Foldable electronic devices

Abstract

A foldable electronic device is provided. [Solution] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing, a flexible display module, and a flexible film. The foldable housing includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge portion connecting the first and second housings. The flexible display module includes a third display area located corresponding to the hinge portion, 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. The flexible film is disposed on the foldable housing between the foldable housing and the flexible display module. The hinge portion includes a center plate including a recess provided on one surface facing the third display area. A portion or the entire flexible film is supported by the center plate between the third display area and the center plate and disposed flat, overlapping the recess.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When the foldable electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, the area of ​​the flexible display module corresponding to the folding portion of the foldable electronic device is deformed from a flat state to a bent state.

[0003] The preceding information is provided as background information intended to aid in understanding the present invention. No assertion or determination is made as to the applicability of any of the foregoing as prior art with respect to the present invention. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need for a foldable electronic device that can reduce or prevent damage to a flexible display module due to external impact. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention provides a foldable electronic device that can reduce or prevent damage to a region of a flexible display module corresponding to a folding portion of the foldable electronic device due to an external impact.

[0005] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing, a flexible display module, and a flexible film. The foldable housing includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge portion connecting the first and second housings. The flexible display module includes a third display area disposed corresponding to the hinge portion, 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. The flexible film is disposed on the foldable housing between the foldable housing and the flexible display module. The hinge portion includes a center plate including a recess provided on one surface facing the third display area. A part or the whole of the flexible film is supported by the center plate and laid flat between the third display area and the center plate, overlapping the recess. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention can reduce or prevent damage and / or creases in the area corresponding to the hinge portion (or folding portion) of the flexible display module. Other advantages achieved or expected by various embodiments of the present invention are directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] Specific embodiments and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]1 illustrates a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view; [Figure 7] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a hinge portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first hinge module and a hinge cover in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line DD' of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device in a folded state in conjunction with FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line EE' of FIG. 9. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device in a folded state with reference to FIG. 13 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 16] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 17] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 18] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 19] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment 100, an electronic device 101 communicates with an external electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or 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).

[0012] The electronic device 101 communicates with the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 . The electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an acoustic output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identity module 196, and / or an antenna module 197. In various embodiments herein, electronic device 101 may omit at least one of these components (eg, connection terminal 178) or may add one or more other components. In various embodiments herein, some of these components may be embodied in a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176, the camera module 180, or the antenna module 197 may be embodied as a single component (e.g., embedded in the display module 160).

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

[0014] The auxiliary processor 123 controls at least a portion 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, on behalf 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 (eg, an image signal processor (ISP) or a communication processor CP) may be embodied as part of another functionally related component (eg, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). According to one embodiment herein, auxiliary processor 123 (eg, neural network processing device) includes specialized hardware structures for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models are generated through machine learning. Such learning may take place, for example, on the electronic device 101 itself, where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or via a separate server (eg, server 108).

[0015] The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the foregoing examples. The artificial intelligence model includes multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be one of, but is not limited to, a deep neural network (DNN), a CNN (Convolutional neural network), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above. An artificial intelligence model may include, in addition to or primarily, a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0016] The memory 130 stores various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). Data includes, for example, input data or output data for software (eg, program 140) and associated instructions. The memory 130 includes a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134 . The programs 140 are stored as software in the memory 130 and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0017] The input module 150 receives instructions or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., from a user) for use by components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (eg, buttons), or a digital pen (eg, a stylus pen). The audio output module 155 outputs an audio signal to the outside of the electronic device 101 . The audio output module 155 includes, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speakers are 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 or as part of the speaker.

[0018] Display module 160 visually presents information external to electronic device 101 (eg, to a user). Display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling the device. Display module 160 includes touch circuitry (e.g., a touch sensor) configured to detect a touch or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by the touch.

[0019] The audio module 170 converts sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. Audio module 170 acquires sound via input module 150 or outputs sound via audio output module 155 or an external electronic device connected directly or wirelessly to electronic device 101 (e.g., electronic device 102 (e.g., speaker or headphones)). The sensor module 176 detects an operating condition of the electronic device 101 (eg, power or temperature) or an external environmental condition (eg, user condition) and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected condition. 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.

[0020] The interface 177 supports one or more specified protocols by which the electronic device 101 can connect directly or wirelessly with an external electronic device (eg, the external electronic device 102). The interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface.

[0021] The connection terminal 178 includes a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically coupled to an external electronic device (eg, the external electronic device 102). The connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, and / or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector). Haptic module 179 converts the electrical signals into mechanical (eg, vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that can be perceived by the user via touch or kinesthetic sensations. Haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device. The camera module 180 captures still and video images. Camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash.

[0022] The power management module 188 manages the power supplied to or consumed by the electronic device 101 . The power management module 188 may be embodied, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The battery 189 provides power to at least one component of the electronic device 101 . Battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, and / or a fuel battery.

[0023] The communication module 190 supports the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or 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 over the established communication channel. Communications module 190 may include one or more communications processors (CP) that operate independently of processor 120 (eg, application processor (Ap)) and support direct (eg, wired) or wireless communications. 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 global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module).

[0024] The appropriate one of these communication modules may be 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, 5G5 th The network communicates with external electronic devices 104 via a telecommunications network such as a next generation network, a next generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (eg, a single chip) or may be implemented as multiple separate components (eg, multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in a subscriber identity module (SIM) 196 to identify or authenticate the electronic device 101 within a communication network, such as a first network 198 or a second network 199.

[0025] The wireless communication module 192 is 4G (4 th It can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies such as NR (new radio access) technology. NR connection technologies support high-speed transmission of large amounts of data (i.e., enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), terminal power minimization and multi-terminal connectivity (massive machine-type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module 192 may support, for example, a high frequency band (eg, mmWave band) to achieve high data transmission rates.

[0026] The wireless communication module 192 may support various technologies for ensuring performance in high frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beamforming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 supports various requirements defined by the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104), or a network system (eg, the second network 199). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0027] The antenna module 197 transmits or receives signals or power to or from the outside (eg, an external electronic device). The antenna module 197 may include an antenna that includes a radiator that includes electrical conductors or conductive patterns formed on a substrate (eg, a printed circuit board (PCB)). The antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (eg, an antenna array). In such a case, at least one antenna compatible with the 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 . Signals or power are transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device via at least one selected antenna. In addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may additionally be formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0028] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the antenna module 197 may form an mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board (PCB), an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., an mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high frequency band. At least some of the above components are connected to each other via a peripheral communication method (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) between them.

[0029] Commands or data are sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via a server 108 connected to a second network 199 . Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device 101. All or part of the operations performed by electronic device 101 may be performed by one or more of external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if electronic device 101 must perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service instead of, or in addition to, performing the function or service itself. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services related to the request, and communicate the results of that performance to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 processes the results as they are or additionally and provides them as at least part of a response to the request.

[0030] For this, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technologies are used. The electronic device 101 may provide ultra-low delay services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing (MEC). In another embodiment of the present invention, the external electronic device 104 includes an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in a second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technologies.

[0031] The electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may take various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computing device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronic device. However, the electronic device is not limited to the above-mentioned devices.

[0032] The various embodiments of the present invention and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this disclosure to any particular embodiment. When describing the drawings, like reference numerals are used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun referring to an item may include one or more of the item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. In this disclosure, 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 in that phrase or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "primary" or "secondary" are used simply to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). 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 element is coupled (connected) to the element directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0033] The term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrated component or the smallest unit or portion of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0034] Various embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored on a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, a processor (eg, processor 120) of an apparatus (eg, electronic device 101) retrieves and executes at least one instruction from one or more stored instructions from a storage medium. This allows the device to operate to perform at least one function in accordance with at least one command word invoked. The one or more instructions may 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 contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently on the storage medium and data being stored temporarily.

[0035] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a computer program product. Computer program products can be traded as goods between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory, CD-ROM) or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store®) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server.

[0036] Each component (eg, module or program) of the aforementioned components may include one or more individuals. One or more of the components or operations described above may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by that component among the multiple components prior to integration. The operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state (or unfolding state) or flat state according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state (or folding state) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a foldable housing 20 and a flexible display module 24 disposed in the foldable housing 20. In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may be the electronic device 101 of FIG. 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 may be connected via a hinge portion and may rotate relative to each other based on the hinge portion. The hinge portion includes one or more hinge modules (or hinge assemblies) (eg, first hinge module 5A or second hinge module 5B in FIG. 4).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the display area 24A of the flexible display module 24 includes a first display area (or first active area or first screen area) (circled number 1), a second display area (or second active area or second screen area) (circled number 2), and a third display area (or third active area or third screen area) (circled number 3) connecting the first display area (circled number 1) and the second display area (circled number 2), as active areas within the flexible display module 24 that can display images. The first display area (circled number 1) is located corresponding to the first housing 21. The second display area (circled number 2) is located corresponding to the second housing 22. The third display area (circled number 3) is located corresponding to the hinge portion. The first display area (circled number 1) is disposed on the first housing 21, and the shape of the first display area (circled number 1) is maintained by the support of the first housing 21. The second display area (circled number 2) is disposed on the second housing 22, and the shape of the second display area (circled number 2) is maintained by the support of the second housing 22.

[0040] The first display area (circled number 1) and the second display area (circled number 2) may, for example, be provided substantially flat. The unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2) may be a state in which the third display area (circled number 3) is arranged substantially flat. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2, the first display area (circled number 1) and the second display area (circled number 2) form an angle of approximately 180 degrees, and the display area 24A including the first display area (circled number 1), the second display area (circled number 2), and the third display area (circled number 3) may be provided (or arranged) substantially flat. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, due to the relative positions between the first display area (circled number 1) arranged in the first housing 21 and the second display area (circled number 2) arranged in the second housing 22, the third display area (circled number 3) connecting the first display area (circled number 1) and the second display area (circled number 2) is arranged flat.

[0041] In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2, the third display area (circled number 3) is pulled from both the first display area (circled number 1) and the second display area (circled number 2), and the pulling force is provided to reduce damage to the third display area (circled number 3) while placing the third display area (circled number 3) flat. The third display area (circled number 3) is provided with an extended width that allows it to be laid flat while reducing the stress exerted by the first display area (circled number 1) and the second display area (circled number 2) when the foldable electronic device 2 is unfolded. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2, the hinge portion supports a third display area (circled number 3).

[0042] When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, if an external force (e.g., external pressure such as touch input using a user's finger or touch input using an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area (circled number 3), the hinge part reduces the sagging phenomenon of the third display area (circled number 3) and contributes to maintaining the third display area (circled number 3) flat. When an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state due to reasons such as being dropped, the hinge portion may be configured to reduce the effect of the external impact on the third display area (circled number 3). The hinge part supports the third display area (circled number 3) so that the third display area (circled number 3) is arranged flat without sagging when the foldable electronic device 2 is unfolded, thereby reducing the crease phenomenon. The coordinate axes shown in the figure are shown based on the first housing 21, and for example, the +z axis direction can be interpreted as the direction in which the plane provided by the flat first display area (circled number 1) faces.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device 2 is provided in an infolding manner in which the display area 24A of the flexible display module 24 is folded inward. FIG. 3 shows the foldable electronic device 2 in a fully folded state, where the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are no longer close to each other. In the fully folded state of the foldable electronic device 2, the first display area (circled number 1) and the second display area (circled number 2) are positioned facing each other, and the third display area (circled number 3) is arranged in a bent shape. When the foldable electronic device 2 is fully folded, the angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 (or the angle between the first display area (circled number 1) and the second display area (circled number 2)) may be between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 10 degrees, and the display area 24A may be substantially invisible. Although not shown in the figure, the intermediate state of the foldable electronic device 2 may be a state between the unfolded state and the completely folded state, or may be an incomplete folded state compared to the completely folded state. When the angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 is in an intermediate state of any angle or more, a usage environment can be provided in which the user has no substantial difficulty in using the display area 24A. Hereinafter, the 'folded state of the foldable electronic device 2' described in the disclosure refers to the fully folded state as opposed to an intermediate state of an incompletely folded state.

[0044] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is viewed in an unfolded state (see FIG. 2), the display area 24A of the flexible display module 24 is provided in a symmetrical shape based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is viewed in an unfolded state, the center line (A) corresponds to the center of the width of the third display area (circled number 3) extending from the first boundary between the first display area (circled number 1) and the third display area (circled number 3) to the second boundary between the second display area (circled number 2) and the third display area (circled number 3). The third display area (circled number 3) arranged in a bent shape when the foldable electronic device 2 is in the folded state (see FIG. 3) may be substantially symmetrical based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2. When viewing the foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state, the display area 24A may be substantially rectangular.

[0045] 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) to one end of the second edge (E2), and the fourth edge (E4) connects the other end of the first edge (E1) to the other end of the second edge (E2). The first display area (circled number 1) includes the first edge (E1), part of the third edge (E3), and part of the fourth edge (E4). The second display area (circled number 2) includes the second edge (E2), part of the third edge (E3), and 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 end (E4). When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, the first edge (E1) and the second edge (E2) are aligned and overlap each other. When the foldable electronic device 2 is folded, a portion of the third edge (E3) included in the first display area (circled number 1) and a portion of the third edge (E3) included in the second display area (circled number 2) are aligned and overlap each other. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, a portion of the fourth end (E4) included in the first display area (circled number 1) and a portion of the fourth end (E4) included in the second display area (circled number 2) are aligned and overlap each other.

[0046] 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 arranged on the first frame 211. The first frame 211 includes a first side (or a first side portion, 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 the edge of the first display area (circled number 1) of the flexible display module 24. The first side is provided as a first side surface of the foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to a first display area (circled number 1) of the foldable electronic device 2. The first frame 211 includes a first support portion (for example, the first support portion 411 in FIG. 4) that extends from or is connected to the first side.

[0047] 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 positioned on opposite sides of each other with the first support portion of the first frame 211 in between. The first side of the first frame 211 is disposed so as to surround at least a part of the space between the first display area (circled number 1) and the first cover 212. The first display area (circled number 1) provides one side of the outer surface of the foldable electronic device 2, and the first cover 212 provides the other side of the outer surface of the foldable electronic device 2 that faces substantially opposite the first display area (circled number 1). Various electrical components (or electronic parts), such as a printed circuit board or a battery, may be disposed on the first support between the first support of the first frame 211 and the first cover 212 .

[0048] 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 portion, a second side member, a second side structure, or a second side bezel structure) (for example, a second side 422 in FIG. 4). The second side is disposed along the 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 foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to a second display area (circled number 2) of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state (see FIG. 3), the first side of the first frame 211 and the second side of the second frame 221 are aligned and overlap each other. The second frame 221 includes a second support portion (for example, the second support portion 421 in FIG. 4) extending from or connected to the second side.

[0049] 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 positioned on opposite sides of each other with the first support portion of the second frame 221 in between. The second side of the second frame 221 is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the space between the second display area (circled number 2) and the second cover 222. The second display area (circled number 2) provides one side of the outer surface of the foldable electronic device 2, and the second cover 222 provides the other side of the outer surface of the foldable electronic device 2 that faces substantially opposite the second display area (circled number 2). Various electrical components (or electronic parts), such as a printed circuit board or a battery, may be disposed on the second support portion of the second frame 221 between the second support portion and the second cover 212 .

[0050] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (or hinge cover) 23 is coupled to a hinge portion (for example, hinge portion (H) in FIG. 9) that connects the first frame 211 and the second frame 221. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state (see FIG. 2) to the folded state (see FIG. 3), the relative position between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, which are connected to each other via a hinge portion, changes, and the state of the hinge portion coupled to the hinge housing 23 changes, causing a gap between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 to open on the opposite side of the third display area (circled number 3), and the hinge housing 23 to be exposed to the outside through the opened gap. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, the hinge housing 23 becomes part of the exterior covering the inside of the foldable 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 foldable electronic device 2 is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, the relative position between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, which are connected to each other via a hinge portion, changes, and the state of the hinge portion coupled to the hinge housing 23 changes, causing the gap between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 to close on the opposite side of the third display area (circled number 3), and the hinge housing 23 may be located in the internal space formed by the combination of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 and not be exposed to the outside.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a display 25 disposed between the second frame 221 and the second cover 222. The flexible display included in flexible display module 24 may be interpreted as a 'first display', and display 25 as a 'second display'. The second cover 222 is substantially transparent, and the display 25 can be seen through the second cover 222 . The foldable electronic device 2 may be configured to display images via the display 25 instead of the flexible display module 24 in the folded state.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first cover 212 includes a first curved area 212a that corresponds to the first edge (E1) of the display area 24A and is seamlessly extended toward the first display area (circled number 1). The second cover 222 includes a second curved area 222a that is bent and seamlessly extended toward the second display area (circled number 2) in correspondence with the second edge (E2) of the display area 24A. The first curved area 212a and the second curved area 222a are provided symmetrically on opposite sides of the foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state (see FIG. 2) or a folded state (see FIG. 3), contributing to a beautiful appearance. In one embodiment, the display 25 may be a flexible display in which the second cover 222 can be flexibly arranged in accordance with the second curved area 222a. In various embodiments, the first cover 212 is provided substantially flat without the first curved region 212a. In various embodiments, the second cover 222 is provided substantially flat without the second curved region 222a. In this case, the display 25 may be a substantially rigid display.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device 2 may include at least one of one or more audio modules (e.g., audio module 170 of FIG. 1), one or more sensor modules (e.g., sensor module 176 of FIG. 1), one or more camera modules (e.g., camera module 180 of FIG. 1), one or more light-emitting modules, one or more input modules (e.g., input module 150 of FIG. 1), and / or one or more connection terminal modules (e.g., interface 177 or connection terminal 178 of FIG. 1). In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include other components. The locations or numbers of components included in the foldable electronic device 2 are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings and may vary.

[0054] Any one of the one or more audio modules includes, for example, a microphone disposed inside the foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to a microphone hole 301 provided on the exterior of the foldable electronic device 2. In the illustrated example, a microphone hole 301 is provided on the first side of the first frame 211 , and a microphone is disposed in the internal space of the first housing 21 . The positions and numbers of microphones and microphone holes are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings and may vary. In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may include multiple microphones that are used to detect the direction of sound.

[0055] Any one of the one or more audio modules may include, for example, a first speaker for multimedia playback (or recording and playback) arranged inside the foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to a first speaker hole 302 provided on the exterior of the foldable electronic device 2. In the illustrated example, a first speaker hole 302 is provided on the second side of the second frame 221 , and a first speaker is disposed in the inner space of the second housing 22 . Any one of the one or more audio modules includes, for example, a second speaker for calls (e.g., a receiver for calls) arranged inside the foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to a second speaker hole (e.g., a receiver hole) 303 provided on the exterior of the foldable electronic device 2. In the illustrated example, the second speaker hole 303 is provided in the second frame 221 adjacent to the second cover 222 , and the second speaker is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 . The positions and numbers of the speakers and speaker holes are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings and may vary. In various embodiments, the microphone hole and the speaker hole may be implemented as a single hole. In various embodiments, a piezoelectric speaker without a speaker hole can be provided.

[0056] The one or more sensor modules generate electrical signals or data values ​​that correspond to, for example, internal operating conditions of the foldable electronic device 2 or external environmental conditions. In one embodiment, any one of the one or more sensor modules includes an optical sensor 304 disposed in the interior space of the second housing 22 corresponding to the second cover 212 . The optical sensor 304 may be aligned with or at least partially inserted into an opening provided in the display 25 . External light reaches the optical sensor through the openings provided in the second cover 222 and the display 25 . The optical sensor 304 may include, for example, a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor. The number and positions of the optical sensors are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings and may take various forms.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the optical sensor 304 is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 so as to overlap at least a portion of the display area of ​​the display 25 when viewed from above the second cover 222 . In this case, the sensing function of the optical sensor 304 can be performed without the optical sensor 304 or the location of the optical sensor 304 being visually distinct (or exposed) or visible. In one embodiment, the optical sensor 304 may be positioned behind the display 25 or below or beneath the display 25, such that the optical sensor 304 or the location of the optical sensor 304 is not visually distinguishable (or exposed). In various embodiments, the optical sensor 304 is aligned with or at least partially inserted into a recess provided in the rear surface of the display 25 . A region of display 25 that at least partially overlaps optical sensor 304 includes a different pixel structure and / or wiring structure compared to other regions. For example, some areas of display 25 that are at least partially overlapped by optical sensor 304 may have a different pixel density than other areas. The pixel structure and / or wiring structure formed in a region of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the optical sensor 304 can reduce light loss between the outside and the optical sensor 304. As another example, a portion of the display 25 that overlaps at least partially with the optical sensor 304 may not have a plurality of pixels arranged therein.

[0058] According to various embodiments, various other sensors, not limited to optical sensors 304 such as proximity sensors or illuminance sensors, may be positioned corresponding to openings provided in the display 25, behind the display 25, or below the display 25. For example, an optical, electrostatic, or ultrasonic biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) may be positioned corresponding to an opening provided in the display 25, behind the display 25, or below the display 25. According to various embodiments, various sensors may be positioned corresponding to openings provided in the flexible display module 24, or may be positioned behind or below the flexible display module 24. According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may include various other sensors (e.g., a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air 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), the locations of which may vary.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the one or more camera modules include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The 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 disposed in the interior space of the second housing 22 corresponding to the second cover 222 . The first camera module 305 may be aligned with or at least partially inserted into an opening provided in the display 25 . External light reaches the first camera module 305 through the opening in the second cover 222 and the display 25 . The opening in the display 25 aligned with or overlapping the first camera module 305 is provided in the form of a through hole, as exemplified in the figure. In various embodiments, the opening in the display 25 aligned with or overlapping the first camera module 305 may be provided in the form of a notch.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the first camera module 305 is disposed in the internal space of the second housing 22 so as to overlap at least a portion of 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 not visually distinguished (or exposed) or visible, and the photographing function of the first camera module 305 is performed. In one embodiment, the first camera module 305 is positioned behind or below or beneath the display 25, and the first camera module 305 or the position of the first camera module 305 may not be visually distinct (or exposed) or visible. In various embodiments, the first camera module 305 may be aligned with or at least partially inserted into a recess provided on the rear surface of the display 25 .

[0061] The first camera module 305 may include, for example, a hidden behind-the-display camera (eg, an under-display camera (UDC)). A region of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 includes a pixel structure and / or wiring structure that is different from other regions. For example, a region of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps the first camera module 305 may have a different pixel density compared to other regions. The pixel structure and / or wiring structure formed in a region of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 can reduce light loss between the outside and the optical sensor. As another example, a region of the display 25 that at least partially overlaps with the first camera module 305 may not have a plurality of pixels arranged therein.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the second camera module 306 , the third camera module 307 , or the fourth camera module 308 is disposed in the interior space of the first housing 21 corresponding to the first cover 212 . The first cover 212 may include camera cover portions (for example, camera deco portions) arranged corresponding to the second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and the fourth camera module 308. The camera cover portion includes a camera hole (or light-transmitting area) provided corresponding to the second camera module 306, a camera hole (or light-transmitting area) provided corresponding to the third camera module 307, and a camera hole (or light-transmitting area) provided corresponding to the fourth camera module 308. The number and positions of the camera modules provided corresponding to the first cover 212 are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings, and may vary.

[0063] The second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and the fourth camera module 308 have different attributes (for example, angle of view) or functions. The second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and the fourth camera module 308 may provide different angles of view (or lenses with different angles of view), and the foldable electronic device 2 may selectively use the camera modules based on a user's selection regarding the angle of view. Any one of the second camera module 306, the third camera module 307, and the fourth 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 (e.g., a TOF (time of flight) camera, a structured light camera) module. In various embodiments, the IR camera module may also operate as at least a portion of the sensor module.

[0064] According to one embodiment, any one of the one or more light emitting modules includes a flash 309 arranged in the internal space of the first housing 21 corresponding to a flash hole (or light transmitting area) provided in the camera cover portion of the first cover 212. Flash 309 includes a light source for second camera module 306, third camera module 307, and / or 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 Zenon lamp) may be configured to provide status information of the foldable electronic device 2 in the form of light. In various embodiments, the light emitting module may provide a light source that is coordinated with the operation of the first camera module 305 .

[0065] According to one embodiment, the one or more input modules include a first key input device 310 or a second key input device 311 . In the illustrated example, the first key input device 310 or the second key input device 311 is disposed in an opening provided on a first side of the first frame 211 . The location or number of input modules is not limited to the example shown in the figure and may vary. In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may not include some or all of the key input devices, and the key input devices that are not included may be embodied as soft keys via the flexible display module 24 or the display 25. In various embodiments, the input module or key input device may include at least one sensor module.

[0066] Any one of the one or more connection terminal modules (or connector modules or interface terminal modules) includes, for example, a connector (or interface terminal) arranged inside the foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to a connector hole 312 formed on the exterior of the foldable electronic device 2. In the illustrated example, 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 example shown in the drawings, and may vary. The foldable electronic device 2 transmits and / or receives power and / or data to and from an external electronic device electrically connected to the connector. In one embodiment, the connector may include a USB connector or an HDMI connector. In various embodiments, any one of the one or more connection terminal modules may include an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector or an audio connector) and a connector hole provided on the exterior of the foldable 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 foldable electronic device 2 and a connector hole formed on the exterior of the foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to the memory card connector.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may include a detachable pen input device (eg, an electronic pen, a digital pen, or a stylus pen) (not shown). The pen input device may be implemented so as to be insertable into the internal space of the first housing 21 or the second housing 22, for example. As another example, the pen input device may be detachably attached to the hinge housing 23 . The hinge housing 23 may include a recess into which the pen input device can be inserted.

[0068] The foldable electronic device 2 may further include various components depending on its form of provision. These components may vary depending on the trend of convergence of the foldable electronic device 2, and it is not possible to list them all, but components equivalent to the above-mentioned components may be additionally included in the foldable electronic device 2. In various embodiments, certain components may be omitted or replaced with other components depending on the implementation.

[0069] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged view 601 of a portion of the cross-sectional view. Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a flexible display module 24, a foldable housing 20, a first flexible film (or a first flexible sheet, a first elastic film, or a first elastic sheet) 510, and / or a second flexible film (or a second flexible sheet, a second elastic film, or a second elastic sheet) 520.

[0070] 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 guide rail assembly 6, a hinge housing 23, a first plate 71, and / or a second plate 72.

[0071] 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 a first support portion 411 and a first side 412 . The first support part 411 is an internal structure arranged inside the foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to the first housing 21, and in various embodiments, may be referred to by various other terms such as 'first bracket', 'first support body', 'first support member', or 'first support structure'. The second frame 221 includes a second support portion 421 and a second side 422 . The second frame 221 may be provided in an integrated form including a second support portion 421 and a second side 422 . The second support part 421 is an internal structure positioned inside the foldable electronic device 2 corresponding to the second housing 22, and in various embodiments may be referred to by various other terms such as 'second bracket', 'second support', 'second support member', or 'second support structure'. At least a portion of the first frame 211 and / or at least a portion of the second frame 221 is made of a metallic material and / or a non-metallic material (eg, a polymer). Electrical components (or electronic parts) or various members related to the electrical components are disposed on the first frame 211 or the first support portion 411 or are supported by the first frame 211 or the first support portion 411 .

[0072] The first support portion 411 includes, for example, a first support region 411A facing the first display region (circled number 1), and a third support region (not shown) facing in a direction substantially opposite to the first support region 411A. The first display area (circled number 1) of the flexible display module 24 is disposed in the first support area 411A of the first support part 411. Various components, such as a printed circuit board and a battery, are disposed in the third support area. The second support portion 421 includes, for example, a second support region 421A facing the second display region (circled number 2) and a fourth support region (not shown) facing in a direction substantially opposite to the second support region 421A. The second display area (circled number 2) of the flexible display module 24 is disposed in the second support area 421A of the second support part 421. Various components, such as a printed circuit board and a battery, are placed in the fourth support area. The first display area (circled number 1) is disposed on the first support part 411, and the second display area (circled number 2) is disposed on the second support part 421 via various adhesive materials (or adhesive substances) such as a heat-reactive adhesive material (or heat-reactive adhesive material), a light-reactive adhesive material (or light-reactive adhesive material), a general adhesive (or general adhesive), and / or double-sided tape.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the 'hinge portion' referred to in the description with reference to Figures 2 and 3 includes the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, the guide rail assembly 6, the first plate 71, the second plate 72, and / or the hinge housing 23. The hinge portion supports the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a first internal support (not shown) arranged 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 or a battery disposed between the first support portion 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 may be disposed on the first internal support. The first frame 211 may be referred to as a 'first front case', and the first internal support may be referred to as a 'first rear case'.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a second internal support (not shown) arranged 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 or a battery that are disposed between the second support portion 421 and the first cover 222 . The second frame 221 may be referred to as a 'second front case', and the second inner support may be referred to as a 'second rear case'.

[0076] According to one embodiment, looking at a 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 optically transparent adhesive member (or an optically transparent adhesive member) 246, and / or a support sheet 247. The flexible display 240 may be coupled to the transparent cover 245 via an optically clear adhesive member 246 (for example, an optical clear adhesive (OCA), an optical clear resin (OCR), or a super view resin (SVR)). The transparent cover 245 (eg, a window) covers the flexible display 240 to protect the flexible display 240 from the outside. The transparent cover 245 is provided in the form of a flexible thin film (for example, a thin film layer). The transparent cover 245 may include, for example, a plastic film (e.g., a polyimide (PI) film) or thin-film glass (e.g., ultra-thin glass (UTG)). In various embodiments, the transparent cover 245 can include multiple layers. For example, the transparent cover 245 may be in the form of a plastic film or thin glass with various coating layers disposed thereon.

[0077] The transparent cover 245 may be in the form of, for example, at least one protective or coating layer comprising a polymer material (e.g., PET (polyester), PI (polyimide), or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)) disposed on a plastic film or thin glass. In various embodiments, the transparent cover 245 and the optically transparent adhesive member 246 are defined or construed as parts of the flexible display 240 . In various embodiments, the transparent cover 245 may be considered to be part of the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 2) rather than the flexible display module 24. The flexible display 240 includes, for example, a display panel 241, a base film 242, a bottom 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 polymer adhesive materials (or adhesive members) or bonding materials (or adhesive members) are 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.

[0078] The display panel 241 includes, for example, a light-emitting layer 241a, a thin film transistor (TFT) film (or TFT substrate) 241b, and / or an encapsulation layer (for example, thin-film encapsulation (TFE)) 241c. The light emitting layer 241a includes a plurality of pixels implemented with light emitting elements such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or micro LEDs. The light-emitting layer 241a is disposed on the TFT film 241b via organic evaporation. The TFT film 241b is disposed between the light-emitting layer 241a and the base film 242. The TFT film 241b indicates a film structure in which at least one TFT is disposed on a flexible substrate (for example, a PI film) through a series of processes such as deposition, patterning, and / or etching. At least one TFT controls the current to the light emitting element in the light emitting layer 241a to turn the pixel on or off or adjust the brightness of the pixel.

[0079] 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. In one embodiment, the display panel 241 includes a storage capacitor that maintains a voltage signal to the pixel, maintains the voltage applied to the pixel within one frame, or reduces the change in the gate voltage of the TFT due to leakage current during the light-emitting time. Depending on the routine (eg, initialization, data write) that controls at least one TFT, the storage capacitor maintains the voltage applied to the pixel for a certain period of time. In one embodiment, the display panel 241 is implemented based on an OLED, and an encapsulating layer 241c covers the light-emitting layer 241a. In an OLED, the light-emitting organic material and electrodes are highly sensitive to oxygen and / or moisture and may lose their light-emitting properties. To reduce or prevent this, the encapsulation layer 241c seals the light-emitting layer 241a to prevent oxygen and / or moisture from penetrating into the OLED.

[0080] The base film 242 comprises a flexible film formed from a polymer or plastic such as polyimide or polyester (PET). The base film 242 serves to support and protect the display panel 241 . In various embodiments, the base film 242 may be referred to as a protective film, a back film, or a back plate. The bottom panel 243 includes multiple layers for various functions. Various polymer adhesive members (or bonding members) (not shown) are disposed between the layers included in the lower panel 243 . The lower panel 243 includes, for example, a light-shielding layer 243a, a buffer layer 243b, and / or a lower layer 243c.

[0081] 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 portion of light incident from the outside. For example, the light-shielding layer 243a may include an embossed layer. The embossed layer can be a black layer containing a pattern of raised and lowered areas. The buffer layer 243b absorbs external shocks 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 can diffuse, disperse, or dissipate heat generated in the foldable electronic device 2 or the flexible display 240. The lower layer 243c can absorb or block electromagnetic waves. The lower layer 243c can absorb external impacts applied to the foldable electronic device 2 or the flexible display 240. For example, the bottom layer 243c may include a composite sheet 243d or a copper sheet 243e.

[0082] In one embodiment, the composite sheet 243d may be a sheet made by combining layers or sheets having different properties. For example, the composite sheet 243d may include at least one of polyimide or graphite. Composite sheet 243d can also be replaced with a single sheet comprising one material (eg, 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 a variety of other metal sheets. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the lower layer 243c may be a conductive member (e.g., a metal plate) that can help reinforce the rigidity of the foldable electronic device 2, shield ambient noise, and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components (e.g., display drive integrated circuits) (e.g., DDIs). The conductive member may include, for example, at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), stainless steel (SUS), or CLAD (for example, a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged).

[0083] The lower layer 243c may include a variety of other layers for a variety of functions. In various embodiments (not shown), at least one additional polymer layer (eg, a layer including PI, PET, or TPU) may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 241 in addition to the base film 242 . In various embodiments, at least one of the layers included in the lower panel 243 (eg, the light-shielding layer 243a, the buffer layer 243b, the composite sheet 243d, and the copper sheet 243e) may be omitted. In various embodiments, the arrangement order of the layers included in the lower panel 243 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and may be variously changed.

[0084] The optical layer 244 may include, for example, a polarizing layer (or polarizer) or a retardation layer (or retarder). The polarizing layer and the phase retardation layer improve the outdoor viewability of the screen. The optical layer 244 selectively transmits light that is generated from a light source of the display panel 241 and vibrates in a certain direction. In various embodiments, a single layer may be provided that combines a polarizing layer and a phase retardation layer, and such a layer may be interpreted as a 'circular polarizing layer'. The optically transparent adhesive member 246 is disposed between the transparent cover 245 and the optical layer 244 . In various embodiments, the polarizing layer (or circular polarizing layer) may be omitted, in which case a black pixel defining layer (PDL) and / or a color filter may be provided to replace the polarizing layer.

[0085] The foldable electronic device 2 may include touch detection circuitry (e.g., a touch sensor) (not shown). The touch detection circuitry is implemented as a transparent conductive layer (or film) based on various conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO). In one embodiment, the touch detection circuitry is disposed between the transparent cover 245 and the optical layer 244 (eg, add-on type). In other embodiments, the touch detection circuitry may be disposed between the optical layer 244 and the display panel 241 (eg, on-cell type). In other embodiments, the display panel 241 may include touch detection circuitry or functionality (eg, in-cell type). In various embodiments, the display panel 241 may be OLED-based and includes an encapsulating layer 241c disposed between the emissive layer 241a and the optical layer 244. The sealing layer 241c serves as a pixel protection layer for protecting the pixels of the light-emitting layer 241a.

[0086] In one embodiment (not shown), the flexible display 240 may include a conductive pattern such as a metal mesh (e.g., aluminum metal mesh) as a touch detection circuit disposed in the encapsulation layer 241c between the encapsulation layer 241c and the optical layer 244. For example, in response to bending of the flexible display 240, the metal mesh may have greater durability than a transparent conductive layer implemented with ITO. In various embodiments, the flexible display 240 may further include a pressure sensor (not shown) that measures the strength (pressure) of a touch. The layers included in the display panel 241 or the lower panel 243, their stacking structure or stacking order may vary. The flexible display 240 may be implemented by omitting some of its components or adding other components depending on its form or convergence trend.

[0087] According to one embodiment, a support sheet (or support plate or support layer) 247 is disposed on the back of the flexible display 240 . The rear surface of the flexible display 240 is the surface located opposite to the surface from which light is emitted from the display panel 241 including a plurality of pixels. The support sheet 247 covers at least a portion of the lower panel 243 of the flexible display 240 and is disposed (eg, attached) to the rear surface of the lower panel 243 . The support sheet 247 is connected to the lower panel 243 via an adhesive or bonding material. The adhesive material (or bonding material) between the flexible display 240 and the support sheet 247 may include, for example, a heat-reactive adhesive material (or heat-reactive adhesive material), a light-reactive adhesive material (or light-reactive adhesive material), a general adhesive (or general adhesive), or double-sided tape. As another example, the adhesive may include organic adhesives such as various polymers or sealants, such as triazine thiols, dithiopyrimidines, or silane-based compounds.

[0088] The support sheet 247 contributes to the durability (for example, stiffness reinforcement) of the flexible display module 24. The support sheet 247 can reduce the effect of load or stress generated when the foldable housing 20 (see FIG. 2) is folded on the flexible display module 24 (or the flexible display 240). The support sheet 247 can reduce or prevent damage to the flexible display module 24 due to the force transmitted when the foldable housing 20 is folded. In one embodiment, the support sheet 247 comprises a metallic material. The support sheet 247 comprises, for example, stainless steel. Support sheet 247 may also include a variety of other metallic materials. In various embodiments, the support sheet 247 can include an engineering plastic.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the support sheet 247 includes a lattice structure (not shown) that at least partially overlaps the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 . The lattice structure may, for example, include 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 periodically formed, have substantially the same shape, and are repeatedly arranged at regular intervals. The lattice structure can reduce the bending degradation in the third display area (circled number 3). In various embodiments, a lattice structure including a plurality of openings may be referred to as an 'opening pattern', a 'hole pattern', or other terms such as a 'lattice pattern'. In various embodiments, the support sheet 247 may 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 recesses having a regular arrangement are provided, for example, on a first surface of the support sheet 247 facing the lower panel 243 of the flexible display 240, or on a second surface of the support sheet 247 located opposite the first surface.

[0090] In various embodiments, the lattice structure or recess pattern may extend to portions of the support sheet 247 corresponding to the first display area (circled number 1) and / or the second display area (circled number 2) of the flexible display module 24. In various embodiments, the support sheet 247, including the lattice structure or recess pattern, or the corresponding conductive member thereto, may be provided in multiple layers. According to various embodiments, the support sheet 247 may reduce electro magnetic interference (EMI) associated with the flexible display 240 . According to various embodiments, the support sheet 247 can diffuse or dissipate heat emitted from heat-emitting components (eg, display drive integrated circuits (DDIs) or display drive circuits such as DDI chips). According to various embodiments, the support sheet 247 may be omitted. According to various embodiments, the support sheet 247 can be construed as a separate element from the flexible display module 24 .

[0091] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the guide rail assembly 6 connect the first frame 211 and the second frame 221. The first frame 211 and the second frame 221 are connected to each other via a first hinge module 5A, a second hinge module 5B, and a guide rail assembly 6 so as to be rotatable with respect to each other. The first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the guide rail assembly 6 are arranged along the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2, and the guide rail assembly 6 is arranged between the first hinge module 5A and the second hinge module 5B. In one embodiment, the guide rail assembly 6 is positioned 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 the same distance as the first hinge module 5A and the second hinge module 5B).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a first bracket 51A, a second bracket 52A, and / or a bracket linkage. The first bracket 51A is disposed on 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 the first bracket 51A of the first support region 411A includes one or more screw fastening portions aligned in one-to-one correspondence with the one or more screw holes. The screw fastener may be a boss that includes a female thread that corresponds to the male thread of the screw. 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 mating manner so as to be stably coupled to each other.

[0093] The second bracket 52A is disposed on 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 the second bracket 52A of the second support region 421A includes one or more screw fastening portions aligned in one-to-one correspondence 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 mating manner so as to be stably coupled to each other. The bracket connecting portion connects the first bracket 51A and the second bracket 52A. The first bracket 51A and the second bracket 52A can rotate relative to the bracket connector.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the bracket connection portion of the first hinge module 5A is configured so 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 to each other by the same angle. The bracket connection part is configured so 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 can be rotated at least at one designated angle and maintained. The bracket connection may, for example, have a free-stop feature. The bracket connection portion is configured to provide a force that allows 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.

[0095] The second hinge module 5B is provided substantially similar to the first hinge module 5A, including, for example, a first bracket, a second bracket, and / or a bracket linkage. In one embodiment, the second hinge module 5B is disposed in the foldable electronic device 2 in an orientation opposite to that of the first hinge module 5A. The first bracket of the second hinge module 5B is disposed on or coupled to the second support area 421A of the second frame 221, and the second bracket of the second hinge module 5B is disposed on or coupled to the first support area 411A of the first frame 221.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the guide rail assembly 6 are coupled to the hinge housing 23 via screws. The hinge housing 23 is connected to the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 via the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the guide rail assembly 6. The hinge housing 23 may include a recess provided on the other side opposite to the one side exposed to the outside when the foldable electronic device 2 is in the folded state (see FIG. 3), and the bracket connection portion of the first hinge module 5A, the bracket connection portion of the second hinge module 5B, and the guide rail assembly 6 are positioned in the recess of the hinge housing 23 via screw fastening. For screw fastening, the bracket connection portion 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 in one-to-one correspondence with the one or more screw holes of the bracket connection portion. For screw fastening, the bracket connection portion 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 in one-to-one correspondence with the one or more screw holes of the bracket connection portion. For screw fastening, the guide rail assembly 6 includes one or more screw holes, and the hinge housing 23 includes one or more screw fastening portions aligned in one-to-one correspondence with the one or more screw holes of the guide rail assembly 6.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the first plate 71 is disposed corresponding to the first frame 211 , and the second plate 72 is disposed corresponding to the second frame 221 . The first plate 71 and the second plate 72 may be configured such that a first width in the direction of the center line (A) (e.g., the y-axis direction) is relatively larger than a second width in a direction perpendicular to the above direction, and overlap with the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and / or the guide rail assembly 6. The first plate 71 and the second plate 72 are coupled to the first hinge module 5A, the second hinge module 5B, and the guide rail assembly 6. According to one embodiment, the first plate 71 is connected to a bracket connection portion of the first hinge module 5A and a bracket connection portion of the second hinge module 5B. The second plate 71 is connected to the bracket connecting portion of the first hinge module 5A and the bracket connecting portion of the second hinge module 5B. In one embodiment, the first plate 71 and the second plate 72 are provided substantially symmetrically to each other based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first plate 71 includes a first surface 71A provided corresponding to the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. The second plate 72 includes a second surface 72A provided corresponding to the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state (see FIG. 2), the first surface 71A of the first plate 71 supports a portion of the third display area (circled number 3), and the second surface 72B of the second plate 72 supports a portion of the third display area (circled number 3). The first surface 71A of the first plate 71 includes a plane that supports one side area of ​​the third display area (circled number 3) based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state. The second surface 72A of the second plate 72 includes a plane that supports the other side area of ​​the third display area (circled number 3) based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, the first surface 71A of the first plate 71 and the second surface 72A of the second plate 72 form an angle of substantially 180 degrees and are arranged without any substantial height difference. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, even if an external force (e.g., external pressure such as touch input using a user's finger or touch input using an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area (circled number 3), the third display area (circled number 3) remains flat due to the support of the first plate 71 and the second plate 72.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the guide rail assembly 6 includes a first slider 61 , a second slider 62 , and a guide rail 63 . The guide rail 63 is disposed on or coupled to the hinge housing 23 . The hinge housing 23 may include a recess provided on one side exposed to the outside when the foldable electronic device 2 is in the folded state (see FIG. 3) and the other side opposite thereto, and the guide rail 63 is disposed in the recess of the hinge housing 23 via screw fastening. The first slider 61 is disposed on the guide rail 63 so as to be able to slide relative to the guide rail 63, and is coupled to the first plate 71 via a screw. The second slider 62 is disposed on the guide rail 63 so as to be able to slide relative to the guide rail 63, and is coupled to the second plate 72 via a screw. The guide rail 63 includes a first guide rail that is in a sliding pair relationship with the first slider 61, and a second guide rail that is in a sliding pair relationship with the second slider 62.

[0100] When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, the operation (or state change) of the first hinge module 5A and the second hinge module 5B changes the relative position of the first plate 71 to the first frame 211 and the relative position of the second plate to the second frame 221, and the first guide rail is configured to guide the path along which the first slider 61 coupled to the first plate 71 moves relative to the guide rail 63, and the second guide rail is configured to guide the path along which the second slider 62 coupled to the second plate 72 moves relative to the guide rail 63. The structure in which the guide rail assembly 6 between the first hinge module 5A and the second hinge module 5B is coupled to the first plate 71 and the second plate 72 can reduce or prevent the first plate 71 and the second plate 72 from floating up.

[0101] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state (see FIG. 2) to the folded state (see FIG. 3), the hinge portion is configured to provide a space in which the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the hinge portion is configured to provide a space in which the third display area (circled number 3) can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce the buckling phenomenon. In one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third display area (circled number 3) is arranged in a drop-shaped or dumbbell-shaped configuration, which may reduce breakage or permanent deformation. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, the third display area (circled number 3) is arranged in a bent shape that can reduce a collision (e.g., bending stress) between a compressive stress generated in one side area of ​​the third display area (circled number 3) and a tensile stress generated in one side area of ​​the third display area (circled number 3) based on a neutral plane inside the third display area (circled number 3).

[0102] According to 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, a fourth portion 840, a first pin (P1), a second pin (P2), and / or a center plate 920. The bracket connection portion of the first hinge module 5A includes a first portion 810, a second portion 820, a third portion 830, a fourth portion 840, a first pin (P1), a second pin (P2), and / or a center plate 920. The bracket connecting portion includes a center portion (or center region) 53A aligned with the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2. Center portion 53A may include various other components (not shown), such as a center plate 920. The first portion 810, the second portion 820, the third portion 830, and the fourth portion 840 are rotatably connected to the center portion 53A. According to one embodiment, the center plate 920 supports a portion of the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 corresponding to the portion between the first plate 71 and the second plate 72 when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state. The center plate 920 can reduce or prevent some sagging or creasing corresponding to the gap between the first surface 71A of the first plate 71 and the second plate 72A in the third display area (circled number 3) when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first portion 810 and the center portion 53A are coupled to each other to allow for relative rotational movement about a first axis of rotation (C1). The third portion 830 and the center portion 53A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a third rotation axis (C3). The third portion 830 and the first bracket 51A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a fifth rotation axis (C5). The first rotation axis (C1), the third rotation axis (C3), and the fifth rotation axis (C5) are substantially parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 and are spaced apart from each other. The first portion 810 is slidably connected to the first bracket 51A so as to be capable of linear movement in a first linear direction (LD1) relative to the first bracket 51A. The first linear direction (LD1) is perpendicular to the first rotation axis (C1). In one embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (e.g., when viewed from the y-axis direction), the first linear direction (LD1) is substantially parallel to the direction in which the first display area (circled number 1) of the flexible display module 24 extends flat.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the second portion 820 and the center portion 53A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a second rotation axis (C2). The fourth portion 840 and the center portion 53A are connected to each other so as to be capable of rotating relative to each other about a fourth rotation axis C4. The fourth portion 840 and the first bracket 51A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a sixth rotation axis (C6). The second rotation axis (C2), the fourth rotation axis (C4), and the sixth rotation axis (C6) are substantially parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 and are spaced apart from each other. The second portion 820 is slidably connected to the second bracket 52A so as to be capable of linear movement in a second linear direction (LD2) relative to the second bracket 52A. The second linear direction (LD2) is perpendicular to the second rotation axis (C2).

[0105] In one embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (e.g., when viewed from the y-axis direction), the second linear direction (LD2) is substantially parallel to the direction in which the second display area (circled number 2) of the flexible display module 24 extends flat. The first rotation axis (C1) and the second rotation axis (C2) are disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to each other based on the center line (A) of the center portion 53A or the foldable electronic device 2. The third rotation axis (C3) and the fourth rotation axis (C4) are disposed substantially symmetrically with each other based on the center line (A) of the center portion 53A or the foldable electronic device 2. The fifth rotation axis (C5) and the sixth rotation axis (C6) are disposed substantially symmetrically with each other based on the center line (A) of the center portion 53A or the foldable electronic device 2. The first linear direction (LD1) in which the first part 810 and the first bracket 51A move linearly relative to each other, and the second linear direction (LD2) in which the second part 820 and the second bracket 52A move linearly relative to each other are configured substantially symmetrically to each other based on the center line (A) of the center part 53A or the foldable electronic device 2. According to one embodiment, the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 are provided substantially symmetrically to each other based on the center line (A) of the center portion 53A or the foldable electronic device 2. The third portion 830 and the fourth portion 840 are provided substantially symmetrically to each other based on the center line (A) of the center portion 53A or the foldable electronic device 2. The first bracket 51A and the second bracket 52A are provided substantially symmetrically to each other based on the center portion 53A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a first linear motion guide (LMG1) that enables the first portion 810 and the first bracket 51A to slide relative to each other (e.g., move linearly relative to each other) in a first linear direction (LD1). The first linear motion guide (LMG1) includes, for example, a first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) included in the first bracket 51A and a first linear motion slider (LMSL1) included in the first portion 810. The first linear motion slider (LMSL1) is inserted into the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1). When the angle between 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 changes, the first bracket 51A and the first part 810 slide relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1) due to the mutual guidance between the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) and the first linear motion slider (LMSL1).

[0107] The first bracket 51A and the first part 810 are connected to each other so as to be stably slidable relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1) by a combination (e.g., a sliding pair) of the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) and the first linear motion slider (LMSL1). Depending on the position at which the first part 810 and the first bracket 51A are slid relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1), the degree to which the first linear motion slider (LMSL1) is inserted into the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) or the relative position between the first linear motion slider (LMSL1) and the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) changes. The first linear motion guide (LMG1), which includes the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) and the first linear motion slider (LMSL1), allows linear movement of the first part 810 relative to the first bracket 51A fixed to the first frame 211, but may make rotational movement of the first part 810 relative to the first bracket 51A substantially difficult.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a second linear motion guide (LMG2) that enables the second portion 820 and the second bracket 52A to slide relative to each other (e.g., move linearly relative to each other) in a second linear direction (LD2). The first linear motion guide (LMG1) and the second linear motion guide (LMG2) are provided substantially symmetrically to each other based on the center line (A) of the center portion 53A or the foldable electronic device 2. The second linear motion guide (LMG2) includes, for example, a second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) included in the second bracket 52A and a second linear motion slider (LMSL2) included in the second portion 820. The second linear motion slider (LMSL2) is inserted into the second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2). When the angle between 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 changes, the second bracket 52A and the second part 820 slide relative to each other in the second linear direction (LD2) due to the mutual guidance between the second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) and the second linear motion slider (LMSL2).

[0109] The second bracket 52A and the second part 820 are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other stably in the second linear direction (LD2) by a combination (e.g., a sliding pair) of the second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) and the second linear motion slider (LMSL2). Depending on the position at which the second part 820 and the second bracket 52A are slid relative to each other in the second linear direction (LD1), the degree to which the second linear motion slider (LMSL2) is inserted into the second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) or the relative position between the second linear motion slider (LMSL2) and the second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) changes. The second linear motion guide (LMG2), which includes the second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) and the second linear motion slider (LMSL2), allows linear movement of the second part 820 relative to the second bracket 52A fixed to the second frame 221, but may make rotational movement of the second part 820 relative to the second bracket 52A substantially difficult.

[0110] According to one embodiment, a first pin (P1) is disposed on (or coupled to) the first portion 810. The first pin (P1) is arranged in the first portion 810 so as to be maintained substantially parallel to the first rotation axis (C1), the third rotation axis (C3), and the fifth rotation axis (C5). The first plate 71 includes a slit-shaped first pin rail (PR1). The first pin (P1) is inserted into or passes through the first pin rail (PR1). The first plate 71 and the first bracket 51A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a seventh rotation axis C7. For example, the seventh rotation axis (C7) is provided by a rotational motion guide composed of a combination (e.g., a sliding pair) of a rotational motion guide rail and a rotational motion slider. As another example, the seventh rotation axis (C7) may be provided by a pin connecting the first plate 71 and the first bracket 51A. The seventh axis of rotation (C7) may be substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation (C1), the third axis of rotation (C3), and the fifth axis of rotation (C5).

[0111] According to one embodiment, a second pin (P2) is disposed on (or coupled to) the second portion 820. The second pin (P2) is arranged in the second portion 820 so as to be maintained substantially parallel to the second rotation axis (C2), the fourth rotation axis (C4), and the sixth rotation axis (C6). The second plate 72 includes a slit-shaped second pin rail (PR2). The second pin (P2) is inserted into or passes through the second pin rail (PR2). The second plate 72 and the second bracket 52A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about an eighth rotation axis (C8). For example, the eighth rotation axis (C8) is provided by a rotational motion guide composed of a combination of a rotational motion guide rail and a rotational motion slider (for example, a sliding pair). As another example, the eighth rotation axis (C8) may be provided by a pin connecting the second plate 72 and the second bracket 52A. The eighth rotation axis (C8) is substantially parallel to the second rotation axis (C2), the fourth rotation axis (C4), and the sixth rotation axis (C6). The pin-rail structure including the second pin (P2) and the second pin rail (PR2) is provided substantially symmetrically to the pin-rail structure including the first pin (P1) and the first pin rail (PR1) based on the center portion 53A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2.

[0112] According to one embodiment, when the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, there is a rotational movement of the first part 810 relative to the center part 53A based on the first rotation axis (C1), a mutual linear movement between the first part 810 and the first bracket 51A through the first linear motion guide (LMG1), a rotational movement of the third part 830 relative to the center part 53A based on the third rotation axis (C3), and a rotational movement of the third part 830 relative to the first bracket 51A based on the fifth rotation axis (C5). When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, the first plate 71 rotates about the seventh rotation axis (C7) due to the interaction between the first pin (P1) and the first pin rail (PR1), corresponding to the change in relative position between the center portion 53A, the first portion 810, the second portion 820, the third portion 830, and the first bracket 51A.

[0113] When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, there is a rotational movement of the second part 820 relative to the center part 53A based on the second rotation axis (C2), a mutual linear movement between the second part 820 and the second bracket 52A through the second linear motion guide (LMG2), a rotational movement of the fourth part 840 relative to the center part 53A based on the fourth rotation axis (C4), and a rotational movement of the fourth part 840 relative to the second bracket 52A based on the sixth rotation axis (C6). When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, the second plate 72 rotates about the eighth rotation axis (C8) due to the interaction between the second pin (P2) and the second pin rail (PR2), corresponding to the change in relative position between the center portion 53A, the first portion 810, the second portion 820, the third portion 830, and the first bracket 51A. The second hinge module 5B is provided substantially similar to the first hinge module 5A and moves substantially similarly to the first hinge module 5A when the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes.

[0114] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first surface 71A of the first plate 71 and the second surface 72A of the second plate 72 are arranged facing each other and spaced apart. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first plate 71 and the second plate 72, which are connected (e.g., interlocked) with the movement of the first hinge module 5A, are positioned at an angle relative to the first bracket 51A compared to the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the space between the first surface 71A of the first plate 71 and the second surface 72A of the second plate 72 is provided in a form that widens in a direction toward the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) so ​​that the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the center plate 920 includes a third surface 920A that faces the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. The third surface 920A includes a first surface region 921, a second surface region 922, and / or a third surface region 923. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state and viewed from above the flexible display module 24 (e.g., when viewed from the -z axis direction), the third surface area 923 is located between the first surface area 921 and the second surface area 922. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state and the flexible display module 24 is viewed from above, the first surface area 921 is located between the first face 71A of the first plate 71 and the third surface area 923 of the center plate 920. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state and the flexible display module 24 is viewed from above, the second surface area 922 is located between the second face 72A of the second plate 72 and the third surface area 923 of the center plate 920.

[0116] In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2, the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 is positioned flat, the first surface area 921 includes a first plane on which a portion of the third display area (circled number 3) is supported flat, and the second surface area 922 includes a second plane on which a portion of the third display area (circled number 3) is supported flat. Center plate 920 includes a recess 924 provided by a curved third surface region 923 . The recess 924 is a space that is recessed in a direction toward the hinge housing 23 when viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the direction of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (for example, the y-axis direction).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first flexible film 510 is disposed on the foldable housing 20 between the foldable housing 20 and the flexible display module 24 . In the illustrated example, the first flexible film 510 is disposed on a center plate 920 . The first flexible film 510 includes a first region 511 overlapping with a first surface region 921 of the third surface 920A, a second region 512 overlapping with a second surface region 922 of the third surface 920A, and a third region 513 between the first region 511 and the second region 512. An adhesive substance is disposed between the first surface region 921 of the center plate 920 and the first region 511 of the first flexible film 510 , and the first region 511 is bonded to the first surface region 921 . An adhesive material is disposed between the second surface region 922 of the center plate 920 and the second region 512 of the first flexible film 510 , and the second region 512 is bonded to the second surface region 922 . The adhesive material may be a variety of adhesive materials such as a heat-reactive adhesive, a light-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

[0118] The foldable electronic device 2 includes a first fixing region (or first fixing portion) including an adhesive or bonding material that connects the first surface region 921 of the center plate 920 and the first region 511 of the first flexible film 510 . The foldable electronic device 2 includes a second fixing region (or second fixing portion) including an adhesive or bonding material that connects the second surface region 922 of the center plate 920 and the second region 512 of the first flexible film 510 . First flexible film 510 is laid substantially flat. The third region 513 of the first flexible film 510 is laid substantially flat under the support of the first region 511 bonded to the first surface region 921 and the second region 512 bonded to the second surface region 512 . The third region 513 of the first flexible film 510 is tensioned by the first region 511 attached to the first surface region 921 and the second region 512 attached to the second surface region 922 and is positioned substantially flat. The third region 513 of the first flexible film 510 overlaps the recess 924 when viewed from above the third surface 920A of the center plate 920. The third region 513 of the first flexible film 510 is positioned at least partially separated from a third surface region 923 included in the third surface 920A of the center plate 920 with the recess 924 therebetween.

[0119] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2, the first flexible film 510 supports the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. The first flexible film 510 includes a fourth surface 510A facing the third display area (circled number 3). When the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, and there is no external force or external impact that causes the third display area (circled number 3) to press against the first flexible film 510, the fourth surface 510A is positioned substantially flat. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, in the absence of an external impact (e.g., an external impact applied to the externally exposed hinge housing 23) that causes the third display area (circled number 3) to pressurize the first flexible film 510, the fourth surface 510A is positioned substantially flat.

[0120] The fourth surface 510A of the first flexible film 510 supports a third display area (circled number 3) when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state. The fourth surface 510A of the first flexible film 510 is arranged so that there is no substantial height difference between the first surface 71A of the first plate 71 and the second surface 72A of the second plate 72 when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state. The first flexible film 510 supports the third display area (circled number 3) so that the third display area (circled number 3) is positioned flat without sagging when the foldable electronic device 2 is unfolded, thereby reducing the sagging or creasing phenomenon of the third display area (circled number 3).

[0121] When an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in the folded state (for example, when an external impact is applied to the hinge housing 23 exposed to the outside), the third display area (circled number 3) and the center plate 920 move toward each other due to the connection structure between the components included in the hinge portion (for example, hinge portion (H) in Figure 9) and the play in that connection. In one embodiment, when an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state, the recess 924 between the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 and the center plate 920 provides a separation space to reduce or prevent the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 from colliding with the center plate 920.

[0122] The embodiment in which a recess 924 is provided on the third surface 920A of the center plate 920 contributes to slimming down the foldable electronic device 2 compared to a comparative example (not shown separately) in which the third surface 920A of the center plate 920 is provided as a substantially flat surface while being separated from the third display area (circled number 3). The embodiment in which a recess 924 is provided on the third surface 920A of the center plate 920 and the first flexible film 510 is disposed on the sensor plate 920 can reduce or prevent the crease phenomenon caused by sagging of the third display area (circled number 3) when the foldable electronic device 2 is unfolded, compared to a comparative example (not shown) in which a recess 924 is provided on the third surface 920A of the center plate 920 and the first flexible film 510 is omitted.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the recess 924 in the center plate 920 and the curved third surface area 923 for the recess 924 are provided substantially symmetrically based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 is arranged in a substantially symmetrical drop or dumbbell shape based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2. The third surface area 923 of the center plate 920 is provided in a shape that substantially matches the back surface of a portion (24D) of the third display area (circled number 3) arranged in a drop-shaped or dumbbell-shaped configuration that is aligned with the third surface area 923 when the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state.

[0124] In a comparative example, the rear surface of portion 24D, in which third surface area 923 is aligned with third surface area 923 of the third display area (circled number 3), may be provided with a different shape. An embodiment in which the third surface area 923 of the center plate 920 substantially coincides with the back surface of the portion 24D aligned with the third surface area 923 of the third display area (circled number 3), compared to the comparative example, can reduce the possibility of the center plate 920 impacting the third display area (circled number 3) when an external impact applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in the folded state causes the third display area (circled number 3) to sag and move closer to the center plate 920.

[0125] According to one embodiment, when an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state (e.g., an external impact applied to the hinge housing 23 exposed to the outside), the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 and the center plate 920 move closer to each other, and the first flexible film 510 is configured to sag while reducing the stress on the third display area (circled number 3). For example, when an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in the folded state, the third display area (circled number 3) arranged in a bent shape approaches the center plate 920, causing the first flexible film 510 to sag without substantial deformation. The first flexible film 510 may include various polymers (eg, elastomers) and may be provided in various forms depending on its physical properties. In various embodiments, the first flexible film 510 may include at least a portion of a metal material.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the first flexible film 510 reduces the effect of external impact on the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 between the third display area (circled number 3) and the center plate 920. When an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state (for example, when an external impact is applied to the hinge housing 23 exposed to the outside), the first flexible film 510 absorbs or mitigates (or cushions) the external impact applied to the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 between the third display area (circled number 3) and the center plate 920. The first flexible film 510 may include a cushioning material. According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state and an external force (e.g., external pressure such as touch input using a user's finger or touch input using an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area (circled number 3), the first flexible film 510 can relieve the stress generated in the third display area (circled number 3), reducing the sagging phenomenon of the third display area (circled number 3) and contributing to maintaining the third display area (circled number 3) flat.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the first flexible film 510 is substantially constant, and the structure in which the first flexible film 510 and the center plate 920 are combined is configured so that the fourth surface 510A of the first flexible film 510 is arranged substantially flat. In various embodiments (not shown separately), the thickness of the first flexible film 510 may vary in parts, and the structure in which the first flexible film 510 and the center plate 920 are combined is configured so that the fourth surface 510A of the first flexible film 510 is arranged substantially flat. For example, the first region 511 and the second region 512 of the first flexible film 510 may have a different thickness than the third region 513 of the first flexible film 510, but the structure in which the first flexible film 510 and the center plate 920 are combined is configured such that the fourth surface 510A of the first flexible film 510 is arranged substantially flat.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the first flexible film 510 includes a fourth surface 510A facing toward the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 and a fifth surface 510B facing in the opposite direction. The fifth surface 510B includes a first partial region included in the first region 511, a second partial region included in the second region 512, and a third partial region included in the third region 513. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2, in the absence of an external force or external impact that causes the third display area (circled number 3) to press against the first flexible film 510, the third partial area is arranged substantially flat. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, in the absence of an external impact (e.g., an external impact applied to the externally exposed hinge housing 23) that causes the third display area (circled number 3) to pressurize the first flexible film 510, the third partial area is arranged substantially flat.

[0129] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, if an external impact is applied to the exposed hinge housing 23, causing the third display area (circled number 3) arranged in a bent shape to approach the center plate 920 while causing the first flexible film 510 to sag, the device may be embodied to reduce collision between the third area 513 of the first flexible film 510 and the third surface area 923 of the center plate 920, and / or to reduce contact of the third area 513 with the third surface area 923.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the third partial area included in the fifth surface 510B of the first flexible film 510 is provided with a convex curved surface 604 in a direction toward the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. The portion of first flexible film 510 including curved surface 604 (for example, third region 513) has a smaller thickness than the other portions. The curved surface 604 is provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line (A) of the electronic device 2 (see FIG. 4). When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, if an external impact is applied to the exposed hinge housing 23, causing the third display area (circled number 3) arranged in a bent shape to approach the center plate 920 while causing the first flexible film 510 to sag, the curved surface 604 contributes to reducing a collision between the third area 513 of the first flexible film 510 and the third surface area 923 of the center plate 920, and / or reducing contact of the third area 513 with the third surface area 923. In various embodiments, the curved surface 604 may further extend into the first region 511 and / or the second region 512.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the first surface region 921 and the third surface region 923 of the center plate 920 are smoothly or seamlessly connected as shown by the imaginary line indicated by reference numeral '602' (see FIG. 6). The smooth or seamless connection of the first surface region 921 and the third surface region 923 reduces bending stress that occurs in the boundary region 605 between the first region 511 and the third region 513 of the first flexible film 510, or reduces stress concentration in the boundary region 605, when an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state, causing the third display region (circled number 3) arranged in a bent shape to approach the center plate 920 while causing the first flexible film 510 to sag. The second surface region 922 and the third surface region 923 of the center plate 920 are smoothly or seamlessly connected as indicated by the imaginary line indicated by reference numeral '603' (see FIG. 6).

[0132] The smooth or seamless connection of the second surface area 922 and the third surface area 923 reduces bending stress that occurs in the boundary area 606 between the second area 512 and the third area 513 of the first flexible film 510, or reduces stress concentration in the boundary area 606, when an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state, causing the third display area (circled number 3) arranged in a bent shape to approach the center plate 920 while causing the first flexible film 510 to sag. The smooth or seamless connection of the first surface area 921 and the third surface area 923, and the smooth or seamless connection of the second surface area 922 and the third surface area 923, contributes to the first flexible film 510 sagging while reducing the stress on the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 in response to the movement of the third display area (circled number 3) and the center plate 920 toward each other due to an external impact applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the third region 513 of the first flexible film 510 may include a lattice structure (not shown). The grating structure may, for example, include a plurality of openings (or slits) provided in the third region 513 . The lattice structure refers to a pattern structure in which a plurality of openings are regularly arranged. The plurality of openings may be periodically formed and repeatedly arranged at regular intervals with substantially the same shape. A lattice structure containing a plurality of openings may be referred to by other terms such as an 'opening pattern', a 'hole pattern', or a 'lattice pattern'. According to various embodiments, the first flexible film 510 can include multiple layers stacked together. The material contained in any one of the plurality of layers may be different from the material contained in any other one of the plurality of layers. According to various embodiments, a buffer material may be disposed (eg, filled) between third region 513 of first flexible film 510 and third surface region 923 of center plate 920 (eg, in recess 924).

[0134] According to one embodiment, second flexible film 520 is disposed on second hinge module 5B substantially in the same manner as first flexible film 510 is disposed on first hinge module 5A. According to one embodiment, the guide rail assembly 6 includes a recess 64 for substantially the same purpose as the recess 924 provided in the center plate 920 of the first hinge module 5A. In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may further include a third flexible film (not shown) disposed on the guide rail assembly 6 in substantially the same manner as disposing the first flexible film 510 on the center plate 920 of the first hinge module 5A.

[0135] 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the foldable electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hinge portion (H) in the foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first hinge module 5A and a hinge cover 23 in the foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present invention taken along line D-D' of FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state related to FIG. 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present invention taken along line E-E' of FIG. 9, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state related to FIG. 13 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a first hinge module 5A, a first flexible film 510, a first plate 71, and / or a second plate 72. The first hinge module 5A includes a first bracket 51A, a second bracket 52, a first portion 810, a second portion 820, a third portion 830, a fourth portion 840, and / or a center portion 53A (see FIG. 5).

[0137] In one embodiment, the center portion 53A includes a rotation support bracket 910, a center plate (or cover or bracket cover) 920, a first rotation support portion (or first rotation support member or first rotation support element) 1010, a second rotation support portion (or second rotation support member or second rotation support element) 1020, a first shaft 1110, a second shaft 1120, a third shaft 1130, a fourth shaft 1140, a first snap ring ring 1211, second snap ring 1212, third snap ring 1213, fourth snap ring 1214, fifth snap ring 1215, sixth snap ring 1216, seventh snap ring 1217, eighth snap ring 1218, first washer 1311, second washer 1312, third washer 1313, fourth washer 1314, third circular gear 1410, fourth circular gear 1420, first cam gear gear) 1511, a second cam gear 1512, a third cam gear 1513, a fourth cam gear 1514, a fifth cam gear 1515, a sixth cam gear 1516, a seventh cam gear 1517, an eighth cam gear 1518, a first compression spring 1611, a second compression spring 1612, a third compression spring 1613, a fourth compression spring 1614, a first pin (P1), a second pin (P2), a third pin (P3), and / or a fourth pin (P4).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the rotational support bracket 910 is located at least partially between the hinge housing 23 and the center plate 920 . The rotation support bracket 910 is coupled to the hinge housing 23 via screw fastening. The rotation support bracket 910 is provided in a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 4). According to one embodiment, the center plate 920 is coupled to the rotational support bracket 910 . The rotation support bracket 910 and the center plate 920 may be coupled via screw fastening and / or snap-fit ​​fastening (eg, a fastening method including a hook and hook fastener). For example, for screw fastening, the center plate 920 may include a plurality of screw holes (925, 926), and the rotation support bracket 910 may include a plurality of screw fastening portions aligned in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of screw holes (925, 926).

[0139] In one embodiment, multiple screw holes (925, 926) are provided in a central region of the center plate 920 corresponding to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device 2 (e.g., a portion including the third surface region 923 of the center plate 920), and are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) (e.g., the y-axis direction). A plurality of screw fastening portions are provided in a central region (e.g., the portion between the first rail surface 911 and the second rail surface 912) of the rotation support bracket 910 corresponding to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The screws (S1, S2) disposed in the screw holes (925, 926) are disposed so as not to protrude relative to the third surface region 923 for the recess 924 (see FIG. 5). The fact that the multiple screws (S1, S2) do not protrude from the third surface area 923 can reduce or prevent the multiple screws (S1, S2) from impacting the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 when an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state. The positions of the screw holes and screw fastening portions are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings, and may vary.

[0140] According to one embodiment, 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 . The first rotary motion slider (RMSL1) included in the third part 830 is slidably disposed in a first space between the first rail surface 911 and the center plate 920, and the first space becomes a first rotary motion guide rail (RMGR1) (see Figures 11 and 12) that guides the movement of the first rotary motion slider (RMSL1). The first rotational movement slider (RMSL1) and the first rotational movement guide rail (RMGR1) are provided in a curved shape extending in the circumferential direction for mutually stable rotational movement between the first portion 830 and the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5). The second rotational movement slider (RMSL2) included in the fourth portion 840 is slidably disposed in the second space between the second rail surface 912 and the center plate 920, and the second space becomes a second rotational movement guide rail (RMGR2) (see Figures 11 and 12) that guides the movement of the second rotational movement slider (RMSL2). The second rotational movement slider (RMSL2) and the second rotational movement guide rail (RMGR2) are provided in a curved shape extending in the circumferential direction for mutually stable rotational movement between the fourth portion 840 and the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5).

[0141] The first rotational movement guide (RMG1) (see Figures 11 and 12) including the first rotational movement guide rail (RMGR1) and the first rotational movement slider (RMSL1) is provided substantially symmetrically to the second rotational movement guide (RMG2) including the second rotational movement guide rail (RMGR2) and the second rotational movement slider (RMSL2) based on the center line (A) (see Figure 2) of the foldable electronic device 2. The third rotation axis (C3) of the third portion 830 is substantially provided by a sliding pair including a first rotational motion slider (RMSL1) and a first rotational motion guide rail (RMGR1). The fourth rotation axis (C4) of the fourth portion 840 is substantially provided by a sliding pair including a second rotational motion slider (RMSL2) and a second rotational motion guide rail (RMGR2).

[0142] According to various embodiments, and not limited to the examples shown in the figures, the first rotational motion guide may be replaced by third portion 830 and center portion 53A (see FIG. 5) being rotatably connected to each other via a shaft or pin. Without being limited to the example shown in the figures, the fourth portion 840 and the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5) may be rotatably connected to each other via a shaft or a pin, replacing the second rotational movement guide. According to one embodiment, the third portion 830 is coupled to the first bracket 51A via a third pin (P3). The third portion 830 and the first bracket 51A rotate relative to each other via a third pin (P3). The fifth axis of rotation (C5) may be provided by the third pin (P3). According to one embodiment, the fourth portion 840 is coupled to the second bracket 52A via a fourth pin (P4). The fourth portion 820 and the second bracket 52A rotate relative to each other via a fourth pin (P4). The sixth axis of rotation (C6) may be provided by the fourth pin (P4).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the first portion 810 is disposed spaced apart from the third portion 830 in the direction of the first rotation axis (C1) (eg, the y-axis direction). The first portion 810 includes a first shaft connecting portion (or a first shaft connecting arm or a first shaft arm 811). The first shaft 1110 passes through a shaft hole provided in the first shaft connecting portion 811 . The first rotation axis (C 1 ) of the first portion 810 is the central axis of the first shaft 1110 . The first shaft coupling portion 811 is disposed on the first shaft 1110 so as to be rotatable together with the first shaft 1110 . The first portion 810 rotates together with the first shaft 1110 about a first rotation axis (C1).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the second portion 820 is spaced apart from the fourth portion 840 in the direction of the second rotation axis (C2) (eg, the y-axis direction). The second portion 820 includes a second shaft coupling portion (or a second shaft coupling arm or a second shaft arm) 821 . The second shaft 1120 passes through a shaft hole provided in the second shaft connecting portion 821 . The second rotation axis (C2) of the second portion 820 is the central axis of the second shaft 1120. The second shaft coupling portion 821 is disposed on the second shaft 1120 so as to be rotatable together with the second shaft 1120 . The second portion 820 rotates together with the second shaft 1120 about a second axis of rotation (C2).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the first rotation support part 1010 and the second rotation support part 1020 are at least partially disposed between the rotation support bracket 910 and the center plate 920, and are coupled to the rotation support bracket 910 via screw fastening. The first rotation support part 1010 and the second rotation support part 1020 are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device 2 (for example, the y-axis direction). The first rotation support portion 1010 and the second rotation support portion 1020 support the first shaft 1110, the second shaft 1120, the third shaft 1130, and the fourth shaft 1140 so that the first shaft 1110, the second shaft 1120, the third shaft 1130, and the fourth shaft 1140 are in fixed positions. The first shaft 1110 passes through a shaft hole provided in the first rotation support part 1010 and a shaft hole provided in the second rotation support part 1020 . The second shaft 1120 passes through a shaft hole provided in the first rotation support part 1010 and a shaft hole provided in the second rotation support part 1020 . The third shaft 1130 passes through a shaft hole provided in the first rotation support part 1010 and a shaft hole provided in the second rotation support part 1020 . The fourth shaft 1140 passes through a shaft hole provided in the first rotation support part 1010 and a shaft hole provided in the second rotation support part 1020 .

[0146] The first rotation support part 1010 and the second rotation support part 1020 support the first shaft 1110 so that the first shaft 1110 can rotate about a first rotation axis (C1). The first rotation axis (C1) is the central axis of the first shaft 1110. The first rotation support part 1010 and the second rotation support part 1020 support the second shaft 1120 so that the second shaft 1120 can rotate about a second rotation axis (C2). The second rotation axis (C2) is the central axis of the second shaft 1120. The first rotation support part 1010 and the second rotation support part 1020 support the third shaft 1130 so that the third shaft 1130 can be rotated based on a ninth rotation axis (C9) that is substantially parallel to the first rotation axis (C1) and the second rotation axis (C2). The ninth rotation axis (C9) is the central axis of the third shaft 1130. The first rotation support part 1010 and the second rotation support part 1020 support the fourth shaft 1140 so that the fourth shaft 1140 can be rotated based on a tenth rotation axis (C10) that is substantially parallel to the first rotation axis (C1) and the second rotation axis (C2). The tenth rotation axis (C10) is the central axis of the fourth shaft 1140).

[0147] The ninth rotation axis (C9) and the tenth rotation axis (C10) are arranged on an imaginary line that passes through the first rotation axis (C1) and the second rotation axis (C2). The ninth rotational axis (C9) is disposed between the first rotational axis (C1) and the tenth rotational axis (C10), and the tenth rotational axis (C10) is disposed between the second rotational axis (C2) and the ninth rotational axis (C9). An imaginary first line passing through the first rotation axis (C1) and the second rotation axis (C2) may be substantially parallel to an imaginary second line passing through the ninth rotation axis (C9) and the tenth rotation axis (C10), and the first line and the second line may be coincident. In various embodiments, the first shaft 1110, the second shaft 1120, the third shaft 1130, and the fourth shaft 1140 may be arranged such that the first straight line and the second straight line are parallel and spaced apart from each other.

[0148] According to one embodiment, a third circular gear 1410 is disposed on the third shaft 1130 . The third shaft 1130 passes through a shaft hole provided in the third circular gear 1410 . The third circular gear 1410 is disposed on the third shaft 1130 so as to be rotatable together with the third shaft 1130 . The fourth circular gear 1420 is disposed on the fourth shaft 1140 . The fourth shaft 1140 passes through a shaft hole provided in the fourth circular gear 1420 . The fourth circular gear 1420 is disposed on the fourth shaft 1140 so as to be rotatable together with the fourth shaft 1140 . In various embodiments, the third shaft 1130 may be provided in a form including a circular gear, in which case the third circular gear 1410 may be omitted. In various embodiments, the fourth shaft 1140 may be provided in a form including a circular gear, in which case the fourth circular gear 1420 may be omitted.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the first shaft coupling 811 of the first portion 810 includes a first circular gear 814 . The second shaft coupling portion 821 of the second portion 820 includes a second circular gear 824 . The first shaft connection portion 811 including the first circular gear 814 in the first part 810, the second shaft connection portion 821 including the second circular gear 824 in the second part 820, the third circular gear 1410 and the fourth circular gear 1420 are arranged between the first rotation support portion 1010 and the second rotation support portion 1020. The third circular gear 1410 meshes with the first circular gear 814 . The fourth circular gear 1420 meshes with the second circular gear 824 . The third circular gear 1410 and the fourth circular gear 1420 mesh with each other. The third circular gear 1410 and the fourth circular gear 1420 are, for example, spur gears having the same number of teeth. The first circular gear 814 included in the first shaft connecting portion 811 of the first part 810 is provided in a form in which teeth are arranged in a partial circumferential section that meshes with the third circular gear 1410 in response to a change in state of the foldable electronic device 2 (e.g., a transition between the unfolded state of FIG. 2 and the folded state of FIG. 3), in contrast to the third circular gear 1410, which has teeth arranged along the circumference.

[0150] A first linear motion slider (LMSL1) extends from a first shaft coupling portion 811 that includes a first circular gear 814. The second circular gear 824 included in the second shaft connecting portion 821 of the second part 820 is provided in a form in which it is arranged in a partial circumferential section that meshes with the fourth circular gear 1420 in response to a change in the state of the foldable electronic device 2, in contrast to the fourth circular gear 1420 that is arranged along the circumference. A second linear motion slider (LMSL2) extends from a second shaft coupling portion 821 that includes a second circular gear 824. When the first part 810 rotates in a first direction based on the first rotation axis (C1) and the second part 820 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction based on the second rotation axis (C2), the third circular gear 1410 and the fourth circular gear 1420 contribute to the transmission of force (e.g., rotational force) and force balance between the first circular gear 1111 and the second circular gear 1121. According to various embodiments, the third circular gear 1410 and the fourth circular gear 1420 may be gears of different sizes than the first circular gear 1111 and the second circular gear 1121.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the first cam gear 1511 is disposed between the first rotation support 1010 and the first shaft coupling portion 811 of the first portion 810 . The first shaft 1110 passes through a shaft hole provided in the first cam gear 1511, and the first cam gear 1511 is arranged on the first shaft 1110 so that it can rotate together with the first shaft 1110 based on the first rotation axis (C1). The second cam gear 1512 is disposed between the second rotation support portion 1020 and the first shaft connecting portion 811 of the first portion 810 . The first shaft 1110 passes through a shaft hole provided in the second cam gear 1512, and the second cam gear 1512 is arranged on the first shaft 1110 so that it can rotate together with the first shaft 1110 based on the first rotation axis (C1). The first rotation support portion 1010 includes a cam gear arranged corresponding to the first cam gear 1511 , and the second rotation support portion 1020 includes a cam gear arranged corresponding to the second cam gear 1512 .

[0152] According to one embodiment, the third cam gear 1513 is disposed between the first rotation support 1010 and the second shaft coupling portion 821 of the second portion 820 . The second shaft 1120 passes through a shaft hole provided in the third cam gear 1513, and the third cam gear 1513 is arranged on the second shaft 1120 so that it can rotate together with the second shaft 1120 based on the second rotation axis (C2). The fourth cam gear 1514 is disposed between the second rotation support portion 1020 and the second shaft connecting portion 821 of the second portion 820 . The second shaft 1120 passes through a shaft hole provided in the fourth cam gear 1514, and the fourth cam gear 1514 is arranged on the second shaft 1120 so that it can rotate together with the second shaft 1120 based on the second rotation axis (C2). The first rotation support portion 1010 includes a cam gear arranged corresponding to the third cam gear 1513 , and the second rotation support portion 1020 includes a cam gear arranged corresponding to the fourth cam gear 1514 .

[0153] According to one embodiment, the fifth cam gear 1515 is disposed between the first rotation support 1010 and the third circular gear 1410 . The third shaft 1130 passes through a shaft hole provided in the fifth cam gear 1515, and the fifth cam gear 1515 is arranged on the third shaft 1130 so that it can rotate together with the third shaft 1130 based on the third rotation axis (C3). The sixth cam gear 1516 is disposed between the second rotation support portion 1020 and the third circular gear 1410 . The third shaft 1130 passes through a shaft hole provided in the sixth cam gear 1516, and the sixth cam gear 1516 is arranged on the third shaft 1130 so that it can rotate together with the third shaft 1130 based on the third rotation axis (C3). The first rotation support portion 1010 includes a cam gear arranged corresponding to the fifth cam gear 1515 , and the second rotation support portion 1020 includes a cam gear arranged corresponding to the sixth cam gear 1516 .

[0154] According to one embodiment, the seventh cam gear 1517 is disposed between the first rotation support 1010 and the fourth circular gear 1420 . The fourth shaft 1140 passes through a shaft hole provided in the seventh cam gear 1517, and the seventh cam gear 1517 is arranged on the fourth shaft 1140 so that it can rotate together with the fourth shaft 1140 based on the fourth rotation axis (C4). The eighth cam gear 1518 is disposed between the second rotation support portion 1020 and the fourth circular gear 1420 . The fourth shaft 1140 passes through a shaft hole provided in the eighth cam gear 1518, and the eighth cam gear 1518 is arranged on the fourth shaft 1140 so that it can rotate together with the fourth shaft 1140 based on the fourth rotation axis (C4). The first rotation support portion 1010 includes a cam gear arranged corresponding to the seventh cam gear 1517 , and the second rotation support portion 1020 includes a cam gear arranged corresponding to the eighth cam gear 1518 .

[0155] According to one embodiment, a first snap ring (e.g., a first E-ring) 1211 is fastened to one end of the first shaft 1110, and a second snap ring (e.g., a second E-ring) 1212 is fastened to the other end of the first shaft 1110. The first snap ring 1211 and the second snap ring 1212 prevent the first shaft 1110 from coming off the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5). The first washer 1311 is passed through by the first shaft 1110 and is disposed between the second snap ring 1212 and a portion of the second rotation support part 1020 that includes a shaft hole through which the first shaft 1110 passes. The first shaft 1110 passes through a first compression spring 1611 , and the first compression spring 1611 is elastically disposed between the second rotation support portion 1020 and the first washer 1311 . Due to the elastic force of the first compression spring 1611, the first cam gear 1511 and the cam gear of the first rotation support part 1010 are in elastic contact with each other, and the second cam gear 1512 and the cam gear of the second rotation support part 1020 are in elastic contact with each other.

[0156] According to one embodiment, a third snap ring (e.g., a third E-ring) 1213 is fastened to one end of the second shaft 1120, and a fourth snap ring (e.g., a fourth E-ring) 1214 is fastened to the other end of the second shaft 1120. The third snap ring 1213 and the fourth snap ring 1214 prevent the second shaft 1120 from being separated from the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5). The second washer 1312 is passed through by the second shaft 1120 and is disposed between the fourth snap ring 1214 and a portion of the second rotation support part 1020 that includes a shaft hole through which the second shaft 1120 passes. The second shaft 1120 passes through the second compression spring 1612 , and the second compression spring 1612 is elastically disposed between the second rotation support 1020 and the second washer 1312 . Due to the elastic force of the second compression spring 1612, the third cam gear 1513 and the cam gear of the first rotation support portion 1010 are in elastic contact with each other, and the fourth cam gear 1514 and the cam gear of the second rotation support portion 1020 are in elastic contact with each other.

[0157] According to one embodiment, a fifth snap ring (e.g., a fifth E-ring) 1215 is fastened to one end of the third shaft 1130, and a sixth snap ring (e.g., a sixth E-ring) 1216 is fastened to the other end of the third shaft 1130. The fifth snap ring 1215 and the sixth snap ring 1216 prevent the third shaft 1130 from being detached from the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5). The third washer 1313 is passed through by the third shaft 1130 and is disposed between the sixth snap ring 1216 and a portion of the second rotation support part 1020 that includes a shaft hole through which the third shaft 1130 passes. The third shaft 1130 passes through the third compression spring 1613 , and the third compression spring 1613 is elastically disposed between the second rotation support portion 1020 and the third washer 1313 . Due to the elastic force of the third compression spring 1613, the fifth cam gear 1515 and the cam gear of the first rotation support portion 1010 are in elastic contact with each other, and the sixth cam gear 1516 and the cam gear of the second rotation support portion 1020 are in elastic contact with each other.

[0158] According to one embodiment, a seventh snap ring (e.g., a seventh E-ring) 1217 is fastened to one end of the fourth shaft 1140, and an eighth snap ring (e.g., an eighth E-ring) 1218 is fastened to the other end of the fourth shaft 1140. The seventh snap ring 1217 and the eighth snap ring 1218 prevent the fourth shaft 1140 from being detached from the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5). The fourth washer 1314 is passed through by the fourth shaft 1140 and is disposed between the eighth snap ring 1218 and a portion of the second rotation support part 1020 that includes a shaft hole through which the fourth shaft 1140 passes. The fourth shaft 1140 passes through a fourth compression spring 1614 , and the fourth compression spring 1614 is elastically disposed between the second rotation support portion 1020 and the fourth washer 1314 . Due to the elastic force of the fourth compression spring 1614, the seventh cam gear 1517 and the cam gear of the first rotation support portion 1010 are in elastic contact, and the eighth cam gear 1518 and the cam gear of the second rotation support portion 1020 are in elastic contact.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5) functions to provide a force that allows the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 to rotate relative to one another. The center portion 53A (see FIG. 5) has the function of allowing the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 to be rotated in opposite directions by the same angle. The center portion 53A (see FIG. 5) has a function (for example, a free stop function) that allows the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 to be rotated at at least one designated angle and maintained. Corresponding to the above-described function of the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5), when the angle between the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 changes, there is an interaction between the multiple circular gears (814, 824, 1410, 1420). In accordance with the above-described function of the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5), when the angle between the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 changes, there is an interaction between the first cam gear 1511 and the first rotation support portion 1010 using the elastic force of the first compression spring 1611, and an interaction between the second cam gear 1512 and the second rotation support portion 1020 using the elastic force of the first compression spring 1611. In accordance with the above-described function of the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5), when the angle between the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 changes, there is an interaction between the third cam gear 1513 and the first rotation support portion 1010 using the elastic force of the second compression spring 1612, and an interaction between the fourth cam gear 1514 and the second rotation support portion 1020 using the elastic force of the second compression spring 1612.

[0160] Corresponding to the above-mentioned function of the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5), when the angle between the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 changes, there is an interaction between the fifth cam gear 1515 and the first rotation support portion 1010 using the elastic force of the third compression spring 1613, and an interaction between the sixth cam gear 1516 and the second rotation support portion 1020 using the elastic force of the third compression spring 1613. Corresponding to the above-mentioned function of the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5), when the angle between the first portion 810 and the second portion 820 changes, there is an interaction between the seventh cam gear 1517 and the first rotation support portion 1010 using the elastic force of the fourth compression spring 1614, and an interaction between the eighth cam gear 1518 and the second rotation support portion 1020 using the elastic force of the fourth compression spring 1614. In various embodiments, the bracket connector including the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5) may be interpreted as an 'actuator' within the first hinge module 5A. The third portion 830 is connected to the first bracket 51A fixed to the first frame 211 (see Figure 4) so ​​as to be slidable relative to the first bracket 51A, and the fourth portion 840 is connected to the second bracket 52A fixed to the second frame 221 (see Figure 4) so ​​as to be slidable relative to the second bracket 52A, so that the above-mentioned function of the center portion 53A is substantially provided for mutual rotational movement between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a first linear motion guide (LMG1) that allows the third portion 830 and the first bracket 51A to slide relative to one another (eg, move linearly relative to one another) in a first linear direction. The first linear motion guide (LMG1) includes a first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) included in the first bracket 51A, and a first linear motion slider (LMSL1) included in the third portion 830. The third portion 830 and the first bracket 51A are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other stably in the first linear direction by a combination (for example, a sliding pair) of the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) and the first linear motion slider (LMSL1). The combination of the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) and the first linear motion slider (LMSL1) allows for relative linear movement between the third part 830 and the first bracket 51A, but may make relative rotational movement between the third part 830 and the first bracket 51A substantially difficult.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the first hinge module 5A includes a second linear motion guide (LMG2) that allows the fourth portion 840 and the second bracket 52A to slide relative to one another (e.g., move linearly relative to one another) in a second linear direction. The second linear motion guide (LMG2) includes a second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) included in the second bracket 52A and a second linear motion slider (LMSL2) included in the fourth portion 840. The fourth portion 840 and the second bracket 52A are stably connected to each other and slidably in the second linear direction by a combination (for example, a sliding pair) of the second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) and the second linear motion slider (LMSL2). The combination of the second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) and the second linear motion slider (LMSL2) allows for relative linear movement between the fourth part 840 and the second bracket 52A, but may make relative rotational movement between the fourth part 840 and the second bracket 52A substantially difficult.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the first pin (P1) is disposed on (or coupled to) a first linear motion slider (LMSL1) extending from the first shaft coupling portion 811 of the first portion 810. The first linear motion slider (LMSL1) includes a first extension 812 and a second extension 813 spaced apart in the direction of the first rotation axis (C1) (for example, the y-axis direction). One end of the first pin (P1) is disposed on the first extension portion 812, and the other end of the first pin (P1) is disposed on the second extension portion 813. According to one embodiment, the second pin (P2) is disposed on (or coupled to) a second linear motion slider (LMSL2) extending from the second shaft coupling portion 821 in the second portion 820. The second linear motion slider (LMSL2) includes a third extension 822 and a fourth extension 823 that are spaced apart in the direction of the second rotation axis (C2) (for example, the y-axis direction). One end of the second pin (P2) is disposed in the third extension portion 822, and the other end of the second pin (P2) is disposed in the fourth extension portion 823.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the first plate 71 includes a first pin rail (PR1) in the form of a slit (see Figures 13 and 14). The first pin (P1) passes through the first pin rail (PR1). According to an embodiment, the first plate 71 and the first bracket 51A are connected to each other via a third rotational movement guide (RMG3) so as to be capable of mutual rotational movement. The third rotational movement guide (RMG3) includes, for example, a third rotational movement guide rail (RMGR3) included in the first bracket 51A and a third rotational movement slider (RMSL3) included in the first plate 71. The combination (e.g., sliding pair) of the third rotational motion guide rail (RMGR3) and the third rotational motion slider (RMSL3) causes the first plate 71 and the first bracket 51A to perform relative rotational motion based on the seventh rotation axis (C7) (see Figure 5). The first plate 71 extends from one end to the other end in the direction of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (e.g., the y-axis direction), and the third rotational movement slider (RMSL3) is provided at one end of the first plate 71. The third rotational movement guide rail (RMGR3) is provided on one side of the first bracket 51A in correspondence with the third rotational movement slider (RMSL3).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the second plate 72 includes a second pin rail (PR2) in the form of a slit (see Figures 13 and 14). The second pin (P2) passes through the second pin rail (PR1). According to one embodiment, the second plate 72 and the second bracket 52A are coupled to each other via a fourth rotational movement guide (RMG4) so ​​as to be capable of mutual rotational movement. The fourth rotational movement guide (RMG4) includes, for example, a fourth rotational movement guide rail (RMGR4) included in the second bracket 52A and a fourth rotational movement slider (RMSL4) included in the second plate 72. The combination (e.g., sliding pair) of the fourth rotational movement guide rail (RMGR4) and the fourth rotational movement slider (RMSL4) allows the second plate 72 and the second bracket 52A to perform relative rotational movement based on the eighth rotation axis (C8) (see Figure 5). The second plate 72 extends from one end to the other end in the direction of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (e.g., the y-axis direction), and a fourth rotational movement slider (RMSL4) is provided at one end of the second plate 72. The fourth rotational movement guide rail (RMGR4) is provided on one side of the second bracket 52A in correspondence with the fourth rotational movement slider (RMSL4). The third rotational motion guide (RMG3) and the fourth rotational motion guide (RMG4) are provided substantially symmetrically to each other with respect to the center line (A) (see FIG. 2) or the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5) of the foldable electronic device 2. According to one embodiment, the second hinge module 5B (see FIG. 4) is connected to the first plate 71 and the second plate 72 in substantially the same manner as the first plate 71 and the second plate 72 are connected to the first hinge module 5A.

[0166] According to one embodiment, when the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, there is a rotational movement of the first part 810 relative to the center part 53A (see FIG. 5) based on the first rotation axis (C1), a linear movement of the first part 810 relative to the first bracket 51A based on the first linear motion guide (LMG1), a rotational movement of the third part 830 relative to the center part 53A (see FIG. 5) based on the third rotation axis (C3), and a rotational movement of the third part 830 relative to the first bracket 51A based on the fifth rotation axis (C5). When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, there is a rotational movement of the second part 820 relative to the center part 53A (see Figure 5) based on the second rotation axis (C2), a linear movement of the second part 820 relative to the second bracket 52A based on the second linear motion guide (LMG2), a rotational movement of the fourth part 840 relative to the center part 53A (see Figure 5) based on the fourth rotation axis (C4), and a rotational movement of the fourth part 840 relative to the second bracket 52A based on the sixth rotation axis (C6).

[0167] When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, the first plate 71 corresponds to a change in the relative position between the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5), the first portion 810, the second portion 820, the third portion 830, and the first bracket 51A, and is rotated about the seventh rotation axis (C7) by the interaction between the first pin (P1) and the first pin rail (PR1). When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, the second plate 72 corresponds to the relative position change between the center portion 53A (see FIG. 5), the first portion 810, the second portion 820, the third portion 830, and the first bracket 51A, and is rotated about the eighth rotation axis (C8) by the interaction between the second pin (P2) and the second pin rail (PR2).

[0168] When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first surface 71A of the first plate 71 and the second surface 72A of the second plate 72 are disposed facing each other and spaced apart from each other. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first plate 71 and the second plate 72, which are connected (e.g., interlocked) with the movement of the first hinge module 5A, are positioned at an angle relative to the first bracket 51A compared to the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first surface 71A of the first plate 71 and the second surface 72A of the second plate 72 form an acute angle. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 2, the space between the first surface 71A and the second surface 72A is provided in a form that widens in the direction toward the hinge housing 23 so that the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomena. According to one embodiment, the first flexible film 510 is disposed on the center plate 920 between the flexible display module 24 and the first hinge module 5A. Center plate 920 includes a recess 924 , and first flexible film 510 is positioned substantially flat and overlaps recess 924 of center plate 920 .

[0169] According to various embodiments, the first portion 810 may be referred to as a 'first hinge arm' or 'first arm', and the second portion 820 may be referred to as a 'second hinge arm' or 'second arm'. The third portion 830 may be referred to as a 'first rotator' and the fourth portion 840 may be referred to as a 'second rotator'. The first plate 71 may be referred to as a 'first wing plate', and the second plate 72 may be referred to as a 'second wing plate'.

[0170] According to various embodiments, a lubricant (e.g., grease) may be disposed (e.g., applied) between any two components included in the first hinge module 5A to reduce friction, loss of motion transmission, or loss of force transmission between the components. In various embodiments, the surfaces of the components may be provided with a lubricating coating (e.g., a coating utilizing various lubricating substances such as Teflon) to reduce frictional forces, loss of motion transmission, or loss of force transmission between the components. According to various embodiments, the components included in the first hinge module 5A may be formed from a rigid or strength-resistant material (e.g., metal or engineering plastic) that does not substantially deform in response to forces acting on the relative rotational movement between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

[0171] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present invention. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a flexible display module 24, a first frame 211, a second frame 221, a hinge module 155A, a first plate (or first wing plate) 1571, a second plate (or second wing plate) 1572, and / or a flexible film 15510 (e.g., the first flexible film 510 of Figure 5). The hinge module 155A may be realized by modifying or altering the first hinge module 5A according to the embodiment of FIG. 5 or the embodiment of FIG.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the hinge module 155A includes a first bracket 1551A, a second bracket 1552A, a first portion 15810, a second portion 15820, a third portion 15830, a fourth portion 15840, and / or a center portion 1553A. Center portion 1553A may include various other components (not shown), such as center plate 15920 (eg, center plate 920 of FIG. 5). The first portion 15810 (e.g., a first hinge arm or first arm), the second portion 15820 (e.g., a second hinge arm or second arm), the third portion 15830 (e.g., a first rotator), and the fourth portion 15840 (e.g., a second rotator) are rotatably coupled to the center portion 1553A (e.g., the center portion 53A in FIG. 5).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the first portion 15810 and the center portion 1553A are coupled to each other to allow mutual rotational movement about a first axis of rotation (C1). The second portion 15820 and the center portion 1553A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a second rotation axis (C2). The first rotation axis (C1) and the second rotation axis (C2) are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center part 1553A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The first portion 15810 and the second portion 15820 are provided substantially symmetrically to each other with respect to the center portion 1553A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the third portion 15830 and the center portion 1553A are coupled to each other to allow mutual rotational movement about a third axis of rotation (C3). The fourth portion 15840 and the center portion 1553A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a fourth rotation axis (C4). The third rotation axis (C3) and the fourth rotation axis (C4) are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center part 1553A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The third portion 15830 and the fourth portion 15840 are provided substantially symmetrically to each other with respect to the center portion 1553A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the first portion 15810 is slidably coupled to the first bracket 1551A for linear movement relative to the first bracket 1551A in a first linear direction (LD1). The hinge module 155A includes a first linear motion guide (LMG1) that allows the first portion 15810 and the first bracket 1551A to slide relative to each other (eg, move linearly relative to each other) in a first linear direction (LD1). The first linear motion guide (LMG1) includes, for example, a first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) included in the first bracket 1551A and a first linear motion slider (LMSL1) included in the first portion 15810. The first bracket 1551A and the first part 15810 are connected to each other so as to be stably slidable relative to each other in the first linear direction (LD1) by a combination (e.g., a sliding pair) of the first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) and the first linear motion slider (LMSL1). The second portion 15820 is slidably coupled to the second bracket 1552A so as to be capable of linear movement in a second linear direction (LD2) relative to the second bracket 1552A.

[0176] The hinge module 155A includes a second linear motion guide (LMG2) that allows the second portion 15820 and the second bracket 1552A to slide relative to one another (eg, move linearly relative to one another) in a second linear direction (LD2). The second linear motion guide (LMG2) includes, for example, a second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) included in the second bracket 1552A and a second linear motion slider (LMSL2) included in the second portion 15820. The second bracket 1552A and the second part 15820 are connected to each other so as to be stably slidable relative to each other in the second linear direction (LD2) by a combination (e.g., a sliding pair) of a second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) and a second linear motion slider (LMSL2). The first linear motion guide (LMG1) and the second linear motion guide (LMG2) are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center portion 1553A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The first linear direction (LD1) and the second linear direction (DL2) are perpendicular to the direction (for example, the y-axis direction) of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). When viewed from the direction of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (e.g., when viewed from the y-axis direction), the first linear direction (LD1) is substantially parallel to the direction in which the first display area (circled number 1) of the flexible display module 24 extends flat. When viewed from the direction of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (e.g., when viewed from the y-axis direction), the second linear direction (LD2) is substantially parallel to the direction in which the second display area (circled number 2) of the flexible display module 24 extends flat.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the third portion 15830 is slidably coupled to the first bracket 1551A so as to be capable of linear movement relative to the first bracket 1551A in a third linear direction (LD2) different from the first linear direction (LD1). The hinge module 155A includes a third linear motion guide (LMG3) that allows the third portion 15830 and the first bracket 1551A to slide relative to one another (eg, move linearly relative to one another) in a third linear direction (LD3). The third linear motion guide (LMG3) includes, for example, a third linear motion guide rail (LMGR3) included in the first bracket 1551A and a third linear motion slider (LMSL3) included in the third portion 15830. The first bracket 1551A and the third part 15830 are connected to each other so as to be stably slidable relative to each other in the third linear direction (LD3) by a combination (e.g., a sliding pair) of a third linear motion guide rail (LMGR3) and a third linear motion slider (LMSL3).

[0178] The fourth portion 15840 is slidably connected to the second bracket 1552A so as to be capable of linear movement relative to the second bracket 1552A in a fourth linear direction (LD4) different from the second linear direction (LD2). The hinge module 155A includes a fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) such that the fourth portion 15840 and the second bracket 1552A can slide relative to each other (eg, move linearly relative to each other) in a fourth linear direction (LD4). The fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) includes, for example, a fourth linear motion guide rail (LMGR4) included in the second bracket 1552A and a fourth linear motion slider (LMSL4) included in the fourth portion 15840. The second bracket 1552A and the fourth part 15840 are connected to each other so as to be stably slidable relative to each other in the fourth linear direction (LD4) by a combination (e.g., a sliding pair) of a fourth linear motion guide rail (LMGR4) and a fourth linear motion slider (LMSL4). The third linear motion guide (LMG3) and the fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the center portion 1553A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The third linear direction (LD3) and the fourth linear direction (DL4) are perpendicular to the direction (for example, the y-axis direction) of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0179] According to one embodiment, when the angle between the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 1551A is fixed and the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 1552A is fixed changes, there is a rotational movement of the first part 15810 based on the first rotation axis (C1), a linear movement between the first part 15810 and the first bracket 1551A, a rotational movement of the third part 15830 based on the third rotation axis (C3), and a linear movement between the third part 15830 and the first bracket 1551A. When the angle between the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 1551A is fixed and the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 1552A is fixed changes, there is a rotational movement of the second part 15820 based on the second rotation axis (C2), a linear movement between the second part 15820 and the second bracket 1552A, a rotational movement of the fourth part 15840 based on the fourth rotation axis (C4), and a linear movement between the fourth part 15830 and the second bracket 1552A.

[0180] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotation axis (C1) and the third rotation axis (C3) are positioned further away from the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 1551A is fixed compared to the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second rotation axis (C2) and the fourth rotation axis (C4) are positioned further away from the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 1552A is fixed compared to when the foldable electronic device 2 is in the unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third portion 15830 is positioned retracted relative to the first bracket 1551A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the fourth portion 15840 is positioned retracted relative to the second bracket 1552A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0181] The first plate 1551 is coupled to the third portion 15830 and the second plate 1572 is coupled to the fourth portion 15840 . When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first surface 1571A included in the first plate 1571 and the second surface 1572A included in the second plate 1572 are disposed facing each other and spaced apart. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third part 15830 retracts relative to the first bracket 1551A, causing the first plate 1571 coupled to the third part 15830 to be tilted relative to the first bracket 1551A so as to provide space in which the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon, compared to the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the fourth portion 15840 retracts relative to the second bracket 1552A, causing the second plate 1572 coupled to the fourth portion 15840 to be tilted relative to the second bracket 1552A so as to provide space in which the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomena, compared to the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, a space width in the first direction 160 between the first surface 1571A of the first plate 1571 and the second surface 1572A of the second plate 1572 is provided so that the third display area (circled number 3) can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0182] When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, the space between the first plate 1571 and the second plate 1572 is provided in a form that widens in a direction toward the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4). When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotation axis (C1) and the third rotation axis (C3) move away from the first frame 211 in which the first display area (circled number 1) is arranged, and the second rotation axis (C2) and the fourth rotation axis (C4) move away from the second frame 221 in which the second display area (circled number 2) is arranged, which means that the part of the center portion 1553A including the center plate 15920 and the hinge housing 23 (see Figure 4) is positioned away in the second direction (1) perpendicular to the first direction 1601 from the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the center portion 1553A including the center plate 15920 and the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) is positioned away from the structure where the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other in the second direction 1602, thereby providing a space width in the second direction 1602 so that the third display area (circled number 3) can be positioned in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0183] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the center portion 1553A including the center plate 15920 and the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) is positioned away from the structure where the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other in the second direction 1602, thereby reducing the gap with the first housing 21 (see FIG. 2) and the gap with the second housing 22 (see FIG. 2), and exposing the hinge housing 23 to the outside through the open gap between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, as shown in FIG. 3. According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, the relative position change between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221, and the hinge module 155A operating in response thereto, positions the first surface 1571A of the first plate 1571 and the second surface 1572A of the second plate 1572 to support the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the center plate 15920 (e.g., center plate 920 in FIG. 5) includes a recess 15924 (e.g., recess 924 in FIG. 5) provided on one side (e.g., third side 920A in FIG. 5) facing the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. A flexible film 15510 (eg, the first flexible film 510 in FIG. 5) is disposed on the center plate 15920 between the flexible display module 24 and the center plate 15920. The flexible film 15510 overlaps the recess 15924 of the center plate 15920 when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state and viewed from above the flexible display module 24. The structure including the center plate 15920 including the recess 15924 and the flexible film 15510 arranged on the center plate 15920 performs substantially the same function as the structure including the center plate 920 including the recess 924 and the first flexible film 510 arranged on the center plate 920 according to the embodiment of Figure 5.

[0185] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a foldable electronic device 2 in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present invention. Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a flexible display module 24, a first frame 211, a second frame 221, a hinge module 175A, a first plate (or first wing plate) 1771, a second plate (or second wing plate) 1772, and / or a flexible film 17510 (e.g., the first flexible film 510 of Figure 5). The hinge module 175A may be realized by modifying or changing the first hinge module 5A according to the embodiment of FIG. 5 or the embodiment of FIG. 7, or the hinge module 155A according to the embodiment of FIG.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the hinge module 175A includes a first bracket 1751A, a second bracket 1752A, a first portion 17810, a second portion 17820, a third portion 17830, a fourth portion 17840, a center portion 1753A, a first connecting portion 1710, a second connecting portion 1720, a first pin (P11), and / or a second pin (P12). Center portion 1753A (e.g., center portion 53A in FIG. 5 or center portion 1553A in FIG. 15) may include various other components (not shown), such as center plate 17920 (e.g., center plate 920 in FIG. 5 or center plate 15920 in FIG. 15). The first portion 17810 (e.g., a first hinge arm or first arm), the second portion 17820 (e.g., a second hinge arm or second arm), the third portion 17830 (e.g., a first rotator), and the fourth portion 17840 (e.g., a second rotator) are rotatably coupled to the center portion 1753A (e.g., the center portion 53A in FIG. 5).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the first portion 17810 and the center portion 1753A are coupled to each other to allow for relative rotational movement about a first axis of rotation (C1). The second portion 17820 and the center portion 1753A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a second rotation axis (C2). The first rotation axis (C1) and the second rotation axis (C2) are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center part 1753A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The first portion 17810 and the second portion 17820 are provided substantially symmetrically to each other with respect to the center portion 1753A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the third portion 17830 and the center portion 1753A are coupled to each other to allow mutual rotational movement about a third axis of rotation (C3). The fourth portion 17840 and the center portion 1753A are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotational movement about a fourth rotation axis (C4). The third rotation axis (C3) and the fourth rotation axis (C4) are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center part 1753A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2). The third portion 17830 and the fourth portion 17840 are provided substantially symmetrically to each other with respect to the center portion 1753A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0189] According to one embodiment, first portion 17810 (e.g., first portion 15810 in FIG. 15) is slidably connected to first bracket 1751A (e.g., first bracket 1551A in FIG. 15) so as to be capable of linear movement in a first linear direction (LD1) relative to first bracket 1751A. The hinge module 175A includes a first linear motion guide (LMG1) (e.g., the first linear motion guide (LMG1) in FIG. 15) so that the first portion 17810 and the first bracket 1751A can slide relative to each other (e.g., move linearly relative to each other) in a first linear direction (LD1). The first linear motion guide (LMG1) includes, for example, a first linear motion guide rail (LMGR1) included in the first bracket 1751A and a first linear motion slider (LMSL1) included in the first portion 17810. The second portion 17820 (e.g., second portion 15820 in FIG. 15) is slidably connected to the second bracket 1752A (e.g., second bracket 1552A in FIG. 15) so as to be capable of linear movement in a second linear direction (LD2) relative to the second bracket 1752A.

[0190] The hinge module 175A includes a second linear motion guide (LMG2) (e.g., the second linear motion guide (LMG2) in FIG. 15) so that the second portion 17820 and the second bracket 1752A can slide relative to each other (e.g., move linearly relative to each other) in a second linear direction (LD2). The second linear motion guide (LMG2) includes, for example, a second linear motion guide rail (LMGR2) included in the second bracket 1752A and a second linear motion slider (LMSL2) included in the second portion 17820. The first linear motion guide (LMG1) and the second linear motion guide (LMG2) are provided substantially symmetrically to each other with respect to the center portion 1753A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the third portion 17830 (e.g., the third portion 15830 in FIG. 15) is slidably connected to the first bracket 1751A (e.g., the first bracket 1551A in FIG. 15) so as to be capable of linear movement relative to the first bracket 1751A in a third linear direction (LD3) different from the first linear direction (LD1). The hinge module 175A includes a third linear motion guide (LMG3) (e.g., the third linear motion guide (LMG3) in FIG. 15) so that the third portion 17830 and the first bracket 1751A can slide relative to each other (e.g., move linearly relative to each other) in a third linear direction (LD3). The third linear motion guide (LMG3) includes, for example, a third linear motion guide rail (LMGR3) included in the first bracket 1751A and a third linear motion slider (LMSL3) included in the third portion 17830.

[0192] The fourth portion 17840 (e.g., the fourth portion 15840 in FIG. 15) is slidably connected to the second bracket 1752A (e.g., the second bracket 1552A in FIG. 15) so as to be capable of linear movement relative to the second bracket 1752A in a fourth linear direction (LD4) different from the second linear direction (LD2). The hinge module 175A includes a fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) (e.g., the fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) in FIG. 15) so that the fourth portion 17840 and the second bracket 1752A can slide relative to each other (e.g., move linearly relative to each other) in a fourth linear direction (LD4). The fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) includes, for example, a fourth linear motion guide rail (LMGR4) included in the second bracket 1752A and a fourth linear motion slider (LMSL4) included in the fourth portion 17840. The third linear motion guide (LMG3) and the fourth linear motion guide (LMG4) are provided substantially symmetrically to each other with respect to the center portion 1753A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the first connector 1710 connects the first bracket 1751A and the third portion 17830. The first connecting portion 1710 rotates relative to the first bracket 1751A about a fifth rotation axis (C51) that is parallel to the third rotation axis (C3). The fifth rotation axis (C51) is provided by, for example, a shaft or a pin that connects the first connecting portion 1710 and the first bracket 1751A. The first pin (P11) is disposed on the first connecting portion 1710. The first connecting portion 1710 includes, for example, a pinhole corresponding to the first pin (P11), and the first pin (P11) is disposed in the first connecting portion 1710 through the pinhole. The first pin (P11) coupled to the first connecting portion 1710 is arranged and maintained substantially parallel to the fifth rotation axis (C51) (or the third rotation axis (C3)). The first pin (P11) is substantially parallel to the fifth rotation axis (C51) and is disposed at a distance from the fifth rotation axis (C51).

[0194] In various embodiments, the first connecting portion 1710 may be provided in a form further including a portion including the first pin (P11), in which case the first pin (P11) may be omitted. The third portion 17830 includes a recessed or slit-shaped first pin rail (PR11) corresponding to the first pin (P11). The first pin (P11) is placed on (or inserted into) the first pin rail (PR11). When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, the third portion 17830 moves in the third linear direction (LD3) relative to the first bracket 1751A, and the first connecting portion 1710 rotates relative to the third portion 17830 about the fifth rotation axis (C51) due to the interaction between the first pin (P11) and the first pin rail (PR11). When the angle between first frame 211 and second frame 221 changes, the position of the first pin (P11) relative to the first pin rail (PR11) changes corresponding to the linear movement of the third portion 15830 relative to the first bracket 1751A.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the second connector 1720 connects the second bracket 1752A and the fourth portion 17840. The second connecting portion 1720 rotates relative to the second bracket 1752A about a sixth rotation axis (C61) that is parallel to the fourth rotation axis (C4). The sixth rotation axis (C61) is provided by, for example, a shaft or a pin that connects the second connecting portion 1720 and the second bracket 1752A. The second pin (P12) is disposed on the second connecting portion 1720. The second connecting portion 1720 includes, for example, a pinhole corresponding to the second pin (P12), and the second pin (P12) is disposed in the second connecting portion 1720 through the pinhole. The second pin (P12) coupled to the second connecting portion 1720 is arranged and maintained substantially parallel to the sixth rotation axis (C61) (or the fourth rotation axis (C4)). The second pin (P12) is substantially parallel to the sixth rotation axis (C61) and is disposed at a distance from the sixth rotation axis (C61).

[0196] In various embodiments, the second connecting portion 1720 may be provided in a form further including a portion including the second pin (P12), in which case the second pin (P12) may be omitted. The fourth portion 17840 includes a recessed or slit-shaped second pin rail (PR12) corresponding to the second pin (P12). The pin-rail structure including the second pin (P12) and the second pin rail (PR12) is provided substantially symmetrically to the pin-rail structure including the first pin (P11) and the first pin rail (PR11) based on the center portion 1553A or the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device 2 (see Figure 2). When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, the fourth portion 17840 moves in a fourth linear direction (LD4) relative to the second bracket 1752A, and the second connecting portion 1720 rotates relative to the fourth portion 17840 about the sixth rotation axis (C61) due to the interaction between the second pin (P12) and the second pin rail (PR12). When the angle between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 changes, the position of the second pin (P12) relative to the second pin rail (PR12) changes corresponding to the linear movement of the fourth portion 15840 relative to the second bracket 1752A.

[0197] According to one embodiment, when the angle between the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 1751A is fixed and the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 1752A is fixed changes, there is a rotational movement of the first part 17810 based on the first rotation axis (C1), a linear movement between the first part 17810 and the first bracket 1751A, a rotational movement of the third part 17830 based on the third rotation axis (C3), and a linear movement between the third part 17830 and the first bracket 1751A. When the angle between the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 1751A is fixed and the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 1752A is fixed changes, there is a rotational movement of the second part 17820 based on the second rotation axis (C2), a linear movement between the second part 17820 and the second bracket 1752A, a rotational movement of the fourth part 17840 based on the fourth rotation axis (C4), and a linear movement between the fourth part 17830 and the second bracket 1752A. When the angle between the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 1751A is fixed and the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 1752A is fixed changes, there is movement of the first connecting portion 1710 connecting the third portion 17830 to the first bracket 1751A, and movement of the second connecting portion 1720 connecting the fourth portion 17840 to the second bracket 1752A. According to one embodiment, the first plate 1771 is coupled to the first connector 1710 and the second plate 1772 is coupled to the second connector 1720 .

[0198] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotation axis (C1) and the third rotation axis (C3) are positioned further away from the first frame 211 to which the first bracket 1751A is fixed compared to the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second rotation axis (C2) and the fourth rotation axis (C4) are positioned further away from the second frame 221 to which the second bracket 1552A is fixed compared to when the foldable electronic device 2 is in the unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third portion 17830 is positioned retracted relative to the first bracket 1751A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the fourth portion 17840 is positioned retracted relative to the second bracket 1752A in a direction opposite to the direction toward the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0199] When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first surface 1771A included in the first plate 1771 and the second surface 1772A included in the second plate 1772 are disposed facing each other and spaced apart. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the third part 17830 retracts relative to the first bracket 1751A, and the first connecting part 1710 connecting the third part 17830 and the first bracket 1751A moves, so that the first plate 1771 coupled to the first connecting part 1710 is tilted relative to the first bracket 1751A to provide space in which the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon, compared to the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the fourth part 17840 retracts relative to the second bracket 1752A, and the second connecting part 1720 connecting the fourth part 17840 to the second bracket 1752A moves, causing the second plate 1772 coupled to the second connecting part 1720 to be tilted relative to the second bracket 1752A so as to provide space in which the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomena, compared to the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2.

[0200] When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, a space width in the first direction 1801 between the first surface 1771A of the first plate 1771 and the second surface 1772A of the second plate 1772 is provided so that the third display area (circled number 3) can be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomena. When the foldable electronic device 2 is in a folded state, the space between the first surface 1771A of the first plate 1771 and the second surface 1772A of the second plate 1772 is provided in a form that widens in the direction toward the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4). When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotation axis (C1) and the third rotation axis (C3) move away from the first frame 211 in which the first display area (circled number 1) is arranged, and the second rotation axis (C2) and the fourth rotation axis (C4) move away from the second frame 221 in which the second display area (circled number 2) is arranged, which may mean that the part of the center portion 1753A including the center plate 17920 and the hinge housing 23 (see Figure 4) is positioned away in a second direction 1802 perpendicular to the first direction 1801 from the structure in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other. When the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the center portion 1753A including the center plate 17920 and the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) is positioned away from the structure where the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other in the second direction 1802, thereby providing a space width in the second direction 1802 so that the third display area (circled number 3) can be positioned in a bent shape that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomena.

[0201] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the center portion 1753A including the center plate 17920 and the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) is positioned away from the structure where the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 face each other in the second direction 1802, so that the hinge housing 23 (see FIG. 4) is exposed to the outside through the open gap between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, as shown in FIG. 3, while reducing the gap with the first housing 21 and the gap with the second housing 22. According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device 2 is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, the relative position change between the first frame 211 and the second frame 221, and the hinge module 175A operating in response thereto, positions the first surface 1771A of the first plate 1771 and the second surface 1772A of the second plate 1772 to support the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0202] According to various embodiments (not shown), the embodiments of Figures 17 and 18 may be modified or altered so that the first connecting portion 1710 is capable of rotational movement relative to the third portion 17830 about a fifth rotation axis, with a first pin disposed on the first connecting portion 1710 positioned on a pin rail provided on the first bracket 1751A, and the second connecting portion 1720 is capable of rotational movement relative to the fourth portion 17840 about a sixth rotation axis, with a second pin disposed on the second connecting portion 1720 positioned on a pin rail provided on the second bracket 1752A.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the center plate 17920 (e.g., the center plate 920 in FIG. 5 or the center plate 15920 in FIG. 15) includes a recess 17924 (e.g., the recess 924 in FIG. 5) provided on one side (e.g., the third side 920A in FIG. 5) facing the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24. A flexible film 17510 (eg, first flexible film 510 in FIG. 5) is disposed on the center plate 17920 between the flexible display module 24 and the center plate 17920. The flexible film 17510 overlaps the recess 17924 of the center plate 17920 when viewed from above the flexible display module 24 with the foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state. The structure including the center plate 17920 including the recess 17924 and the flexible film 17510 disposed on the center plate 17920 has substantially the same function as the structure including the center plate 920 including the recess 924 and the first flexible film 510 disposed on the center plate 920 according to the embodiment of Figure 5.

[0204] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device 2 in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 19, the foldable electronic device 2 includes a flexible display module 24, a first frame 211, a second frame 221, a first plate (e.g., a first wing plate) 1971, a second plate (or a second wing plate) 1972, and / or a center plate 19920. The first frame 211 and the second frame 221 are connected via a hinge module (for example, the first hinge module 5A in FIG. 5), the hinge module 155A in FIG. 15, or the hinge module 175A in FIG.

[0205] In the example of FIG. 5 in which the first hinge module 5A connects the first plate 211 and the second plate 221, the center plate 19920 may be the center plate 920 included in the center portion 53A of the first hinge module 5A. In the example of FIG. 15 in which the hinge module 155A connects the first plate 211 and the second plate 221, the center plate 19920 may be a center plate 15920 included in the center portion 1553A of the hinge module 155A. In the example of FIG. 17 in which the hinge module 175A connects the first plate 211 and the second plate 221, the center plate 19920 may be the center plate 17920 included in the center portion 1753A of the hinge module 175A. The center plate 19920 may include a recess 19924 (e.g., recess 924 in FIG. 5, recess 15924 in FIG. 15, or recess 17924 in FIG. 17) positioned to correspond to the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24.

[0206] According to the first exemplary embodiment, the flexible film 1901 (e.g., the first flexible film 510 in FIG. 5, the flexible film 15510 in FIG. 15, or the flexible film 17510 in FIG. 17) located between the flexible display module 24 and the foldable housing 20 overlaps with the center plate 19920 when viewed from above the flexible display module 24 in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2. A sticky or adhesive substance is disposed between the flexible film 1901 and the center plate 19920 .

[0207] According to the second exemplary embodiment, the flexible film 1902 located between the flexible display module 24 and the foldable housing 20 further overlaps with the first plate 1971 and the second plate 1972 when viewed from above the flexible display module 24 in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2, compared to the flexible film 1901 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The foldable electronic device 2 includes a first fixing region (or a first fixing portion) that connects the flexible film 1902 and the first plate 1971, and a second fixing region (or a second fixing portion) that connects the flexible film 1902 and the second plate 1972. The first fastening region includes a sticky or adhesive material disposed at least partially between the flexible film 1902 and the first plate 1971 . The second fastening region includes a sticky or adhesive material disposed at least partially between the flexible film 1902 and the second plate 1972 .

[0208] The portion of the flexible film 1902 corresponding to the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 is pulled by both the first and second fixing areas and positioned substantially flat when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state. In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may further include a fixing region (or fixing portion) that connects the flexible film 1902 and the center plate 19920 (or the first surface region 921 and / or the second surface region 922 in FIG. 5) via an adhesive or adhesive substance. The flexible film 1902 supports the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 flat when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, so as to reduce sagging or creasing in the portion of the third display area (circled number 3) corresponding to the gap (G11) between the center plate 19920 and the first plate 1971. The flexible film 1902 supports the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 flat when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, so as to reduce sagging or creasing in the portion of the third display area (circled number 3) corresponding to the gap (G12) between the center plate 19920 and the second plate 1972.

[0209] According to the third exemplary embodiment, the flexible film 1903 located between the flexible display module 24 and the foldable housing 20 overlaps further with the first frame 211 and the second frame 221 when viewed from above the flexible display module 24 in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 2, compared to the flexible film 1902 according to the second exemplary embodiment. The foldable electronic device 2 includes a first fixing area (or a first fixing portion) that connects the flexible film 1903 and the first frame 211 (or the first support area 411A in FIG. 4), and a second fixing area (or a second fixing portion) that connects the flexible film 1903 and the second frame 221 (or the second support area 421A in FIG. 4). The first fastening region includes an adhesive or glue material disposed at least partially between the flexible film 1903 and the first frame 211 . The second fastening region includes a sticky or adhesive material disposed at least partially between the flexible film 1903 and the second frame 221 . The portion of the flexible film 1903 corresponding to the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 is pulled by both the first and second fixing areas and positioned substantially flat when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state.

[0210] In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may further include a fixing region (or fixing portion) that connects the flexible film 1902 and the first plate 1971 via an adhesive or sticky substance, and / or a fixing region (or fixing portion) that connects the flexible film 1902 and the second plate 1972 via an adhesive or sticky substance. In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 2 may further include a fixing area (or fixing portion) that connects the flexible film 1902 and the center plate 19920 (or the first surface area 921 and / or the second surface area 922 in FIG. 5) via an adhesive or adhesive substance. The flexible film 1903 supports the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 flat when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, so as to reduce sagging or creasing in the portion of the third display area (circled number 3) corresponding to the gap (G21) between the first plate 1971 and the first frame 211. The flexible film 1903 supports the third display area (circled number 3) of the flexible display module 24 flat when the foldable electronic device 2 is in an unfolded state, so as to reduce sagging or creasing in the portion of the third display area (circled number 3) corresponding to the gap (G22) between the second plate 1972 and the second frame 221.

[0211] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a foldable electronic device (eg, foldable electronic device 2 of FIG. 2) includes a foldable housing (eg, foldable housing 20 of FIG. 4). The foldable housing includes a first housing (e.g., first housing 21 in FIG. 2), a second housing (e.g., second housing 22 in FIG. 2), and a hinge portion (e.g., hinge portion (H) in FIG. 9) connecting the first housing and the second housing. The foldable electronic device includes a flexible display module (eg, flexible display module 24 of FIG. 4). The flexible display module includes a first display area (circled number 1), a second display area (circled number 2), and a third display area (circled number 3).

[0212] The third display area is disposed in correspondence with the hinge portion. The first display area extends from the third display area and is disposed on the first housing. The second display area extends from the third display area and is disposed in the second housing. The foldable electronic device includes a flexible film (eg, first flexible film 510 in FIG. 5). The flexible film is disposed between the foldable housing and the flexible display module and is disposed on the foldable housing. The hinge portion includes a center plate (eg, center plate 920 in FIG. 5). The center plate includes a recess (eg, recess 924 in FIG. 5) provided on one side (eg, third side 920A in FIG. 5) facing the third display area. A part or the whole of the flexible film is supported by the center plate and laid flat between the third display area and the center plate, overlapping the recess.

[0213] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one side of the center plate facing the third display area (e.g., third side 920A in FIG. 5) includes a surface area for providing a recess (e.g., third surface area 923 in FIG. 5). The surface area is provided in a curved shape that substantially matches the rear surface of a portion (e.g., see reference numeral '24D' in Figure 6) of the third display area that is arranged in a bent shape in the folded state of the foldable housing and is aligned with the surface area.

[0214] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge portion includes a hinge module (eg, first hinge module 5A in FIG. 5). The hinge module includes a first bracket (e.g., first bracket 51A in FIG. 5) fixed to the first housing, a second bracket (e.g., second bracket 52A in FIG. 5) fixed to the second housing, and a bracket connecting portion connecting the first bracket and the second bracket. The bracket connection includes a center plate (eg, center plate 920 in FIG. 5).

[0215] The hinge portion includes a first plate (eg, first plate 71 in FIG. 5) and a second plate (eg, second plate 72 in FIG. 5) coupled to the bracket connector. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface (e.g., first surface 71A in FIG. 5) included in the first plate supports a portion of the third display area, and a second surface (e.g., second surface 72A in FIG. 5) included in the second plate supports a portion of the third display area. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the flexible film supports a portion of the third display area corresponding to the first and second surfaces. In the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface face each other at a distance, and the third display area is disposed in a bent shape in the space between the first surface, the second surface, and the center plate.

[0216] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device is configured such that, in the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface (e.g., first surface 1571A in FIG. 16) and the second surface (e.g., second surface 1572A in FIG. 16) are arranged parallel to each other. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device is configured such that, when the foldable housing is in a folded state, the first surface (e.g., first surface 71A in FIG. 6 or first surface 1771A in FIG. 18) and the second surface (e.g., second surface 72A in FIG. 6 or second surface 1772A in FIG. 18) form an acute angle. The foldable electronic device is configured to be provided in a form in which the space between the first surface and the second surface widens in a direction toward the center plate.

[0217] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the center plate includes a third surface (e.g., third surface 920A in FIG. 5) located between the first surface (e.g., first surface 71A in FIG. 5) and the second surface (e.g., second surface 72A in FIG. 5) when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing. The third surface includes a first surface area (e.g., first surface area 921 in FIG. 5), a second surface area (e.g., second surface area 922 in FIG. 5), and a third surface area (e.g., third surface area 923 in FIG. 5) located between the first surface area and the second surface area when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing. The third surface region provides a recess (eg, recess 924 in FIG. 5). The flexible film (e.g., first flexible film 510 in FIG. 5) includes a first region (e.g., first region 511 in FIG. 5) attached to the first surface region, a second region (e.g., second region 512 in FIG. 5) attached to the second surface region, and a third region (e.g., third region 513 in FIG. 5) connecting the first and second regions and overlapping the recess.

[0218] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the center plate includes a third surface (e.g., third surface 920A in FIG. 5) located between the first surface and the second surface when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing. The third surface provides a recess (eg, recess 924 in FIG. 5). The flexible film (for example, flexible film 1902 in FIG. 19) overlaps the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing.

[0219] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device further includes a fixing region disposed between the flexible film and the foldable housing. The fixing region includes an adhesive or glue material that joins the flexible film and the foldable housing. The anchoring region includes a first anchoring region located at least partially between the flexible film and the first surface, and a second anchoring region located at least partially between the flexible film and the second surface.

[0220] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the center plate includes a third surface (e.g., third surface 923 in FIG. 5 ) located between the first surface and the second surface and providing a recess when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing. When viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the flexible film overlaps with the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the first support area in which the first display area of ​​the first housing is arranged (e.g., first support area 411A in FIG. 4), and the second support area in which the second display area of ​​the second housing is arranged (e.g., second support area 421A in FIG. 4).

[0221] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device further includes a fixing area disposed between the flexible film and the foldable housing. The fixing region includes an adhesive or glue material that joins the flexible film and the foldable housing. The anchoring region includes a first anchoring region located at least partially between the flexible film and the first support region, and a second anchoring region located at least partially between the flexible film and the second support region.

[0222] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hinge portion includes a center portion (eg, center portion 53A in FIG. 5) that includes a center plate. The hinge portion includes a first portion (for example, the first portion 810 in FIG. 5) rotatably connected to the center portion about a first rotation axis (for example, the first rotation axis (C1) in FIG. 5). The hinge portion includes a third portion (e.g., third portion 830 in FIG. 5) rotatably connected to the center portion based on a third rotation axis (e.g., third rotation axis (C3) in FIG. 5) parallel to the first rotation axis. The hinge portion includes a first bracket (for example, first bracket 51A in FIG. 5) connected to the first portion and the third portion. The first bracket is fixed to the first housing. The hinge portion includes a second portion (for example, the second portion 820 in FIG. 5) rotatably connected to the center portion about a second rotation axis (for example, the second rotation axis (C2) in FIG. 5). The hinge portion includes a fourth portion (e.g., fourth portion 840 in FIG. 5) rotatably connected to the center portion based on a fourth rotation axis (e.g., fourth rotation axis (C4) in FIG. 5) parallel to the second rotation axis.

[0223] The hinge portion includes a second bracket (eg, second bracket 52A in FIG. 5) connected to the third and fourth portions. The second bracket is fixed to the second housing. The first and second rotation axes are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center portion, and the first and second portions are provided symmetrically with respect to the center portion. The third and fourth rotation axes are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center portion, and the third and fourth portions are provided symmetrically with respect to the center portion. The first portion and the first bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a first linear direction (eg, the first linear direction (LD1) in FIG. 5). The second portion and the second bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a second linear direction (for example, the second linear direction (LD2) in FIG. 5) symmetrical to the first linear direction based on the center portion. The third portion and the first bracket are connected to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to a fifth rotation axis (for example, the fifth rotation axis (C5) in FIG. 5) that is parallel to the first rotation axis. The fourth portion and the second bracket are connected to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to a sixth rotation axis (for example, the sixth rotation axis (C6) in FIG. 5) that is parallel to the second rotation axis. The fifth rotation axis and the sixth rotation axis are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center portion.

[0224] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hinge portion includes a first plate (eg, first plate 71 in FIG. 5) connecting the first bracket and the first portion. The hinge portion includes a second plate (eg, second plate 72 in FIG. 5) that connects the second bracket and the second portion. The hinge portion includes a first pin (eg, the first pin (P1) in FIG. 5) disposed on the first portion. The hinge portion includes a second pin (eg, second pin (P2) in FIG. 5) disposed on the second portion. The first plate is connected to the first bracket so as to be rotatable about a seventh rotation axis (for example, the seventh rotation axis (C7) in FIG. 5) that is parallel to the first rotation axis. The first plate includes a first pin rail (eg, the first pin rail (PR1) in FIG. 5) that corresponds to the first pin.

[0225] The second plate is connected to the second bracket so as to be rotatable about an eighth rotation axis (for example, the eighth rotation axis (C8) in FIG. 5) that is symmetrical to the seventh rotation axis with respect to the center portion. The second plate includes a second pin rail (eg, second pin rail (PR2) in FIG. 5) that corresponds to the second pin. The second pin rail is provided symmetrically to the first pin rail with respect to the center portion. In an unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface included in the first plate supports a portion of the third display area, and a second surface included in the second plate supports a portion of the third display area. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the flexible film supports a portion of the third display area corresponding to the first and second surfaces. In the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface face each other at a distance, and the third display area is disposed in a bent shape in the space between the first surface, the second surface, and the center plate.

[0226] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the center portion includes a first shaft (e.g., first shaft 1110 in FIG. 7), a second shaft (e.g., second shaft 1120 in FIG. 7), a third circular gear (e.g., third circular gear 1410 in FIG. 7), and a fourth circular gear (e.g., fourth circular gear 1420 in FIG. 7). The first shaft is coupled to the first portion (eg, first portion 810 in FIG. 7) and provides a first rotation axis (eg, first rotation axis (C1) in FIG. 7). The second shaft is coupled to the second portion (eg, second portion 820 in FIG. 7) and provides a second axis of rotation (eg, second axis of rotation (C2) in FIG. 7). The third circular gear meshes with a first circular gear included in the first portion (eg, first circular gear 814 in FIG. 7). The fourth circular gear meshes with a second circular gear (eg, second circular gear 824 in FIG. 7) and a third circular gear included in the second portion.

[0227] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hinge portion includes a center portion (eg, center portion 1553A in FIG. 15) that includes a center plate (eg, center plate 15920 in FIG. 15). The hinge portion includes a first portion (for example, first portion 15810 in FIG. 15) rotatably connected to the center portion with respect to a first rotation axis (for example, first rotation axis (C1) in FIG. 15) as a reference. The hinge portion includes a third portion (e.g., third portion 15830 in FIG. 15) rotatably connected to the center portion based on a third rotation axis (e.g., third rotation axis (C3) in FIG. 15) parallel to the first rotation axis. The hinge portion includes a first bracket (eg, first bracket 1551A in FIG. 15) coupled to the first and third portions. The first bracket is fixed to the first housing.

[0228] The hinge portion includes a second portion (for example, second portion 15820 in FIG. 15) rotatably connected to the center portion with respect to a second rotation axis (for example, second rotation axis (C2) in FIG. 15). The hinge portion includes a fourth portion (e.g., fourth portion 15840 in FIG. 15) rotatably connected to the center portion based on a fourth rotation axis (e.g., fourth rotation axis (C4) in FIG. 15) parallel to the second rotation axis. The hinge portion includes a second bracket (eg, second bracket 1552A in FIG. 15) coupled to the third and fourth portions. The second bracket is fixed to the second housing. The first and second rotation axes are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center portion, and the first and second portions are provided symmetrically with respect to the center portion. The third and fourth rotation axes are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center portion, and the third and fourth portions are provided symmetrically with respect to the center portion.

[0229] The first portion and the first bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a first linear direction (for example, the first linear direction (LD1) in FIG. 15). The second portion and the second bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a second linear direction (for example, the second linear direction (LD2) in FIG. 15) symmetrical to the first linear direction based on the center portion. The third portion and the first bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a third linear direction (for example, the third linear direction (LD3) in FIG. 15) different from the first linear direction. The fourth portion and the second bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a fourth linear direction (for example, the fourth linear direction (LD4) in FIG. 15) symmetrical to the third linear direction based on the center portion.

[0230] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge portion further includes a first plate (e.g., first plate 1571 in FIG. 15) coupled to the third portion, and a second plate (e.g., second plate 1572 in FIG. 15) coupled to the fourth portion. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface (e.g., first surface 1571A in FIG. 15) included in the first plate supports a portion of the third display area, and a second surface (e.g., second surface 1572A in FIG. 15) included in the second plate supports a portion of the third display area. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the flexible film (eg, flexible film 15510 in FIG. 15) supports a portion of the third display area corresponding to the first and second surfaces. In the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface face each other at a distance, and the third display area is disposed in a bent shape in the space between the first surface, the second surface, and the center plate.

[0231] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hinge portion further includes a first connector (eg, first connector 1710 in FIG. 17) connecting the first bracket and the third portion. The hinge portion further includes a second connector (eg, second connector 1720 in FIG. 17) that connects the second bracket and the fourth portion. The hinge portion further includes a first plate (eg, first plate 1771 in FIG. 17) coupled to the first connector portion. The hinge portion further includes a second plate (eg, second plate 1772 in FIG. 17) coupled to the second link portion. The first connecting portion is connected to the first bracket so as to be rotatable about a fifth rotation axis (for example, the fifth rotation axis (C51) in FIG. 17) that is parallel to the first rotation axis. The first coupling portion includes a first pin (e.g., first pin (P11) in FIG. 17) disposed on a first pin rail (e.g., first pin rail (PR11) in FIG. 17) provided in the third portion.

[0232] The second connecting portion is connected to the second bracket rotatably about a sixth rotation axis (for example, the sixth rotation axis (C6) in FIG. 17) that is symmetrical to the fifth rotation axis with respect to the center portion. The second plate includes a second pin (e.g., the second pin (P12) in FIG. 17) arranged on a second pin rail (e.g., the second pin rail (PR12) in FIG. 17) provided in the fourth portion symmetrically to the first pin rail with respect to the center portion. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface included in the first plate (eg, first surface 1771A in FIG. 17) supports a portion of the third display area. A second surface included in the second plate (eg, second surface 1772A in FIG. 17) supports a portion of the third display area. In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, a flexible film (eg, flexible film 17510 in FIG. 17) supports a portion of the third display area corresponding to the first and second surfaces. In the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface face each other at a distance, and the third display area is disposed in a bent shape in the space between the first surface, the second surface, and the center plate.

[0233] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a flexible film (e.g., first flexible film 510 of FIG. 5, flexible film 15510 of FIG. 15, or flexible film 17510 of FIG. 17) includes a lattice structure including a plurality of openings or a plurality of slits provided corresponding to the third display area.

[0234] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hinge portion includes a hinge module and a hinge housing (eg, hinge housing 23 in FIG. 7). The hinge module includes a first bracket (eg, first bracket 51A in FIG. 7) fixed to the first housing. The hinge module includes a second bracket (eg, second bracket 52A in FIG. 7) fixed to the second housing. The hinge module includes a bracket connecting portion that connects the first bracket and the second bracket. The bracket connection includes a center plate (eg, center plate 920 in FIG. 7). The hinge housing is coupled to the bracket connector. When the foldable housing is in a folded state, the hinge housing is exposed to the outside between the first housing and the second housing, providing a portion of the outer surface of the foldable electronic device.

[0235] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the foldable electronic device further includes a buffer material disposed in a recess (eg, recess 924 in FIG. 5, recess 15924 in FIG. 15, or recess 17924 in FIG. 17).

[0236] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a flexible display module includes a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 240 in FIG. 4) and a support sheet (e.g., support sheet 247 in FIG. 4) disposed on the back of the flexible display. The support sheet includes a lattice structure including a plurality of openings or a plurality of slits provided corresponding to the third display areas.

[0237] The present invention and the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are merely specific examples presented to more easily explain the technical contents and facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should be construed as including modifications or variations in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, it will be understood that any embodiment described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment described herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0238] 2. Foldable electronic devices 5A 1st Hinge Module 5B Second hinge module 6 Guide Rail Assembly 20 Foldable housing 21, 22 (1st and 2nd) Housing 23 Hinge housing 24 Flexible Display Module 25 Display 51A, 52A (1st, 2nd) brackets 53A Center section 61, 62 (1st, 2nd) sliders 63 Guide rail 64 Recess 71, 72 (1st and 2nd) plates 100 Network Environment 101, 102, 104, 201, 301 Electronic equipment 108 servers 120 processors 121 Main Processor 123 Auxiliary Processor 130 memory 132 Volatile Memory 134 Non-volatile memory 136 Internal memory 138 External Memory 140 Programs 142 O.S. 144 Middleware 146 Applications 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 Identity Module 197 Antenna Module 198 Network 1 199 Second Network 211, 221 (1st, 2nd) frames 212, 222 (1st, 2nd) Cover 240 Flexible Display 241 Display Panel 241a Light-emitting layer 241b TFT film 241c Sealing layer 242 Base Film 243 Lower Panel 243a Light blocking layer 243b Buffer layer 243c lower layer 243d composite sheet 243e Copper Sheet 244 Optical layer 245 Transparent Cover 246 Optical transparent adhesive materials 247 Support Sheet 301 Mike Hall 302, 303 (1st, 2nd) speaker holes 304 Optical Sensor 305~308 (1st~4th) Camera Modules 309 Flash 310, 311 (1st, 2nd) key input device 312 Connector hole 411, 421 (1st, 2nd) support part 412, 422 (1st, 2nd) Side 510, 520 (1st, 2nd) flexible film 810 Part 1 820 Part 2 830 Part 3 840 Part 4 920 Center Plate 921 1st surface area 922 Second surface area 923 Third surface area LMG1, LMG2 (1st, 2nd) linear motion guide LMSL1, LMSL2 (1st, 2nd) linear motion sliders LMGR1, LMGR2 (1st, 2nd) linear motion guide rails P1~P4 (1st~4th) pins PR1, PR2 (1st, 2nd) pin rails

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge portion connecting the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display module including: a third display area corresponding to the hinge portion; 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; a flexible film between the foldable housing and the flexible display module; the hinge portion includes a center plate having a recess formed on one surface facing the third display area, a part or the whole of the flexible film is placed flat and supported by the center plate between the third display area and the center plate; The foldable electronic device, wherein a part or the whole of the flexible film overlaps with the recess.

2. a surface of the center plate facing the third display area including a surface area for providing the recess; 2. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the surface area is formed in a curved shape that matches a rear surface of a portion of the third display area that is aligned with the surface area and that is arranged in a bent shape when the foldable housing is folded.

3. The hinge portion is a hinge module including a first bracket fixed to the first housing, a second bracket fixed to the second housing, and a bracket connecting portion connecting the first bracket and the second bracket and including the center plate; a first plate and a second plate respectively coupled to the bracket connecting portion, In an unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface of the first plate supports a first portion of the third display area, and a second surface of the second plate supports a second portion of the third display area; In the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the flexible film supports a third portion of the third display area corresponding to the third portion between the first surface and the second surface; 2. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein, in a folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface face each other at a distance, and the third display area is disposed in a bent shape in a space between the first surface, the second surface, and the center plate.

4. The foldable electronic device of claim 3 , wherein the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other when the foldable housing is in the folded state.

5. 4. The foldable electronic device of claim 3, wherein, in the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface form an acute angle, and a space between the first surface and the second surface is formed in a shape that widens in a direction toward the center plate.

6. the center plate includes a third surface between the first surface and the second surface when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the third surface includes, when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface area, a second surface area, and a third surface area located between the first surface area and the second surface area to provide the recess; 4. The foldable electronic device of claim 3, wherein the flexible film includes a first region attached to the first surface region, a second region attached to the second surface region, and a third region connecting the first region and the second region and overlapping the recess.

7. the center plate includes a third surface that is located between the first surface and the second surface and includes the recess when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the flexible film overlaps the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing; a fixing region disposed between the flexible film and the foldable housing, the fixing region including an adhesive or bonding material for connecting the flexible film and the foldable housing; 4. The foldable electronic device of claim 3, wherein the fixing area includes a first fixing area located at least partially between the flexible film and the first surface, and a second fixing area located at least partially between the flexible film and the second surface.

8. the center plate includes a third surface that is located between the first surface and the second surface and includes the recess when viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing, When viewed from above the flexible display module in the unfolded state of the foldable housing, the flexible film overlaps the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, a first support region in which the first display region of the first housing is disposed, and a second support region in which the second display region of the second housing is disposed, a fixing region disposed between the flexible film and the foldable housing, the fixing region including an adhesive or bonding material for connecting the flexible film and the foldable housing; 4. The foldable electronic device of claim 3, wherein the fixing region includes a first fixing region located at least partially between the flexible film and the first support region, and a second fixing region located at least partially between the flexible film and the second support region.

9. The hinge portion is a center portion including the center plate; a first portion rotatably connected to the center portion about a first rotation axis; a third portion rotatably connected to the center portion about a third rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis; a first bracket connected to the first portion and the third portion and fixed to the first housing; a second portion rotatably connected to the center portion about a second rotation axis; a fourth portion rotatably connected to the center portion about a fourth rotation axis parallel to the second rotation axis; a second bracket connected to the third portion and the fourth portion and fixed to the second housing, the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are positioned symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center portion, and the first portion and the second portion are formed symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center portion, the third rotation shaft and the fourth rotation shaft are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center portion, and the third portion and the fourth portion are formed symmetrically with respect to the center portion, the first portion and the first bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a first linear direction; the second portion and the second bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a second linear direction symmetrical to the first linear direction with respect to the center portion; the third portion and the first bracket are connected to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to a fifth rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis; the fourth portion and the second bracket are connected to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to a sixth rotation axis parallel to the second rotation axis; The foldable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the fifth rotation axis and the sixth rotation axis are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center portion.

10. the hinge portion includes a first plate connecting the first bracket and the first portion, a second plate connecting the second bracket and the second portion, a first pin disposed in the first portion, and a second pin disposed in the second portion, the first plate is connected to the first bracket to be rotatable about a seventh rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, and includes a first pin rail corresponding to the first pin; the second plate is connected to the second bracket to be rotatable about an eighth rotation axis symmetrical to the seventh rotation axis with respect to the center portion, and includes a second pin rail formed symmetrically to the first pin rail with respect to the center portion and corresponding to the second pin; In an unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface included in the first plate supports a portion of the third display area, and a second surface included in the second plate supports a portion of the third display area; When the foldable housing is in an unfolded state, the flexible film supports a portion of the third display area corresponding to a portion between the first surface and the second surface; 10. The foldable electronic device of claim 9, wherein, in the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface face each other at a distance, and the third display area is disposed in a bent shape in a space between the first surface, the second surface, and the center plate.

11. The hinge portion is a center portion including the center plate; a first portion rotatably connected to the center portion about a first rotation axis; a third portion rotatably connected to the center portion about a third rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis; a first bracket connected to the first portion and the third portion and fixed to the first housing; a second portion rotatably connected to the center portion about a second rotation axis; a fourth portion rotatably connected to the center portion about a fourth rotation axis parallel to the second rotation axis; a second bracket connected to the third portion and the fourth portion and fixed to the second housing, the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are positioned symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center portion, and the first portion and the second portion are formed symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the center portion, the third rotation shaft and the fourth rotation shaft are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center portion, and the third portion and the fourth portion are formed symmetrically with respect to the center portion, the first portion and the first bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a first linear direction; the second portion and the second bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a second linear direction symmetrical to the first linear direction with respect to the center portion; the third portion and the first bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a third linear direction different from the first linear direction; The foldable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the fourth portion and the second bracket are connected to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in a fourth linear direction symmetrical to the third linear direction with respect to the center portion.

12. the hinge portion includes a first plate coupled to the third portion and a second plate coupled to the fourth portion, In an unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface included in the first plate supports a portion of the third display area, and a second surface of the second plate supports a portion of the third display area; When the foldable housing is in an unfolded state, the flexible film supports a portion of the third display area corresponding to a portion between the first surface and the second surface; 12. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, in the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface face each other at a distance, and the third display area is disposed in a bent shape in a space between the first surface, the second surface, and the center plate.

13. the hinge portion includes a first connecting portion connecting the first bracket and the third portion, a second connecting portion connecting the second bracket and the fourth portion, a first plate connected to the first connecting portion, and a second plate connected to the second connecting portion, the first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first bracket about a fifth rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, and includes a first pin disposed on a first pin rail formed in the third portion; the second connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second bracket about a sixth rotation axis symmetrical to the fifth rotation axis with respect to the center portion, and includes a second pin disposed on a second pin rail formed on the fourth portion symmetrical to the first pin rail with respect to the center portion; In an unfolded state of the foldable housing, a first surface included in the first plate supports a portion of the third display area, and a second surface included in the second plate supports a portion of the third display area; When the foldable housing is in an unfolded state, the flexible film supports a portion of the third display area corresponding to a portion between the first surface and the second surface; 12. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, in the folded state of the foldable housing, the first surface and the second surface face each other at a distance, and the third display area is disposed in a bent shape in a space between the first surface, the second surface, and the center plate.

14. The foldable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible film includes a lattice structure including a plurality of openings formed corresponding to the third display area.

15. The flexible display module includes a flexible display and a support sheet disposed on a rear surface of the flexible display; The foldable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the support sheet comprises a lattice structure including a plurality of openings formed corresponding to the third display area.

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