure 21A When the electronic device is in the 180-degree open state, the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be mounted into the support groove 3503 and can remain in the mounted state. For example, the first protrusion 3001d, the second protrusion 3001e, and the support groove 3503 can be constructed with substantially corresponding shapes. In the 180-degree open state, when the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e are mounted into the support groove 3503, the outer surface of each of the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be coplanar with respect to the first surface of the support portion 350.

[0275] Reference Figure 21B When the electronic device is in an approximately 45-degree open state, the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be separated from the support groove 3503 and set to be inclined relative to the support 350, and can be moved downward by the elasticity of the support groove 3503. The first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be separated from the mounting grooves 3210 and 3220 of the first arm and the second arm, respectively.

[0276] Reference Figure 21C When the electronic device is in the closed state, the first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be arranged vertically relative to the support groove 3503 and can be installed into the mounting grooves 3210 and 3220. The first protrusion 3001d and the second protrusion 3001e can be held supported by the mounting grooves 3210 and 3220.

[0277] Figure 22A A cap for fastening a fastener to a support portion is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 22B Show along Figure 22A The cross-sectional view of the line G-G' cut. Figure 22C A perspective view of a cap according to one embodiment is shown.

[0278] Reference Figures 22A to 22C The cap "c" can be connected to the fastening portion 3502 of the support portion 350. For example, as a fastening hole, the fastening portion 3502 may include a first stepped portion 35021. The cap "c" has a cap shape corresponding to the fastening portion 3502 and includes a second stepped portion c1. When connected to the fastening portion 3502, the first surface 350a of the support portion 350 and the upper surface c2 of the cap "c" can be coplanar. When the electronic device is folded or unfolded, since the first surface 350a of the support portion 350 and the upper surface c2 of the cap are coplanar, the folded area of ​​the flexible display can be supported in the 180-degree unfolded state. For example, the cap "c" can be a support structure for the flexible display.

[0279] Figure 23A The tape attached to the first side of the support portion is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 23B The tape attached to the first side of the support portion according to one embodiment is shown along... Figure 20A The cross-sectional view of the line F-F' cut.

[0280] Reference Figure 23A and Figure 23B For example, the adhesive layer "b" of the tape can be additionally attached to the first surface 350a of the support portion 350. The adhesive layer "b" can be manufactured in the same shape as the first surface 350a and can be attached to the entire first surface 350a. At least one opening 3507 constructed on the first surface 350a of the support portion 350 can be covered by the adhesive layer "b," and the adhesive layer "b" covering at least one opening 3507 can provide a coplanar state, thereby supporting the flexible display. The adhesive layer attached to the first surface 350a can be part of the support structure. The adhesive layer "b" can cover any small gaps that may arise when the fastening portion 3502 of the support portion 350 is fastened to the cap "c."

[0281] Although this disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1.An electronic device comprising: a first housing including at least one first electronic component; a second housing including at least one second electronic component; a hinge housing disposed between the first housing and the second housing; a hinge structure configured to rotatably couple the first housing and the second housing; a flexible printed circuit board electrically coupling the first electronic component and the second electronic component via the hinge housing; a flexible display disposed from at least one area of the first housing to at least one area of the second housing across the hinge structure; a first hinge plate moving with the first housing; and a second hinge plate moving with the second housing, wherein the hinge structure includes: a support portion between the flexible printed circuit board and the flexible display, wherein at least a portion of the support portion is disposed between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in an unfolded state, a first bracket coupled to the first housing and rotating with the first housing rotating around a first rotation axis, and a second bracket coupled to the second housing and rotating with the second housing rotating around a second rotation axis, wherein, in the unfolded state of the electronic device, the support portion, the first hinge plate, and the second hinge plate support at least one area of the flexible display in a state that the first hinge plate is at least partially supported by a first area of the support portion and the second hinge plate is at least partially supported by a second area of the support portion, the second area being opposite to the first area, and wherein, in a folded state of the electronic device, the support portion is spaced apart from the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the support portion has a bar shape, wherein the bar-shaped support portion includes: a first face facing the flexible display, and a second face opposite to the first face and facing the flexible printed circuit board, and wherein, in the unfolded state of the electronic device, a folding area of the flexible display is flatly supported by the first face of the support portion. 3.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the hinge structure further includes: a first shaft corresponding to a third rotation axis when the first bracket rotates; a second shaft corresponding to a fourth rotation axis when the second bracket rotates; a first arm rotating around the third rotation axis; and a second arm rotating around the fourth rotation axis. 4.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein at least one side of the first arm is coupled to at least one area of the first bracket, and wherein at least one side of the second arm is coupled to at least one area of the second bracket. 5.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first arm includes a first support rib, the second arm includes a second support rib, and wherein, in the unfolded state of the electronic device, the support portion is supported by the first support rib and the second support rib. 6.The electronic device of claim 5, ​ ​ wherein the first support rib and the second support rib are configured to move the support portion in a direction toward the flexible display as the first housing and the second housing rotate such that a state of the housings changes from the folded state to the unfolded state. 7.The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first shaft includes a first auxiliary member that rotates about the third rotation axis and includes a third support rib, and wherein the second shaft includes a second auxiliary member that rotates about the fourth rotation axis and includes a fourth support rib. 8.The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the third support rib and the fourth support rib are configured to move the support portion in a direction toward the flexible display as the first housing and the second housing rotate such that a state of the housings changes from the folded state to the unfolded state. 9.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the hinge structure further includes a stopper plate coupled to the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the first arm includes a first cam portion, wherein the second arm includes a second cam portion, and wherein the first cam portion of the first arm and the second cam portion of the second arm are fixed to the stopper plate at an angle formed by the first housing and the second housing. 10.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the stopper plate includes a first stopper portion protruding toward the first cam portion of the first arm and a second stopper portion protruding toward the second cam portion of the second arm, and wherein the first cam portion is disposed to be engaged with the first stopper portion and the second cam portion is disposed to be engaged with the second stopper portion at the angle formed by the first housing and the second housing. 11.The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the stopper plate includes a first hole and a second hole, and wherein the first shaft is coupled to the stopper plate through the first hole and the second shaft is coupled to the stopper plate through the second hole. 12.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the support portion includes a groove, wherein the first hinge plate includes a first protrusion and the second hinge plate includes a second protrusion, and wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are mounted on the groove in the unfolded state of the electronic device. 13.The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the first arm includes a first mounting groove and the second arm includes a second mounting groove, and wherein, wherein the first protrusion is mounted on the first mounting groove and the second protrusion is mounted on the second mounting groove in the folded state of the electronic device. 14.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the hinge structure further includes a fixed bracket disposed on the hinge housing and supporting the first bracket and the second bracket, wherein the fixed bracket includes a first groove and a second groove, and wherein the first bracket is mounted on the first groove and the second bracket is mounted on the second groove. wherein the first bracket is coupled to the first groove, and the second bracket is coupled to the second groove. 15.The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the first bracket includes a first rail portion formed in a shape corresponding to the first groove, wherein the second bracket includes a second rail portion formed in a shape corresponding to the second groove, wherein the first bracket is rotated by the first rail portion, and wherein the second bracket is rotated by the second rail portion.

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