Foldable electronic device comprising hinge plate

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device comprises: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a flexible display accommodated in the first housing and the second housing; and a hinge assembly for foldably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to a folding axis, wherein the hinge assembly includes: a hinge module including an arm member, which is set to rotate with respective to a first rotation axis, and a rotation member, which is set to rotate with respect to a second rotation axis that differs from the first rotation axis; a first hinge plate including a first plate portion at least partially overlapping with the hinge module and a second plate portion extending from the first plate portion when viewed in a first direction that is perpendicular to the surface of the flexible display in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device; and a buffer member positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion, wherein the first plate portion can be spaced farther apart than the second plate portion from the flexible display in the first direction.

Description

Foldable electronic device comprising a hinge plate

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a foldable electronic device including a hinge plate.

[0002] As the functional gap between manufacturers significantly narrows, electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer to meet consumer purchasing demands. These devices are being improved to increase their rigidity, enhance their design, and differentiate their functional elements. These electronic devices are evolving beyond their standard rectangular form factor into increasingly diverse shapes. For example, electronic devices may have a transformable structure that allows for portability while also enabling the use of large-screen displays. Foldable electronic devices are emerging as a form factor for these devices, and lightweight and / or slim designs may be required for portability. Furthermore, operational reliability (e.g., superior durability) may be required for frequent folding operations.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] An electronic device may include a foldable electronic device including a first housing, and a second housing foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge module (e.g., a hinge structure, a hinge device, or a hinge assembly). The first housing and the second housing may be structurally and / or operatively coupled to the hinge module to ensure operational reliability for a folded state and / or an unfolded state. The foldable electronic device may be operated in an in-folding manner and / or an out-folding manner by allowing the first housing to rotate within a range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees with respect to the second housing via the hinge module. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display arranged to span the first housing and the second housing when unfolded by 180 degrees.

[0005] The foldable electronic device may include a first hinge plate (e.g., a first wing plate or a first support plate) made of a metal material and a second hinge plate (e.g., a second wing plate or a second support plate) made of a metal material, which are arranged to support the hinge module in at least a portion of the first housing and the second housing. The hinge plates may be arranged adjacent to each other when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, thereby supporting the flexible display.

[0006] However, hinge plates made of metal can increase the weight of the electronic device. Furthermore, because metal hinge plates do not provide sufficient support for the bending area of ​​the flexible display, they can compromise the durability of the flexible display. To improve the durability of such flexible displays, adding multiple additional layers of auxiliary materials can increase the thickness of the electronic device.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a foldable electronic device including a hinge plate that can help reduce the weight of the device.

[0008] Various embodiments may provide a foldable electronic device including a hinge plate that may help improve the durability of a flexible display.

[0009] Various embodiments may provide a foldable electronic device including a hinge plate that may help slim down the device.

[0010] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0011] According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a flexible display accommodated (and / or supported) in the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge assembly foldably connecting the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hinge module including an arm member configured to rotate about a first rotation axis and a rotation member configured to rotate about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis, a first hinge plate including a first plate portion at least partially overlapping the hinge module and a second plate portion extending from the first plate portion when viewed in a first direction perpendicular to a surface of the flexible display in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, and a buffer member positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion, wherein the first plate portion is further from the flexible display in the first direction than the second plate portion. It can be separated.

[0012] According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge module that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing based on a folding axis, a flexible display arranged to receive support from the first housing and the second housing, a first hinge plate arranged to receive support from the hinge module under the flexible display and including a first plate portion and a second plate portion extending away from the first plate portion in a direction away from the folding axis, a second hinge plate arranged to receive support from the hinge module under the flexible display and including a third plate portion and a fourth plate portion extending away from the third plate portion in a direction away from the folding axis, a first buffer member positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion, and a second buffer member positioned between the flexible display and the second plate portion, wherein The thickness of the first plate portion may be formed thinner than the thickness of the second plate portion, and the thickness of the third plate portion may be formed thinner than the thickness of the fourth plate portion.

[0013] A foldable electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first plate portion positioned at least below a bending region of a flexible display formed to have a thickness thinner than a second plate portion at a periphery thereof, a buffer member positioned to support the flexible display at an end thereof, and a hinge plate formed at least partially of a non-metallic material, thereby helping to reduce the weight and / or slimness of the device and improving the durability of the flexible display.

[0014] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0015] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0016] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0017] FIG. 1A is a front view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1b is a drawing illustrating the rear side of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2A is a drawing illustrating one side of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2b is a drawing illustrating the other side of the electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5b is a plan view of hinge plates according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first hinge module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device showing the arrangement of hinge plates in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8A is a plan view of hinge plates in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 8b is a rear view of hinge plates in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8c is a perspective view of some hinge plates according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device including the hinge plates of FIG. 8A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of a hinge plate taken along line 9b-9b of FIG. 8b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of some of an electronic device showing the arrangement of a buffer member applied to a hinge plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0036] FIG. 1A is a drawing illustrating a front side of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a drawing illustrating a rear side of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2A is a drawing illustrating one side of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a drawing illustrating the other side of the electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 2B, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) (e.g., a first housing portion or a first housing structure) and a second housing (220) (e.g., a second housing portion or a second housing structure) that are rotatably coupled to each other about a folding axis (F) through at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3) (e.g., a hinge device or a hinge structure). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be configured as a housing (e.g., a foldable housing) of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) that is arranged to be supported by being accommodated in the first housing and the second housing. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second display (300) (e.g., a sub-display) arranged through the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a hinge housing (310) (e.g., a hinge cover) that is arranged so as to be at least partially invisible from the outside through the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) when in an unfolded state, and that covers at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules 320, 320-1, 320-2 of FIG. 3) so as to be invisible from the outside while in a folded state or while being folded. In this document, the surface on which the first display (230) is placed may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (200), and the surface opposite the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the electronic device (200). In addition, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (200).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (F), have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (F), and can be folded to match each other. According to some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be different depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) may be connected to at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3) and may include, in an unfolded state, a first surface (211) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a second surface (212) facing in an opposite direction to the first surface (211), and / or a first side member (213) surrounding at least a portion of a first space (2101) between the first surface (211) and the second surface (212). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may be connected to at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3) and may include a third side member (221) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200) in an unfolded state, a fourth side member (222) oriented in an opposite direction to the third side member (221), and / or a second side member (223) surrounding at least a portion of a second space (2201) between the third side member (221) and the fourth side member (222). In one embodiment, the first side member (211) may face substantially the same direction as the third side member (221) in an unfolded state and at least partially face the third side member (221) in a folded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a recess (201) formed to accommodate a first display (230) through a structural combination of a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). In one embodiment, the recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the first display (230). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first protective frame (213a) (e.g., a first decorative member) that is combined with a first side member (213) and overlaps an edge of the first display (230) when the first display (230) is viewed from above, thereby covering an edge of the first display (230) so that the edge is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the first protective frame (213a) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213).In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second protective frame (223a) (e.g., a second decorative member) that is coupled to the second side member (223) when the first display (230) is viewed from above and overlaps with the edge of the first display (230), thereby covering the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the second protective frame (223a) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In some embodiments, the first protective frame (213a) and the second protective frame (223a) may be omitted.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the hinge housing (310) (e.g., hinge cover) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may be disposed to cover a portion of at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may be covered by portions of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. For example, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be disposed to be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and substantially not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be at least partially visible from the outside of the electronic device (200) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the area of ​​the hinge housing (310) exposed to the outside may be less than that in a completely folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may include a curved surface.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (230, 300), an input device (215), an audio output device (227, 228), a sensor module (217a, 217b, 226), a camera module (216a, 216b, 225), a key input device (219), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (229) disposed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may additionally include at least one other component. In some embodiments, at least one of the above-described components may be omitted.

[0043] According to various embodiments, at least one display (230, 300) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display) that is arranged to be supported by a third surface (221) of a second housing (220) from a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), and a second display (300) that is arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through a fourth surface (222) in an internal space of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the second display (300) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second surface (212) in an internal space of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may be primarily used in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and the second display (300) may be primarily used in a folded state of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can control the first display (230) and / or the second display (300) to be usable based on the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) when in an intermediate state.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the first display (230) may be disposed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings (210, 220). For example, the first display (230) may be disposed in a recess (201) formed by the pair of housings (210, 220), and may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200) when unfolded. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a flexible display in which at least a portion of the display may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a first region (230a) corresponding to the first housing (210) and a second region (230b) corresponding to the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a folding area (230c) that includes a portion of the first area (230a) and a portion of the second area (230b) with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area (230c) may include an area corresponding to at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the division of the regions of the first display (230) is merely an exemplary division by a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3), and the first display (230) can be displayed as a seamless, full screen substantially through a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) may have an overall symmetrical shape or a partially asymmetrical shape with respect to the folding region (230c) and / or the folding axis (F).

[0045] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (240) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210) and a second rear cover (250) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed by an opaque plate, such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. In one embodiment, the second rear cover (250) may be formed by a substantially transparent plate, such as, for example, glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display (300) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover (250) in the internal space of the second housing (220).

[0046] According to various embodiments, the input device (215) may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device (215) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may include speakers. In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may include a call receiver (227) arranged through the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and an external speaker (228) arranged through at least a portion of the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the input device (215), the audio output device (227, 228), and the connector (229) are disposed in spaces of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) and can be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) can be used in common for the input device (215) and the audio output device (227, 228). In some embodiments, the audio output device (227, 228) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0047] According to various embodiments, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include a first camera module (216a) disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second camera module (216b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third camera module (225) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flash (218) disposed near the second camera module (216b). In one embodiment, the flash (218) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be arranged together on either side of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0048] According to various embodiments, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. In one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may include a first sensor module (217a) disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second sensor module (217b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (226) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the sensor module (217a, 217b, 226) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one sensor module not shown, for example, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In some embodiments, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member (213) of the first housing (210) and / or the second side member (223) of the second housing (220).

[0050] According to various embodiments, the key input device (219) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the key input device (219) may also be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (219), and the key input devices (219) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on at least one display (230, 300). In one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display (230, 300).

[0051] According to various embodiments, the connector port (229) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the connector port (229) may also perform a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals.

[0052] According to various embodiments, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225), at least one of the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be visually exposed through at least one display (230, 300). For example, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 225), at least one of the sensor modules (217a, 226), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be visually exposed through at least one display (230, 300) in the interior space of at least one housing (210, 220), below an active area of ​​at least one display (230, 300), and may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated up to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (410) of FIG. 4) and / or a second rear cover (250)). In one embodiment, the area where at least one display (230, 300) and at least one camera module (216a, 225) face each other may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of the area displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., a field of view area) of at least one camera module (216a, 225) through which light passes to be imaged by an image sensor to create an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​at least one display (230, 300) may include an area where the pixel density is lower than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace an opening. For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225) may include an under-display camera (UDC) or an under-panel camera (UPC).In one embodiment, some camera modules (216a, 225) or sensor modules (217a, 226) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, an area facing a camera module (216a, 225) and / or a sensor module (217a, 226) arranged under a display (230, 300) (e.g., a display panel) may have an under-display camera (UDC) structure, eliminating the need for a perforated opening.

[0053] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 1A and 1B), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first region (230a), the second region (230b), and the folding region (230c) of the first display (230) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane and face the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210) may be rotated at an angle of about 360 degrees with respect to the second housing (220) so that the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) face each other and may be folded in the opposite direction (out folding method).

[0054] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 2A and 2B), the first side (211) of the first housing (210) and the third side (221) of the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may be arranged to face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of 0 degrees to about 10 degrees) with respect to each other through the folding region (230c). In one embodiment, the folding region (230c) may be deformed into a curved shape having at least a certain curvature. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may form an angle that is greater than the folded state and less than the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folding region (230c) may be less than the folded state and greater than the unfolded state. In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle that can stop at a specified folding angle between the folded state and the unfolded state through at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3) (free stop function). In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be continuously operated while being pressed in an unfolding or folding direction based on a specified inflection angle through at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3).

[0055] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3) that rotatably connects the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) with respect to each other, and a flexible display (230) (e.g., the first display (230) of FIG. 1A) that is accommodated to be supported by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first side member (213) that is visibly exposed from the outside of the electronic device (200) and forms at least a portion of a side surface, and a first support member (2131) that extends from the first side member (213) into an internal space of the first housing (210) (e.g., the first space (2101) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second side member (223) that is visibly exposed from the outside of the electronic device (200) and forms at least a portion of a side surface, and a second support member (2231) that extends from the second side member (223) into an internal space of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be positioned to be supported by at least a portion of the first support member (2131) and the second support member (2231).

[0057] According to various embodiments, at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3) may include a first hinge module (320) disposed at the bottom of the electronic device (200), a second hinge module (320-1) disposed at the top of the electronic device (200), and a third hinge module (320-2) disposed between the first hinge module (320) and the second hinge module (320-1), along the folding axis (F) direction (e.g., ±y-axis direction), between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include one hinge module, two hinge modules disposed at a specified interval, or four or more hinge modules disposed at a specified interval. In one embodiment, each of the hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-3) may have substantially the same configuration.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first hinge plate (510) corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing (210) on one side of the folding axis (F) and disposed under the flexible display (230), and a second hinge plate (520) corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing (220) on the other side of the folding axis (F) and disposed under the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may be arranged to connect at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3) and the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may be arranged to connect at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be formed at least partially of a non-metallic material to reduce the weight of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or polycarbonate (PC) having strength for supporting the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3) and the first and second hinge plates (510, 520) coupled thereto may be configured as a hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (HA) of FIG. 5A).

[0059] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (510) may include a first buffer member (511) (e.g., a first shock absorbing member) arranged to have a length along the folding axis direction (e.g., the ±y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may include a second buffer member (521) (e.g., a second shock absorbing member) arranged to have a length along the folding axis direction (e.g., the ±y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) may be arranged as one, or may be arranged in a manner that two or more are divided by region, depending on the shape of the first hinge plate (510). In one embodiment, the second buffer member (521) may be arranged as one, or may be arranged in a manner that two or more are divided by region, depending on the shape of the second hinge plate (520). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) may be disposed along an edge of the first hinge plate (510) in a direction toward the folding axis (e.g., in the -x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second buffer member (521) may be disposed along an edge of the second hinge plate (520) in a direction toward the folding axis (e.g., in the x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) and the second buffer member (521) may be fixed to the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) respectively through injection molding, bonding, taping, or structural bonding. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) and the second buffer member (521) may be disposed in a manner of contacting between the flexible display (230) and at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) and the second buffer member (521) can help improve the durability of the flexible display (230) by supporting at least a portion of the back surface of the flexible display (230) corresponding to the folding area (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A).In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) and the second buffer member (521) may include any one of high-rebound sponge, rubber, urethane, or silicone. In one embodiment, the width of the first buffer member (511) and the second buffer member (521) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the ±x-axis direction) may be appropriately determined according to the folding shape of the flexible display (230).

[0060] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first cover layer (514) disposed between the flexible display (230) and the first hinge plate (510). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second cover layer (524) disposed between the flexible display (230) and the second hinge plate (520). In one embodiment, the first cover layer (514) and the second cover layer (524) may be disposed as one or two or more in a manner of being divided into regions, depending on the shapes of the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520). In one embodiment, the first cover layer (514) and the second cover layer (524) may be formed of a fabric member (e.g., non-woven fabric) or a polymer (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) sheet. In one embodiment, the first cover layer (514) and the second cover layer (524) can help improve the joint and cushion the joint to reduce leakage of a lubricating material, such as grease, applied to at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) between the area where the first cushioning member (511) is disposed and the area where it is not disposed.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first member (512) and a second member (513) sequentially arranged from one side of the first buffer member (511) in a direction away from the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the x-axis direction) between the flexible display (230) and the first hinge plate (510). In one embodiment, the first member (512) and the second member (513) may be arranged to have a length along the direction of the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the ±y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a third member (522) and a fourth member (523) sequentially arranged from one side of the second buffer member (521) in a direction away from the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) between the flexible display (230) and the second hinge plate (520). In one embodiment, the third member (522) and the fourth member (523) may be arranged to have a length along the direction of the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the ±y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first member (512), the second member (513), the third member (522), and the fourth member (523) may be arranged as one, or may be arranged in a manner in which two or more are divided by region, depending on the shapes of the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520). In one embodiment, the first member (512), the second member (513), the third member (522), and the fourth member (523) may be fixed to the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) respectively through injection molding, bonding, taping, or structural bonding. In one embodiment, the width of the first member (512) may be greater than the width of the first buffer member (511) and / or the width of the second member (513). In one embodiment, the width of the third member (522) may be greater than the width of the second buffer member (521) and / or the width of the fourth member (523).In one embodiment, the first member (512) and the third member (522) may perform a step compensation function to compensate for a gap caused by the thickness of the first buffer member (511) between the flexible display (230) and at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) and / or a buffering function between the at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) and the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the second member (513) and the fourth member (523) may support a portion of a folding area under the flexible display (230), thereby improving the bendability of the flexible display (230) and / or performing a buffering function between the at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) and the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the first member (512), the second member (513), the third member (522), and the fourth member (523) may include any one of sponge, rubber, urethane, or silicone.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first hinge plate (510) may be configured such that a portion supporting the first buffer member (511) (e.g., the first plate portion (510a) of FIG. 7A) is further spaced from the flexible display (230) than a peripheral portion (e.g., the second plate portion (510b) and / or the third plate portion (510c) of FIG. 7A), or the portion supporting the first buffer member (511) (e.g., the first plate portion (510a) of FIG. 7A) has a thinner thickness than a peripheral portion (e.g., the second plate portion (510b) and / or the third plate portion (510c) of FIG. 7A), thereby reducing an increase in thickness due to the accommodation of the first buffer member (511), which may help to slim down the electronic device. For example, the second hinge plate (520) including the second buffer member (521) may also have substantially the same configuration.

[0063] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the first display will be referred to as a "flexible display."

[0065] A flexible display according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., the first display (230) of FIG. 1A) may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the flexible display (230) may also include a flat type display of an on-cell touch AMOLED (active matrix organic light-emitting diode) (OCTA) type.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible display (230) (e.g., the first display of FIG. 1A) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (POL) (420) (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), and lower layers. In one embodiment, the lower layers may include a first lower layer disposed at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing (210) under the support plate (450), and a second lower layer disposed at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first lower layer may include a first reinforcing plate (461) and / or a first digitizer (471) disposed at least partially under the support plate (450). In one embodiment, when the first reinforcing plate (461) and the first digitizer (471) are arranged together, the first digitizer (471) may be arranged between the support plate (450) and the first reinforcing plate (461). In one embodiment, the second lower layer may include a second reinforcing plate (462) and / or a second digitizer (472) that are arranged at least partially below the support plate (450). In one embodiment, when the second reinforcing plate (462) and the second digitizer (472) are arranged together, the second digitizer (472) may be arranged between the support plate (450) and the second reinforcing plate (462). In some embodiments, the first digitizer (471) and the second digitizer (472) may be arranged as a single digitizer (470) formed integrally, in which case, an area corresponding to a bending area of ​​the flexible display (230) (e.g., a folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) may be configured to be bendable. In some embodiments, the digitizer (470) may be arranged between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450).For example, if the flexible display (230) is a POL-less display, the polarizing layer may be omitted, and a transparent reinforcing layer (e.g., a buffer layer) may be further disposed in that position. In some embodiments, the reinforcing plates (461, 462) and / or the digitizer (470) may be omitted.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the window layer (410) may include a glass layer. In one embodiment, the window layer (410) may include ultra thin glass (UTG). In some embodiments, the window layer (410) may include a polymer. In this case, the window layer (410) may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). In some embodiments, the window layer (410) may be arranged as a plurality of layers to include a glass layer and a polymer. In some embodiments, the flexible display (230) may further include a coating layer formed on at least a portion of the top, back, or side of the glass layer formed as part of the window layer (410) or a polymer (e.g., a protective film layer) arranged on top of the glass layer. In such cases, the coating layer may include a hard coating layer, an anti-reflection (AR) / low reflection (LR) coating layer, a shatterproof (SP) coating layer, and / or an anti-fingerprint (AF) coating layer. In some embodiments, the coating layer may be formed on at least one of a portion between the polymer and the glass layer, a side surface of the polymer, and a back surface or side surface of the glass layer.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), and the support plate (450) may be arranged to cross at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., the first surface (211) of FIG. 1A) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1A) and a third surface (e.g., the third surface (221) of FIG. 1A) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plates (461, 462) may provide rigidity for the flexible display (230) and may be used as a ground to prevent or reduce malfunction of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plates (461, 462) may be formed of a metal material. In one embodiment, the reinforcing plates (461, 462) may be formed of SUS or Al. In one embodiment, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), and the reinforcing plates (461, 462) may be attached to each other via an adhesive (P1, P2, P3) (or glue). For example, the adhesive (P1, P2, P3) may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the display panel (430) may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). In one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420) may selectively transmit light generated from a light source of the display panel (430) and vibrating in a certain direction. In one embodiment, the display panel (430) and the polarizing layer (420) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may also include a touch panel (not shown).

[0070] According to various embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be disposed under the display panel (430) to provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel (430) and may be formed as a buffer material for buffering. In some embodiments, to ensure waterproofing of the flexible display (230), the polymer layer (440) may be removed or disposed under the support plate (450). In some embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be omitted if the support plate is formed of an opaque material.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the support plate (450) can provide bending characteristics to the flexible display (230). For example, the support plate (450) can be formed of a non-metallic thin-plate material, such as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)) having rigid characteristics for supporting the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) can include a first planar portion (451) corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1A), a second planar portion (452) corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1A), and a flexible portion (453) (flexible portion or bending portion) connecting the first planar portion (451) and the second planar portion (452). In one embodiment, the flexible portion (453) may be formed to have a pattern (4531) for improving flexibility. In one embodiment, the pattern (4531) may include a plurality of openings formed to penetrate from the top surface to the back surface of the support plate at a specified interval. In one embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion (453) may be determined by at least one of the size, shape, or arrangement density of at least some of the openings of the pattern (4531). In some embodiments, the support plate (450) may be formed of a metal material such as SUS (steel use stainless) (e.g., STS (stainless steel)), Cu, Al, or a metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). In this case, the support plate (450) may have a plurality of openings formed throughout its entire area so that a detection operation of a digitizer (470) disposed below may be induced.In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may help reinforce the rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 1A), shield ambient noise, and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (230) may include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450), or under the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, or a conductive / non-conductive tape. In one embodiment, the functional member may be individually disposed in a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 1A) and a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 1A) if the functional member is not bendable. In one embodiment, the functional member, if bendable, may be arranged from a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1A) through at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3) to at least a portion of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1A).

[0073] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (230) may include a bending portion (432) arranged in a manner of being folded from the display panel (430) to at least a portion of the back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) extending from the display panel (430) and including a control circuit (4321a), and a flexible substrate (4322) (e.g., FPCB, flexible printed circuit board) electrically connected to the extension portion (4321) and including a plurality of electrical elements. In one embodiment, the control circuit (4321a) may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) arranged in the extension portion (4321) having an electrical wiring structure. In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include a COP (chip on panel or chip on plastic) structure in which the control circuit (4321a) is directly disposed on the extension portion (4321). In some embodiments, the bending portion (432) may also include a COF (chip on film) structure in which the control circuit (4321a) is disposed on a separate connecting film (not shown) that connects the extension portion (4321) and the flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a plurality of electrical elements (not shown) disposed on the flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a connector portion (4323) that extends from the flexible substrate (4322) and is electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., a main printed circuit board) disposed in an internal space of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical components may include at least one of a touch IC, flash memory for a display, an ESD protection diode, a pressure sensor, or a fingerprint sensor.

[0074] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a plan view of hinge plates according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the hinge assembly (HA) may include a first hinge plate (510) and a second hinge plate (520) arranged to be supported by at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be fixed to at least a portion of at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be arranged to be rotatable with respect to each other about a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (F) of FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 3)) by means of at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be formed at least partially of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) to reduce the weight of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 1A).

[0076] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (510) may include a first buffer member (511) arranged to have a length along an edge in the direction of the second hinge plate (520) (e.g., in the -x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may include a second buffer member (521) arranged to have a length along an edge in the direction of the first hinge plate (510) (e.g., in the x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may include a first member (512) and a second member (513) sequentially arranged from one side of the first buffer member (511) in the direction away from the second hinge plate (520) (e.g., in the x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may include a third member (522) and a fourth member (523) sequentially arranged from one side of the second buffer member (521) in a direction away from the first hinge plate (510) (e.g., in the -x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first member (512) and the third member (522) may perform a step compensation function to compensate for a gap caused by the thickness of the first buffer member (511) between the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3) and at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) and / or a buffer function between the at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) and the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the second member (513) and the fourth member (523) may support a portion of a folding area under the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3), thereby improving the bendability of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3) and / or performing a buffering function between at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) and the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3).In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may be arranged to cover the first buffer member (511), the first member (512), and the second member (513), and may include a first cover layer (514) that contacts the back surface of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may be arranged to cover the second buffer member (521), the third member (522), and the fourth member (523), and may include a second cover layer (524) that contacts the back surface of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first cover layer (514) and the second cover layer (524) can help improve the joint and cushion the joint to reduce leakage of a lubricating material, such as grease, applied to at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2).

[0077] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first hinge module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] Although this drawing describes the first hinge module, the second hinge module and the third hinge module may also have substantially the same configuration. Hereinafter, the first hinge module will be referred to as the "hinge module."

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, the hinge module (320) includes a support (321) (e.g., a rotator bracket or bracket) fixed to a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (310) of FIG. 2a) through a fastening member such as a screw, a first shaft (HS1) rotatably arranged on the support (321) based on a first rotation axis (X1), a second shaft (HS2) rotatably arranged on the support (321) based on a second rotation axis (X2) spaced apart from the first rotation axis (X1), a first rotation member (322) rotatably arranged on the support (321) based on a third rotation axis (X3) (e.g., a first rotator), a second rotation member (323) rotatably arranged on the support (321) based on a fourth rotation axis (X4), and a first rotation member (324) rotatably arranged on the support (321) based on a fifth rotation axis (X5). It may include a first fixed body (326) rotatably coupled to a member (322), a second fixed body (327) rotatably coupled to a second rotating member (323) about a sixth rotation axis (X6), a first arm member (324) (e.g., a first hinge arm) coupled to a first shaft (HS1) so as to be rotatable at one end about the first rotation axis (X1), and a second arm member (325) (e.g., a second hinge arm) coupled to a second shaft (HS2) so as to be rotatable at one end about the second rotation axis (X2). In one embodiment, the first fixed body (326) may be fixed to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the second fixed body (327) may be fixed to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the hinge module (320) may include a first link (331) that is fixed to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and movably guides the other end of the first arm member (324), and a second link (332) that is fixed to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) and movably guides the other end of the second arm member (325).In one embodiment, the first link (331) may be fixed to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3), and the second link (332) may be fixed to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the first link (331) may be formed integrally with the first fixing body (326). In some embodiments, the second link (332) may be formed integrally with the second fixing body (327).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the hinge module (320) may include a first cam structure (328) coupled with a cam structure formed at one end of the arm members (324, 325) and a second cam structure (329) coupled with a cam structure formed at the other end of the arm members (324, 325). In one embodiment, the hinge module (320) may include a first torque generating structure that generates torque by pressing the first cam structure (328) in the direction of the arm members (324, 325) (e.g., in the y-axis direction) through a first elastic member (CS1) (e.g., a first spring) arranged in a manner that a first shaft (HS1) passes through it and a second elastic member (CS2) (e.g., a second spring) arranged in a manner that a second shaft (HS2) passes through it. In one embodiment, the hinge module (320) may include a second torque generating structure that generates torque by pressing the second cam structure (329) in the direction of the arm members (324, 325) (e.g., -y-axis direction) through a third elastic member (CS3) (e.g., a third spring) arranged in such a manner that the first shaft (HS1) passes through it and a fourth elastic member (CS4) (e.g., a fourth spring) arranged in such a manner that the second shaft (HS2) passes through it. In one embodiment, the hinge module (320) may provide a pressing force in a rotational direction to cause the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) to transition from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state, through the first torque generating structure and the second torque generating structure, or may provide a free-stop function to cause the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) to stop in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (510) of FIG. 5A) may be arranged to be supported by the first arm member (324) and / or the first rotation member (322). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 5A) may be arranged to be supported by the second arm member (325) and / or the second rotation member (323). In some embodiments, the first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (510) of FIG. 5A) may be secured to the first rotation member (322), and the second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 5A) may be secured to the second rotation member (323). For example, the first rotation member (322) is rotatably coupled to the support member (321) and the first fixed member (326) so as to rotate about two axes (e.g., the third axis (X3) and the fifth axis (X5)), so that in the folded state, the first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (510) of FIG. 5a) can have a different rotation angle from the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3). For example, the second rotation member (323) is rotatably coupled to the support member (321) and the second fixed member (327) so as to rotate about two axes (e.g., the fourth axis (X4) and the sixth axis (X6)), so that in the folded state, the second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 5a) can have a different rotation angle from the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3). Accordingly, in the folded state of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 3), at least a part of the teardrop-shaped folded folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3) can be supported by hinge plates (e.g., the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 5a) that further fold at a larger angle (e.g., an angle of 90 degrees or more) than the folding angle (e.g., about 90 degrees) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3).

[0082] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7A, the electronic device may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a hinge module (320) that rotatably connects the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) with respect to each other, and a flexible display (230) that is arranged to be supported by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first hinge plate (510) that corresponds to at least a portion of the first housing (210) on one side of a folding axis (F) and is arranged under the flexible display (230), and a second hinge plate (520) that corresponds to at least a portion of the second housing (220) on the other side of the folding axis (F) and is arranged under the flexible display (230).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (510) may include a first plate portion (510a) arranged to at least partially overlap the hinge module (320) when viewed in a first direction (e.g., direction ①) perpendicular to a surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the flexible display (230), and a second plate portion (510b) extending from the first plate portion (510a). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may include a third plate portion (510c) extending from the second plate portion (510b). In one embodiment, the first plate portion (510a) may be positioned at an edge region of the first hinge plate (510) in a direction (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) toward the folding axis (F).

[0085] According to various embodiments, the first plate portion (510a) may be arranged to be further apart from the flexible display (230) in the first direction (direction ①) than the second plate portion (510b). For example, the first separation distance (d1) between the first plate portion (510a) and the flexible display (230) may be greater than the second separation distance (d2) between the second plate portion (510b) and the flexible display (230). That is, a first separation, gap or distance (d1) between a surface (e.g., a nominally “upper” surface) of a first plate portion (510a) facing the flexible display (230) (i.e., facing upward in the +z direction in FIG. 7a) and an underside (or bottom, downward or back) of the flexible display (230) is greater than a second separation, gap or distance (d2) between a surface (e.g., a “upper” surface) of a second plate portion (510b) facing the flexible display (230) (i.e., facing upward in the +z direction in FIG. 7a) and may be located on the underside of the flexible display (230). As illustrated in FIG. 7a, the upper surface of the second plate portion (510b) is higher (in the +z direction) than the upper surface of the first plate portion (510a) and is closer to the flexible display (230) (e.g., closer to the back or bottom side of the flexible display). In one embodiment, the thickness of the first plate portion (510a) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the second plate portion (510b). For example, the first plate portion (510a) may include a step surface (510d) formed lower than the upper surface of the second plate portion (510b) so as to be formed with a thinner thickness than the second plate portion (510b). In some embodiments, the first plate portion (510a) may be formed of a metal material that is injection-molded, taped, bonded, or structurally joined to the second plate portion (510b). In this case, the weight per unit area of ​​the first plate portion (510a) may be heavier than the weight per unit area of ​​the second plate portion (510b).In one embodiment, the area of ​​the first plate portion (510a) may be narrower than the area of ​​the second plate portion (510b).

[0086] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first buffer member (511) (e.g., a first shock absorbing member) disposed on a first plate portion (510a) of a first hinge plate (510). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) may be disposed in a manner that it is attached to a step surface (510d) of the first plate portion (510a). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) may be disposed in a manner that it comes into contact with the back surface of the flexible display (230) and the first arm member (324) of the hinge module (320). For example, the first buffer member (511) may be formed to have a sufficient thickness for buffering while maintaining the overall thickness of the first hinge plate (510) the same as before or increasing it relatively little by the shape of the first plate portion (510a) formed lower than the second plate portion (510b). Accordingly, the first buffer member (511) can help improve the durability of the flexible display (230) by supporting the back of the flexible display (230) in the folding area of ​​the flexible display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A). In addition, the first hinge plate (510) can help make the electronic device (200) slimmer through the first plate portion (510a) formed to maintain or relatively slightly increase the thickness of the first hinge plate (510) while maintaining a thickness for sufficient buffering performance of the first buffer member (511). In addition, the first hinge plate (510) can help make the electronic device (200) lighter by being formed at least partially of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

[0087] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (230) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (420) sequentially arranged in the -z-axis direction under the window layer, a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), and a digitizer (471) as a first lower layer. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) arranged on the first plate portion (510a) may be arranged in a manner that contacts the digitizer (471). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) may be arranged to have a distance (d3) from an end of the digitizer (471) along a second direction (e.g., direction ②) that is parallel to a surface of the flexible display (230) and perpendicular to the first direction (direction ①). This separation distance (d3) can help improve operational reliability by reducing interference with surrounding structures that may occur when the first buffer member (511) is positioned to be aligned with or protrude further from the end of the digitizer (471) in the folded state of the electronic device (200). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first reinforcing plate (e.g., the first reinforcing plate (461) of FIG. 4) positioned below the digitizer (471). In this case, the first buffer member (511) may be positioned to be in contact with the first reinforcing plate (e.g., the first reinforcing plate (461) of FIG. 4), and may be positioned to have a separation distance along a second direction (e.g., direction ②) that is parallel to the surface of the flexible display (230) and perpendicular to the first direction (direction ①) from the end of the first reinforcing plate (461). In some embodiments, the digitizer (471) may be omitted and only the reinforcement plate (461) may be placed in that location.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first member (512) disposed between the second plate portion (510b) and the flexible display (230) and a second member (513) disposed between the third plate portion (510c) and the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first cover layer (514) disposed on top of the first buffer member (511), the first member (512), and the second member (513), and in contact with the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the first cover layer (514) may be formed of a fabric member (e.g., non-woven fabric) or a polymer (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) sheet. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511), the first member (512), and the second member (513) may be formed of an elastic material. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511), the first member (512), and the second member (513) may include any one of sponge, rubber, urethane, and silicone. In one embodiment, the first member (512) may be formed of an elastic material (e.g., a low-elasticity material) having a higher hardness than the first buffer member (511) and / or the second member (513). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) and the second member (513) may be formed of an elastic material having the same hardness. In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) including the second buffer member (521) disposed on the fourth plate portion (520a), the third member (522) disposed on the fifth plate portion (520b), the fourth member (523) disposed on the sixth plate portion (520c), and the second cover layer (524) may have substantially the same configuration as the first hinge plate (510).

[0089] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device showing the arrangement of hinge plates in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 7b, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a hinge module (320) that rotatably connects the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) with respect to each other, and a flexible display (230) that is arranged to be supported by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may include a first buffer member (511), a first member (512), and a second member (513) that are sequentially arranged in a direction away from a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (F) of FIG. 7a).

[0091] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first buffer member (511) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the flexible display (230), and at least a portion of the first member (512) and the second member (513) may be positioned to support the back surface of the flexible display. In one embodiment, the second member (513) may be positioned to support a position corresponding to a first bending section (R1) formed around the teardrop-shaped folding region of the flexible display (230) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. In one embodiment, the first member (512) may be positioned to support a section (generally a linear section) that is relatively less bent than the first bending section (R1) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. In this case, the second member (513) is formed of an elastic material (e.g., a high-elasticity material) having a lower hardness than the first member (512), and can help improve the bendability of the flexible display (230) by reducing the repulsive force for the first bending section (R1). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) also includes a second buffer member (521), a third member (522), and a fourth member (523), and the third member (522) can be arranged to support the second bending section (R2) of the flexible display (230) that is positioned symmetrically with the first bending section (R1).

[0092] FIG. 8A is a plan view of hinge plates according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a rear view of hinge plates according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 1A) may include a first hinge plate (530) and a second hinge plate (540) arranged to be supported by at least one hinge module (e.g., at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (530) may include a first plate portion (530a) and a second plate portion (530b) extending away from the first plate portion (530a) in a direction away from the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (540) may include a third plate portion (540a) and a fourth plate portion (540b). In one embodiment, the first plate portion (530a) and the third plate portion (540a) may include a first material, and the second plate portion (530b) and the fourth plate portion (540b) may include a second material. In one embodiment, the first material may include a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel). In one embodiment, the second material may include carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or a polymer. In one embodiment, the first plate portion (530a) and the third plate portion (540a) may be secured to the second plate portion (530b) and the fourth plate portion (540b) by at least one of taping, bonding, fusion, or structural bonding. In one embodiment, the first plate portion (530a) may be arranged as one along the longitudinal direction (e.g., ±y-axis direction) of the first hinge plate (530) in the second plate portion (530b), or may be arranged in two or more ways that are divided by region. In one embodiment, the third plate portion (540a) may be arranged as one along the longitudinal direction (e.g., ±y-axis direction) of the second hinge plate (540), or may be arranged in two or more ways that are divided by region.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (530) may include a first buffer member (531) disposed at an edge of the first plate portion (530a) in a direction toward the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the -x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (540) may include a second buffer member (541) disposed at an edge of the third plate portion (540a) in a direction toward the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (531) may be coupled to the first plate portion (530a) in a manner of being injected, and the second buffer member (541) may be disposed to the third plate portion (540a) in a manner of being injected. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (531) and the second buffer member (541) may be formed of substantially the same material as the first buffer member (511) and / or the second buffer member (521) of FIG. 3.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (530) may include a first opening (533) formed in the first plate portion (530a). In one embodiment, the first opening (533) may be positioned to overlap the first arm member (e.g., the first arm member (324) of FIG. 6) when the first plate portion (530a) is viewed in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the hinge module (e.g., the hinge module (320) of FIG. 6) may be formed with at least one protrusion that protrudes toward the flexible display (230). According to one embodiment, the protrusion may be at least partially accommodated in the first opening (533) formed in the first plate portion (530a), so that the thickness of the hinge module (320) increased by the protrusion may not lead to an increase in the thickness of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the second plate portion (530b) may not have an opening formed therein that is positioned to overlap the hinge module (320) when the second plate portion (530b) is viewed in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., in the z-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (540) may include a second opening (543) formed in the third plate portion (540a). In one embodiment, the second opening (543) may have substantially the same function and action as the first opening (533).

[0096] According to one embodiment, a flexible circuit board (not shown) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) may be included to connect a first electronic component accommodated in a first housing (210) and a second electronic component accommodated in a second housing (220). For example, a first opening (533) formed in a first plate portion (530a) may be positioned to overlap with the flexible circuit board (not shown) when the first plate portion (530a) is viewed in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, an opening may not be formed in a second plate portion (530b) that is positioned to overlap with the flexible circuit board (not shown) when the second plate portion (530b) is viewed in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second opening (543) may have substantially the same function and action as the first opening (533).

[0097] FIG. 8c is a perspective view of some hinge plates according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] Figure 8c is a drawing showing only the second plate portion (530b) from which the first plate portion (530a) and the first buffer member (531) have been removed, and the fourth plate portion (540b) from which the third plate portion (540a) and the second buffer member (541) have been removed.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 8c, the first hinge plate (530) may include a first recess (530c) for accommodating at least a portion of the first plate portion (530a). In one embodiment, the first recess (530c) may be formed lower than an outer surface of the second plate portion (530b). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first plate portion (530a) may be fixed to the first recess (530c) through at least one of bonding, taping, fusing, or structural bonding. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first plate portion (530a) may form a substantially same plane as the second plate portion (530b) through the first recess (530c), thereby helping to slim down the electronic device. In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (540) may include a second recess (540c) for accommodating at least a portion of the third plate portion (540a). In one embodiment, the second recess (540c) may also have substantially the same arrangement structure as the first recess (530c).

[0100] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device including the hinge plates of FIG. 8A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the hinge plate taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 8B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] In describing the electronic devices of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device of FIG. 7A, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 9a, the electronic device may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a hinge module (320) (e.g., at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3) that rotatably connects the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) with respect to each other, and a flexible display (230) arranged to be supported by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first hinge plate (530) corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing (210) on one side of the folding axis (F) and disposed under the flexible display (230), and a second hinge plate (540) corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing (220) on the other side of the folding axis (F) and disposed under the flexible display (230).

[0103] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (530) may include a first plate portion (530a) arranged to at least partially overlap the hinge module (320) when viewed in a first direction (e.g., direction ①) perpendicular to a surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the flexible display (230), and a second plate portion (530b) extending from the first plate portion (530a). In one embodiment, the first plate portion (530a) may be positioned at an edge region of the first hinge plate (530) in a direction toward the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the -x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first plate portion (530a) may include a first material, and the second plate portion (530b) may include a second material. In one embodiment, the first material may be formed of a metal material (e.g., stainless steel). In one embodiment, the second material may be formed of a polymer or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). In one embodiment, the first plate portion (530a) may be attached to the second plate portion (530b) through at least one of adhesive, bonding, taping, fusion (e.g., ultrasonic fusion), or structural bonding.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the first plate portion (530a) may be arranged to be further apart from the flexible display (230) in the first direction (direction ①) than the second plate portion (530b). In one embodiment, the thickness of the first plate portion (530a) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the second plate portion (530b). In one embodiment, the weight per unit area of ​​the first plate portion (530a) may be heavier than the weight per unit area of ​​the second plate portion (530b). For example, the first plate portion (530a) may be formed to have a thinner thickness than the second plate portion (530b) and to have a relatively heavier weight per unit area, thereby helping to reinforce rigidity as a support structure for supporting the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the first plate portion (530a) may be formed to have a thinner thickness than the second plate portion (530b) and may be formed in a shape that is folded multiple times to provide a relatively larger distance from the flexible display (230) than the second plate portion (530b). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first plate portion (530a) may be positioned to be seated in a first recess (530c) formed lower than the upper surface of the second plate portion, thereby helping to reduce the overall thickness of the first hinge plate (530).

[0105] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first buffer member (531) (e.g., a first shock absorbing member) disposed on a first plate portion (530a) of a first hinge plate (530). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (531) may include any one of sponge, rubber, urethane, and silicone. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (531) may be disposed at an edge in the folding axis direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) of the first plate portion (530a). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (531) may be fixed to the first plate portion (530a) through any one of injection molding, bonding, taping, fusion, and structural bonding processes. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (531) may include a first portion (531a) that contacts the back surface of the flexible display (230) with the first plate portion (530a) therebetween, and a second portion (531b) that contacts at least a portion of the hinge module (320) (e.g., the first arm member (324)). In one embodiment, the first portion (531a) may be set thicker than the second portion (531b), thereby assisting in the buffering action for the flexible display (230). In some embodiments, the first portion (531a) may be set to have substantially the same thickness as the second portion (531b), or may be set to have a thinner thickness than the second portion (531b).

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first plate portion (530a) is formed of a metal material and has a thinner thickness than the second plate portion (530b), and through a shape that is folded multiple times, the first buffer member (531) can be arranged in a manner that it comes into contact with the back surface of the flexible display (230) and the first arm member (324) of the hinge module (320). Accordingly, the first buffer member (531) can be formed to have a sufficient thickness for buffering while the overall thickness of the first hinge plate (530) is maintained the same as before or is increased relatively little. For example, the first buffer member (531) can help improve the durability of the flexible display (230) by supporting the back surface of the flexible display (230) in the folding area of ​​the flexible display (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A). In addition, the first hinge plate (530) can help to slim down the electronic device (200) through the first plate portion (530a) formed to maintain or relatively slightly increase the thickness of the first hinge plate (530) while maintaining a thickness for sufficient cushioning performance of the first cushioning member (531). In addition, the first hinge plate (530) can help to reduce the weight of the electronic device (200) by forming the second plate portion (530b) of the first hinge plate (530) with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

[0107] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (230) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (420) sequentially arranged in the -z-axis direction under the window layer, a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), and a digitizer (471) as a first lower layer. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (531) arranged on the first plate portion (530a) may be arranged in a manner that contacts the digitizer (471). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (531) may be arranged to have a distance (d4) from an end of the digitizer (471) along a second direction (e.g., direction ②) that is parallel to a surface of the flexible display (230) and perpendicular to the first direction (direction ①). This separation distance (d4) can help improve operational reliability by reducing interference with surrounding structures that may occur when the first buffer member (531) is positioned to be aligned with or protrude further from the end of the digitizer (471) in the folded state of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (540), which includes the second buffer member (541) and includes a third plate portion (e.g., the third plate portion of FIG. 8a) attached to a second recess (540c) formed in the fourth plate portion (e.g., the fourth plate portion (540b) of FIG. 8a), may also have substantially the same configuration as the first hinge plate (530).

[0108] In one embodiment, a first recess (530c) is formed in the second plate portion (530b) in a direction away from the center from an edge region close to the center (e.g., folding axis (F)) of the flexible display (230), and at least a portion of the first plate portion (530a) can be accommodated in the first recess (530c).

[0109] In one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) of the electronic device are unfolded, at least a portion of the first plate portion (530a) accommodated in the first recess (530c) can be spaced apart from the flexible display (230).

[0110] In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (530) is connected to the first housing (210), the hinge module (320) includes a second hinge plate (540) connected to the second housing (220), and when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded, no hinge plate may be positioned between the first hinge plate (530) and the second hinge plate (540).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 9b, the second hinge plate (540) may include a third plate portion (540a) and a fourth plate portion (540b) to which the third plate portion (540a) is fixed. In one embodiment, the third plate portion (540a) may be structurally fixed by having at least a portion of the third plate portion (540a) pass through a through hole (540d) formed in the fourth plate portion (540b) and then being bent multiple times. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (530) may also have substantially the same configuration.

[0112] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0113] In describing the electronic device of FIG. 10, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device of FIG. 9a, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic device (200) may include a first cover layer (532) (e.g., a third shock absorbing member) disposed on the first buffer member (531), the first plate portion (530a), and the second plate portion (530b), and in contact with the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second cover layer (542) (e.g., a fourth shock absorbing member) disposed on the second buffer member (541), the third plate portion (540a), and the fourth plate portion (540b), and in contact with the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the first cover layer (532) and the second cover layer (542) may be formed of a fabric member (e.g., a non-woven fabric) or a polymer (e.g., a PET (polyethylene terephthalate)) sheet. In one embodiment, the first cover layer (532) and the second cover layer (542) can help improve the joint and cushion the joint to reduce leakage of a lubricating material, such as grease, applied to the hinge module (320) between the area where the first cushioning member (531) and the second cushioning member (541) are disposed and the area where they are not disposed.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first cover layer (532) (e.g., the third shock absorbing member) may be at least partially attached to an edge area of ​​the first plate portion (530a) close to the center (e.g., the folding axis (F)) of the flexible display (230). According to one embodiment, the second cover layer (542) (e.g., the fourth shock absorbing member) may be at least partially attached to an edge area of ​​the third plate portion (530b) close to the center of the flexible display (230).

[0116] FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of some of an electronic device showing the arrangement of a buffer member applied to a hinge plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 11A, the first buffer member (531-1) disposed at the end of the first plate portion (530a) of the first hinge plate (530) may include a first portion (531c) disposed between the first plate portion (530a) and the flexible display (230) and a second portion (531d) extending from the first portion (531c) to the side surface of the first plate portion (530a). In one embodiment, the second portion (531d) may be disposed in a manner such that it extends downward (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) from the side surface of the first plate portion (530a) so as to come into contact with a portion of the hinge module (320) (e.g., the first arm member (324)). In some embodiments, the second portion (531d) may extend only to the side surface of the first plate portion (530a) such that the first plate portion (530a) contacts a portion of the hinge module (320) (e.g., the first arm member (324)). In some embodiments, the second portion (531d) may extend from the side surface to the rear surface of the first plate portion (530a). That is, the second portion (531d) (or the first buffer member (531-1) as a whole) may wrap around the edge of the first plate portion (530a) such that respective portions of the first buffer member (531-1) may contact the top surface, the side surface, and the rear surface of the first plate portion (530a). In one embodiment, the second buffer member (e.g., the second buffer member (541) of 8a) may also be disposed on the third plate portion (540a) in substantially the same manner. In one embodiment, the first buffer member (511) and the second buffer member (521) of FIG. 7a may also be disposed in substantially the same manner on the first plate portion (510a) of the first hinge plate (510) and the fourth plate portion (520a) of the second hinge plate (520).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 11b, the first buffer member (531-2) may be arranged only on the upper surface of the first plate portion (530a) so as to be in contact with the flexible display (230). In this case, the back surface of the first plate portion (530a) may be arranged in such a way that it is in contact with a part of the hinge module (320) (e.g., the first arm member (324)). The second buffer member (e.g., the second buffer member (541) of FIG. 8a) may also be arranged on the third plate portion (540a) of the second hinge plate (540) in substantially the same manner.

[0119] According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (200) of FIG. 7A) comprises a housing (which may also be described as a housing assembly, a system, an arrangement or a device) including a first housing (or a first housing component or part) (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 7A) and a second housing (or a second housing component or part) (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 7A), a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (230) of FIG. 7A) accommodated in the first housing and the second housing (at least when the first housing and the second housing are in a folded state, a closed state, a configuration or a state together), and a hinge assembly (e.g., a hinge assembly (e.g., a hinge assembly (F) of FIG. 7A)) that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis (e.g., a folding axis (F) of FIG. 7A). Includes a hinge assembly (HA).The hinge assembly comprises a hinge module (e.g., a hinge module (320) of FIG. 7A) including an arm member (e.g., a first arm member (324) of FIG. 6) set to rotate about a first rotation axis (e.g., a first rotation axis (X1) of FIG. 6) and a rotation member (e.g., a first rotation member (322) of FIG. 6) set to rotate about a second rotation axis (e.g., a third rotation axis (X3) of FIG. 6) different from the first rotation axis, and a first plate portion (or first plate part or section) (e.g., a first plate portion of FIG. 7A) that at least partially overlaps the hinge module (when the device is in a flat and unfolded state in a direction perpendicular to the screen (i.e., normal, 90 degrees) when viewed from above) when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state and viewed in a first direction (e.g., direction ① of FIG. 7A) perpendicular to a surface of the flexible display. A first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (510) of FIG. 7A) including a first plate portion (or second plate part or section) (e.g., the second plate portion (510a)) extending from the first plate portion and a buffer member (e.g., the first buffer member (511) of FIG. 7A) positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion, wherein the first plate portion may be spaced further from the flexible display in the first direction than the second plate portion. For example, in certain embodiments, an upper surface of the first hinge plate (facing the underside of the flexible display) may include a first flat portion (e.g., the upper surface of 510a of FIG. 7A) and a second flat portion (e.g., the upper surface of 510a of FIG. 7A). For example, the upper surface of 510b in FIG. 7 is arranged such that, when the device is unfolded, the gap between the lower portion of the screen (230) and the first flat portion is greater than the gap between the second flat portion and the lower portion of the screen (230). At least a portion of the buffer member (511) may be arranged in the space between the first flat portion and the lower surface of the screen (230).Therefore, a thicker buffer member may be used between the first plate portion and the screen (230) than between the second plate portion and the screen.

[0120] According to various embodiments, the thickness of the first plate portion may be thinner than the thickness of the second plate portion.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the first plate portion may be positioned at an edge region of the first hinge plate in the folding axis direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction of FIG. 7A). That is, the first plate portion may be positioned at the edge of the first hinge plate.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the flexible display includes a first lower layer (e.g., a first digitizer (471) of FIG. 7A) and a second lower layer (e.g., a second digitizer (472) of FIG. 7A) disposed under the flexible display with the folding axis interposed therebetween, and the buffer member may be disposed to have a distance (e.g., a distance (d3) of FIG. 7A) from an end of the first lower layer along a second direction (e.g., direction ② of FIG. 7A) parallel to a surface of the flexible display.

[0123] According to various embodiments, the buffer member (e.g., the first buffer member (531) of FIG. 9A) may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion (531a) of FIG. 9A) positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion, and a second portion (e.g., the second portion (531b) of FIG. 9A) positioned between the first plate portion and the hinge module.

[0124] According to various embodiments, the buffer member (e.g., the first buffer member (531-1) of FIG. 11A) may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion (531c) of FIG. 11A) positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion and a second portion (e.g., the second portion (531d) of FIG. 11A) positioned on a side of the first plate portion.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the buffer member may comprise any one of sponge, rubber, urethane or silicone.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate is connected to the first housing, the hinge assembly includes a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 7A) connected to the second housing, and in the unfolded state, no hinge plate may be positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the first plate portion may include a first material, and the second plate portion may include a second material.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the first material may include stainless steel, and the second material may include carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

[0129] According to various embodiments, the weight per unit area of ​​the first plate portion (e.g., the first plate portion (530a) of FIG. 9a) may be heavier than the weight per unit area of ​​the second plate portion (e.g., the second plate portion (530b) of FIG. 9a).

[0130] According to various embodiments, the strength of the first plate portion may be stronger than the strength of the second plate portion.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the area of ​​the first plate portion may be narrower than the area of ​​the second plate portion.

[0132] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the second plate portion (e.g., the second plate portion (530b) of FIG. 9A) includes a recess (e.g., the recess (530c) of FIG. 9A), and at least a portion of the first plate portion can be accommodated in the recess.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the first plate portion and the second plate portion may include a fabric member (e.g., the first cover layer (514) and the second cover layer (524) of FIG. 7A) attached to the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

[0134] According to various embodiments, the fabric member may include a first fabric portion positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion and a second fabric portion positioned between the flexible display and the second plate portion.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the buffer member may be positioned between the fabric member and the first plate portion.

[0136] According to various embodiments, the buffer member and / or the second plate portion may be positioned to contact the flexible display.

[0137] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first hinge plate may be arranged to support the female member.

[0138] According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device includes a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 9a), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 9a), a hinge module (e.g., a hinge module (320) of FIG. 9a) that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing based on a folding axis (e.g., a folding axis (F) of FIG. 9a), a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (230) of FIG. 9a) that is arranged to be supported by the first housing and the second housing, a first plate portion (e.g., a first plate portion (530a) of FIG. 8a) that is arranged to be supported by the hinge module, and a second plate portion (e.g., a second plate portion (530a) of FIG. 8a) that extends away from the first plate portion in a direction away from the folding axis, A first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (530) of FIG. 8a) including a second plate portion (530b) of FIG. 8a), a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (540) of FIG. 8a) including a third plate portion (e.g., the third plate portion (540a) of FIG. 8a) and a fourth plate portion (e.g., the fourth plate portion (540b) of FIG. 8a) extending in a direction away from the folding axis from the third plate portion, which is positioned under the flexible display to support the hinge module, a first buffer member (e.g., the first buffer member (531) of FIG. 8a) positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion, and a second buffer member (e.g., the first buffer member (531) of FIG. 8a) positioned between the flexible display and the second plate portion. The second buffer member (541) is included, and the thickness of the first plate portion may be formed thinner than the thickness of the second plate portion, and the thickness of the third plate portion may be formed thinner than the thickness of the fourth plate portion.

[0139] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device (200), A housing including a first housing (210) and a second housing (220); A flexible display (230) supported by the first housing and the second housing; and It includes a hinge assembly (HA) that connects the first housing and the second housing so as to be foldable with respect to the folding axis, The above hinge assembly, A hinge module (320) including a female member (324) set to rotate about a first rotation axis (X1) and a rotation member (322) set to rotate about a second rotation axis (X3) different from the first rotation axis; In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, when viewed in a first direction (① direction) perpendicular to a surface of the flexible display, a first hinge plate (510) including a first plate portion (510a) that at least partially overlaps the hinge module and a second plate portion (510b) that extends from the first plate portion; and Including a buffer member (511) positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion, A foldable electronic device, wherein the first plate portion is spaced further apart from the flexible display in the first direction than the second plate portion.

2. In paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device wherein the thickness of the first plate portion is thinner than the thickness of the second plate portion.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above first plate portion is a foldable electronic device located in the edge area of ​​the first hinge plate in the folding axis direction (-x-axis direction).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, It includes a first lower layer (471) and a second lower layer (472) positioned under the flexible display with the folding axis interposed therebetween, A foldable electronic device in which the above-mentioned buffer member is arranged to have a distance (d3) from an end of the first lower layer along a second direction (② direction) parallel to a surface of the flexible display.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above buffer member (531) is A first portion (531a) positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion; and A foldable electronic device comprising a second portion (531b) positioned between the first plate portion and the hinge module.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above buffer member (531-1) is A first portion (531c) positioned between the flexible display and the first plate portion; and A foldable electronic device comprising a second portion (531d) positioned on a side of the first plate portion.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, An electronic device wherein the above-mentioned cushioning member comprises any one of sponge, rubber, urethane or silicone.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above first hinge plate is connected to the first housing, The above hinge assembly includes a second hinge plate (520) connected to the second housing, A foldable electronic device, in the unfolded state, that does not include any hinge plate positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above first plate portion includes a first material, A foldable electronic device wherein the second plate portion includes a second material.

10. In paragraph 9, The above first material comprises stainless steel, The second material is a foldable electronic device including carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, A foldable electronic device in which the weight per unit area of ​​the first plate portion (530a) is heavier than the weight per unit area of ​​the second plate portion (530b).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, A foldable electronic device wherein the strength of the first plate portion is stronger than the strength of the second plate portion.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, A foldable electronic device wherein the area of ​​the first plate portion is narrower than the area of ​​the second plate portion.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, At least a portion of the second plate portion (530b) includes a recess (530c), A foldable electronic device wherein at least a portion of the first plate portion is accommodated in the recess.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, A foldable electronic device comprising a fabric member (514, 532) attached to the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

Images