Foldable Electronic Devices

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a foldable housing, a flexible display, a first support structure, a second support structure, a first hinge assembly, a second hinge assembly, and a first plate assembly. The foldable housing includes a first housing, a second housing, and a folding portion between the first housing and the second housing, and the flexible display is disposed in an internal space of the foldable housing and is visible from a front surface of the foldable housing. The first support structure is disposed in the internal space of the first housing and supports a first portion of the flexible display, and the second support structure is disposed in the internal space of the second housing and supports a second portion of the flexible display. The first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly are disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion, connect the first support structure and the second support structure, and are spaced apart from each other in the folding axis direction of the folding portion. The first plate assembly is disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion, is coupled to the first support structure, supports a third portion of the flexible display corresponding to the folding portion, and includes a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, and a fourth plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] When the foldable electronic device is converted from the unfolded state to the folded state, the region corresponding to the folding part of the foldable electronic device in the flexible display is deformed from the unfolded state to the bent state and arranged.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the bendable display region (for example, the bendable display area) corresponding to the folding part of the foldable electronic device of the flexible display is substantially maintained in the unfolded state, and the bendable display region against an external load (or external pressure) Capability In order to reinforce, a structure for supporting the bendable display region of the flexible display is required. Various embodiments of the present invention are provided to solve or at least mitigate the above problems.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a foldable electronic device including a structure for supporting a bendable display region corresponding to a folding part of a foldable electronic device in a flexible display when the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0005] The technical problems to be achieved in this specification are not limited to the foregoing technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes a foldable housing, a flexible display, a first support structure, a second support structure, a first hinge assembly and a second hinge assembly, and a first plate assembly. The foldable housing includes a first housing, a second housing, and a folding portion between the first housing and the second housing. The flexible display is disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing and is visible from the front of the foldable housing. The first support structure is disposed in the internal space of the first housing and supports a first portion of the flexible display. The second support structure is disposed in the internal space of the second housing and supports a second portion of the flexible display. The first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly are disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion, connect the first support structure and the second support structure, and are separated from each other in the direction of the folding axis of the folding portion. The first plate assembly is disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion, is coupled to the first support structure, and supports a third portion corresponding to the folding portion in the flexible display. The first plate assembly includes a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, and a fourth plate. The first plate includes a first surface facing the first support structure and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface. The first plate is disposed between the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly. The second plate includes a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface. The third plate includes a fifth surface and a sixth surface facing in a direction opposite to the fifth surface. The fifth surface Second side faces the first hinge assembly. The fourth plate includes a seventh surface and an eighth surface facing in a direction opposite to the seventh surface. The seventh surface Second side faces the second hinge assembly. The second plate is disposed between the third plate and the fourth plate when viewed from above the fourth surface.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plate assembly capable of stably supporting a bendable display region corresponding to a folding portion of the foldable electronic device within the flexible display when in the unfolded state is included, ensuring the reliability of the foldable electronic device. The plate assembly, in the form of a plurality of metal plates being joined, can reduce defects, improve device yields and reliability as compared with a single-piece metal plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the effects obtained or predicted by various embodiments of the present specification may be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment 100, the electronic device 101 communicates with an external electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (for example, a short-range wireless communication network), or communicates with at least one of an external electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (for example, a long-range wireless communication network).

[0012] The electronic device 101 communicates with the external electronic device 104 via the server 108. The electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an acoustic output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identification module 196, and / or an antenna module 197. In one embodiment of the present specification, at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal 178) of the electronic device 101 can be omitted, or one or more other components can be added. In one embodiment of the present specification, some of these components can be implemented by a single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module 176, the camera module 180, or the antenna module 197 can be embedded in one component (e.g., the display module 160) and implemented.

[0013] The processor 120 controls at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120 by executing software (e.g., the program 140), and performs various data processing or operations. As at least a part of the data processing or operation, the processor 120 loads instructions or data received from other components (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) into the volatile memory 132, processes the instructions or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and stores the resulting data in the non-volatile memory 134. The processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that can operate independently or together. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be configured to use less power than the main processor 121 or to be specialized for a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor 121.

[0014] The auxiliary processor 123 controls at least a part of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190), for example, instead of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an active (e.g., running an application) state. The auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor (ISP) or a communication processor (CP)) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural network processing device) includes a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model.

[0015] The artificial intelligence model is generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, by the electronic device 101 itself on which the artificial intelligence model is executed, or may be performed through a separate server (for example, server 108). The learning algorithm 、 may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the foregoing examples. The artificial intelligence model includes a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be, for example, a deep neural network (DNN), a CNN (convolutional neural network), an RNN (recurrent neural network), an RBM (restricted boltzmann machine), a DBN (deep belief network), a BRDNN (bidirectional recurrent deep neural network), a deep Q-networks, or one of two or more combinations of the above, but is not limited to the foregoing examples. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include, additionally or alternatively, a software structure.

[0016] The memory 130 stores various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (for example, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The data includes, for example, software (for example, the program 140) and input data or output data for the related instructions. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134.

[0017] Program 140 is stored as software in memory 130 and includes, for example, OS 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0018] Input module 150 receives instructions or data used by components of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120) from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). Input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0019] Acoustic output module 155 outputs an acoustic signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. Acoustic output module 155 includes, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker is used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver is used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be embodied separately from the speaker or as part of it.

[0020] Display module 160 visually provides information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). Display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. Display module 160 may include a touch circuit (e.g., a touch sensor) configured to detect touch, or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by touch.

[0021] Audio module 170 converts sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, converts an electrical signal into sound. The audio module 170 obtains sound through the input module 150, or outputs sound through the acoustic output module 155 or an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) (e.g., a speaker or headphones) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0022] The sensor module 176 detects the operating state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., the user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0023] The interface 177 supports one or more specified protocols used for the electronic device 101 to be directly or wirelessly connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device 102). The interface 177 may include, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) (high definition multimedia interface), a USB (universal serial bus) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface.

[0024] The connection terminal 178 includes a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device 102). The connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, and / or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0025] The haptic module 179 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through the sense of touch or kinesthesia. The haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0026] The camera module 180 captures still images and videos. The camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash.

[0027] The power management module 188 manages the power supplied to the electronic device 101 or consumed by the electronic device. The power management module 188 may be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a PMIC (power management integrated circuit).

[0028] The battery 189 supplies power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. The battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, and / or a fuel battery.

[0029] The communication module 190 supports the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108), and the execution of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module 190 operates independently of the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (Ap)) and includes one or more communication processors (CPs) that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. The communication module 190 includes a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module).

[0030] The corresponding communication module among these communication modules communicates with an external electronic device 104 through a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G (5th generation) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). Such a large number of types of communication modules can be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips) from each other. The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI)) stored in a subscriber identity module (SIM) 196 to identify or authenticate the electronic device 101 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199.

[0031] The wireless communication module 192 supports 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies after the 4G (4th generation) network, e.g., NR connection technology (new radio access technology). The NR connection technology supports high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (i.e., eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), terminal power minimization and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications), or ultra-reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module 192 supports, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) in order to achieve a high data transmission rate.

[0032] The wireless communication module 192 supports various technologies for ensuring performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 supports various requirements defined by the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., the second network 199). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication module 192 supports "Peak data rate" (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss Coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or "U-plane latency" (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for realizing URLLC.

[0033] The antenna module 197 transmits a signal or power to the outside (e.g., an external electronic device) or receives the same from the outside. The antenna module 197 includes an antenna including a radiator including a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). The antenna module 197 includes a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In such a case, at least one antenna adapted to a communication method used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 is selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190. A signal or power is transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna. In addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) can be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna module 197 forms a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board (PCB), an RFIC disposed on or in contact with a first surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the printed circuit board to support a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or in contact with a second surface (e.g., an upper surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board to transmit or receive signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0035] At least some of the above components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) to exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0036] Commands or data are transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device 104 through a server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) can be a device of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. All or part of the operations executed by the electronic device 101 are executed by one or more external electronic devices among the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device 101 has to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, instead of or additionally making the electronic device 101 execute the function or service by itself, the electronic device 101 requests one or more external electronic devices to execute at least a part of the function or the service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request perform at least a part of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 processes the above result as it is or additionally, and provides it as at least a part of the response to the request.

[0037] For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client - server computing technology is used. The electronic device 101 can provide an ultra - low delay service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing (MEC). In other embodiments of the present invention, the external electronic device 104 includes IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The server 108 can be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an external electronic device 104 or a server 108 may be included in a second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be applied to intelligent services (such as smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0038] The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be in various forms of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (such as a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. However, the electronic device is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention and the terms used therein do not limit the technical features described in this specification to specific embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless clearly indicated otherwise in the relevant context. In this specification, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase of the phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" are simply used to distinguish the component from other components and do not limit the component in other aspects (such as importance or procedure). When an element (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively", it means that the one component is directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component, connected to the other component.

[0040] The term "module" may include a unit embodied in hardware, software, or firmware, and is used interchangeably with terms such as, for example, logic, logical blocks, parts, or circuits. A module is either an integrated component or the smallest unit or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a module may be embodied in the form of an ASIC (application - specific integrated circuit).

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instruction words stored in a storage medium (e.g., built - in memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) calls and executes at least one of the one or more instruction words stored from the storage medium. This enables the machine to operate so as to execute at least one function according to the at least one called instruction word. The one or more instruction words include code generated by a compiler or code executed by an interpreter. The machine - readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non - transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between the case where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and the case where it is stored temporarily.

[0042] The method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided included in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a commodity between a seller and a purchaser. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium readable by a machine such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0043] Each of the above-described components (e.g., modules or programs) includes one or more individuals. One or more of the above-described components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) can be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component can execute one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as those executed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components before integration. Operations executed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the above operations may be executed in a different order, or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the unfolded state (flat or unfolded state) of the electronic device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the folded state (folded state) of the electronic device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device 2 includes a foldable housing 20 and a flexible display 30. The foldable housing 20 includes a front surface 20A of the electronic device 2 and a rear surface 20B of the electronic device 2 located on the side opposite to the front surface 20A. For ease of understanding, the front surface 20A of the electronic device 2 is the surface where the flexible display 30 is exposed to the outside, and the rear surface 20B of the electronic device 2 is interpreted as the surface located on the side opposite to the front surface 20A. The foldable housing 20 includes a first side surface 20C and a second side surface 20D of the electronic device 2 that at least partially surround the space between the front surface 20A and the rear surface 20B. The front surface 20A includes a first cover area (circle a), a second cover area (circle b), and a folding cover area F between the first cover area (circle a) and the second cover area (circle b). In the unfolded state of the foldable housing 20, the front surface 20A may be substantially planar, and the first cover area (circle a), the second cover area (circle b), and the folding cover area F face substantially in the same direction. The rear surface 20B includes a third cover area (circle c) and a fourth cover area (circle d). The third cover area (circle c) is arranged on the side opposite to the first cover area (circle a) of the front surface 20A and faces in the direction opposite to the first cover area (circle a). The fourth cover area (round d) is disposed on the side opposite to the second cover area (round b) of the front surface 20A, and faces in the direction opposite to the second cover area (round b).

[0046] In one embodiment, the foldable housing 20 is embodied in an in-folding structure in which the front surface 20A is folded inward. For example, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 2), the folding cover area F is disposed in a planar shape, and the first cover area (round a) and the second cover area (round b) form an angle of approximately 180 degrees. In the folded state of the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 3), the folding cover area F is disposed in a curved shape, and the first cover area (round a) and the second cover area (round b) form an angle different from the angle of approximately 180 degrees. The folded state includes a fully folded state or an intermediate state. The fully folded state (see FIG. 3) is the state in which the first cover area (round a) and the second cover area (round b) of the front surface 20A are folded to the maximum extent so that they no longer approach each other. For example, the first cover area (round a) and the second cover area (round b) form an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees. In the fully folded state, the front surface 20A is not substantially exposed to the outside. The intermediate state refers to the state between the unfolded state and the fully folded state. The folding cover area F of the front surface 20A is bent more in the fully folded state than in the intermediate state. In one embodiment, the electronic device 2 may be embodied in an out-folding structure in which the front surface 20A (or the screen) is folded outward.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing 20 includes a front cover (e.g., a window) 201 that provides at least a part of the front surface 20A. The flexible display 30 overlaps at least a part of the front cover 201 and is disposed in the internal space of the electronic device 2. The front cover 201 protects the flexible display 30 from the outside and can be substantially transparent. The light output from the flexible display 30 passes through the front cover 201 and travels to the outside. The flexible display 30 includes, for example, a first display region (or first active region) that overlaps with a first cover region (circle a) of the front surface 20A, a second display region (or second active region) that overlaps with a second cover region (circle b) of the front surface 20A, and a third display region (or third active region) that overlaps with the folding cover region F. In one embodiment, the third display region may be referred to by various other terms such as "folding display region" or "bendable display region".

[0048] The screen refers to a region where an image can be represented in a device including the flexible display 30 and the front cover 201, and includes, for example, the display region of the flexible display 30 and the region of the front cover 201 that overlaps with it. In one embodiment, the front cover 201 is integrally formed with the flexible display 30 as a component included in the flexible display 30. The front cover 201 can be embodied in the form of a thin film such as a film so as to have flexibility. The front cover 201 may include, for example, a plastic film (e.g., a polyimide film) or a thin film glass (e.g., ultra-thin glass (UTG)). In one embodiment, the front cover 201 includes a plurality of layers. For example, the front cover 201 may be in a form in which a coating layer or a protective layer of various polymer materials (e.g., PET (polyester), PI (polyimide), or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)) is disposed on a plastic film or a thin film glass. Upper

[0049] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing 20 includes a first housing (or, first housing part or first housing structure) 21, a second housing (or, second housing part or second housing structure) 22, and a folding part between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. For ease of understanding, the coordinate axes shown are based on the first housing 21. For example, in the first cover region (circle a), it substantially faces in the +z-axis direction, and in the third cover region (circle c), it substantially faces in the -z-axis direction. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are connected to the folding part and are rotatable relative to each other with reference to the folding A of the foldable housing 20. The folding part includes, for example, a hinge assembly (or hinge structure) (not shown). The folding axis A is the rotation axis of the hinge assembly. In the illustrated example, the folding axis A is parallel to the y-axis direction. The first housing 21 includes a first cover part of the front cover 201 disposed on one side with reference to the folding axis A, a first rear cover 211 that at least partially provides the third cover region (circle c) of the rear surface 20B, and a first side member (or first side bezel structure) 212 that at least partially surrounds the space between the first cover part and the first rear cover 211 and provides the first side surface 20C.

[0050] The first cover part of the front cover 201 provides, for example, the first cover region (circle a) and the first folding cover region F1 disposed on one side with reference to the folding axis A within the folding cover region F. The second housing 22 is disposed with reference to the folding axis A Other side and includes a second cover part of the front cover 201, a second rear cover 221 that at least partially provides the fourth cover region (circle d) of the rear surface 20B, and a second side member (or side bezel structure) 222 that at least partially surrounds the space between the second cover part and the second rear cover 221 and provides the second side surface 20D. The second cover portion of the front cover 201 provides, for example, a second cover region (round b) and a second folding cover region F2 disposed on the other side with respect to the folding axis A of the folding cover region F. In a state where the foldable housing 20 is completely folded, the first side member 212 and the second side member 222 are at least partially overlapped and aligned. The first side member 212 and / or the second side member 222 are provided, for example, by ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or magnesium), or at least two combinations of the above substances.

[0051] The first side member 212 and / or the second side member 222 may include various metallic substances such as titanium, amorphous alloy, metal-ceramic composite material (e.g., cermet), stainless steel, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, or copper alloy. The first rear cover 211 and / or the second rear cover 221 may be substantially opaque. The first rear cover 211 and / or the second rear cover 221 are provided, for example, by coating or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or magnesium), or at least two combinations of the above substances. The first rear cover 211 or the second rear cover 221 includes, for example, plates of various materials such as transparent glass, ceramic, or polymer and at least one coating layer disposed on the plates. In another example, the first rear cover 211 or the second rear cover 221 includes plates of various materials such as transparent glass, ceramic, or polymer and films having various visual effects (e.g., decoration film) attached to the plates. In one embodiment, the first rear cover 211 and the first side member 212 are integrally formed and include the same substance. In one embodiment, the second rear cover 221 and the second side member 222 are integrally formed and contain the same material.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the folding part includes a hinge housing 23. The hinge housing 23 covers at least one hinge that connects the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. In one embodiment, the hinge housing 23 may be referred to as a "hinge cover". When the electronic device 2 is converted from the unfolded state of FIG. 2 to the folded state of FIG. 3, the hinge housing 23 covers the inside of the electronic device 2 so that the gap B between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 is opened without exposing the inside of the electronic device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, the gap B may be substantially absent, and the hinge housing 23 is covered by the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 and is not exposed to the outside. Although not shown in the figure, in the intermediate state of the electronic device 2, the hinge housing 23 is partially exposed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. The hinge housing 23 is more exposed in the folded state of FIG. 3 than in the intermediate state.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing 20 refers to a structure (for example, a foldable housing structure or a foldable housing assembly) that provides at least a part of the front surface 20A, the rear surface 20B, the first side surface 20C, and the second side surface 20D. For example, the foldable housing 20 includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a folding part connected to the first housing part and the second housing part. The folding part refers to a part that is more flexible than the first housing part and the second housing part and bends in the folded state of the electronic device 2. The folding part includes, for example, a hinge assembly. As another example, the folding part may include a structure in which a plurality of bars are arranged (for example, a multi-bar structure), but is not limited thereto, and may be embodied in various other structures that can have bending characteristics while connecting the first housing part and the second housing part.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 2 includes The second housing 22 adjacent to the second rear cover 221 a sub-display 310 disposed inside thereof (hereinafter, referred to as a sub-display). The second rear cover 221 A partial region of may overlap with the sub-display 310 and may be substantially transparent. In the folded state of the electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 3, an image is output using the sub-display 310 instead of the flexible display 30.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the second rear cover 221 includes a second curved surface region 221a that bends from the fourth cover region (circle d) toward the second cover region (circle b) and extends seamlessly. The second curved surface region 221a is provided adjacent to a long edge of the second rear cover 221 that is substantially parallel to the folding axis A. The sub-display 310 includes a flexible display arranged in a corresponding form.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover 211 includes a first curved surface region 211a that bends from the third cover region (circle c) to the first cover region (circle a) and extends seamlessly. The first curved surface region 211a is provided adjacent to a long edge of the first rear cover 211 that is substantially parallel to the folding axis A. For example, in the unfolded state (see FIG. 2) or the folded state (see FIG. 3) of the electronic device 2, for aesthetic purposes, the first curved surface region 211a and the second curved surface region 221a are arranged substantially symmetrically on opposite sides of each other. In one embodiment, the first curved surface region 211a or the second curved surface region 221a may be omitted.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 2 includes an input module, an acoustic output module, a camera module, a sensor module, or a connection terminal. In one embodiment, the electronic device 2 omits at least one of the components or further includes other components. The position or number of the components included in the electronic device 2 is not limited to the example shown in the figure and can be various.

[0058] The input module includes, for example, a microphone located inside the electronic device 2 and a microphone hole 301 provided on the first side surface 20C corresponding to the microphone. The position or number of the input module including the microphone and the corresponding microphone hole 301 is not limited to the example shown in the figure and can be various. In one embodiment, the electronic device 2 includes a plurality of microphones capable of sensing the direction of sound. The input module includes, for example, a key input device 302. The key input device 302 is disposed, for example, in an opening (not shown) provided on the first side surface 20C. In one embodiment, the electronic device 2 may not include some or all of the key input device 302, and the key input device not included can be implemented as soft keys using the flexible display 30 or the sub-display 310. In one embodiment, the input module includes at least one sensor module.

[0059] The acoustic output module includes, for example, a speaker located inside the electronic device 2 and a speaker hole 303 provided on the second side surface 20D corresponding to the speaker. The position or number of the acoustic output module including the speaker and the corresponding speaker hole 303 is not limited to the example shown in the figure and can be various. In one embodiment, the microphone hole 301 and the speaker hole 303 can also be implemented as one hole. In one embodiment, it can also be implemented as a piezo speaker with the speaker hole 303 omitted. The audio output module may include, for example, a receiver for calls located inside the electronic device 2, and a receiver hole (not shown) provided in the fourth cover area (round d) corresponding to the receiver for calls.

[0060] The camera module may include, for example, a first camera module (or front camera module) 305 arranged corresponding to the fourth cover area (round d), or a plurality of second camera modules (or rear camera modules) 306 arranged corresponding to the third cover area (round c). The first camera module 305 and / or the plurality of second camera modules 306 include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The position or number of the first camera module 305 or the plurality of second camera modules 306 is not limited to the example shown in the figure and may be various.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the sub-display 310 includes an opening aligned with the first camera module 305. External light passes through the opening of the second rear cover 221 and the sub-display 310 and reaches the first camera module 305. In one embodiment, the opening of the sub-display 310 is provided in a notch shape according to the position of the first camera module 305. In one embodiment, the first camera module 305 may be arranged on the back surface of the sub-display 310 or below the sub-display 310, and the position of the first camera module 305 can perform related functions (for example, image shooting) without being visually distinguishable (or exposed). For example, the first camera module 305 includes a hidden display-back camera (for example, an under display camera (UDC)).

[0062] In one embodiment, the first camera module 305 may be arranged to be aligned with a recess provided on the back surface of the sub-display 310. The first camera module 305 is arranged to overlap at least a part of the screen and can acquire an image of an external subject without being visually exposed to the outside. In this case, a partial area of the sub-display 310 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 includes a different pixel structure and / or wiring structure compared to other areas. For example, a partial area of the sub-display 310 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 has a different pixel density compared to other areas. The pixel structure and / or wiring structure provided in a partial area of the sub-display 310 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 can reduce the light loss between the outside and the first camera module 305. In one embodiment, no pixels are arranged in a partial area of the sub-display 310 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the plurality of second camera modules 306 can have different attributes (e.g., field of view) or functions, and can include, for example, a dual camera or a triple camera. The plurality of second camera modules 306 can include a plurality of camera modules including lenses with different fields of view, and the electronic device 2 can be controlled to change the field of view of the camera module executed in the electronic device 2 based on a user's selection. The plurality of second camera modules 306 can include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, a color camera, a monochrome camera, or an IR (infrared) camera (TOF (time of flight) camera, "structured light camera"). In one embodiment, the IR camera operates as at least a part of the sensor module. The electronic device 2 includes a flash 307 as a light source for the plurality of second camera modules 306. The flash 307 includes, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0064] The sensor module generates an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device 2. The sensor module may include, for example, at least one of a proximity sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biological sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an HRM sensor), a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the sensor module includes an optical sensor 308 disposed inside the electronic device 2 corresponding to the fourth cover region (circle d). The optical sensor 308 includes, for example, a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor. The optical sensor 308 is aligned with an opening provided in the sub-display 310. External light passes through the second rear cover 221 and the opening of the sub-display 310 and reaches the optical sensor 308. In one embodiment, the optical sensor 308 may be disposed on the back or below the sub-display 310, and the optical sensor 308 can perform related functions without being visually distinguishable (or exposed). In one embodiment, the optical sensor 308 can be disposed in alignment with a recess provided on the back of the sub-display 310.

[0066] The optical sensor 308 is disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the screen and performs a sensing function without being exposed to the outside. In this case, a partial region of the sub-display 310 that overlaps at least a part of the optical sensor 308 includes a different pixel structure and / or wiring structure compared to other regions. For example, a partial region of the sub-display 310 that at least partially overlaps with the optical sensor 308 has a different pixel density compared to other regions. In one embodiment, the sensor module includes a fingerprint sensor (not shown) disposed below the sub-display 310. The fingerprint sensor can be implemented by a capacitance method, an optical method, or an ultrasonic method. The pixel structure and / or wiring structure provided in a partial region of the sub-display 310 that at least partially overlaps with the sensor module can reduce the loss when various forms of signals (e.g., light or ultrasonic waves) related to the sensor module pass through. In one embodiment, a plurality of pixels are not arranged in a partial region of the sub-display 310 that at least partially overlaps with the sensor module.

[0067] The connection terminal includes, for example, a connector (e.g., a USB connector) disposed inside the electronic device 2. The electronic device 2 includes a connector hole 309 provided on the first side surface 20C corresponding to the connector. The electronic device 2 transmits and / or receives power and / or data to / from an external electronic device electrically connected to the connector through the connector hole 309. The position or number of the connector and the corresponding connector hole 309 are not limited to the example shown in the figure and may be various.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 2 may include a removable pen input device (e.g., an electronic pen, a digital pen, or a stylus pen) (not shown). For example, the pen input device can be attached to and detached from the hinge housing 23. The hinge housing 23 may include a recess, and the pen input device may be fitted into the recess. The pen input device can be attached to and detached from the recess of the hinge housing 23 exposed to the outside in the folded state (see FIG. 3) or the intermediate state of the electronic device 2, for example. In one embodiment, the electronic device 2 may be embodied such that a pen input device can be inserted into the internal space of the first housing 21 or the second housing 22.

[0069] The electronic device 2 may further include various components according to its provided form. These components vary depending on the convergence trend of the electronic device 2, and although it is not possible to list them all, components at the same level as the above-described components may further be included in the electronic device 2. In various embodiments, specific components may be excluded from or replaced with other components depending on the provided form. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the above features and / or embodiments. That is, all combinations of the features described above should be considered as being included in the present invention as specific examples.

[0070] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device 2 in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with Figure 4. That is, in connection with Figure 4, all combinations of the features described below should be considered as being included in the present invention as specific examples. Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device 2 includes a first front case 41, a second front case 42, a first hinge assembly 51, a second hinge assembly 52, a hinge housing 23, a first plate assembly 6A, a second plate assembly 6B, a guide rail assembly 7, a first electrical path 81, and / or a second electrical path 82.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first front case 41 includes a first side member 212 and a first support structure 411. The first support structure 411 is disposed in the internal space of the first housing 21 (see FIG. 2) and may be connected to the first side member 212 or integrally formed with the first side member 212. The second front case 42 includes a second side member 222 and a second support structure 421. The second support structure 421 is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 (see FIG. 2) and can be connected to the second side member 222 or formed integrally with the second side member 222. The first support structure 411 and the second support structure 421 are disposed in the electronic device 2 so as to withstand loads and contribute to the durability or rigidity (e.g., torsional rigidity) of the electronic device 2. The first support structure 411 and / or the second support structure 421 is formed of, for example, a metal material and / or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). Electronic components or various members related to the electronic components are disposed on or supported by the first front case 41 or the first support structure 411. The first support structure 411 includes, for example, a first support region 411A facing the first cover region (circle a) (see FIG. 2) of the front surface 20A and a third support region (not shown) facing the third cover region (circle c) (see FIG. 2) of the rear surface 20B.

[0072] The portion corresponding to the first housing 21 within the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2) is disposed on or supported by the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411. Although not shown in the figures, the first printed circuit board (or the first substrate assembly) disposed in the internal space of the first housing 21 is disposed in the third support region of the first support structure 411. Electronic components or various members related to the electronic components are disposed on or supported by the second front case 42 or the second support structure 421. The second support structure 421 includes, for example, a second support region 421A facing the second cover region (circle b) (see FIG. 2) of the front surface 20A and a fourth support region (not shown) facing the fourth cover region (circle d) (see FIG. 2) of the rear surface 20B. The portion corresponding to the second housing 22 within the flexible display 30 is disposed in or supported by the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421. Although not shown in the figures, the second printed circuit board (or second substrate assembly) disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 is disposed in the fourth support region of the second support structure 421.

[0073] The first front case 41 or the first support structure 411 is included in the first housing 21 of the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 2) so as to be able to withstand loads, contributing to the durability or rigidity of the electronic device 2. The second front case 42 or the second support structure 421 is included in the second housing 22 of the foldable housing 20 so as to be able to withstand loads, contributing to the durability or rigidity of the electronic device 2. In one embodiment, the first front case 41 or the first support structure 411 is referred to by various terms such as "first frame", "first frame structure", or "first framework". In one embodiment, the second front case 42 or the second support structure 421 is referred to by various terms such as "second frame", "second frame structure", or "second framework". In certain embodiments, the first support structure 411 is referred to by various other terms such as "first bracket" or "first support member" as an internal structure disposed in the internal space of the electronic device 2 corresponding to the first housing 21. In one embodiment, the second support structure 421 is referred to by various terms such as "second bracket" or "second support member" as an internal structure disposed in the internal space of the electronic device 2 corresponding to the second housing 22. In one embodiment, the first support structure 411 may be interpreted as part of the first housing 21, and the second support structure 421 may be interpreted as part of the second housing 22.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 connect the first front case 41 and the second front case 42. The first front case 41 and the second front case 42 are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis (e.g., folding axis A) by the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The first hinge assembly 51 includes, for example, a first portion (circle 1) coupled to the first support structure 411, a second portion (circle 2) coupled to the second support structure 421, a third portion (circle 3) connected to the first portion (circle 1), a fourth portion (circle 4) connected to the second portion (circle 2), and a first actuator 511 that connects the third portion (circle 3) and the fourth portion (circle 4).

[0075] The first portion (circle 1) is disposed or coupled to the first support region 411A in the form of a plate that overlaps the first support region 411A when viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411. In one embodiment, the first portion (circle 1) is coupled to the first support structure 411 using screws. The second portion (circle 2) is disposed or coupled to the second support region 421A in the form of a plate that overlaps the second support region 421A when viewed from above the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421. In one embodiment, the second portion (circle 2) is coupled to the second support structure 421 using screws. The third portion (circle 3) is in the form of a plate that overlaps the first support region 411A when viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411. The fourth portion (circle 4) is in the form of a plate that overlaps the second support region 421A when viewed from above the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421.

[0076] The first actuator 511 connects the third portion (circle 3) and the fourth portion (circle 4) so that the third portion (circle 3) and the fourth portion (circle 4) rotate relative to each other. The first actuator 511 provides a driving force such that, for example, the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) rotate relative to each other. The first actuator 511 causes, for example, the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) to rotate in opposite directions by the same angle with respect to each other. The first actuator 511 causes, for example, the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) to be held at at least one specified angle. Since the first part (circle 1) connected to the third part (circle 3) is connected to the first support structure 411, the first front case 41 moves together with the first part (circle 1) and the third part (circle 3). Since the second part (circle 2) connected to the fourth part (circle 4) is connected to the second support structure 421, the second front case 42 moves together with the second part (circle 2) and the fourth part (circle 4). The first part (circle 1) and the second part (circle 2) together are referred to as the "first rotator", and the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) together are referred to as the "first hinge arm".

[0077] In one embodiment, the first part (circle 1) and the third part (circle 3) are integrally formed, and the second part (circle 2) and the fourth part (circle 4) are integrally formed. The second hinge assembly 52 can be implemented substantially the same as or similar to the first hinge assembly 51. In one embodiment, the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 are arranged substantially symmetrically based on the center between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The center between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 refers to, for example, a point on the folding axis A that is substantially at a distance from the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The second hinge assembly 52 includes, for example, a fifth part (circle 5) arranged (or coupled) in a first support region 411A of the first support structure 411, a sixth part (circle 6) arranged (or coupled) in a second support region 421A of the second support structure 421, a seventh part (circle 7) connected to the fifth part (circle 5), an eighth part (circle 8) connected to the sixth part (circle 6), and a second actuator 521 that connects the seventh part (circle 7) and the eighth part (circle 8).

[0078] The first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 are spaced apart and arranged in the direction of the folding axis A (for example, the y-axis direction). A first hinge arm including a third part (circle 3) and a fourth part (circle 4) within the first hinge assembly 51 and a second hinge arm including a seventh part (circle 7) and an eighth part (circle 8) within the second hinge assembly 52 are arranged between a first rotor including a first part (circle 1) and a second part (circle 2) within the first hinge assembly 51 and a second rotor including a fifth part (circle 5) and a sixth part (circle 6) within the second hinge assembly 52. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), the first part (circle 1) and the second part (circle 2) of the first hinge assembly 51, the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) of the first hinge assembly 51, the fifth part (circle 5) and the sixth part (circle 6) of the second hinge assembly 52, and the seventh part (circle 7) and the eighth part (circle 8) of the second hinge assembly 52 form an angle of approximately 180 degrees. In the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 3), the first part (circle 1) and the second part (circle 2) of the first hinge assembly 51, the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) of the first hinge assembly 51, the fifth part (circle 5) and the sixth part (circle 6) of the second hinge assembly 52, and the seventh part (circle 7) and the eighth part (circle 8) of the second hinge assembly 52 are spaced apart and superimposed, forming an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees or being arranged substantially parallel.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 are coupled to the hinge housing 23 using screws. The first front case 41 and the second front case 42 are connected to the hinge housing 23 using the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first plate assembly 6A can be in a form in which a plurality of plates are joined, and the plurality of plates can be joined to the first support structure 411 using screws. The second plate assembly 6B can be in a form in which a plurality of plates are joined, and the plurality of plates can be joined to the second support structure 421 using screws. The first plate assembly 6A and the second plate assembly 6B stably support a bendable region corresponding to a folding portion between the first housing 21 (see FIG. 2) and the second housing 22 (see FIG. 2) within the display assembly including the flexible display 30. In one embodiment, the first plate assembly 6A and the second plate assembly 6B each include a plurality of bonding metal plates, and together contribute to reducing defects and ensuring a yield as compared with a comparative example using a single integral metal plate. In contrast, in the comparative example, a single integral metal plate for supporting the bendable region of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 is provided as compared with the first plate assembly 6A or the second plate assembly 6B including a plurality of metal plates according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] When performing processing such as removing foreign matter or finishing the surface using ceramic grains (for example, barrel polishing), the single integral metal plate according to the comparative example may cause bending deformation due to a shape such as a large area or a large length as compared with each of the plurality of metal plates included in the plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the deployed state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), the first plate assembly 6A and the second plate assembly 6B form an angle of approximately 180 degrees. The first plate assembly 6A supports one region with respect to the folding axis A (see FIG. 2) within the bendable region of the display assembly corresponding to the folding cover region F (see FIG. 2) in the deployed state of the electronic device 2, and the second plate assembly 6B supports the other region with respect to the folding axis within the bendable region of the display assembly. In the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 3), the first plate assembly 6A and the second plate assembly 6B are spaced apart and overlap, forming an angle of about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees or are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first plate assembly 6A includes the first plate 61, the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and / or the fourth plate 64. The first plate 61 is disposed between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. When viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411, the first plate 61 does not overlap with the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The first plate 61 includes a first surface (not shown) facing the first support region 411A and a second surface 602 facing in a direction opposite to the first surface. The second plate 62 overlaps with the first plate 61. The second plate 62 includes, for example, a third surface (not shown) facing the second surface 602 of the first plate 61 and a fourth surface 604 facing in a direction opposite to the third surface.

[0083] A part of the third plate 63 overlaps with the first plate 61, and another part of the third plate 63 overlaps with the first hinge assembly 51. The third plate 63 includes a fifth surface (not shown) and a sixth surface 606 facing in a direction opposite to the fifth surface. A partial region of the fifth surface faces the second surface 602 of the first plate 61, and another partial region of the fifth surface faces the first hinge assembly 51. A part of the fourth plate 64 overlaps with the first plate 61, and another part of the fourth plate 64 overlaps with the second hinge assembly 52. The fourth plate 64 includes a seventh surface (not shown) and an eighth surface 608 facing in a direction opposite to the seventh surface. A partial region of the seventh surface faces the second surface 602 of the first plate 61, and another partial region of the seventh surface faces the second hinge assembly 52. When viewed from above the second surface 602 of the first plate 61 (for example, when viewed in the -z axis direction), the second plate 62 is disposed between the third plate 63 and the fourth plate 64, and the third plate 63, the second plate 62, and the fourth plate 64 are arranged in the direction of the folding axis A (see FIG. 2) (for example, the y axis direction).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the second plate assembly 6B is provided in substantially the same or similar manner as the first plate assembly 6A. The second plate assembly 6B includes a fifth plate 65 corresponding to the first plate 61, a sixth plate 66 corresponding to the second plate 62, a seventh plate 67 corresponding to the third plate 63, and / or an eighth plate 68 corresponding to the fourth plate 64. The fifth plate 65 is disposed between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. When viewed from above the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421, the fifth plate 65 does not overlap with the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The fifth plate 65 includes a ninth surface (not shown) facing the second support region 421A and a tenth surface 610 facing in a direction opposite to the ninth surface. The sixth plate 66 overlaps with the fifth plate 65. The sixth plate 66 includes, for example, an eleventh surface (not shown) facing the tenth surface 610 of the fifth plate 65 and a twelfth surface 612 facing in a direction opposite to the eleventh surface. A part of the seventh plate 67 overlaps with the fifth plate 65, and another part of the seventh plate 67 overlaps with the first hinge assembly 51. The seventh plate 67 includes a thirteenth surface (not shown) and a fourteenth surface 614 facing in a direction opposite to the thirteenth surface. A partial area of the thirteenth surface faces the tenth surface 610 of the fifth plate 65, and another partial area of the thirteenth surface faces the first hinge assembly 51.

[0085] A part of the eighth plate 68 overlaps with the fifth plate 65, and another part of the eighth plate 68 overlaps with the second hinge assembly 52. The eighth plate 68 includes a fifteenth surface (not shown) and a sixteenth surface 616 facing in a direction opposite to the fifteenth surface. A partial area of the fifteenth surface faces the tenth surface 610 of the fifth plate 65, and another partial area of the fifteenth surface faces the second hinge assembly 52. When viewed from above the tenth surface 610 of the fifth plate 65 (for example, when viewed in the -z axis direction), the sixth plate 66 is disposed between the seventh plate 67 and the eighth plate 68, and the seventh plate 67, the sixth plate 66, and the eighth plate 68 are arranged in the direction of the folding axis A (see FIG. 2) (for example, the y axis direction).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 are joined using welding. In one embodiment, the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 can also be joined using a bonding technique including bonding with an adhesive substance. In one embodiment, the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 can also be joined using screws.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the third plate 63 is joined to the first plate 61 and the first support structure 411 using screws. Corresponding to the screws, the third plate 63 includes screw holes, the first plate 61 includes screw holes aligned with the screw holes of the third plate 63, and the first support structure 411 includes screw fastening portions aligned with the screw holes of the first plate 61. The screw fastening part is, for example, a boss including a female thread corresponding to the male thread of the screw. According to one embodiment, the third plate 63 is coupled to the first hinge assembly 51 and the first support structure 411 using screws. For example, corresponding to the screw, the third plate 63 includes a screw hole, the first portion (round 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 includes a screw hole aligned with the screw hole of the third plate 63, and the first support structure 411 includes a screw fastening part (for example, a boss including a female thread) aligned with the screw hole of the first portion (round 1) of the first hinge assembly 51.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the fourth plate 64 is coupled to the first plate 61 and the first support structure 411 using screws. Corresponding to the screw, the fourth plate 64 includes a screw hole, the first plate 61 includes a screw hole aligned with the screw hole of the fourth plate 64, and the first support structure 411 includes a screw fastening part (for example, a boss including a female thread) aligned with the screw hole of the first plate 61. According to one embodiment, the fourth plate 64 is coupled to the second hinge assembly 52 and the first support structure 411 using screws. For example, corresponding to the screw, the fourth plate 64 includes a screw hole, the fifth portion (round 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 includes a screw hole aligned with the screw hole of the fourth plate 64, and the first support structure 411 includes a screw fastening part (for example, a boss including a female thread) aligned with the screw hole of the fifth portion (round 5) of the second hinge assembly 52.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 are joined using welding. In one embodiment, the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 can also be joined using a bonding technique including bonding with an adhesive substance. In one embodiment, the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 can also be joined using screws.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the seventh plate 67 is joined to the fifth plate 65 and the second support structure 421 using screws. Corresponding to the screws, the seventh plate 67 includes screw holes, the fifth plate 65 includes screw holes aligned with the screw holes of the seventh plate 67, and the second support structure 421 includes screw fastening portions (for example, bosses including female threads) aligned with the screw holes of the fifth plate 65. According to one embodiment, the seventh plate 67 is joined to the first hinge assembly 51 and the second support structure 421 using screws. For example, corresponding to the screws, the seventh plate 67 includes screw holes, the second portion (circle 2) of the first hinge assembly 51 includes screw holes aligned with the screw holes of the seventh plate 67, and the second support structure 421 includes screw fastening portions (for example, bosses including female threads) aligned with the screw holes of the second portion (circle 2) of the first hinge assembly 51.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the eighth plate 68 is joined to the fifth plate 65 and the second support structure 421 using screws. Corresponding to the screws, the eighth plate 68 includes screw holes, the fifth plate 65 includes screw holes aligned with the screw holes of the eighth plate 68, and the second support structure 421 includes screw fastening portions (for example, bosses including female threads) aligned with the screw holes of the fifth plate 65. According to one embodiment, the eighth plate 68 is joined to the second hinge assembly 52 and the second support structure 421 using screws. For example, corresponding to the screws, the eighth plate 68 includes screw holes, the sixth portion (circle 6) of the second hinge assembly 52 includes screw holes aligned with the screw holes of the eighth plate 68, and the second support structure 421 includes screw fastening portions (for example, bosses including female threads) aligned with the screw holes of the sixth portion (circle 6) of the second hinge assembly 52.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the first plate 61, the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 are metal plates. The first plate 61, the second plate 62, the third plate 63, or the fourth plate 64 may include, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, titanium, amorphous alloy Can be made of a metallic material such as The first plate 61, the second plate 62, the third plate 63, or the fourth plate 64 is metal-ceramic composite materials (e.g., cermet), stainless steel, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, copper alloy, or the like Combinations thereof may be included. In one embodiment, at least one of the first plate 61, the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 may include a non-metallic material capable of ensuring rigidity, such as engineering plastics, thermoplastics such as polyoxymethylene-based plastics, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, phenolic plastics, and fluoropolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-based plastics, even though other materials are within the intended scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the first plate 61, the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 are made of the same material. In some embodiments, at least one of the first plate 61, the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 may be made of a different material.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the fifth plate 65, the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, and the eighth plate 68 are metal plates. The fifth plate 65, the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, or the eighth plate 68 may include, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, titanium, amorphous alloy Can be made of a metallic material such as The fifth plate 65, the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67 or the eighth plate 68 is metal-ceramic composite materials (such as cermets), stainless steel, magnesium, magnesium alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, zinc alloys, copper alloys, or the like Combinations thereof and may contain. In one embodiment, at least one of the fifth plate 65, the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, and the eighth plate 68 may include engineering plastics, thermoplastic resins such as polyoxymethylene-based plastics, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, phenolic plastics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics, and other non-metallic substances capable of ensuring rigidity, such as fluoropolymers, even though other materials are within the intended scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the fifth plate 65, the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, and the eighth plate 68 are manufactured from the same material. In some embodiments, at least one of the fifth plate 65, the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, and the eighth plate 68 may be manufactured from different materials.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the guide rail assembly 7 is disposed or coupled to the hinge housing 23. The hinge housing 23 includes a recess provided on the other surface opposite to the one surface exposed to the outside in the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 3), and the guide rail assembly 7 is disposed in the recess of the hinge housing 23. The guide rail assembly 7 is disposed in a space provided by the hinge housing 23, the first plate assembly 6A, and the second plate assembly 6B. The guide rail assembly 7 includes a guide rail structure 71, a first slider structure 72, and / or a second slider structure 73. The first slider structure 72 and the second slider structure 73 are slidably disposed on the guide rail structure 71. The guide rail structure 71 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 using a screw. The first slider structure 72 is coupled to the first plate 61 of the first plate assembly 6A using a screw and can be rotationally movable together with the first plate assembly 6A coupled to the first front case 41. The second slider structure 73 is coupled to the fifth plate 65 of the second plate assembly 6B using a screw and can be rotationally movable together with the second plate assembly 6B coupled to the second front case 42.

[0095] The guide rail structure 71 includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail. The first guide rail is a space provided along a path corresponding to the rotational movement of the first front case 41 to which the first plate assembly 6A to which the first slider structure 72 is coupled is coupled. The second guide rail is a space provided along a path corresponding to the rotational movement of the second front case 42 to which the second plate assembly 6B to which the second slider structure 73 is coupled is coupled. The first slider structure 72 includes a first slider inserted into the first guide rail of the guide rail structure 71 and guided by the first guide rail to be movable. The second slider structure 73 includes a second slider inserted into the second guide rail of the guide rail structure 71 and guided by the second guide rail to be movable. The guide rail assembly 7 is disposed between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. For example, the guide rail assembly 7 is disposed corresponding to the center between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 (e.g., a point on the folding axis A substantially spaced apart from the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52). In one embodiment, the guide rail assembly 7 is disposed at substantially the same separation distance from the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The guide rail assembly 7 reduces the phenomenon that the first plate assembly 6A and the second plate assembly 6B lift up.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first electrical path 81 and the second electrical path 82 electrically connect a first electrical element housed in the first housing 21 (see FIG. 2) and a second electrical element housed in the second housing 22 (see FIG. 2). The first electrical path 81 and / or the second electrical path 82 electrically connect, for example, a first printed circuit board housed in the first housing 21 and a second printed circuit board housed in the second housing 22. Signals (for example, instructions or data) between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are transmitted via the first electrical path 81 and / or the second electrical path 82. The first electrical path 81 and the second electrical path 82 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB). The first electrical path 81 and the second electrical path 82 are coupled to and supported by the first plate assembly 6A and the second plate assembly 6B. The first electrical path 81 and the second electrical path 82 extend between the hinge housing 23 and the first plate assembly 6A and between the hinge housing 23 and the second plate assembly 6B.

[0097] The first electrical path 81 includes a first region coupled to the first plate assembly 6A, a second region coupled to the second plate assembly 6B, and a third region connecting the first region and the second region. The third region is disposed in the recess of the hinge housing 23 and is bent and disposed according to a change in the state of the electronic device 2 (for example, a conversion between the unfolded state of FIG. 2 and the folded state of FIG. 3). The first electrical path 81 includes a fourth region that extends from the first region and is electrically connected to a first electrical element housed in the first housing 21. The fourth region includes, for example, a first connector for electrical connection to the first electrical element. The first electrical path 81 includes a fifth region that extends from the second region and is electrically connected to a second electrical element housed in the second housing 22. The fifth region includes, for example, a second connector for electrical connection to the second electrical element. The second electrical path 82 is provided substantially the same as or similar to the first electrical path 81. When viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 or the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421, the guide rail assembly 7 is disposed between the first electrical path 81 and the second electrical path 82.

[0098] FIG. 5 is a view showing a first assembly 500 in an unfolded state in which a first front case 41, a second front case 42, a first hinge assembly 51, a second hinge assembly 52, and a hinge housing 23 are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by the reference numeral "501" in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a view showing the first hinge assembly 51 included in the electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with Figures 5, 6, and 7. That is, in connection with Figures 5, 6, and 7, all combinations of the features described below should be considered as being included in the present invention as specific examples.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the first hinge assembly 51 connects the first front case 41 and the second front case 42. The first hinge assembly 51 includes a first portion (circle 1), a second portion (circle 2), a third portion (circle 3), a fourth portion (circle 4), and a first actuator 511. The first part (circle 1) is coupled to the first support structure 411 of the first front case 41 using a plurality of first screws S1. Corresponding to the plurality of first screws S1, the first part (circle 1) includes a plurality of first screw holes H1, and the first support structure 411 includes a plurality of first screw fastening portions (for example, first bosses including female threads) aligned with the plurality of first screw holes H1. The second part (circle 2) is coupled to the second support structure 421 of the second front case 42 using a plurality of second screws -S2 S2. Corresponding to the plurality of second screws S2, the second part (circle 2) includes a plurality of second screw holes H2, and the second support structure 421 includes a plurality of second screw fastening portions (for example, second bosses including female threads) aligned with the plurality of second screw holes H2.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the first part (circle 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 includes a third screw hole H3, and the first support structure 411 includes a third screw fastening portion (for example, a third boss including female threads) aligned with the third screw hole H3. The third screw hole H3 and the third screw fastening portion are used to screw - fasten the third plate 63 (see FIG. 4) and the first part (circle 1) to the first support structure 411. The second part (circle 2) of the first hinge assembly 51 includes a fourth screw hole H4, and the second support structure 421 includes a fourth screw fastening portion (for example, a fourth boss including female threads) aligned with the fourth screw hole H4. The fourth screw hole H4 and the fourth screw fastening portion are used to screw - fasten the seventh plate 67 (see FIG. 4) and the second part (circle 2) to the second support structure 421.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the second hinge assembly 52 connects the first front case 41 and the second front case 42. The fifth part (circle 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 is coupled to the first support structure 411 using a plurality of fifth screws S5. Corresponding to a plurality of fifth screws S5, the fifth part (round 5) includes a plurality of fifth screw holes, and the first support structure 411 can include a plurality of fifth screw fastening parts (for example, fifth bosses including female threads) aligned with the plurality of fifth screw holes. The sixth part (round 6) of the second hinge assembly 52 is coupled to the second support structure 421 using a plurality of sixth screws S6. Corresponding to a plurality of sixth screws S6, the sixth part (round 6) includes a plurality of sixth screw holes, and the second support structure 421 includes a plurality of sixth screw fastening parts (for example, sixth bosses including female threads) aligned with the plurality of sixth screw holes.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the fifth part (round 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 includes a seventh screw hole H7, and the first support structure 411 includes a seventh screw fastening part (for example, a seventh boss including a female thread) aligned with the seventh screw hole H7. The seventh screw hole H7 and the seventh screw fastening part are used to screw-fasten the fourth plate 64 (see FIG. 4) and the fifth part (round 5) to the first support structure 411. The sixth part (round 6) of the second hinge assembly 52 includes an eighth screw hole H8, and the second support structure 421 includes an eighth screw fastening part (for example, an eighth boss including a female thread) aligned with the eighth screw hole H8. The eighth screw hole H8 and the eighth screw fastening part are used to screw-fasten the eighth plate 68 (see FIG. 4) and the sixth part (round 6) to the second support structure 421.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first actuator 511 of the first hinge assembly 51 includes a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes, for example, a first shaft 618, a second shaft 620, a first shaft support 631, a second shaft support 632, a third shaft support 633, a fourth shaft support 634, a fifth shaft support 635, a first circular gear 641, a second circular gear 642, a third circular gear 643, a fourth circular gear 644, a gear support 650, a first torsion spring 661, a second torsion spring 662, a third torsion spring 663, a fourth torsion spring 664, a fifth torsion spring 665, and / or a sixth torsion spring 666.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first shaft 618 is disposed corresponding to the third portion (circle 3), on the side opposite to the direction (for example, the -z axis direction) with respect to the third portion (circle 3), and at least partially received in the recess of the hinge housing 23. Direction of and is disposed on the side opposite to the direction (for example, the -z axis direction) and at least partially received in the recess of the hinge housing 23. The second shaft 620 can be positioned corresponding to the fourth portion (circle 4), and is disposed on the side opposite to the direction in which the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421 faces with respect to the fourth portion (circle 4), and at least partially received in the recess of the hinge housing 23. The first shaft 618 and the second shaft 620 are parallel to the folding axis A. The first shaft 618 and the second shaft 620 are rotatably disposed on the first shaft support 631, the second shaft support 632, the third shaft support 633, the fourth shaft support value 634, and the fifth shaft support 635. The first shaft support 631, the second shaft support 632, the third shaft support 633, the fourth shaft 634, and the fifth shaft support 635 are spaced apart in the direction of the folding axis A (for example, the y axis direction). The first shaft support 631, the second shaft support 632, the third shaft support 633, the fourth shaft support 634, and the fifth shaft support 635 include a first hole (not shown) in which the first shaft 618 is rotatably disposed, and a second hole (not shown) in which the second shaft 620 is rotatably disposed.

[0105] In one embodiment, the second shaft support 632 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 using the ninth screw S9. Corresponding to the ninth screw S9, the second shaft support 632 includes a ninth screw hole H9, and the hinge housing 23 includes a ninth screw fastening portion (for example, a ninth boss including a female screw) aligned with the ninth screw hole H9. In one embodiment, the fifth shaft support 635 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 using the tenth screw S10. Corresponding to the tenth screw S10, the fifth shaft support 635 includes a tenth screw hole H10, and the hinge housing 23 includes a tenth screw fastening portion (for example, a tenth boss including a female screw) aligned with the tenth screw hole H10. The portion including the ninth screw hole H9 in the second shaft support 632 and the portion including the tenth screw hole H10 in the fifth shaft support 635 are disposed between the first shaft 618 and the second shaft 620 when viewed from the x-y plane. The folding axis A of the electronic device 2 is substantially provided by, for example, a combination of the first central axis A1 of the first shaft 618 and the second central axis A2 of the second shaft 620. The third portion (circle 3) and the first portion (circle 1) connected to the third portion (circle 3) are rotated about the first central axis A1 of the first shaft 618. The fourth portion (circle 4) and the second portion (circle 2) connected to the fourth portion (circle 4) are rotated about the second central axis A2 of the second shaft 620.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first circular gear 641 is coupled to the first shaft 618 and rotates with the first shaft 618 about the first central axis A1. The second circular gear 642 is coupled to the second shaft 620 and rotates with the second shaft 620 about the second central axis A2. The third circular gear 643 meshes with the first circular gear 641. The fourth circular gear 644 meshes with the second circular gear 642. The third circular gear 643 and the fourth circular gear 644 mesh with each other. The third rotation axis of the third circular gear 643 and the fourth rotation axis of the fourth circular gear 644 are parallel to the first rotation axis (e.g., the first central axis A1) of the first circular gear 641 and the second rotation axis (e.g., Second the central axis A2) of the second circular gear 642. The first circular gear 641, the second circular gear 642, the third circular gear 643, and the fourth circular gear 644 can be, for example, spur gears.

[0107] The gear support 650 supports the third circular gear 643 so that the third circular gear 643 can mesh with and rotate with the first circular gear 641 to which the third circular gear 643 is connected to the first shaft 618. The gear support 650 supports the fourth circular gear 644 so that the fourth circular gear 644 can mesh with and rotate with the second circular gear 642 to which the fourth circular gear 644 is connected to the second shaft 620. When the third part (circle 3) rotates with respect to the first central axis A1 of the first shaft 618, the first circular gear 641 connected to the first shaft 618 is rotated in the same direction as the third part (circle 3). When the fourth part (circle 4) rotates with respect to the second central axis A2 of the second shaft 620, the second circular gear 642 connected to the second shaft 620 is rotated in the same direction as the fourth part (circle 4). When the first circular gear 641 rotates in the first direction and the second circular gear 642 rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the third circular gear 643 and the fourth circular gear 644 contribute to the transmission of the force (e.g., rotational force) between the first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642 and the balance of the force.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first shaft 618 includes a first cam (or a first cam gear 701) and a second cam (or a second cam gear) 702. The first cam 701 is disposed between the gear support 650 and the first shaft support 631. The second cam 702 is disposed between the third shaft support 633 and the fourth shaft support 634. The first cam 701 includes, for example, a first cam gear 701a and a second cam gear 701b. The first cam gear 701a includes a first tooth surface with a concavo-convex shape facing the second cam gear 701b, and the second cam gear 701b includes a second tooth surface with a concavo-convex shape facing the first tooth surface. The second cam 702 includes, for example, a third cam gear 702a, a fourth cam gear 702b, and a fifth cam gear 702c. The fifth cam gear 702c is disposed between the third cam gear 702a and the fourth cam gear 702b. The third cam gear 702a includes a third tooth surface with a concavo-convex shape facing the fifth cam gear 702c. The fourth cam gear 702b includes a fourth tooth surface with a concavo-convex shape facing the fifth cam gear 702c. The fifth cam gear 702c includes a fifth tooth surface with a concavo-convex shape facing the third tooth surface of the third cam gear 702a and a sixth tooth surface with a concavo-convex shape facing the fourth tooth surface of the fourth cam gear 702b.

[0109] The first shaft 618 includes a first shaft portion including the first cam gear 701a, the second cam gear 701b, a second shaft portion including the third cam gear 702a, a third shaft portion including the fifth cam gear 701a, and a fourth shaft portion including the fourth cam gear 702b. The first shaft portion is connected to the first circular gear 641 and rotates together with the first circular gear 641. The first torsion spring 661, the second torsion spring 662, and the third torsion spring 663 are coil springs and are arranged in the direction of the first central axis A1 (for example, the y-axis direction). The first torsion spring 661 is elastically disposed between the first shaft support 631 and the second shaft support 632, and the second shaft portion including the second cam gear 701b and the third cam gear 702a is disposed through the first torsion spring 661. The second torsion spring 662 is elastically disposed between the second shaft support 632 and the third shaft support 633, and the second shaft portion including the second cam gear 701b and the third cam gear 702a is disposed through the second torsion spring 662. The third torsion spring 663 is elastically disposed between the fourth shaft support 634 and the fifth shaft support 635, and the fourth shaft portion including the fourth cam gear 702b is disposed through the third torsion spring 633.

[0110] The second shaft 620 is provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the first shaft 618. The second shaft 620 includes, for example, a third cam 703 corresponding to the first cam 701 and a fourth cam 704 corresponding to the second cam 702. The fourth torsion spring 664 is disposed on the second shaft 620 in substantially the same or similar manner as the first torsion spring 661 is disposed on the first shaft 618. In such a manner The fifth torsion spring 665 is disposed on the second shaft 620 in substantially the same or similar manner as the second torsion spring 662 is disposed on the first shaft 618. In such a manner The sixth torsion spring 666 is disposed on the second shaft 620 in substantially the same or similar manner as the third torsion spring 663 is disposed on the first shaft 618. In such a manner

[0111] The first actuator 511 functions to provide a driving force such that the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) rotate relative to each other. The first actuator 511 functions to enable the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) to rotate in opposite directions at the same angle. The first actuator 511 executes a function (for example, a free-stop function) such that the third part (circle 3) and the fourth part (circle 4) are rotated and held at at least one specified angle. The functions of the first actuator 511 described above are provided, for example, by the interaction between a plurality of circular gears (641, 642, 643, 644), the interaction between two cam gears (701a, 701b) of the first cam 701 using the elastic force of the first torsion spring 661, the elastic force of the second torsion spring 662, and the interaction between three cam gears (702a, 702b, 702c) of the second cam 702 using the elastic force of the third torsion spring 663, the interaction between two cam gears of the third cam 703 using the elastic force of the fourth torsion spring 664, the elastic force of the fifth torsion spring 665, and the interaction between three cam gears of the fourth cam 704 using the elastic force of the sixth torsion spring 666.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the second actuator 521 (see FIG. 4) of the second hinge assembly 52 is provided substantially the same as or similar to the first actuator 511 of the first hinge assembly 51. The second actuator 521 is disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the first actuator 511 based on the center between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The second actuator 521 performs a function of providing a driving force so that the seventh portion (circle 7) (see FIG. 4) and the eighth portion (circle 8) (see FIG. 4) of the second hinge assembly 52 can rotate relative to each other. The second actuator 521 performs a function of rotating the seventh portion (circle 7) and the eighth portion (circle 8) of the second hinge assembly 52 in opposite directions by the same angle. The second actuator 521 performs a function of maintaining the seventh portion (circle 7) and the eighth portion (circle 8) of the second hinge assembly 52 at at least one specified angle.

[0113] The first hinge assembly 51 including the above-described components and the second hinge assembly 52 provided substantially the same as or similar thereto are Including the flexible display 30 configured in a slimmed-down form so as not to press the back surface of the flexible display assembly and Including the flexible display 30 so as to be separated from the back surface of the flexible display assembly. The first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 are embodied to reduce or substantially eliminate a planar area for supporting the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30. For example, in a comparative example where the hinge assembly includes a portion protruding toward the back surface of the display assembly, the back surface of the display assembly includes a recess shaped by removing a part corresponding to the protruding portion of the hinge assembly. In the comparative example, for example, the electromagnetic induction panel does not extend to the portion where the recess is provided in the display assembly, and the portion where the recess is provided in the display assembly may make it difficult to input using a pen input device. The first plate assembly 6A and the second plate assembly 6B are embodied corresponding to the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 according to an embodiment, reducing or making omissible the portion where the recess is provided in the display assembly as compared with the comparative example, and stably supporting the back surface of the display assembly.

[0114] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a deployed state of a second assembly 800 in which a first plate 61, a second plate 62, a fifth plate 65, a sixth plate 66, a first electrical path 81, and a second electrical path 82 are coupled to the first assembly 500 of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the first plate 61 and the fifth plate 65 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the second plate 62 and the sixth plate 66 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 are coupled and a state in which the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 are coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11. That is, in connection with Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11, all combinations of the features described below should be considered as being included in the present invention as specific examples.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11, the first plate 61 is disposed between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. When viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411, the first plate 61 does not overlap with the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The first plate 61 includes a first surface (not shown) facing the first support region 411A and a second surface 602 facing in a direction opposite to the first surface. The second plate 62 overlaps with the first plate 61. The second plate 62 includes, for example, a third surface (not shown) facing the second surface 602 of the first plate 61 and a fourth surface 604 facing in a direction opposite to the third surface. In one embodiment, the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 are joined using welding. In one embodiment, the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 can also be joined using a bonding technique including bonding with an adhesive substance. In one embodiment, the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 can also be joined using screws.

[0116] According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411, the second plate 62 does not overlap with the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 includes a first extension region and a second extension region as compared with the second plate 62 when viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411. The first extension region extends toward the first hinge assembly 51 side and does not overlap with the second plate 62. The first extension region is joined to a third plate 63 (see FIG. 4) and the first support structure 411 using screws. The second extension region extends toward the second hinge assembly 52 side and does not overlap with the second plate 62. The second extension region is joined to a fourth plate 64 (see FIG. 4) and the first support structure 411 using screws.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the fifth plate 65 is disposed between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. When viewed from above the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421, the fifth plate 65 does not overlap with the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The fifth plate 65 includes a ninth surface (not shown) facing the second support region 421A and a tenth surface 610 facing in a direction opposite to the ninth surface. The sixth plate 66 overlaps with the fifth plate 65. The sixth plate 66 includes, for example, an eleventh surface (not shown) facing the tenth surface 610 of the fifth plate 65 and a twelfth surface 612 facing in a direction opposite to the eleventh surface. In one embodiment, the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 are joined using welding. In one embodiment, the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 can also be joined using a bonding technique including bonding with an adhesive substance. In one embodiment, the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 can also be joined using screws.

[0118] According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421, the fifth plate 65 includes a third extension region and a fourth extension region as compared with the sixth plate 66. The third extension region extends toward the first hinge assembly 51 side and does not overlap with the sixth plate 66. The third extension region is joined to the seventh plate 67 (see FIG. 4) and the second support structure 421 using screws. The fourth extension region extends toward the second hinge assembly 52 side and does not overlap with the sixth plate 66. The fourth extension region is joined to the eighth plate 68 (see FIG. 4) and the second support structure 421 using screws.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 includes the thirteenth screw hole H13, the fourteenth screw hole H14, the seventeenth screw hole H17, and / or the eighteenth screw hole H18. The first support structure 411 includes a 13th screw fastening portion (for example, a 13th boss including a female screw) aligned with the 13th screw hole H13. The 13th screw hole H13 and the 13th screw fastening portion are used to screw-fasten the 3rd plate 63 (see FIG. 4) and the 1st plate 61 to the first support structure 411. The first support structure 411 includes a 14th screw fastening portion (for example, a 14th boss including a female screw) aligned with the 14th screw hole H14. The 14th screw hole H14 and the 14th screw fastening portion are used to screw-fasten the 4th plate 64 (see FIG. 4) and the 1st plate 61 to the first support structure 411. The first plate 61 is coupled to the first slider structure 72 (see FIG. 4) using a 17th screw S17 corresponding to the 17th screw hole H17. The first plate 61 is coupled to the first support structure 411 using an 18th screw S18 corresponding to the 18th screw hole H18.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the second plate 62 includes an opening 1017 (see FIG. 10) aligned with (or overlapping) the 17th screw hole H17 of the first plate 61. The opening 1017 of the second plate 62 is configured such that the second plate 62 does not interfere with the structure in which the 17th screw S17 passes through the 17th screw hole H17 and is coupled to a 17th screw fastening portion (for example, a 17th boss including a female screw) provided in the first slider structure 72. The opening 1017 corresponding to the 17th screw hole H17 is a through-hole as in the example shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto and may be a notch. The second plate 62 includes an opening 1018 (see FIG. 10) aligned with (or overlapping) the 18th screw hole H18 of the first plate 61. The opening 1018 of the second plate 62 is configured such that the eighteenth screw S18 does not interfere with the structure in which it passes through the eighteenth screw hole H18 and is coupled to the eighteenth screw fastening portion (for example, the eighteenth boss including a female screw) provided in the first support structure 411. The opening 1018 corresponding to the eighteenth screw hole H18 is notched as in the example shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto and may be a through-hole.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the fifth plate 65 includes the fifteenth screw hole H15, the sixteenth screw hole H16, the nineteenth screw hole H19, and / or the twentieth screw hole H20. The second support structure 421 includes a fifteenth screw fastening portion (for example, the fifteenth boss including a female screw) aligned with the fifteenth screw hole H15. The fifteenth screw hole H15 and the fifteenth screw fastening portion are used to screw-fasten the seventh plate 67 (see FIG. 4) and the fifth plate 65 to the second support structure 421. The second support structure 421 includes a sixteenth screw fastening portion (for example, the sixteenth boss including a female screw) aligned with the sixteenth screw hole H16. The sixteenth screw hole H16 and the sixteenth screw fastening portion are used to screw-fasten the eighth plate 68 (see FIG. 4) and the fifth plate 65 to the second support structure 421. The fifth plate 65 is coupled to the second slider structure 73 (see FIG. 4) using the nineteenth screw S19 corresponding to the nineteenth screw hole H19. The fifth plate 65 is coupled to the second support structure 421 using the twentieth screw S20 corresponding to the twentieth screw hole H20.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the sixth plate 66 includes an opening 1019 (see FIG. 10) aligned with (or overlapping) the nineteenth screw hole H19 of the fifth plate 65. The opening 1019 of the sixth plate 66 is structured such that the 19th screw S19 passing through the 19th screw hole H19 is not interfered with by the sixth plate 66 when being coupled to the 19th screw fastening portion (for example, the 19th boss including a female screw) provided in the second slider structure 73 (see FIG. 4). The opening 1019 corresponding to the 19th screw hole H19 is a through-hole as in the example shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto and may be a notch. The sixth plate 66 includes an opening 1020 (see FIG. 10) aligned with (or overlapping) the 20th screw hole H20 of the fifth plate 65. The opening 1020 of the sixth plate 66 is such that the 20th screw S20 passing through the 20th screw hole H20 is not interfered with by the sixth plate 66 when being coupled to the Twenty screw fastening portion (for example, a boss including a female screw) provided in the second support structure 421. Rather the twentieth The sixth plate 66 is structured such that the 20th screw S20 passing through the 20th screw hole H20 is not interfered with by the sixth plate 66 when being coupled to the screw fastening portion (for example, the boss including a female screw) provided in the second support structure 421. The opening 1020 corresponding to the 20th screw hole H20 is a notch shape as in the example shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto and may be a through-hole.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the guide rail structure 71 (see FIG. 4) is coupled to the hinge housing 23 using the 21st screw S21. The first plate 61 includes an opening 921 (see FIG. 9) corresponding to the 21st screw S21. The second plate 62 includes an opening 1021 (see FIG. 10) aligned with (or overlapping) the opening 921 of the first plate 61. The guide rail structure 71 (see FIG. 4) includes a 21st screw hole corresponding to the 21st screw S21. The hinge housing 23 includes a 21st screw fastening portion (for example, a female screw (female screw) including the 21st boss) corresponding to the 21st screw hole. The opening 921 of the first plate 61 and the opening 1021 of the second plate 62 are structured such that the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 do not interfere with the structure in which the 21st screw S21 passes through the 21st screw hole of the guide rail structure 71 and is coupled to the 21st screw fastening portion provided in the hinge housing 23. The opening 921 of the first plate 61 corresponding to the 21st screw S21 is in a notch shape as in the example shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in a through-hole shape. The opening 1021 of the second plate 62 corresponding to the 21st screw S21 is in a through-hole shape as in the example shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto, and may be in a notch form.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the guide rail structure 71 (see FIG. 4) is coupled to the hinge housing 23 using the 22nd screw S22. The fifth plate 65 includes an opening 922 (see FIG. 9) corresponding to the 22nd screw S22. The sixth plate 66 includes an opening 1022 (see FIG. 10) aligned with (or overlapping) the opening 922 of the fifth plate 65. The guide rail structure 71 (see FIG. 4) includes a 22nd screw hole corresponding to the 22nd screw S22. The hinge housing 23 includes a 22nd screw fastening portion (for example, a 22nd boss including an internal thread) corresponding to the 22nd screw hole. The opening 922 of the fifth plate 65 and the opening 1022 of the sixth plate 66 are structured such that the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 do not interfere with the structure in which the 22nd screw S22 passes through the 22nd screw hole of the guide rail structure 71 (see FIG. 4) and is coupled to the 22nd screw fastening portion of the hinge housing 23. The opening 922 of the fifth plate 65 corresponding to the 22nd screw S22 is in a notch shape as in the example shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto, and may be in a through-hole shape. The sixth plate 66 opening 1022 corresponding to the 22nd screw S22 is in the form of a through-hole as in the example shown in the figure, but is not limited to this, and may be in the form of a notch.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first electrical path 81 includes a first region 811 coupled to the second plate 62, a second region 812 coupled to the sixth plate 66, and a third region 813 connecting the first region 811 and the second region 812. The third region 813 is disposed in the recess of the hinge housing 23 and is bent and disposed according to a state change of the electronic device 2 (for example, a conversion between the unfolded state in FIG. 2 and the folded state in FIG. 3). The first electrical path 81 includes a fourth region 814 that extends from the first region 811 and is electrically connected to a first electrical element (for example, a first printed circuit board) housed in the first housing 21 (see FIG. 2). The first electrical path 81 includes a first connector 814A disposed in the fourth region 814. The first connector 814A is electrically connected to the first electrical element. The first electrical path 81 includes a fifth region 815 that extends from the second region 812 and is electrically connected to a second electrical element (for example, a second printed circuit board) housed in the second housing 22 (see FIG. 2). The first electrical path 81 includes a second connector 815A disposed in the fifth region 815. The second connector 815A is electrically connected to the second electrical element. The second electrical path 82 is provided substantially the same as or similar to the first electrical path 81. The second electrical path 82 includes, for example, a first region 821 coupled to the second plate 62, a second region 822 coupled to the sixth plate 66, and a third region 823 connecting the first region 821 and the second region 822. The second electrical path 82 includes a fourth region 824 that extends from the first region 821 and a third connector 824A disposed in the fourth region 824. The second electrical path 82 includes a fifth region 825 extending from the second region 822 and a fourth connector 825A disposed in the fifth region 825.

[0126] According to one embodiment, corresponding to the first electrical path 81, the first plate 61 includes a first opening 901 and the fifth plate 65 includes a second opening 902. The first region 811 of the first electrical path 81 passes through the first opening 901 and is disposed on the second plate 62. The second region 812 of the first electrical path 81 passes through the second opening 902 and is disposed on the sixth plate 66. The first region 811 is disposed on a third surface of the second plate 62 facing the first plate 61. The second region 812 is disposed on an eleventh surface of the sixth plate 66 facing the second plate 62. According to one embodiment, corresponding to the second electrical path 82, the first plate 61 includes a third opening 903 and the fifth plate 65 includes a fourth opening 904. The first region 821 of the second electrical path 82 passes through the third opening 903 and is disposed on the second plate 62. The second region 822 of the second electrical path 82 passes through the fourth opening 904 and is disposed on the sixth plate 66. The first region 821 is disposed on a third surface of the second plate 62 facing the first plate 61. The second region 822 is disposed on an eleventh surface of the sixth plate 66 facing the second plate 62.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the first region 811 and the second region 812 of the first electrical path 81 can be substantially rigid, and the third region 813, the fourth region 814, and the fifth region 815 of the first electrical path 81 can be substantially flexible. The first region 821 and the second region 822 of the second electrical path 82 can be substantially rigid, and the third region 823, the fourth region 824, and the fifth region 825 of the second electrical path 82 can be substantially flexible. The first electrical path 81 and the second electrical path 82 can be an FPCB or an RFPCB.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the second plate 62 includes a first opening structure 1001 provided with one or more openings corresponding to the first region 811 of the first electrical path 81. An adhesive material for joining the first region 811 and the second plate 62 flows through the first opening structure 1001. In one embodiment, the first opening structure 1001 is configured such that a part of the first region 811 fits therein, contributing to the stable joining of the second plate 62 and the first region 811. According to one embodiment, the sixth plate 66 includes a second opening structure 1002 provided with one or more openings corresponding to the second region 812 of the first electrical path 81. The second opening structure 1002 is used to join the second region 812 of the first electrical path 81 to the sixth plate 66 in substantially the same way as the first opening structure 1001 is used to join the first region 811 of the first electrical path 81 to the second plate 62.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the second plate 62 includes a third opening structure 1003 provided with one or more openings corresponding to the first region 821 of the second electrical path 82. The third opening structure 1003 is used to join the first region 821 of the second electrical path 82 to the second plate 62 in substantially the same way as the first opening structure 1001 is used to join the first region 811 of the first electrical path 81 to the second plate 62. According to one embodiment, the sixth plate 66 includes a fourth opening structure 1004 provided with one or more openings corresponding to the second region 822 of the second electrical path 82. The fourth opening structure 1004 is used to couple the second region 822 of the second electrical path 82 to the sixth plate 66 in substantially the same way that the first opening structure 1001 is used to couple the first region 811 of the first electrical path 81 to the second plate 62.

[0130] FIG. 12 is a view showing a developed state of a third assembly 1200 in which a third plate 63, a fourth plate 64, a seventh plate 67, and an eighth plate 68 are coupled to the second assembly 800 of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 12. That is, in connection with FIG. 12, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples. Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 (e.g., when viewed in the -z axis direction), a part of the third plate 63 overlaps the first plate 61, and another part of the third plate 63 overlaps the first hinge assembly 51. The third plate 63 includes a fifth surface and a sixth surface 606 facing in a direction opposite to the fifth surface. A partial region of the fifth surface faces the first plate 61, and another partial region of the fifth surface faces the first hinge assembly 51. The third plate 63 is coupled to the first part (circle 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 and the first support structure 411 using the third screw S3. The third plate 63 is coupled to the first plate 61 and the first support structure 411 using the thirteenth screw S13.

[0131] According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 (e.g., when viewed in the -z axis direction), a part of the fourth plate 64 overlaps the first plate 61, and another part of the fourth plate 64 overlaps the second hinge assembly 52. The fourth plate 64 includes a seventh surface and an eighth surface 608 facing in a direction opposite to the seventh surface. A partial region of the seventh surface faces the first plate 61, and another partial region of the seventh surface faces the second hinge assembly 52. The fourth plate 64 is coupled to the fifth portion (circle 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 and the first support structure 411 using the seventh screw S7. The fourth plate 64 is coupled to the first plate 61 and the first support structure 411 using the fourteenth screw S14. According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 (e.g., when viewed in the -z axis direction), the second plate 62 is disposed between the third plate 63 and the fourth plate 64 and does not overlap with the third plate 63 and the fourth plate 64.

[0132] According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421, a part of the seventh plate 67 overlaps with the fifth plate 65, and another part of the seventh plate 67 overlaps with the first hinge assembly 51. The seventh plate 67 includes a thirteenth surface and a fourteenth surface 614 facing in a direction opposite to the thirteenth surface. A partial region of the thirteenth surface faces the fifth plate 65, and another partial region of the thirteenth surface faces the first hinge assembly 51. The seventh plate 67 is coupled to the second portion (circle 2) of the first hinge assembly 51 and the second support structure 421 using the fourth screw S4. The seventh plate 67 is coupled to the fifth plate 65 and the second support structure 421 using the fifteenth screw S15.

[0133] According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421, a part of the eighth plate 68 overlaps with the fifth plate 65, and another part of the eighth plate 68 overlaps with the second hinge assembly 52. The eighth plate 68 includes a fifteenth surface and a sixteenth surface 616 facing in a direction opposite to the fifteenth surface. A partial region of the fifteenth surface faces the fifth plate 65, and another partial region of the fifteenth surface faces the second hinge assembly 52. The eighth plate 68 is coupled to the sixth portion (circle 6) of the second hinge assembly 52 and the second support structure 421 using the eighth screw S8. The eighth plate 68 is coupled to the fifth plate 65 and the second support structure 421 using the sixteenth screw S16. According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421, the sixth plate 66 is disposed between the seventh plate 67 and the eighth plate 68 and does not overlap with the seventh plate 67 and the eighth plate 68.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 within the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4) substantially support the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the first plate 61 is disposed in the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 and serves as a bracket or base that couples the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 that support the display assembly to the first support structure 411. The first plate 61 is spaced apart from the first support structure 411 by a specified height such that the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 are disposed. The second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 disposed on the first plate 61 and spaced apart from the first support structure 411 by a specified height support the back surface of the display assembly without substantially pressing on it so that the display assembly does not sag. According to one embodiment, a portion of the back surface of the display assembly that supports within the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 is formed with substantially no height difference from at least a portion of the back surface of the display assembly that supports within the fourth surface 604 of the second plate 62, at least a portion of the back surface of the display assembly that supports within the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63, and / or at least a portion of the back surface of the display assembly that supports within the eighth surface 608 of the fourth plate 64.

[0135] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first part (circle 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 that is not covered by the third plate 63 includes a seventeenth surface 1217 that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). The seventeenth surface 1217 is formed with substantially no height difference from a portion of the back surface of the display assembly within the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 and / or at least a portion of the back surface of the display assembly within the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63. According to one embodiment, a portion of the fifth part (circle 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 that is not covered by the fourth plate 64 includes an eighteenth surface 1218 that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). The eighteenth surface 1218 is formed with substantially no height difference from a portion of the back surface of the display assembly within the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 and / or at least a portion of the back surface of the display assembly within the eighth surface 608 of the fourth plate 64.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, and the eighth plate 68 within the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4) substantially support the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the fifth plate 65 is disposed in the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421 between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52, and serves as a bracket or base that connects the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, and the eighth plate 68 that support the display assembly to the second support structure 421. The fifth plate 65 enables the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, and the eighth plate 68 to be spaced apart from the second support structure 421 by a specified height. The sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67, and the eighth plate 68, which are disposed on the fifth plate 65 and spaced apart from the second support structure 421 by a specified height, support the back surface of the display assembly without substantially pressurizing it and prevent the display assembly from sagging.

[0137] According to one embodiment, a part of the back surface of the display assembly within the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421 is formed substantially flush with at least a part of the back surface of the display assembly within the twelfth surface 612 of the sixth plate 66, at least a part of the back surface of the display assembly within the fourteenth surface 614 of the seventh plate 67, and / or at least a part of the back surface of the display assembly within the sixteenth surface 616 of the eighth plate 68. According to one embodiment, a part of the second part (round 2) of the first hinge assembly 51 that is not covered by the seventh plate 67 includes the nineteenth surface 1219 that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). The nineteenth surface 1219 is formed substantially flush with a part of the back surface of the display assembly within the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421 and / or at least a part of the back surface of the display assembly within the fourteenth surface 614 of the seventh plate 67.

[0138] According to one embodiment, a part of the sixth part (round 6) of the second hinge assembly 52 that is not covered by the eighth plate 68 includes the twentieth surface 1220 that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). The twentieth surface 1220 is formed substantially flush with a part of the back surface of the display assembly within the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421 and / or at least a part of the back surface of the display assembly within the sixteenth surface 616 of the eighth plate 68.

[0139] According to one embodiment, in the deployed state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), the 1217th surface 1217 that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2) within the first part (circle 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 and the 1219th surface 1219 that supports the back surface of the display assembly within the second part (circle 2) of the first hinge assembly 51 are arranged with substantially no difference in height. According to one embodiment, in the deployed state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), the 1218th surface 1218 that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2) within the fifth part (circle 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 and the 1220th surface 1220 that supports the back surface of the display assembly within the sixth part (circle 6) of the second hinge assembly 52 are arranged with substantially no difference in height. According to one embodiment, in the deployed state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), at least a part that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2) within the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63 and at least a part that supports the back surface of the display assembly within the 14th surface 614 of the seventh plate 67 are arranged with substantially no difference in height.

[0140] According to one embodiment, in the deployed state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), at least a part that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2) within the fourth surface 604 of the second plate 62 and at least a part that supports the back surface of the display assembly within the 12th surface 612 of the sixth plate 66 are arranged with substantially no difference in height. According to one embodiment, in the deployed state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), at least a part that supports the back surface of the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2) within the eighth surface 608 of the fourth plate 64 and at least a part that supports the back surface of the display assembly within the 16th surface 616 of the eighth plate 68 are arranged with substantially no difference in height. According to one embodiment, when it is difficult to substantially evenly support the back surface of the display assembly due to the height difference between the two support surfaces of two adjacent components for supporting the back surface of the display assembly, one or more members for reducing the height difference are added.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the first part (circle 1), the second part (circle 2), the third part (circle 3), and the fourth part (circle 4) of the first hinge assembly 51 are arranged so as not to interfere with the operation of the first actuator 511 (see FIG. 4) of the first hinge assembly 51. The fifth part (circle 5), the sixth part (circle 6), the seventh part (circle 7), and the eighth part (circle 8) of the second hinge assembly 52 are arranged so as not to interfere with the operation of the second actuator 521 (see FIG. 4) of the second hinge assembly 52. In one embodiment, the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4) and the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4) are arranged so as not to interfere with the operation of the first actuator 511 (see FIG. 4) of the first hinge assembly 51 and the operation of the second actuator 521 (see FIG. 4) of the second hinge assembly 52. The structure for not interfering with the operation of the first actuator 511 and the operation of the second actuator 521 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15.

[0142] FIG. 13 is, for example, an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the reference numeral "1201" in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view 1400 showing a part of the third assembly 1200 cut along the line B-B' of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is FIG. 13 a cross-sectional view 1500 showing a part of the third assembly 1200 cut along the line C-C' of It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 13, 14, and 15. That is, in connection with FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in one embodiment, the first rotation axis (e.g., the first central axis (A1)) of the first circular gear 641 and the second rotation axis (e.g., the second central axis (A2)) of the second circular gear 642 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the folding axis A (see FIG. 12). The first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642 are substantially the same in shape. For example, the first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642 have the same number of teeth. The third rotation axis A3 of the third circular gear 643 and the fourth rotation axis A4 of the fourth circular gear 644 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the folding axis A (see FIG. 12). The third circular gear 643 and the fourth circular gear 644 are substantially the same in shape. For example, the third circular gear 643 and the fourth circular gear 644 have the same number of teeth.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the third circular gear 643 and the fourth circular gear 644 are substantially the same in shape as the first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642. For example, the first circular gear 641, the second circular gear 642, the third circular gear 643, and the fourth circular gear 644 have the same number of teeth. According to one embodiment, the third circular gear 643 and the fourth circular gear 644 are of a different size from the first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642 may have . For example, the third circular gear 643 and the fourth circular gear 644 are smaller gears than the first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642 and have fewer teeth than the first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642. As another example, the third circular gear 643 and the fourth circular gear 644 are larger gears than the first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642 and have more teeth than the first circular gear 641 and the second circular gear 642. According to one embodiment, a virtual first straight line 1401 passing through the first rotation axis (e.g., the first central axis (A1)) of the first circular gear 641 and the second rotation axis (e.g., the second central axis (A2)) of the second circular gear 642 is arranged apart from a virtual second straight line 1402 passing through the third rotation axis A3 of the third circular gear 643 and the fourth rotation axis A4 of the fourth circular gear 644, and is substantially parallel to the virtual second straight line 1402.

[0145] In one embodiment, referring to the cross-sectional view 1400 of FIG. 14, so that the first part (circle 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 and the third plate 63 do not interfere with the first circular gear 641, the first part (circle 1) includes an opening 1411 corresponding to the first circular gear 641, and the third plate 63 includes an opening 1412 aligned (or superimposed) with the opening 1411 of the first part (circle 1). A part of the first circular gear 641 passes through the opening 1411 of the first part (circle 1) and is disposed in the opening 1412 of the third plate 63. The first circular gear 641 does not protrude with respect to the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63 so as not to interfere with or press the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). The opening 1411 of the first part (circle 1) and the opening 1412 of the third plate 63 contribute to slimming down the structure in which the first hinge assembly 51, the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4), and the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4) are combined.

[0146] In one embodiment, referring to the cross-sectional view 1400 of FIG. 14, so that the second part (circle 2) of the first hinge assembly 51 and the seventh plate 67 do not interfere with the second circular gear 642, the second part (circle 2) includes an opening 1421 corresponding to the second circular gear 642, and the seventh plate 67 includes an opening 1422 aligned (or superimposed) with the opening 1421 of the second part (circle 2). A part of the second circular gear 642 passes through the opening 1421 of the second part (circle 2) and is disposed in the opening 1422 of the seventh plate 67. The second circular gear 642 does not protrude with respect to the 14th surface 614 of the seventh plate 67 so as not to interfere with or apply pressure to the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). The opening 1421 of the second part (round 2) and the opening 1422 of the seventh plate 67 contribute to the slimming of the structure in which the first hinge assembly 51, the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4), and the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4) are coupled.

[0147] Although not shown in the figures, the fifth part (round 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 and the fourth plate 64 include an opening so as not to interfere with the circular gear included in the second hinge assembly 52. Although not shown in the figures, the sixth part (round 6) of the second hinge assembly 52 and the eighth plate 68 include an opening so as not to interfere with the circular gear included in the second hinge assembly 52.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, in one embodiment, the fifth shaft support 635 is disposed between the first shaft 618 and the second shaft 620. The fifth shaft support 635 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) using the tenth screw S10. In one embodiment, referring to the cross-sectional view 1500 of FIG. 15, the third plate 63 includes an opening 1501 corresponding to the third torsion spring 663. The opening 1501 of the third plate 63 prevents the third plate 63 from interfering with the third torsion spring 663. In one embodiment, referring to the cross-sectional view 1500 of FIG. 15, the seventh plate 67 includes an opening 1502 corresponding to the sixth torsion spring 666. The opening 1502 of the seventh plate 67 prevents the seventh plate 67 from interfering with the sixth torsion spring 666.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the third plate 63 includes an opening 1503 (see FIG. 13) corresponding to the first torsion spring 661 and the second torsion spring 662. The opening 1503 of the third plate 63 prevents the third plate 63 from interfering with the first torsion spring 661 and the second torsion spring 662. In one embodiment, the seventh plate 67 includes an opening 1504 (see FIG. 13) corresponding to the fourth torsion spring 664 and the fifth torsion spring 665. The opening 1504 of the seventh plate 67 prevents the seventh plate 67 from interfering with the fourth torsion spring 664 and the fifth torsion spring 665.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the openings (1501, 1503) of the third plate 63 and the openings (1502, 1504) of the seventh plate 67 contribute to slimming down the structure in which the first hinge assembly 51, the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4), and the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4) are coupled. According to one embodiment, the first torsion spring 661, the second torsion spring 662, and the third torsion spring 663 do not protrude with respect to the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63 so as not to interfere with or apply pressure to the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). The fourth torsion spring 664, the fifth torsion spring 665, and the sixth torsion spring 666 do not protrude with respect to the fourteenth surface 614 of the seventh plate 67 so as not to interfere with or apply pressure to the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). Although not shown in the figures, the fourth plate 64 (see FIG. 12) includes an opening so as not to interfere with the torsion spring included in the second hinge assembly 52 (see FIG. 12). Although not shown in the figures, the eighth plate 68 (see FIG. 12) includes an opening so as not to interfere with the torsion spring included in the second hinge assembly 52 (see FIG. 12).

[0151] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view 1600 taken along line D-D' of FIG. 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view 1700 taken along line E-E' of FIG. 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 16 and 17. That is, in connection with FIGS. 16 and 17, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the electronic device 2 includes a first support structure 411, a second support structure 421, a first plate 61, a second plate 62, a fifth plate 65, a sixth plate 66, a guide rail structure 71, a first slider structure 72, a second slider structure 73, a seventeenth screw S17, a nineteenth screw S19, a twenty-first screw S21, a twenty-second screw S22, a first cover member 1610, and / or a second cover member 1620.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the guide rail structure 71 and the first slider structure 72, and the guide rail structure 71 and the second slider structure 73 form a sliding pair. The first slider structure 72 and the second slider structure 73 are slidably disposed on the guide rail structure 71. The guide rail structure 71 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 using the twenty-first screw S21 and the twenty-second screw S22. The guide rail structure 71 includes a twenty-first screw hole H21 corresponding to the twenty-first screw S21, and the hinge housing 23 includes a twenty-first screw fastening portion B21 (e.g., a twenty-first boss including a female screw) aligned with the twenty-first screw hole H21. The twenty-first screw S21 passes through the twenty-first screw hole H21 and is coupled to the twenty-first screw fastening portion B21. The guide rail structure 71 includes a twenty-second screw hole H22 corresponding to the twenty-second screw S22, and the hinge housing 23 includes a twenty-second screw fastening portion B22 (e.g., a twenty-second boss including a female screw) aligned with the twenty-second screw hole H22.

[0153] The twenty-second screw S22 passes through the twenty-second screw hole H22 and is coupled to the twenty-second screw fastening portion B22. The first plate 61 is coupled to the first slider structure 72 using the seventeenth screw S17. The first slider structure 72 includes a seventeenth screw fastening portion B17 (for example, a seventeenth boss including a female screw) aligned with the seventeenth screw hole H17 of the first plate 61. The seventeenth screw S17 passes through the seventeenth screw hole H17 and is coupled to the seventeenth screw fastening portion B17. The fifth plate 65 is coupled to the second slider structure 73 using the nineteenth screw S19. The second slider structure 73 includes a nineteenth screw fastening portion B19 (for example, a nineteenth boss including a female screw) aligned with the nineteenth screw hole H19 of the fifth plate 65. The nineteenth screw S19 passes through the nineteenth screw hole H19 and is coupled to the nineteenth screw fastening portion B19.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the portion of the seventeenth screw S17 that overlaps with the opening 1017 of the second plate 62 within the first plate 61 is arranged so as not to protrude with respect to the fourth surface 604 of the second plate 62 so as not to interfere with or pressurize the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, the portion of the twenty - first screw S21 and the guide rail structure 71 that overlaps with the opening 1021 of the second plate 62 is arranged so as not to protrude with respect to the fourth surface 604 of the second plate 62 so as not to interfere with or pressurize the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the portion of the nineteenth screw S19 that overlaps with the opening 1019 of the sixth plate 66 within the fifth plate 65 is arranged so as not to protrude with respect to the twelfth surface 612 of the sixth plate 66 so as not to interfere with or pressurize the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, the twenty - second screw S22, and within the guide rail structure 71 of the sixth plate 66The portion that overlaps the opening 1022 is arranged so as not to protrude with respect to the twelfth surface 612 of the sixth plate 66 so as not to interfere with or apply pressure to the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the guide rail structure 71 includes a first guide rail 71A and a second guide rail 71B. The first guide rail 71A is a space provided along a path corresponding to the rotational movement of the first front case 41 (see FIG. 8) to which the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4) to which the first slider structure 72 is coupled is coupled. The second guide rail 71B is a space provided along a path corresponding to the rotational movement of the second front case 42 (see FIG. 8) to which the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4) to which the second slider structure 73 is coupled is coupled. The first slider structure 72 includes a first slider 721 that is inserted into the first guide rail 71A of the guide rail structure 71 and guided by the first guide rail 71A to be movable. The second slider structure 73 includes a second slider 731 that is inserted into the second guide rail 71B of the guide rail structure 71 and guided by the second guide rail 71B to be movable.

[0157] Since the first slider structure 72 is coupled to the first plate 61 of the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4), it may be capable of rotational movement together with the first plate assembly 6A coupled to the first front case 41. Since the second slider structure 73 is coupled to the fifth plate 65 of the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4), it may be capable of rotational movement together with the second plate assembly 6B coupled to the second front case 42. In one embodiment, the guide rail assembly 7 (see FIG. 4) including the guide rail structure 71, the first slider structure 72, and the second slider structure 73 is disposed between the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52. The guide rail assembly 7 reduces the phenomenon that the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4) and the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4) lift up.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the first cover member 1610 is connected to the first support structure 411. In one embodiment, the first cover member 1610 is integrally formed with the first support structure 411. The second cover member 1620 is connected to the second support structure 421. In one embodiment, the second cover member 1620 is integrally formed with the second support structure 421. In one embodiment, the first cover member 1610 is interpreted as a part of the first front case 41 (see FIG. 4), and the second cover member 1620 is interpreted as a part of the second front case 42 (see FIG. 4). One surface of the electronic device 2 that is exposed to the outside in the folded state (see FIG. 3) of the hinge housing 23 includes a curved surface, and the first cover member 1610 and the second cover member 1620 are provided in a curved shape including a curved surface portion corresponding to the curved surface.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first cover member 1610 may be called by various other terms such as "first curved surface member" or "first curved surface cover", and the second cover member 1620 can be called by various other terms such as "second curved surface member" or "second curved surface cover". In the unfolded state (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2, the first cover member 1610 and the second cover member 1620 cover both sides of the hinge housing 23 respectively, and the hinge housing 23 may not be substantially exposed to the outside. In the folded state (see FIG. 3) of the electronic device 2, the hinge housing 23 is exposed to the outside between the first cover member 1610 and the second cover member 1620. In one embodiment, the first cover member 1610 is interpreted as a part of the first housing 21 (see FIG. 2), and the second cover member 1620 is interpreted as a part of the second housing 22 (see FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the first cover member 1610 and the second cover member 1620 are interpreted as a part of the folding portion of the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0160] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view 1800 showing the third plate 63, the first portion (round 1) of the first hinge assembly 51, the first support structure 411, and the third screw S3 in FIG. 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 18. That is, in connection with FIG. 18, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples. Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, the third plate 63, the first portion (round 1) of the first hinge assembly 51, and the first support structure 411 are coupled using the third screw S3. The first portion (round 1) includes a third screw hole H3 corresponding to the third screw S3. The third plate 63 includes a screw hole H31 aligned (or overlapping) with the third screw hole H3. The first support structure 411 includes a third screw fastening portion B3 (e.g., a third boss including an internal thread) corresponding to the third screw S3. The third screw hole H3 of the first portion (round 1) is disposed between the screw hole H31 of the third plate 63 and the third screw fastening portion B3 of the first support structure 411. The third screw S3 passes through the screw hole H31 of the third plate 63 and the third screw hole H3 of the first portion (round 1) and is coupled to the third screw fastening portion B3.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the third screw S3, the portion including the screw hole H31 in the third plate 63, and the portion including the third screw hole H3 in the first portion (round 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 are arranged so as not to interfere with or apply pressure to the display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). For example, a coupling portion including, for example, the third screw S3, a part of the third plate 63 in which the screw hole H31 is provided, and a part of the first hinge assembly 51 in the first portion (round 1) in which the third screw hole H3 is provided is arranged in a recessed shape with respect to the peripheral region so as not to interfere with or apply pressure to the display assembly including the flexible display 30. The peripheral region is interpreted as, for example, a region adjacent to and at least partially surrounding a coupling portion including the third screw S3, a part of the third plate 63 in which the screw hole H31 is provided, and a part of the first hinge assembly 51 in the first portion (round 1) in which the third screw hole H3 is provided, which supports the back surface of the display assembly within the third assembly 1200 of FIG. 12.

[0162] Although not shown in the figures, in FIG. 12, the cross-sectional structure showing the seventh plate 67, the second portion (round 2) of the first hinge assembly 51, the second support structure 421, and the fourth screw S4 is provided substantially the same as or similar to the cross-sectional view 1800 of FIG. 18. Although not shown in the figures, in FIG. 12, the cross-sectional structure showing the fourth plate 64, the fifth portion (round 5) of the second hinge assembly 52, the first support structure 411, and the seventh screw S7 is provided substantially the same as or similar to the cross-sectional view 1800 of FIG. 18. Although not shown in the figures, in FIG. 12, the cross-sectional structure showing the eighth plate 68, the sixth portion (round 6) of the second hinge assembly 52, the second support structure 421, and the eighth screw S8 is provided substantially the same as or similar to the cross-sectional view 1800 of FIG. 18.

[0163] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view 1900 showing the third plate 63, the first plate 61, the first support structure 411, and the thirteenth screw S13 in FIG. 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 19. That is, in connection with FIG. 19, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples. Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, the third plate 63, the first plate 61, and the first support structure 411 are coupled using the thirteenth screw S13. The first plate 61 includes a 13th screw hole H13 corresponding to the 13th screw S13. The third plate 63 includes a screw hole H131 aligned with (or overlapping) the 13th screw hole H13. The first support structure 411 includes a 13th screw fastening portion B13 (for example, a 13th boss including a female screw) corresponding to the 13th screw S13. The 13th screw hole H13 of the first plate 61 is disposed between the screw hole H131 of the third plate 63 and the 13th screw fastening portion B13 of the first support structure 411. The 13th screw S13 passes through the screw hole H131 of the third plate 63 and the 13th screw hole H13 of the first plate 61 and is coupled to the 13th screw fastening portion B13.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the 13th screw S13, the portion including the screw hole H131 in the third plate 63, and the portion including the 13th screw hole H13 in the first plate 61 are arranged so as not to interfere with or apply pressure to a display assembly including the flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2). For example, a coupling portion including the 13th screw S13, a part of the third plate 63 where the screw hole H131 is provided, and a part of the first plate 61 where the 13th screw hole H13 is provided is arranged in a shape recessed with respect to the peripheral region so as not to interfere with or apply pressure to a display assembly including the flexible display 30. The peripheral region is interpreted as, for example, a region adjacent to and surrounding at least a part of a coupling portion including the 13th screw S13, a part of the third plate 63 where the screw hole H131 is provided, and a part of the first plate 61 where the 13th screw hole H13 is provided, within a region supporting the back surface of the display assembly in the third assembly 1200 of FIG. 12.

[0165] Although not shown in the figures, in FIG. 12, the cross-sectional structure showing the seventh plate 67, the fifth plate 65, the second support structure 421, and the fifteenth screw S15 is provided substantially the same as or similar to the cross-sectional view 1900 of FIG. 19. Although not shown in the figures, in FIG. 12, the cross-sectional structure showing the fourth plate 64, the first plate 61, the first support structure 411, and the fourteenth screw S14 is substantially provided the same as or similar. Although not shown in the figures, the cross-sectional structure showing the eighth plate 68, the fifth plate 65, the second support structure 421, and the sixteenth screw S16 in FIG. 12 is provided substantially the same as or similar to the cross-sectional view 1900 of FIG. 19.

[0166] FIG. 20 is, for example, an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the reference numeral "1301" in FIG. 13. FIG. 21 is, for example, a perspective view showing the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 in relation to FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view 2200 showing the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 in relation to FIG. 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a view showing another coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 according to another embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 20, 21, 22, and 23. That is, in connection with FIGS. 20, 21, 22, and 23, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22, the first plate 61 includes an opening 2010, and the third plate 63 includes an opening 2030 that is aligned with (or overlaps) the opening 2010 of the first plate 61. In one embodiment, the third plate 63 includes a plurality of extensions (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) that extend from the edge of the opening 2030 and are inserted into the opening 2010 of the first plate 61. The plurality of extensions (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) support the first plate 61 and contribute to stably coupling the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 in a specified relative positional relationship.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the opening 2010 of the first plate 61 is rectangular, and the first plate 61 includes four inner surfaces included in the opening 2010. The plurality of extensions (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) of the third plate 63 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the four inner surfaces of the first plate 61. According to one embodiment, the coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 is applicable to the coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the fourth plate 64 (see FIG. 12), the coupling structure between the fifth plate 65 (see FIG. 12) and the seventh plate 67, and / or the coupling structure between the fifth plate 65 and the eighth plate 68 (see FIG. 12).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 is applicable to the coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 (see FIG. 12), and / or the coupling structure between the fifth plate 65 (see FIG. 12) and the sixth plate 66 (see FIG. 12). According to one embodiment, the coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 is applicable to the coupling structure between the first part (round 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 (see FIG. 12) and the third plate 63, and / or the coupling structure between the second part (round 2) of the first hinge assembly 51 (see FIG. 12) and the seventh plate 67 (see FIG. 12).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 is applicable to the coupling structure between the fifth part (round 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 (see FIG. 12) and the fourth plate 64 (see FIG. 12), and / or the coupling structure between the sixth part (round 6) of the second hinge assembly 52 (see FIG. 12) and the eighth plate 68 (see FIG. 12). According to one embodiment, the coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 is applicable to the coupling structure between the third portion (circle 3) (see FIG. 12) of the first hinge assembly 51 and the third plate 63, and / or the coupling structure between the fourth portion (circle 4) (see FIG. 12) of the first hinge assembly 51 and the seventh plate 67 (see FIG. 12). According to one embodiment, the coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 is applicable to the coupling structure between the seventh portion (circle 7) (see FIG. 12) of the second hinge assembly 52 and the fourth plate 64 (see FIG. 12), and / or the coupling structure between the eighth portion (circle 8) (see FIG. 12) of the second hinge assembly 52 and the eighth plate 68 (see FIG. 12).

[0171] Referring to FIG. 23, in another embodiment, the opening 2010 of the first plate 61 is circular, and the first plate 61 includes the inner circular surface included in the opening 2010. The plurality of extensions (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) of the third plate 63 are arranged corresponding to the inner circular surface of the first plate 61. The coupling structure between the first plate 61 and the third plate 63 is not limited to the example shown in the figure and may be diverse. For example, the opening 2010 of the first plate 61 is provided in various polygons such as an ellipse or a triangle, and the second plate 62 includes a plurality of corresponding extensions.

[0172] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view 2400 of the electronic device 2 in a deployed state cut along the line G-G' of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view 2500 of the electronic device 2 in a folded state related to the illustration of FIG. 24 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 24 and 25. That is, in connection with FIGS. 24 and 25, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples. Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the electronic device 2 includes a display assembly 300, a first support structure 411, a second support structure 421, a first cover member 1610, a second cover member 1620, a hinge housing 23, a first electrical path 81, a first plate 61, a second plate 62, a fifth plate 65, and / or a sixth plate 66. According to one embodiment, the display assembly 300 is a layer assembly or a layer stacking structure in which a plurality of layers including a flexible display 30 (see FIG. 2) are stacked.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the first support structure 411 includes a first support region 411A facing the front surface 20A (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 and a third support region 411B facing the rear surface 20B (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2. The second support structure 421 includes a second support region 421A facing the front surface 20A (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 and a fourth support region 421B facing the rear surface 20B (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2. A part of the display assembly 300 is disposed in the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 and is supported by the first support structure 411. Another part of the display assembly 300 is disposed in the second support region 421A of the second support structure 421 and is supported by the second support structure 421. For example, the display assembly 300 is coupled to the first support structure 411 and the second support structure 421 using various adhesive materials such as thermally reactive adhesive materials, photo-reactive adhesive materials, general adhesives, and / or double-sided tapes.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 coupled to the first support structure 411, and the fifth plate 65 and the sixth plate 66 coupled to the second support structure 421 support a partial region of the display assembly 300 corresponding to the folding cover region F (see FIG. 2) in the unfolded state of the electronic device 2.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 2 includes a first printed circuit board (for example, a first PCB or a first printed board assembly (PBA)) disposed in a third support region 411B of the first support structure 411 between the first support structure 411 and the first rear cover 211 (see FIG. 2). The electronic device 2 includes a first battery disposed in a third support region 411B of the first support structure 411 between the first support structure 411 and the first rear cover 211. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 2 includes a second printed circuit board (for example, a second PCB or a second PBA) disposed in a fourth support region 421B of the second support structure 421 between the second support structure 421 and the second rear cover 221 (see FIG. 2). The electronic device 2 includes a second battery disposed in a fourth support region 421B of the second support structure 421 between the second support structure 421 and the second rear cover 221.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board disposed on the first support structure 411 or the second printed circuit board disposed on the second support structure 421 includes a primary PCB, a secondary PCB, and an interposer substrate between the primary PCB and the secondary PCB. The interposer substrate electrically connects the primary PCB and the secondary PCB. The interposer substrate includes, for example, a plurality of conductive vias that electrically connect the primary PCB and the secondary PCB. At least a part of the plurality of conductive vias included in the interposer substrate becomes a part of a signal line through which signals are transmitted between a first electronic component disposed on the primary PCB and a second electronic component disposed on the secondary PCB. In one embodiment, a part of the plurality of conductive vias included in the interposer substrate becomes a part of a ground path that electrically connects a first ground plane included in the primary PCB and a second ground plane included in the secondary PCB.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the first electrical path 81 (e.g., FPCB) electrically connects a first printed circuit board disposed on the first support structure 411 and a second printed circuit board disposed on the second support structure 421. One end of the first electrical path 81 includes a first connector 814A for electrically connecting to the first printed circuit board, and the other end of the first electrical path 81 includes a second connector 815A for electrically connecting to the second printed circuit board.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the first electrical path 81 includes a first region 811, a second region 812, a third region 813, a fourth region 814, and / or a fifth region 815. The first region 811 passes through the first opening 901 of the first plate 61 and is coupled to the second plate 62. The first region 811 is coupled to the second plate 62 using a bonding technique including bonding, for example, an adhesive substance. The second region 812 passes through the second opening 902 of the fifth plate 65 and is coupled to the sixth plate 66. The second region 812 is coupled to the sixth plate 66 using a bonding technique including bonding, for example, an adhesive substance. The first region 811 and the second region 812 are substantially rigid. The first region 811 and the second region 812 are provided, for example, in the shape of a substantially rigid printed circuit board.

[0179] In other examples, the first region 811 and the second region 812 include a reinforcing member or a reinforcing structure such as a stiffener. In one embodiment, instead of an adhesive member, a mechanical connection such as a screw fastening is used, the first region 811 is coupled to the second plate 62, and the second region 812 is coupled to the sixth plate 66. The third region 813 is flexible and connects the first region 811 and the second region 812. The third region 813 is disposed in the recess 231 of the hinge housing 23 corresponding to the folding portion of the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 2). The third region 813 is deformed according to a change in the state of the electronic device 2 (for example, a conversion between the unfolded state in FIG. 2 and the folded state in FIG. 3). The fourth region 814 extends from the first region 811, and the first connector 814A is disposed in or included in the fourth region 814. The fifth region 815 extends from the second region 812, and the second connector 815A is disposed in or included in the fifth region 815.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing 23 includes one surface 23A corresponding to the first cover member 1610 and the second cover member 1620. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2 ( FIG. 2 see reference), the one surface 23A is covered by the first cover member 1610 and the second cover member 1620 and is not exposed to the outside. When the electronic device 2 is converted from the unfolded state to the folded state (see FIG. 3), while the gap B (see FIG. 2) between the first cover member 1610 and the second cover member 1620 opens, the one surface 23A of the hinge housing 23 is exposed to the outside to provide a part of the appearance of the electronic device 2. When the electronic device 2 is converted from the unfolded state to the folded state, the regions where the first cover member 1610 overlaps with the one surface 23A of the hinge housing 23 and the regions where the second cover member 1620 overlaps with the one surface 23A of the hinge housing 23 are reduced.

[0181] In one embodiment, the first region 811 of the first electrical path 81 is disposed between the second plate 62 and the first cover member 1610. In one embodiment, the second region 812 of the first electrical path 81 is disposed between the sixth plate 66 and the second cover member 1620. One surface 23A of the hinge housing 23 includes one region including a curved surface corresponding to the first cover member 1610 and the other region including a curved surface corresponding to the second cover member 1620. Looking at the cross-section of the x-z plane shown in FIG. 24 (for example, the cross-section of the x-z plane perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis A), the first cover member 1610 has a curved shape extending from the first end 1611 to the second end 1612 so as to cover one region within one surface 23A of the hinge housing 23. Looking at the cross-section of the x-z plane shown in FIG. 24, the second cover member 1620 has a curved shape extending from the third end 1621 to the fourth end 1622 so as to cover the other region of one surface 23A of the hinge housing 23.

[0182] In the deployed state of the electronic device 2, the second end 1612 of the first cover member 1610 and the fourth end 1622 of the second cover member 1620 are in contact with each other and there is substantially no gap B (see FIG. 2), and the hinge housing 23 is not exposed to the outside. When the electronic device 2 is converted from the deployed state to the folded state, while the gap B (see FIG. 2) between the second end 1612 of the first cover member 1610 and the fourth end 1622 of the second cover member 1620 opens, one surface 23A of the hinge housing 23 is exposed to the outside to provide a part of the appearance of the electronic device 2. In one embodiment, the first region 811 of the first electrical path 81 is disposed between the first end 1611 of the first cover member 1610 and the second plate 62. The first end 1611 of the first cover member 1610 is connected to the first support structure 411 using various methods such as screw fastening or bonding. In one embodiment, the second region 812 of the first electrical path 81 is disposed between the third end 1621 of the second cover member 1620 and the sixth plate 66. The third end 1621 of the second cover member 1620 is connected to the second support structure 421 using various methods such as screw fastening or bonding.

[0183] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 24), the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4) including the first plate 61, the second plate 62, the third plate 63 (see FIG. 4), and the fourth plate 64 (see FIG. 4) forms an angle of approximately 180 degrees with the second plate assembly 6B including the fifth plate 65, the sixth plate 66, the seventh plate 67 (see FIG. 4), and the eighth plate 68 (see FIG. 4). In the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 25), the first plate assembly 6A and the second plate assembly 6B are spaced apart from each other and face each other, forming an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees or being arranged substantially parallel to each other. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the second surface 602 (see FIG. 4) of the first plate 61 and the tenth surface 610 (see FIG. 4) of the fifth plate 65 form an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees or are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the fourth surface 604 (see FIG. 4) of the second plate 62 and the twelfth surface 612 (see FIG. 4) of the sixth plate 66 form an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees or are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the sixth surface 606 (see FIG. 4) of the third plate 63 and the fourteenth surface 614 (see FIG. 4) of the seventh plate 67 form an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees or are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the eighth surface 608 (see FIG. 4) of the fourth plate 64 and the sixteenth surface 616 (see FIG. 4) of the eighth plate 68 form an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees or are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0184] According to one embodiment, when looking at a cross-section in the x-z plane (for example, a cross-section in the x-z plane perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis A), the display assembly 300 includes a bendable region 300F that overlaps with the folding cover region F (see FIG. 2). The second plate 62 includes a first end region 62A corresponding to the bendable region 300F of the display assembly 300. The sixth plate 66 includes a second end region 66A corresponding to the bendable region 300F of the display assembly 300. In the deployed state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 24), it supports the bendable region 300F of the display assembly 300 in which the first end region 62A of the second plate 62 and the second end region 66A of the sixth plate 66 are arranged in a planar manner. The first end region 62A and the second end region 66A contribute to maintaining the bendable region 300F of the display assembly 300 in a planar state in the deployed state of the electronic device 2.

[0185] In the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 25), the bendable region 300F of the display assembly 300 bent into a curved surface is arranged between the first end region 62A of the second plate 62 and the second end region 66A of the sixth plate 66 depending on the position of the folding axis A. In one embodiment, the remaining regions of the second plate 62 other than the first end region 62A and / or the remaining regions of the sixth plate 66 other than the second end region 66A are coupled to the display assembly 300 using an adhesive substance. In one embodiment, the remaining regions of the second plate 62 other than the first end region 62A and / or the remaining regions of the sixth plate 66 other than the second end region 66A may be in a separated state from the display assembly 300.

[0186] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the first plate assembly 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 26. That is, in connection with FIG. 26, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples. Referring to FIG. 26, the first plate assembly 6A includes a first plate 61, a second plate 62, a third plate 63, and a fourth plate 64. The second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 are arranged or coupled to the second surface 602 of the first plate 61. The second plate 62 is arranged between the third plate 63 and the fourth plate 64 in the direction of the folding axis A (see FIG. 2) (for example, the y-axis direction). When viewed from the -z axis direction, a part of the third plate 63 that does not overlap with the first plate 61 is coupled to the first part (circle 1) of the first hinge assembly 51 (see FIG. 4). When viewed in the -z axis direction, a part of the fourth plate 64 that does not overlap with the first plate 61 is coupled to the fifth part (circle 5) of the second hinge assembly 52 (see FIG. 4).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the fourth surface 604 of the second plate 62, the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63, and the eighth surface 608 of the fourth plate 64 support the back surface of a display assembly (e.g., the display assembly 300 in FIG. 24) together with the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 (see FIG. 24). In one embodiment, the first plate 61 is disposed in the first support region 411A of the first support structure 411 (see FIG. 4) so as not to overlap with the first hinge assembly 51 and the second hinge assembly 52 when viewed in the -z axis direction, and serves as a bracket or base for connecting the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 that support the display assembly to the first support structure 411. The first plate 61 allows the second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 to be spaced apart from the first support structure 411 (FIG. 4) at a specified height. The second plate 62, the third plate 63, and the fourth plate 64 that are disposed on the first plate 61 and spaced apart from the first support structure 411 at a specified height support the back surface of the display assembly without substantially pressing it and prevent the display assembly from sagging. The first plate 61 has a first thickness T1 of about 0.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the fourth surface 604 of the second plate 62, the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63, and the eighth surface 608 of the fourth plate 64 within the first plate assembly 6A are formed substantially without a height difference as a support surface for supporting a display assembly (e.g., the display assembly 300 in FIG. 24). For example, the second thickness T2 of the second plate 62, the third thickness T3 of the third plate 63, and the fourth thickness T4 of the fourth plate 64 are substantially the same. For example, the second thickness T2, the third thickness T3, and / or the fourth thickness T4 is about 0.2 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the third thickness T3 of the third plate 63 and the fourth thickness T4 of the fourth plate 64 are substantially the same, and the second thickness T2 of the second plate 62 is smaller than the third thickness T3 and the fourth thickness T4. The fourth surface 604 of the second plate 62 is arranged further away from the back surface of the display assembly (e.g., the display assembly 300 of FIG. 24) as compared with the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63 and the eighth surface 608 of the fourth plate 64. In this case, additional members are arranged on the fourth surface 604. The additional members can support the back surface of the display assembly instead of the fourth surface 604. In one embodiment, the additional member can be a ninth plate (not shown) arranged on the fourth surface 604.

[0190] When viewed from above the first support region 411A (see FIG. 12) of the first support structure 411, the ninth plate is arranged between the third plate 63 and the fourth plate 64. The ninth plate is construed as part of the first plate assembly 6A. The ninth plate may include a metallic substance and / or a non-metallic substance. When the ninth plate includes a metallic substance, the ninth plate is coupled to the second plate 62 using welding. In other examples, the ninth plate can also be coupled to the second plate 62 using a bonding technique including bonding with an adhesive substance. In other examples, the ninth plate can also be coupled to the second plate 62 and / or the first plate 61 using screws. The height difference between the support surface that supports the back surface of the display assembly within the ninth plate and the sixth surface 606 of the third plate 63, and the height difference between the support surface that supports the back surface of the display assembly within the ninth plate and the eighth surface 608 of the fourth plate 64 are substantially non-existent. Although not shown in the figures, the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4) is provided substantially the same as or similar to the first plate assembly 6A described with reference to FIG. 26.

[0191] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the reference numeral "2401" in FIG. 24 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates and includes all combinations of features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 27. That is, in connection with FIG. 27, all combinations of the features described below should be considered to be included in the present invention as specific examples. Referring to FIG. 27, the electronic device 2 includes a display assembly 300, a first plate 61, a second plate 62, a fifth plate 65, a sixth plate 66, a first reinforcing plate 2711, a second reinforcing plate 2712, a first adhesive member 2721, and / or a second adhesive member 2722.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the display assembly 300 includes a front cover 201, an optically transparent adhesive member 202, and a flexible display 30. The flexible display 30 is coupled to the front cover 201 using an optically transparent adhesive member 202 (e.g., OCA (optical clear adhesive), OCR (optical clear resin), or SVR (super view resin)). The front cover 201 (e.g., a window) covers the flexible display 30 to protect the flexible display 30 from the outside. The front cover 201 is embodied in a thin film form (e.g., a thin film layer) having flexibility. The front cover 201 is, for example, a plastic film (e.g., a polyimide film (polyimide film) ) or a thin film glass (e.g., ultra-thin glass (utra thin glass) ). In one embodiment, the front cover 201 includes a plurality of layers. For example, the front cover 201 is in a form in which various coating layers are arranged on a plastic film or a thin film glass. For example, the front cover 201 can be in a form in which at least one protective layer or coating layer containing a polymer material (for example, PET (polyester), PI (polyimide), or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)) is arranged on a plastic film or a thin film glass.

[0193] In one embodiment, the front cover 201 is defined or interpreted as a component included in the flexible display 30. The flexible display 30 includes, for example, a display panel 31, a base film 32, a support sheet 33, a lower panel 34, and / or an optical layer 35. The display panel 31 is arranged between the optical layer 35 and the base film 32. The base film 32 is arranged between the display panel 31 and the support sheet 33. The support sheet 33 is arranged between the base film 32 and the lower panel 34. The optical layer 35 is arranged between the optical transparent adhesive member 202 and the display panel 31. Various polymer adhesive members (not shown) are arranged between the display panel 31 and the base film 32, between the base film 32 and the support sheet 33, between the support sheet 33 and the lower panel 34, and / or between the display panel 31 and the optical layer 35.

[0194] The display panel 31 includes, for example, a light emitting layer 31a, a TFT (thin film transistor) film 31b, and / or an encapsulation layer (for example, TFE (thin-film encapsulation)) 31c. The light emitting layer 31a includes, for example, a plurality of pixels embodied by light emitting elements such as OLEDs or micro LEDs. The light-emitting layer 31a is disposed on the TFT film 31b through organic vapor deposition (evaporation). The TFT film 31b is disposed between the light-emitting layer 31a and the base film 32. The TFT film 31b refers to a film structure in which at least one TFT is disposed on a flexible substrate (e.g., a PI film) through a series of processes such as deposition, patterning, and etching. At least one TFT controls the current to the light-emitting element of the light-emitting layer 31a and adjusts the on or off of the pixel or the brightness of the pixel. At least one TFT is embodied as, for example, an a-Si (amorphous silicon) TFT, an LCP (liquid crystalline polymer) TFT, an LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) TFT, or an LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) TFT.

[0195] The display panel 31 includes a storage capacitor, and the storage capacitor maintains a voltage signal in the pixel, maintains the voltage entered into the pixel within one frame, or reduces the change in the gate voltage of the TFT due to the leakage current during the light-emitting time. By a routine (e.g., initialization, data write) for controlling at least one TFT, the storage capacitor maintains the voltage applied to the pixel at regular time intervals. In one embodiment, the display panel 31 is embodied based on an OLED, and the encapsulation layer 31c covers the light-emitting layer 31a. Since the organic substances and electrodes that emit light in the OLED are very sensitive to oxygen and / or moisture and may lose their light-emitting characteristics, the encapsulation layer 31c seals the light-emitting layer 31a so that oxygen and / or moisture do not penetrate into the OLED. The sealing layer 31c serves as a pixel protection layer for protecting a plurality of pixels of the light-emitting layer 31a.

[0196] The base film 32 includes a flexible film formed from a polymer or plastic such as, for example, polyimide or polyester (PET). The base film 32 serves to support and protect the display panel 31. In one embodiment, the base film 32 is referred to by other terms such as "protective film", "back film", or "back plate".

[0197] According to one embodiment, the support sheet 33 contributes to the durability of the display assembly 300 or the flexible display 30. The support sheet 33 reduces the impact of loads or stresses that can occur during the conversion between, for example, the unfolded state of FIG. 2 and the folded state of FIG. 3 on the flexible display 30. The support sheet 33 is formed from various metallic and / or non-metallic materials (e.g., polymers). The support sheet 33 includes, for example, stainless steel. In other examples, the support sheet 33 includes engineering plastic.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the support sheet 33 includes a lattice structure provided in a portion corresponding to the folding cover region F (see FIG. 2). The lattice structure includes, for example, a plurality of openings (or slits) 331. For example, the plurality of openings 331 are provided periodically, have substantially the same shape, and are repeatedly arranged at regular intervals. In one embodiment, a lattice structure including a plurality of openings 331 is referred to as an "opening pattern". The lattice structure contributes to the flexibility of a part of the display assembly 300 corresponding to the folding cover region F. In one embodiment, the support sheet 33 includes a recess pattern (not shown) including a plurality of recesses instead of the lattice structure. The recess pattern includes, for example, a plurality of recesses provided on a surface facing the base film 32 or on the opposite surface thereof. In one embodiment, the lattice structure or the recess pattern that contributes to the flexibility of the display assembly 300 can be further extended to other parts. In one embodiment, the support sheet 33 including the lattice structure or the recess pattern, or the corresponding conductive member can also be formed of a plurality of layers.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the support sheet 33 is disposed on the back surface of the flexible display 30. For example, the support sheet 33 is disposed on the back surface of the lower panel 34 included in the flexible display 30. In one embodiment, the support sheet 33 can be defined or interpreted as a component separate from the flexible display 30. In one embodiment, the support sheet 33 may be omitted.

[0200] The lower panel 34 includes, for example, a plurality of layers for various functions. Between the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 34, various polymer adhesive members (not shown) are disposed. The lower panel 34 includes, for example, a light-shielding layer 341, a buffer layer 342, a lower layer 343, and / or an electromagnetic induction panel 344. The light-shielding layer 341 is disposed between the support sheet 33 and the buffer layer 342. The buffer layer 342 is disposed between the light-shielding layer 341 and the electromagnetic induction panel 344. The electromagnetic induction panel 344 is disposed between the buffer layer 342 and the lower layer 343. The light-shielding layer 341 blocks at least a part of the light incident from the outside. For example, the light-shielding layer 341 includes an emboss layer. The emboss layer is a black layer including an uneven pattern. The buffer layer 342 alleviates the external impact applied to the flexible display 30. For example, the buffer layer 342 includes a sponge layer or a cushion layer. The lower layer 343 diffuses, disperses, or dissipates the heat generated in the electronic device 2 or the flexible display 30. The lower layer 343 absorbs or shields electromagnetic waves. The lower layer 343 alleviates the external impact applied to the electronic device 2 or the flexible display 30. For example, the lower layer 343 includes a composite sheet 343a or a conductive sheet 343b.

[0201] In one embodiment, the composite sheet 343a is a sheet formed by processing layers or sheets having different properties together. For example, the composite sheet 343a may include at least one of polyimide or graphite. The composite sheet 343a can be replaced with a single sheet including one substance (for example, polyimide or graphite). The composite sheet 343a is disposed between the electromagnetic induction panel 344 and the conductive sheet 343b. The conductive sheet 343b reduces or shields electromagnetic interference (EMI) with respect to the flexible display 30. The conductive sheet 343b includes copper, but is not limited thereto, and can include various other metallic substances. In one embodiment, at least a part of the lower layer 343, as a conductive member (for example, a metal plate), helps to strengthen the rigidity of the electronic device 2, shields ambient noise, and from surrounding heat dissipation components (for example, a display driving circuit (for example, DDI)) occurring It is used to dissipate heat. The conductive member may include, for example, at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), SUS (stainless steel), or CLAD (for example, a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). The lower layer 343 may include various layers for various other functions.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic induction panel 344 (for example, a digitizer) is embodied in the form of a flexible film or a flexible sheet. The electromagnetic induction panel 344 is provided, for example, as a flexible printed circuit board. When an alternating current is supplied to the electromagnetic induction panel 344, an electromagnetic field is formed by a plurality of electrode patterns included in the electromagnetic induction panel 344. The pen input device is embodied by an electromagnetic induction method (for example, an EMR (electro magnetic resonance) method). The pen input device includes a resonance circuit, and the resonance circuit is interlocked with the electromagnetic induction panel 344. When the pen tip of the pen input device is brought close to the front surface 20A (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2, a current flows through the coil included in the resonance circuit of the pen input device by electromagnetic induction. The pen input device generates a signal (for example, a radio frequency signal) (for example, a position signal, a pen pressure signal, and / or an angle signal) regarding a user input on the screen using the energy supplied from the electromagnetic induction panel 344 and transmits it to the screen (for example, the electromagnetic induction panel 344).

[0203] The electromagnetic induction panel 344 includes a shielding sheet. The shielding sheet is disposed on the back surface of the flexible printed circuit board including a plurality of electrode patterns (for example, the surface of the flexible printed circuit board facing the conductive sheet 343b in the embodiment shown in the figure). The shielding sheet prevents interference between components due to an electromagnetic field generated from components included in the electronic device 2. The shielding sheet blocks the electromagnetic field generated from the components, so that the input from the pen input device is accurately transmitted to the coils included in the electromagnetic induction panel 344. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic induction panel 344 is disposed between the composite sheet 343a and the conductive sheet 343b of the lower layer 343. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic induction panel 344 is disposed between the light shielding layer 341 and the buffer layer 342. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic induction panel 344 is defined or interpreted as a component included in the flexible display 30. According to one embodiment, the pen input device may be implemented by an AES (active electrical stylus) method or an ECR (electric coupled resonance) method. In this case, the electromagnetic induction panel 344 can be omitted.

[0204] The optical layer 35 includes, for example, a polarizing layer (or polarizer) or a retardation layer (or retarder). The polarizing layer and the retardation layer improve the outdoor visibility of the screen. The optical layer 35 selectively passes, for example, light generated from the light source of the display panel 31 and vibrating in a certain direction. In one embodiment, one layer combining the polarizing layer and the retardation layer is provided, and such a layer is defined as a "circular polarizing layer". In one embodiment, the polarizing layer (or circular polarizing layer) can be omitted. In this case, instead of the polarizing layer, it may include a "black PDL (pixel define layer)" and / or a color filter.

[0205] According to one embodiment, although not shown in the figure, at least one additional polymer layer (for example, a layer including PI, PET, or TPU) is further disposed on the back surface of the display panel 31 in addition to the base film 32. In various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of layers (e.g., light-shielding layer 341, buffer layer 342, composite sheet 343a, conductive sheet 343b, and electromagnetic induction panel 344) included in the lower panel 34 may be omitted. In one embodiment, the arrangement order of the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 34 is not limited to the example shown in the figure and may be variously changed.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the display assembly 300 includes a touch sensing circuit (e.g., a touch sensor) (not shown). The touch sensing circuit is embodied by a transparent conductive layer (or film) based on various conductive materials such as ITO (indium tin oxide). For example, the touch sensing circuit is disposed (e.g., add-on type) between the front cover 201 and the optical layer 35. In another example, the touch sensing circuit may be disposed between the optical layer 35 and the display panel 31 (e.g., on-cell type). In another example, the display panel 31 may include a touch sensing circuit or a touch sensing function (e.g., in-cell type). In one embodiment (not shown), the flexible display 30 includes a conductive pattern such as a metal mesh (e.g., an aluminum metal mesh) as a touch sensing circuit disposed on the sealing layer 31c between the sealing layer 31c and the optical layer 35. For example, corresponding to the bending of the flexible display 30, the metal mesh has higher durability than a transparent conductive layer embodied by ITO. In one embodiment, the flexible display 30 may further include a pressure sensor (not shown) capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch. The display panel 31, or the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 34, its laminated structure or lamination order may be various. The flexible display 30 can be implemented by omitting some of its components or adding other components according to its provided form or convergence trend.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the display assembly 300 includes a recess 2701 provided on the back of the display assembly 300 corresponding to the bendable region 300F (see FIG. 24). For example, the lower panel 34 of the flexible display 30 is implemented in a form in which a part included in the bendable region 300F of the display assembly 300 is removed, and the recess 2701 provided on the back of the display assembly 300 is implemented. For example, in the portion including the recess 2701 within the bendable region 300F of the display assembly 300, it may be difficult to input (or recognize) using a pen input device because the electromagnetic induction panel 344 is not extended. The recess 2701 reduces the bending stress that occurs in the bendable region 300F of the display assembly 300 in the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 3). The bending stress occurs when the force extending from one surface of the bendable region 300F (e.g., tensile stress) and the force decreasing on the other surface of the bendable region 300F (e.g., compressive stress) collide. When the bending stress in the bendable region 300F reaches or exceeds the yield stress, breakage or permanent deformation of the bendable region 300F occurs.

[0208] When the conversion between the unfolded state (see FIG. 2) and the folded state (see FIG. 3) of the electronic device 2 is repeated, the bending stress generated in the bendable region 300F results in a decrease or loss of elastic force due to fatigue accumulation, causing breakage or permanent deformation of the bendable region 300F. The bending stress generated in the bendable region 300F is proportional to, for example, the longitudinal elastic modulus of the bendable region 300F (e.g., the degree of resistance to tension or compression) and / or the thickness of the bendable region 300F. The bending stress generated in the bendable region 300F is inversely proportional to, for example, the radius of curvature. The recess 2701 reduces the bending stress generated in the bendable region 300F by reducing the thickness of the bendable region 300F, and reduces the breakage of the bendable region 300F. In one embodiment, when the physical properties of the bendable region 300F are configured to reduce breakage or permanent deformation of the bendable region 300F, the recess 2701 may be omitted. The lower panel 34 is further extended to the bendable region 300F, the recess 2701 is not provided, and input (or recognition) using a pen input device through the bendable region 300F may be possible as compared with the embodiment including the recess 2701. In one embodiment, the recess 2701 may be provided by omitting a part of a plurality of layers included in the lower panel 34. For example, a part of the lower layer 343 corresponding to the bendable region 300F among the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 34 may be omitted.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate 2711 is coupled to the second plate 62 using the first adhesive member 2721. The second reinforcing plate 2712 is coupled to the sixth plate 66 using the second adhesive member 2722. The first reinforcing plate 2711 and the second reinforcing plate 2712 do not overlap with the recess 2701 when viewed from above the display assembly 300 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 2 (e.g., when viewed in the -z axis direction). The first reinforcing plate 2711 reinforces or supports the first plate assembly 6A as a stiffener. The second reinforcing plate 2712 reinforces or supports the second plate assembly 6B as a stiffener. In one embodiment, the lower panel 34 is further extended to the bendable region 300F, and the recess 2701 is not provided. In this case, the first reinforcing plate 2711 and the second reinforcing plate 2712 can be further extended to the bendable region 300F.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate 2711 and the first adhesive member 2721 reduce the separation space between the second plate 62 and the back surface of the flexible display 30, and the first reinforcing plate 2711 supports the back surface of the flexible display 30 instead of the second plate 62. In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate 2711 and the first adhesive member 2721 are interpreted as part of the first plate assembly 6A (see FIG. 4). The first reinforcing plate 2711 includes a metallic or non-metallic material. According to one embodiment, when there is substantially no separation space between the second plate 62 and the back surface of the flexible display 30, or when the second plate 62 is provided to be able to support the back surface of the flexible display 30, the first reinforcing plate 2711 and the first adhesive member 2721 can be omitted.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate 2712 and the second adhesive member 2722 reduce the separation space between the sixth plate 66 and the back surface of the flexible display 30, and the second reinforcing plate 2712 supports the back surface of the flexible display 30 instead of the sixth plate 66. In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate 2712 and the second adhesive member 2722 are interpreted as part of the second plate assembly 6B (see FIG. 4). The second reinforcing plate 2712 includes a metallic or non-metallic material. According to one embodiment, when there is substantially no separation space between the sixth plate 66 and the back surface of the flexible display 30, or when the sixth plate 66 is provided to be able to support the back surface of the flexible display 30, the second reinforcing plate 2712 and the second adhesive member 2722 can be omitted.

[0212] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 2 in FIG. 2) includes a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing 20 in FIG. 2) including a first housing (e.g., the first housing 21 in FIG. 2), a second housing (e.g., the second housing 22 in FIG. 2), and a folding portion between the first housing and the second housing. The electronic device includes a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 30 in FIG. 2) disposed in an internal space of the foldable housing. The flexible display is visible through a front surface of the foldable housing. The electronic device includes a first support structure (e.g., the first support structure 411 in FIG. 4) disposed in an internal space of the first housing. The first support structure supports a part of the flexible display. The electronic device includes a second support structure (e.g., the second support structure 421 in FIG. 4) disposed in an internal space of the second housing. The second support structure supports a part of the flexible display. The electronic device includes a first hinge assembly (e.g., the first hinge assembly 51 in FIG. 4) and a second hinge assembly (e.g., the second hinge assembly 52 in FIG. 4) disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion. The first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly connect the first support structure and the second support structure and are spaced apart from each other in a folding axis direction of the folding portion. The electronic device includes a first plate assembly (e.g., the first plate assembly 6A in FIG. 4) disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion. The first plate assembly includes a first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 4), a second plate (e.g., the second plate 62 in FIG. 4), a third plate (e.g., the third plate 63 in FIG. 4), and a fourth plate (e.g., the fourth plate 64 in FIG. 4). The first plate is coupled to the first support structure and supports a portion corresponding to the folding portion within the flexible display. The first plate includes a first surface (not shown) facing the first support structure and a second surface (e.g., the second surface 602 in FIG. 4) facing in a direction opposite to the first surface. The first plate is disposed between the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly. The second plate includes a third surface (not shown) facing the second surface and a fourth surface (e.g., the fourth surface 604 in FIG. 4) facing in a direction opposite to the third surface. The third plate includes a fifth surface (not shown) and a sixth surface (e.g., the sixth surface 606 in FIG. 4) facing in a direction opposite to the fifth surface. The fifth surface second surface faces the first hinge assembly. When viewed from above the sixth surface, the third plate does not overlap with the second plate. The fourth plate includes a seventh surface and an eighth surface (e.g., the eighth surface 608 in FIG. 4) facing in a direction opposite to the seventh surface. The seventh surface second surface faces the second hinge assembly. When viewed from above the eighth surface, the fourth plate does not overlap with the second plate. When viewed from above the fourth surface, the second plate is disposed between the third plate and the fourth plate.

[0213] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 4) and the second plate (e.g., the second plate 62 in FIG. 4) are coupled using welding. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a screw (e.g., the eighteenth screw S18 in FIG. 8) passes through a screw hole (e.g., the eighteenth screw hole H18 in FIG. 9) provided in the first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 8) and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure (e.g., the first support structure 411 in FIG. 8). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second plate (e.g., the second plate 62 in FIG. 8) includes an opening (e.g., the opening 1018 in FIG. 10) that overlaps with a screw hole (e.g., the 18th screw hole H18 in FIG. 9) of the first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 8).

[0214] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a screw (e.g., the 13th screw S13 in FIG. 12) passes through a screw hole (e.g., the 13th screw hole H13 in FIG. 9) provided in the first plate (the first plate 61 in FIG. 12) and a screw hole provided in the third plate (e.g., the third plate 63 in FIG. 12), and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure (e.g., the first support structure 411 in FIG. 12). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a screw (e.g., the 3rd screw S3 in FIG. 12) passes through a screw hole provided in the third plate (e.g., the third plate 63 in FIG. 12) and a screw hole (e.g., the 3rd screw hole H3 in FIG. 7) provided in the hinge assembly (e.g., the first hinge assembly 51 in FIG. 12), and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure (e.g., the first support structure 411 in FIG. 12). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a screw (e.g., the 7th screw S7 in FIG. 12) passes through a screw hole provided in the fourth plate (e.g., the fourth plate 64 in FIG. 12) and a screw hole provided in the hinge assembly (e.g., the second hinge assembly 52 in FIG. 12), and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the second support structure (e.g., the second support structure 421 in FIG. 12).

[0215] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first hinge assembly (e.g., the first hinge assembly 51 in FIG. 4) includes a first rotor, a first hinge arm, and a first actuator (e.g., the first hinge assembly 511 in FIG. 4). The first rotor includes a first portion (e.g., the first portion (circle 1) in FIG. 4) coupled to a first support structure (e.g., the first support structure 411 in FIG. 4), and a second portion (e.g., the second portion (circle 2) in FIG. 4) coupled to a second support structure (e.g., the second support structure 421 in FIG. 4). The first hinge arm includes a third portion (e.g., the third portion (circle 3) in FIG. 4) connected to the first portion, and a fourth portion (e.g., the fourth portion (circle 4) in FIG. 4) connected to the second portion. The first actuator connects the third portion and the fourth portion. The first actuator includes a gear assembly that provides a driving force regarding the rotational movement between the third portion and the fourth portion by using the elastic force of a torsion spring. The second hinge assembly (e.g., the second hinge assembly 52 in FIG. 4) includes a second rotor, a second hinge arm, and a second actuator (e.g., the second actuator 521 in FIG. 4). The second rotor includes a fifth portion (e.g., the fifth portion (circle 5) in FIG. 4) coupled to the first support structure, and a sixth portion (e.g., the sixth portion (circle 6) in FIG. 4) coupled to the second support structure. The second hinge arm is connected to the fifth portion seventh portion (e.g., the seventh portion (circle 7) in FIG. 4), and includes an eighth portion (e.g., the eighth portion (circle 8) in FIG. 4) connected to the sixth portion. The second actuator connects the seventh portion and the eighth portion. The second actuator includes a gear assembly that provides a driving force regarding the rotational movement between the seventh portion and the eighth portion by using the elasticity of a torsion spring. The first hinge arm and the second hinge arm are disposed between the first rotor and the second rotor.

[0216] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from above the second surface (e.g., the second surface 602 in FIG. 8), the first plate is disposed between the first hinge arm (e.g., the third surface portion (circle 3) and the fourth portion (circle 4) in FIG. 12) and the second hinge arm (e.g., the seventh portion (circle 7) and the eighth portion (circle 8) in FIG. 12). The screw (e.g., the third screw S3 in FIG. 12) passes through a screw hole provided in the third plate (e.g., the third plate 63 in FIG. 12) and a screw hole (e.g., the third screw hole H3 in FIG. 7) provided in the first portion (e.g., the first portion (circle 1) in FIG. 12), and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure (e.g., the first support structure 411 in FIG. 12). The screw (e.g., the seventh screw S7 in FIG. 12) passes through a screw hole provided in the fourth plate (e.g., the fourth plate 64 in FIG. 12) and a screw hole provided in the fifth portion (e.g., the fifth portion (circle 5) in FIG. 12), and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure.

[0217] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third plate (e.g., the third plate 63 in FIG. 13) includes openings (e.g., openings 1501, 1503 in FIG. 13) that prevent the third plate from interfering with a part of the first actuator (e.g., the first actuator 511 in FIG. 4). The fourth plate (e.g., the fourth plate 64 in FIG. 12) includes an opening that prevents the fourth plate from interfering with a part of the second actuator (e.g., the second actuator 521 in FIG. 4).

[0218] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the folding portion includes a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing 23 in FIG. 4) that covers the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly, and a guide rail assembly (e.g., the guide rail assembly 7 in FIG. 4) that is disposed in the hinge housing and between the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly. When the foldable housing is converted from the unfolding state to the folding state, the hinge housing is exposed to the outside and provides a part of the outer surface of the electronic device. The guide rail assembly includes a guide rail structure (e.g., the guide rail structure 71 in FIGS. 4, 16, and 17) and a slider structure (e.g., the first slider structure 72 in FIGS. 4 and 16). The guide rail structure is coupled to the hinge housing. The slider structure is coupled to the first plate. The slider structure includes a slider that is guided by a guide rail provided in the guide rail structure and is movable. The screw (e.g., the 17th screw S17 in FIG. 16) passes through a screw hole (e.g., the 17th screw hole H17 in FIG. 16) provided in the first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 16) and is coupled to a screw fastening portion (e.g., the 17th screw fastening portion B17 in FIG. 16) provided in the guide rail structure.

[0219] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second plate (e.g., the second plate 62 in FIG. 16) includes an opening (e.g., the opening 1017 in FIG. 16) that overlaps with a screw hole (e.g., the 17th screw hole H17 in FIG. 16) of the first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 16). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the screw (e.g., the 21st screw S21 in FIG. 17) passes through a screw hole (e.g., the 21st screw hole H21 in FIG. 17) provided in the guide rail structure (e.g., the guide rail structure 71 in FIG. 17) and is coupled to a screw fastening portion (e.g., the 21st screw fastening portion B21 in FIG. 17) provided in the hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing 23 in FIG. 17). The first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 21) and the second plate (e.g., the second plate 62 in FIG. 21) include openings (e.g., the opening 921 in FIG. 9 and the opening 1021 in FIG. 10) that overlap with a screw hole (e.g., the 21st screw hole H21 in FIG. 21) provided in the guide rail structure.

[0220] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device includes a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the first electrical path 81 or the second electrical path 82 in FIG. 4) disposed in an internal space of a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing 20 in FIG. 2). The flexible printed circuit board electrically connects a first electrical component housed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing 21 in FIG. 2) and a second electrical component housed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing 22 in FIG. 2). The flexible printed circuit board extends between a first plate assembly (e.g., the first plate assembly 6A in FIG. 4) and a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing 23 in FIG. 4). A part within the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the first region 811 in FIG. 24) is coupled to a second plate (e.g., the second plate 62 in FIG. 24) through an opening (e.g., the first opening 901 in FIG. 24) provided in a first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 24).

[0221] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 20) can include a first opening (e.g., the opening 2010 in FIG. 20). The third plate (e.g., the third plate 63 in FIG. 20) can include a second opening (e.g., the opening 2030 in FIG. 20) that overlaps the first opening. The third plate can include one or more extensions (e.g., the plurality of extensions 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 in FIG. 20) that extend from an edge of the second opening and are inserted into the first opening to support the first plate.

[0222] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device includes a second plate assembly (e.g., the second plate assembly 6B in FIG. 4). The second plate assembly is disposed in an internal space of a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing 20 in FIG. 2) corresponding to a folding portion. The second plate assembly is coupled to a second support structure (e.g., the second support structure 421 in FIG. 4). The second plate assembly supports a part corresponding to a folding portion within a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 30 in FIG. 2). In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the first plate assembly (e.g., the first plate assembly 6A in FIG. 4) and the second plate assembly form an angle of 180 degrees. In the folded state of the foldable housing, the first plate assembly and the second plate assembly form an angle of 0 to 10 degrees. The second plate assembly includes a fifth plate (e.g., the fifth plate 65 in FIG. 4), a sixth plate (e.g., the sixth plate 66 in FIG. 4), a seventh plate (e.g., the seventh plate 67 in FIG. 4), and an eighth plate (e.g., the eighth plate 68 in FIG. 4). The fifth plate includes a ninth surface (not shown) facing the second support structure (e.g., the second support structure 421 in FIG. 4) and a tenth surface (e.g., the tenth surface 610 in FIG. 4) facing in the direction opposite to the ninth surface. The fifth plate is disposed between the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly. The sixth plate includes an eleventh surface (not shown) facing the tenth surface and a twelfth surface (e.g., the twelfth surface 612 in FIG. 4) facing in the direction opposite to the eleventh surface. The seventh plate includes a thirteenth surface (not shown) and a fourteenth surface (e.g., the fourteenth surface 614 in FIG. 4) facing in the direction opposite to the thirteenth surface. The thirteenth surface faces the tenth surface and the first hinge assembly (e.g., the first hinge assembly 51 in FIG. 4). When viewed from above the fourteenth surface, the seventh plate does not overlap with the sixth plate. The eighth plate includes a fifteenth surface (not shown) and a sixteenth surface (e.g., the sixteenth surface 616 in FIG. 4) facing in the direction opposite to the fifteenth surface. The fifteenth surface faces the tenth surface and the second hinge assembly (e.g., the second hinge assembly 52 in FIG. 4). When viewed from above the sixteenth surface, the eighth plate does not overlap with the sixth plate. When viewed from above the twelfth surface, the sixth plate is disposed between the seventh plate and the eighth plate.

[0223] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fifth plate (e.g., the fifth plate 65 in FIG. 4) and the sixth plate (e.g., the sixth plate 66 in FIG. 4) are joined using welding. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a screw (e.g., the twentieth screw S20 in FIG. 8) passes through a screw hole (e.g., the twentieth screw hole H20 in FIG. 9) provided in the fifth plate (e.g., the fifth plate 65 in FIG. 8) and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the second support structure (e.g., the second support structure 421 in FIG. 8). The sixth plate (e.g., the sixth plate 66 in FIG. 8) includes an opening (e.g., the opening 1020 in FIG. 10) that overlaps with the screw hole of the fifth plate.

[0224] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a screw (e.g., the fifteenth screw S15 in FIG. 12) can pass through a screw hole (e.g., the fifteenth screw hole H15 in FIG. 9) provided in the fifth plate (e.g., the fifth plate 65 in FIG. 12) and a screw hole provided in the seventh plate (e.g., the seventh plate 67 in FIG. 12) and be coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the second support structure (e.g., the second support structure 421 in FIG. 12). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a screw (e.g., the fourth screw S4 in FIG. 12) passes through a screw hole provided in the seventh plate (e.g., the seventh plate 67 in FIG. 12) and a screw hole (e.g., the fourth screw hole H4 in FIG. 7) provided in the hinge assembly (e.g., the first hinge assembly 51 in FIG. 12) and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure (e.g., the first support structure 411 in FIG. 12). A screw (e.g., the eighth screw S8 in FIG. 12) passes through a screw hole provided in the eighth plate (e.g., the eighth plate 68 in FIG. 12) and a screw hole provided in the second hinge assembly (e.g., the second hinge assembly 52 in FIG. 12) and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the second support structure (e.g., the second support structure 421 in FIG. 12).

[0225] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the first electrical path 81 or the second electrical path 82 in FIG. 4) disposed in the internal space of a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing 20 in FIG. 2). The folding part includes a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing 23 in FIG. 4) that covers a first hinge assembly (e.g., the first hinge assembly 51 in FIG. 4) and a second hinge assembly (e.g., the second hinge assembly 52 in FIG. 4). When the foldable housing is converted from the unfolded state to the folding state, the hinge housing is exposed to the outside to provide a part of the outer surface of the electronic device. The flexible printed circuit board electrically connects a first electrical element housed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing 21 in FIG. 2) and a second electrical element housed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing 22 in FIG. 2). The flexible printed circuit board extends between the first plate assembly (e.g., the first plate assembly 6A in FIG. 4) and the hinge housing, and between the second plate assembly (e.g., the second plate assembly 6B in FIG. 4) and the hinge housing. The flexible printed circuit board includes a first region (e.g., the first region 811 in FIG. 24), a second region (e.g., the second region 812 in FIG. 24), and a third region (e.g., the third region 813 in FIG. 24). The first region passes through an opening (e.g., the opening 901 in FIG. 24) provided in the first plate (e.g., the first plate 61 in FIG. 24) and is coupled to a second plate (e.g., the second plate 62 in FIG. 24). The second region passes through an opening (e.g., the second opening 902 in FIG. 24) provided in the fifth plate (e.g., the fifth plate 65 in FIG. 24) and is coupled to a sixth plate (e.g., the sixth plate 66 in FIG. 24). The third region connects the first region and the second region and is disposed in a recess (e.g., the recess 231 in FIG. 24) of the hinge housing.

[0226] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are merely specific examples presented to more easily explain the technical content and assist in understanding the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted to include modifications or variations in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein within the scope of various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be understood that any embodiment described herein can be used in conjunction with any other embodiment described herein. In particular, the present invention is presented in a form that provides a plurality of embodiments each defining a plurality of features, and it is emphasized that some of these embodiments are only linked by the same drawing or reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the present invention includes all combinations of these embodiments as long as there is no obvious contradiction between two (or more) embodiments. That is, when a feature is presented as an option in the present invention, all combinations of such optional features are included in the present invention.

Description of Symbols

[0227] 2, 101, 102, 104 Electronic devices 6A First plate assembly 6B Second plate assembly 7 Guide rail assembly 20 Foldable housing 21 First housing 22 Second housing 23 Hinge housing 30 Flexible display 41 First front case 42 Second front case 51 First hinge assembly 52 Second hinge assembly 61 - 64 (First - Fourth) plates 65 - 68 (Fifth - Eighth) plates 71 Guide rail structure 72 First slider structure 73 Second slider structure 81 First electrical path 82 Second electrical path 100 Network environment 108 Server 120 Processor 121 Main processor 123 Auxiliary processor 130 Memory 132 Volatile memory 134 Non - volatile memory 136 Built - in memory 138 External memory 140 Program 142 Operating System (OS) 144 Middleware 146 Application 150 Input Module 155 Audio Output Module 160 Display Module 170 Audio Module 176, 204, 219 Sensor Module 177 Interface 178 Connection Terminal 179 Haptics Module 180, 205, 212, 420 Camera Module 188 Power Management Module 189, 350 Battery 190 Communication Module 192 Wireless Communication Module 194 Wired Communication Module 196 Subscriber Identification Module 197 Antenna Module 198 First Network 199 Second Network 201 Front Cover 211 First Rear Cover 211a First Curved Surface Area 212 First Side Member 221 Second Rear Cover 221a Second Curved Surface Area 222 Second Side Member 301 Microphone Hole 302 Key Input Device 303 Speaker Hole 305 First Camera Module 306 Second Camera Module 307 Flash 308 Optical Sensor 309 Connector Hole 310 Sub - Display 411 First Support Structure 411A First Support Area 421 Second Support Structure 421A Second Support Area 511 First Actuator 521 Second Actuator 618 First Shaft 620 Second Shaft 631 - 635 (First - Fifth) Shaft Supports 641 - 644 (First - Fourth) Circular Gears 650 Gear Support 661 - 666 (First - Sixth) Torsion Springs

Claims

1. In an electronic device, a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a folding portion between the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display disposed in an internal space of the foldable housing and visible from a front surface of the foldable housing; a first support structure disposed in an internal space of the first housing and supporting a first portion of the flexible display; a second support structure disposed in an internal space of the second housing and supporting a second portion of the flexible display; a first hinge assembly and a second hinge assembly disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion, connecting the first support structure and the second support structure, and spaced apart from each other in a folding axis direction of the folding portion; a first plate assembly disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion, coupled to the first support structure, and supporting a third portion corresponding to the folding portion of the flexible display; The first plate assembly includes: a first plate having a first surface facing the first support structure and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and disposed between the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly; a second plate having a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface; a third plate having a fifth surface and a sixth surface facing in a direction opposite to the fifth surface; wherein the fifth surface faces the second surface and the first hinge assembly; a fourth plate having a seventh surface and an eighth surface facing in a direction opposite to the seventh surface; wherein the seventh surface faces the second surface and the second hinge assembly; The second plate is disposed between the third plate and the fourth plate when viewed from above the fourth surface. An electronic device characterized by this.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate are joined using welding.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a screw passes through a screw hole provided in the first plate and is coupled to a screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the second plate includes an opening overlapping the screw hole of the first plate.

5. The screw penetrates through the screw hole provided in the first plate and the screw hole provided in the third plate and is coupled to the screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The screw penetrates through the screw hole provided in the third plate and the screw hole provided in the first hinge assembly and is coupled to the screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure. The screw penetrates through the screw hole provided in the fourth plate and the screw hole provided in the second hinge assembly and is coupled to the screw fastening portion provided in the second support structure. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. The first hinge assembly A first rotor including a first portion coupled to the first support structure and a second portion coupled to the second support structure; A first hinge arm including a third portion connected to the first portion and a fourth portion connected to the second portion; A first actuator including a gear assembly that connects the third portion and the fourth portion and provides a driving force related to the rotational movement between the third portion and the fourth portion using the elastic force of a torsion spring. The second hinge assembly A second rotor including a fifth portion coupled to the first support structure and a sixth portion coupled to the second support structure; A second hinge arm including a seventh portion coupled to the fifth portion and an eighth portion connected to the sixth portion; A second actuator including a gear assembly that connects the seventh portion and the eighth portion and provides a driving force related to the rotational movement between the seventh portion and the eighth portion using the elastic force of a torsion spring. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm are disposed between the first rotor and the second rotor.

8. When viewed from above the second surface, the first plate is disposed between the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm. The screw penetrates through the screw hole provided in the third plate and the screw hole provided in the first portion and is coupled to the screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure. The screw penetrates through the screw hole provided in the fourth plate and the screw hole provided in the fifth portion and is coupled to the screw fastening portion provided in the first support structure, and the electronic device according to claim 7 is characterized in that.

9. The third plate includes an opening that prevents the third plate from interfering with a part of the first actuator. The fourth plate includes an opening that prevents the fourth plate from interfering with a part of the second actuator, and the electronic device according to claim 7 is characterized in that.

10. The folding portion includes a hinge housing that covers the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly. and a guide rail assembly that is disposed in the hinge housing and is disposed between the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly. When the foldable housing is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state, the hinge housing is exposed to the outside to provide a part of the outer surface of the electronic device. The guide rail assembly includes a guide rail structure coupled to the hinge housing. and a slider structure that is coupled to the first plate and includes a slider that is guided by a guide rail provided in the guide rail structure and is movable. The screw penetrates through the screw hole provided in the first plate and is coupled to the screw fastening portion provided in the guide rail structure, and the electronic device according to claim 1 is characterized in that.

11. The second plate includes an opening that overlaps with the screw hole of the first plate, and the electronic device according to claim 10 is characterized in that.

12. The screw penetrates through the screw hole provided in the guide rail structure and is coupled to the screw fastening portion provided in the hinge housing. The first plate and the second plate include openings that overlap with the screw hole provided in the guide rail structure, and the electronic device according to claim 10 is characterized in that.

13. The electronic device further includes a flexible printed circuit board that is disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing and electrically connects a first electrical element housed in the first housing and a second electrical element housed in the second housing. The flexible printed circuit board extends between the first plate assembly and the hinge housing, An electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that a part of the flexible printed circuit board passes through an opening provided in the first plate and is coupled to the second plate.

14. The first plate includes a first opening, The third plate includes a second opening that overlaps the first opening, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the third plate includes one or more extensions that extend from an edge of the second opening and are inserted into the first opening to support the first plate.

15. A second plate assembly is further provided, which is disposed in the internal space of the foldable housing corresponding to the folding portion, is coupled to the second support structure, and supports a fourth portion corresponding to the folding portion of the flexible display. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the first plate assembly and the second plate assembly form an angle of 180 degrees. In the folded state of the foldable housing, the first plate assembly and the second plate assembly form an angle of 0 to 10 degrees. The second plate assembly, Includes a ninth surface facing the second support structure and a tenth surface facing in a direction opposite to the ninth surface, a fifth plate located between the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly, A sixth plate including an eleventh surface facing the tenth surface and a twelfth surface facing in a direction opposite to the eleventh surface, A seventh plate including a thirteenth surface and a fourteenth surface facing in a direction opposite to the thirteenth surface, The thirteenth surface faces the tenth surface and the first hinge assembly, and includes an eighth plate including a fifteenth surface and a sixteenth surface facing in a direction opposite to the fifteenth surface. The fifteenth surface faces the tenth surface and the second hinge assembly. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sixth plate is disposed between the seventh plate and the eighth plate when viewed from above the twelfth surface.

Images