Foldable electronic device including flexible printed circuit board

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a foldable electronic device including: a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge portion for connecting the first housing and the second housing; a flexible printed circuit board extending across the hinge portion; a first support member for connecting the flexible printed circuit board to the first housing; and a second support member for connecting the flexible printed circuit board to the second case, in which: the hinge portion includes a first plate and a second plate, and is formed such that the first plate and the second plate face each other when the foldable case is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state; a first support member positioned between the first plate and the first housing and disposed in a first recess formed in the first housing; a first fixing area of the flexible printed circuit board is arranged between the first support member and the first housing so as to surround the first support member in the first recess; a second support member disposed between the second plate and the second housing and disposed in a second recess formed in the second housing; and a second fixing region of the flexible printed circuit board is arranged between the second support member and the second housing so as to surround the second support member in the second recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device comprising a flexible printed circuit board. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable electronic devices may include flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) located within the internal space of the foldable electronic device across the fold portion.

[0003] The above information may be provided as prior art for the purpose of enhancing understanding of this disclosure. No assertion or judgment is made regarding the applicability of any of the above content as prior art related to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues Flexible printed circuit boards may include bendable regions corresponding to the folded portions of foldable electronic devices. These bendable regions can deform in response to transitions between the unfolded and folded states of the foldable electronics. The bendable regions need to be shaped to reduce bending stress. However, in situations where it is necessary to increase the length of the bendable regions to reduce interference with the constituent elements included in the folded portions of the foldable electronics, there may be limitations in arranging the bendable regions in a shape that reduces bending stress within a limited space.

[0005] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a foldable electronic device comprising a flexible printed circuit board capable of being configured in a stable shape that can reduce bending stress. Various embodiments of this disclosure are provided to address or at least mitigate the problems described above.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains may understand other technical problems not mentioned above from the following description.

[0007] Solution to the problem According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided, comprising a foldable housing, a flexible printed circuit board, a first support member, and / or a second support member. The foldable housing includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge portion configured to connect the first housing and the second housing. The flexible printed circuit board extends across the hinge portion. The first support member is configured to connect the first housing to the flexible printed circuit board. The second support member is configured to connect the second housing to the flexible printed circuit board. The hinge portion includes a first plate and a second plate. The hinge portion is configured such that when the foldable housing changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first plate and the second plate face each other. The first support member is positioned between the first plate and the first housing and is disposed in a first recess formed on the first housing. A first fixing region of the flexible printed circuit board is disposed between the first support member and the first housing in a manner surrounding the first support member in the first recess. The second support member is positioned between the second plate and the second housing and is disposed in a second recess formed on the second housing. A second fixing region of the flexible printed circuit board is disposed between the second support member and the second housing in a manner surrounding the second support member in the second recess.

[0008] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided, comprising a foldable housing, a flexible display module, a flexible printed circuit board, a first support member, and / or a second support member. The foldable housing includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge portion configured to connect the first housing and the second housing. The flexible display module is disposed within the foldable housing. The flexible display module includes a first display area disposed in the first housing, a second display area disposed in the second housing, and a third display area configured to extend the first and second display areas. In a folded state, the first and second display areas face each other, and the third display area is curved. The flexible printed circuit board extends across the hinge portion. The first support member is configured to connect the first housing to the flexible printed circuit board. The second support member is configured to connect the second housing to the flexible printed circuit board. The hinge portion includes a first plate and a second plate. The hinge portion is configured such that, in an unfolded state, the first and second plates support the third display area, such that the third display area is flat. The hinge portion is configured such that, in the folded state of the foldable housing, the first plate and the second plate face each other, and a third display area is located between the first plate and the second plate. A first support member is positioned between the first plate and the first housing and is disposed in a first recess formed on the first housing. A first fixing region of the flexible printed circuit board is disposed between the first support member and the first housing, surrounding the first support member in the first recess. A second support member is positioned between the second plate and the second housing and is disposed in a second recess formed on the second housing. A second fixing region of the flexible printed circuit board is disposed between the second support member and the second housing, surrounding the second support member in the second recess.

[0009] Beneficial effects of the invention According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, foldable electronic devices including flexible printed circuit boards are provided with the flexible printed circuit boards in a stable shape that can reduce bending stress, which can reduce or prevent damage to the flexible printed circuit boards.

[0010] Other effects that may be obtained or anticipated through various embodiments of this disclosure will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a view showing the appearance of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2This is a view showing the appearance of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 Foldable electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by the D-D' line in the diagram.

[0015] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a view showing a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a view showing a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a view showing a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 It is part of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the cross section taken by the E-E' line.

[0023] Figure 14 It is a part of the foldable electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view taken from the E-E' line.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a view illustrating the operation of connecting a flexible printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to a first support plate and a second support plate.

[0026] Throughout the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following description, provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, is intended to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. Various specific details are included to aid understanding, but these details are considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0028] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are used by the inventors only to enable a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description providing various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the purpose of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0029] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators. Thus, for example, indicating “component surface” includes indicating one or more such surfaces.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a view showing the appearance of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state (also known as a flat state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a view showing the appearance of a foldable electronic device in a folded state (also referred to as a folded state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 The foldable electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by the D-D' line in the diagram.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The foldable electronic device 1 may include a foldable housing 10, a first display module 15, a second display module 16, a first camera module 201, a second camera module 202, a third camera module 203, a fourth camera module 204, a fifth camera module 205, a light-emitting module 206, a first sensor module 207, a second sensor module 208, a first sound input module (not shown separately), a second sound input module (not shown separately), a third sound input module (not shown separately), a fourth sound input module (not shown separately), a first sound output module (not shown separately), a second sound output module (not shown separately), a third sound output module (not shown separately), a key input module, a first connection terminal 211, and / or a second connection terminal 212.

[0034] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the unfolded and folded states of the foldable electronic device 1 can be substantially provided by the foldable housing 10. The "unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1" and the "unfolded state of the foldable housing 10" disclosed in this disclosure can be interpreted as substantially the same as each other. The "folded state of the foldable electronic device 1" and the "folded state of the foldable housing 10" disclosed in this disclosure can be interpreted as substantially the same as each other.

[0035] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the foldable housing 10 may include a first housing (also referred to as a first housing portion or first housing structure) 11, a second housing (also referred to as a second housing portion or second housing structure) 12, a hinge housing 13, and / or a hinge portion 14. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 may be connected via the hinge portion 14. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 may rotate relative to each other about the hinge portion 14. For example, the hinge portion 14 may include one or more hinge modules (also referred to as hinge assemblies) (e.g., a first hinge module 141, a second hinge module 142, and / or a third hinge module 143).

[0036] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first display module 15 may be disposed within the foldable housing 10. For example, the first display module 15 may include a flexible display module (also referred to as a flexible display) or a foldable display module (also referred to as a foldable display), which can deform in response to the transition between an unfolded state and a folded state of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0037] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first display module 15 may include a display area 150. The display area 150 may include an active area or a screen area, in which an image can be displayed based on an electrical signal. The display area 150 may include a first display area 151 corresponding to the first housing 11, a second display area 152 corresponding to the second housing 12, and a third display area 153 corresponding to the hinge portion 14. The third display area 153 may extend beyond the first display area 151 and the second display area 152.

[0038] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first display area 151 may be disposed within a first housing 11. The shape of the first display area 151 may be maintained by support from the first housing 11. For example, the first display area 151 may be supported by the first housing 11 and configured (or formed) to be substantially flat.

[0039] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a second display area 152 may be disposed within a second housing 12. The shape of the second display area 152 may be maintained by support from the second housing 12. For example, the second display area 152 may be supported by the second housing 12 and configured (or formed) to be substantially flat.

[0040] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third display area 153 can be positioned corresponding to the hinge portion 14. When the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the third display area 153 can deform in response to the relative position between the first display area 151 and the second display area 152. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 can be configured to be substantially flat. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 can be configured to be curved. The unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1 can be defined or interpreted as the state in which the third display area 153 is configured to be flat. The folded state of the foldable electronic device 1 can be defined or interpreted as the state in which the third display area 153 is configured to be curved.

[0041] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 can define an angle of approximately 180 degrees, and the display area 150 can be provided (or configured) as a substantially flat shape. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 can be configured as flat by the relative positions between the first display area 151 disposed in the first housing 11 and the second display area 152 disposed in the second housing 12. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 can be pulled from two opposite sides by the first display area 151 and the second display area 152, and a pulling force can be provided to flatten the third display area 153 and reduce damage to the third display area 153. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 is pulled by the first display area 151 and the second display area 152, thereby reducing stress, and the third display area 153 can be provided (or formed) with an extended width, such that the third display area 153 can be configured as flat.

[0042] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the hinge portion 14 can support the third display area 153 of the first display module 15, making the third display area 153 substantially flat. For example, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the hinge portion 14 supports the third display area 153, allowing the third display area 153 to be set flat without any depression or with reduced depression. Therefore, creases can be reduced.

[0043] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when an external force (e.g., external pressure such as touch input by a user's finger or touch input by an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area 153 in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the hinge portion 14 can support the third display area 153 to reduce the concavity of the third display area 153 and enable the third display area 153 to remain flat.

[0044] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in its unfolded state and an external impact is applied due to the foldable electronic device 1 falling or the like, the hinge portion 14 can be configured to reduce or absorb the external impact to reduce the effect of the external impact applied to the third display area 153.

[0045] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 can be implemented in an inward folding manner, such that the display area 150 of the first display module 15 (or the front surface of the foldable electronic device 1, through which the display area 150 is visually identified) can be folded inward. Figure 2The fully folded state of the foldable electronic device 1 is shown, wherein the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are positioned so that they cannot come any closer to each other. In the fully folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 (or the first front surface area and the second front surface area) can face each other. For example, in the fully folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the angle between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 (or the angle between the first display area 151 and the second display area 152, or the angle between the first front surface area and the second front surface area) can be from about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees. In the fully folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the display area 150 can be substantially invisible.

[0046] Although not shown separately, the foldable electronic device 1 can be positioned in an intermediate state between an unfolded state and a fully folded state. For example, in an intermediate state where the angle between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the foldable electronic device 1 can be configured to provide a user environment in which the user can use the display area 150.

[0047] In the following text, "folded state of the foldable electronic device 1" in this disclosure may refer to a fully folded state compared to an intermediate state.

[0048] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the display area 150 of the first display module 15 can substantially provide (or define) the front surface of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 1. The front surface of the foldable electronic device 1 may include a first front surface area provided (or defined) by the first display area 151, a second front surface area provided (or defined) by the second display area 152, and a third front surface area provided (or defined) by the third display area 153. For example, a coordinate axis diagram of the foldable electronic device 1 is shown based on the first housing 11, and the +z axis direction can be defined or interpreted as a direction substantially pointing towards the flat first front surface area. For example, the first front surface area provided (or defined) by the first display area 151 can be substantially parallel to the xy plane. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the front surface of the foldable electronic device 1 can be provided (or formed) as a substantially flat surface.

[0049] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the display area 150 of the first display module 15 can be provided (or formed) symmetrical about the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 can correspond to the middle portion of the width of the third display area 153, extending from the first boundary between the first display area 151 and the third display area 153 to the second boundary between the second display area 152 and the third display area 153. For example, the illustrated +x coordinate axis can be substantially perpendicular to the centerline A, and the illustrated +y coordinate axis can be substantially parallel to the centerline A.

[0050] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 can be defined or interpreted as the "folding axis" of the foldable housing 10 or the foldable electronic device 1. The folding axis can be provided (or defined) substantially by the hinge portion 14.

[0051] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, a third display area 153 provided in a curved shape can be provided (or formed) to be substantially symmetrical about the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the display area 150 of the first display module 15 can have a substantially rectangular shape.

[0053] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first housing 11 may include a first frame (also referred to as a first frame structure or first architecture) 111 and a first cover 112 disposed on (or coupled to) the first frame 111. The combination of the first frame 111 and the first cover 112 may provide (or define) a "first rear surface region" and a "first side surface region" of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 1. The first frame 111 may provide (or define) at least a portion of the first side surface region of the foldable electronic device 1. The first cover 112 may provide (or define) at least a portion of the first rear surface region of the foldable electronic device 1. The first rear surface region may point in a direction opposite to the direction of the first front surface region of the foldable electronic device 1 provided (or defined) by the first display area 151 of the first display module 15.

[0054] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first frame 111 may include a first side (also referred to as a first side face portion, first side member, first side structure, or first side surface border structure) 1112. The first side 1112 may surround at least a portion of the space between the first display area 151 and the first cover 112, and provide (or define) at least a portion of the first side surface area of ​​the appearance of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0055] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first frame 111 may include a first support plate 1111 extending from or connected to the first side 1112. The first support plate 1111 may be a structural element positioned within the foldable electronic device 1 and corresponding to the first housing 11.

[0056] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first frame 111 may be provided (or defined) as an integrated structure or a single structure (e.g., a single continuous structure or an integral structure) including a first support plate 1111 and a first side 1112.

[0057] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first frame 111 may be provided as a combination of a conductor (or metal body) including one or more conductive portions (not shown separately) and a non-conductor (or non-metal body) including one or more non-conductive portions (not shown separately).

[0058] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first support plate 1111 may be at least partially located between the first display area 151 and the first cover 112. The first display area 151 may be disposed on the first support plate 1111, and the first support plate 1111 may support the first display area 151.

[0059] According to embodiments of this disclosure, various electrical components (not shown separately), such as a first printed circuit board or a first battery, may be disposed at least partially between the first frame 111 and the first cover 112, and on the first support plate 1111 of the first frame 111.

[0060] According to embodiments, electrical components (or electronic parts) or various components associated with electrical components may be disposed on or supported by the first frame 111 or the first support plate 1111. For example, the first support plate 1111 may include a first support region (also referred to as a first support surface) 1111A and a third support region (also referred to as a third support surface) 1111B. The first support region 1111A may substantially point towards the first display region 151 of the first display module 15. The third support region 1111B may be located at the opposite position to the first support region 1111A. The third support region 1111B may substantially point towards the first cover 112. Electrical components (or electronic parts) or various components associated with electrical components may be disposed in or supported by the first support region 1111A and / or the third support region 1111B.

[0061] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second housing 12 may include a second frame (also referred to as a second frame structure or second architecture) 121 and / or a second cover 122 disposed on the second frame 121. The combination of the second frame 121 and the second cover 122 may provide (or define) a second rear surface region and a second side surface region of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 1. The second frame 121 may provide (or define) at least a portion of the second side surface region of the foldable electronic device 1. The second cover 122 may provide (or define) at least a portion of the second rear surface region of the foldable electronic device 1. The second rear surface region may point in a direction opposite to the direction of the second front surface region of the foldable electronic device 1 provided (or defined) by the second display region 152.

[0062] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second frame 121 may include a second side (also referred to as a second side portion, second side member, second side structure, or second side frame structure) 1212. The second side 1212 may surround at least a portion of the space between the second display area 152 and the second cover 122, and provide (or define) at least a portion of a second side surface area of ​​the appearance of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0063] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second frame 121 may include a second support plate 1211 extending from or connected to the second side 1212. The second support plate 1211 may be a structural element located in the foldable electronic device 1 and corresponding to the second housing 12.

[0064] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second frame 121 may be provided as an integrated result of a second support plate 1211 and a second side 1212 or a single structure (e.g., a single continuous structure or an integral structure).

[0065] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second frame 121 may be provided as a combination of a conductor (or metal body) including one or more conductive portions (not shown separately) and a non-conductor (or non-metal body) including one or more non-conductive portions (not shown separately).

[0066] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second support plate 1211 may be at least partially located between the second display area 152 and the second cover 122. The second display area 152 may be disposed on the second support plate 1211, and the second support plate 1211 may support the second display area 152.

[0067] According to embodiments of this disclosure, various electrical components (not shown separately), such as a second printed circuit board or a second battery, may be disposed at least partially between the second frame 121 and the second cover 122, and on the second support plate 1211 of the second frame 121.

[0068] According to embodiments of this disclosure, electrical components (or electronic parts) or various components associated with electrical components may be disposed on or supported by the second frame 121 or the second support plate 1211. For example, the second support plate 1211 may include a second support region (also referred to as a second support surface) 1211A and a fourth support region (also referred to as a fourth support surface) 1211B. The second support region 1211A may substantially point towards the second display region 152 of the first display module 15. The fourth support region 1211B may be located opposite to the second support region 1211A. The fourth support region 1211B may substantially point towards the second cover 122. Electrical components (or electronic parts) or various components associated with electrical components may be disposed on, or supported by, the second support region 1211A and / or the fourth support region 1211B.

[0069] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first side 1112 of the first frame 111 may include a first edge B1, a second edge B2, a third edge B3, and / or a fourth edge B4. The first edge B1 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1. The third edge B3 may be spaced apart from the first edge B1 in the direction of the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1, and the third edge B3 may be substantially parallel to the first edge B1. The second edge B2 may extend or connect one end of the first edge B1 and one end of the third edge B3. The fourth edge B4 may extend or connect the other end of the first edge B1 and the other end of the third edge B3. The second edge B2 and the fourth edge B4 may be substantially parallel to each other. The fourth edge B4 may be positioned closer to the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1 than the second edge B2.

[0070] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a first corner C1 and / or a second corner C2 may be provided (or formed) in a smooth curve shape, with a first edge B1 and a second edge B2 extending or connecting at the first corner C1, and a second edge B2 and a third edge B3 extending or connecting at the second corner C2.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from above the first cover 112, the first edge B1, the second edge B2, the third edge B3, and the fourth edge B4 can surround the first cover 112.

[0072] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second side 1212 of the second frame 121 may include a fifth edge B5, a sixth edge B6, a seventh edge B7, and / or an eighth edge B8. The fifth edge B5 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1. The seventh edge B7 may be spaced apart from the fifth edge B5 in the direction of the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1, and the seventh edge B7 may be substantially parallel to the fifth edge B5. The sixth edge B6 may extend or connect one end of the fifth edge B5 and one end of the seventh edge B7. The eighth edge B8 may extend or connect the other end of the fifth edge B5 and the other end of the seventh edge B7. The sixth edge B6 and the eighth edge B8 may be substantially parallel to each other. The eighth edge B8 may be positioned closer to the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1 than the sixth edge B6.

[0073] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a third corner C3 and / or a fourth corner C4 may be provided (or formed) in a smooth curve shape, with a fifth edge B5 and a sixth edge B6 extending or connecting at the third corner C3, and a sixth edge B6 and a seventh edge B7 extending or connecting at the fourth corner C4.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from above the second cover 122, the fifth edge B5, the sixth edge B6, the seventh edge B7, and the eighth edge B8 may surround the second cover 122.

[0075] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first side 1112 of the first frame 111 and the second side 1212 of the second frame 121 can be aligned and overlap each other. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first edge B1 and the fifth edge B5 can be aligned and overlap each other. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the second edge B2 and the sixth edge B6 can be aligned and overlap each other. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third edge B3 and the seventh edge B7 can be aligned and overlap each other.

[0076] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first edge B1, the second edge B2, and the third edge B3 may define a side border (or screen border) surrounding one side region of the first display module 15 based on the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1. The fifth border B5, the sixth border B6, and the seventh border B7 may define another side border (or screen border) surrounding the other side region of the first display module 15 based on the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0077] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fourth edge B4 and the eighth edge B8 can be positioned opposite the third display area 153. When viewed from above the front surface of the foldable electronic device 1 in its unfolded state, the fourth edge B4 and the eighth edge B8 may be invisible.

[0078] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge housing (also referred to as the hinge cover) 13 may be connected to one or more hinge modules (e.g., a first hinge module 141, a second hinge module 142, and a third hinge module 143) included in the hinge portion 14.

[0079] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the relative position between the first frame 111 and the second frame 121 connected by the hinge portion 14 changes, and the state of the hinge portion 14 connected to the hinge housing 13 changes, such that the gap between the first frame 111 and the second frame 121 can be opened on the opposite side of the third display area 153. The hinge housing 13 can be exposed to the outside through the opened gap. For example, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the hinge housing 13 can be exposed to the outside through the opened gap between the fourth edge B4 of the first frame 111 and the eighth edge B8 of the second frame 121. The width of the gap between the fourth edge B4 of the first frame 111 and the eighth edge B8 of the second frame 121 can vary depending on the angle between the first frame 111 and the second frame 121. The hinge housing 13 can be exposed to a greater extent in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1 than in the intermediate state of the foldable electronic device 1. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the hinge housing 13 may be part of the exterior covering the interior of the foldable electronic device 1. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the side surface of the foldable electronic device 1 may include a first side surface area provided by the first side edge 1112 of the first frame 111, a second side surface area provided by the second side edge 1212 of the second frame 121, and a third side surface area provided by the hinge housing 13.

[0080] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the relative position between the first frame 111 and the second frame 121 connected by the hinge portion 14 changes, and the state of the hinge portion 14 connected to the hinge housing 13 changes, such that the gap between the first frame 111 and the second frame 121 can be closed on the opposite side of the third display area 153. For example, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the gap between the fourth edge B4 of the first frame 111 and the eighth edge B8 of the second frame 121 can be closed, and the hinge housing 13 can be concealed from external exposure.

[0081] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a second display module 16 (also referred to as a second display) can be positioned between the second cover 122 and the second support plate 1211 of the second frame 121. The second display module 16 can be disposed on or connected to the second cover 122 and / or the second support plate 1211. The display area of ​​the second display module 16 is visually visible through the second cover 122.

[0082] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 can replace the first display module 15 in a folded state and is configured to display images via the second display module 16.

[0083] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 201, the second camera module 202, the third camera module 203, the fourth camera module 204 and / or the fifth camera module 205 may include one or more lenses, one or more image sensors and / or one or more image signal processors (ISPs).

[0084] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 201, the second camera module 202, and the third camera module 203 can be housed in the first housing 11 corresponding to the first cover 112 (or the first rear surface region of the foldable electronic device 1). For example, the first cover 112 may include a first camera hole (or a first light transmission region) corresponding to the first camera module 201, a second camera hole (or a second light transmission region) corresponding to the second camera module 202, and / or a third camera hole (or a third light transmission region) corresponding to the third camera module 203. The position or number of camera modules housed in the first housing 11 corresponding to the first cover 112 can be implemented differently and is not limited to the example shown.

[0085] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 201 (also referred to as the first camera, the first rear surface camera module, or the first rear surface camera), the second camera module 202 (also referred to as the second camera, the second rear surface camera module, or the second rear surface camera), or the third camera module 203 (also referred to as the third camera, the third rear surface camera module, or the third rear surface camera) may include a wide-angle camera module, a telephoto camera module, a color camera module, a monochrome camera module, or an IR camera module (e.g., a time-of-flight (TOF) camera module or a structured light camera module).

[0086] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 201, the second camera module 202, and the third camera module 203 may have different attributes (e.g., viewing angles) or functions.

[0087] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 201, the second camera module 202, or the third camera module 203 may provide different perspectives (or lenses with different perspectives). The foldable electronic device 1 may selectively use the perspectives of the first camera module 201, the second camera module 202, or the third camera module 203 based on user selection related to the perspective.

[0088] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the fourth camera module 204 may be housed in the first housing 11 corresponding to the first front surface region of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0089] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when viewed from above the first front surface region of the foldable electronic device 1, the fourth camera module 204 (also referred to as the fourth camera, the first front surface camera module, or the first front surface camera) may overlap with the first display area 151 of the first display module 15. The fourth camera module 204 may be positioned on the rear surface of the first display area 151 or below the first display area 151. When viewed from the outside of the foldable electronic device 1, the fourth camera module 204, or its position, may be substantially indistinguishable (or exposed). For example, the fourth camera module 204 may include a hidden display rear surface camera (e.g., an under-display camera (UDC)). External light can reach the fourth camera module 204 through the first display module 15.

[0090] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, the fourth camera module 204 may be housed in the second housing 12 corresponding to the second front surface region of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0091] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, an additional camera module (not shown separately) may be housed in the second housing 12 corresponding to the second front surface area of ​​the foldable electronic device 1.

[0092] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the fifth camera module 205 may be housed in the second housing 12 corresponding to the second cover 122 (or the second rear surface area of ​​the foldable electronic device 1).

[0093] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth camera module 205 can be aligned and positioned within an opening in the second display module 16, or the fifth camera module 205 can be at least partially inserted into the opening. External light can reach the fifth camera module 205 through the second cover 122 and the opening in the second display module 16. The opening in the second display module 16 aligned with or overlapping the fifth camera module 205 can be a through-hole. In various embodiments, the opening in the second display module 16 aligned with or overlapping the fifth camera module 205 can be in the form of a notch (not shown separately).

[0094] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, when viewed from above the second rear surface region of the foldable electronic device 1, the fifth camera module 205 (also referred to as the fifth camera, second front surface camera module, or second front surface camera) may overlap with the second display module 16. The fifth camera module 205 may be positioned on the rear surface of the second display module 16 or below the second display module 16. When viewed from the outside of the foldable electronic device 1, the fifth camera module 205 or its position may be substantially indistinguishable (or exposed). For example, the fifth camera module 205 may include a hidden under-display camera (e.g., UDC). External light can reach the fifth camera module 205 through the second cover 122 and the second display module 16.

[0095] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the first camera module 201, the second camera module 202, the third camera module 203, the fourth camera module 204, or the fifth camera module 205 can operate as at least a part of the sensor module. For example, an IR camera module can operate as at least a part of the sensor module.

[0096] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the light-emitting module 206 may be housed in the first housing 11 corresponding to the first cover 112 (or the first rear surface area of ​​the foldable electronic device 1). The first cover 112 may include a flash hole (or a fourth light transmission area) corresponding to the light-emitting module 206. For example, the light-emitting module 206 may include an LED or a xenon lamp. The light-emitting module 206 may include a light source for the first camera module 201, the second camera module 202, and / or the third camera module 203.

[0097] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may further include another light-emitting module (not shown separately) housed in the foldable housing 10 and corresponding to the front surface of the foldable electronic device 1. The light-emitting module may provide status information about the foldable electronic device 1 in the form of light. In various embodiments, the light-emitting module may provide a light source that operates in association with the operation of the fourth camera module 204.

[0098] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first sensor module 207 can be housed in the foldable housing 10 and corresponds to the front surface of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0099] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first sensor module 207 may include an optical sensor module. For example, the optical sensor module may include a proximity sensor module or an illuminance sensor module.

[0100] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when viewed from above the first front surface region of the foldable electronic device 1, the first sensor module 207 may overlap with the first display area 151 of the first display module 15. The first sensor module 207 may be positioned on the rear surface of the first display area 151 or below the first display area 151. When viewed from the outside of the foldable electronic device 1, the first sensor module 207 or its position may be substantially indistinguishable (or unexposed) visually. External light can reach the first sensor module 207 through the first display module 15.

[0101] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second sensor module 208 may be housed in the foldable housing 10, while corresponding to the second cover 122 (or the second rear surface region of the foldable electronic device 1).

[0102] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second sensor module 208 may include an optical sensor module. For example, the optical sensor module may include a proximity sensor module or an illuminance sensor module.

[0103] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when viewed from above the second rear surface region of the foldable electronic device 1, the second sensor module 208 may overlap with the display area of ​​the second display module 16. The second sensor module 208 may be positioned on the rear surface of the display area of ​​the second display module 16, or positioned below the display area of ​​the second display module 16. When viewed from the outside of the foldable electronic device 1, the second sensor module 208 or its position may be substantially indistinguishable (or exposed) visually. External light can reach the second sensor module 208 through the second cover 122 and the display area of ​​the second display module 16.

[0104] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may also include various sensor modules (e.g., biosensor modules) (not shown separately).

[0105] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first audio input module may include a first microphone (also referred to as a first microphone) (not shown separately). A second audio input module may include a second microphone (also referred to as a second microphone) (not shown separately). A third audio input module may include a third microphone (also referred to as a third microphone) (not shown separately). A fourth audio input module may include a fourth microphone (also referred to as a fourth microphone) (not shown separately). For example, the first microphone may be housed in the first housing 11, corresponding to a first microphone hole H11 included in the first edge B1 of the first side 1112. For example, the second microphone may be housed in the first housing 11, corresponding to a second microphone hole H12 included in the third edge B3 of the first side 1112. For example, the third microphone may be housed in the first housing 11, corresponding to a third microphone hole H13 included in the third edge B3 of the first side 1112. For example, the fourth microphone may be housed in the second housing 12, corresponding to a fourth microphone hole H14 included in the seventh edge B7 of the second side 1212. The positions of the microphones, the number of microphones, the positions of the microphone holes corresponding to the microphones, or the number of microphone holes may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown.

[0106] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first sound output module may include a first speaker (not shown separately). A second sound output module may include a second speaker (not shown separately). The first or second speaker may be a speaker for multimedia playback or recording playback. For example, the first speaker may be housed in the second housing 12, corresponding to a first speaker hole H21 included in the second side 1212. For example, the second speaker may be housed in the second housing 12, corresponding to a second speaker hole H21 disposed in the second side 1212. The position of the speaker for multimedia playback or recording playback, the number of speakers, and the position or number of speaker holes corresponding to the speakers may be implemented differently, and are not limited to the examples shown.

[0107] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third sound output module may include a third speaker (not shown separately). The third speaker may include a telephone handset. For example, the third speaker may be housed in the second housing 12, corresponding to a third speaker hole H23 disposed between the seventh edge B7 of the second cover 122 and the second side 1212. The position of the telephone speaker, the number of speakers, the position of the speaker hole corresponding to the speaker, or the number of speaker holes may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown.

[0108] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the key input module may include a first key (also referred to as a first side key) 209, a second key (also referred to as a second side key) 210, and / or a key signal generation unit (not shown separately). For example, the first key 209 may be positioned in a first keyhole included in the second edge B2 of the first side 1112, and the second key 210 may be positioned in a second keyhole included in the second edge B2 of the first side 1112. The key signal generation unit may generate a first key signal based on the first key 209 being pressed or touched, and the key signal generation unit may generate a second key signal based on the second key 210 being pressed or touched. The position of the key input module or the number of key input modules may be implemented differently, and are not limited to the examples shown.

[0109] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first connection end 211 (also referred to as a first connector or first interface end) may be accommodated in a first housing 11, corresponding to a first connection end hole (e.g., a first connector hole) included in a first edge B1 of a first side 1112. The foldable electronic device 1 may send and / or receive power and / or data to an external electronic device electrically connected to the first connection end 211. For example, the first connection end 211 may include a USB connector or an HDMI connector. The location of the first connection end hole corresponding to the first connection end 211 and the first connection end 211 may be implemented differently, and are not limited to the example shown.

[0110] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a second connection end (referred to as a second connector or second interface terminal) 212 may be accommodated in the second housing 12, corresponding to a second connection end hole (e.g., a second connector hole) included in the sixth edge B6 of the second side 1212. An external storage medium, such as a Secure Digital (SD) memory card, a SIM card, or a Universal SIM (USIM), may be connected to the second connection end 212. The location of the second connection end hole corresponding to the second connection end 212 and the second connection end 212 may be implemented differently, and are not limited to the example shown.

[0111] The foldable electronic device 1 may also include various constituent elements according to the provided form. Because the constituent elements deform differently depending on the integration trend of the foldable electronic device 1, it is impossible to enumerate all constituent elements. However, the foldable electronic device 1 may further include constituent elements of equal level to the aforementioned constituent elements. In various embodiments, depending on the provided form, certain components may be excluded from the components or replaced by other components.

[0112] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Figure 5This is a view showing a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The foldable electronic device 1 may include a foldable housing 10 and a first display module 15. (The details regarding the relationship between...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The same reference numerals used to denote the description of some of the constituent elements shown in the figures.

[0115] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable housing 10 may include a first housing 11, a second housing 12, a hinge housing 13 and / or a hinge portion 14.

[0116] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first housing 11 may include a first frame 111. The first frame 111 may include a first support plate 1111 and a first side 1112.

[0117] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first support region 1111A of the first support plate 1111 may provide a first front surface mounting portion for stably mounting or supporting one or more constituent elements, such as the first display region 151 of the first display module 15. For example, the first front surface mounting portion may be provided as a combination of surface regions with different heights.

[0118] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the third support region 1111B of the first support plate 1111 (see...) Figure 3 The device may provide a first rear surface mounting portion for stably mounting or supporting one or more constituent elements, such as a first printed circuit board (not shown separately) and / or a first battery (not shown separately). For example, the first rear surface mounting portion may be configured as a combination of surface regions with different heights.

[0119] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second housing 12 may include a second frame 121. The second frame 121 may include a second support plate 1211 and a second side 1212.

[0120] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second support region 1211A of the second support plate 1211 may provide a second front surface mounting portion for stably mounting or supporting one or more constituent elements, such as the second display region 152 of the first display module 15. For example, the second front surface mounting portion may be provided as a combination of surface regions with different heights.

[0121] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the fourth support region 1211B of the second support plate 1211 (see...) Figure 3A second rear surface mounting portion may be provided for stably mounting or supporting one or more constituent elements, such as a second printed circuit board (not shown separately) and / or a second battery (not shown separately). For example, the second rear surface mounting portion may be provided as a combination of surface regions with different heights.

[0122] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first display area 151 of the first display module 15 can be disposed in a first support area 1111A of the first support plate 1111 using an adhesive material (or bonding material), and a second display area 152 can be disposed in a second support area 1211A of the second support plate 1211 using an adhesive material (or bonding material). For example, the adhesive material may include a heat-reactive adhesive material (or heat-reactive bonding material), a photo-reactive adhesive material (or photo-reactive bonding material), a universal adhesive (or universal bonding agent), and / or double-sided tape.

[0123] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the hinge housing 13 can be connected to the hinge portion 14. For example, the hinge housing 13 can be connected to the first frame 111 of the first housing 11 and the second frame 121 of the second housing 12 via the hinge portion 14. When the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 connected by the hinge portion 14 can rotate in different directions based on the hinge portion 14 when viewed in the direction of the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the hinge housing 13 can be covered by the first frame 111 of the first housing 11 and the second frame 121 of the second housing 12. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the hinge housing 13 can be exposed to the outside through the portion between the first frame 111 of the first housing 11 and the second frame 121 of the second housing 12.

[0124] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the hinge housing 13 may include a mounting portion configured to stably display and support the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142, and the third hinge module 143. The mounting portion may be a combination of surface areas with different heights. For example, the mounting portion may include a sixth recess 131 corresponding to the first hinge module 141, a seventh recess 132 corresponding to the second hinge module 142, and / or an eighth recess 133 corresponding to the third hinge module 143.

[0125] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge housing 13 may be defined or interpreted as a constituent element included in the hinge portion 14.

[0126] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge portion 14 may include a first hinge module (also referred to as a first hinge assembly) 141, a second hinge module (also referred to as a second hinge assembly) 142, a third hinge module (also referred to as a third hinge assembly) 143, a first plate (also referred to as a first wing plate) 51 and / or a second plate (also referred to as a second wing plate) 52.

[0127] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first hinge module 141, a second hinge module 142, and a third hinge module 143 can connect a first frame 111 and a second frame 121. The first frame 111 and the second frame 121 can be rotatably connected to each other via the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142, and the third hinge module 143.

[0128] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142 and the third hinge module 143 may be arranged along the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1, and the third hinge module 143 may be positioned between the first hinge module 141 and the second hinge module 142.

[0129] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third hinge module 143 may be configured to correspond to the center between the first hinge module 141 and the second hinge module 142 (e.g., a point on center line A located at substantially the same distance from the first hinge module 141 and the second hinge module 142).

[0130] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first hinge module 141 may include a first bracket 1411, a second bracket 1412, and / or a first bracket connecting portion 1413. For example, the first bracket 1411 may be fastened to or connected to the first support region 1111A of the first frame 111 by screws. Similarly, the second bracket 1412 may be fastened to or connected to the second support region 1211A of the second frame 121 by screws. The first bracket connecting portion 1413 may connect the first bracket 1411 and the second bracket 1412. The first bracket 1411 and the second bracket 1412 may rotate relative to the first bracket connecting portion 1413.

[0131] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bracket connection portion 1413 of the first hinge module 141 can be configured such that the first frame 111 to which the first bracket 1411 of the first hinge module 141 is fixed and the second frame 121 to which the second bracket 1412 of the first hinge module 141 is fixed can rotate in opposite directions at substantially the same angle.

[0132] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first bracket connection portion 1413 of the first hinge module 141 can be configured such that the first frame 111 to which the first bracket 1411 of the first hinge module 141 is fixed and the second frame 121 to which the second bracket 1412 of the first hinge module 141 is fixed can rotate at least a predetermined angle and be held in place. For example, the first bracket connection portion 1413 may have a free-stop function.

[0133] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first bracket connection portion 1413 of the first hinge module 141 may be configured to provide a force that enables the first frame 111 to which the first bracket 1411 of the first hinge module 141 is attached and the second frame 121 to which the second bracket 1412 of the first hinge module 141 is attached to to rotate relative to each other. For example, although not shown separately, the first bracket connection portion 1413 may include a combination of at least one shaft, at least one cam gear, and / or at least one compression spring configured to provide elasticity.

[0134] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first bracket connection portion 1413 of the first hinge module 141 can be connected to the hinge housing 13. For example, the first bracket connection portion 1413 can be fastened to the hinge housing 13 by screws.

[0135] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first bracket connection portion 1413 of the first hinge module 141 can be fastened to or connected to the sixth recess 131 provided (or defined) in the hinge housing 13 by screws.

[0136] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second hinge module 142 may be provided as at least partially identical to or substantially identical to the first hinge module 141. For example, the second hinge module 142 may include a third support 1421 (e.g., the first support 1411), a fourth support 1422 (e.g., the second support 1412), and / or a second support connecting portion 1423 (e.g., the first support connecting portion 1413). In embodiments, the second hinge module 142 may be disposed in the foldable electronic device 1 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first hinge module 141 is disposed. The third support 1421 of the second hinge module 142 may be disposed in or connected to the second support region 1211A of the second frame 121, and the fourth support 1422 of the second hinge module 142 may be disposed in or connected to the first support region 1111A of the first frame 111.

[0137] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second bracket connection portion 1423 of the second hinge module 142 can be connected to the hinge housing 13. For example, the second bracket connection portion 1423 can be fastened to the hinge housing 13 by screws.

[0138] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second bracket connection portion 1423 of the second hinge module 142 can be fastened to or connected to the seventh recess 132 provided (or defined) in the hinge housing 13 by screws.

[0139] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third hinge module 143 may include a guide rail assembly or a rotational motion guide. For example, the third hinge module 143 may include a first slider 1431, a second slider 1432, and a guide rail 1433. The first slider 1431 may be slidably connected to the guide rail 1433. The second slider 1432 may be slidably connected to the guide rail 1433. The guide rail 1433 may include a first guide rail slidably paired with the first slider 1431 and a second guide rail slidably paired with the second slider 1432.

[0140] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the guide rail 1433 of the third hinge module 143 can be connected to the hinge housing 13. For example, the guide rail 1433 can be fastened to the hinge housing 13 by screws.

[0141] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide rail 1433 of the third hinge module 143 can be fastened in the eighth recess 133 of the hinge housing 13 by screws or connected to the eighth recess 133 of the hinge housing 13.

[0142] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142 and / or the third hinge module 143 may be provided in a variety of other shapes, and are not limited to the examples shown.

[0143] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first plate 51 may be positioned corresponding to a first frame 111 of a first housing 11, and a second plate 52 may be positioned corresponding to a second frame 121 of a second housing 12. The first plate 51 and the second plate 52 may be positioned on opposite sides of a centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1. The first plate 51 and the second plate 52 may each have a shape in which a first width in the direction of the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 (e.g., the y-axis direction) is relatively greater than a second width in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned direction. The first plate 51 and the second plate 52 may extend from the first hinge module 141 to the second hinge module 142 across a third hinge module 143. Based on the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1, one side of each of the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142, and the third hinge module 143 can be positioned between the first plate 51 and the first support plate 1111 of the first frame 111, and the other side of each of the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142, and the third hinge module 143 can be positioned between the second plate 52 and the second support plate 1211 of the second frame 121.

[0144] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be connected to the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142, and the third hinge module 143. For example, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be fastened to the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142, and the third hinge module 143 by screws.

[0145] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the hinge portion 14 can be configured such that the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 support the third display area 153 of the first display module 15, such that the third display area 153 of the first display module 15 is flat.

[0146] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first plate 51 may include a first display support surface 51A, which is configured to correspond to the third display area 153 of the first display module 15. The second plate 52 may include a second display support surface 52A, which is configured to correspond to the third display area 153 of the first display module 15. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first display support surface 51A and the second display support surface 52A can support the third display area 153, such that the third display area 153 is flat relative to the first display area 151 and the second display area 152. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first display support surface 51A may include a flat surface that can support one side of the third display area 153 based on the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1, such that one side of the third display area 153 is flat. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the second display support surface 52A of the second plate 52 may include a flat surface that can support the other side of the third display area 153 based on the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1, so that the other side of the third display area 153 is flat.

[0147] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first display support surface 51A of the first plate 51 and the second display support surface 52A of the second plate 52 can substantially define an angle of about 180 degrees and are arranged so as to have substantially no height difference. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, even when an external force (e.g., external pressure, such as touch input by a user's finger or touch input by an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area 153 of the first display module 15, the third display area 153 can be kept flat by being supported by the first plate 51 and the second plate 52.

[0148] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first support connection portion 1413 of the first hinge module 141 may include a first center plate 1414 aligned with the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1. The second support connection portion 1423 of the second hinge module 142 may include a second center plate 1424 aligned with the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first center plate 1414 and the second center plate 1424 may support a portion of the third display area 153 of the first display module 15 corresponding to the portion between the first display support surface 51A of the first plate 51 and the second display support surface 52A of the second plate 52. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first center plate 1414 and the second center plate 1424 may reduce or prevent dents or creases in the portion of the third display area 153 corresponding to the gap between the first display support surface 51A of the first plate 51 and the second display support surface 52A of the second plate 52.

[0149] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third hinge module 143 can support a portion of the third display area 153 of the first display module 15 that corresponds to the portion between the first display support surface 51A of the first plate 51 and the second display support surface 52A of the second plate 52.

[0150] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can face each other and be spaced apart. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 of the first display module 15 can be curved and positioned between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52.

[0151] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge portion 14 can be configured such that the position of the first plate 51 relative to the first frame 111 and the position of the second plate 52 relative to the second frame 121 can change according to the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0152] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the hinge portion 14 can be configured such that the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 define an acute angle in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the space between the first display support surface 51A of the first plate 51 and the second display support surface 52A of the second plate 52 can have a shape that expands toward the hinge housing 13, such that the third display area 153 of the first display module 15 can be arranged in a curved shape, wherein bending stress and / or buckling can be reduced.

[0153] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 can be configured into a curved shape based on the neutral surface in the third display area 153, wherein the conflict between the compressive stress generated in one side region of the third display area 153 and the tensile stress generated in the other side region of the third display area 153 (e.g., bending stress) can be reduced.

[0154] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the third display area 153 of the first display module 15 can be positioned between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, and positioned in a teardrop or dumbbell shape (see...). Figure 15 This can reduce damage or permanent deformation.

[0155] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can support the third display area 153 of the first display module 15. The third display area 153 can be disposed between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, supported by the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, and configured in a curved shape (e.g., a teardrop shape or a dumbbell shape), wherein bending stress and / or buckling can be reduced.

[0156] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first slider 1431 of the third hinge module 143 can be connected to the first plate 51, and the second slider 1432 of the third hinge module 143 can be connected to the second plate 52. When the angle between the first frame 111 and the second frame 121 changes, the position of the first plate 51 relative to the first frame 111 and the position of the second plate 52 relative to the second frame 121 are changed by the operation (or state change) of the first hinge module 141 and the second hinge module 142. Therefore, in response to this configuration, the first guide rail can be configured to guide the first slider 1431 connected to the first plate 51 along the path of movement relative to the guide rail 1433, and the second guide rail can be configured to guide the second slider 1432 connected to the second plate 52 along the path of movement relative to the guide rail 1433.

[0157] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the structure in which a third hinge module 143 disposed between the first hinge module 141 and the second hinge module 142 is connected to the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can reduce or prevent the phenomenon of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 rising or the phenomenon of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 separating.

[0158] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first support plate 1111 of the first frame 111 may include a first opening (or a first hole or a first through hole) 401. For example, the first opening 401 may pass through the first support region 1111A and the third support region 1111B of the first support plate 1111 (see...). Figure 3 The second support plate 1211 of the second frame 121 may include a second opening (or a second hole or a second through hole) 402. For example, the second opening 402 may pass through the second support region 1211A and the fourth support region 1211B of the second support plate 1211 (see...). Figure 3 The part between ) is formed.

[0159] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) traversing the hinge portion 14 (e.g., Figure 6 The flexible printed circuit board 6 in the middle. The flexible printed circuit board can pass through the first opening 401 and the second opening 402.

[0160] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 can overlap and be aligned with each other.

[0161] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] Figure 8 This is a view showing a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] Figure 10 This is a view showing a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 According to various embodiments of this disclosure Figure 9 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device, taken along the E-E' line.

[0167] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13The foldable electronic device 1 may include a first frame 111, a second frame 121, a first plate 51, a second plate 52, a flexible printed circuit board 6, a first support member 71, a second support member 72, a third support member 81, a fourth support member 82, a fifth support member 91, a sixth support member 92, a first sealing member 1310, and / or a second sealing member 1320. (The exact wording will be omitted.) Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are used to describe some of the constituent elements.

[0168] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 can traverse the hinge portion 14 (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0169] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may include one or more first connector ends CE11 and CE12 and one or more second connector ends CE21 and CE22. One or more first connector ends CE11 and CE12 may each include a first connector (e.g., a first FPCB connector). One or more second connector ends CE21 and CE22 may each include a second connector (e.g., a second FPCB connector). One or more first connector ends CE11 and CE12 may be positioned or housed in a first housing 11 (see...). Figure 1 The second connector ends CE21 and CE22 may be positioned or accommodated in the second housing 12 (see [reference]). The second connector ends CE21 and CE22 may be located in or accommodated in the second housing 12 (see [reference]). Figure 1 It is located in the second frame 121 or electrically connected to at least one second element (e.g., a connector on a second printed circuit board) disposed on the second frame 121.

[0170] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may have a film shape having a thickness between board surfaces pointing in opposite directions. The flexible printed circuit board 6 may include a conductive pattern (also referred to as a signal line pattern) (not shown separately) that forms multiple signal lines (or electrical paths) electrically connecting one or more first connector terminals CE11 and CE12 to one or more second connector terminals CE21 and CE22. The flexible printed circuit board 6 may include a conductive pattern (also referred to as a ground pattern) (not shown separately) that forms a grounding area for reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) associated with the multiple signal lines.

[0171] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more first connector ends CE11 and CE12 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be electrically connected to an electrical component such as a first printed circuit board disposed on the first frame 111. For example, an electrical component such as the first printed circuit board can be positioned on the first support plate 1111 and the first cover 112 (see...). Figure 1 The components, such as the first printed circuit board, are disposed between and on the first support plate 1111. Electrical components, such as the first printed circuit board, may be disposed in the third support region 1111B of the first support plate 1111 (see [reference]). Figure 3 )superior.

[0172] According to embodiments of this disclosure, one or more second connector ends CE21 and CE22 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be electrically connected to an electrical component such as a second printed circuit board disposed on the second frame 121. For example, an electrical component such as the second printed circuit board can be positioned on the second support plate 1211 and the second cover 122 (see...). Figure 1 The second support plate 1211 is located between the second support plate 1211 and on the second support plate 1211. Electrical components, such as the second printed circuit board, may be located in the fourth support region 1211B of the second support plate 1211 (see [reference]). Figure 3 )superior.

[0173] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 can penetrate the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111 (see...). Figure 11 ) and the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211 (see Figure 12 ).

[0174] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may include a first rigid portion R1 and a second rigid portion R2. The first rigid portion R1 may be at least partially positioned between the first plate 51 and the first support plate 1111. The first rigid portion R1 may be disposed on or connected to the first support plate 1111. The second rigid portion R2 may be at least partially positioned between the second plate 52 and the second support plate 1211. The second rigid portion R2 may be disposed on or connected to the second support plate 1211.

[0175] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may include a first flexible portion F1, a second flexible portion F2, and / or a third flexible portion F3. The first flexible portion F1 may extend one or more first connector terminals CE11 and CE12 and a first rigid portion R1. The second flexible portion F2 may extend one or more second connector terminals CE21 and CE22 and a second rigid portion R2. The third flexible portion F3 may extend the first rigid portion R1 and the second rigid portion R2.

[0176] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first rigid portion R1 and / or the second rigid portion R2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may be configured to be less flexible or more rigid than other portions of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (e.g., the first flexible portion F1, the second flexible portion F2, and the third flexible portion F3).

[0177] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first rigid portion R1 and / or the second rigid portion R2 may have a greater thickness than other portions of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (e.g., the first flexible portion F1, the second flexible portion F2, and the third flexible portion F3), and therefore be less flexible or more rigid than other portions of the flexible printed circuit board 6.

[0178] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first rigid portion R1 and / or the second rigid portion R2 may have more laminates than other portions of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (e.g., the first flexible portion F1, the second flexible portion F2, and the third flexible portion F3), and therefore be less flexible or more rigid than other portions of the flexible printed circuit board 6.

[0179] According to embodiments of this disclosure, for example, the first rigid portion R1 may be rigid by including a first reinforcing part (also called a first reinforcing member or a first reinforcing structure) such as a reinforcement (e.g., a first reinforcing plate). For example, the second rigid portion R2 may be rigid by including a second reinforcing part (also called a second reinforcing member or a second reinforcing structure) such as a reinforcement (e.g., a second reinforcing plate).

[0180] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the reinforcing plates included in the first rigid portion R1 and / or the second rigid portion R2 may comprise a layer of FR4 (or FR-4) (e.g., a glass-reinforced epoxy resin laminate) or a layer of polyimide (PI). The reinforcing plates may be made of various materials.

[0181] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first rigid portion R1 and / or the second rigid portion R2 can be implemented as substantially flat.

[0182] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be implemented as a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB). For example, the first rigid portion R1 and / or the second rigid portion R2 can be substantially rigid without reinforcement.

[0183] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first support member 71 may be disposed on or connected to a first support plate 1111. The first support member 71 may be configured to connect (or fix) a first rigid portion R1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 to the first support plate 1111. The first support member 71 may also be referred to as a first support body, a first support portion, a first fixing member, a first fixing portion, or a first retainer.

[0184] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first support member 71 may be made of metallic and / or non-metallic materials.

[0185] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first support member 71 may be positioned at least partially between the first plate 51 and the first support plate 1111.

[0186] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first support member 71 may be disposed in a first recess 1001 provided (or defined) in a first support plate 1111. The first recess 1001 may be formed in a first support region 1111A of the first support plate 1111 (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 In, for example, the first recess 1001 may have a recess in the first display area 151 (see...). Figure 4 ) Towards the first cover 112 (see Figure 1 The shape is concave in the direction of ).

[0187] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first recess 1001 can be positioned at least at the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 (see...). Figure 1 Between the first opening 401 and the first opening 401.

[0188] According to embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to foldable electronic device 1 (see...) Figure 1 The cross-section of the plane perpendicular to the direction of the centerline A of the plane (see...) Figure 11 The first support plate 1111 may include a first portion 1101, a second portion 1102, and a third portion 1103. The first recess 1001 may be provided (or defined) by a combination of the first portion 1101, the second portion 1102, and the third portion 1103.

[0189] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the first portion 1101 of the first support plate 1111 may extend to the fourth edge B4 of the first side 1112 (see [link]). Figure 1 In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first part 1101 can be positioned relative to the hinge housing 13 based on the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 to cover the hinge housing 13 (see...). Figure 4In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first part 1101 can be positioned relative to the hinge housing 13 based on the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 to not cover a part of the hinge housing 13.

[0190] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the hinge housing 13 (see...) Figure 4 The device may include a third surface, which is based on the foldable electronic device 1 (see [link to foldable electronic device 1]). Figure 1 The centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 is exposed to the outside in the folded state, and the first part 1101 of the first support plate 1111 may include a first curved surface 1101 A corresponding to the third curved surface of the hinge housing 13.

[0191] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second portion 1102 of the first support plate 1111 may be spaced apart from the first portion 1101, and the first recess 1001 is located between the second portion 1102 and the first portion 1101.

[0192] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a second portion 1102 of the first support plate 1111 may be disposed between the first recess 1001 and the first opening 401. The second portion 1102 may provide (or define) a portion of the surface of the first recess 1001 and a portion of the surface of the first opening 401.

[0193] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third portion 1103 of the first support plate 1111 can be positioned between the first support member 71 and the first cover 112 (see...). Figure 1 Between. The first part 1101 and the second part 1102 may be oriented relative to the third part 1103 toward the first display area 151 (see...). Figure 4 )protrude.

[0194] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first support member 71 may include a first surface 701, a second surface 702, and / or a third surface 703. The first surface 701, second surface 702, and third surface 703 may face the surface of the first recess 1001 included in the first support plate 1111. The first surface 701 may substantially face a first portion 1101 of the first support plate 1111. The second surface 702 may substantially face a second portion 1102 of the first support plate 1111. The third surface 703 may substantially face a third portion 1103 of the first support plate 1111. The third surface 703 may be a surface pointing in a direction opposite to the surface of the first support member 71 facing the first plate 51.

[0195] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rigid portion R1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be positioned between the third surface 703 of the first support member 71 and the third portion 1103 of the first support plate 1111.

[0196] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first region F11 extending from the first rigid portion R1 of the first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (see...) Figure 11 ) and the third region F31 of the third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 extending from the first rigid portion R1 (see Figure 11 It can be positioned in the first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111.

[0197] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first rigid portion R1, the first region F11 of the first flexible portion F1, and the third region F31 of the third flexible portion F3 can be defined or interpreted as the first fixed region 601 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, which is configured to be connected to the first support plate 1111 via the first support member 71.

[0198] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fixing region 601 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may be disposed in the first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111 and disposed around the first surface 701, the second surface 702 and the third surface 703 of the first support member 71.

[0199] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111 may be configured (or formed) such that the combination of the first support member 71 and the first fixing region 601 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can stably engage with the first recess 1001.

[0200] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first rigid portion R1 of the first fixed region 601 may be disposed on or connected to the third surface 703 of the first support member 71. The first rigid portion R1 may be connected to the first support member 71 via a first adhesive material (or first bonding material) 1201 disposed between the first support member 71 and the first rigid portion R1. Although not shown separately, the first rigid portion R1 may be mechanically fastened to the first support member 71 by means such as screws.

[0201] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the space between the surface of the first support member 71 and the first recess 1001 can be configured in the following shape: wherein the first region F11 and the third region F31 of the first fixing region 601 prevent bending stress or bending stress from concentrating on at least a portion of the surface.

[0202] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third surface 703 of the first support member 71 may include a third recess 1003. A first adhesive material 1201 may be positioned in the third recess 1003. For example, a first rigid portion R1 of the first fixing region 601 may be at least partially inserted into the third recess 1003.

[0203] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first support member 71 to which the first rigid portion R1 is connected is inserted into the first recess 1001, the first fixing region 601 may be provided substantially along the first surface 701, the second surface 702 and the third surface 703 of the first support member 71, or substantially tightly attached to the first support member 71 by a combination of the surfaces of the first support member 71 and the first recess 1001.

[0204] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first support member 71 is inserted into the first recess 1001 and the first fixing region 601 is substantially tightly attached to the first support member 71, the third recess 1003 can reduce the generation of stress between the first rigid portion R1 and the first region F11 and / or between the first rigid portion R1 and the third region F31 due to the configuration that the first rigid portion R1 is thicker than the first region F11 and the third region F31.

[0205] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first support member 71 is inserted into the first recess 1001 and the first fixing region 601 is substantially tightly attached to the first support member 71, the first surface 701 and the third surface 703 of the first support member 71 can be connected by a smooth curved surface in order to reduce the bending stress generated in the first region F11 of the first fixing region 601.

[0206] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first support member 71 is inserted into the first recess 1001 and the first fixing region 601 is substantially tightly attached to the first support member 71, the second surface 702 and the third surface 703 of the first support member 71 can be connected by a smooth curved surface in order to reduce the bending stress generated in the third region F31 of the first fixing region 601.

[0207] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second support member 72 may be disposed on or connected to the second support plate 1211. The second support member 72 may be configured to connect (or fix) the second rigid portion R2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 to the second support plate 1211. The second support member 72 may also be referred to as a second support body, a second support portion, a second fixing member, a second fixing portion, or a second retainer.

[0208] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second support member 72 may be made of metallic and / or non-metallic materials.

[0209] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second support member 72 may be positioned at least partially between the second plate 52 and the second support plate 1211.

[0210] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second support member 72 may be disposed in a second recess 1002 provided (or defined) in the second support plate 1211. The second recess 1002 may be formed in a second support region 1211A of the second support plate 1211 (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 In, for example, the second recess 1002 may have a recess in the second display area 152 (see...). Figure 4 ) Towards the second cover 122 (see Figure 1 The shape is concave in the direction of ).

[0211] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the second recess 1002 can be positioned at least at the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 (see...). Figure 1 Between the second opening 402 and the second opening 402.

[0212] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first recess 1001 can be at least partially positioned between the second recess 1002 and the first opening 401. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the second recess 1002 can be at least partially positioned between the first recess 1001 and the second opening 402.

[0213] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first recess 1001 and the second recess 1002 can be aligned and overlap each other.

[0214] According to embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to foldable electronic device 1 (see...) Figure 1 The cross-section of the plane perpendicular to the direction of the centerline A of the plane (see...) Figure 12 The second support plate 1211 may include a fourth portion 1104, a fifth portion 1105, and a sixth portion 1106. The second recess 1002 may be provided (or defined) by a combination of the fourth portion 1104, the fifth portion 1105, and the sixth portion 1106.

[0215] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the fourth portion 1104 of the second support plate 1211 may extend to the eighth edge B8 of the second side 1212 (see [link]). Figure 1 In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the fourth part 1104 can be positioned relative to the hinge housing 13 based on the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 to cover the hinge housing 13 (see...). Figure 4In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the fourth part 1104 can be positioned relative to the hinge housing 13 based on the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 to not cover a part of the hinge housing 13.

[0216] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the hinge housing 13 (see...) Figure 4 The fourth surface may include a foldable electronic device 1 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 is exposed to the outside in the folded state, and the fourth part 1104 of the second support plate 1211 may include a second curved surface 1104 A corresponding to the fourth curved surface of the hinge housing 13.

[0217] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the combination of the first curved surface 1101 A of the first support plate 1111 and the second curved surface 1104 A of the second support plate 1211 can provide (or define) a recess, in which the hinge housing 13 (see embodiment) is in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1. Figure 14 It is positioned in the recess.

[0218] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fifth portion 1105 of the second support plate 1211 may be spaced apart from the fourth portion 1104, and the second recess 1002 is located between the fifth portion 1105 and the fourth portion 1104.

[0219] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a fifth portion 1105 of the second support plate 1211 may be disposed between the second recess 1002 and the second opening 402. The fifth portion 1105 may provide (or define) a portion of the surface of the second recess 1002 and a portion of the surface of the second opening 402.

[0220] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the sixth portion 1106 of the second support plate 1211 can be positioned between the second support member 72 and the second cover 122 (see...). Figure 1 Between. Parts 1104 and 1105 may be oriented relative to part 1106 toward the second display area 152 (see...). Figure 4 )protrude.

[0221] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second support member 72 may include a fourth surface 704, a fifth surface 705, and / or a sixth surface 706. The fourth surface 704, fifth surface 705, and sixth surface 706 may face the surface of the second recess 1002 included in the second support plate 1211. The fourth surface 704 may substantially face the fourth portion 1104 of the second support plate 1211. The fifth surface 705 may substantially face the fifth portion 1105 of the second support plate 1211. The sixth surface 706 may substantially face the sixth portion 1106 of the second support plate 1211. The sixth surface 706 may be a surface pointing in a direction opposite to the surface of the second support member 72 facing the second plate 52.

[0222] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rigid portion R2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be positioned between the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72 and the sixth portion 1106 of the second support plate 1211.

[0223] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second region F21 extending from the second rigid portion R2 of the second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (see...) Figure 12 The fourth region F32 extending from the second rigid portion R2 of the third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (see...) Figure 12 It can be positioned in the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211.

[0224] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second rigid portion R2, the second region F21 of the second flexible portion F2, and the fourth region F32 of the third flexible portion F3 can be defined or interpreted as the second fixed region 602 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, which is configured to be connected to the second support plate 1211 via the second support member 72.

[0225] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second fixing region 602 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may be disposed in the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211 and disposed around the fourth surface 704, the fifth surface 705 and the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72.

[0226] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211 may be configured (or formed) such that the combination of the second support member 72 and the second fixing region 602 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can stably engage with the second recess 1002.

[0227] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second rigid portion R2 of the second fixing region 602 may be disposed on or connected to the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72. The second rigid portion R2 may be connected to the second support member 72 via a second adhesive material (or second bonding material) 1202 disposed between the second support member 72 and the second rigid portion R2. Although not shown separately, the second rigid portion R2 may be mechanically fastened to the second support member 72 by means such as screws.

[0228] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the space between the second support member 72 and the surface of the second recess 1002 can be configured in the following shape: wherein the second region F21 and the fourth region F32 of the second fixing region 602 prevent bending stress or bending stress from concentrating on at least a portion of the surface.

[0229] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72 may include a fourth recess 1004. A second adhesive material 1202 may be positioned within the fourth recess 1004. For example, a second rigid portion R2 of the second fixing region 602 may be at least partially inserted into the fourth recess 1004.

[0230] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second support member 72 to which the second rigid portion R2 is connected is inserted into the second recess 1002, the second fixing region 602 may be disposed substantially along the fourth surface 704, the fifth surface 705 and the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72, or substantially tightly attached to the second support member 72 by a combination of the surfaces of the second support member 72 and the second recess 1002.

[0231] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second support member 72 is inserted into the second recess 1002 and the second fixing region 602 is substantially tightly attached to the second support member 72, the fourth recess 1004 can reduce the occurrence of stress between the second rigid portion R2 and the second region F21 and / or between the second rigid portion R2 and the fourth region F32 due to the configuration that the second rigid portion R2 is thicker than the second region F21 and the fourth region F32.

[0232] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second support member 72 is inserted into the second recess 1002 and the second fixing region 602 is substantially tightly attached to the second support member 72, the fourth surface 704 and the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72 can be connected by a smooth curved surface in order to reduce the bending stress generated in the second region F21 of the second fixing region 602.

[0233] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second support member 72 is inserted into the second recess 1002 and the second fixing region 602 is substantially tightly attached to the second support member 72, the fifth surface 705 and the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72 can be connected by a smooth curved surface in order to reduce the bending stress generated in the fourth region F32 of the second fixing region 602.

[0234] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first fixed region 601 can be connected or fixed to the first support plate 1111 via the first support member 71, and / or the second fixed region 602 can be connected or fixed to the second support plate 1211 via the second support member 72, such that a bendable region 603 of the third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be defined, and this bendable region 603 substantially performs movement when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state. The bendable region 603 can extend the first fixed region 601 and the second fixed region 602 of the third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6. The bendable region 603 can have a length within a specified range.

[0235] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the relative position between the first fixed region 601 and the second fixed region 602 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can change. The bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be configured in a shape corresponding to the relative position between the first fixed region 601 and the second fixed region 602.

[0236] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 has a bendable region 603 with a length within a specified range, such that the bendable regions 603 do not interfere with each other in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1. The bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 having a length within a specified range facilitates setting the bendable region 603 in a specified shape in both the unfolded and folded states of the foldable electronic device 1. The specified shape set for the bendable region 603 in both the unfolded and folded states of the foldable electronic device 1 can reduce or prevent damage to the bendable region 603.

[0237] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 1 can provide (or define) a first relative position between a first fixed region 601 and a second fixed region 602. In the folded state, the foldable electronic device 1 can provide (or define) a second relative position between the first fixed region 601 and the second fixed region 602. In the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 1 can provide (or define) a first internal space in which the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 is disposed. In the folded state, the foldable electronic device 1 can provide (or define) a second internal space in which the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 is disposed. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be configured in a first shape, which is specified to correspond to the first internal space and the first relative position between the first fixed region 601 and the second fixed region 602. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the specified first shape can reduce interference with surrounding components, while reducing or preventing damage to the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be configured in a specified second shape, which corresponds to the second internal space and the second relative position between the first fixed region 601 and the second fixed region 602. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the specified second shape can reduce interference with surrounding components, while reducing or preventing damage to the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6.

[0238] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be extended by the first plate 51, the second plate 52, and the hinge housing 13 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 14 Supports and sets it to a specified shape.

[0239] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the designated shape of the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may include a first bend portion BP1, a second bend portion BP2, a third bend portion BP3, and a fourth bend portion BP4.

[0240] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the first curved portion BP1 may be a first curved surface that extends beyond the first portion 1101 of the first support plate 1111 to extend from the first fixed region 601 to the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 (see [link]). Figure 14In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 can be configured to provide space for accommodating the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, and the surface of the fifth recess 1005 can be configured to support the bendable region 603.

[0241] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the first plate 51 can support the first bent portion BP1.

[0242] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first curved portion BP1 can be in direct (or physical) contact with the first plate 51, such that the first curved portion BP1 can be supported by the first plate 51.

[0243] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first curved portion BP1 may indirectly contact the first plate 51, such that the first curved portion BP1 is supported by the first plate 51. This configuration of indirect contact between the first curved portion BP1 and the first plate 51 can be defined or interpreted as a configuration in which the first curved portion BP1 and the first plate 51 are in contact with each other through at least one medium located between the first curved portion BP1 and the first plate 51. For example, the first curved portion BP1 may contact a separate component disposed on the first plate 51 (e.g., Figure 14 The first membrane (1410) in the middle is in physical contact.

[0244] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second curved portion BP2 may be a second curved surface that extends beyond the fourth portion 1104 of the second support plate 1211 to extend from the second fixed region 602 to the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 (see [link]). Figure 14 ).

[0245] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second plate 52 can support the second curved portion BP2.

[0246] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second curved portion BP2 may be in direct (or physical) contact with the second plate 52, such that the second curved portion BP2 is supported by the second plate 52.

[0247] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second curved portion BP2 may indirectly contact the second plate 52, such that the second curved portion BP2 is supported by the second plate 52. This configuration of indirect contact between the second curved portion BP2 and the second plate 52 can be defined or interpreted as a configuration in which the second curved portion BP2 and the second plate 52 are in contact with each other through at least one medium. For example, the second curved portion BP2 may contact a separate component disposed on the second plate 52 (e.g., Figure 14 The second membrane (1420) is in physical contact.

[0248] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third bending portion BP3 and the fourth bending portion BP4 may be provided (or defined) as part of the bendable region 603, said portion extending from the first bending portion BP1 and the second bending portion BP2, and positioned in the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 (see...). Figure 14 It is located within the fifth recess 1005 and supported by the surface of the fifth recess 1005. The third curved portion BP3 may extend from the first curved portion BP1 and the fourth curved portion BP4 and is positioned on one side of the hinge housing 13 (see [link]). Figure 14 The fourth bend BP4 can extend the second bend BP2 and the third bend BP3 and is positioned on the other side of the hinge housing 13 (see...). Figure 14 ).

[0249] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be configured (or formed) about the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1 (see...). Figure 1 The components are basically symmetrical. For example, the first curved portion BP1 and the second curved portion BP2 can be about the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1 (see...). Figure 1 The components are basically symmetrical. For example, the third curved portion BP3 and the fourth curved portion BP4 can be about the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1 (see...). Figure 1 It is basically symmetrical.

[0250] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, bending stress can be generated on the first bent portion BP1, the second bent portion BP2, the third bent portion BP3, and the fourth bent portion BP4 included in the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6. The third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may have a thickness between one surface and another surface positioned opposite each other, and bending stress may be generated on the bent portions (e.g., the first bent portion BP1, the second bent portion BP2, the third bent portion BP3, and the fourth bent portion BP4) when the force stretching one surface of the bent portion (e.g., tensile stress) and the force contracting the other surface of the bent portion (e.g., compressive stress) conflict with each other. The bending stress that may be generated on the bent portions (e.g., the first bent portion BP1, the second bent portion BP2, the third bent portion BP3, and the fourth bent portion BP4) of the bendable region 603 in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1 may be proportional to the longitudinal elastic modulus of the third flexible portion F3 (e.g., the degree of resistance to tension or compression) and / or the thickness of the third flexible portion F3. Bending stresses that may occur on the bent portions (e.g., the first bent portion BP1, the second bent portion BP2, the third bent portion BP3, and the fourth bent portion BP4) of the bendable region 603 in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1 can be inversely proportional to the radius of curvature. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first bent portion BP1, the second bent portion BP2, the third bent portion BP3, and the fourth bent portion BP4 of the bendable region 603 can be defined with radii of curvature greater than a threshold radius of curvature to reduce damage to the bendable region 603. For example, in a comparative example where the radius of curvature of the bent portion is less than the threshold radius of curvature, bending stresses (e.g., yield stresses) that could lead to damage or permanent deformation of the bent portion may occur. For example, in a comparative example where the radius of curvature of the bent portion is less than the threshold radius of curvature, the bending stresses generated on the bent portions when the foldable electronic device repeatedly changes between the unfolded and folded states result in a reduction or loss of elasticity due to fatigue accumulation, which could lead to damage or permanent deformation of the bent portions.

[0251] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, when the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1 (see...) Figure 1 When viewed in the direction of ), the first display module 15 (see Figure 14 The first display area 151 and the second display area 152 of the first display module 15 can be arranged flat in the first direction. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 of the first display module 15 can face each other. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, when the center line A of the foldable electronic device 1 (see...) Figure 1When viewed in the direction of ), hinge part 14 (see Figure 4 The first plate 51 can be configured such that the first plate 51 defines a first acute angle relative to the second direction, and the second plate 52 defines a second acute angle relative to the second direction, such that the space between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 increases in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second direction can be the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 facing each other in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1 (see...). Figure 15 ) Towards the third display area 153 (see Figure 15 The first acute angle and the second acute angle can be substantially equal to each other. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can define acute angles. In the folded state, compared with the foldable electronic device of the first comparative example (not shown separately) where the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 are set to be substantially parallel to each other, in the foldable electronic device 1 of this disclosure, the third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be longer to prevent interference with the first plate 51 and the second plate 52. A second comparative example of the foldable electronic device (not shown separately) may exist, in which the entire third flexible portion F3 substantially performs movement during the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device of the second comparative example, the entire third flexible portion F3 needs to be positioned within a designated internal space of the foldable electronic device. For this purpose, the curved portion of at least any of the third flexible portions F3 is likely to have a radius of curvature smaller than a threshold radius of curvature, which may lead to damage or permanent deformation of the curved portion. Compared to the foldable electronic device of the second comparative example, in the foldable electronic device 1 according to the present disclosure, the bendable region 603 of the third flexible portion F3 with a specified length is defined by the first support member 71 and the second support member 72, which can reduce or prevent damage to the flexible printed circuit board 6.

[0252] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the shape of the third region F31 included in the first fixed region 601 of the third flexible portion F3 extending between the first support member 71 (or the first surface 701) and the first portion 1101 of the first support plate 1111 can help to set the bendable region 603 of the third flexible portion F3 into a specified shape.

[0253] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the shape of the third region F31, included in the first fixed region 601 of the third flexible portion F3, extending between the first support member 71 (or the first surface 701) and the first portion 1101 of the first support plate 1111, can reduce the stress that may be generated between the third region F31 and the flexible region 603. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the shape of the third region F31 extending between the first support member 71 (or the first surface 701) and the first portion 1101 of the first support plate 1111 can reduce the degree of stress concentration between the third region F31 and the flexible region 603.

[0254] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the shape of the fourth region F32 included in the second fixed region 602 of the third flexible portion F3 extending between the second support member 72 (or the fourth surface 704) and the fourth portion 1104 of the second support plate 1211 can help to set the bendable region 603 of the third flexible portion F3 into a specified shape.

[0255] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the shape of the fourth region F32, included in the second fixed region 602 of the third flexible portion F3, extending between the second support member 72 (or the fourth surface 704) and the fourth portion 1104 of the second support plate 1211, can reduce the stress that may be generated between the fourth region F32 and the flexible region 603. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the shape of the fourth region F32 extending between the second support member 72 (or the fourth surface 704) and the fourth portion 1104 of the second support plate 1211 can reduce the degree of stress concentration between the fourth region F32 and the flexible region 603.

[0256] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first surface 701 of the first support member 71 may include a first inclined surface. The fourth surface 704 of the second support member 72 may include a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface may be configured to support the third region F31 of the first fixing region 601. The second inclined surface may be configured to support the fourth region F32 of the second fixing region 602. For example, the first inclined surface may define a first obtuse angle relative to the third surface 703 of the first support member 71, and a first rigid portion R1 of the first fixing region 601 is disposed on the third surface 703. For example, the second inclined surface may define a second obtuse angle relative to the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72, and a second rigid portion R2 is disposed on the sixth surface 706 of the second support member 72. The first obtuse angle and the second obtuse angle may be substantially equal to each other. For example, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface may be configured to be substantially symmetrical about the centerline A of the foldable electronic device 1. Because the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 are operatively connected to at least one hinge module (e.g., Figure 4 The device comprises a first hinge module 141, a second hinge module 142, and a third hinge module 143. Therefore, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the first angle between the first inclined surface and the first plate 51 and the second angle between the second inclined surface and the second plate 52 can change. The first angle and the second angle can be substantially equal to each other.

[0257] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third region F31 of the third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, included in the first fixed region 601, can be disposed along or supported by the first inclined surface of the first surface 701 of the first support member 71. The fourth region F32 of the third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, included in the second fixed region 602, can be disposed along or supported by the second inclined surface of the fourth surface 704 of the second support member 72. When the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first and second inclined surfaces can help to set the bendable region 603 of the third flexible portion F3 into a specified shape. When the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the first and second inclined surfaces can reduce the stress that may arise between the bendable region 603 and the third region F31 of the first fixed region 601, and the stress that may arise between the bendable region 603 and the fourth region F32 of the second fixed region 602. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can reduce the degree of stress concentration between the third region F31 of the bendable region 603 and the first fixed region 601, and between the fourth region F32 of the bendable region 603 and the second fixed region 602.

[0258] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the center line A (see [reference]) is... Figure 1 When viewed in the direction of the first surface 701 of the first support member 71, the first inclined surface of the first surface 701 of the first support member 71 and the second inclined surface of the fourth surface 704 of the second support member 72 can each be provided (or defined) as a curved surface.

[0259] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the center line A (see [reference]) is... Figure 1 When viewed in the direction of the center line A, the first surface 701 of the first support member 71 and the fourth surface 704 of the second support member 72 can be substantially parallel to each other and point in a direction perpendicular to the center line A.

[0260] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a third support member 81 may be at least partially positioned between the first support member 71 and the first plate 51. The third support member 81 may be connected to the first support plate 1111. For example, the third support member 81 may be connected to the first support plate 1111 by a first screw S1 and a second screw S2. The third support member 81 may include a first screw hole SH1 corresponding to the first screw S1 and a second screw hole SH2 corresponding to the second screw S2.

[0261] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third support member 81 may be supported by the first support plate 1111 fastened with screws and press the first support member 71 against the first recess 1001, so that the first support member 71 does not detach from the first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111.

[0262] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fourth support member 82 may be at least partially positioned between the second support member 72 and the second plate 52. The fourth support member 82 may be connected to the second support plate 1211. For example, the fourth support member 82 may be connected to the second support plate 1211 by a third screw S3 and a fourth screw S4. The fourth support member 82 may include a third screw hole SH3 corresponding to the third screw S3 and a fourth screw hole SH4 corresponding to the fourth screw S4.

[0263] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth support member 82 may be supported by the second support plate 1211 fastened with screws, and the second support member 72 is pressed against the second recess 1002 so that the second support member 72 does not detach from the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211.

[0264] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the third support member 81 and / or the fourth support member 82 may be made of metallic and / or non-metallic materials.

[0265] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third support member 81 and the fourth support member 82 can be aligned and overlap each other.

[0266] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth support member 91 may be disposed on or connected to the third support member 81. For example, the fifth support member 91 may be connected to the third support member 81 by a third adhesive material (or third bonding material) 1203 disposed between the third support member 81 and the fifth support member 91.

[0267] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth support member 91 may include a first protrusion P1 and / or a second protrusion P2. The third support member 81 may include a first fixing hole (also referred to as a third hole) FH1 corresponding to the first protrusion P1 and / or a second fixing hole (also referred to as a fourth hole) FH2 corresponding to the second protrusion P2. The first protrusion P1 can be inserted into the first fixing hole FH1. The second protrusion P2 can be inserted into the second fixing hole FH2. The combination of the first protrusion P1 and the first fixing hole FH1 and / or the combination of the second protrusion P2 and the second fixing hole FH2 can enhance the connection between the third support member 81 and the fifth support member 91. The combination of the first protrusion P1 and the first fixing hole FH1 and / or the combination of the second protrusion P2 and the second fixing hole FH2 can guide the position of the fifth support member 91 relative to the third support member 81.

[0268] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be fixed to the first support plate 1111 by the fifth support member 91.

[0269] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the fifth support member 91 may include a first insert (also referred to as a first insert protrusion or a first extension) 911 inserted into a first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111. The first insert 911 may be inserted into the first opening 401 by means of a portion 811 of the first support member 71 positioned corresponding to the first opening 401.

[0270] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the third support member 81 to which the fifth support member 91 is connected is fastened to the first support plate 1111 by screws, the first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 can be inserted into the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111. The first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 can substantially tightly attach the first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, which penetrates the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111, to the second portion 1102 of the first support plate 1111. The first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, which penetrates the first opening 401, can be fixed to the second portion 1102 of the first support plate 1111 by the first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 positioned in the first opening 401.

[0271] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the first insert 911 is inserted into the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111, the first flexible portion F1 can be pulled by the first insert 911 and fixed to the second portion 1102, so as to reduce the gap between the first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 and the first support member 71 and / or the gap between the first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 and the second portion 1102 of the first support plate 1111.

[0272] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second portion 1102 of the first support plate 1111 may include a seventh surface 707, which is configured to extend the surface of the first recess 1001 and the surface of the first opening 401. The first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may have a fifth curved portion BP5 corresponding to the seventh surface 707. The seventh surface 707 may be configured (or defined) as a curved surface that smoothly connects the surface of the first recess 1001 and the surface of the first opening 401 to reduce the bending stress of the fifth curved portion BP5.

[0273] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111 may include a first partial opening region 4011 and a second partial opening region 4012. The first partial opening region 4011 may be located between the second partial opening region 4012 and the first display area 151 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 14 The second opening region 4012 can be positioned between the first opening region 4011 and the first cover 112 (see...). Figure 1 Between the first part of the opening region 4011 and the second part of the opening region 4012. The first part of the opening region 4011 and the second part of the opening region 4012 can overlap and connect with each other.

[0274] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when from the first cover 112 (see...) Figure 1When viewed from above, the second part of the opening region 4012 of the first opening 401 can be provided (or formed) to have a wider width than the first part of the opening region 4011 of the first opening 401.

[0275] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 can be positioned in the first partial opening region 4011 of the first opening 401, and the first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 is tightly attached to the surface of the first partial opening region 4011.

[0276] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth support member 91 may be substantially rigid.

[0277] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth support member 91 may be made of metallic and / or non-metallic materials.

[0278] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth support member 91 may include an elastic or flexible component. For example, the fifth support member 91 may include rubber or silicone. The first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 may be elastically disposed in the first portion of the opening region 4011 of the first opening 401.

[0279] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 may extend into a portion of the second partial opening region 4012 of the first opening 401. For example, the first insert 911 may include one or more protrusions 912, 913, and 914 extending into the second partial opening region 4012.

[0280] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first sealing member 1310 may be disposed in a first opening 401 of a first support plate 1111. A combination of the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111 and a first insert 911 of a fifth support member 91 positioned in the first opening 401 may provide (or form) a recess in which the first sealing member 1310 may be disposed.

[0281] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sealing member 1310 can be formed by filling the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111 with an adhesive material (e.g., a liquid adhesive material, such as a cured-in-place gasket (CIPG)) and then curing the adhesive material (e.g., by photo-reaction or thermal-reaction curing of the adhesive material).

[0282] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the first sealing member 1310 may include various polymer adhesives or bonding materials.

[0283] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be connected (or fixed) to the first support plate 1111 via the first sealing member 1310.

[0284] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111 is filled with adhesive material for the first sealing member 1310, the first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 can reduce or prevent the adhesive material from leaking into the first support plate 1111 and the first display area 151 (see [link]). Figure 1 In the space between ).

[0285] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may include a first waterproof area (also referred to as a first waterproof space) and a second waterproof area (also referred to as a second waterproof space). The first waterproof area may be a first frame 111 and a first display area 151 (see...). Figure 1 The space between the first support plate 1111 and the first cover 112. The second waterproof area can be the space between the first support plate 1111 and the first cover 112 (see...). Figure 1 The space between the first and second waterproof areas. Multiple electrical components can be positioned in the first and second waterproof areas. A first sealing member 1310 disposed in the first opening 401 can separate the first and second waterproof areas. The first sealing member 1310 can reduce or prevent foreign matter (e.g., moisture and / or dust) introduced from the outside into the foldable electronic device 1 from flowing (or moving) from the first waterproof area to the second waterproof area or from the second waterproof area to the first waterproof area through the first opening 401. For example, the first sealing member 1310 may include a waterproof component or a waterproof material.

[0286] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sixth support member 92 may be disposed on or connected to the fourth support member 82. For example, the sixth support member 92 may be connected to the fourth support member 82 by a fourth adhesive material (or fourth bonding material) 1204 disposed between the fourth support member 82 and the sixth support member 92.

[0287] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sixth support member 92 may include a third protrusion P3 and / or a fourth protrusion P4. The fourth support member 82 may include a third fixing hole (also referred to as a fifth hole) FH3 corresponding to the third protrusion P3 and / or a fourth fixing hole (also referred to as a sixth hole) FH4 corresponding to the fourth protrusion P4. The third protrusion P3 can be inserted into the third fixing hole FH3. The fourth protrusion P4 can be inserted into the fourth fixing hole FH4. The combination of the third protrusion P3 and the third fixing hole FH3 and / or the combination of the fourth protrusion P4 and the fourth fixing hole FH4 can improve the connection between the fourth support member 82 and the sixth support member 92. The combination of the third protrusion P3 and the third fixing hole FH3 and / or the combination of the fourth protrusion P4 and the fourth fixing hole FH4 can guide the position of the sixth support member 92 relative to the fourth support member 82.

[0288] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be fixed to the second support plate 1211 by the sixth support member 92.

[0289] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the sixth support member 92 may include a second insert (also referred to as a second insert protrusion or a second extension) 921 inserted into a second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211. The second insert 921 may be inserted into the second opening 402 by being supported by a portion 821 of the fourth support member 82 positioned corresponding to the second opening 402.

[0290] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the fourth support member 82 to which the sixth support member 92 is connected is fastened to the second support plate 1211 by screws, the second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 can be inserted into the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211. The second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 can substantially and tightly attach the second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, which penetrates the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211, to the fifth portion 1105 of the second support plate 1211. The second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, which penetrates the second opening 402, can be fixed to the fifth portion 1105 of the second support plate 1211 by the second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 positioned in the second opening 402.

[0291] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the second insert 921 is inserted into the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211, the second flexible portion F2 can be pulled by the second insert 921 and fixed to the fifth portion 1105, so as to reduce the gap between the second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 and the second support member 72 and / or the gap between the second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 and the fifth portion 1105 of the second support plate 1211.

[0292] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth portion 1105 of the second support plate 1211 may include an eighth surface 708, which is configured to extend the surface of the second recess 1002 and the surface of the second opening 402. The second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may have a sixth curved portion BP6 corresponding to the eighth surface 708. The eighth surface 708 may be provided (or defined) as a curved surface that smoothly connects the surface of the second recess 1002 and the surface of the second opening 402 to reduce the bending stress of the sixth curved portion BP6.

[0293] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211 may include a third opening region 4021 and a fourth opening region 4022. The third opening region 4021 may be positioned within the fourth opening region 4022 and the second display area 152 (see...). Figure 14 The fourth opening region 4022 can be positioned between the third opening region 4021 and the second cover 122 (see...). Figure 1 Between the third part opening region 4021 and the fourth part opening region 4022.

[0294] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when from the second cover 122 (see...) Figure 1 When viewed from above, the fourth portion of the second opening 402, the opening region 4022, can be provided (or formed) to have a width greater than that of the third portion of the second opening 402, the opening region 4021.

[0295] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 can be positioned in the third portion opening region 4021 of the second opening 402 and tightly attach the second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 to the surface of the third portion opening region 4021.

[0296] According to an embodiment, the sixth support member 92 may be substantially rigid.

[0297] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sixth support member 92 may be made of metallic and / or non-metallic materials.

[0298] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sixth support member 92 may include an elastic member or a flexible member. For example, the sixth support member 92 may include rubber or silicone. The second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 may be elastically disposed in the third portion of the opening region 4021 of the second opening 402.

[0299] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 may extend into a portion of the fourth partial opening region 4022 of the second opening 402. For example, the second insert 921 may include one or more protrusions 922, 923, and 924 extending into the fourth partial opening region 4022.

[0300] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sealing member 1320 may be disposed in the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211. The combination of the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211 and the sixth support member 92 positioned in the second opening 402 may provide (or form) a recess in which the second sealing member 1320 may be disposed.

[0301] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second sealing member 1320 can be formed by filling the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211 with an adhesive material (e.g., a liquid adhesive such as CIPG) and then curing the adhesive material (e.g., curing the adhesive material by photoreaction or thermal reaction).

[0302] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the second sealing member 1320 may include various polymer adhesives or bonding materials.

[0303] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be connected (or fixed) to the second support plate 1211 via the second sealing member 1320.

[0304] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211 is filled with adhesive material for the second sealing member 1320, the second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 can reduce or prevent the adhesive material from leaking into the second support plate 1211 and the second display area 152 (see embodiment 1320). Figure 1 In the space between ).

[0305] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may include a third waterproof region (also referred to as a third waterproof space) and a fourth waterproof region (also referred to as a fourth waterproof space). The third waterproof region may be a second frame 121 and a second display area 152 (see...). Figure 1 The space between the second support plate 1211 and the second cover 122 (see...). The fourth waterproof area can be the space between the second support plate 1211 and the second cover 122 (see...). Figure 1The space between the third and fourth waterproof areas. Multiple electrical components may be located in the third and fourth waterproof areas. A second sealing member 1320 disposed in the second opening 402 can separate the third and fourth waterproof areas. The second sealing member 1320 can reduce or prevent foreign matter (e.g., moisture and / or dust) introduced into the foldable electronic device 1 from the outside from flowing (or moving) from the third waterproof area to the fourth waterproof area or from the fourth waterproof area to the third waterproof area through the second opening 402. For example, the second sealing member 1320 may include a waterproof component or a waterproof material.

[0306] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the combination of a first support member 71, a third support member 81, and a fifth support member 91 disposed on or connected to the first support plate 1111 can be configured such that, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, it is not operatively connected to one or more hinge modules (e.g., Figure 4 The motion interference of the first plate 51 of the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142 and the fourth hinge module 143 in the process.

[0307] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the combination of the second support member 72, the fourth support member 82, and the sixth support member 92 disposed on or connected to the second support plate 1211 can be configured such that, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, it is not operatively connected to one or more hinge modules (e.g., Figure 4 The motion interference of the second plate 52 of the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142 and the fourth hinge module 143 in the process.

[0308] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, integrated or single support members (e.g., a single continuous structure or an integral structure) may be provided or formed in place of the first support member 71 and the third support member 81.

[0309] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, integrated or single support members (e.g., a single continuous structure or an integral structure) may be provided (or formed) in place of the third support member 81 and the fifth support member 91.

[0310] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, integrated or individual support members (e.g., a single continuous structure or an integral structure) may be provided or formed in place of the first support member 71, the third support member 81 and the fifth support member 91.

[0311] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, integrated or single support members (e.g., a single continuous structure or an integral structure) may be provided or formed in place of the second support member 72 and the fourth support member 82.

[0312] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, integrated or single support members (e.g., a single continuous structure or an integral structure) may be provided or formed in place of the fourth support member 82 and the sixth support member 92.

[0313] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, although not shown separately, integrated or individual support members (e.g., a single continuous structure or an integral structure) may be provided or formed in place of the second support member 72, the fourth support member 82 and the sixth support member 92.

[0314] Figure 14 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the foldable electronic device taken by the E-E' line.

[0315] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0316] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The foldable electronic device 1 may include a first support plate 1111, a second support plate 1211, a flexible printed circuit board 6, a first support member 71, a second support member 72, a third support member 81, a fourth support member 82, a fifth support member 91, a sixth support member 92, a first adhesive material 1201, a second adhesive material 1202, a third adhesive material 1203, a fourth adhesive material 1204, a first display module 15, a first plate (or a first wing plate) 51, a second plate (or a second wing plate) 52, a first sealing member 1310, a second sealing member 1320, a first membrane 1410, and / or a second membrane 1420. (The last part, "to be omitted," is a repetition of the previous sentence and can be left as is.) Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are used to describe some of the constituent elements.

[0317] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 When the foldable electronic device 1 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, it is operably connected to one or more hinge modules (e.g., Figure 4The first plate 51 and the second plate 52 of the first hinge module 141, the second hinge module 142, and the third hinge module 143 can define acute angles. When the foldable electronic device 1 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the space between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be provided in a shape that expands toward the hinge housing 13, such that the third display area 153 of the first display module 15 can be set in a curved shape (e.g., a teardrop shape or a dumbbell shape) that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling.

[0318] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 of the first display module 15 can be positioned between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the third display area 153 can be provided between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, supported by the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, and configured in a curved shape (e.g., a teardrop shape or a dumbbell shape) that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling.

[0319] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may include a first rigid portion R1, a second rigid portion R2, a first flexible portion F1, a second flexible portion F2 and / or a third flexible portion F3.

[0320] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may have a first fixing region 601, which includes a first rigid portion R1, a first region F11 of a first flexible portion F1, and a third region F31 of a third flexible portion F3. Since the first support member 71 is disposed in a first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111, the first fixing region 601 can be connected to or fixed to the first support plate 1111. The first fixing region 601 may be disposed in the first recess 1001 and between the first support member 71 and the first support plate 1111. The first fixing region 601 may be disposed in the first recess 1001 and surround the first support member 71. For example, the first fixing region 601 may be disposed in the first recess 1001 and at least surround a portion of the surface of the first support member 71 (e.g., the bottom surface and side surfaces of the first support member 71). The bottom surface of the first support member 71 may include... Figure 11 The third surface 703, and the side surface of the first support member 71 may include Figure 11 The first surface 701 and the second surface 702 are in the first recess 1001. For example, in the first recess 1001, the first fixing region 601 may not at least surround a portion of the surface of the first support member 71 (e.g., the top surface of the first support member 71). The top surface of the first support member 71 may be positioned opposite to the bottom surface of the first support member 71 and pointing towards the first plate 51.

[0321] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may have a second fixing region 602, which includes a second rigid portion R2, a second region F21 of a second flexible portion F2, and a fourth region F32 of a third flexible portion F3. Since the second support member 72 is disposed in the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211, the second fixing region 602 can be connected to or fixed to the second support plate 1211. The second fixing region 602 may be disposed in the second recess 1002 and between the second support member 72 and the second support plate 1211. The second fixing region 602 may be disposed in the second recess 1002 and surround the second support member 72. For example, the second fixing region 602 may be disposed in the second recess 1002 and at least surround a portion of the surface of the second support member 72 (e.g., the bottom surface and side surfaces of the second support member 72). The bottom surface of the second support member 72 may include... Figure 12 The sixth surface 706, and the side surface of the second support member 72 may include Figure 12 The fourth surface 704 and the fifth surface 705. For example, in the second recess 1002, the second fixing region 602 may not at least surround a portion of the surface of the second support member 72 (e.g., the top surface of the second support member 72). The top surface of the second support member 72 may be positioned opposite to the bottom surface of the second support member 72 and pointing towards the second plate 52.

[0322] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, since the first fixed region 601 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 is disposed in the first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111, and the second fixed region 602 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 is disposed in the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211, the bendable region 603 of the third flexible portion F3 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be determined, which bendable region 603 substantially performs movement when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0323] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can pass through the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111 and can pass through the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211.

[0324] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 has a bendable region 603 with a length within a specified range. The bendable region 603 has a length within the specified range such that it does not interfere with the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1. The bendable region 603 has a length within the specified range such that it can be arranged in a specified shape in both the unfolded and folded states of the foldable electronic device 1. The specified shape of the bendable region 603 arranged in the unfolded and folded states of the foldable electronic device 1 can reduce stress that may be generated in the bendable region 603 and reduce or prevent damage to the bendable region 603.

[0325] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the relative positions between the first fixed region 601 and the second fixed region 602 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, as well as the internal space of the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6, can be changed. The bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be configured in a shape that reduces interference and stress with surrounding components when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0326] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be configured with a specified shape having a first bend portion BP1, a second bend portion BP2, a third bend portion BP3 and a fourth bend portion BP4.

[0327] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the shape of the third region F31 included in the first fixed region 601 of the third flexible portion F3 extending between the first support member 71 and the first portion 1101 of the first support plate 1111, and the shape of the fourth region F32 included in the second fixed region 602 of the third flexible portion F3 extending between the second support member 72 and the fourth portion 1104 of the second support plate 1211, help to set the bendable region 603 of the third flexible portion F3 into a specified shape. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can have a first pre-bent portion 1501 by being supported by the first plate 51, through the shape of the third region F31 included in the first fixed region 601 extending between the first support member 71 and the first portion 1101 of the first support plate 1111. The first pre-bent portion 1501 allows the first bent portion BP1 to be smoothly formed when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the flexible printed circuit board 603, through the shape of the fourth region F32 included in the second fixed region 602 extending between the second support member 72 and the fourth portion 1104 of the second support plate 1211, can have a second pre-bent portion 1502 by being supported by the second plate 52. The second pre-bent portion 1502 allows the second bent portion BP2 to be smoothly formed when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0328] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be configured with a specified shape having a first bent portion BP1, a second bent portion BP2, a third bent portion BP3, and a fourth bent portion BP4 through a combination of a first deformation and a second deformation. For example, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first deformation of the bendable region 603 may include deformation from the first pre-bent portion 1501 to the first bent portion BP1 and deformation from the second pre-bent portion 1502 to the second bent portion BP2. For example, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the second deformation of the bendable region 603 may include the remaining portions of the bendable region 603 extending from the first pre-bent portion 1501 and the second pre-bent portion 1502 into the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 and deforming into the third bent portion BP3 and the fourth bent portion BP4 while being supported by the surface of the fifth recess 1005. The first and second deformations of the bendable region 603 can be performed operably or in conjunction with each other.

[0329] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 can be configured to provide a space in which a bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 is accommodated when the foldable electronic device 1 is in its unfolded state, and the surface of the fifth recess 1005 can be configured to support the bendable region 603, such that the bendable region 603 has a third bending portion BP3 and a fourth bending portion BP4. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 can be positioned between the first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111 and the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211.

[0330] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 (which corresponds to the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6) can be positioned in the seventh recess 132 of the hinge housing 13 (see...). Figure 4 ) and the eighth recess 133 (see Figure 4 Between. In various embodiments of this disclosure, the fifth recess 1005 of the hinge housing 13 (which corresponds to the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6) can be positioned between the sixth recess 131 of the hinge housing 13 (see Figure 4 ) and the eighth recess 133 (see Figure 4 )between.

[0331] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, portions of the extended first pre-bent portion 1501 and second pre-bent portion 1502 of the flexible printed circuit board 6's bendable region 603 can be positioned spaced apart from the hinge housing 13. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, these portions of the extended first pre-bent portion 1501 and second pre-bent portion 1502 of the bendable region 603 can be supported by the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, and maintain a designated shape protruding toward the hinge housing 13.

[0332] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the first end 511 of the first plate 51 and the second end 521 of the second plate 52 can face each other. The first end 511 of the first plate 51 and the second end 521 of the second plate 52 are spaced further apart in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1 than in the unfolded state. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be supported by the first end 511 of the first plate 51 and the second end 521 of the second plate 52. The first end 511 of the first plate 51 may include a first curved surface 5111 configured to support the bendable region 603 in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, thereby helping to set and maintain the bendable region 603 in a specified shape while reducing stress generated in the bendable region 603. The second end 521 of the second plate 52 may include a second curved surface 5211, which is configured to support the bendable region 603 in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, so as to help set and hold the bendable region 603 in a specified shape, while reducing the stress generated in the bendable region 603.

[0333] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first membrane 1410 may be disposed on a first plate 51. A second membrane 1420 may be disposed on a second plate 52.

[0334] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 has a bendable region 603 that can contact the first film 1410 and be supported by a first plate 51 on which the first film 1410 is disposed. The flexible printed circuit board 6 also has a bendable region 603 that can contact the second film 1420 and be supported by a second plate 52 on which the second film 1420 is disposed. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the flexible printed circuit board 6 has a first bend BP1 by contacting the first film 1410 and being supported by the first plate 51 on which the first film 1410 is disposed. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the flexible printed circuit board 6 has a second bend BP2 by contacting the second film 1420 and being supported by the second plate 52 on which the second film 1420 is disposed. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the flexible printed circuit board 6 has a first pre-bent portion 1501 by contacting the first film 1410 and being supported by the first plate 51 on which the first film 1410 is disposed. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 1, the flexible printed circuit board 6 has a second pre-bent portion 1502 by contacting the second film 1420 and being supported by the second plate 52 on which the second film 1420 is disposed.

[0335] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state, the flexible region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can slide into contact with a first film 1410 disposed on a first plate 51 and a second film 1420 disposed on a second plate 52. The first film 1410 prevents the flexible region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 from directly contacting the first plate 51, thereby reducing the friction between the flexible region 603 and the first plate 51. The second film 1420 prevents the flexible region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 from directly contacting the second plate 52, thereby reducing the friction between the flexible region 603 and the second plate 52. The first film 1410 and the second film 1420 can be made of materials capable of reducing friction with the flexible region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (e.g., lubricating materials), so that the flexible region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can smoothly perform movement when the foldable electronic device 1 changes between an unfolded state and a folded state. The first membrane 1410 and the second membrane 1420 can reduce or prevent friction noise between the flexible area 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 and the first plate 51, as well as friction noise between the flexible area 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 and the second plate 52.

[0336] Figure 16 This is a view illustrating the operation of connecting a flexible printed circuit board to a first support plate and a second support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0337] refer to Figure 16 In operation 1601, the first adhesive material 1201 can be used (see...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 The first support member 71 is connected to the first rigid portion R1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 In operation 1601, a second adhesive material 1202 can be used (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 The second support member 72 is connected to the second rigid portion R2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 In operation 1601, the flexible printed circuit board 6 can pass through the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111 and the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211, and be positioned on the first support plate 1111 and the second support plate 1211.

[0338] In operation 1601, the first support member 71 can be inserted into the first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15In the first rigid portion R1, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may be disposed in the first recess 1001, between the first support member 71 and the first support plate 1111, and connected to the first support plate 1111 in the first fixed area 601 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 The first fixed area 601 may be disposed in the first recess 1001 and surround the first support member 71.

[0339] In operation 1601, the second support member 72 can be inserted into the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211 (see...). Figure 14 and 15 In the second rigid portion R2, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may be disposed in the second recess 1002 and between the second support member 72 and the second support plate 1211, and connected to the second support plate 1211 in the second fixing region 602 (see Figure 14 and Figure 15 The second fixed area 602 may be disposed in the second recess 1002 and surround the second support member 72.

[0340] In operation 1602, the third support member 81 and the fifth support member 91 can be combined using the first screw S1 and the second screw S2 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 The first support member 71 is disposed on the first support plate 1111. The third support member 81 can press the first support member 71 against the first recess 1001, so that the first support member 71 does not exit from the first recess 1001 of the first support plate 1111 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 ) disengagement. The first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 (see Figure 13 The first insert 911 of the fifth support member 91 can be inserted into the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111. (See also: First insert 911 of the fifth support member 91) Figure 13 The flexible printed circuit board 6 passing through the first opening 401 can be tightly attached to the surface of the first opening 401.

[0341] In operation 1602, the fourth support member 82 and the sixth support member 92 can be combined using the third screw S3 and the fourth screw S4 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 The second support member 72 is disposed on the second support plate 1211. The fourth support member 82 can press the second support member 72 against the second recess 1002, so that the second support member 72 does not exit from the second recess 1002 of the second support plate 1211 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 ) Disengagement. The second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 (see Figure 13It can be inserted into the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211. The second insert 921 of the sixth support member 92 (see...) Figure 13 The flexible printed circuit board 6 passing through the second opening 402 can be tightly attached to the surface of the second opening 402.

[0342] In operation 1603, the first sealing member 1310 can be formed by filling the first opening 401 of the first support plate 1111 with an adhesive material (e.g., CIPG) and then curing the adhesive material (see [link]). Figure 14 and Figure 15 Fifth supporting member 91 (see...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 The first insert 911 (see) Figure 13 This can reduce or prevent adhesive material from leaking into the space between the first support plate 1111 and the first display area 151 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 The flexible printed circuit board 6 passing through the first opening 401 can be connected to the first support plate 1111 via the first sealing member 1310.

[0343] In operation 1603, the second sealing member 1320 can be formed by filling the second opening 402 of the second support plate 1211 with an adhesive material (e.g., CIPG) and then curing the adhesive material. (See also...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 Sixth supporting member 92 (see...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 The second insert 921 (see) Figure 13 This can reduce or prevent adhesive material from leaking into the space between the second support plate 1211 and the second display area 152 (see...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 The flexible printed circuit board 6 passing through the second opening 402 can be connected to the second support plate 1211 via the second sealing member 1320.

[0344] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a foldable electronic device 1 may include a foldable housing 10, a flexible printed circuit board 6, a first support member 71, and / or a second support member 72. The foldable housing 10 may include a first housing 11, a second housing 12, and a hinge portion 14 configured to connect the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The flexible printed circuit board 6 may extend across the hinge portion 14. The first support member 71 may be configured to connect the flexible printed circuit board 6 to the first housing 11. The second support member 72 may be configured to connect the flexible printed circuit board 6 to the second housing 12. The hinge portion 14 may include a first plate 51 and a second plate 52. The hinge portion 14 may be configured such that when the foldable housing 10 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 face each other. The first support member 71 may be positioned between the first plate 51 and the first housing 11 and disposed in a first recess 1001 formed on the first housing 11. The first fixing region 601 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be disposed between the first support member 71 and the first housing 11 in a first recess 1001, surrounding the first support member 71. The second support member 72 can be positioned between the second plate 52 and the second housing 12 and disposed in the second recess 1002 formed on the second housing 12. The second fixing region 602 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be disposed between the second support member 72 and the second housing 12 in the second recess 1002, surrounding the second support member 72.

[0345] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may further include a flexible display module (e.g., a first display module 15) disposed in the foldable housing 10. The flexible display module may include a first display area 151 disposed in the first housing 11, a second display area 152 disposed in the second housing 12, and a third display area 153 configured to extend the first display area 151 and the second display area 152. In the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 may face each other, and the third display area 153 may be curved. The hinge portion 14 may be configured such that, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 support the third display area 153, such that the third display area 153 is flat. The hinge portion 14 may be configured such that, in the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 face each other, and the third display area 153 is located between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52.

[0346] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible display module (e.g., the first display module 15) can be configured such that, when viewed in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10 along the folding axis (e.g., centerline A) of the foldable housing 10, the flexible display module is flat in a first direction. The hinge portion 14 can be configured such that, when viewed in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10 along the folding axis, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 define an acute angle in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and points from the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 to the third display area 153. The space between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be increased in the second direction.

[0347] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the first recess 1001 and the second recess 1002 can be aligned with each other and overlap.

[0348] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may include a first rigid portion R1, a second rigid portion R2, one or more first connector terminals CE11 and CE12, one or more second connector terminals CE21 and CE22, a first flexible portion F1, a second flexible portion F2, and / or a third flexible portion F3. One or more first connector terminals CE11 and CE12 may be electrically connected to at least one first element positioned in the first housing 11. One or more second connector terminals CE21 and CE22 may be electrically connected to at least one second element positioned in the second housing 12. The first flexible portion F1 may extend beyond one or more first connector terminals CE11 and CE12 and the first rigid portion R1. The second flexible portion F2 may extend beyond one or more second connector terminals CE21 and CE22 and the second rigid portion R2. The third flexible portion F3 may extend beyond the first rigid portion R1 and the second rigid portion R2. The first fixed region 601 may include a first rigid portion R1, a first region F11 extending from the first rigid portion R1 of the first flexible portion F1, and a third region F31 extending from the first rigid portion R1 of the third flexible portion F3. The second fixed region 602 may include a second rigid portion R2, a second region F21 extending from the second rigid portion R2 of the second flexible portion F2, and a fourth region F32 extending from the second rigid portion R2 of the third flexible portion F3. The bendable regions 603 extending from the third region F31 and the fourth region F32 of the third flexible portion F3 may be configured to deform according to the angle between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The first rigid portion R1 may be disposed on a surface of the first support member 71 pointing in the opposite direction to the surface facing the first plate 51 (e.g., the third surface 703). The second rigid portion R2 may be disposed on a surface of the second support member 72 pointing in the opposite direction to the surface facing the second plate 52 (e.g., the sixth surface 706).

[0349] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the first support member 71 may include a first inclined surface (e.g., a first surface 701) configured to support the third region F31. The second support member 72 may include a second inclined surface (e.g., a fourth surface 704) configured to support the fourth region F32. The first inclined surface may define an obtuse angle relative to the surface of the first support member 71 on which a first rigid portion R1 is disposed. The second inclined surface may define an obtuse angle relative to the surface of the second support member 72 on which a second rigid portion R2 is disposed. A first angle between the first inclined surface and the first plate 51 may be equal to a second angle between the second inclined surface and the second plate 52.

[0350] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first housing 11 may include a first support region 1111A, a third support region 1111B opposite to the first support region 1111A, and a first opening 401 configured to pass through the first support region 1111A and the third support region 1111B. The second housing 12 may include a second support region 1211A, a fourth support region 1211B opposite to the second support region 1211A, and a second opening 402 configured to pass through the second support region 1211A and the fourth support region 1211B. In the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the first support region 1111A and the second support region 1211A may face each other. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, the first recess 1001 may be at least partially positioned between the second recess 1002 and the first opening 401. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, the second recess 1002 may be at least partially positioned between the first recess 1001 and the second opening 402. The first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can pass through the first opening 401. The second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can pass through the second opening 402. The foldable electronic device may also include a first sealing member 1310 disposed in the first opening 401 and a second sealing member 1320 disposed in the second opening 402.

[0351] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, in the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 can be aligned with each other and overlap.

[0352] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first support member 71 may include a third recess 1003, into which a first rigid portion R1 is inserted, such that the first region F11 and the third region F31 can be tightly attached to the first support member 71. The second support member 72 may include a fourth recess, into which a second rigid portion R2 is inserted, such that the second region F21 and the fourth region F32 are tightly attached to the second support member 72.

[0353] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the foldable housing 10 may include a hinge housing 13 connected to and configured to cover the hinge portion 14. The foldable housing 10 may be configured such that, in a folded state, the hinge housing 13 is exposed to the outside of the foldable electronics through a gap between a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. In the folded state, the width of the gap between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 may vary depending on the angle between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The hinge portion 14 may include a hinge module (e.g., a first hinge module 141) operatively connected to a first plate 51 and a second plate 52. The hinge module may include a first bracket 1411 coupled to the first housing 11, a second bracket 1412 coupled to the second housing 12, and a bracket connecting portion 1413 configured to connect the first bracket 1411 and the second bracket 1412. The hinge housing 13 may be coupled to the bracket connecting portion 1413. The hinge housing 13 may include a recess (e.g., a fifth recess 1005) corresponding to the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, the recess of the hinge housing 13 may be positioned between the first recess 1001 and the second recess 1002. When the foldable housing 10 changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the bendable region 603 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may be inserted into the recess of the hinge housing 13 and supported by the surface of the recess.

[0354] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, the flexible printed circuit board 6 can be configured to have the following portions: a first curved portion BP1 supported by a first plate 51, a second curved portion BP2 supported by a second plate 52, and a third curved portion BP3 and a fourth curved portion BP4 supported by a hinge housing 13.

[0355] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may further include a first membrane 1410 disposed on a first plate 51 and a second membrane 1420 disposed on a second plate 52. The first membrane 1410 may be configured to contact the third flexible portion F3 in a folded state and / or an unfolded state of the foldable housing 10. The second membrane 1420 may be configured to contact the third flexible portion F3 in a folded state and / or an unfolded state of the foldable housing 10.

[0356] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, the first end 511 of the first plate 51 and the second end 521 of the second plate 52 may face each other. The first end 511 and the second end 521 may be positioned to be further apart from each other in the folded state of the foldable housing 10 than in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10. The first end 511 may include a first curved surface 5111, which is configured to support the third flexible portion F3 in the folded state of the foldable housing 10. The second end 521 may include a second curved surface 5211, which is configured to support the third flexible portion F3 in the folded state of the foldable housing 10.

[0357] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may further include a third support member 81, a fourth support member 82, a fifth support member 91, and / or a sixth support member 92. The third support member 81 may be at least partially positioned between the first support member 71 and the first plate 51 and connected to the first housing 11 to press the first support member 71 against the first recess 1001. The fourth support member 82 may be at least partially positioned between the second support member 72 and the second plate 52 and connected to the second housing 12 to press the second support member 72 against the second recess 1002. The fifth support member 91 may be disposed on the third support member 81, inserted into the first opening 401, and configured to tightly attach the first flexible portion F1 to the surface of the first opening 401. The sixth support member 92 may be disposed on the fourth support member 82, inserted into the second opening 402, and configured to tightly attach the second flexible portion F2 to the surface of the second opening 402.

[0358] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sealing member 1310 and / or the second sealing member 1320 may be formed by curing an adhesive material. The fifth support member 91 may be configured such that the adhesive material does not leak through the first opening 401. The sixth support member 92 may be configured such that the adhesive material does not leak through the second opening 402.

[0359] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device 1 may include a foldable housing 10, a flexible display module (e.g., a first display module 15), a flexible printed circuit board 6, a first support member 71, and / or a second support member 72. The foldable housing 10 may include a first housing 11, a second housing 12, and a hinge portion 14 configured to connect the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The flexible display module may be disposed within the foldable housing 10. The flexible display module may include a first display area 151 disposed in the first housing 11, a second display area 152 disposed in the second housing 12, and a third display area 153 configured to extend the first display area 151 and the second display area 152. In a folded state, the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 may face each other, and the third display area 153 may be curved. The flexible printed circuit board 6 may extend across the hinge portion 14. The first support member 71 may be configured to connect the flexible printed circuit board 6 to the first housing 11. The second support member 72 may be configured to connect the flexible printed circuit board 6 to the second housing 12. The hinge portion 14 may include a first plate 51 and a second plate 52. The hinge portion 14 may be configured such that, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 support a third display area 153, such that the third display area 153 is flat. The hinge portion 14 may be configured such that, in the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 face each other, and the third display area 153 is located between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52. A first support member 71 may be positioned between the first plate 51 and the first housing 11 and disposed in a first recess 1001 formed on the first housing 11. A first fixing region 601 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may be disposed between the first support member 71 and the first housing 11, and surround the first support member 71 in the first recess 1001. A second support member 72 may be positioned between the second plate 52 and the second housing 12 and disposed in a second recess 1002 formed on the second housing 12. The second fixing region 602 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 may be disposed between the second support member 72 and the second housing 12, and surround the second support member 72 in the second recess 1002.

[0360] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible display module (e.g., the first display module 15) can be configured such that, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, it is flat in a first direction when viewed along the folding axis (e.g., centerline A) of the foldable housing 10. The hinge portion 14 can be configured such that, when viewed along the folding axis in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 10, the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 define an acute angle in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and pointing from the first display area 151 and the second display area 152 to the third display area 153. The space between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can be increased in the second direction.

[0361] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 6 may include a first rigid portion R1, a second rigid portion R2, one or more first connector terminals CE11 and CE12, one or more second connector terminals CE21 and CE22, a first flexible portion F1, a second flexible portion F2, and / or a third flexible portion F3. One or more first connector terminals CE11 and CE12 may be electrically connected to at least one first element positioned in the first housing 11. One or more second connector terminals CE21 and CE22 may be electrically connected to at least one second element positioned in the second housing 12. The first flexible portion F1 may extend beyond one or more first connector terminals CE11 and CE12 and the first rigid portion R1. The second flexible portion F2 may extend beyond one or more second connector terminals CE21 and CE22 and the second rigid portion R2. The third flexible portion F3 may extend beyond the first rigid portion R1 and the second rigid portion R2. The first fixed region 601 may include a first rigid portion R1, a first region F11 extending from the first rigid portion R1 of the first flexible portion F1, and a third region F31 extending from the first rigid portion R1 of the third flexible portion F3. The second fixed region 602 may include a second rigid portion R2, a second region F21 extending from the second rigid portion R2 of the second flexible portion F2, and a fourth region F32 extending from the second rigid portion R2 of the third flexible portion F3. The bendable regions 603 extending from the third flexible portion F3 to the third region F31 and the fourth region F32 may be configured to deform according to the angle between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The first rigid portion R1 may be disposed on a surface of the first support member 71 pointing in the opposite direction to the surface facing the first plate 51 (e.g., the third surface 703). The second rigid portion R2 may be disposed on a surface of the second support member 72 pointing in the opposite direction to the surface facing the second plate 52 (e.g., the sixth surface 706).

[0362] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first housing 11 may include a first support region 1111A, a third support region 1111B opposite to the first support region 1111A, and a first opening 401 configured to pass through the first support region 1111A and the third support region 1111B. The second housing 12 may include a second support region 1211A, a fourth support region 1211B opposite to the second support region 1211A, and a second opening 402 configured to pass through the second support region 1211A and the fourth support region 1211B. In the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the first support region 1111A and the second support region 1211A may face each other. In the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the first recess 1001 may be at least partially positioned between the second recess 1002 and the first opening 401. In the folded state of the foldable housing 10, the second recess 1002 may be at least partially positioned between the first recess 1001 and the second opening 402. The first flexible portion F1 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can pass through the first opening 401. The second flexible portion F2 of the flexible printed circuit board 6 can pass through the second opening 402. The foldable electronic device may also include a first sealing member 1310 disposed in the first opening 401 and a second sealing member 1320 disposed in the second opening 402.

[0363] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 may further include a third support member 81, a fourth support member 82, a fifth support member 91, a sixth support member 92, a first sealing member 1310, and / or a second sealing member 1320. The third support member 81 may be at least partially positioned between the first support member 71 and the first plate 51 and connected to the first housing 11 to press the first support member 71 against the first recess 1001. The fourth support member 82 may be at least partially positioned between the second support member 72 and the second plate 52 and connected to the second housing 12 to press the second support member 72 against the second recess 1002. The fifth support member 91 may be disposed on the third support member 81, inserted into the first opening 401, and configured to tightly attach the first flexible portion F1 to the surface of the first opening 401. The sixth support member 92 may be disposed on the fourth support member 82, inserted into the second opening 402, and configured to tightly attach the second flexible portion F2 to the surface of the second opening 402. The first sealing member 1310 and / or the second sealing member 1320 may be formed by curing an adhesive material. The fifth support member 91 may be configured such that the adhesive material will not leak through the first opening 401. The sixth support member 92 may be configured such that the adhesive material will not leak through the second opening 402.

[0364] The embodiments of this disclosure, as disclosed herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, are provided as specific examples to facilitate explanation of the technical content according to this disclosure and to aid in understanding it, but are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be interpreted as including variations or modifications in addition to the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, it should be understood that any embodiment described herein can be used in conjunction with any other embodiment described herein. In particular, although this disclosure has been presented in the form of providing multiple embodiments that respectively define multiple features, it is emphasized that some of these embodiments are connected only by reference to the same one or more accompanying drawings. This disclosure should be understood to include all combinations of these embodiments, provided there is no obvious contradiction between two (or more) embodiments. That is, where a feature is presented as optional in this disclosure, all combinations of optional features are included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device (1), comprising: A foldable housing (10) includes a first housing (11), a second housing (12), and a hinge portion (14) configured to connect the first housing (11) and the second housing (12). A flexible printed circuit board (6) extends across the hinge portion (14); A first support member (71) is configured to connect the flexible printed circuit board (6) to the first housing (11). as well as The second support member (72) is configured to connect the flexible printed circuit board (6) to the second housing (12). The hinge portion (14) includes a first plate (51) and a second plate (52). The hinge portion (14) is configured such that when the foldable housing (10) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) face each other. The first support member (71) is positioned between the first plate (51) and the first housing (11), and is disposed in the first recess (1001) formed on the first housing (11). The first fixing region (601) of the flexible printed circuit board (6) is disposed between the first support member (71) and the first housing (11) in a manner that surrounds the first support member (71) in the first recess (1001). The second support member (72) is positioned between the second plate (52) and the second housing (12), and is disposed in the second recess (1002) formed on the second housing (12). The second fixed region (602) of the flexible printed circuit board (6) is disposed between the second support member (72) and the second housing (12) in a manner that surrounds the second support member (72) in the second recess (1002).

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, the foldable electronic device further comprising a flexible display module (15), the flexible display module (15) being disposed on the foldable housing (10), the flexible display module (15) comprising a first display area (151) disposed on the first housing (11), a second display area (152) disposed on the second housing (12), and a third display area (153) extending the first display area (151) and the second display area (152). in, In the folded state of the foldable housing (10), the first display area (151) and the second display area (152) face each other, and the third display area (153) is bent. The hinge portion (14) is configured such that, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10), the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) support the third display area (153) flat, and The hinge portion (14) is configured such that, in the folded state of the foldable housing (10), the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) face each other, and the third display area (153) is located between the first plate (51) and the second plate (52).

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, in, The flexible display module (15) is configured such that, when viewed in the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10) in the direction of the folding axis (A) of the foldable housing (10), the flexible display module (15) is flat in a first direction, and The hinge portion (14) is configured such that, when viewed in the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10) along the folding axis (A), the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) form an acute angle with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, from the first display area (151) and the second display area (152) toward the third display area (153). The space between the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) increases in the second direction.

4. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the folded state of the foldable housing (10), the first recess (1001) and the second recess (1002) are aligned with each other and overlap.

5. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The flexible printed circuit board (6) includes: First rigid part (R1). The second rigid part (R2) One or more first connector ends (CE11, CE12), said one or more first connector ends (CE11, CE12) are electrically connected to at least one first element positioned in the first housing (11), One or more second connector ends (CE21, CE22) are electrically connected to at least one second element positioned in the second housing (12). The first flexible portion (F1) extends from the one or more first connector ends (CE11, CE12) and the first rigid portion (R1). The second flexible portion (F2) extends from the one or more second connector ends (CE21, CE22) and the second rigid portion (R2), and The third flexible portion (F3) extends the first rigid portion (R1) and the second rigid portion (R2). The first fixed region (601) includes the first rigid portion (R1), a first region (F11) of the first flexible portion (F1) extending from the first rigid portion (R1), and a third region (F31) of the third flexible portion (F3) extending from the first rigid portion (R1). The second fixed region (602) includes the second rigid portion (R2), a second region (F21) of the second flexible portion (F2) extending from the second rigid portion (R2), and a fourth region (F32) of the third flexible portion (F3) extending from the second rigid portion (R2). The flexible portion (F3) extending the bendable region (603) of the third region (F31) and the fourth region (F32) is configured to change according to the angle between the first housing (11) and the second housing (12). The first rigid portion (R1) is disposed on the surface (703) of the first support member (71) opposite to the surface of the first support member (71) facing the first plate (51), and The second rigid portion (R2) is disposed on the surface (706) of the second support member (72) opposite to the surface of the second support member (72) facing the second plate (52).

6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 5, in, The first support member (71) includes a first inclined surface (701) configured to support the third region (F31). The second support member (72) includes a second inclined surface (704) configured to support the fourth region (F32). Wherein, the first inclined surface (701) forms an obtuse angle with respect to the surface of the first support member (71) on which the first rigid portion (R1) is provided. Wherein, the second inclined surface (704) forms an obtuse angle with respect to the surface of the second support member (72) where the second rigid portion (R2) is provided, and Wherein, the first angle between the first inclined surface (701) and the first plate (51) is equal to the second angle between the second inclined surface (704) and the second plate (52).

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 5, in, The first housing (11) includes a first support region (1111A), a third support region (1111B) opposite to the first support region (1111A), and a first opening (401) passing through the first support region (1111A) and the third support region (1111B). The second housing (12) includes a second support region (1211A), a fourth support region (1211B) opposite to the second support region (1211A), and a second opening (402) passing through the second support region (1211A) and the fourth support region (1211B). In the folded state of the foldable shell (10), the first support region (1111A) and the second support region (1211A) face each other. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10), the first recess (1001) is at least partially positioned between the second recess (1002) and the first opening (401). In the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10), the second recess (1002) is at least partially positioned between the first recess (1001) and the second opening (402). The first flexible portion (F1) of the flexible printed circuit board (6) passes through the first opening (401). The second flexible portion (F2) of the flexible printed circuit board (6) passes through the second opening (402), and The foldable electronic device further includes a first sealing member (1310) disposed in the first opening (401) and a second sealing member (1320) disposed in the second opening (402).

8. The foldable electronic device according to claim 7, wherein, In the folded state of the foldable housing (10), the first opening (401) and the second opening (402) are aligned with each other and overlap.

9. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, in, The first support member (71) includes a third recess (1003) configured such that: the first rigid portion (R1) is inserted into the third recess (1003), such that the first region (F11) and the third region (F31) are tightly located on the first support member (71), and The second support member (72) includes a fourth recess, which is configured such that the second rigid portion (R2) is inserted into the fourth recess such that the second region (F21) and the fourth region (F32) are closely located on the second support member (72).

10. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, in, The foldable housing (10) includes a hinge housing (13) which is connected to the hinge portion (14) and configured to cover the hinge portion (14). The foldable housing (10) is configured such that, in the folded state of the foldable housing (10), the hinge housing (12) is exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device via the gap between the first housing (11) and the second housing (12). In the folded state of the foldable housing (10), the width of the gap between the first housing (11) and the second housing (12) varies according to the angle between the first housing (11) and the second housing (12). The hinge portion (14) includes a hinge module (141) which is operably connected to the first plate (51) and the second plate (52). The hinge module (141) includes a first bracket (1411) connected to the first housing (11), a second bracket (1412) connected to the second housing (12), and a bracket connection portion (1413) connecting the first bracket (1411) and the second bracket (1412). The hinge housing (13) is connected to the bracket connection portion (1413). The hinge housing (13) includes a recess (1005) corresponding to the bendable region (603) of the flexible printed circuit board (6). In the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10), the recess (1005) of the hinge housing (13) is positioned between the first recess (1001) and the second recess (1002), and When the foldable housing changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the flexible printed circuit board (6)’s bendable region (603) is inserted into the recess (1005) of the hinge housing (13) in such a way that it is supported by the surface of the recess (1005) of the hinge housing (13).

11. The foldable electronic device according to claim 10, in, The flexible printed circuit board (6) is configured such that, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10), the flexible region (603) is shaped to have the following portions: a first curved portion (BP1) supported by the first plate (51), a second curved portion (BP2) supported by the second plate (52), and a third curved portion (BP3) and a fourth curved portion (BP4) supported by the hinge housing (13).

12. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the foldable electronic device further comprises: The first membrane (1410) is disposed on the first plate (51) and configured to contact the third flexible portion (F3) in the folded state and / or the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10). as well as The second membrane (1420) is disposed on the second plate (52) and configured to contact the third flexible portion (F3) in the folded state and / or the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10).

13. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 5 to 12, in, In the unfolded state of the foldable shell (10), the first end (511) of the first plate (51) and the second end (521) of the second plate (52) face each other. Wherein, the first end (511) and the second end (521) are positioned such that the folded state of the foldable housing (10) is more spaced apart from each other than the unfolded state of the foldable housing (10). The first end (511) includes a first curved surface (5111), which is configured to support the third flexible portion (F3) in the folded state of the foldable housing (10). The second end (521) includes a second curved surface (5211), which is configured to support the third flexible portion (F3) in the folded state of the foldable housing (10).

14. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the foldable electronic device further comprises: A third support member (81) is at least partially positioned between the first support member (71) and the first plate (51) and is coupled to the first housing (11) to press the first support member (71) against the first recess (1001). A fourth support member (82) is at least partially positioned between the second support member (72) and the second plate (52) and is coupled to the second housing (12) to press the second support member (72) against the second recess (1002). A fifth support member (91) is disposed on the third support member (81) and inserted into the first opening (401) such that the first flexible portion (F1) is tightly located on the surface of the first opening (401); as well as A sixth support member (92) is disposed on the fourth support member (82) and inserted into the second opening (402) such that the second flexible portion (F2) is tightly located on the surface of the second opening (402).

15. The foldable electronic device according to claim 14, in, The first sealing member (1310) and / or the second sealing member (1320) are formed by curing an adhesive material. The fifth support member (91) is configured such that the adhesive material does not leak through the first opening (401), and The sixth support member (92) is configured such that the adhesive material does not leak through the second opening (402).

Images