Electronic device including hinge assembly

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a first housing and a second housing pivotally coupled about at least one folding axis between a folded state and an unfolded state; a hinge assembly pivotally connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other; a flexible display including a first display area disposed on one surface of the first housing, a second display area disposed on one surface of the second housing, and a folding area connecting the first display area and the second display area to each other and arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the hinge assembly; and a hinge cover disposed between the first housing and the second housing, and configured to be hidden or exposed according to pivoting of the second housing. In an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include a first rotating plate that rotates about a first axis of rotation and a second rotating plate that is rotatably connected to the first rotating plate and rotates about a second axis of rotation, where the first rotating plate supports at least a portion of the folding region in an unfolded state and the second rotating plate supports at least a portion of the folding region in an unfolded state. And provides a space in which the folding region is accommodated in the folded state. Various other embodiments are also possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device, for example, an electronic device including a hinge assembly. Background Art

[0002] The term "electronic device" may refer to a device that performs a specific function based on an installed program, such as a household appliance, an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, a video / audio device, a desktop / laptop computer, or a vehicle navigation system. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as sound or images. As the integration of electronic devices increases and ultra-high-speed, high-capacity wireless communications become more popular, a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, can now be equipped with a variety of functions. For example, not only communication functions, but also entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music and video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, or functions of schedule management or electronic wallets are integrated into a single electronic device.

[0003] As the use of personal communication devices or portable communication devices such as smart phones has become common, users' demand for portability and ease of use has gradually increased. For example, a touch screen display can provide a virtual keyboard that replaces a mechanical input device (such as a button input device) while being used as an output device for outputting a picture (such as visual information). Therefore, portable communication devices or electronic devices have been able to provide the same or improved usability (for example, a larger screen) while being miniaturized. On the other hand, with the commercialization of flexible displays (such as foldable displays or rollable displays), it is expected that the portability and ease of use of electronic devices will be further improved. An electronic device including a flexible display can be carried in a state where multiple different structures (such as a housing) are folded or rolled, and a large screen can be provided in an unfolded state, thereby further improving portability and convenience of use.

[0004] None of the above asserts or determines whether any of the above is applicable as prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a first shell, a second shell, a hinge assembly, a flexible display and a hinge cover, the second shell being configured to rotate relative to the first shell around one or more folding axes between a position facing the first shell (hereinafter referred to as a "folded state") and a position unfolded from the folded state by a predetermined angle (hereinafter referred to as an "unfolded state"), the hinge assembly being at least partially arranged between the first shell and the second shell and rotatably connecting the first shell and the second shell, the flexible display including a first display area arranged on one surface of the first shell, a second display area arranged on one surface of the second shell, and a folding area connecting the first display area and the second display area and arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the hinge assembly, the hinge cover being arranged between the first shell and the second shell and being configured to be hidden or exposed between another surface of the first shell and another surface of the second shell as the second shell rotates. In an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include a hinge module, a first rotating plate, a second rotating plate, and a rotating support plate, the hinge module being disposed in a hinge cover and configured to provide one or more folding axes, the first rotating plate being rotatably coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate about the first rotating axis, the second rotating plate being rotatably coupled to the first rotating plate at a position spaced apart from the first rotating axis and configured to rotate about the second rotating axis, and the rotating support plate being fixed to the first housing or the second housing. The rotating support plate supports the second rotating plate in such a manner that the rotating support plate is rotatably coupled at a position spaced apart from the second rotating axis and rotates about a third rotating axis. In an embodiment, in an unfolded state, the first rotating plate may be configured to support at least a portion of the folding region by being supported by the hinge cover to be arranged to form a plane with the second rotating plate. In an embodiment, as the second housing rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the first rotating axis and the third rotating axis may be configured to decrease.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a shell, a hinge assembly, a flexible display and a hinge cover, the shell including a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell being connected to each other in a rotatable manner about one or more folding axes between a position facing each other (hereinafter referred to as a "folded state") and a position unfolded at a predetermined angle (hereinafter referred to as an "unfolded state"), the hinge assembly is at least partially arranged between the first shell and the second shell and rotatably connects the first shell and the first shell, the flexible display includes a first display area arranged on one surface of the first shell, a second display area arranged on one surface of the second shell, and a folding area connecting the first display area and the second display area and arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the hinge assembly, the hinge cover is arranged between the first shell and the second shell, and is configured to be hidden or exposed between another surface of the first shell and another surface of the second shell as the second shell rotates. In an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include a hinge module, at least one first rotating plate, at least one second rotating plate, and a rotating support plate, wherein the hinge module is disposed in a hinge cover and is configured to provide at least one folding axis, at least one first rotating plate is rotatably coupled to the hinge module and is configured to rotate around the first rotating axis, at least one second rotating plate is rotatably coupled to the first rotating plate at a position spaced apart from the first rotating axis and is configured to rotate around the second rotating axis, and the rotating support plate is fixed to the first housing or the second housing. The rotating support plate supports the second rotating plate in such a manner that the rotating support plate is rotatably coupled at a position spaced apart from the second rotating axis and rotates around a third rotating axis. In an embodiment, in an unfolded state, the first rotating plate may be configured to support at least a portion of the folding region by being supported by the hinge cover to be arranged to form a plane with the second rotating plate. In an embodiment, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate may be configured to rotate relative to each other around the second rotating axis, so that in a folded state, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are arranged at an angle relative to each other and are accommodated in the first housing or the second housing more inwardly than in an unfolded state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The above and other aspects, features and / or advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 2 is a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a folded state.

[0010] Figure 3 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 or Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an electronic device.

[0011] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a folded state.

[0014] Figure 7 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in an unfolded state.

[0015] Figure 8 is a view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figures 9 to 12 are views sequentially illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig.14 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a folded state.

[0019] Fig.15 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in an unfolded state.

[0020] Fig.16 is a view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Throughout the drawings, like reference numbers may be assigned to like components, configurations and / or structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In a structure in which a plurality of different structures move relative to each other, for example, in an electronic device that is deformable between a folded state (or a curled state) and an unfolded state, efforts are being made to ensure the reliability of the electronic device. For example, the durability of the display can be ensured so that stable picture quality can be provided even after repeated deformation. In an electronic device in which the structure is deformed between a folded state and an unfolded state, when the display is folded to a state with an excessively large curvature (or a state with a small radius of curvature), tension or compression may be generated between the layers of the display. The magnitude (or strength) of the tension or compression generated as the display is transformed into a curved shape may vary depending on each layer. For example, when the display is folded with an excessively large curvature, two layers bonded to each other may be peeled off, or a layer subjected to a relatively large tension may undergo permanent deformation, resulting in wrinkles on the display.

[0023] In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the term “display” may refer to a flexible display that is at least partially deformable between a curved shape and a flat shape.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a hinge assembly that enables the appearance of the device to be deformed between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a hinge assembly capable of achieving miniaturization while ensuring a sufficient curvature radius of a display in a folded state.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a hinge assembly capable of suppressing damage or deformation of a display by ensuring a sufficient curvature radius of the display in a folded state.

[0027] The technical subject matter pursued by the present disclosure may not be limited to the above-mentioned technical subject matter, and other technical subject matter not mentioned may be clearly understood from the following description by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0028] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings can provide an understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, including the claims and their corresponding terms. The exemplary embodiments set forth in the following description include various specific details to aid understanding, but are considered to be one of the various exemplary embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and technical ideas of the present disclosure. In addition, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted.

[0029] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but can be used to clearly and consistently describe the various embodiments described herein. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the following description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is only for the purpose of explanation, and is not used to limit the present disclosure to be limited to the scope of protection and its corresponding words.

[0030] It should be understood that singular forms such as "a", "an" or "the one" also include the meaning of plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, "a component surface" may refer to one or more component surfaces.

[0031] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0032] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalents or replacements of the corresponding embodiments. Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It should be understood that the singular form of the noun corresponding to an article may include one or more things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, 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 in a corresponding phrase. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd", or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding components from another component without limiting these components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “coupled to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “coupled to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are used or when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are not used, it means that the element can be directly (e.g., wired) coupled to the other element, wirelessly coupled to the other element, or coupled to the other element via a third element.

[0033] As used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuit." A module may be a single integrated component, or a minimum unit or a portion thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0034] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) in the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) 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 component in the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the manner in which one or more functions are performed by the corresponding components in the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or heuristically, or one or more operations may be run or omitted in different orders, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0035] Figure 1 2 is a view showing an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a folded state.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include: a housing 201; a hinge cover 230 configured to cover a foldable portion of the housing 201; and a flexible or foldable display 240 (hereinafter referred to as "display" 240), which is disposed in a space defined by the housing 201. According to an embodiment, a surface provided with the display 240 is defined as a front surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., a first front surface 210a and a second front surface 220a). A surface opposite to the front surface is defined as a rear surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., a first rear surface 210b and a second rear surface 220b). In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface is defined as a side surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., a first side surface 211a and a second side surface 221a).

[0037] According to an embodiment, the housing 201 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220 rotatably or pivotally coupled to the first housing 210, a first rear surface cover 280, a second rear surface cover 290, and a hinge module (eg, Figure 3 The hinge module 202 may provide at least one folding axis A (eg, the folding axis described below) serving as a rotation center of the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220. Figure 6 or Figure 7 The housing 201 of the electronic device 200 is not limited to the first folding axis A1 and the second folding axis A2. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , but can be realized by a combination and / or assembly of other shapes or components. For example, in an embodiment, the first shell 210 and the first rear surface cover 280 can be integrated, and the second shell 220 and the second rear surface cover 290 can be integrated. According to an embodiment, the first shell 210 may include a first front surface 210a and a first rear surface 210b, wherein the first front surface 210a is connected to the hinge module (e.g., Figure 3 The second housing 220 may include a second front surface 220a and a second rear surface 220b, the second front surface 220a being connected to the hinge module 202 and oriented in a third direction, the second rear surface 220b being oriented in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and the second housing 220 may rotate relative to the first housing 210 around the hinge module 202. Therefore, the electronic device 200 may be deformed into a folded state or an unfolded state. When the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, the first front surface 210a may face the second front surface 220a, and when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, the third direction may be substantially parallel to the first direction. In the following, unless otherwise stated, directions will be described with reference to the unfolded state of the electronic device 200.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 may be arranged on opposite sides about the folding axis A, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis A. As will be described later, the angle or distance between the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. According to an embodiment, unlike the first shell 210, the second shell 220 may additionally include a sensor area 224 in which various sensors (e.g., a front camera) are arranged, but may have a shape symmetrical to the first shell 210 in other areas. According to an embodiment, there may be multiple (e.g., two) parallel folding axes A (e.g., the folding axes described below). Figure 6 or Figure 7In the present disclosure, the folding axis A is set to be along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electronic device 200, but the direction of the folding axis A is not limited thereto. For example, according to the external design or the user's usage habits, the electronic device 200 can be understood to include a folding axis A extending along the width direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

[0039] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a structure into which the digital pen may be inserted. For example, a hole 223 into which the digital pen may be inserted may be provided in a side surface of the first housing 210 or a side surface of the second housing 220 of the electronic device 200 .

[0040] According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be at least partially made of a metal or non-metal material having a selected level of rigidity for supporting the display 240. At least a portion made of a metal material may provide a ground plane for the electronic device 200 and may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 3 A grounding conductor is provided on the plate unit 260).

[0041] According to an embodiment, the sensor area 224 may be set to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing 220. However, the arrangement, shape and size of the sensor area 224 are not limited to the example shown. For example, in other embodiments, the sensor area 224 may be set at another corner in the second housing 220 or the first housing 210 or any area between the upper end corner and the lower end corner. According to an embodiment, components built into the electronic device 200 to perform various functions may be visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device 200 through the sensor area 224 or through one or more openings set in the sensor area 224. In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the first rear surface cover 280 may be provided at one side of the folding axis A on the rear surface of the electronic device 200, and may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery that may be surrounded by the first housing 210. Similarly, the second rear surface cover 290 may be arranged at the other side of the folding axis A of the rear surface of the electronic device 200, and the periphery of the second rear surface cover 290 may be surrounded by the second housing 220.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the first rear surface cover 280 and the second rear surface cover 290 may have shapes that are substantially symmetrical about the folding axis A. However, the first rear surface cover 280 and the second rear surface cover 290 do not necessarily have shapes that are symmetrical to each other, and in another embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include the first rear surface cover 280 and the second rear surface cover 290 having various shapes.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the first rear surface cover 280, the second rear surface cover 290, the first housing 210, and the second housing 220 may define a space in which various components of the electronic device 200 (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) may be disposed. According to an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200 or visually exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device 200. For example, a sub-display (e.g., Figure 3 At least a portion of the sub-display 244 in the display may be visually exposed through the first rear surface area 282 of the first rear surface cover 280. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear surface area 292 of the second rear surface cover 290. In various embodiments, the sensor may include a proximity sensor and / or a camera module 206 (e.g., a rear camera).

[0045] According to an embodiment, the front camera visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device 200 through one or more openings provided in the sensor region 224 or the camera module 206 visually exposed through the second rear surface region 292 of the second rear surface cover 290 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (e.g., an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and an image sensor may be arranged on one surface of the electronic device 200.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 The hinge cover 230 may be disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and may be configured to cover internal components (eg, Figure 3 According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 230 may be covered by a portion of the first housing 210 and a portion of the second housing 220, or may be exposed to the outside, depending on the state (unfolded state (flat state) or folded state) of the electronic device 200. For example, in the unfolded state, the hinge cover 230 may be substantially covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and in the folded state, most of the outer surface of the hinge cover 230 may be exposed to the outside.

[0047] According to the embodiment, Figure 1As shown, when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state, the hinge cover 230 may not be exposed because it is covered by the first shell 210 and the second shell 220. As another example, Figure 2 As shown, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover 230 may be exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. As another example, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are in an intermediate state where the first housing and the second housing are folded at a specific angle therebetween, the hinge cover 230 may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. However, in this case, the exposed area may be smaller than the exposed area in the fully folded state. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 230 may include a curved surface.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the display 240 may be placed in a space defined by the housing 201. For example, the display 240 may be placed in a recess defined by the housing 201, and may constitute a large portion of the front surface of the electronic device 200. Therefore, the front surface of the electronic device 200 may include the display 240 and partial areas of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 adjacent to the display 240. In addition, the rear surface of the electronic device 200 may include a first rear surface cover 280, a partial area of ​​the first housing 210 adjacent to the first rear surface cover 280, a second rear surface cover 290, and a partial area of ​​the second housing 220 adjacent to the second rear surface cover 290.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the display 240 may refer to a display whose at least a portion can be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. According to an embodiment, the display 240 may include a folding area 243, a first display area 241 (for example, Figure 1 The folding area 243 is a left side of the folding area 243 shown in the figure) and a second display area 242 provided on the other side of the folding area 243. The first display area 241 may refer to an area provided on the first housing 210, and the second display area 242 may refer to an area provided on the second housing 220. The folding area 243 may be partially provided between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and may be transformed between a flat shape and a curved shape in response to rotation of the first housing 210 or the second housing 220.

[0050] However, the area division of the display 240 is exemplary, and the display 240 may be divided into a plurality of areas (eg, four or more areas or two areas) according to its structure or function. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the area of ​​the display 240 may be divided by a folding area 243 or a folding axis (axis A) extending parallel to the Y axis. However, in another embodiment, the area of ​​the display 240 may be divided based on another folding area (e.g., a folding area parallel to the X axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the X axis). According to an embodiment, the display 240 may be coupled to a touch-sensitive circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring touch intensity (pressure), and / or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field type stylus (not shown), or may be disposed adjacent to a touch-sensitive circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring touch intensity (pressure), and / or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field type stylus (not shown).

[0051] According to an embodiment, the first display area 241 and the second display area 242 may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding area 243. According to an embodiment (not shown), unlike the first display area 241, the second display area 242 may include a notch cut due to the presence of the sensor area 224, but may have a shape symmetrical to the first display area 241 in an area other than the sensor area. In other words, the first display area 241 and the second display area 242 may include portions having mutually symmetrical shapes and portions having mutually asymmetrical shapes.

[0052] Hereinafter, operations of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 depending on the state of the electronic device 200 (eg, a flat or unfolded state and a folded state) and various regions of the display 240 will be described.

[0053] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state (flat state) (eg, Figure 1 ), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be arranged to form an angle of approximately 180 degrees, and the first display area 241 and the second display area 242 may be arranged to be oriented in approximately the same direction. For example, in the unfolded state, the surface of the first display area 241 and the surface of the second display area 242 may form 180 degrees between the two and may be oriented in the same direction (e.g., in the forward direction of the electronic device). The folding area 243 may define the same plane as the first display area 241 and the second display area 242.

[0054] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (eg, Figure 2 ), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first display area 241 and the surface of the second display area 242 of the display 240 may substantially face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 degrees and 10 degrees) therebetween. At least a portion of the folding area 243 may be transformed into a curved shape having a predetermined curvature.

[0055] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the intermediate state (folded state) (eg, Figure 3 ), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be arranged to form a specific angle relative to each other. The angle formed by the surface of the first display area 241 and the surface of the second display area 242 of the display 240 may be greater than the angle in the folded state and smaller than the angle in the unfolded state. At least a portion of the folding area 243 may form a curved surface with a predetermined curvature, and the curvature in this case may be smaller than the curvature in the folded state.

[0056] Figure 3 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 or Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an electronic device.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 , the electronic device 200 may include a housing 201, a display 240, a hinge module 202, a battery 250, and a board unit 260. The housing 201 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a first rear surface cover 280, and a second rear surface cover 290.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the case 201 may include a first case 210 , a second case 220 , a hinge cover 230 , a first rear surface cover 280 , and a second rear surface cover 290 . Figure 3 The configurations of the first shell 210, the second shell 220, the hinge cover 230, the first rear surface cover 280 and the second rear surface cover 290 may be completely or partially the same as those of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The first housing 21, the second housing 220, the hinge cover 230, the first rear surface cover 280 and the second rear surface cover 290 are of the same configuration. In the embodiment, the hinge module 202 is arranged in the housing 201 to rotatably connect the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be assembled to each other in a manner of being coupled to opposite sides of the hinge module 202. According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a first support area 212 (e.g., a first support plate or a first support member) capable of supporting components of the electronic device 200 (e.g., a first circuit board 262 and / or a first battery 252) and a first side wall 211 surrounding at least a portion of the first support area 212. The first side wall 211 may include a first side surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 2According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 may include a second supporting area 222 (e.g., a second supporting plate or a second supporting member) capable of supporting components of the electronic device 200 (e.g., a second circuit board 264 and / or a second battery 254) and a second side wall 221 surrounding at least a portion of the second supporting area 222. The second side wall 221 may include a second side surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 2 The second side surface 221a).

[0060] According to an embodiment, the display 240 may include a first display area 241 , a second display area 242 , a folding area 243 , and a sub-display 244 . Figure 3 The configuration of the first display area 241, the second display area 242 and the folding area 243 in the embodiment may be completely or partially different from Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The configurations of the first display area 241, the second display area 242 and the folding area 243 are the same or similar.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the sub display 244 may display a screen in a direction different from the display areas 241 and 242. For example, the sub display 244 may output a screen in a direction opposite to the first display area 241. According to an embodiment, the sub display 244 may be provided on the first rear surface cover 280.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the battery 250 may include a first battery 252 disposed in the first housing 210 and a second battery 254 disposed in the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, the first battery 252 may be disposed on the first circuit board 262, and the second battery 254 may be disposed on the second circuit board 264.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the board unit 260 may include a first circuit board 262 disposed in the first housing 210 and a second circuit board 264 disposed in the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, the board unit 260 may include at least one flexible printed circuit board 266 for electrically connecting the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 266 may be disposed to cross the hinge module 202. According to an embodiment, the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264 may be disposed in a space defined by the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the first rear surface cover 280, and the second rear surface cover 290. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 200 may be mounted on the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a speaker module 208. According to an embodiment, the speaker module 208 may convert an electrical signal into sound. According to an embodiment, the speaker module 208 may be disposed in a space defined by the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the first rear surface cover 280, and the second rear surface cover 290.

[0065] The following detailed description may illustrate a configuration in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are rotatably connected or coupled via a hinge module (or hinge assembly). However, it should be noted that these embodiments do not limit the electronic device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the electronic device according to the embodiments disclosed herein may include three or more housings, and the "pair of housings" in the embodiments disclosed below may refer to "two housings rotatably coupled to each other in three or more housings". In an embodiment, at least one of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be slidably coupled to a third housing (not shown), and the visual exposure area of ​​the display may be expanded or reduced in response to the sliding of the third housing. In the following detailed description, a detailed description of a configuration that is easily understood by the aforementioned embodiments may be omitted, and further reference may be made to the electronic device 200 of the aforementioned embodiments as needed.

[0066] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 , the electronic device 300 may include a first housing 310 (eg, Figures 1 to 3 The first shell 210 in the embodiment of the present invention), the second shell 320 (for example, Figures 1 to 3 The second housing 220 in the embodiment of the present invention), the hinged cover 330 (for example, Figure 2 or Figure 3 The hinge cover 230), the hinge assembly 302 (eg, Figure 3 The hinge module 202) and / or the flexible display 340 (eg, Figure 1 or Figure 3 In an embodiment, one or more electrical components 360a and 360b may be disposed within the first housing 310 and / or the second housing 320. The electrical components 360a and 360b may each include, for example, Figure 3 The battery 250 or the board unit 260 in the electronic device 300. Depending on the internal structure of the electronic device 300, the arrangement or shape of the electrical components 360a and 360b may be changed differently. In an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may further include one or more rear surface covers 380 and 390 coupled to the first housing 310 or the second housing 320. In an embodiment, the one or more rear surface covers 380 and 390 may be used to protect the sub-display (e.g., Figure 3A window of the sub-display 244) in the display.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may further include a support plate 349 supporting the display 340. The support plate 349 may include one or more flat areas 349a and a flexible area 349b, wherein the one or more flat areas 349a and the first display area (such as the first display area) of the display 340 are in contact with each other. Figure 3 The first display area 241) or the second display area ( Figure 3 The flexible area 349b is arranged between the flat areas 349a. For example, the flat area 349a may be arranged to correspond to the first display area 241 or the second display area 242, and the flexible area 349b may be arranged to correspond to the folding area (for example, Figure 3 folding area 243 in the first shell 310). The flat area 349a can substantially maintain a flat shape, and the flexible area 349b can be deformed in response to the rotation of the first shell 310 or the second shell 320. For example, the flexible area 349b can have a lower elastic modulus than the flat area 349a. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the flat area 349a can be arranged or coupled to the first shell 310 or the second shell 320 while having substantially the same elastic modulus as the flexible area 349b to maintain a flat shape. In an embodiment, the support plate 349 can be used as an adhesive member for bonding the display 340 to the first shell 310 or the second shell 320. In an embodiment, the support plate 349 can be used as a protective member for protecting the display 340 from the mechanical structure of the first shell 310 or the second shell 320.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 330 may be provided in an area between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 or between the rear surface covers 380 and 390 on a surface opposite to the display 340. In an embodiment, the “area between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320” or the “area between the rear surface covers 380 and 390” may be understood as being at least partially connected to the display 340. Figure 1 or Figure 3 The hinge cover 330 may be substantially contained inside the first shell 310 or the second shell 320 in the unfolded state, and may be at least partially visually exposed to the outside space in the folded state. For example, the gap between the rear surface covers 380 and 390 may change in response to the rotation of the first shell 310 or the second shell 320, and the hinge cover 330 may be hidden or exposed between another surface of the first shell 310 and another surface of the second shell 320 (e.g., between the rear surface covers 380 and 390).

[0070] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly 302 may be at least partially disposed inside the hinge cover 330 (e.g., between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320), and may rotatably connect the first housing 310 and the second housing 320. As will be described later, the hinge assembly 302 may include a plurality of rotating plates (e.g., Figure 5 The plurality of rotating plates may be arranged in a flat shape in the unfolded state to support at least a portion of the folding region 243, and may be arranged at an angle relative to each other in the folded state to provide a space for accommodating at least a portion of the folding region 243 deformed into a curved shape.

[0071] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a folded state. Figure 7 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in an unfolded state. Figure 8 is a view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Reference Figures 5 to 8 The hinge assembly 302 may include a hinge module 321, a first rotating plate 323, a second rotating plate 325 and / or a rotating support plate 327. According to an embodiment, the rotating support plate 327 may be understood as a part of the first housing 310 or the second housing 320. Figure 6 As shown, in the folded state, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 can be arranged at an angle relative to each other, so as to at least partially accommodate the folding area 243 deformed into a curved shape. For example, in the folded state, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 can be arranged at an angle relative to each other so that they can be accommodated in the first shell 310 or the second shell 320 more inwardly than in the unfolded state, thereby expanding the space for accommodating the folding area 243. Figure 7 As shown, in the unfolded state, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 may be arranged to form a plane so that they can support at least a portion of the folding region 243. For example, even if an external force such as a user's touch input is applied to the folding region 243 in the use state (e.g., in the unfolded state), the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 may suppress deformation of the folding region 243. In an embodiment, since the folding region 243 is supported by the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 in the unfolded state, the user may tactilely sense the touch input (or pressure according to the touch) in the folding region 243.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the interval or distance between the hinge module 321 and the rotation support plate 327 may be different depending on the folded state and the unfolded state. In an embodiment, in response to the change in the interval or distance, the first rotation plate 323 and the second rotation plate 325 may rotate so as to be arranged at an angle or form a plane relative to each other. In an embodiment, "the interval between the hinge module 321 and the rotation support plate 327" may be understood as the interval between the first rotation axis R1 (described below) and the rotation support plate 327, or the interval between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3 (described below). The change in the interval or distance between the hinge module 321 and the rotation support plate 327 will be described again below.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 321 may be substantially disposed within the hinge cover 330 and may provide at least one folding axis A1 or A2 (eg, Figure 1 folding axis A in the first housing 310). For example, the first housing 310 may be coupled to the hinge module 321 and may rotate or pivot about a first folding axis A1 in at least one folding axis, and the second housing 320 may be coupled to the hinge module 321 and may rotate or pivot about a second folding axis A2 in at least another folding axis. According to an embodiment, the hinge module 321 may include one or more hinge arms 329a arranged to be rotatable about the first folding axis A1 or the second folding axis A2. For example, one of the hinge arms 329a (hereinafter referred to as a "first hinge arm") may rotate about the first folding axis A1 and may be mounted on the first housing 310, so that the first housing 310 can be coupled to the hinge module 321 and can rotate or pivot about the first folding axis A1. The other hinge arm (hereinafter referred to as "second hinge arm") of the hinge arms 329a can rotate about the second folding axis A2 and can be installed on the second housing 320 so that the second housing 320 can be connected to the hinge module 321 and can rotate or pivot about the second folding axis A2. Figure 6 , the first hinge arm may be substantially covered by the second rotating plate 325 , and the hinge arm denoted by reference numeral ' 329 a ' may be an example of a second hinge arm mounted on the second housing 320 .

[0075] In an embodiment, the hinge module 321 may further include a plurality of gears 341. For example, the hinge module 321 may include a gear aligned on the first folding axis A1 and a gear aligned on the second folding axis A2. In an embodiment, the plurality of gears 341 may be configured to mesh so that the hinge arm 329a (and / or the first housing 310 and the second housing 320) rotate in opposite directions relative to each other. For example, in Figure 6In the embodiment, when the first housing 310 rotates counterclockwise, the second housing 320 can rotate in the opposite direction (e.g., clockwise) to the first housing 310 through the plurality of gears 341. In an embodiment, the plurality of gears 341 can be formed into one pair, two pairs, and / or three pairs. For example, the number of gears 341 can be selected depending on the distance between the first folding axis A1 and the second folding axis A2 or the diameter of each gear 341. With respect to the number and arrangement of these gears 341, a structure that causes the hinge arms 329a to rotate in directions opposite to each other can be considered.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 321 may further include a curved region 321b. For example, when the hinge module 321 is arranged on the hinge cover 330, the curved region 321b may be arranged to face the display 340 (e.g., the folding region 243) and may have a concave shape. For example, in the folded state, the curved region 321b may form or define a space for accommodating at least a portion of the folding region 243 that has been deformed into a curved shape. Therefore, the curved region 321b may provide a space capable of accommodating the folding region 243, thereby suppressing or mitigating the increase in the curvature of the folding region 243 in the folded state.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 321 may further include one or more support protrusions 329b that protrude and retract on the bending area 321b. The support protrusion 329b may be provided on, for example, the hinge arm 329a to pivot (e.g., surround) around the first folding axis A1 or the second folding axis A2. For example, one or more support protrusions 329b may protrude outside the bending area 321b of the hinge module 321 in the unfolded state, and may be accommodated inside the hinge module 321 in the folded state. Therefore, in the unfolded state, one or more support protrusions 329b serve as a structure that supports a portion of the folding area 243 in the space provided by the bending area 321b, and in the folded state, the support protrusion 329b is accommodated inside the hinge module 321 so that the space provided by the bending area 321b can accommodate a portion of the folding area 243.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the first rotating plate 323, the second rotating plate 325 and / or the rotating support plate 327 may be provided to correspond to each of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320. For example, a single hinge assembly 302 may include a single pair (or two pairs) of first rotating plates 323, a pair (or two pairs) of second rotating plates 325 and / or a single pair (or two pairs) of rotating support plates 327. In an embodiment, the rotation axis of the first rotating plate 323 or the second rotating plate 325 corresponding to the first housing 310 may be arranged at a different position from the rotation axis of the first rotating plate 323 or the second rotating plate 325 corresponding to the second housing 320, but may be arranged symmetrically to each other. For example, by a detailed description of the first rotating plate 323 or the second rotating plate 325 corresponding to the first housing 310, the structure corresponding to the second housing 320 may be easily understood. Therefore, hereinafter, for brevity of description, the first rotating plate 323 , the second rotating plate 325 , and / or the rotating supporting plate 327 may be described by way of example based on a configuration corresponding to the first housing 310 or the second housing 320 .

[0079] According to an embodiment, the first rotating plate 323 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge module 321 to rotate around the first rotating axis R1. The first rotating axis R1 may be understood as, for example, an axis spaced apart from the first folding axis A1 (or the second folding axis A2) and parallel to the first folding axis A1. In an embodiment, a plurality of (e.g., a pair of) hinge modules 321 may be provided, and the first rotating plate 323 may be rotatably arranged between two hinge modules 321 selected from the plurality of hinge modules 321.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly 302 and / or the hinge module 321 may include a guide protrusion 321a extending from a position spaced apart from the folding axis (e.g., the first folding axis A1 or the second folding axis A2) in the folding axis direction. For example, the first rotating plate 323 may be coupled to the guide protrusion 321a and may rotate relative to the hinge module 321 around the first rotation axis R1 provided by the guide protrusion 321a. In an embodiment, the hinge assembly 302 and / or the hinge module 321 may further include a guide groove 323a (or a guide hole) formed on a side surface of the first rotating plate 323. The guide groove 323a may accommodate, for example, the guide protrusion 321a of the hinge module 321. For example, when the guide protrusion 321a is accommodated in the guide groove 323a, the first rotating plate 323 may be coupled to the hinge module 321 in a rotatable manner around the first rotation axis R1.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the guide groove 323a may extend in a direction intersecting the first folding axis A1 or the first rotation axis R1. For example, the first rotating plate 323 may slide relative to the guide protrusion 321a under the guidance of the guide groove 323a while rotating relative to the hinge module 321 about the first rotation axis R1. As described above, the interval between the hinge module 321 and the rotation support plate 327 (e.g., the interval between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3) may change in response to the rotation of the first housing 310 or the second housing 320, and the sliding of the first rotating plate 323 relative to the guide protrusion 321a (and / or the rotation of the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 relative to each other) may enable the interval between the hinge module 321 and the rotation support plate 327 to change. In an embodiment, the guide groove 323a may be shaped to accommodate and fix the guide protrusion 321a. For example, when the guide groove 323a does not extend in the direction intersecting the first rotation axis R1 and accommodates or fixes the guide protrusion 321a, the first rotation plate 323 can be coupled to the guide protrusion 321a and rotate around the first rotation axis R1, and the sliding movement can be restricted. The shape of the guide groove 323a (for example, the length extending in the direction intersecting the first rotation axis R1) can be changed according to the interval between the first folding axis A1 and the first rotation axis R1, the tilt angle between the first rotation plate 323 and the second rotation plate 325 in the folded state, and / or the degree of change in the interval between the hinge module 321 and the rotation support plate 327.

[0082] According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first rotating plate 323 may be supported by the hinge cover 330. For example, in the unfolded state in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 form an angle of about 180 degrees, the first rotating plate 323 may be supported by the hinge cover 330 to maintain a stationary state. In an embodiment, in the unfolded state, in a state in which the guide protrusion 321a is accommodated in the guide groove 323a, the first rotating plate 323 may be supported on the hinge cover 330, so that the first rotating plate 323 can maintain a stationary state and no longer rotate in the unfolding direction. According to an embodiment, as long as the first housing 310 or the second housing 320 does not rotate in the folding direction when unfolded to form an angle of about 180 degrees, the first rotating plate 323 can be supported by the guide protrusion 321a, the guide groove 323a and / or the hinge cover 330 and maintain a flat state with the second rotating plate 325.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the second rotating plate 325 can be coupled to the first rotating plate 323 at a position spaced apart from the first rotating axis R1, and can rotate around the second rotating axis R1. The second rotating axis R1 can be understood as, for example, an axis spaced apart from the first folding axis A1 (or the second folding axis A2) and / or the first rotating axis R1 and parallel to the first folding axis A1. When realizing the second rotating axis R2, the hinge assembly 302 may include a guide rail 325a disposed on one of the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325, and a guide rail groove 323b disposed on the other of the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail 325a can protrude from the second rotating plate 325 in the direction of the second rotating axis R2, and the guide rail groove 323b can be recessed in the first rotating plate 323 in the direction of the second rotating axis R2. In an embodiment, the guide rail 325a and the guide rail groove 323b can extend along an arc track centered on the second rotating axis R2.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 325a can be accommodated in the guide rail groove 323b to move along an arc track, thereby guiding the first rotating plate 323 and / or the second rotating plate 325 to rotate around the second rotation axis R2. For example, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 can be connected by the structure of the guide rail 325a and / or the guide rail groove 323b to be rotatable around the second rotation axis R2. Since the guide rail 325a and / or the guide rail groove 323b can have an arc track centered on the second rotation axis R2, the movement of the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 relative to each other in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis R2 or in a direction intersecting the second rotation axis R2 can be suppressed.

[0085] In an embodiment, in the unfolded state, since the first rotating plate 323 is supported by the guide protrusion 321a, the guide groove 323a and / or the hinge cover 330, the second rotating plate 325 can maintain a flat state with the first rotating plate 323 as long as the first housing 310 or the second housing 320 is not rotated toward the folded state. For example, the support structure of the first rotating plate 323 by means of the guide protrusion 321a, the guide groove 323a and / or the hinge cover 330 and the guide rail structure between the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 can be combined to stably support the folding area 243 in the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, an area not supported by the first rotating plate 323 and / or the second rotating plate 325, for example, an area facing the hinge module 321 in the folding area 243, can be supported by one or more support protrusions 329b protruding into the bending area 321b. For example, when the folding area 243 has a flat shape, the hinge assembly 302 (e.g., the first rotating plate 323, the second rotating plate 325 and / or one or more supporting protrusions 329b) can stably support the folding area 243 and provide an environment in which the user can feel touch pressure during touch input.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the rotation support plate 327 may be fixed to the first housing 310 or the second housing 320, and the second rotation plate 325 may be rotatably coupled to the rotation support plate 327 at a position spaced apart from the second rotation axis R2. For example, the second rotation plate 325 may rotate relative to the rotation support plate 327 about a third rotation axis R3 different from the second rotation axis R2 while being supported by the rotation support plate 327. The third rotation axis R3 may be understood as, for example, an axis that is parallel to the folding axis (e.g., Figure 1 The folding axis A in Figure 6 The first folding axis A1 and the second folding axis A2 in the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 are spaced apart from each other, and the first rotation axis R1 and / or the second rotation axis R2 are spaced apart and parallel to the first folding axis A1. Although not shown, similar to the structure of the guide protrusion 321a and the guide groove 323a, a combination of a protrusion and a groove or a combination of a rod and a hole can be used to rotatably connect the second rotating plate 325 and the rotating support plate 327. In an embodiment, the rotating support plate 327 can be provided as a part of the first housing 310 or the second housing 320. For example, the rotating support plate 327 can be implemented as Figure 3 The first support area 212 or the second support area 222 of the hinge assembly 302 may be a part of the hinge assembly 302. For example, the rotation support plate 327 may be integrally provided in the support area 311 of the first housing 310 (or the second housing 320). For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, although the first rotation plate 323, the second rotation plate 325 and / or the rotation support plate 327 are described as being included in the hinge assembly 302, it should be noted that this is for the convenience of description and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0087] According to the embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first rotation axis R1 can be fixed relative to the first folding axis A1, and the second rotation axis R2 and / or the third rotation axis R3 can rotate around the first folding axis A1. Figure 7 In the unfolded state, it can be seen that the first folding axis A1, the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3 can be arranged at different heights in the Z-axis direction, and the interval (or distance) between the first folding axis A1 and the third rotation axis R3 is substantially the same as the interval between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3. Figure 7 Compared with the expanded state, it can be seen that Figure 6 In the folded state, the first rotation axis R1 is substantially located between the first folding axis A1 and the third rotation axis R3. For example, as the first shell 310 or the second shell 320 rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3 may gradually decrease. In response to the change in the distance between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3, the first rotation plate 323 may slide relative to the guide protrusion 321a, or the first rotation plate 323 and the second rotation plate 325 may rotate relative to each other (e.g., around the second rotation axis R2). In an embodiment, similar to the change in the distance between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3, the distance between the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may change.

[0088] According to an embodiment, as described above, in the unfolded state, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 are arranged to form a flat shape. In the folded state, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 may be arranged at an angle relative to each other to the extent that the interval between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3 is reduced. For example, in the folded state, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 may be accommodated in the first housing 310 (or the second housing 320) more inwardly than in the unfolded state. According to an embodiment, since the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 are further accommodated inwardly in the first housing 310 (or the second housing 320) in the folded state, the space for accommodating the folding area 243 deformed into a curved shape can be expanded. For example, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the space for accommodating the folding area 243 in the folded state is expanded, thereby suppressing the increase in the curvature of the folding area 243. As described above, as the curvature of the folding area 243 increases, due to the deviation of the tension or compression force, peeling or permanent deformation between some layers in the display 340 may occur. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by suppressing an increase in the curvature of the folding region 243 , damage to the display 340 caused by a folding or unfolding operation may be suppressed or mitigated.

[0089] According to an embodiment, by utilizing the structure of the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 to expand the space for accommodating the folding area 243, the miniaturization of the electronic device 300 can be promoted. For example, when the space for accommodating the folding area 243 has a non-expandable structure, in order to reduce the curvature of the folding area 243 in the folded state, it may be necessary to ensure a sufficient gap between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320. On the other hand, in the electronic device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the space for accommodating the folding area 243 in the folded state is expandable, it can contribute to the reduction of the gap between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 in the folded state. Therefore, the electronic device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be miniaturized while suppressing damage to the display 340 due to the folding or unfolding operation.

[0090] Figures 9 to 12 are views sequentially illustrating an unfolding operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Reference Figures 9 to 12 , in response to the first housing 310 and / or the second housing 320 rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 may be aligned in a manner of gradually forming a flat shape while rotating relative to each other. As described above, the interval between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3 and / or the interval between the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may change in response to the rotation of the first housing 310 and / or the second housing 320. For example, the interval between the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may change in response to the rotation of the first housing 310 and / or the second housing 320, and the first rotating plate 323 may slide while rotating relative to the hinge module 321 or the guide protrusion 321a in response to the change in the interval between the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2. In the unfolding movement, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 may be arranged to gradually form a flat shape by rotating relative to each other in a direction in which the tilt angle relative to each other increases.

[0092] According to an embodiment, in the unfolding movement (or folding movement), the moving angle range of the second rotation axis R2 relative to the first folding axis A1 may be less than 90 degrees, while the moving angle range of the third rotation axis R3 relative to the first folding axis A1 may be greater than 90 degrees. This can be achieved as follows: the first rotating plate 323 is moved via a guide rail structure (e.g., Figure 5The guide rail 325a and the guide rail groove 323b in the hinge module 321 are rotatably connected to the second rotating plate 325 and slide relative to the guide protrusion 321a (or the hinge module 321). According to an embodiment, when the second rotation axis R2 and the third rotation axis R3 are arranged at a different height from the first folding axis A1 in the Z-axis direction in the unfolded state, and are arranged at different distances from the first folding axis A1, the moving angle ranges of the second rotation axis R2 and the third rotation axis R3 may be different from each other. By configuring the moving angle range of the second rotation axis R2 to be smaller than the moving angle range of the third rotation axis R3, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 can be accommodated inside the first housing 310 (or the second housing 320) in a state tilted relative to each other in the folded state, and can be arranged to form a flat shape in the unfolded state. For example, the first rotating plate 323 and the second rotating plate 325 can expand the space for accommodating the folding area 243 in the folded state, and / or can be arranged in a flat shape in the unfolded state to support the folding area 243.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the distance deviation between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3 in the folded state and the unfolded state may be allowed by the sliding movement of the first rotation plate 323 relative to the guide protrusion 321a and / or the rotation or tilt angle of the first rotation plate 323 and the second rotation plate 325. In an embodiment, the distance deviation between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3 in the folded state and the unfolded state may be allowed by the rotation or tilt angle of the first rotation plate 323 and the second rotation plate 325, and the first rotation plate 323 may rotate around the first rotation axis R1 without sliding relative to the guide protrusion 321a. For example, according to an embodiment, the first rotation plate 323 may not be allowed to slide relative to the guide protrusion 321a, and the distance deviation between the first rotation axis R1 and the third rotation axis R3 in the folded state and the unfolded state may be achieved by the rotation or tilt angle of the first rotation plate 323 and the second rotation plate 325.

[0094] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a folded state. Fig.15 is a view showing that the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in an unfolded state. Fig.16 is a view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Figures 13 to 16 The hinge assembly 402 and Figure 5 The hinge assembly 302 may be different in that the sliding structure of the guide protrusion 321a and the first rotating plate 323 is Fig.13 The second rotating plate 425 and the rotating support plate 427 are implemented. According to the embodiment, Figures 13 to 16 The hinge assembly 402 and Figure 5 The hinge assembly 302 may be different in that the plurality of gears 341 and Fig.13 The hinge module 421 is separated and implemented as a separate gear module 440. Figures 13 to 16 In the hinge assembly 402, the gear module 440 may be disposed between a pair of hinge modules 421, and a pair of first rotating plates 423 may be disposed to correspond to the first housing (eg, Figure 4 The first housing 310 in the embodiment of the present invention) or the second housing (eg Figure 4 In the description Figures 13 to 16 When describing an embodiment of the present invention, for components that can be easily understood through the previous embodiment, the same reference numerals in the drawings may be assigned or omitted, and their detailed description may also be omitted.

[0096] Reference Figures 13 to 16 , hinge assembly 402 (eg, Figure 3 The hinge module 202 or Figure 5 The hinge assembly 302 in the embodiment may include a pair of first rotating plates 423, one or more second rotating plates 425 and / or a rotating support plate 427 corresponding to the hinge module 421, the gear module 440 and the first housing 310 (or the second housing 320). In an embodiment, the hinge module 421 and the gear module 440 may be arranged along a folding axis (e.g., Figure 1 The folding axis A in Figure 6 The hinge module 421 may be arranged in the direction of the first folding axis A1 and the second folding axis A2 in the first rotating plate 423, and the hinge module 421 may rotatably connect the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 by including a hinge arm 329a. In an embodiment, since the plurality of gears 341 are connected to the first rotating plate 423, when one of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 rotates, the other may rotate. As for the number and arrangement of the plurality of gears 341, it has been described before that they are configured to rotate the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly 402 may include a rotation support protrusion 421a provided on one or more hinge modules 421 and / or the gear module 440, and a rotation support hole 423a provided in one or more first rotation plates 423. For example, in a state where the rotation support protrusion 421a is accommodated in the rotation support hole 423a, the one or more first rotation plates 423 may be arranged to be rotatable around the first rotation axis R1 between the one hinge module 421 and the gear module 440. For example, the rotation support protrusion 421a and the rotation support hole 423a may protrude or extend substantially in the direction of the first rotation axis R1, and may rotatably couple the one or more first rotation plates 423 to the hinge module 421 and / or the gear module 440. When coupling one or more first rotating plates 423 and one or more second rotating plates 425 , the hinge assembly 402 may include a guide rail 325 a and a guide rail groove 323 b providing a second rotation axis R2 , which may be similar to the aforementioned embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly 402 may include a guide rod 425a (or a guide protrusion) formed on one of the second rotating plate 425 and the rotating support plate 427, and a second guide groove 427a formed on the other of the second rotating plate 425 or the rotating support plate 427. The guide rod 425a may provide, for example, a third rotation axis R3, and may be substantially slidably accommodated in the second guide groove 427a. For example, the second guide groove 427a may extend in a direction intersecting the first folding axis A1 or the third rotation axis R3. In an embodiment, the second guide groove 427a is formed in a concave shape on one surface of the rotating support plate 427, allowing the guide rod 425a to be easily removed from the second guide groove 427a (or the rotating support plate 427). For example, when the rotation support plate 427 is coupled to the first housing 310 or the second housing 320, the guide rod 425a may be substantially restricted to the rotation support plate 427 and the first housing 310 (or the rotation support plate 427 and the second housing 320) in a rotatable or slidable state. In an embodiment, the groove formed in the first housing 310 or the second housing 320 may be combined with the second guide groove 427a to form a hole (e.g., Fig.14 The sliding motion of the guide rod 425a can be similar to Figure 5 The guide protrusion 321a moves in the guide groove 323a.

[0099] According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first rotating plate 423 and the second rotating plate 425 may support at least a portion of the folding area 243 by a support structure provided by the hinge cover 330, a fastening structure of the rotation support protrusion 421a and the rotation support hole 423a, a fastening structure of the guide rail 325a and the guide groove 323b, and / or a fastening structure of the guide rod 425a and the second guide groove 427a. When the hinge module 421 includes a bending area (e.g., Figure 6 When the hinge assembly 402 and / or the hinge module 421 are extended to the bending area 321b in the unfolded state, the hinge assembly 402 and / or the hinge module 421 may further include one or more support protrusions 329b protruding or retracting on the bending area 321b. The support protrusions 329b may protrude from the bending area 321b in the unfolded state to support the folding area 243. In the unfolded state, the first rotating plate 423 may be supported by the hinge cover 330 to maintain a state of being arranged to form a flat shape with the second rotating plate 425, which may be similar to the aforementioned embodiment.

[0100] According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the first rotating plate 423 and the second rotating plate 425 may be accommodated inwardly within the first housing 310 or the second housing 320 in a state of being inclined relative to each other (for example, at an angle less than 180 degrees) than in the unfolded state. For example, the folding area 243 deformed into a curved shape in the folded state may be accommodated in a space surrounded by the first rotating plate 423 and the second rotating plate 425 and / or a space surrounded by the curved area 321b of the hinge module 421, thereby suppressing or mitigating an increase in the curvature of the folding area 243.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (such as Figures 1 to 4 The electronic device 200 or 300 in the embodiment may include a hinge assembly (eg Figure 3 The hinge module 202, or Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Fig.13 The hinge assembly 302 or 402 in the electronic device is deformed between a folded state and an unfolded state. In the unfolded state of the electronic device, the first rotating plate (eg, Figure 5 and / or Fig.13 The first rotating plate 323 or 423 and the second rotating plate (eg, Figure 5 and / or Fig.13 The second rotating plate 325 or 425 in the embodiment may be arranged to form a flat shape and support a flexible display (eg, Figure 3 or Figure 4 A folding area (e.g., a display 240 or 340) in Figure 1 or Figure 3In the folded state of the electronic device, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate can be arranged at an angle relative to each other to provide a space for accommodating the folding area deformed into a curved shape. For example, in the folded state, the folding area can maintain a state with a sufficient radius of curvature, thereby reducing the deviation of the tension or compression force caused by the shape deformation. According to an embodiment, by reducing the tension or compression force caused by the shape deformation, the layer peeling or permanent deformation of the flexible display can be suppressed. For example, even if the electronic device is miniaturized, damage to the flexible display caused by peeling or permanent deformation can be suppressed or reduced.

[0102] Effects that can be obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects not described above may be clearly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs based on the following description.

[0103] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, Figures 1 to 4 The electronic device 200 or 300 in the embodiment may include: a first housing (eg, Figures 1 to 4 The first shell 210 or 310 in the embodiment; the second shell (for example, Figures 1 to 4 The second shell 220 or 320 in the embodiment of the present invention is configured to be foldable relative to the first shell about at least one folding axis (for example, Figure 1 The folding axis A in Figure 5 The first folding axis A1 and the second folding axis A2 in the hinge assembly (eg, Figure 3 The hinge module 202, or Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Fig.13 The hinge assembly 302 or 402 in FIG. 1 ); a flexible display (eg, Figure 1 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 The display 240 or 340 in the flexible display includes a first display area (eg, Figure 1 or Figure 3 A first display area 241 in the second housing, a second display area (eg, Figure 1 or Figure 3 The second display area 242 in the hinge assembly) and a folding area (eg, Figure 1 or Figure 3 folding area 243 in the middle); and hinged cover (e.g. Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 The hinge assembly may include a hinge cover 230 or 330 in the embodiment, the hinge cover is disposed between the first shell and the second shell and is configured to be hidden or exposed between another surface of the first shell and another surface of the second shell as the second shell rotates. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Fig.13 The hinge module 321 or 421 or the gear module 440); the hinge module is arranged in the hinge cover and provides at least one folding axis; the first rotating plate (for example, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The first rotating plate 323 or 423 in the embodiment of the present invention is rotatably coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (eg, Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.14 and / or Fig.15 The first rotation axis R1 in the middle rotates; the second rotating plate (for example, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The second rotating plate 325 or 425 in the embodiment of the present invention is rotatably coupled to the first rotating plate at a position spaced apart from the first rotating axis and is configured to rotate about the second rotating axis (e.g., Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.14 and / or Fig.15 and rotating the support plate (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The rotation support plate 327 or 427 in the embodiment is fixed to the first housing or the second housing. The rotation support plate supports the second rotation plate in such a manner that the rotation support plate is rotatably coupled at a position spaced apart from the second rotation axis and rotates about a third rotation axis (e.g., Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.14 and / or Fig.15 In an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first rotating plate can be configured to support at least a portion of the folding area by being supported by the hinge cover to be arranged to form a plane with the second rotating plate. In an embodiment, when the second housing rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the first rotation axis and the third rotation axis can be configured to decrease.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate can be configured to rotate relative to each other around a second rotating axis, so that in a folded state, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are arranged at an angle relative to each other and are accommodated in the first shell or the second shell more inwardly than in an unfolded state.

[0105] According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the folding area may be configured to form a curved surface within a space at least partially surrounded by the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include: a guide protrusion (eg, Figure 5 The guide protrusion 323a or Fig.14 The guide protrusion 423a in the hinge module extends from the hinge module along at least one folding axis direction to provide a first rotation axis; and a guide groove (eg Figure 3 The guide groove 323a in the first rotating plate is formed on the first rotating plate and extends in a direction intersecting at least one folding axis and is configured to accommodate the guide protrusion. In an embodiment, the first rotating plate can be supported by the guide protrusion to rotate around the first rotating axis, and can be configured to slide relative to the guide protrusion under the guidance of the guide groove.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include: a guide protrusion or a guide rod (eg, Fig.13 The guide protrusion or guide rod is formed on the second rotating plate and extends along at least one folding axis direction to provide a third rotation axis; and a guide groove (eg Fig.13 The second guide groove 427a in the rotating support plate is formed on the rotating support plate and extends in a direction intersecting at least one folding axis and is configured to accommodate a guide protrusion or a guide rod. In an embodiment, the second rotating plate can be configured to rotate around the guide protrusion or the guide rod and slide relative to the rotating support plate under the guidance of the guide groove.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include: a guide rail (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The guide rail 325a in the first rotating plate is provided on one of the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate and extends along an arc track centered on the second rotating axis; and a guide rail groove (eg Figure 5 or Fig.13 The guide rail groove 323b in the guide rail groove is arranged on the other of the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate and extends along an arc track centered on the second rotation axis to accommodate the guide rail. In an embodiment, the guide rail can be configured to move along the arc track in the guide rail groove.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a hinge arm (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The hinge arm 329a in the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the hinge module and is configured to rotate around at least one folding axis and is mounted on the first shell or the second shell.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a bending area (eg, Figure 6 The curved area 321b in the embodiment is arranged to face the folding area. In an embodiment, in the folded state, the folding area can be arranged to form a curved surface in a space at least partially surrounded by the curved area.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a support protrusion (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The support protrusion 329b in the hinge module is provided on the hinge arm and accommodated in the hinge module. In an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the support protrusion can be configured to protrude from the hinge module at a position corresponding to the folding area.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the support protrusion may be configured to protrude or retract on the bending area as the second housing rotates.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include: a first hinge arm, which is coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate around a first folding axis of at least one folding axis and is mounted on the first housing; a second hinge arm, which is coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate around a second folding axis of at least one folding axis and is mounted on the second housing; and a plurality of gears (e.g., Figure 5 or Fig.13 The gear 341 in the embodiment is arranged between the first folding axis and the second folding axis. In an embodiment, the plurality of gears may be configured to rotate the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, Figures 1 to 4 The electronic device 200 or 300 in the embodiment may include: a housing (eg, Figure 3 The housing 201 in the embodiment includes a housing 202 including a plurality of folding axes (e.g., a housing 201 in the embodiment) between a position facing each other (hereinafter referred to as a "folded state") and a position unfolded at a predetermined angle (hereinafter referred to as a "deployed state") about one or more folding axes (e.g., Figure 1 The folding axis A in Figure 5 A first housing (for example, a first folding axis A1 and a second folding axis A2 in a rotatable manner) is rotatably coupled to each other. Figures 1 to 4 The first housing 210 or 310 and the second housing (eg, Figures 1 to 4 The second housing 220 or 320 in the embodiment; a hinge assembly (eg, Figure 3 The hinge module 202 or Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Fig.13The hinge assembly 302 or 402 in the embodiment of the present invention is at least partially disposed between the first shell and the second shell, and rotatably connects the first shell and the second shell; a flexible display (for example, Figure 1 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 The display 240 or 340 in the flexible display includes a first display area (eg, Figure 1 or Figure 3 A first display area 241 in the second housing, a second display area (eg, Figure 1 or Figure 3 The hinge assembly includes a second display area 242 and a folding area (eg, a folding area connecting the first display area and the second display area and arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the hinge assembly) . Figure 1 or Figure 3 folding area 243); and a hinged cover (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 The hinge assembly may include a hinge cover 230 or 330 in the embodiment, the hinge cover is disposed between the first shell and the second shell and is configured to be hidden or exposed between another surface of the first shell and another surface of the second shell as the second shell rotates. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Fig.13 The hinge module 321 or 421 or the gear module 440 is arranged in the hinge cover and provides at least one folding axis; at least one first rotating plate (for example, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The at least one first rotating plate 323 or 423 in the hinge module is rotatably coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (e.g., Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.14 and / or Fig.15 at least one second rotating plate (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The at least one second rotating plate is rotatably coupled to the first rotating plate at a position spaced apart from the first rotating axis and is configured to rotate about a second rotating axis (e.g., Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.14 and / or Fig.15 and rotating the support plate (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13The rotation support plate 327 or 427 in the embodiment is fixed to the first housing or the second housing. The rotation support plate supports the second rotation plate in such a manner that the rotation support plate is rotatably coupled at a position spaced apart from the second rotation axis and rotates about a third rotation axis (e.g., Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig.14 and / or Fig.15 In an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first rotating plate can be configured to support at least a portion of the folding area by being supported by the hinge cover so as to be arranged to form a plane with the second rotating plate. In an embodiment, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate can be configured to rotate relative to each other around the second rotating axis, so that in the folded state, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are arranged at an angle relative to each other and are accommodated in the first shell or the second shell more inwardly than in the unfolded state.

[0115] According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the folding area may be configured to form a curved surface within a space at least partially surrounded by the first rotation plate and the second rotation plate.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include: a guide protrusion (eg, Figure 5 The guide protrusion 323a or Fig.14 The guide protrusion 423a in the hinge module extends from the hinge module along at least one folding axis direction to provide a first rotation axis; and a guide groove (eg, Figure 3 The guide groove 323a in the first rotating plate is formed on the first rotating plate and extends in a direction intersecting at least one folding axis and is configured to accommodate the guide protrusion. In an embodiment, the first rotating plate can be supported by the guide protrusion to rotate around the first rotating axis, and can be configured to slide relative to the guide protrusion under the guidance of the guide groove.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include: a guide protrusion or a guide rod (eg, Fig.13 The guide protrusion or guide rod is formed on the second rotating plate and extends along at least one folding axis direction to provide a third rotation axis; and a guide groove (e.g., Fig.13 The second guide groove 427a in the rotating support plate is formed on the rotating support plate and extends in a direction intersecting at least one folding axis and is configured to accommodate a guide protrusion or a guide rod. In an embodiment, the second rotating plate can be configured to rotate around the guide protrusion or the guide rod and slide relative to the rotating support plate under the guidance of the guide groove.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include: a guide rail (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13The guide rail 325a in the first rotating plate is provided on one of the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate and extends along an arc track centered on the second rotating axis; and a guide rail groove (e.g., Figure 5 or Fig.13 The guide rail groove 323b in the guide rail groove is arranged on the other of the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate and extends along an arc track centered on the second rotation axis to accommodate the guide rail. In an embodiment, the guide rail can be configured to move along the arc track in the guide rail groove.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a hinge arm (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The hinge arm 329a in the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the hinge module and is configured to rotate around at least one folding axis and is mounted on the first shell or the second shell.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a bending area (eg, Figure 6 The curved area 321b in the embodiment is arranged to face the folding area. In an embodiment, in the folded state, the folding area can be arranged to form a curved surface in a space at least partially surrounded by the curved area.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a support protrusion (eg, Figure 5 or Fig.13 The support protrusion 329b in the hinge module is provided on the hinge arm and accommodated in the hinge module. In an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the support protrusion can be configured to protrude from the bending area.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include: a first hinge arm, which is coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate around a first folding axis of at least one folding axis and is mounted on the first housing; a second hinge arm, which is coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate around a second folding axis of at least one folding axis and is mounted on the second housing; and a plurality of gears (e.g., Figure 5 or Fig.13 The gear 341 in the embodiment is arranged between the first folding axis and the second folding axis. In an embodiment, the plurality of gears may be configured to rotate the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0123] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been shown and described, it should be understood that the embodiment is not intended to limit the present disclosure, but is provided for illustration. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made to the form and details of the present disclosure without departing from the overall scheme of the present disclosure including the attached claims and their corresponding terms.

Claims

1. An electronic device (200; 300), comprising: A first shell (210; 310); a second shell (220; 320) configured to rotate relative to the first shell about at least one folding axis (A; A1, A2) between a position facing the first shell (hereinafter referred to as "folded state") and a position unfolded by a predetermined angle from the folded state (hereinafter referred to as "unfolded state"); A hinge assembly (202; 302; 402), the hinge assembly being at least partially arranged between the first shell and the second shell and rotatably connecting the first shell and the second shell; A flexible display (240; 340), the flexible display comprising a first display area (241), a second display area (242) and a folding area (243), the first display area being arranged on a surface of the first shell, the second display area being arranged on a surface of the second shell, the folding area connecting the first display area and the second display area and being arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the hinge assembly; as well as a hinge cover (230; 330), the hinge cover being arranged between the first shell and the second shell and being configured to be hidden or exposed between another surface of the first shell and another surface of the second shell as the second shell rotates, Wherein, the hinge assembly comprises: a hinge module (321; 421, 440), which is arranged in the hinge cover and is configured to provide the at least one folding axis, a first rotating plate (323; 423) rotatably coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate about a first rotating axis (R1), a second rotating plate (325; 425) rotatably coupled to the first rotating plate at a position spaced apart from the first rotating axis and configured to rotate about a second rotating axis (R2), and a rotation support plate (327; 427) fixed to the first housing or the second housing, wherein the rotation support plate supports the second rotation plate in such a manner that the rotation support plate is rotatably coupled at a position spaced apart from the second rotation axis and rotates about a third rotation axis (R3), wherein, in the unfolded state, the first rotating plate is configured to support at least a portion of the folding area by being supported by the hinge cover so as to be arranged to form a plane with the second rotating plate, and Wherein, as the second shell rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, a distance between the first rotation axis and the third rotation axis is configured to decrease.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are configured to rotate relative to each other around the second rotating axis, so that in the folded state, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are arranged at an angle relative to each other and are accommodated inwardly into the first shell or the second shell than in the unfolded state.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: In the folded state, the folded area is configured to form a curved surface in a space at least partially surrounded by the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The hinge assembly also includes: a guide protrusion (321a; 421a) extending from the hinge module along the at least one folding axis direction to provide the first rotation axis; and a guide groove (323a; 423a) formed on the first rotating plate and extending in a direction intersecting the at least one folding axis and configured to accommodate the guide protrusion, and The first rotating plate is supported by the guide protrusion to rotate about the first rotating axis, and is configured to slide relative to the guide protrusion under the guidance of the guide groove.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The hinge assembly also includes: a guide protrusion or a guide rod (427a) formed on the second rotating plate and extending along the at least one folding axis direction to provide the third rotating axis; and a guide groove (427a) formed on the rotation support plate and extending in a direction intersecting the at least one folding axis and configured to accommodate the guide protrusion or the guide rod, Wherein, the second rotating plate is configured to rotate around the guide protrusion or the guide rod, and slide relative to the rotating support plate under the guidance of the guide groove.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The hinge assembly comprises: a guide rail (325a) provided on one of the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate and extending along an arc-shaped track centered on the second rotating axis; and a guide rail groove (323b) provided on the other of the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate and extending along the arc track centered on the second rotating axis to accommodate the guide rail, and Wherein, the guide rail is configured to move along the arc track in the guide rail groove.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The hinge assembly also includes a hinge arm (329a) coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate about the at least one folding axis and mounted on the first shell or the second shell.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: The hinge assembly further comprises a bending area (321b) as a part of the hinge module, the bending area being arranged to face the folding area, and Wherein, in the folded state, the folding area is configured to form a curved surface in a space at least partially surrounded by the bending area.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The hinge assembly further comprises a support protrusion (329b) disposed on the hinge arm and received in the hinge module, and Wherein, in the unfolded state, the support protrusion is configured to protrude from the hinge module at a position corresponding to the folding area.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: The support protrusion is configured to protrude or retract on the bending area as the second housing rotates.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The hinge assembly comprises: a first hinge arm coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate about a first folding axis of the at least one folding axis and mounted on the first housing; a second hinge arm coupled to the hinge module and configured to rotate about a second folding axis of the at least one folding axis and mounted on the second housing; and a plurality of gears, the plurality of gears being arranged between the first folding axis and the second folding axis, Wherein, the plurality of gears are configured to cause the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other.

12. An electronic device (200; 300), comprising: A housing (201), the housing comprising a first housing (210; 310) and a second housing (220; 320), the first housing and the second housing being coupled to each other in a rotatable manner about one or more folding axes (A; A1, A2) between a position facing each other (hereinafter referred to as a "folded state") and a position unfolded at a predetermined angle (hereinafter referred to as an "expanded state"); a hinge assembly (202; 302; 402), the hinge assembly being at least partially disposed between the first shell and the second shell and rotatably connecting the first shell and the second shell; A flexible display, the flexible display comprising a first display area (241), a second display area (242) and a folding area (243), the first display area being arranged on a surface of the first housing, the second display area being arranged on a surface of the second housing, the folding area connecting the first display area and the second display area and being arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the hinge assembly; as well as a hinge cover (230; 330), the hinge cover being arranged between the first shell and the second shell and being configured to be hidden or exposed between another surface of the first shell and another surface of the second shell as the second shell rotates, Wherein, the hinge assembly comprises: a hinge module (321; 421, 440), which is arranged in the hinge cover and is configured to provide one or more folding axes, at least one first rotating plate (323; 423), the at least one first rotating plate being rotatably coupled to the hinge module and being configured to rotate about a first rotating axis (R1), at least one second rotating plate (325; 425), the at least one second rotating plate being rotatably coupled to the first rotating plate at a position spaced apart from the first rotating axis and being configured to rotate about a second rotating axis (R2), and a rotation support plate (327; 427) fixed to the first housing or the second housing, wherein the rotation support plate supports the second rotation plate in such a manner that the rotation support plate is rotatably coupled at a position spaced apart from the second rotation axis and rotates about a third rotation axis (R3), wherein, in the unfolded state, the first rotating plate is configured to support at least a portion of the folding area by being supported by the hinge cover so as to be arranged to form a plane with the second rotating plate, and The first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are configured to rotate relative to each other around the second rotating axis, so that in the folded state, the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are arranged at an angle relative to each other and are accommodated inwardly into the first shell or the second shell than in the unfolded state.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein: In the folded state, the folded area is configured to form a curved surface in a space at least partially surrounded by the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate.

14. The electronic device according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein: The hinge assembly also includes: a guide protrusion (321a; 421a) extending from the hinge module in the direction of the at least one folding axis to provide the first rotation axis; and a guide groove (323a) formed on the first rotating plate and extending in a direction intersecting with the direction of the one or more folding axes and configured to accommodate the guide protrusion, and The first rotating plate is supported by the guide protrusion to rotate about the first rotating axis, and is configured to slide relative to the guide protrusion under the guidance of the guide groove.

15. The electronic device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The hinge assembly also includes: a guide protrusion or guide rod (425a) formed on the second rotating plate and extending in the direction of the one or more folding axes to provide the third rotating axis; and a guide groove (427a) formed on the rotation support plate and extending in a direction intersecting the one or more folding axes and configured to accommodate the guide protrusion or the guide rod, Wherein, the second rotating plate is configured to rotate around the guide protrusion or the guide rod, and slide relative to the rotating support plate under the guidance of the guide groove.

Images