Foldable Electronic Device

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing, and a hinge module connecting the first housing and the second housing. The hinge module includes a first portion configured to be rotatable about a first rotation axis, a second portion parallel to the first rotation axis and configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis spaced apart from the first rotation axis, and a first bracket connected to the first portion and the second portion and fixed to the first housing. The first portion and the first bracket are connected to be slidable relative to each other in a first linear direction, and the second portion and the first bracket are connected to be slidable relative to each other in a second linear direction different from the first linear direction. When the angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, the first portion and the first bracket slide relative to each other, and the second portion and the first bracket slide relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] When a foldable electronic device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the region corresponding to the folding portion of the foldable electronic device within the flexible display module is deformed and arranged from an unfolded state to a bent state.

[0003] The above information is provided as background art (related art) for the purpose of assisting the understanding of the present invention. No assertion or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described content can be applied as prior art related to the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a need for a foldable electronic device with a structure that can reduce the bending stress on the region corresponding to the folding portion of the foldable electronic device within the flexible display module. The present invention provides a foldable electronic device that can reduce the bending stress on the region corresponding to the folding portion of the foldable electronic device within the flexible display module.

[0005] The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge module that connects the first housing and the second housing. The hinge module includes a first portion, a second portion, and a first bracket. The first portion is configured to be rotatable about a first rotation axis. The second portion is parallel to the first rotation axis and is configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis spaced apart from the first rotation axis. The first bracket is connected to the first portion and the second portion and is fixed to the first housing. The first portion and the first bracket are slidably connected to each other in a first linear direction, and the second portion and the first bracket are slidably connected to each other in a second linear direction different from the first linear direction. When the angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, the first portion and the first bracket slide relative to each other, and the second portion and the first bracket slide relative to each other.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge module that connects the first housing and the second housing. The hinge module includes a first portion, a second portion, a first bracket, a third portion, a fourth portion, and a second bracket. The first portion is configured to be rotatable about a first rotation axis. The second portion is parallel to the first rotation axis and is configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis spaced apart from the first rotation axis. The first bracket is connected to the first portion and the second portion and is fixed to the first housing. The third portion is configured to be rotatable about a third rotation axis. The fourth portion is configured to be rotatable about a fourth rotation axis. The second bracket is connected to the third portion and the fourth portion and is fixed to the second housing. The third rotation axis is symmetrically arranged with respect to the first rotation axis with reference to the center line of the electronic device. The third portion is symmetrically provided with respect to the first portion with reference to the center line of the electronic device. The fourth rotation axis is symmetrically arranged with respect to the second rotation axis with reference to the center line of the electronic device. The fourth portion is symmetrically provided with respect to the second portion with reference to the center line of the electronic device. The first portion and the first bracket are slidably connected to each other in a first linear direction. The second portion and the first bracket are slidably connected to each other in a second linear direction different from the first linear direction. The third part and the second bracket are connected to be mutually slidable in a third linear direction that is symmetric to a first linear direction with respect to the center line of the electronic device. The fourth part and the second bracket are connected to be mutually slidable in a fourth linear direction that is symmetric to a second linear direction with respect to the center line of the electronic device. When the angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, the first part and the second part slide with respect to the first bracket, and the third part and the fourth part slide with respect to the second bracket.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the foldable electronic device of the present invention, the bending stress on the region corresponding to the hinge portion in the flexible display module can be reduced. When the foldable electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the buckling phenomenon on the region corresponding to the hinge portion in the flexible display module can be reduced.

[0009] In addition, the effects obtained or predicted by various embodiments of the present invention may be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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[0011] The above-mentioned other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration 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 can communicate with an external electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or communicate with at least one of an external electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network).

[0014] 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 some embodiments of the present specification, at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added. In one embodiment of the present specification, some of these components are implemented by a single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module 176, the camera module 180, or the antenna module 197 may be implemented as one component (e.g., embedded in the display module 160).

[0015] The processor 120 can execute software (e.g., a program 140), for example, to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120 and perform various data processing or operations. As at least part of 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 result 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 use less power than the main processor 121 or be configured to specialize in a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor 121.

[0016] The auxiliary processor 123 controls at least 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) is embodied as part of other functionally related components (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). According to an embodiment of the present specification, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural network processing device) includes a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model.

[0017] 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 via a separate server (e.g., the 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 above examples. The artificial intelligence model includes a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be 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), deep Q-networks, or one of combinations of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the above-described examples. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may alternatively or additionally include a software structure.

[0018] Memory 130 stores various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The data includes, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for instructions related thereto. Memory 130 includes a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134. Program 140 is stored as software in memory 130 and includes, for example, the OS 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0019] The input module 150 receives instructions or data used by a component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120) from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen). The acoustic output module 155 outputs an acoustic signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The 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 an incoming call. The receiver may be embodied separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

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

[0021] The audio module 170 converts sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, converts an electrical signal into sound. The audio module 170 acquires sound via the input module 150 or outputs sound via the acoustic output module 155 or an external electronic device (e.g., 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 an external environmental state (e.g., 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 biometric sensor, 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., 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 is physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., 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). 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 touch or kinesthesia. The haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device. 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.

[0025] The power management module 188 manages the power supplied to or consumed by the electronic device 101. The power management module 188 is implemented, for example, as at least a part of a PMIC (power management integrated circuit). 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.

[0026] 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 may include one or more communication processors (CPs) that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. The communication module 190 may include 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).

[0027] The corresponding communication module among these communication modules communicates with an external electronic device 104 via 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 legacy cellular network, a 5G th generation network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN)). Many such types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as separate multiple 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.

[0028] The wireless communication module 192 supports 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies after 4G (4 th generation) networks, 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 a large number of terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high 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) to achieve a high data transmission rate.

[0029] The wireless communication module 192 may support 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 in 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 a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss Coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a 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 URLLC realization.

[0030] 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 via the at least one selected antenna. Other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197 in addition to the radiator.

[0031] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the antenna module 197 forms a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mmWave antenna module includes 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 and capable of supporting 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 and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0032] At least some of the above components are connected to each other via 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.

[0033] Commands or data are transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device 104 via a server 108 connected to the 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 to executing 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 receive the above 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.

[0034] For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client - server computing technology is used. The electronic device 101 provides 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 may include 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 is included within a second network 199. The electronic device 101 is applied to intelligent services (such as smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0035] The electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in the present invention can be devices in various forms. 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 household appliance. However, the electronic device is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0036] Various embodiments of the present invention and the terms used therein do not limit the technical features described in the present invention 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 the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present invention, 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, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "the first" or "the 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 one element (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "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 connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0037] 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 block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrated component or the smallest unit or a part of the above components that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a module is embodied in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0038] Various embodiments of the present invention may be embodied 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 be operated 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" simply 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.

[0039] The method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be provided included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be traded as a commodity between a seller and a purchaser. A computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly via an application store (e.g., the App Store (registered trademark)) or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product is at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium that can be read by a device, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0040] Each of the aforementioned components (e.g., modules or programs) includes one or more individuals. One or more of the aforementioned components or operations can be omitted, or one or more other components or operations can 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 executed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components before integration. Operations performed by a module, program, or other component can be executed sequentially, in parallel, repetitively, or heuristically, or one or more of the above operations can be executed in a different order, or omitted, or one or more other operations can be added.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electronic device 2 in a flat or unfolded state, or unfolding state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an electronic device 2 in a folded state or folding state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic device 2 includes a foldable housing 20 and a flexible display module 24 disposed in the foldable housing 20.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing 20 includes a first housing (or a first housing portion or a first housing structure) 21, a second housing (or a second housing portion or a second housing structure) 22, a hinge housing 23, and / or a hinge portion. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are connected via a hinge portion and can rotate relative to each other with respect to the hinge portion. The hinge portion includes one or more hinge modules (or hinge assemblies) (for example, the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, or the third hinge module 5C in FIG. 4).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the display area 24A of the flexible display module 24 includes a first display area (or a first active area or a first screen area) (round number 1), a second display area (or a second active area or a second screen area) (round number 2), and a third display area (or a third active area or a third screen area) (round number 3) that connects the first display area (round number 1) and the second display area (round number 2) as an active area capable of displaying an image within the flexible display module 24. The first display area (round number 1) is disposed corresponding to the first housing 21. The second display area (round number 2) is disposed corresponding to the second housing 22. The third display area (round number 3) is disposed corresponding to the hinge portion.

[0044] The first display area (round number 1) is disposed in the first housing 21, and the form of the first display area (round number 1) is maintained by the support of the first housing 21. The second display area (round number 2) is disposed in the second housing 22, and the form of the second display area (round number 2) is maintained by the support of the second housing 22. The first display area (round number 1) and the second display area (round number 2) can be provided to be substantially flat, for example. The unfolded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2) is a state in which the third display area (round number 3) is disposed substantially flat. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, the first display area (round number 1) and the second display area (round number 2) form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the display area 24A including the first display area (round number 1), the second display area (round number 2), and the third display area (round number 3) is provided substantially flat.

[0045] In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, depending on the relative position between the first display area (round number 1) disposed in the first housing 21 and the second display area (round number 2) disposed in the second housing 22, the third display area (round number 3) that connects the first display area (round number 1) and the second display area (round number 2) is disposed flat. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, the third display area (round number 3) is pulled from both sides by the first display area (round number 1) and the second display area (round number 2), and the pulling force is provided to reduce breakage of the third display area (round number 3) while disposing the third display area (round number 3) flat. The third display area (round number 3) can be provided with an extended width such that in the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, it is pulled by the first display area (round number 1) and the second display area (round number 2) and disposed flat while reducing stress.

[0046] In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, the hinge portion supports the third display area (round number 3). In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, even when an external force (for example, external pressure such as a touch input using a user's finger or a touch input using an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area (round number 3), the third display area (round number 3) can be maintained flat without sagging due to the support of the hinge portion. The coordinate axes shown in the figure are shown with reference to the first housing 21. For example, the +z-axis direction is interpreted as the direction in which the plane provided by the flat first display area (round number 1) faces. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 2 can be provided in an infolding manner in which the display area 24A of the flexible display module 24 is folded inward.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows the fully folded state of the electronic device 2 in which the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are disposed so as not to approach each other any more. In the fully folded state of the electronic device 2, the first display region (round number 1) and the second display region (round number 2) are arranged facing each other, and the third region (round number 3) can be arranged in a bent shape. In the fully folded state of the electronic device 2, the angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 (or the angle between the first display region (round number 1) and the second display region (round number)) may be from about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees, and the display region 24A may not be substantially visible. Although not shown in the figure, the intermediate state of the electronic device 2 can be a state between the unfolded state and the fully folded state, or a state of being incompletely folded as compared with the fully folded state. When the angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 is an intermediate state of a certain angle or more, a usage environment is provided in which it is not substantially difficult for the user to use the display region 24A. Hereinafter, the 'folded state of the electronic device 2' described in the disclosure may refer to the fully folded state as opposed to the intermediate state of the incompletely folded state.

[0048] According to one embodiment, when viewing the unfolded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), the display region 24A of the flexible display module 24 is provided in a symmetric shape with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2. The center line (A), when viewing the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, corresponds to the center of the width extended from the first boundary between the first display region (round number 1) and the third display region (round number 3) to the second boundary between the second display region (round number 2) and the third display region (round number 3) in the third display region (round number 3). In the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 3), the third display region (round number 3) arranged in a bent shape is substantially symmetric with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2. When viewing the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, the display region 24A is substantially rectangular.

[0049] The display area 24A includes a first edge (E1), a second edge (E2), a third edge (E3), and a fourth edge (E4). The first edge (E1) and the second edge (E2) are substantially parallel to the center line (A). The third edge (E3) connects one end of the first edge (E1) and one end of the second edge (E2), and the fourth edge (E4) connects the other end of the first edge (E1) and the other end of the second edge (E2). The first display area (circled number 1) includes the first edge (E1), a part of the third edge (E3), and a part of the fourth edge (E4). The second display area (circled number 2) includes the second edge (E2), a part of the third edge (E3), and a part of the fourth edge (E4). The third display area (circled number 3) includes a part of the third edge (E3) and a part of the fourth edge (E4). In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the first edge (E1) and the second edge (E2) overlap and are aligned. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, a part of the third edge (E3) included in the first display area (circled number 1) and a part of the third edge (E3) included in the second display area (circled number 2) overlap and are aligned. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, a part of the fourth edge (E4) included in the first display area (circled number 1) and a part of the fourth edge (E4) included in the second display area (circled number 2) overlap and are aligned.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first housing 21 includes a first frame (or, a first frame structure or a first framework) 211, and / or a first cover 212 disposed on the first frame 211. The first frame 211 includes a first side (or, a first side member, a first side structure, or a first side bezel structure) (for example, the first side 412 in FIG. 4). The first side is disposed along an edge of the first display area (circled number 1) of the flexible display module 24. The first side provides a first side surface of the electronic device 2 corresponding to the first display area (circled number 1) within the electronic device 2. The first frame 211 includes a first support portion (e.g., the first support portion 411 in FIG. 4) that extends from or is connected to the first side.

[0051] The first display area (circled number 1) is disposed on the first support portion, and the first support portion supports the first display area (circled number 1). The first display area (circled number 1) and the first cover 212 are disposed on opposite sides of each other with the first support portion of the first frame 211 therebetween. The first side of the first frame 211 is disposed so as to at least partially surround a space between the first display area (circled number 1) and the first cover 212. The first display area (circled number 1) provides one of the outer surfaces of the electronic device 2, and the first cover 212 provides another surface facing in a direction substantially opposite to the first display area (circled number 1) among the outer surfaces of the electronic device 2. Various electrical components (or electronic parts) such as a printed circuit board or a battery may be disposed on the first support portion between the first support portion of the first frame 211 and the first cover 212.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the second housing 22 includes a second frame (or, a second frame structure or a second framework) 221, and / or a second cover 222 disposed on the second frame 221. The second frame 221 includes a second side (or, a second side member, a second side structure, or a second side bezel structure) (e.g., the second side 422 in FIG. 4). The second side is disposed along an edge of the second display area (circled number 2) of the flexible display module 24. The second side provides a second side surface of the electronic device 2 corresponding to the second display area (circled number 2) within the electronic device 2. In the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 3), the first side of the first frame 211 and the second side of the second frame 221 overlap and are aligned. The second frame 221 includes a second support portion (for example, the second support portion 421 in FIG. 4) that extends from the second side or is connected to the second side.

[0053] The second display area (circled number 2) is disposed on the second support portion, and the second support portion supports the second display area (circled number 2). The second display area (circled number 2) and the second cover 222 are disposed on opposite sides with the first support portion of the second frame 221 therebetween. The second side of the second frame 221 is disposed so as to at least partially surround the space between the second display area (circled number 2) and the second cover 222. The second display area (circled number 2) provides one of the outer surfaces of the electronic device 2, and the second cover 222 provides the other surface facing in a direction substantially opposite to the second display area (circled number 2) among the outer surfaces of the electronic device 2. Various electrical components (or electronic parts) such as a printed circuit board or a battery are disposed on the second support portion between the second support portion of the second frame 221 and the second cover 212.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (or hinge cover) 23 is coupled to a hinge portion that connects the first frame 211 and the second frame 221. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state (see FIG. 2) to the folded state (see FIG. 3), due to the change in the relative positions between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 that are connected to each other via the hinge portion and the change in the state of the hinge portion coupled to the hinge housing 23, a gap is opened between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 on the opposite side of the third display area (circled number 3), and the hinge housing 23 is exposed to the outside through the opened gap. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the hinge housing 23 forms part of the exterior that covers the interior of the electronic device 2 through the open gap 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. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, due to the change in the relative position between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 that are connected to each other via the hinge portion and the change in the state of the hinge portion coupled to the hinge housing 23, the gap between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 closes on the opposite side of the third display region (round number 3), and the hinge housing 23 is located in the internal space formed by the combination of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 and is not exposed to the outside.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 2 includes a display 25 disposed between the second frame 221 and the second cover 222. The flexible display included in the flexible display module 24 may be interpreted as the 'first display', and the display 25 may be interpreted as the'second display'. The second cover 222 is substantially transparent, and the display 25 is visible through the second cover 222. The electronic device 2 may be configured to display an image through the display 25 instead of the flexible display module 24 in the folded state.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first cover 212 includes a first curved surface region 212a that is bent toward the first display region (round number 1) corresponding to the first edge (E1) of the display region 24A so as to be seamless. The second cover 222 includes a second curved surface region 222a that is bent toward the second display region (round number 2) corresponding to the second edge (E2) of the display region 24A so as to be seamless. The first curved surface area 212a and the second curved surface area 222a are symmetrically provided opposite to each other in the unfolded state (see Fig. 2) or the folded state (see Fig. 3) of the electronic device 2, contributing to a beautiful exterior. In one embodiment, the display 25 is a flexible display that is bent toward the second cover 222 corresponding to the second curved surface area 222a. In various embodiments, the first cover 212 may be provided substantially flat without the first curved surface area 212a. In various embodiments, the second cover 222 may be provided substantially flat without the second curved surface area 222a. In this case, the display 25 is a substantially rigid display.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 2 may include at least one of one or more audio modules (e.g., the audio module 170 in Fig. 1), one or more sensor modules (e.g., the sensor module 176 in Fig. 1), one or more camera modules (e.g., the camera module 180 in Fig. 1), one or more light emitting modules, one or more input modules (e.g., the input module 150 in Fig. 1), and / or one or more connection terminal modules (e.g., the interface 177 or the connection terminal 178 in Fig. 1). In various embodiments, the electronic device 2 may omit at least one of the components or additionally include other components. The position or number of the components included in the electronic device 2 is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and may be various.

[0058] Any one of the one or more audio modules includes, for example, a microphone disposed inside the electronic device 2 corresponding to the microphone hole 301 provided on the exterior of the electronic device 2. In the example shown in the figure, the microphone hole 301 is provided on the first side of the first frame 211, and the microphone is disposed in the internal space of the first housing 21. The position or number of the microphones and microphone holes is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and can be diverse. In various embodiments, the electronic device 2 may include a plurality of microphones used to detect the direction of sound.

[0059] Any one of the one or more audio modules includes, for example, a first speaker for multimedia playback (or recording and playback) disposed inside the electronic device 2 corresponding to the first speaker hole 302 provided on the appearance of the electronic device 2. In the example shown in the figure, the first speaker hole 302 is provided on the second side of the second frame 221, and the first speaker is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22. Any one of the one or more audio modules includes, for example, a second speaker for a call (e.g., a receiver for a call) disposed inside the electronic device 2 corresponding to the second speaker hole (e.g., a receiver hole) 303 provided on the appearance of the electronic device 2. In the example shown in the figure, the second speaker hole 303 is provided on the second frame 221 in contact with the second cover 222, and the second speaker is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22. The position or number of the speakers and speaker holes is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and can be diverse. In various embodiments, the microphone hole and the speaker hole may be implemented as one hole. In various embodiments, a piezoelectric speaker with the speaker hole omitted may be provided.

[0060] One or more sensor modules generate, for example, an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the operating state inside the electronic device 2 or the external environmental state. In one embodiment, any one of the one or more sensor modules includes an optical sensor 304 disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 corresponding to the second cover 212. The optical sensor 304 may be disposed in alignment with the opening provided in the display 25 or at least partially inserted into the opening. External light reaches the optical sensor through the second cover 222 and the opening provided in the display 25. The optical sensor 304 may include, for example, a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor. The number or position of the optical sensors is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and can be diverse.

[0061] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the second cover 222, the optical sensor 304 is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 at least partially overlapping the display area of the display 25. In this case, the optical sensor 304 or the position of the optical sensor 304 is not visually distinguishable (or exposed), and the sensing function of the optical sensor 304 is performed. In one embodiment, the optical sensor 304 is disposed behind the display 25 or below (or beneath) the display 25, and the optical sensor 304 or the position of the optical sensor 304 is not visually distinguishable (or exposed). In various embodiments, the optical sensor 304 may be provided on the back of the display 25, aligned with a recess, or at least partially inserted into the recess. A partial area of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the optical sensor 304 may include a pixel structure and / or a wiring structure different from other areas. For example, a partial area of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the optical sensor 304 has a different pixel density from other areas. The pixel structure and / or the wiring structure formed in a partial area of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the optical sensor 304 reduces light loss between the outside and the optical sensor 304. As another example, in a partial area of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the optical sensor 304, a plurality of pixels may not be arranged.

[0062] According to various embodiments, not only an optical sensor 304 such as a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor, but also various other sensors are arranged corresponding to an opening provided in the display 25, on the back surface of the display 25, or below the display 25. For example, a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) using an optical method, an electrostatic method, or an ultrasonic method is arranged corresponding to an opening provided in the display 25, on the back surface of the display 25, or below the display 25. According to various embodiments, various sensors are arranged corresponding to an opening provided in the flexible display module 24, on the back surface of the flexible display module 24, or below the flexible display module 24.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 2 may include various other sensors (e.g., 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 temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor), and their positions may be various.

[0064] According to one embodiment, one or more camera modules may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. One or more camera modules may include, for example, a first camera module 305, a second camera module 306, a third camera module 307, and / or a fourth camera module 308. According to one embodiment, the first camera module 305 is arranged in the internal space of the second housing 22 corresponding to the second cover 222. The first camera module 305 may be arranged to be aligned with an opening provided in the display 25 or at least partially inserted into the opening. External light reaches the first camera module 305 through the second cover 222 and the opening of the display 25. The opening of the display 25 that is aligned or overlapped with the first camera module 305 is provided in the form of a through hole as shown in the illustrated example in the figure. In various embodiments, the opening of the display 25 that is aligned or overlapped with the first camera module 305 is provided in the form of a notch.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the first camera module 305 is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 at least partially overlapping with the display area of the display 25 when viewed from above the second cover 222. In this case, the first camera module 305 or the position of the first camera module 305 is visually distinguishable (or exposed) or not visible, and the photographing function of the first camera module 305 is performed. In one embodiment, the first camera module 305 is disposed behind or below the display 25, and the first camera module 305 or the position of the first camera module 305 may not be visually distinguishable (or exposed) or visible. In various embodiments, the first camera module 305 may be disposed aligned with or at least partially inserted into a recess provided on the back surface of the display 25.

[0066] The first camera module 305 may include, for example, a hidden display back camera (e.g., an under display camera (UDC)). A partial region within the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 may include a different pixel structure and / or wiring structure from other regions. For example, a partial region within the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 has a different pixel density from other regions. The pixel structure and / or wiring structure formed in a partial region within the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 reduces light loss between the outside and the optical sensor. As another example, there may be a partial area within the display 25 where at least a part overlaps with the first camera module 305 and where a plurality of pixels are not arranged.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, or the fourth camera module 308 is disposed in the internal space of the first housing 21 corresponding to the first cover 212. The first cover 212 includes camera cover portions (for example, camera decoration portions) disposed corresponding to the second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and the fourth camera module 308. The camera cover portions include a camera hole (or light transmission region) provided corresponding to the second camera module 306, a camera hole (or light transmission region) provided corresponding to the third camera module 307, and a camera hole (or light transmission region) provided corresponding to the fourth camera module 308. The number or position of the camera modules provided corresponding to the first cover 213 is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and may be various.

[0068] The second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and the third camera module 308 may have different attributes (for example, field of view) or functions from each other. The second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and the third camera module 308 may provide different fields of view (or lenses with different fields of view) from each other, and the electronic device 2 selectively uses the camera module based on a user's selection regarding the field of view. Any one of the second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and the third camera module 308) may include a wide-angle camera module, a telephoto camera module, a color camera module, a monochrome camera module, or an IR (infrared) camera (for example, a TOF (time of flight) camera, a structured light camera) module. In various embodiments, the IR camera module may operate as at least a part of the sensor module.

[0069] According to one embodiment, any one of the one or more light emitting modules includes a flash 309 disposed in the internal space of the first housing 21 corresponding to a flash hole (or light transmission region) provided in the camera cover portion of the first cover 212. The flash 309 includes a light source for the second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and / or the fourth camera module 308. The flash 309 may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp. According to various embodiments, any one of the one or more light emitting modules (e.g., an LED, an IR LED, or a xenon lamp) may be configured to provide state information of the electronic device 2 in a light form. In various embodiments, the light emitting module may provide a light source interlocked with the operation of the first camera module 305.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the one or more input modules may include the first key input device 310 or the second key input device 311. In the illustrated example shown in the figure, the first key input device 310 or the second key input device 311 is disposed in an opening provided on the first side of the first frame 211. The position or number of the input modules is not limited to the illustrated example shown in the figure and may be various. In various embodiments, the electronic device 2 may not include some or all of the key input devices, and the key input devices not included may be implemented as soft keys via the flexible display module 24 or the display 25. In various embodiments, the input module or the key input device may include at least one sensor module.

[0071] Any one of the one or more connection terminal modules (or connector module or interface terminal module) includes, for example, a connector (or interface terminal) disposed inside the electronic device 2 corresponding to a connector hole 312 formed on the appearance of the electronic device 2. In the illustrated example in the figure, the connector hole 312 is provided on the first side of the first frame 211. The position or number of the connection terminal modules is not limited to the illustrated example in the figure and can be diverse. The electronic device 2 transmits and / or receives power and / or data with an external electronic device electrically connected to the connector. In one embodiment, the connector may include a USB connector or an HDMI (registered trademark) connector. In various embodiments, any one of the one or more connection terminal modules includes an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector or an earphone set connector) and a connector hole provided on the appearance of the electronic device 2 corresponding to the audio connector. In various embodiments, any one of the one or more connection terminal modules may include a memory card connector disposed inside the electronic device 2 and a connector hole formed on the appearance of the electronic device 2 corresponding to the memory card connector.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 2 may include a detachable pen input device (e.g., an electronic pen, a digital pen, or a stylus pen) (not shown). The pen input device may be embodied to be inserted into the internal space of, for example, the first housing 21 or the second housing 22. As another example, the pen input device may be detached from the hinge housing 23. The hinge housing 23 may include a recess, and the pen input device may be sandwiched by the recess.

[0073] The electronic device 2 may further include various components depending on its provided form. Such components vary in form due to the convergence trend of the electronic device 2 and cannot all be listed. However, components at the same level as the above-mentioned components may be further included in the electronic device 2. In various embodiments, depending on its provided form, a specific component may be excluded from the above components or replaced with other components.

[0074] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device 2 in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view showing the foldable housing 20 of the electronic device 2 in a deployed state according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view 601 showing the deployed state of the electronic device 2 and a cross-sectional view 602 showing the folded state of the electronic device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the electronic device 2 includes a flexible display module 24 and a foldable housing 20. According to one embodiment, the foldable housing 20 includes a first frame 211, a second frame 221, a first hinge module (or first hinge assembly) 5A, a second hinge module (or second hinge assembly) 5B, a third hinge module (or third hinge assembly) 5C, a hinge housing 23, a first plate 61, and / or a second plate 62.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first frame 211 includes a first support portion 411 and a first side 412. The first frame 211 is provided in an integrated form including the first support portion 411 and the first side 412. The first support portion 411, as an internal structure located inside the electronic device 2 corresponding to the first housing 21, may be referred to by various other terms such as 'first bracket', 'first support body', 'first support member', or 'first support structure' in various embodiments. The second frame 221 includes a second support part 421 and a second side 422. The second frame 221 is provided in an integrated form including a second support part 421 and a second side 422. The second support part 421, as an internal structure located inside the electronic device 2 corresponding to the second housing 22, can be referred to in various other terms such as 'the second bracket', 'the second support body', 'the second support member', or 'the second support structure' in various embodiments. At least a part of the first frame 211 and / or at least a part of the second frame 221 is formed of a metal material and / or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). Electrical components (or electronic parts), or various members related to electrical components, are arranged on the first frame 211 or the first support part 411, or supported by the first frame 211 or the first support part 411.

[0077] The first support part 411 includes, for example, a first support area 411A facing the first display area (round number 1), and a third support area (not shown) facing a direction substantially opposite to the first support area 411A. The first display area (round number 1) of the flexible display module 24 is arranged in the first support area (411A) of the first support part 411. The second support part 421 includes, for example, a second support area 421A facing the second display area (round number 2), and a fourth support area (not shown) facing a direction substantially opposite to the second support area 421A. The second display area (round number 2) of the flexible display module 24 is arranged in the second support area 421A of the second support part 421. Through various adhesive materials (or bonding materials) such as thermally reactive adhesive substances (or thermally reactive bonding substances), photo-reactive adhesive substances (or photo-reactive bonding substances), general adhesives (or general bonding agents), and / or double-sided tapes, the first display area (round number 1) is arranged on the first support part 411, and the second display area (round number 2) is arranged on the second support part 421.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the 'hinge part' mentioned in the description with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 includes the first plate 61, the second plate 62, the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and / or the third hinge module 5C. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, the hinge part supports the third display area (round number 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 2 includes a first internal support disposed in the internal space of the first housing 21 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to (or facing) the first cover 212 (see FIG. 2). The first internal support covers and protects components such as a printed circuit board disposed between, for example, the first support part 411 and the first cover 212. In various embodiments, the first internal support may include a non-metallic material, and a conductive pattern used as an antenna radiator is disposed on the first internal support. The first frame 211 may be referred to as the 'first front case', and the first internal support may be referred to as the 'first rear case'.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 2 includes a second internal support disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to (or facing) the second cover 222 (see FIG. 2). The second internal support covers and protects components such as a printed circuit board disposed between, for example, the second support part 421 and the first cover 222. The second frame 221 may be referred to as the'second front case', and the second internal support may be referred to as the'second rear case'.

[0081] According to one embodiment, referring to the cross-sectional view 24S of the flexible display module 24, the flexible display module 24 includes a flexible display 240, a transparent cover 245, an optical transparent adhesive member (or optical transparent bonding member) 246, and / or a support sheet 247. For example, the flexible display 240 can be coupled to the transparent cover 245 via an optically transparent adhesive member 246 (e.g., OCA (optical clear adhesive), OCR (optical clear resin), or SVR (super view resin)). The transparent cover 245 (e.g., a window) covers the flexible display 240 and protects the flexible display 240 from the outside. The transparent cover 245 is provided in a thin film shape having flexibility (e.g., a thin film layer). The transparent cover 245 can include, for example, a plastic film (e.g., a polyimide (PI) film) or a thin film glass (e.g., ultra-thin glass (UTG)). In one embodiment, the transparent cover 245 can include a plurality of layers. For example, the transparent cover 245 can be in a shape in which various coating layers are disposed on a plastic film or a thin film glass.

[0082] The transparent cover 245 can be in a shape in which at least one protective layer or coating layer including a polymer material (e.g., PET (polyester), PI (polyimide), or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)) is disposed on a plastic film or a thin film glass. In one embodiment, the transparent cover 245 and the optically transparent adhesive member 246 can be defined or interpreted as part of the flexible display 240. In one embodiment, the transparent cover 246 can be interpreted as part of the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 2) that is not the flexible display module 24. The flexible display 240 includes, for example, a display panel 241, a base film 242, a lower panel 243, and / or an optical layer 244. The display panel 241 is disposed between the optical layer 244 and the base film 242. The base film 242 is disposed between the display panel 241 and the lower panel 243. The optical layer 244 is disposed between the optical transparent adhesive member 246 and the display panel 241. Various polymeric adhesive substances (or adhesive members) or adhesive substances (or adhesive members) can be disposed between the display panel 241 and the base film 242, between the base film 242 and the lower panel 243, and / or between the display panel 241 and the optical layer 244.

[0083] The display panel 241 includes, for example, a light-emitting layer 241a, a TFT (thin film transistor) film (or, a TFT substrate) 241b, and / or an encapsulation layer (e.g., TFE (thin-film encapsulation)) 241c. The light-emitting layer 241a includes, for example, a plurality of pixels implemented with light-emitting elements such as OLED (organic light emitting diode) or micro LED. The light-emitting layer 241a is disposed on the TFT film 241b via organic matter evaporation. The TFT film 241b is disposed between the light-emitting layer 241a and the base film 242. The TFT film 241b shows a film structure disposed on a flexible substrate (e.g., a PI film) through a series of processes such as depositing, patterning, and / or etching at least one TFT. At least one TFT controls the current to the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting layer 241a to turn the pixel on or off, or to adjust the brightness of the pixel. At least one TFT may be implemented, for example, as 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.

[0084] In one embodiment, the display panel 241 may include a storage capacitor, and the storage capacitor can maintain a voltage signal in the pixel, maintain the voltage entering the pixel within one frame, or reduce the change in the gate voltage of the TFT due to leakage current during the emission time. By a routine (e.g., initialization, data write) that controls at least one TFT, the storage capacitor maintains the voltage applied to the pixel at regular time intervals. In one embodiment, the display panel 241 is implemented based on an OLED, and the encapsulation layer 241c covers the light-emitting layer 241a. 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, in order to reduce or prevent this, the encapsulation layer 241c seals the light-emitting layer 241a so that oxygen and / or moisture do not penetrate into the OLED.

[0085] The base film 242 includes a flexible film formed of a polymer or plastic such as polyimide or polyester (PET (polyester)). The base film 242 serves to support and protect the display panel 241. In one embodiment, the base film 242 may be referred to as a protective film, a back film, or a back plate. The lower panel 243 may include a plurality of layers for various functions. Between the plurality of layers included in the lower panel 243, various polymer adhesive members (or bonding members) (not shown) may be disposed.

[0086] The lower panel 243 includes, for example, a light-shielding layer 243a, a buffer layer 243b, and / or a lower layer 243c. The light-shielding layer 243a is disposed between the base film 242 and the buffer layer 243b. The buffer layer 243b is disposed between the light-shielding layer 243a and the lower layer 243c. The light-shielding layer 243a blocks at least a part of the light incident from the outside. For example, the light-shielding layer 243a includes an embossed layer. The embossed layer may be a black layer including a concavo-convex pattern. The buffer layer 243b alleviates an external impact applied to the flexible display 240. For example, the buffer layer 243b may include a sponge layer or a cushion layer. The lower layer 243c diffuses, disperses, or dissipates heat generated in the electronic device 2 or the flexible display 240. The lower layer 243c absorbs or shields electromagnetic waves. The lower layer 243c alleviates an external impact applied to the electronic device 2 or the flexible display 240.

[0087] For example, the lower layer 243c includes a composite sheet 243d or a copper sheet 243e. In one embodiment, the composite sheet 243d may be a sheet formed by processing layers or sheets having different properties together. For example, the composite sheet 243d may include at least one of polyimide or graphite. The composite sheet 243d can also be replaced with a single sheet including one substance (for example, polyimide or graphite). The composite sheet 243d is disposed between the buffer layer 243b and the copper sheet 243e. The copper sheet 243e can also be replaced with various other metal sheets. In one embodiment, at least a part of the lower layer 243c can serve as a conductive member (e.g., a metal plate) to reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device 2, shield peripheral noise, and dissipate heat released from peripheral heat dissipation components (e.g., a display drive circuit) (e.g., a DDI (display drive integrated circuit)). The conductive member can include, for example, at least one of copper (Cu (copper)), aluminum (Al (aluminum)), SUS (stainless steel), or CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged).

[0088] The lower layer 243c can include various layers for various other functions. In one embodiment (not shown), at least one additional polymer layer (e.g., a layer containing PI, PET, or TPU) can be arranged on the back surface of the display panel 241 in addition to the base film 242. In one embodiment, at least one of the multiple layers (e.g., the light-shielding layer 243a, the buffer layer 243b, the composite sheet 243d, and the copper sheet 243e) included in the lower panel 243 can be omitted. In one embodiment, the arrangement order of the multiple layers included in the lower panel 243 is not limited to the embodiment shown in the figure and can be variously changed.

[0089] The optical layer 244 includes, for example, a polarizing layer or a retardation layer. The polarizing layer and the retardation layer can improve the outdoor visibility of the screen. The optical layer 244 selectively allows light generated from the light source of the display panel 241 and vibrating in a certain direction to pass through. In one embodiment, a single layer combining the polarizing layer and the retardation layer can be provided, and such a layer is interpreted as a 'circular polarizing layer'. The optical transparent adhesive member 246 is disposed between the transparent cover 245 and the optical layer 244. In one embodiment, the polarizing layer (or, circular polarizing layer) can be omitted, and in this case, instead of the polarizing layer, a black PDL (pixel define layer) and / or a color filter are provided.

[0090] The electronic device 2 may include a touch detection circuit (e.g., a touch sensor) (not shown). The touch detection circuit is embodied by a transparent conductive layer (or, film) based on various conductive materials such as ITO (indium tin oxide). In one embodiment, the touch detection circuit is disposed between the transparent cover 245 and the optical layer 244 (e.g., add-on type). In other embodiments, the touch detection circuit may be disposed between the optical layer 244 and the display panel 241 (e.g., on-cell type). In other embodiments, the display panel 241 may include a touch detection circuit or a touch detection function (e.g., in-cell type).

[0091] In one embodiment, the display panel 241 is based on an OLED and includes a sealing layer 241c disposed between the light emitting layer 241a and the optical layer 244. The sealing layer 241c serves as a pixel protection layer for protecting a plurality of pixels of the light emitting layer 241a. In one embodiment (not shown), the flexible display 240 may include a conductive pattern such as a metal mesh (e.g., an aluminum metal mesh) as a touch detection circuit disposed on the sealing layer 241c between the sealing layer 241c and the optical layer 244. For example, corresponding to the bending of the flexible display 240, the metal mesh may have greater durability than a transparent conductive layer embodied by ITO. In one embodiment, the flexible display 240 may further include a pressure sensor (not shown) capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of touch. The display panel 241, or the multiple layers included in the lower panel 243, their laminated structure or lamination order may be diverse. The flexible display 240 may be embodied by omitting some of the components or adding other components according to its provided form or the convergence trend.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the support sheet (or support plate or support layer) 247 may be disposed on the back surface of the flexible display 240. The back surface of the flexible display 240 is the surface located on the opposite side from the surface where light is emitted from the display panel 241 including a plurality of pixels. The support sheet 247 covers at least a part of the lower panel 243 of the flexible display 240 and is disposed (e.g., adhered) on the back surface of the lower panel 243. The support sheet 247 is coupled to the lower panel 243 via an adhesive substance or an adhesive material. The adhesive substance (or adhesive material) between the flexible display 240 and the support sheet 247 may include, for example, a heat-reactive adhesive substance (or heat-reactive adhesive material), a light-reactive adhesive substance (or light-reactive adhesive material), a general adhesive (or general adhesive), or a double-sided tape. As another example, the adhesive substance (or adhesive material) may include various polymers such as triazine thiol, dithiopyrimidine, or silane-based compounds, or an organic adhesive substance (or organic adhesive material) such as a sealant.

[0093] The support sheet 247 contributes to the durability (e.g., rigidity reinforcement) of the flexible display module 24. The support sheet 247 can reduce the influence exerted on the flexible display module 24 by the load or stress generated during the folding of the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 2). The support sheet 247 can reduce or prevent the flexible display module 24 from being damaged by the force transmitted during the folding of the foldable housing 20. In one embodiment, the support sheet 247 includes a metallic substance. The support sheet 247 includes, for example, stainless steel. The support sheet 247 can include various other metallic substances. In various embodiments, the support sheet 247 can include an engineering plastic.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the support sheet 247 includes a lattice structure (not shown) that at least partially overlaps with the third display region (round number 3) of the flexible display module 24. The lattice structure includes, for example, a plurality of openings (or slits) provided in the support sheet 247. The lattice structure refers to a pattern structure in which a plurality of openings are regularly arranged. The plurality of openings are formed periodically, have substantially the same shape, and are repeatedly arranged at regular intervals. The lattice structure can reduce the reduction in flexibility of the third display region (round number 3). In various embodiments, the lattice structure including a plurality of openings can be referred to by other terms such as 'opening pattern', 'hole pattern', or 'lattice pattern'.

[0095] In various embodiments, the support sheet 247 can include a recess pattern (not shown) that replaces the lattice structure and includes a plurality of recesses. The recess pattern refers to a pattern structure in which a plurality of concave-shaped recesses provided on the first surface facing the lower panel 243 of the flexible display 240 within the support sheet 247 or on the second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface within the support sheet 247 are regularly arranged. In various embodiments, the lattice structure or the recess pattern extends to a portion corresponding to the first region (round number 1) and / or the second region (round number 2) of the flexible display module 24 within the support sheet 247. In various embodiments, the support sheet 247 including the lattice structure or the recess pattern, or the corresponding conductive member here can also be provided in multiple layers.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the support sheet 247 can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) related to the flexible display 240. In one embodiment, the support sheet 247 can diffuse or disperse the heat released from a heat dissipation component (for example, a display drive circuit such as a DDI (display drive integrated circuit) or a DDI chip). According to various embodiments, the support sheet 247 can be omitted. According to various embodiments, the support sheet 247 can be interpreted as a separate element from the flexible display module 24.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the third hinge module 5C connect the first frame 211 and the second frame 221. The first frame 211 and the second frame 221 are rotatably connected to each other via the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the third hinge module 5C. The first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the third hinge module 5C are arranged along the center line (A) of the electronic device 2, and the third hinge module 5C is arranged between the first hinge module 5A and the second hinge module 5B. In one embodiment, the third hinge module 5C is disposed corresponding to the center between the first hinge module 5A and the second hinge module 5B (e.g., a point on the center line (A) that is substantially equidistant from the first hinge module 5A and the second hinge module 5B). In various embodiments, the number or position of the hinge modules disposed corresponding to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and can be various.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes, for example, a first bracket 51A, a second bracket 52A, and / or a bracket connecting portion 53A. The first bracket 51A can be disposed or coupled to the first support region 411A of the first frame 211 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the first bracket 51A includes one or more screw holes, and in the first support region 411A, the first bracket 51A includes one or more screw fastening portions aligned one-to-one with the one or more screw holes. The screw fastening portion can be a boss including a female thread corresponding to the male thread of the screw.

[0099] The first bracket 51A of the first hinge module 5A and the first support region 411A of the first frame 211 are provided in a fitting form so as to be stably coupled to each other. The second bracket 52A is disposed or coupled to the second support region 421A of the second frame 221 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the second bracket 52A includes one or more screw holes, and in the second support region 421A, the second bracket 52A includes one or more screw fastening portions aligned one-to-one with the one or more screw holes. The second bracket 52A of the first hinge module 5A and the second support region 421A of the second frame 221 are provided in a fitting form so as to be stably coupled to each other. The bracket connecting portion 53A connects the first bracket 51A and the second bracket 52A. The first bracket 51A and the second bracket 52A rotate with respect to the bracket connecting portion 53A.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the bracket connecting portion 53A may be configured such that the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 51A is fixed and the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 52A is fixed are rotated in opposite directions by the same angle. The bracket connecting portion 53A may be configured such that the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 51A is fixed and the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 52A is fixed are rotated and maintained at at least one specified angle. The bracket connecting portion 53A can have, for example, a free-stop function. The bracket connecting portion 53A may be configured to provide a force for the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 51A is fixed and the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 52A is fixed to rotate relative to each other.

[0101] The second hinge module 5B is provided substantially the same as the first hinge module 5A and may include, for example, a first bracket 51B, a second bracket 52B, and / or a bracket connecting portion 53B. In one embodiment, the second hinge module 5B is provided to the electronic device 2 in an arrangement direction opposite to that of the first hinge module 5A. The first bracket 51B of the second hinge module 5B is disposed or coupled to the second support region 421A of the second frame 221, and the second bracket 52B of the second hinge module 5B is disposed or coupled to the first support region 411A of the first frame 221.

[0102] The third hinge module 5C is provided substantially the same as the first hinge module 5A and may include, for example, a first bracket 51C, a second bracket 52C, and / or a bracket connecting portion 53C. In one embodiment, the third hinge module 5C is provided to the electronic device 2 in the same arrangement direction as the second hinge module 5B. The first bracket 51C of the third hinge module 5C is disposed or coupled to the second support region 421A of the second frame 221, and the second bracket 52C of the third hinge module 5C is disposed or coupled to the first support region 411A of the first frame 211. In one embodiment, the third hinge module 5C is provided to the electronic device 2 in the same arrangement direction as the first hinge module 5A.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the third hinge module 5C are coupled to the hinge housing 23 via screws. The hinge housing 23 is coupled to the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 via the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the third hinge module 5C. For screw fastening, the bracket connecting portion 53A of the first hinge module 5A includes one or more screw holes, and the hinge housing 23 includes one or more screw fastening portions aligned one-to-one with the one or more screw holes of the bracket connecting portion 53A. For screw fastening, the bracket connecting portion 53B of the second hinge module 5B includes one or more screw holes, and the hinge housing 23 includes one or more screw fastening portions aligned one-to-one with the one or more screw holes of the bracket connecting portion 53B. For screw fastening, the bracket connecting portion 53C of the third hinge module 5C includes one or more screw holes, and the hinge housing 23 includes one or more screw fastening portions aligned one-to-one with the one or more screw holes of the bracket connecting portion 53C.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 is disposed corresponding to the first frame 211, and the second plate 62 is disposed corresponding to the second frame 221. The first plate 61 and the second plate 62 may be in a form in which the first width in the direction of the center line (A) (for example, the y-axis direction) is relatively larger than the second width in the direction perpendicular to the above direction, and overlap with the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the third hinge module 5C. The first plate 61 and the second plate 62 may be coupled to the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the third hinge module 5C via screw fastening.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the first plate 61 is coupled to the bracket connecting portion 53A of the first hinge module 5A via a screw corresponding to the first bracket 51A of the first hinge module 5A. For screw fastening, the first plate 61 includes a first screw hole SH11, and the bracket connecting portion 53A includes a first screw fastening portion B11 aligned corresponding to the first screw hole SH11. The portion corresponding to the bracket connecting portion 53A of the first hinge module 5A within the first plate 61 and the bracket connecting portion 53A are provided in a fitting form that is stably coupled to each other. The second plate 62 is coupled to the bracket connecting portion 53A of the first hinge module 5A via a screw corresponding to the second bracket 52A of the first hinge module 5A. For screw fastening, the second plate 62 includes a second screw hole SH12, and the bracket connecting portion 53A includes a second screw fastening portion B12 aligned corresponding to the second screw hole SH12. The portion corresponding to the bracket connecting portion 53A of the first hinge module 5A within the second plate 62 and the bracket connecting portion 53A are provided in a fitting form that is stably coupled to each other.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the first plate 61 is coupled to the second hinge module 5B in substantially the same manner as the coupling between the first plate 61 and the first hinge module 5A. The second plate 62 is coupled to the second hinge module 5B in substantially the same manner as the coupling between the second plate 62 and the first hinge module 5A. The first plate 61 is coupled to the bracket connection portion 53B of the second hinge module 5B corresponding to the second bracket 52B of the second hinge module 5B. The second plate 62 is coupled to the bracket connection portion 53B of the second hinge module 5B corresponding to the first bracket 51B of the second hinge module 5B.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 is coupled to the third hinge module 5C in substantially the same manner as the coupling between the first plate 61 and the first hinge module 5A. The second plate 62 is coupled to the third hinge module 5C in substantially the same manner as the coupling between the second plate 62 and the first hinge module 5A. The first plate 61 is coupled to the bracket connection portion 53C of the third hinge module 5C corresponding to the second bracket 52C of the third hinge module 5C. The second plate 62 is coupled to the bracket connection portion 53C of the third hinge module 5C corresponding to the first bracket 51C of the third hinge module 5C. In one embodiment, when the third hinge module 5C is provided to the electronic device 2 in the same arrangement direction as the first hinge module 5B, the first plate 61 is coupled to the bracket connection portion 53C of the first hinge module 5A corresponding to the first bracket 51C of the third hinge module 5C, and the second plate 62 is coupled to the bracket connection portion 53C of the third hinge module 5C corresponding to the second bracket 52C of the third hinge module 5C.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 includes a first surface 61A and a third surface (not shown) facing in a direction opposite to the first surface 61A. The second plate 62 includes a second surface 62A and a fourth surface (not shown) facing in a direction opposite to the second surface 62A. The first surface 61A and the second surface 62A are positioned corresponding to the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), the first surface 61A of the first plate 61 and the second surface 62B of the second plate 62 support the third display area (circled number 3). The first surface 61A of the first plate 61 includes a plane that supports one side area of the third display area (circled number 3) with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 2. The second surface 62A of the second plate 62 includes a plane that supports the other side area of the third display area (circled number 3) with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 2. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, the first surface 61A of the first plate 61 and the second surface 62A of the second plate 62 form an angle of substantially about 180 degrees and are arranged without a substantial height difference. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2, even when an external force (for example, external pressure such as a touch input using a user's finger or a touch input using an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area (circled number 3), the third display area (circled number 3) is maintained flat without sagging due to the support of the first plate 61 and the second plate 62.

[0109] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state (see FIG. 2) to the folded state (see FIG. 3), the hinge portion can be configured to provide a space in which the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 is arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the hinge portion can be configured to provide a space in which the third display area (circled number 3) is arranged in a bent shape that can reduce the buckling phenomenon. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, the third display area (round number 3) is arranged in a water droplet shape or a dumbbell shape that can reduce breakage or permanent deformation. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the third display area (round number 3) is arranged in a bent shape that can reduce the collision (e.g., bending stress) between the compressive stress generated in one side area of the third display area (round number 3) and the tensile stress generated in one side area of the third display area (round number 3) with reference to the neutral plane 613 (see FIG. 6).

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the electronic device 2 includes a flexible display module 24, a first frame 211, a second frame 221, a first hinge module 5A, a first plate 61, and / or a second plate 62. In one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a first bracket 51A, a second bracket 52A, a first portion 810, a second portion 820, a third portion 830, and a fourth portion 840. The bracket connection portion 53A (see FIG. 4) includes the first portion 810, the second portion 820, the third portion 830, and / or the fourth portion 840.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a first rotation axis C1 and a second rotation axis C2 for the mutual rotation movement between the first bracket 51A and the bracket connection portion 53A. The first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are substantially parallel to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 and are spaced apart from each other. The first portion 810 of the bracket connection portion 53A is rotatably connected to the first bracket 51A with reference to the first rotation axis C1. The first portion 810 of the bracket connection portion 53A can be slidably connected to the first bracket 51A so as to be linearly movable in a first linear direction (LD1) with respect to the first bracket 51A. The second part 820 of the bracket connecting portion 53A can be rotatably connected to the first bracket 51A with respect to the second rotation axis C2. The second part 820 of the bracket connecting portion 53A is slidably connected to the first bracket 51A so as to be linearly movable in a second linear direction (LD2) different from the first linear direction (LD1) with respect to the first bracket 51A. The first linear direction (LD1) is perpendicular to the first rotation axis C1 or the center line (A) of the electronic device 2, and the second linear direction (LD2) is perpendicular to the second rotation axis C2 or the center line (A) of the electronic device 2. In one embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (for example, when viewed from the y-axis direction), the second linear direction (LD2) is substantially parallel to the direction in which the first display region (round number 1) of the flexible display module 24 is flatly extended, and forms an acute angle with the first linear direction (LD1).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a third rotation axis C3 and a fourth rotation axis C4 for the mutual rotation movement between the second bracket 52A and the bracket connecting portion 53A. The third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 are substantially parallel to the center line (A) (see FIG. 4) of the electronic device 2 and are spaced apart from each other. The third part 830 of the bracket connecting portion 53A is rotatably connected to the second bracket 52A with respect to the third rotation axis C3. The third part 830 of the bracket connecting portion 53A is slidably connected to the second bracket 52A so as to be linearly movable in a third linear direction (LD3) with respect to the second bracket 52A. The fourth part 840 of the bracket connecting portion 53A is rotatably connected to the second bracket 52A with respect to the fourth rotation axis C4. The fourth part 840 of the bracket connecting portion 53A is slidably connected to the first bracket 52A so as to be linearly movable in a fourth linear direction (LD4) different from the third linear direction (LD3) with respect to the second bracket 52A. The third linear direction (LD3) is perpendicular to the third rotation axis C3 or the center line (A) of the electronic device 2, and the fourth linear direction (LD4) is perpendicular to the fourth rotation axis C4 or the center line (A) of the electronic device 2. In one embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (for example, when viewed from the y-axis direction), the fourth linear direction (LD4) is substantially parallel to the direction in which the second display region (round numeral 2) of the flexible display module 24 extends flatly, and forms an acute angle with the third linear direction (LD3).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a first linear motion guide (LMG1) such that the first part 810 and the first bracket 51A can slide relative to each other (for example, perform linear motion relative to each other) in the first linear direction (LD1). The first linear motion guide (LMG1) includes, for example, a first linear motion guide rail provided on the first bracket 51A, and a part (for example, a first linear motion slider) of the first part 810 slidably disposed on the first linear motion guide rail. The first part 810 and the first bracket 51A are stably connected to be slidable relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1) by the first linear motion guide (LMG1). The first hinge module 5A includes a second linear motion guide (LMG2) such that the second part 820 and the first bracket 51A can slide relative to each other (for example, perform linear motion relative to each other) in the second linear direction (LD2). The second linear motion guide (LMG2) includes, for example, a second linear motion guide rail provided on the first bracket 51A, and a part (for example, a second linear motion slider) of the second part 820 slidably disposed on the second linear motion guide rail. The second part 820 and the first bracket 51A are stably connected to be slidable relative to each other in the second linear direction (LD2) by the second linear motion guide (LMG2).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a third linear motion guide (LMG3) such that the third portion 830 and the second bracket 52A can slide relative to each other in the third linear direction (LD3) (e.g., perform linear motion relative to each other). The third portion 830 and the second bracket 52A are stably connected to be slidable relative to each other in the third linear direction (LD3) by the third linear motion guide (LMG3). The first portion 810, the third portion 830, the first linear motion guide (LMG1), and the third linear motion guide (LMG3) may be provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2. According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) such that the fourth portion 840 and the second bracket 52A can slide relative to each other in the fourth linear direction (LD4) (e.g., perform linear motion relative to each other). The fourth portion 840 and the second bracket 52A are stably connected to be slidable relative to each other in the fourth linear direction (LD4) by the fourth linear motion guide (LMG4). The second portion 820, the fourth portion 840, the second linear motion guide (LMG2), and the fourth linear motion guide LMG4 may be provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2. According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 is disposed or coupled to the first portion 810 of the bracket connection part 53A, and the second plate 62 is disposed or coupled to the third portion 830 of the bracket connection part 53A.

[0115] According to one embodiment, when switching between the unfolded state (see reference numeral '601' in the drawings) and the folded state (see reference numeral '602' in the drawings) of the electronic device 2, there may be a rotational motion of the first portion 810 about the first rotation axis C1, a mutual first linear motion (or first mutual sliding) between the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A via the first linear motion guide (LMG1), a rotational motion of the second portion 820 about the second rotation axis C2, and a mutual second linear motion (or second mutual sliding) between the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A via the second linear motion guide (LMG2). When switching between the deployed state and the folded state of the electronic device 2, there may be a rotational movement of the third portion 830 about the third rotation axis C3, a mutual third linear movement (or third mutual sliding) between the third portion 830 and the second bracket 52A via the third linear movement guide (LMG3), a rotational movement of the fourth portion 840 about the fourth rotation axis C4, and a mutual fourth linear movement (or fourth mutual sliding) between the fourth portion 840 and the second bracket 52A via the fourth linear movement guide (LMG4).

[0116] According to one embodiment, when switching the electronic device 2 from the deployed state (see reference numeral '601' in the drawings) to the folded state (see reference numeral '602' in the drawings), the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are positioned farther away from the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 51A is fixed as compared to the deployed state of the electronic device 2. When switching the electronic device 2 from the deployed state to the folded state, the first portion 810 to which the first plate 61 is fixed retreats relative to the first bracket 51A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display area (round numeral 3) of the flexible display module 24. When switching the electronic device 2 from the deployed state to the folded state, the third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 are positioned farther away from the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 52A is fixed as compared to the deployed state of the electronic device 2. When switching the electronic device 2 from the deployed state to the folded state, the third portion 830 to which the second plate 62 is fixed retreats relative to the second bracket 52A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display area (round numeral 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0117] When switching the electronic device 2 from the deployed state to the folded state, the first surface 61A of the first plate 61 and the second surface 62A of the second plate 62 face each other and are spaced apart. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, due to the retraction of the first portion 810 with respect to the first bracket 51A and the retraction of the third portion 830 with respect to the second bracket 52A, the first plate 61 coupled to the first portion 810 and the second plate 62 coupled to the third portion 830 are positioned so as not to interfere with the third display region (circular number 3) of the flexible display module 24. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, due to the retraction of the first portion 810 with respect to the first bracket 51A and the retraction of the third portion 830 with respect to the second bracket 52A, the spatial width in the first direction 611 between the first surface 61A of the first plate 61 and the second surface 62A of the second plate 62 is provided so that the third display region (circular number 3) can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 move away from the first frame 211 in which the first display region (circular number 1) is arranged, and the third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 move away from the second frame 221 in which the second display region (circular number 2) is arranged. This may be such that the bracket connection portion 53A is located away in the second direction 612 perpendicular to the first direction 611 from the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, due to the bracket connection portion 53A being located away in the second direction 612 from the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other, the spatial width in the second direction 612 is provided so that the third display region (circular number 3) can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0118] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, the bracket connecting portion 53A moves away in the second direction 612 from the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other. As a result, the hinge housing 23 coupled to the bracket connecting portion 53A is exposed to the outside through the open gap between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 while reducing the gap with the first housing 21 and the gap with the second housing 22, as shown in FIG. 3. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the folded state (see reference numeral '602' in the drawings) to the deployed state (see reference numeral '601' in the drawings), due to the relative positional change between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 and the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the third hinge module 5C that operate correspondingly, the first surface 61A of the first plate 61 and the second surface 62A of the second plate 62 are positioned to support the third display region (round numeral 3) of the flexible display module 24. According to one embodiment, the structure in which the third hinge module 5C between the first hinge module 5A and the second hinge module 5B is coupled to the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 can reduce or prevent the phenomenon that the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 lift up. In various embodiments, the third hinge module 5C may be replaced to provide a guide rail assembly 6D (see FIG. 7).

[0119] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (701, 702) showing the foldable housing 20 of the electronic device 2 in the deployed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the foldable housing 20 includes a first support portion 411, a second support portion 421, a first plate 61, a second plate 62, a guide rail assembly 5D, a first hinge housing cover 711, and / or a second hinge housing cover 712. The first hinge housing cover 711 is part of the first housing 21 (see FIG. 2), and the second hinge housing cover 712 is part of the second housing 22 (see FIG. 2).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the guide rail assembly 5D is disposed or coupled to the hinge housing 23. The hinge housing 23 includes a recess provided on the other side opposite to the side exposed to the outside in the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 3), and the guide rail assembly 5D is disposed or coupled to the recess of the hinge housing 23. In one embodiment, the guide rail assembly 5D includes a guide rail 51D, a first slider 52D, and / or a second slider 53D. The first slider 52D and the second slider 53D are slidably disposed on the guide rail 51D. The guide rail 51D is coupled to the hinge housing 23 via screw fastening. The first slider 52D is coupled to the first plate 61 via screw fastening. The second slider 53D is coupled to the second plate 62 via screw fastening.

[0121] The guide rail 51D includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail. The first guide rail may be a space formed along a path corresponding to the rotational movement of the first plate 61 to which the first slider 52D is coupled. The second guide rail may be a space formed along a path corresponding to the rotational movement of the second plate 62 to which the second slider 53D is coupled. The first slider 52D includes a first slider inserted into the first guide rail of the guide rail 51D and guided by the first guide rail and movable. The second slider 53D includes a second slider inserted into the second guide rail of the guide rail structure 51D and guided by the second guide rail and movable. The guide rail assembly 5D reduces the phenomenon that the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 lift up.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the first hinge housing cover 711 is connected to the first support portion 411. In various embodiments, the first support portion 411 may be provided in a form further including a portion corresponding to the first hinge housing cover 711, and in this case, the first hinge housing cover 711 may be omitted. The second hinge housing cover 712 is connected to the second support portion 421. In various embodiments, the second support portion 421 may be provided in a form further including a portion corresponding to the second hinge housing cover 712, and in this case, the second hinge housing cover 712 may be omitted. In the folded state of the electronic device 2 within the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 3), one surface exposed to the outside includes a curved surface, and the first hinge housing cover 711 and the second hinge housing cover 712 are provided in a bent shape including curved surface portions corresponding to the above curved surface.

[0123] In various embodiments, the first hinge housing cover 711 may be referred to by various other terms such as 'first curved surface cover', and the second hinge housing cover 712 may be referred to by various other terms such as'second curved surface cover'. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), the first hinge housing cover 711 and the second hinge housing cover 712 can cover both of the hinge housings 23, and the hinge housing 23 may not be substantially exposed to the outside. In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the hinge housing 23 is exposed to the outside between the first hinge housing cover 711 and the second hinge housing cover 712.

[0124] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the first hinge module 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first hinge module 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a view showing the first portion 810 of the first hinge module 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a view showing the third portion 830 of the first hinge module 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a view showing the second portion 820 of the first hinge module 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a view showing the fourth portion 840 of the first hinge module 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a view showing the fifth portion 1010 of the first bracket 51A according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a view showing the seventh portion 1110 of the second bracket 52A according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view 1600 showing the first circular gear 931, the second circular gear 941, the third circular gear 951, and the fourth circular gear 961 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, the first hinge module 5A includes a first portion 810, a second portion 820, a third portion 830, a fourth portion 840, an actuator 900, a first bracket 51A, and / or a second bracket 52A. The bracket connecting portion 53A of FIG. 4 is an assembly including the first portion 810, the second portion 820, the third portion 830, the fourth portion 840, and the actuator 900.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the first portion 810 is rotatably connected to the actuator 900 with respect to the actuator 900 based on a first axis of rotation C1. The first axis of rotation C1 is provided by a portion where the first portion 810 and the actuator 900 are rotatably connected as a central axis (for example, a straight line that becomes the center of rotation) about which the first portion 810 rotates. The second portion 820 is rotatably connected to the actuator 900 with respect to the actuator 900 based on a second axis of rotation C2. The second rotation axis C2 is provided by a portion to which the second part 820 and the actuator 900 are rotatably connected, as a central axis about which the second part 820 rotates. The first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are substantially parallel to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 and are spaced apart from each other. The first part 810 and the second part 820 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 (for example, the y-axis direction).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the third part 830 is rotatably connected to the actuator 900 with respect to the third rotation axis C3 of the actuator 900. The third rotation axis C3 is provided by a portion to which the third part 830 and the actuator 900 are rotatably connected, as a central axis (for example, a straight line that becomes the gyro center) about which the third part 830 rotates. The fourth part 840 is rotatably connected to the actuator 900 with respect to the fourth rotation axis C4 of the actuator 900. The fourth rotation axis C4 is provided by a portion to which the fourth part 840 and the actuator 900 are rotatably connected, as a central axis about which the fourth part 840 rotates. The third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 are substantially parallel to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 and are spaced apart from each other. The third part 830 and the fourth part 840 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 (for example, the y-axis direction).

[0128] The first part 810 and the third part 830 are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2. The second part 820 and the fourth part 840 are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2. The first rotation axis C1 of the first part 810 and the third rotation axis C3 of the third part 830 are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2. The second rotation axis C2 of the second part 820 and the fourth rotation axis C4 of the fourth part 840 are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the first bracket 51A is coupled to the first support portion 411 (see FIG. 4) of the first frame 211 through screw fastening. The first hinge module 5A is connected to the first support portion 411 (see FIG. 4) via the first bracket 51A. Since the first bracket 51A is fixed to the first support portion 411 (see FIG. 4), when the state of the electronic device 2 changes (for example, conversion between the unfolded state in FIG. 2 and the folded state in FIG. 3), the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) moves together with the first bracket 51A. The first part 810 and the second part 820 are slidably connected to the first bracket 51A with respect to the first bracket 51A.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the second bracket 52A is coupled to the second support portion 421 (see FIG. 4) of the second frame 221 through screw fastening. The first hinge module 5A is connected to the second support portion 421 (see FIG. 4) via the second bracket 52A. Since the second bracket 52A is fixed to the second support portion 421 (see FIG. 4), when the state of the electronic device 2 changes (for example, conversion between the unfolded state in FIG. 2 and the folded state in FIG. 3), the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) moves together with the second bracket 52A. In one embodiment, the first bracket 51A and the second bracket 52A are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2. The third part 830 and the fourth part 840 are slidably connected to the second bracket 52A with respect to the second bracket 52A.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the actuator 900 includes a first rotating support (or first rotating support assembly) 901 and a second rotating support (or second rotating support assembly) 902. According to one embodiment, the first rotating support 901 is connected to the first portion 810 and the third portion 830. The first hinge module 5A includes a first rotational motion guide for the mutual rotational motion between the first rotating support 901 and the first portion 810. Via the first rotational motion guide, the first portion 810 can rotate softly and smoothly with respect to the first rotating support 901. The first hinge module 5A includes a second rotational motion guide for the mutual rotational motion between the first rotating support 901 and the third portion 830. Via the second rotational motion guide, the third portion 830 can rotate softly and smoothly with respect to the first rotating support 901.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the first rotational motion guide for the mutual rotational motion between the first rotating support 901 and the first portion 810 includes a first rotational motion guide rail included in the first rotating support 901, and a first rotational motion slider 810A included in the first portion 810 corresponding to the first rotational motion guide rail. The first rotational motion slider 810A is disposed on the first rotational motion guide rail. As the first rotational motion slider 810A is guided and moves on the first rotational motion guide rail, the first portion 810 rotates with respect to the first rotating support 901. The second rotational motion guide for the mutual rotational motion between the first rotating support 901 and the third portion 830 includes a second rotational motion guide rail included in the first rotating support 901, and a second rotational motion slider 830A included in the third portion 830 corresponding to the second rotational motion guide rail. The second rotational motion slider 830A is disposed on the second rotational motion guide rail. As the second rotary motion slider 830A moves guided by the second rotary motion guide rail, the third part 810 rotates with respect to the first rotary support 901.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the first rotary support 901 includes a rotary support bracket 910 and a bracket cover 920 coupled to the rotary support bracket 910. At least a part of the rotary support bracket 910 is located between the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) and the bracket cover 920. The rotary support bracket 910 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the rotary support bracket 910 includes screw holes 918 provided at a central portion corresponding to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2, and the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) includes screw fastening portions aligned corresponding to the screw holes 918. The first rotary support 901, the rotary support bracket 910, or the bracket cover 920 may be provided in a substantially symmetric form based on the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the rotary support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920 are coupled via snap-fit fastening. For snap-fit fastening, the rotary support bracket 910 includes a first hook 913 and a second hook 914 located on opposite sides of each other with reference to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2, and the bracket cover 920 includes a first hook fastening portion (for example, a first locking portion 923) corresponding to the first hook 913 and a first hook fastening portion (for example, a second locking portion) 924 corresponding to the second hook 914.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the rotary support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920 are coupled via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the bracket cover 920 includes screw holes (925, 926) that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2, i.e., in the direction of the center line (A) (for example, the y-axis direction), at the center corresponding to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 of the first hinge module 5A. The rotation support bracket 910 includes screw fastening portions (915, 916) that are aligned in a one-to-one correspondence with the screw holes (925, 926). The screw fastening portions (915, 916) are provided at the center of the first rotation support 901 corresponding to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 of the first hinge module 5A, and are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the center line (A).

[0136] The rotation support bracket 910 includes a first rail surface 911 and a second rail surface 912 provided on the other surface opposite to the one surface facing the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4). The first rotation movement slider 810A of the first portion 810 is slidably disposed in the first space between the first rail surface 911 and the bracket cover 920, and the first space serves as a first rotation movement guide rail for guiding the movement of the first rotation movement slider 810A. The first rotation movement slider 810A and the first rotation movement guide rail are provided in a curved shape extending in the circumferential direction for the mutual stable rotation movement between the first portion 810 and the first rotation support 901. The second rotation movement slider 830A of the third portion 830 is slidably disposed in the second space between the second rail surface 912 and the bracket cover 920, and the second space serves as a second rotation movement guide rail for guiding the movement of the second rotation movement slider 830A. The second rotation movement slider 830A and the second rotation movement guide rail are provided in a curved shape extending in the circumferential direction for the mutual stable rotation movement between the third portion 830 and the first rotation support 901.

[0137] The first rotational movement guide rail, the second rotational movement guide rail, the first rotational movement slider 810A, and the second rotational movement slider 830A are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2. The first rotation axis C1 of the first portion 810 is substantially provided by a sliding pair including the first rotational movement slider 810A and the first rotational movement guide rail. The first portion 810 can rotate with respect to the first rotation support 901 about the first rotation axis C1, and the degree to which the first rotational movement slider 810A of the first portion 810 is drawn into (or overlaps with) the first rotation support 901 varies depending on the angle between the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) and the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4). The third rotation axis C3 of the third portion 830 is substantially provided by a sliding pair including the second rotational movement slider 830A and the second rotational movement guide rail. The third portion 830 can rotate with respect to the first rotation support 901 about the third rotation axis C3, and the degree to which the second rotational movement slider 830A of the third portion 830 is drawn into (or overlaps with) the first rotation support 901 varies depending on the angle between the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) and the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the combination of the rotation support bracket 910, the bracket cover 920, and the first rotational movement slider 810A of the first portion 810 is provided such that the first rotational movement slider 810A can move within the specified path range of the first rotational movement guide rail without detaching from the first rotation support 901. The combination of the rotation support bracket 910, the bracket cover 920, and the second rotational movement slider 830A of the third portion 830 is provided such that the second rotational movement slider 830A can move within the specified path range of the second rotational movement guide rail without detaching from the first rotation support 901.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the first rotational movement slider 810A of the first portion 810 includes an opening 811 provided corresponding to the first hook 913. The first hook 913 is inserted into the opening 811. The opening 811 extends along the movement path of the first rotational movement slider 810A with respect to the first rotational support 901. During the relative rotational movement between the first portion 810 and the first rotational support 901, the relative position between the first hook 913 and the opening 811 changes. The opening 811 prevents the first hook 913 and the first rotational movement slider 810A from interfering with each other during the relative rotational movement between the first portion 810 and the first rotational support 901. The second rotational movement slider 830A of the third portion 830 includes an opening 831 provided corresponding to the second hook 914. The second hook 914 is inserted into the opening 831. The opening 831 extends along the movement path of the second rotational movement slider 830A with respect to the first rotational support 901. During the relative rotational movement between the third portion 830 and the first rotational support 901, the relative position between the second hook 914 and the opening 831 changes. The opening 831 prevents the second hook 914 and the second rotational movement slider 830A from interfering with each other during the relative rotational movement between the third portion 830 and the first rotational support 901.

[0140] According to various embodiments, due to the interference between the first hook 913 and the inner surface of one side of the opening 811, the distance by which the first rotational movement slider 810A of the first portion 810 is moved in the direction of being pulled out from the first rotational support 901 is limited, and the connection between the first portion 810 and the first rotational support 901 is maintained. Due to the interference between the second hook 914 and the inner surface of one side of the opening 831, the distance by which the second rotational movement slider 830A of the third portion 830 is moved in the direction of being pulled out from the first rotational support 901 is limited, and the connection between the third portion 830 and the first rotational support 901 is maintained.

[0141] According to various embodiments, replace the first rotational movement guide for the mutual rotational movement between the first rotating support 901 and the first portion 810, and the first portion 810 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the first rotating support 901 via a shaft or a pin. Replace the second rotational movement guide for the mutual rotational movement between the first rotating support 901 and the third portion 830, and the third portion 830 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the first rotating support 901 via a shaft or a pin.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the second rotating support 902 is connected to the second portion 820 and the fourth portion 840. The second portion 820 includes a first shaft connecting portion (or, a first shaft connecting arm or a first shaft arm) 821 and a second shaft connecting portion (or, a second shaft connecting arm or a second shaft arm) 822. The first shaft connecting portion 821 and the second shaft connecting portion 822 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second rotation axis C2 (for example, the y-axis direction). The first shaft connecting portion 821 and the second shaft connecting portion 822 are connected to the second rotating support 902 and rotate with respect to the second rotation axis C2. The fourth portion 840 includes a third shaft connecting portion (or, a third shaft connecting arm or a third shaft arm) 841 and a fourth shaft connecting portion (or, a fourth shaft connecting arm or a fourth shaft arm) 842. The third shaft connecting portion 841 and the fourth shaft connecting portion 842 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the fourth rotation axis C4 (for example, the y-axis direction). The third shaft connecting portion 841 and the fourth shaft connecting portion 842 are connected to the second rotating support 902 and rotate with respect to the fourth rotation axis C4.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the second rotating support 902 includes a first shaft 930, a second shaft 940, a third shaft 950, a fourth shaft 960, a gear bracket 970, a cam (or cam gear) 980, and / or a plurality of springs 990. According to one embodiment, the first shaft 930 is connected to the first shaft connecting portion 821 and the second shaft connecting portion 822 of the second portion 820. The first shaft 930 is disposed through the shaft hole provided in the first shaft connecting portion 821 and the shaft hole provided in the second shaft connecting portion 822. The second rotation axis C2 of the second portion 820 is the central axis of the first shaft 930. The first shaft connecting portion 821 and the second shaft connecting portion 822 are fixed to the first shaft 930, and the second portion 820 rotates together with the first shaft 930 with respect to the second rotation axis C2.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the second shaft 940 is connected to the third shaft connecting portion 841 and the fourth shaft connecting portion 842 of the fourth portion 840. The second shaft 940 is disposed through the shaft hole provided in the third shaft connecting portion 841 and the shaft hole provided in the fourth shaft connecting portion 842. The fourth rotation axis C4 of the fourth portion 840 is the central axis of the second shaft 940. The third shaft connecting portion 841 and the fourth shaft connecting portion 842 are fixed to the second shaft 940, and the fourth portion 840 rotates together with the second shaft 940 with respect to the fourth rotation axis C4. According to one embodiment, the first shaft 930 and the second shaft 940 are rotatably disposed in the gear bracket 970. The gear bracket 970 stably supports the rotation of the first shaft 930 and the second shaft 940. The gear bracket 970 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4). The gear bracket 970 includes, for example, a first shaft support portion 971, a second shaft support portion 972, and / or a connecting portion 973.

[0145] The first shaft support portion 971 and the second shaft support portion 972 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second rotation axis C2 and the fourth rotation axis C4 (for example, the y-axis direction), and the connecting portion 973 is a portion that connects the first shaft support portion 971 and the second shaft support portion 972 within the gear bracket 970. The first shaft 930 is arranged to penetrate through the first shaft hole 971a provided in the first shaft support portion 971 and the third shaft hole 972a provided in the second shaft support portion 972. The second shaft 940 is arranged to penetrate through the second shaft hole 971b provided in the first shaft support portion 971 and the fourth shaft hole 972b provided in the second shaft support portion 972. The connecting portion 973 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the connecting portion 973 includes screw holes (973a, 973b) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the center line (A) (for example, the y-axis direction) at the central portion corresponding to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2), and the hinge housing 23 includes screw fastening portions (for example, bosses) that are aligned in a one-to-one correspondence with the screw holes (973a, 973b). The gear bracket 970 is provided in a substantially symmetric form with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the first shaft 930 includes a first circular gear 931 that is arranged between the first rotation support 901 and the first shaft support portion 971 of the gear bracket 970. The second shaft 940 includes a second circular gear 941 that is arranged between the first rotation support 901 and the first shaft support portion 971 of the gear bracket 971. The first shaft 930 and the second shaft 940 can be in substantially the same form. The rotation support bracket 910 of the first rotating support 901 includes a first mounting portion (or first shaft mounting portion) 917a and a second mounting portion (or second shaft mounting portion) 917b. The first mounting portion 917a and the second mounting portion 917b may be provided in a recessed form. One end of the first shaft 930 is disposed (or inserted) in the first mounting portion 917a. One end of the second shaft 940 is disposed (or inserted) in the second mounting portion 917b. One end of the first shaft 930 located in the first mounting portion 917a between the rotation support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920 is rotatably supported by the first rotating support 901.

[0147] The first mounting portion 917a between the rotation support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920, the first shaft hole 971a of the gear bracket 970, and the third shaft hole 972a of the gear bracket 970 support the first shaft 930 so that the first shaft 930 can rotate with respect to the second rotation axis C2. One end of the second shaft 940 disposed in the second mounting portion 917b between the rotation support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920 is rotatably supported by the first rotating support 901. The second mounting portion 917b between the rotation support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920, the second shaft hole 971b of the gear bracket 970, and the fourth shaft hole 972b of the gear bracket 970 support the second shaft 940 so that the second shaft 940 can rotate with respect to the fourth rotation axis C4.

[0148] According to one embodiment, one end of the third shaft 950 is rotatably disposed in a third mounting portion (or third shaft mounting portion) 917c provided on the rotation support bracket 910 of the first rotating support 901, and the other end of the third shaft 950 is rotatably disposed in a fifth shaft hole 971c provided in the first shaft support portion 971 of the gear bracket 970. One end of the third shaft 950 positioned at the third mounting portion 917c between the rotation support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920 is rotatably supported by the first rotation support 901. The third mounting portion 917c between the rotation support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920, and the fifth shaft hole 971c of the gear bracket 970 support the third shaft 950 so that the third shaft 950 can rotate with respect to the fifth rotation axis. One end of the fourth shaft 960 is rotatably disposed at a fourth mounting portion (or fourth shaft mounting portion) 917d provided on the rotation support bracket 910 of the first rotation support 901, and the other end of the fourth shaft 960 is rotatably disposed at a sixth shaft hole 971d provided in the first shaft support portion 971 of the gear bracket 970. One end of the fourth shaft 960 positioned at the fourth mounting portion 917d between the rotation support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920 is rotatably supported by the first rotation support 901. The fourth mounting portion 917d between the rotation support bracket 910 and the bracket cover 920, and the sixth shaft hole 971d of the gear bracket 970 support the fourth shaft 960 so that the fourth shaft 960 can rotate with respect to the sixth rotation axis. The fifth rotation axis of the third shaft 950 and the sixth rotation axis of the fourth shaft 960 may be parallel to the second rotation axis C2 of the first shaft 930 and the fourth rotation axis C4 of the second shaft 940.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the third shaft 950 includes a third circular gear 951. The third circular gear 951 is disposed between the first rotation support 901 and the first shaft support portion 971 of the gear bracket 970. The fourth shaft 960 includes a fourth circular gear 961. The fourth circular gear 961 is disposed between the first rotation support 901 and the first shaft support portion 971 of the gear bracket 970. The third shaft 950 and the fourth shaft 960 may be provided in substantially the same form. The third circular gear 951 meshes with the first circular gear 931 of the first shaft 930. The fourth circular gear 961 meshes with the second circular gear 941 of the second shaft 940. The third circular gear 951 and the fourth circular gear 961 mesh with each other.

[0150] The first circular gear 931, the second circular gear 941, the third circular gear 951, and the fourth circular gear 961 can be, for example, spur gears. When the second part 820 rotates with respect to the rotation axis of the first shaft 930 (for example, the second rotation axis C2), the first circular gear 931 of the first shaft 930 rotates in the same direction as the second part 820. When the fourth part 840 rotates with respect to the rotation axis of the second shaft 940 (for example, the fourth rotation axis C4), the second circular gear 941 of the second shaft 940 rotates in the same direction as the fourth part 840. When the first circular gear 931 rotates in the first direction and the second circular gear 941 rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the third circular gear 951 and the fourth circular gear 961 contribute to the transmission of the force (for example, the rotational force) between the first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941 and the balance of the forces.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 16, the second rotation axis C2 of the first circular gear 931 and the fourth rotation axis C4 of the second circular gear 941 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941 can be substantially in the same form. The first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941 have, for example, the same number of teeth. The fifth rotation axis C5 of the third circular gear 951 and the sixth rotation axis C6 of the fourth circular gear 961 are located substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The third circular gear 951 and the fourth circular gear 961 can be substantially in the same form. The third circular gear 951 and the fourth circular gear 961 have, for example, the same number of teeth. According to one embodiment, the third circular gear 951 and the fourth circular gear 961 may be substantially in the same form as the first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941. The first circular gear 931, the second circular gear 941, the third circular gear 951, and the fourth circular gear 961 may have, for example, the same number of teeth.

[0152] According to various embodiments, the third circular gear 951 and the fourth circular gear 961 may be gears of sizes different from those of the first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941. The third circular gear 951 and the fourth circular gear 961 may have, for example, fewer teeth than the first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941 as gears smaller than the first circular gear 9311 and the second circular gear 941. As another example, the third circular gear 951 and the fourth circular gear 961 may have more teeth than the first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941 as gears larger than the first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941. According to one embodiment, a virtual first straight line 1601 passing through the second rotation axis C2 of the first circular gear 931 and the fourth rotation axis C4 of the second circular gear 941 is positioned at a distance from a virtual second straight line 1602 passing through the fifth rotation axis C5 of the third circular gear 951 and the sixth rotation axis C6 of the fourth circular gear 941, and is substantially parallel to the virtual second straight line 1602. The second straight line 1602 is positioned closer to the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) than the first straight line 1601. In various embodiments, the first circular gear 931, the second circular gear 941, the third circular gear 951, and the fourth circular gear 961 may also be arranged such that the first straight line 1601 and the second straight line 1602 substantially coincide.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first circular gear 931, the second circular gear 941, the third circular gear 951, and the fourth circular gear 961 may be covered by the bracket cover 920 of the first rotation support 901 and may not be substantially visible. According to various embodiments, the bracket cover 920 includes an opening in which a part of the first circular gear 931 is disposed (or inserted) and an opening in which a part of the second circular gear 941 is disposed (or inserted). The openings in the bracket cover 920 prevent the bracket cover 920 from interfering with the first circular gear 931 and the second circular gear 941. The openings in the bracket cover 920 contribute to slimming down the first hinge module 5A.

[0154] According to various embodiments, a part that does not mesh with the third circular gear 951 can be omitted in response to a change in the state of the electronic device 2 (e.g., a conversion between the unfolded state of FIG. 2 and the folded state of FIG. 3) among the teeth included in the first circular gear 931. A part that does not mesh with the fourth circular gear 961 can be omitted in response to a change in the state of the electronic device 2 among the teeth included in the second circular gear 941.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the cam 980 includes a first cam (or first cam gear) 981 corresponding to the first shaft connection portion 821 of the second portion 820 and a second cam (or second cam gear) 982 corresponding to the second shaft connection portion 822 of the second portion 820. The first cam 981 and the second cam 982 include a shaft hole through which the first shaft 930 is disposed, and are disposed between the first shaft connection portion 821 and the second shaft connection portion 822. The first cam 981 includes a concavo-convex first tooth surface facing the first shaft connection portion 821, and the first shaft connection portion 821 includes a concavo-convex second tooth surface 821a facing the first tooth surface. The second cam 982 includes a concavo-convex third tooth surface facing the second shaft connection portion 822, and the second shaft connection portion 822 includes a concavo-convex fourth tooth surface 822a facing the third tooth surface.

[0156] According to an embodiment, the cam 980 includes a third cam (or third cam gear) 983 corresponding to the third shaft connecting portion 841 of the fourth portion 840 and a fourth cam (or fourth cam gear) 984 corresponding to the fourth shaft connecting portion 842 of the fourth portion 840. The third cam 983 and the fourth cam 984 include a shaft hole through which the second shaft 940 is disposed, and are disposed between the third shaft connecting portion 841 and the fourth shaft connecting portion 842. The third cam 983 includes a concavo-convex fifth tooth surface facing the third shaft connecting portion 841, and the third shaft connecting portion 841 includes a concavo-convex sixth tooth surface 841a facing the fifth tooth surface. The fourth cam 984 includes a concavo-convex seventh tooth surface facing the fourth shaft connecting portion 842, and the fourth shaft connecting portion 842 includes a concavo-convex eighth tooth surface 842A facing the seventh tooth surface.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the cam 980 includes a first cam structure (or first cam portion) including the first cam 981 and the third cam 983, and a second cam structure (or second cam portion) including the second cam 982 and the fourth cam 984. The first shaft 930 and the second shaft 940 are disposed through the first cam structure and the second cam structure. A plurality of springs (for example, compression springs) 990 are disposed between the first cam structure and the second cam structure. The cam 980 includes a connecting structure (or connecting portion) connecting the first cam structure and the second cam structure. The connecting structure enables a relative positional change between the first cam structure and the second cam structure in the direction of the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 while connecting the first cam structure and the second cam structure. The plurality of springs 990 are supported by the connecting structure between the first cam structure and the second cam structure and are stably disposed on the first cam structure and the second cam structure.

[0158] By the plurality of springs 990, the first cam 981 elastically presses the first shaft connecting portion 821 of the second portion 820, and the second cam 982 elastically presses the second shaft connecting portion 822 of the second portion 820. By means of a plurality of springs 990, the third cam 983 elastically presses the third shaft connecting portion 841 of the fourth portion 840, and the fourth cam 984 elastically presses the fourth shaft connecting portion 842 of the fourth portion 840. According to one embodiment, the plurality of springs 990 includes a first spring, a second spring, a third spring, and / or a fourth spring. The first shaft 930 is disposed through the first spring. The second shaft 940 is disposed through the second spring. The third spring and the fourth spring are disposed between the first spring and the second spring.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the actuator 900 has a function of providing a force such that the second portion 820 and the fourth portion 840 can rotate relative to each other. The actuator 900 has a function of enabling the second portion 820 and the fourth portion 840 to rotate in opposite directions by the same angle. The actuator 900 has a function (e.g., a free stop function) of enabling the second portion 820 and the fourth portion 840 to rotate and be maintained at at least one specified angle.

[0160] Through the interaction between a plurality of circular gears (931, 941, 951, 961), the interaction between the first tooth surface of the first cam 981 and the second tooth surface 821a of the first shaft connecting portion 821 by utilizing the elasticity of the plurality of springs 990, the interaction between the third tooth surface of the second cam 982 and the fourth tooth surface 822a of the second shaft connecting portion 822 by utilizing the elasticity of the plurality of springs 990, the interaction between the fifth tooth surface of the third cam 983 and the sixth tooth surface 841a of the third shaft connecting portion 841 by utilizing the elasticity of the plurality of springs 990, and the interaction between the seventh tooth surface of the fourth cam 984 and the eighth tooth surface 842a of the fourth shaft connecting portion 842 by utilizing the elasticity of the plurality of springs 990, the above-described functions of the actuator 900 are provided. The first part 810 and the second part 820 are slidably connected to the first bracket 51A fixed to the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4), and the third part 830 and the fourth part 840 are slidably connected to the second bracket 52A fixed to the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the above-described functions of the actuator 900 are substantially provided for the relative rotational movement between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221.

[0161] According to an embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis C1 of the first part 810 (for example, the y-axis direction), the first part 810 and the first bracket 51A are slidably connected to each other in a first linear direction (LD1). When viewed from the direction of the second rotation axis C2 of the second part 820 (for example, the y-axis direction), the second part 820 and the first bracket 51A are slidably connected to each other in a second linear direction (LD2) different from the first linear direction (LD1). According to an embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the third rotation axis C3 of the third part 830 (for example, the y-axis direction), the third part 830 and the second bracket 52A are slidably connected to each other in a third linear direction (LD3). When viewed from the direction of the fourth rotation axis C4 of the fourth part 840 (for example, the y-axis direction), the fourth part 840 and the second bracket 52A are slidably connected to each other in a fourth linear direction (LD4) different from the third linear direction (LD3).

[0162] The first linear direction (LD1) in which the first part 810 slides relative to the first bracket 51A and the third linear direction (LD3) in which the third part 830 slides relative to the second bracket 52A are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The second linear direction (LD2) in which the second part 820 slides relative to the first bracket 51A and the fourth linear direction (LD4) in which the fourth part 840 slides relative to the second bracket 52A are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). When the angle between the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) and the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) changes due to the combination of the first rotation axis C1, the second rotation axis C2, the third rotation axis C3, and the fourth rotation axis C4, the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 linearly move with respect to the first bracket 51A while rotating with respect to the actuator 900, and the third portion 830 and the fourth portion 840 linearly move with respect to the second bracket 52A while rotating with respect to the actuator 900.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the first linear direction (LD1) in which the first bracket 51A and the first portion 810 slide relative to each other is provided such that when the angle between the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) and the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) changes and the first portion 810 rotates about the first rotation axis C1, the first bracket 51A and the first portion 810 can slide relative to each other smoothly while reducing mutual interference (e.g., frictional resistance). Frictional resistance is, for example, a force that hinders motion at the contact surface when two objects slide relative to each other. The third linear direction (LD3) in which the second bracket 52A and the third portion 830 slide relative to each other is provided such that when the angle between the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) and the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) changes and the third portion 830 rotates about the third rotation axis C3, the second bracket 52A and the third portion 830 can slide relative to each other smoothly while reducing mutual interference (e.g., frictional resistance).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the second linear direction (LD2) in which the first bracket 51A and the second portion 820 slide relative to each other is provided such that when the angle between the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) and the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) changes and the second portion 820 rotates about the second rotation axis C2, the first bracket 51A and the second portion 820 can slide relative to each other smoothly while reducing mutual interference (e.g., frictional resistance). The fourth linear direction (LD4) in which the second bracket 52A and the fourth portion 840 slide relative to each other is provided such that when the fourth portion 840 rotates about the fourth rotation axis C4 while the angle between the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) and the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) changes, the second bracket 52A and the fourth portion 840 can slide relative to each other smoothly while reducing mutual interference (e.g., frictional resistance).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a first linear motion guide (e.g., the first linear motion guide (LMG1) in FIG. 6) such that the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A can slide relative to each other in a first linear direction (LD1) (e.g., relative linear motion). Via the first linear motion guide, the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A can slide relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1) softly and smoothly. The first hinge module 5A includes a third linear motion guide (e.g., the third linear motion guide (LMG3) in FIG. 6) such that the third portion 830 and the second bracket 52A can slide relative to each other in a third linear direction (LD3) (e.g., relative linear motion). Via the third linear motion guide, the third portion 830 and the second bracket 52A can slide relative to each other in the third linear direction (LD3) softly and smoothly.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the first linear motion guide (e.g., the first linear motion guide (LMG1) in FIG. 6) for the relative linear motion between the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A includes a first linear motion guide rail 1001 included in the first bracket 51A and a first linear motion slider 810B included in the first portion 810 corresponding to the first linear motion guide rail 1001. The first portion 810 is provided in an integral form including a first rotational motion slider 810A and a first linear motion slider 810B. The first linear motion slider 810B is disposed on the first linear motion guide rail 1001. As the first linear motion slider 810B moves guided by the first linear motion guide rail 1001, the first portion 810 moves in the first linear direction (LD1) with respect to the first bracket 51A.

[0167] The third linear motion guide for the linear motion between the third portion 830 and the second bracket 52A includes a third linear motion guide rail 1101 included in the second bracket 52A and a third linear motion slider 830B included in the third portion 830 corresponding to the third linear motion guide rail 1101. The third portion 830 is provided in an integrated form including a second rotary motion slider 830A and a third linear motion slider 830B. The third linear motion slider 830B is disposed on the third linear motion guide rail 1101. As the third linear motion slider 830B moves guided by the third linear motion guide rail 1101, the third portion 830 moves in the third linear direction (LD3) with respect to the second bracket 52A.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the first linear motion guide including the first linear motion slider 810B and the first linear motion guide rail 1001 (e.g., the first linear motion guide (LMG1) in FIG. 6) performs the linear motion of the first portion 810 with respect to the first bracket 51A fixed to the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4), but may substantially make it difficult for the first portion 810 to rotate with respect to the first bracket 51A. The third linear motion guide including the third linear motion slider 830B and the third linear motion guide rail 1101 (e.g., the third linear motion guide (LMG3) in FIG. 6) performs the linear motion of the third portion 830 with respect to the second bracket 52A fixed to the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4), but may substantially make it difficult for the third portion 830 to rotate with respect to the second bracket 52A. The first linear motion guide and the third linear motion guide are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0169] According to an embodiment, the first linear motion guide rail 1001 of the first bracket 51A includes a first opening 1001A. The first linear motion slider 810B of the first portion 810 is disposed in the first opening 1001A. Depending on the position where the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A slide relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1), the degree to which the first linear motion slider 810B is inserted into the first opening 1001A changes. The first linear motion slider 810B is provided in a fitting form in the first opening 1001A. The first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A can be stably slid relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1) by the combination of the first linear motion slider 810B and the first opening 1001A. The combination of the first linear motion slider 810B and the first opening 1001A enables linear motion between the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A, but may substantially make rotational motion between the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A difficult.

[0170] According to an embodiment, the first linear motion slider 810B of the first portion 810 includes a plurality of first recesses (R11, R12, R13, R14). The first linear motion guide rail 1001 of the first bracket 51A includes a plurality of first inserts (I11, I12, I13, I14) arranged (or inserted) in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first recesses (R11, R12, R13, R14). The plurality of first recesses (R11, R12, R13, R14) provide a path extending in the first linear direction (LD1) in which the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A slide relative to each other when viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis C1 of the first portion 810 (for example, the y-axis direction). When viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis C1 of the first part 810 (for example, the y-axis direction), the plurality of first inserts (I11, I12, I13, I14) are extended in a first linear direction (LD1) in which the first part 810 and the first bracket 51A slide relative to each other.

[0171] When the angle between the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) to which the first bracket 51A is fixed and the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) to which the second bracket 52A is fixed changes, the plurality of first inserts (I11, I12, I13, I14) and the plurality of first recessed guides (R11, R12, R13, R14) are mutually guided in the first linear direction (LD1), and the relative positions between the plurality of first inserts (I11, I12, I13, I14) and the plurality of first recesses (R11, R12, R13, R14) change. The first linear motion guide rail 1001 of the first linear motion slider 810B and the first bracket 51A can be stably connected to slide relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1) by a combination (for example, a sliding pair) of the plurality of first recesses (R11, R12, R13, R14) and the plurality of first inserts (I11, I12, I13, I14). The combination of the plurality of first recesses (R11, R12, R13, R14) and the plurality of first inserts (I11, I12, I13, I14) performs a linear motion between the first part 810 and the first bracket 51A, but may substantially make it difficult to perform a relative rotational motion between the first part 810 and the first bracket 51A. In one embodiment, the first linear motion guide rail 1001 of the first bracket 51A includes at least one recess, and the first linear motion slider 810B of the first part 810 includes at least one insert arranged (or inserted) corresponding to the at least one recess.

[0172] According to an embodiment, a third linear motion guide (e.g., the third linear motion guide (LMG3) in FIG. 6) including a third linear motion slider 830B of the third portion 830 and a third linear motion guide rail 1101 of the second bracket 52A is provided substantially symmetrically with respect to a center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 and a first linear motion guide (e.g., the first linear motion guide LMG1 in FIG. 6) including a first linear motion slider 810B of the first portion 810 and a first linear motion guide rail 1001 of the first bracket 51A. The third linear motion guide includes, for example, a third linear motion slider 830B included in the third portion 830 and a third linear motion guide rail 1101 included in the second bracket 52A. The third linear motion guide rail 1101 includes a second opening 1101A, and the third linear motion slider 830B is disposed in the second opening 1101A. The third linear motion slider 830B includes a plurality of second recesses (R31, R32, R33, R34). The third linear motion guide rail 1101 includes a plurality of second inserts (I31, I32, I33, I34) arranged (or inserted) in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of second recesses (R31, R32, R33, R34).

[0173] According to an embodiment, a second linear motion guide (e.g., the second linear motion guide (LMG2) in FIG. 6) that enables mutual linear motion between the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A in a second linear direction (LD2) includes a pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) included in the second portion 820 and a second linear motion guide rail 1002 included in the first bracket 51A. The second portion 820 is provided in an integrated form including a first shaft connecting portion 821, a second shaft connecting portion 822, and a pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B). The pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) and the second linear motion guide rail 1002 are connected to be slidable relative to each other in the second linear direction (LD2). The second linear motion guide including a pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) and a second linear motion guide rail 1002 performs linear motion of the second part 820 with respect to the first bracket 51A fixed to the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4), but may substantially make it difficult to perform rotational motion of the second part 820 with respect to the first bracket 51A.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the first bracket 51A includes a fifth part 1010 including the first linear motion guide rail 1001, and a sixth part 1020 coupled to the fifth part 1010. The fifth part 1010 includes a support portion 1011 extended from the first linear motion guide rail 1001 corresponding to the second part 820. The second linear motion guide rail 1002 of the first bracket 51A is provided by a combination of the support portion 1011 of the fifth part 1010 and the sixth part 1020. The support portion 1011 of the fifth part 1010 is coupled to the sixth part 1020 via screw fastening. According to one embodiment, the support portion 1011 of the fifth part 1010 is coupled to the first support portion 411 (see FIG. 4) of the first frame 211 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the support portion 1011 of the fifth part 1010 includes screw holes (1012, 1013), and the first support portion 411 (see FIG. 4) of the first frame 211 includes screw fastening portions (for example, bosses) aligned one-to-one with the screw holes (1012, 1013).

[0175] According to one embodiment, at least a part of the sixth part 1020 is located between the support portion 1011 of the fifth part 1010 and the first support portion 411 (see FIG. 4) of the first frame 211. The sixth part 1020 is coupled to the support portion 1011 of the fifth part 1010 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the support portion 1011 of the fifth part 1010 includes a screw hole 1014, and the sixth part 1020 includes a screw fastening portion 1024 aligned with the screw hole 1014. The support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 and the sixth portion 1020 are coupled to the first support portion 411 (see FIG. 4) of the first frame 211 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the support portion 411 (see FIG. 4) of the fifth portion 1010 includes screw holes (1015, 1016), and the sixth portion 1020 includes screw holes (1025, 1026) that are aligned one-to-one with and corresponding to the screw holes (1015, 1016). The first support portion 411 (see FIG. 4) of the first frame 211 includes screw fastening portions that are aligned one-to-one with and corresponding to the screw holes (1025, 1026) of the sixth portion 1020.

[0176] According to one embodiment, a pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) of the second portion 820 are inserted between the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 and the sixth portion 1020. By the combination of the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 and the sixth portion 1020, the space provided between the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 and the sixth portion 1020 is configured to guide the movement of a pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) with respect to the first bracket 51A. Depending on the position where the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A are mutually slid in the second linear direction (LD2), the degree to which a pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) are inserted into the space between the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 and the sixth portion 1020 varies. The second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A are configured to be mutually stably slidable in the second linear direction (LD2) by the combination of a pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B), the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010, and the sixth portion 1020. The combination of a pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B), the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010, and the sixth portion 1020 performs a mutual linear motion between the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A, but may substantially make it difficult for a mutual rotational motion to occur between the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the space between the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 and the sixth portion 1020 provides a path extending in a second linear direction (LD2) in which the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A can slide relative to each other when viewed in the direction of the second rotation axis C2 of the second portion 820. A pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) are in a form extending in a second linear direction (LD2) in which the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A can slide relative to each other when viewed in the direction of the second rotation axis C2 of the second portion 820. In one embodiment, the sixth portion 1020 includes a first side 1020a, a second side 1020b, and / or a bottom 1020c. The first side 1020a and the second side 1020b are spaced apart in the direction of the second rotation axis C2, and the bottom 1020c is a portion connecting the first side 1020a and the second side 1020b within the sixth portion 1020.

[0178] The bottom 1020c can be plate-shaped and faces the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010. The bottom 1020c includes a screw fastening portion 1024 and screw holes (1025, 1026). The first side 1020a and the second side 1020b support the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 and the bottom 1020c so as to provide a spaced space between the bottom 1020c and the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010. In one embodiment, the screw fastening portion 1023 is provided in a protruding form to support the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 corresponding to the screw hole 1014 included in the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010, and together with the first side 1020a and the second side 1020b, contributes to the stable arrangement of the sixth portion 1020 on the fifth portion 1010.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the support portion 1011 of the fifth portion 1010 includes a first protrusion P1 and a second protrusion P2 protruding toward the bottom 1020c of the sixth portion 1020. The bottom 1020c of the sixth portion 1020 includes a first hole H1 provided corresponding to the first protrusion P1 and a second hole H2 provided corresponding to the second protrusion P1. The end of the first protrusion P1 fits into the first hole H1, and the end of the second protrusion P2 fits into the second hole H2. One second linear motion slider 820A included in the second portion 820 includes a first slit SL1 through which the first protrusion P1 is disposed. The remaining second linear motion slider 820B included in the second portion 820 includes a second slit SL2 through which the second protrusion P2 is disposed.

[0180] The first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2 extend in a second linear direction (LD2) in which the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A slide relative to each other. Depending on the position where the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A slide relative to each other in the second linear direction (LD2), the relative position of the first protrusion P1 with respect to the first slit SL1 and the relative position of the second protrusion P2 with respect to the second slit SL2 change. According to one embodiment, due to the interference between the first protrusion P1 and the inner surface of one side of the first slit SL1 and the interference between the second protrusion P2 and the inner surface of one side of the second slit SL2, the distance that the pair of second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) of the second portion 820 move in the direction pulled out from the first bracket 51A is limited, and the connection between the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A is maintained.

[0181] According to an embodiment, a fourth linear motion guide (e.g., the fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) in FIG. 6) that enables the fourth part 840 and the second bracket 52A to perform linear motion relative to each other in a fourth linear direction (LD4) is provided substantially symmetrically to a second linear motion guide (e.g., the second linear motion guide (LMG2) in FIG. 6) that enables the second part 820 and the first bracket 51A to perform linear motion relative to each other in a second linear direction (LD2) with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The fourth linear motion guide includes, for example, a pair of fourth linear motion sliders (840A, 840B) included in the fourth part 840, and a fourth linear motion guide rail 1102 included in the second bracket 52A. The second bracket 52A includes a seventh part 1110 that includes a second linear motion guide rail 1101, and an eighth part 1120 coupled to the seventh part 1110. The seventh part 1110 includes a support part 1111 extended from the third linear motion guide rail 1101 corresponding to the fourth part 840.

[0182] The fourth linear motion guide rail 1102 of the second bracket 52A is provided by a combination of the support part 1111 of the seventh part 1110 and the eighth part 1120. The seventh part 1110 includes a plurality of screw holes (1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116). The eighth part 1120 includes a screw fastening part 1124 and screw holes (1125, 1126). Each of the pair of fourth linear motion sliders (840A, 840B) of the fourth part 840 includes a third slit SL3 and a fourth slit SL4, and the support part 1111 of the seventh part 1110 includes a third protrusion P3 corresponding to the third slit SL3 and a fourth protrusion P4 corresponding to the fourth slit SL4. The eighth part 11120 includes a third hole H3 corresponding to the third protrusion P3 and a fourth hole H4 corresponding to the fourth protrusion P4.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the first plate 61 (see FIG. 4) is coupled to the first linear motion slider 810B of the first portion 810 via screw fastening. The first linear motion slider 810B includes a first screw fastening portion B11 aligned corresponding to the first screw hole SH11 (see FIG. 4) of the first plate 61. According to one embodiment, the second plate 62 (see FIG. 4) is coupled to the third linear motion slider 830B of the third portion 830 via screw fastening. The third linear motion slider 830B includes a second screw fastening portion B12 aligned corresponding to the second screw hole SH12 (see FIG. 4) of the second plate 62.

[0184] According to various embodiments, the first portion 810 may be referred to as a 'first rotator', and the third portion 830 may be referred to as a'second rotator'. The second portion 820 may be referred to as a 'first hinge arm' or 'first arm', and the fourth portion 840 may be referred to as a'second hinge arm' or'second arm'.

[0185] According to various embodiments, in order to reduce the frictional force, loss of motion transmission, or loss of force transmission between certain two components included in the first hinge module 5A, a lubricant (e.g., grease) may be disposed (e.g., applied) between the components. In various embodiments, in order to reduce the frictional force, loss of motion transmission, or loss of force transmission between components, the surfaces of the components may be provided as a lubricating coating (e.g., a coating using various lubricating substances such as teflon). According to various embodiments, the components included in the first hinge module 5A may be formed of a material (e.g., metal or engineering plastic) having rigidity or endurance that is not substantially deformed corresponding to the force acting on the mutual rotational movement between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

[0186] FIG. 17 is a perspective view 1701 of a hinge part 1700 and a view 1702 showing the hinge part 1700 in a deployed state (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is a view 1801 showing a first hinge module 5A, a cross-sectional view 1802 of the first hinge module 5A cut along line D-D', and a cross-sectional view 1803 of the first hinge module 5A cut along line E-E' in a deployed state (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a perspective view 1901 of a hinge part 1700 and a view 1902 showing the hinge part 1700 in a closed state (see FIG. 3) of the electronic device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a view 2001 showing a first hinge module 5A, a cross-sectional view 2002 of the first hinge module 5A cut along line F-F', and a cross-sectional view 2003 of the first hinge module 5A cut along line E-E' in a closed state (see FIG. 3) of the electronic device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 21 is a view 2101 showing a first hinge module 5A, a cross-sectional view 2102 of the first hinge module 5A cut along line H-H', and a cross-sectional view 2103 of the first hinge module 5A cut along line I-I' in an intermediate state of the electronic device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a view 2201 showing the electronic device 2 in a deployed state, a view 2202 showing the electronic device 2 in an intermediate state, and a view 2203 showing the electronic device 2 in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, when the electronic device 2 is switched between the deployed state and the folded state, there are a rotational movement of a first portion 810 about a first rotation axis C1, a linear movement between the first portion 810 and a first bracket 51A, a rotational movement of a second portion 820 about a second rotation axis C2, and a linear movement between the second portion 820 and the first bracket 51A. When the electronic device 2 is switched between the deployed state and the folded state, there are a rotational movement of a third portion 830 about a third rotation axis C3, a linear movement between the third portion 830 and a second bracket 52A, a rotational movement of a fourth portion 840 about a fourth rotation axis C4, and a linear movement between the fourth portion 840 and the second bracket 52A.

[0188] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are located further away from the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) to which the first bracket 51A is fixed, as compared with the unfolded state of the electronic device 2. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first portion 810 to which the first plate 61 is fixed retreats with respect to the first bracket 51A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display area (round number 3) of the flexible display module 24. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 are located further away from the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) to which the second bracket 52A is fixed, as compared with the unfolded state of the electronic device 2. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third portion 830 to which the second plate 62 is fixed retreats with respect to the second bracket 52A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display area (round number 3) of the flexible display module 24. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first surface 61A of the first plate 61 and the second surface 62A of the second plate 62 face each other and are spaced apart.

[0189] When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, due to the retreat of the first portion 810 with respect to the first bracket 51A and the retreat of the third portion 830 with respect to the second bracket 52A, the spatial width in the first direction 2311 (for example, the first direction 611 in FIG. 6) between the first surface 61A of the first plate 61 and the second surface 62A of the second plate 62 is provided so that the third display area (round number 3) can be arranged in a bent shape capable of reducing bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, the first frame 211 in which the first display area (circled number 1) is disposed moves away from the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2, and the third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 move away from the second frame 221 in which the second display area (circled number 2) is disposed. The fact that the bracket connecting portion 53A is located away in the second direction 2312 (for example, the second direction 612 in FIG. 6) perpendicular to the first direction 2311 is due to the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, due to the fact that the actuator 900 is located away in the second direction 2312 from the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other, the spatial width in the second direction 2312 is such that the third display area (circled number 3) is arranged in a bent shape capable of reducing bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0190] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, due to the fact that the actuator 900 is located away in the second direction 2312 from the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other, the hinge housing 23 coupled to the actuator 900 is exposed to the outside through the open gap between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 while reducing the gap with the first housing 21 and the gap with the second housing 22, as shown in FIG. 3. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the folded state to the deployed state, due to the relative positional change between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 and the first hinge module 5A that operates correspondingly, the first surface 61A of the first plate 61 and the second surface 62A of the second plate 62 are positioned to support the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0191] FIG. 23 is a view 2301 showing the first hinge module 245A in the deployed state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2) according to various embodiments of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view 2302 of the first hinge module 245A cut along the line J-J', FIG. 24 is a view 2401 showing the hinge portion 2500 in the deployed state of the electronic device 2 according to various embodiments of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view 2402 of the hinge portion 2500 cut along the line K-K', FIG. 25 is a view 2501 showing the first hinge module 245A in the folded state of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2) according to various embodiments of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view 2502 of the first hinge module 245A cut along the line L-L', and FIG. 26 is a view 2601 showing the deployed state of the electronic device 2 according to various embodiments of the present invention, and a view 2602 showing the folded state of the electronic device 2.

[0192] Referring to FIGS. 23, 24, 25, and 26, the first hinge module 245A includes a first portion 24810, a second portion 820, a third portion 24830, a fourth portion 840, an actuator 900, a first bracket 2451A, a second bracket 2452A, a first connecting portion 2410, and / or a second connecting portion 2420. The first hinge module 5A according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 can be replaced with the first hinge module 245A according to the embodiment of FIG. 24. The second hinge module 5B or the third hinge module 5C according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 can be provided substantially the same as the first hinge module 245A according to the embodiment of FIG. 24.

[0193] The first hinge module 245A further includes a first connecting portion 2410 and a second connecting portion 2420 as compared with the first hinge module 5A according to the embodiment of FIG. 8. The first portion 24810 and the first bracket 2451A of the first hinge module 245A can be a deformed form of the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 corresponding to the first connecting portion 2410. The third part 24830 of the first hinge module 245A and the second bracket 2452A may be a modified form of the third part 830 and the second bracket 52A according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 corresponding to the second connecting part 2420. The first part 24810 and the third part 2843 are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The first bracket 2451A and the second bracket 2452A are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0194] According to an embodiment, the first part 24810 is rotatably connected to the actuator 900 with respect to the first rotation axis C1. The third part 24830 is rotatably connected to the actuator 900 with respect to the third rotation axis C3. The second part 820 is rotatably connected to the actuator 900 with respect to the second rotation axis C2. The fourth part 840 is rotatably connected to the actuator 900 with respect to the fourth rotation axis C4. The first bracket 2451A is coupled to the first support portion 411 of the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) via screw fastening. The second bracket 2451B) is coupled to the second support portion 421 of the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) via screw fastening.

[0195] The first part 24810 is slidably continuous with the first bracket 2451A so as to be linearly movable in a first linear direction with respect to the first bracket 2451A. The second part 820 is slidably connected to the first bracket 2451A so as to be linearly movable in a second linear direction with respect to the first bracket 2451A. The third part 24830 is connected to the second bracket 2452A so as to be linearly movable in a third linear direction with respect to the second bracket 2452A. The fourth part 840 is slidably connected to the second bracket 2452A so as to be linearly movable in a fourth linear direction with respect to the second bracket 2452A.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the first connecting portion 2410 connects the first bracket 2451A and the first portion 24810. The first connecting portion 2410 includes a pin hole, and the first pin 2411 is disposed through the pin hole. One end of the first pin 2411 is disposed on a first pin support portion provided on the first bracket 2451A, and the other end of the first pin 2411 is disposed on a second pin support portion provided on the first bracket 2451A. The first connecting portion 2410 rotates with respect to the first bracket 2451A with reference to the first pin 2411. The rotation axis of the first pin 2411 connecting the first connecting portion 2410 and the first bracket 2451A is substantially parallel to the first rotation axis C1. The first connecting portion 2410 includes a second pin 2412 that is parallel to the first pin 2411 and spaced apart from the first pin 2411. The first portion 810 includes a first pin rail PR12 in a recess form corresponding to the second pin 2412. The second pin 2412 is inserted into the first pin rail PR12.

[0197] When converting between the deployed state (see FIG. 2) and the folded state (see FIG. 3) of the electronic device 2, the first portion 24810 moves in a first linear direction with respect to the first bracket 2451A, and the first connecting portion 24810 rotates with reference to the first pin 2411 due to the interaction between the second pin 2412 and the first pin rail PR12. When converting between the deployed state and the folded state of the electronic device 2, the position of the second pin 2412 with respect to the first pin rail PR12 changes corresponding to the linear movement of the first portion 24810 with respect to the first bracket 2451A.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the second connecting portion 2420 connects the second bracket 2452A and the second portion 24820. The second connecting portion 2420 is provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the first connecting portion 2410 with reference to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device 2. The second connecting portion 2420 includes a pinhole, and the third pin 2421 is disposed through the pinhole. One end of the third pin 2421 is disposed at a third pin support portion provided on the second bracket 2452A, and the other end of the third pin 2421 is disposed at a fourth pin support portion provided on the second bracket 2452A. The second connecting portion 2420 rotates with respect to the second bracket 2452A with the third pin 2421 as a reference. The rotation axis of the third pin 2421 that connects the second connecting portion 2420 and the second bracket 2452A is substantially parallel to the third rotation axis C3. The second connecting portion 2420 includes a fourth pin 2422 that is parallel to the third pin 2421 and spaced apart from the third pin 2421. The second portion 820 includes a second pin rail PR22 in a recess form corresponding to the fourth pin 2422. The fourth pin 2422 is inserted into the second pin rail PR22.

[0199] When converting between the deployed state (see FIG. 2) and the folded state (see FIG. 3) of the electronic device 2, the third portion 24830 moves in the third linear direction with respect to the second bracket 2452A, and the second connecting portion 24820 rotates with the third pin 2421 as a reference due to the interaction between the fourth pin 2422 and the second pin rail PR22. When converting between the deployed state and the folded state of the electronic device 2, the position of the fourth pin 2422 with respect to the second pin rail PR22 changes corresponding to the linear movement of the third portion 24830 with respect to the second bracket 2452A.

[0200] According to an embodiment, the first plate 2561 is coupled to the first connecting portion 2410 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the first plate 2561 includes screw holes 2561a, and the first connecting portion 2410 includes screw fastening portions 2415 aligned corresponding to the screw holes 2561a. According to an embodiment, the second plate 2562 is coupled to the second connecting portion 2420 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the second plate 2562 includes screw holes 2562a, and the second connecting portion 2420 includes screw fastening portions 2425 aligned corresponding to the screw holes 2562a.

[0201] According to an embodiment, during the conversion between the deployed state (see FIG. 2) and the folded state (see FIG. 3) of the electronic device 2, the rotational movement of the first portion 24810 with respect to the first rotation axis C1, the linear movement between the first portion 24810 and the first bracket 2451A, the rotational movement of the second portion 820 with respect to the second rotation axis C2, the linear movement between the second portion 820 and the first bracket 2451A, and the movement of the first connecting portion 2410 connecting the first portion 24810 and the first bracket 2451A occur. During the conversion between the deployed state and the folded state of the electronic device 2, the rotational movement of the third portion 24830 with respect to the third rotation axis C3, the linear movement between the third portion 24830 and the second bracket 2452A, the rotational movement of the fourth portion 840 with respect to the fourth rotation axis C4, the linear movement between the fourth portion 840 and the second bracket 2452A, and the movement of the second connecting portion 2420 connecting the third portion 24830 and the second bracket 2452A occur.

[0202] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are positioned further away from the first frame 211 (see FIG. 4) to which the first bracket 2451A is fixed as compared to the deployed state of the electronic device 2. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the deployed state to the folded state, the first portion 24810 to which the first plate 2561 is fixed retreats with respect to the first bracket 2451A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display region (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 are located farther away from the second frame 221 (see FIG. 4) to which the second bracket 2452A is fixed, as compared with the unfolded state of the electronic device 2. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third portion 24830 to which the second plate 2562 is fixed retreats with respect to the second bracket 2452A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display region (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first plate 2561 and the second plate 62 are positioned facing each other and separated from each other.

[0203] When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, due to the retreat of the first portion 24810 with respect to the first bracket 2451A and the movement of the first connecting portion 2410 that connects the first portion 24810 and the first bracket 2451A, the first plate 2561 coupled to the first connecting portion 2410 is inclined with respect to the first bracket 2451A so as not to interfere with the third display region (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24, as compared with the unfolded state of the electronic device 2. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, due to the retreat of the third portion 24830 with respect to the second bracket 2452A and the movement of the second connecting portion 2420 that connects the third portion 24830 and the second bracket 2452A, the second plate 2562 coupled to the second connecting portion 2420 is inclined with respect to the second bracket 2452A so as not to interfere with the third display region (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24, as compared with the unfolded state of the electronic device 2. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the spatial width in the first direction 2711 between the first plate 2561 and the second plate 2562 is provided such that the third display region (circled number 3) can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0204] In the folded state of the electronic device 2, the space between the first plate 2561 and the second plate 2562 is provided in a form that extends toward the actuator 900. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 move away from the first frame 211 where the first display area (round number 1) is disposed, and the third rotation axis C3 and the fourth rotation axis C4 move away from the second frame 221 where the second display area (round number 2) is disposed. This means that, due to the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other, the actuator 900 is located away in the second direction 2712 perpendicular to the first direction 2711. When the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, due to the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other and the actuator 900 is located away in the second direction 2712, the space width in the second direction 2712 is provided such that the third display area (round number 3) of the flexible display module 24 is arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0205] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, due to the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other and the actuator 900 is located away in the second direction 2712, the hinge housing 23 coupled to the actuator 900 is exposed to the outside through the opened gap between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 while reducing the gap with the first housing 21 and the gap with the second housing 22, as shown in FIG. 3. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 2 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, due to the relative positional change between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 and the first hinge module 245A that operates correspondingly, the first plate 2561 and the second plate 2562 are positioned to support the third display area (round number 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0206] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 2 in FIG. 2) includes a first housing (e.g., the first housing 21 in FIG. 2) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing 22 in FIG. 2). The electronic device includes a hinge module (e.g., the first hinge module 5A in FIG. 8) that connects the first housing and the second housing. The hinge module includes a first portion (e.g., the first portion 810 in FIG. 8) configured to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (e.g., the first rotation axis C1 in FIG. 9). The hinge module includes a second portion (e.g., the second portion 820 in FIG. 8) configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis (e.g., the second rotation axis C2 in FIG. 9). The second rotation axis is parallel to the first rotation axis and is spaced apart from the first rotation axis.

[0207] The hinge module includes a first bracket (e.g., the first bracket 51A in FIG. 8) connected to the first portion and the second portion. The first bracket is fixed to the first housing. The first portion and the first bracket are continuously slidable relative to each other in a first linear direction. The second portion and the first bracket are continuously slidable relative to each other in a second linear direction different from the first linear direction. When the angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, the first portion and the first bracket slide relative to each other, and the second portion and the first bracket slide relative to each other.

[0208] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a flexible display module 24. The flexible display module includes a third display area disposed corresponding to the hinge module, a first display area extending from the third display area and disposed on the first housing, and a second display area extending from the third display area and disposed on the second housing. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a first plate coupled to a first portion corresponding to one side region of the third display region based on the center line of the electronic device.

[0209] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge module further includes a first connection part that connects the first bracket and the first portion. The electronic device further includes a first plate corresponding to one side region of the third display region and coupled to the first connection part based on the center line of the electronic device. The first connection part is rotatably coupled to the first bracket via a first pin parallel to the first rotation axis. The first connection part includes a second pin parallel to the first pin. The second pin is disposed on a first pin rail provided in the first portion.

[0210] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first linear direction and the second linear direction are perpendicular to the first rotation axis and form an acute angle with each other. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first portion includes a rotational movement slider disposed on a rotational movement guide rail included in the hinge module. The second rotation axis is provided by a combination of the rotational movement guide rail and the rotational movement slider. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second portion is coupled to a shaft included in the hinge module, and the second rotation axis is provided by the shaft. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge module includes an elastically supported cam gear, and the second portion is coupled to the cam gear corresponding to the first rotation axis.

[0211] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge module further includes a third portion configured to be rotatable about a third rotation axis. The hinge module further includes a fourth portion configured to be rotatable about a fourth rotation axis. The hinge module further includes a second bracket fixed to the second housing. The second bracket is connected to the third part and the fourth part. The third rotation axis is symmetrically located with respect to the first rotation axis based on the center line of the electronic device. The third part is provided symmetrically to the first part based on the center line of the electronic device. The fourth rotation axis is symmetrically located with respect to the second rotation axis based on the center line of the electronic device. The fourth part is provided symmetrically to the second part based on the center line of the electronic device. The third part and the second bracket are continuously slidable with respect to each other in a third linear direction that is symmetric to the first linear direction based on the center line of the electronic device. The fourth part and the second bracket are continuously slidable with respect to each other in a fourth linear direction that is symmetric to the second linear direction based on the center line of the electronic device. When the angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, the third part and the second bracket slide relative to each other, and the fourth part and the second bracket slide relative to each other.

[0212] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a flexible display module. The flexible display module includes a third display area arranged corresponding to the hinge module, a first display area extended from the third display area and arranged in the first housing, and a second display area extended from the third display area and arranged in the second housing. The electronic device further includes a first plate coupled to the first part corresponding to one side area of the third display area based on the center line of the electronic device. The electronic device further includes a second plate coupled to the third part corresponding to the other side area of the second display area based on the center line of the electronic device.

[0213] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a flexible display module. The flexible display module includes a third display area disposed corresponding to the hinge module, a first display area extending from the third display area and disposed in the first housing, and a second display area extending from the third display area and disposed in the second housing. The hinge module further includes a first connecting portion connecting the first bracket and the first part, and a second connecting portion connecting the second bracket and the third part. The electronic device further includes a first plate coupled to the first connecting portion corresponding to one side region of the third display area with reference to the center line of the electronic device, and a second plate coupled to the second connecting portion corresponding to the other side region of the third display area with reference to the center line of the electronic device. The first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first bracket via a first pin parallel to the first rotation axis. The first connecting portion includes a second pin parallel to the first pin, and the second pin is disposed on a first pin rail provided in the first part. The second connecting portion is rotatably continuous with the second bracket via a third pin parallel to the third rotation axis. The second connecting portion includes a fourth pin parallel to the third pin. The fourth pin is disposed on a second pin rail provided in the third part.

[0214] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge module further includes an actuator positioned corresponding to the center line of the electronic device. The first part is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the actuator based on the first rotation axis. The second part is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the actuator based on the second rotation axis. The third part is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the actuator based on the third rotation axis. The fourth part is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the actuator based on the fourth rotation axis. The actuator is coupled to the second part and includes a first shaft providing the second rotation axis. The actuator includes a second shaft that is connected to the fourth part and provides a fourth rotation axis. The actuator includes a third circular gear that meshes with a first circular gear included in the first shaft. The actuator includes a fourth circular gear that meshes with a second circular gear and the third circular gear included in the second shaft.

[0215] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the actuator includes an elastically supported cam gear, and the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to the cam gear. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a hinge housing coupled to the actuator. When the hinge housing switches the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, it is exposed to the outside through the space between the first housing and the second housing to provide a part of the outer surface of the electronic device.

[0216] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing. The electronic device includes a hinge module that connects the first housing and the second housing. The hinge module includes a first part configured to be rotatable about a first rotation axis. The hinge module includes a second part configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis. The second rotation axis is parallel to the first rotation axis and is spaced apart from the first rotation axis. The hinge module includes a first bracket fixed to the first housing. The first bracket is connected to the first part and the second part. The hinge module includes a third part configured to be rotatable about a third rotation axis. The hinge module includes a fourth part configured to be rotatable about a fourth rotation axis. The hinge module includes a second bracket fixed to the second housing. The second bracket is connected to the third part and the fourth part.

[0217] The third rotation axis is symmetrically located with respect to the first rotation axis based on the center line of the electronic device. The third part is provided symmetrically to the first part based on the center line of the electronic device. The fourth rotation axis is symmetrically located with respect to the second rotation axis based on the center line of the electronic device. The fourth part is provided symmetrically to the second part based on the center line of the electronic device. The first part and the first bracket are connected to be mutually slidable in the first linear direction. The second part and the first bracket are connected to be mutually slidable in a second linear direction different from the first linear direction. The third part and the second bracket are connected to be mutually slidable in a third linear direction that is symmetric to the first linear direction based on the center line of the electronic device. The fourth part and the second bracket are connected to be mutually slidable in a fourth linear direction that is symmetric to the second linear direction based on the center line of the electronic device. When the angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, the first part and the second part slide with respect to the first bracket, and the third part and the fourth part slide with respect to the second bracket.

[0218] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a flexible display module. The flexible display module includes a third display area arranged corresponding to the hinge module, a first display area extended from the third display area and arranged in the first housing, and a second display area extended from the third display area and arranged in the second housing. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a first plate coupled to the first part corresponding to one side area of the third display area based on the center line of the electronic device. The electronic device further includes a second plate coupled to a third portion corresponding to the other side region of the third display region with respect to the center line of the electronic device.

[0219] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge module further includes a first connection part connecting the first portion and the first bracket, and a second connection part connecting the third portion and the second bracket. The electronic device further includes a first plate coupled to the first connection part corresponding to one side region of the third display region with respect to the center line of the electronic device. The electronic device further includes a second plate coupled to the second connection part corresponding to the other side region of the third display region with respect to the center line of the electronic device. The first connection part is rotatably connected to the first bracket via a first pin parallel to the first rotation axis. The first connection part includes a second pin parallel to the first pin, and the second pin is disposed on a first pin rail provided in the first portion. The second connection part is rotatably connected to the second bracket via a third pin parallel to the third rotation axis. The second connection part includes a fourth pin parallel to the third pin. The fourth pin is disposed on a second pin rail provided in the third portion.

[0220] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge module further includes an actuator disposed corresponding to the center line of the electronic device. The first portion is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the first rotation axis. The second portion is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the second rotation axis. The first portion is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the first rotation axis. The third portion is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the third rotation axis. The fourth portion is rotatably connected to the actuator with respect to the fourth rotation axis. The actuator includes a first shaft. The first shaft is connected to the second part and provides a second axis of rotation. The actuator includes a second shaft. The second shaft is connected to the fourth part and provides a fourth axis of rotation. The actuator includes a third circular gear that meshes with a first circular gear included in the first shaft. The actuator includes a fourth circular gear that meshes with a second circular gear and a third circular gear included in the second shaft. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the actuator includes an elastically supported cam gear. The first shaft and the second shaft are connected to the cam gear.

[0221] 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 construed to include, in addition to the embodiments disclosed in this specification, modified or deformed forms within the scope of various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be understood that any embodiment described in this specification can be used in conjunction with any other embodiment described in this specification.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0222] 2 Foldable Electronic Device 5A First Hinge Module 5B Second Hinge Module 5C Third Hinge Module 5D, 6D Guide Rail Assembly 20 Foldable Housing 21, 22 (First, Second) Housing 23 Hinge Housing 24 Flexible Display Module 25 Display 51A, 51B, 51C First Bracket 51D Guide Rail 52A, 52B, 52C Second bracket 52D First slider 53A, 53B, 53C Bracket connection part 53D Second slider 61, 62 (First, Second) plates 100 Network environment 101, 102, 104, 201, 301 Electronic devices 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 OS 144 Middleware 146 Application 150 Input module 155 Acoustic output module 160 Display module 170 Audio module 176 Sensor module 177 Interface 178 Connection terminal 179 Haptic module 180 Camera module 188 Power management module 189 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 211, 221 (First, Second) frames 212, 222 (1st, 2nd) Covers 240 Flexible Display 241 Display Panel 241a Light Emitting Layer 241b TFT Film 241c Encapsulation Layer 242 Base Film 243 Lower Panel 243a Light Shielding Layer 243b Buffer Layer 243c Lower Layer 243d Composite Sheet 243e Copper Sheet 244 Optical Layer 245 Transparent Cover 246 Optically Transparent Adhesive Member 247 Support Sheet 301 Microhole 302, 303 (1st, 2nd) Speaker Holes 304 Optical Sensor 305 - 308 (1st - 4th) Camera Modules 309 Flash 310, 311 (1st, 2nd) Key Input Devices 312 Connector Hole 411, 421 (1st, 2nd) Supports 411A First Support Region 412, 422 (1st, 2nd) Sides 421A Second Support Region 711, 712 (1st, 2nd) Hinge Housing Covers 810, 820, 830, 840 (1st - 4th) Parts B11, B12 (1st, 2nd) Screw Fastening Parts LMG1, LMG2, LMG3, LMG4 (1st - 4th) Linear Motion Guides SH11, SH12 (1st, 2nd) Screw Holes

Claims

1. An electronic device (2), A first housing (21) and a second housing (22), a hinge module (5A) connecting the first housing (21) and the second housing (22); a flexible display (24) housed in the first housing (21) and the second housing (22); The hinge module (5A) comprises: a rotational support bracket (910) including a first rotational movement guide rail; a first portion (810) including a first rotary movement slider (810A) configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (C1) relative to the first rotary movement guide rail; a second part (820) configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation (C2) parallel to and spaced from the first axis of rotation (C1); a first bracket (51A) fixed to the first housing (21); The first bracket (51A) is a fifth portion 1010 slidably connected to the first portion 810 in a first linear direction LD1; a sixth portion (1020) slidably connected to the second portion (820) in a second linear direction (LD2) different from the first linear direction (LD1); When the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) changes, the first part (810) and the fifth part (1010) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other, The second portion (820) and the sixth portion (1020) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other, The electronic device is characterized in that, when in a folded state, the first part (810) is configured to be pulled into the fifth part (1010) of the first bracket (51A) in a direction opposite to the flexible display (24).

2. The first portion (810) includes at least one first recess (R11, R12, R13, R14) formed in the first linear direction (LD1), 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first bracket (51A) includes at least one first insert (I11, I12, I13, I14) accommodated in the at least one first recess (R11, R12, R13, R14) and extending in the first linear direction (LD1).

3. An electronic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the first linear direction (LD1) and the second linear direction (LD2) form an acute angle with each other.

4. The hinge module (5A) comprises: a second rotational movement guide rail formed on the rotation support bracket (910); a third portion (830) including a second rotary motion slider (830A) configured to rotate about a third rotation axis (C3) relative to the second rotary motion guide rail; a fourth portion (840) configured to rotate about a fourth axis of rotation (C4); a second bracket (52A) fixed to the second housing (22); The second bracket (52A) is a seventh portion 1110 slidably connected to the third portion 830 in a third linear direction LD3; an eighth portion (1120) slidably connected to the fourth portion (840) in a fourth linear direction (LD4) different from the third linear direction (LD3); When the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) changes, the third portion (830) and the seventh portion (1110) of the second bracket (52A) slide relative to each other, The fourth portion (840) and the eighth portion (1120) of the second bracket (52A) slide relative to each other, 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, in a folded state, the third portion (830) is configured to be pulled in a direction opposite to the flexible display (24) relative to the seventh portion (1110) of the second bracket (52A).

5. The third rotation axis (C3) is disposed symmetrically with respect to the first rotation axis (C1), The third portion (830) is disposed symmetrically with the first portion (810), The fourth rotation axis (C4) is disposed symmetrically with respect to the second rotation axis (C2), The fourth portion (840) is disposed symmetrically with the second portion (820), The third portion 830 and the seventh portion 1110 of the second bracket 52A are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in the third linear direction LD3 symmetrical to the first linear direction LD1, The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the fourth portion (840) and the eighth portion (1120) of the second bracket (52A) are connected to each other so as to be slidable in the fourth linear direction (LD4) symmetrical to the second linear direction (LD2).

6. The upper surface of the rotation support bracket (910) is provided with an arc-shaped recess having an open end, 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first rotational movement slider (810A) slides along the arc-shaped recess, allowing the first portion (810) to rotate relative to the rotational support bracket (910).

7. The electronic device described in claim 1, characterized in that the second part (820) and the first bracket (51A) are configured so that as the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) decreases, the second part (820) and the sixth part (1020) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other, and the distance between the sixth part (1020) of the first bracket (51A) and the second rotation axis (C2) increases.

8. The electronic device described in Claim 2, characterized in that the first part (810) further includes a first linear motion slider (810B) connected to the fifth part (1010) of the first bracket (51A) and including at least one first recess (R11, R12, R13, R14).

9. An electronic device (2), A first housing (21) and a second housing (22), a hinge module (5A) that rotatably connects the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) to each other and changes the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22); a flexible display (24) housed in the first housing (21) and the second housing (22); The hinge module (5A) comprises: a rotational support bracket (910) including a first rotational movement guide rail; a first portion (810) including a first rotary motion slider (810A) configured to rotate relative to the first rotary motion guide rail about a first rotation axis (C1); a second part (820) configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation (C2) parallel to and spaced apart from said first axis of rotation (C1); a first bracket (51A) fixed to the first housing (21) and at least partially disposed between the flexible display (24) and a part of the first housing (21) to which the first bracket (51A) is fixed; The first bracket (51A) includes a fifth portion (1010) and a sixth portion (1020), The first portion 810 and the fifth portion 1010 of the first bracket 51A are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other along a first linear direction LD1 relative to the first bracket 51A, The second portion 820 and the sixth portion 1020 of the first bracket 51A are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other along a second linear direction LD2 different from the first linear direction LD1 relative to the first bracket 51A, The first portion (810), the second portion (820), and the first bracket (51A) are configured such that, when an angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) changes, the first portion (810) and the fifth portion (1010) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other, and the second portion (820) and the sixth portion (1020) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other; The first portion (810) and the first bracket (51A) are configured such that as the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) decreases, the first portion (810) and the fifth portion (1010) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other, and the distance between the first portion (810) and a portion of the first housing (21) decreases.

10. The first portion (810) includes at least one first recess (R11, R12, R13, R14) formed in the first linear direction (LD1), 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first bracket (51A) includes at least one first insert (I11, I12, I13, I14) accommodated in the at least one first recess (R11, R12, R13, R14) and extending in the first linear direction (LD1).

11. An electronic device as described in Claim 9, characterized in that the first linear direction (LD1) and the second linear direction (LD2) form an acute angle with each other.

12. The hinge module (5A) comprises: a second rotational movement guide rail formed on the rotation support bracket (910); a third portion (830) including a second rotary motion slider (830A) configured to rotate about a third rotation axis (C3) relative to the second rotary motion guide rail; a fourth portion (840) configured to rotate about a fourth axis of rotation (C4); a second bracket (52A) fixed to the second housing (22) and including a seventh portion (1110) and an eighth portion (1120); The third portion (830) and the seventh portion (1110) of the second bracket (52A) are slidably connected to each other along a third linear direction (LD3) relative to the second bracket (52A), The fourth portion 840 and the eighth portion 1120 of the second bracket 52A are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other along a fourth linear direction LD4 relative to the second bracket 52A, which is different from the third linear direction LD3; the third portion (830), the fourth portion (840), and the second bracket (52A) are configured such that, when the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) changes, the third portion (830) and the seventh portion (1110) of the second bracket (52A) slide relative to each other, and the fourth portion (840) and the eighth portion (1120) of the second bracket (52A) slide relative to each other; The electronic device of claim 9, characterized in that the third portion (830) and the second bracket (52A) are configured such that as the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) decreases, the third portion (830) and the seventh portion (1110) of the second bracket (52A) slide relative to each other, and the distance between the third portion (830) and a portion of the second housing (22) decreases.

13. The third rotation axis (C3) is disposed symmetrically with respect to the first rotation axis (C1), The third portion (830) is disposed symmetrically with the first portion (810), The fourth rotation axis (C4) is disposed symmetrically with respect to the second rotation axis (C2), The fourth portion (840) is disposed symmetrically with the second portion (820), The third linear direction (LD3) is symmetrical to the first linear direction (LD1), The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the fourth linear direction (LD4) is symmetrical to the second linear direction (LD2).

14. The upper surface of the rotation support bracket (910) is provided with an arc-shaped recess having an open end, 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first rotational movement slider (810A) slides along the arc-shaped recess to allow the first portion (810) to rotate relative to the rotational support bracket (910).

15. The electronic device described in Claim 10, characterized in that the first part (810) includes a first linear motion slider (810B) connected to the fifth part (1010) of the first bracket (51A) and including at least one first recess (R11, R12, R13, R14).

16. An electronic device (2), A first housing (21) and a second housing (22), a hinge module (5A) that rotatably connects the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) to each other and changes the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22); a flexible display (24) housed in the first housing (21) and the second housing (22); The hinge module (5A) comprises: a first shaft (930); a rotational support bracket (910) including a first rotational movement guide rail; a first portion (810) including a first rotational movement slider (810A) and a first linear movement slider (810B) configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (C1) relative to a first rotational movement guide rail; a second part (820) configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation (C2) parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis of rotation (C1), and including second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B); a first bracket (51A) fixed to the first housing (21); The first bracket (51A) includes a fifth portion (1010) and a sixth portion (1020), The first linear motion slider 810B of the first portion 810 and the fifth portion 1010 of the first bracket 51A are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other along a first linear direction LD1 relative to the first bracket 51A, The second linear motion sliders (820A, 820B) of the second portion (820) and the sixth portion (1020) of the first bracket (51A) are connected to each other so as to be slidable along a second linear direction (LD2) different from the first linear direction (LD1) relative to the first bracket (51A), The first part (810), the second part (820), and the first bracket (51A) are configured such that, when the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) changes, the first part (810) and the fifth part (1010) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other, and the second part (820) and the sixth part (1020) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other.

17. An electronic device as described in Claim 16, characterized in that the first linear direction (LD1) and the second linear direction (LD2) form an acute angle with each other.

18. The first bracket (51A) is at least partially disposed between the flexible display (24) and a part of the first housing (21) fixed to the first bracket (51A), The electronic device of claim 16, characterized in that the first part (810) and the first bracket (51A) are configured such that as the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) decreases, the first part (810) and the fifth part (1010) of the first bracket (51A) slide relative to each other, resulting in a decrease in the distance between the first part (810) and the part of the first housing (21) and the first part (810) moving laterally relative to each other.

19. The hinge module (5A) comprises: a second rotational movement guide rail formed on the rotation support bracket (910); a third portion (830) including a second rotary motion slider (830A) configured to rotate about a third rotation axis (C3) relative to the second rotary motion guide rail; a fourth portion (840) configured to rotate about a fourth axis of rotation (C4); a second bracket (52A) fixed to the second housing (22); The second bracket (52A) includes a seventh portion (1110) and an eighth portion (1120), The third portion 830 and the seventh portion 1110 of the second bracket 52A are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other along a third linear direction LD3 relative to the second bracket 52A, The fourth portion 840 and the eighth portion 1120 of the second bracket 52A are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other along a fourth linear direction LD4 relative to the second bracket 52A, which is different from the third linear direction LD3, The electronic device of claim 16, characterized in that the third part (830), the fourth part (840), and the second bracket (52A) are configured such that when the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) changes, the third part (830) and the seventh part (1110) of the second bracket (52A) slide relative to each other, and the fourth part (840) and the eighth part (1120) of the second bracket (52A) slide relative to each other.

20. The third rotation axis (C3) is arranged symmetrically with the first rotation axis (C1), The third portion (830) is disposed symmetrically with the first portion (810), The fourth rotation axis (C4) is disposed symmetrically with respect to the second rotation axis (C2), The fourth portion (840) is disposed symmetrically with the second portion (820), The third linear direction (LD3) is symmetrical to the first linear direction (LD1), 20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the fourth linear direction (LD4) is symmetrical to the second linear direction (LD2).

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