Electronic device including center bar structure

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include: a housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge cover; a flexible display disposed in the housing; a hinge assembly to which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected, the hinge assembly including a first support structure connected to the first housing and a second support structure connected to the second housing; a center bar structure at least partially disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure and spaced apart from the hinge cover; and a flexible circuit board disposed in the housing. The center bar structure may include: a support member including a first seating portion recessed toward the hinge cover; and a cover member disposed to cover at least a portion of the support member. The flexible circuit board may include: a first portion disposed in the first housing; a second portion disposed in the second housing; and a bending area extending between the first portion and the second portion. At least a portion of the bending area may be disposed between the first seating part and the cover member.

Description

Electronic device including a center bar structure

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to electronic devices including a center bar structure.

[0002] Advances in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology are integrating diverse functions into a single portable electronic device. For example, electronic devices can implement not only communication functions but also entertainment features like gaming, multimedia functions like music and video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, or even calendar management and electronic wallet functions. These electronic devices are becoming smaller and more portable for users.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background information 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] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge cover, a flexible display disposed in the housing, a hinge assembly in which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected, the hinge assembly including a first support structure connected to the first housing and a second support structure connected to the second housing, a center bar structure at least partially disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure and spaced apart from the hinge cover, and a flexible circuit board disposed within the housing. The center bar structure may include a support member including a first seating portion recessed toward the hinge cover, and a cover member disposed to cover at least a portion of the support member. The flexible circuit board may include a first portion disposed within the first housing, a second portion disposed within the second housing, and a bending region extending between the first portion and the second portion. At least a portion of the banding area may be disposed between the first mounting portion and the cover member.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge cover, a flexible display disposed in the housing, a hinge assembly in which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected, the hinge assembly including a first support structure connected to the first housing and a second support structure connected to the second housing, a center bar structure at least partially disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure and spaced apart from the hinge cover, and a flexible circuit board disposed within the housing. The center bar structure may include a support member and a cover member. The flexible circuit board may include a first portion disposed within the first housing, a second portion disposed within the second housing, and a bending region extending between the first portion and the second portion. At least a portion of the bending region may be disposed between the support member and the cover member.

[0006] The above-described aspects or other aspects, configurations and / or advantages of one embodiment of the present disclosure may be further clarified by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device showing a flexible circuit board and a center bar structure of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5b is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a flexible circuit board and center bar structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a center bar structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7A is a side view of a center bar structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7b is an exploded view of a center bar structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a portion of a flexible circuit board and a center bar structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a hinge cover, a flexible circuit board, and a center bar structure before being assembled together according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a support member having a center bar structure arranged on a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a cover member having a center bar structure assembled to the flexible circuit board and support member of FIG. 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12A is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of a flexible circuit board and a center bar structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12b is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 12a, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a hinge cover, a center bar structure, and a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a hinge cover, a center bar structure, and a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 15A is a perspective view illustrating a hinge cover, a center bar structure, and a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 15b is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge cover, a center bar structure, and a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16b is a rear perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16c is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 16d is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0031] Throughout the attached drawings, similar reference numbers may be assigned to similar parts, components and / or structures.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may have at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)) omitted, or one or more other components added. In one embodiment, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0034] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0035] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0036] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0037] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0038] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0039] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0040] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0041] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0042] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0043] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0044] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0045] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0046] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0047] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0048] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0049] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0050] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0051] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In one embodiment, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0052] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0053] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0054] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0055] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] The configuration of the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2A to 3 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0057] The embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 3 may be combined with the embodiment of FIG. 1, or the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 16D below.

[0058] In the detailed description below in FIG. 2A, the length direction of the electronic device (101) may be defined as the 'Y-axis direction', the width direction as the 'X-axis direction', and / or the height direction (thickness direction) as the 'Z-axis direction'. In the detailed description below, references to the length direction, the width direction, and / or the height direction (or thickness direction) may indicate the length direction, the width direction, and / or the height direction (or thickness direction) of the electronic device (101). In some embodiments, with respect to the direction in which the components are oriented, 'negative / positive (- / +)' may be mentioned together with the rectangular coordinate system illustrated in the drawings. In FIG. 2A to FIG. 3, the arrangement relationship in the height direction of any component or another component, i.e., the reference for up / down, may follow the +Z-axis direction / -Z-axis direction.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 3, an electronic device (101) may include a housing (201) for accommodating components of the electronic device (101) and a flexible display (hereinafter, referred to as a display (240)) disposed within a space formed by the housing (201). According to one embodiment, the housing (201) may be referred to as a foldable housing. According to one embodiment, the display (240) may be referred to as a foldable display. The electronic device (101) may also be referred to as a foldable electronic device. The term "foldable electronic device" may refer to an electronic device that can be folded so that two different regions of the display face each other or face opposite directions. Typically, in a portable state, a display in a foldable electronic device is folded so that the two different regions face each other or face each other, and in an actual use state, a user can unfold the display so that the two different regions form a substantially flat form.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the housing (201) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) configured to rotate relative to the first housing (210).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the surface on which the display (240) is visually exposed may be defined as a front surface (e.g., a first front surface (210a) and a second front surface (220a)) of the electronic device (101) and / or the housing (201). The surface opposite the front surface may be defined as a back surface (e.g., a first back surface (210b) and a second back surface (220b)) of the electronic device (101). The surface surrounding at least a portion of the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as a side surface (e.g., a first side surface (210c) and a second side surface (220c)) of the electronic device (101).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) can be rotatably connected to the second housing (220) using a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4) including a hinge cover (230). For example, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can each be rotatably connected to the hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4). Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can be changed into a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3) or an unfolded state (e.g., FIGS. 2a and 2b). In the above electronic device (101), in a folded state, the first front surface (210a) may face the second front surface (220a), and in an unfolded state, the direction in which the first front surface (210a) faces may be substantially the same as the direction in which the second front surface (220a) faces. For example, in an unfolded state, the first front surface (210a) may be positioned on substantially the same plane as the second front surface (220a). According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may provide relative movement with respect to the first housing (210).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (A) as the center, and may have a shape that is overall symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A). The angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be changed depending on whether the state of the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a hinge cover (230). At least a portion of the hinge cover (230) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may be covered by a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) depending on the state of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may protect the hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4) from an external impact of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may be interpreted as a hinge housing for protecting the hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4).

[0065] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (230) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may not be exposed. As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover (230) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). As another example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover (230) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may include a curved surface.

[0066] In one embodiment, the display (240) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display (240) may include, for example, a holographic device or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display (240) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the display (240) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display (240) may be formed to be variable in response to the relative movement of the second housing (220) with respect to the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the display (240) may include a folding area (243), a first display area (241) positioned on one side (e.g., upper (+Y direction)) of the folding area (243), and a second display area (242) positioned on the other side (e.g., lower (-Y direction)). According to one embodiment, the folding area (243) may be positioned on a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4). For example, at least a portion of the folding area (243) may face a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the first display area (241) may be disposed on the first housing (210), and the second display area (242) may be disposed on the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the display (240) may be accommodated in the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0068] However, the division of the areas of the display (240) illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B is exemplary, and the display (240) may be divided into multiple areas (for example, four or more or two) depending on the structure or function.

[0069] Also, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the display (240) may be divided into regions by a folding region (243) extending parallel to the X-axis or a folding axis (A-axis), but in other embodiments, the display (240) may be divided into regions based on other folding regions (e.g., a folding region parallel to the Y-axis) or other folding axes (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the Y-axis). According to one embodiment, the display (240) may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field-type digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a rear display (234). The rear display (234) may be arranged to face a different direction than the display (240). For example, the display (240) may be visually exposed through the front side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the first front side (210a) and / or the second front side (220a)), and the rear display (234) may be visually exposed through the rear side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the first rear side (210b)).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one camera module (204, 206) and a flash (208). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a front camera module (204) exposed through a front side (e.g., a first front side (210a)) and / or a rear camera module (206) exposed through a rear side (e.g., a first rear side (210b)). The camera modules (204, 206) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, a flash, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (208) may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to one embodiment, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (101). The configuration of the front camera module (204) and / or the rear camera module (206) may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the camera module (180) of FIG. 1.

[0072] Although the electronic device (101) disclosed in FIGS. 2A to 3 has the appearance of a foldable electronic device, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the illustrated electronic device may be a part of a rollable electronic device or a bar-type or plate-type electronic device. The term "rollable electronic device" may refer to an electronic device in which a display (e.g., a display (240) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) is capable of bending deformation, such that at least a portion thereof is wound or rolled, or can be accommodated inside a housing (e.g., a housing (210) of FIGS. 2A and 2B). Depending on the user's needs, the rollable electronic device can be used by expanding the screen display area by unfolding the display or exposing a wider area of ​​the display to the outside.

[0073] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] The embodiment of FIG. 4 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, or the embodiments of FIGS. 5a to 8.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a display (240), a hinge cover (230), a battery (250), a printed circuit board (260), a flexible printed circuit board (270), and a hinge assembly (280). The configuration of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the display (240), and the hinge cover (230) of FIG. 4 may be all or part of the same as the configuration of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the display (240), and the hinge cover (230) of FIG. 2 and / or FIG. 3.

[0076] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first support structure (212) and a second support structure (222). For example, the first housing (210) may include the first support structure (212), and the second housing (220) may include the second support structure (222). In one embodiment, the first support structure (212) and / or the second support structure (222) may support components of the electronic device (101), such as a display (240), a battery (250), and a printed circuit board (260).

[0077] In one embodiment, the first support structure (212) and / or the second support structure (222) may be formed of a metallic material and / or a non-metallic (e.g., polymer) material. In one embodiment, the first support structure (212) may be disposed between the display (240) and the battery (250). For example, the display (240) may be coupled to one surface of the first support structure (212), and the battery (250) and the printed circuit board (260) may be disposed on the other surface.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first protective member (214) and a second protective member (224). For example, the first housing (210) may include the first protective member (214), and the second housing (220) may include the second protective member (224). According to one embodiment, the protective members (214, 224) may protect the display (240) from external impact. For example, the first protective member (214) may surround at least a portion of a part of the display (240) (e.g., the first display area (231) of FIG. 2A), and the second protective member (224) may surround at least a portion of another part of the display (240) (e.g., the second display area (232) of FIG. 2A). According to one embodiment, the first protective member (214) may be referred to as a first cover member, and the second protective member (224) may be referred to as a second cover member.

[0079] In one embodiment, the housing (210, 220) may include a first back plate (216) and a second back plate (226). For example, the first housing (210) may include a first back plate (216) connected to a first support structure (212), and the second housing (220) may include a second back plate (226) connected to a second support structure (222). In one embodiment, the back plates (216, 226) may form a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (101). For example, the first back plate (216) may form a first back surface (e.g., the first back surface (210b) of FIGS. 2-3), and the second back plate (226) may form a second back surface (e.g., the second back surface (220b) of FIGS. 2-3). According to one embodiment, the first battery (252) and the first printed circuit board (262) may be disposed between the first support structure (212) and the first back plate (216), and the second battery (254) and the second printed circuit board (264) may be disposed between the second support structure (222) and the second back plate (226).

[0080] In one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) can accommodate at least a portion of the hinge assembly (280). For example, the hinge cover (230) can include a receiving groove (232) for accommodating the hinge assembly (280). In one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) can be coupled with the hinge assembly (280). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is unfolded, at least a portion of the hinge cover (230) can be positioned between the hinge assembly (280) and the housing (210, 220).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the battery (250) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (101), and may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery (250) may be integrally disposed within the electronic device (101), or may be detachably disposed with the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (250) may include a first battery (252) disposed within a first housing (210) and a second battery (254) disposed within a second housing (220). For example, the first battery (252) may be disposed on a first support structure (212), and the second battery (254) may be disposed on a second support structure (222).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board (260) may be equipped with a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1), and / or an interface (e.g., interface (177) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board (260) may include a first printed circuit board (262) disposed within a first housing (210) and a second printed circuit board (264) disposed within a second housing (220).

[0083] In one embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board (270) can electrically connect components located in a first housing (210) (e.g., a first printed circuit board (262)) and components located in a second housing (220) (e.g., a second printed circuit board (264)). In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (270) can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board (270) can traverse the hinge cover (230) and / or the hinge assembly (280). For example, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board (270) can be disposed within the first housing (210) and another portion can be disposed within the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (270) can be connected to an antenna or connected to a display (240). According to one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (270) can be configured such that at least one portion is bendable.

[0084] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (280) can be connected to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) can be rotated relative to the second housing (220) using the hinge assembly (280). In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (280) can be rotatably connected to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) from a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3) to an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2).

[0085] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (280) may include a plurality of hinge assemblies (280-1, 280-2) arranged in parallel. For example, the hinge assembly (280) may include a first hinge assembly (280-1) and a second hinge assembly (280-2) spaced apart from the first hinge assembly (280-1). In one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (280-1) may be symmetrical with respect to the second hinge assembly (280-2) with respect to the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101).

[0086] Although the electronic device (101) disclosed in FIGS. 2A to 4 has the appearance of a foldable electronic device, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the illustrated electronic device may be a bar type, a plate type, or a rollable electronic device. The term "rollable electronic device" may refer to an electronic device in which a display (e.g., the display (240) of FIG. 4) is capable of bending deformation, such that at least a portion thereof may be wound or rolled, or may be accommodated inside a housing (e.g., the housing (201) of FIG. 2A). Depending on the user's needs, the rollable electronic device can be used by expanding the screen display area by unfolding the display or exposing a wider area of ​​the display to the outside.

[0087] FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device illustrating a flexible circuit board and a center bar structure of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a flexible circuit board and a center bar structure of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a center bar structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7A is a side view of a center bar structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is an exploded view of a center bar structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a flexible circuit board and a center bar structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Fig. 5a may be a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 2a. Fig. 8 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Fig. 6, and Fig. 8 may illustrate a flexible circuit board together with the center bar structure of Fig. 6. The entire or partial configuration of the electronic device (101) of Fig. 5a may be identical or similar to the configuration of the electronic device (101) of Figs. 1 to 4.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 8 , according to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 5A ) may include a housing (e.g., the housing (201) of FIGS. 2A to 4 ), a flexible display (340) (e.g., the display (240) of FIGS. 2A to 4 ), a center-bar structure (303) (or center plate, center-bar assembly), and a flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the flexible printed circuit board (270) of FIG. 4 ). According to an embodiment(s) of the present disclosure, the center-bar structure (303) of the electronic device (101) may serve to form at least a portion of the flexible circuit board (350) within the housing (201) and prevent interference between the flexible display (340) and the flexible circuit board (350).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the housing (201) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 4), a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 4) rotatably connected to the first housing (210), and a hinge cover (330) (e.g., the hinge cover (230) of FIGS. 3 and 4) disposed at least partially between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4) rotatably connected to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be disposed in the space between the hinge cover (330) and the flexible display (340). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., see FIGS. 5A-12B), the electronic device (101) may include, but is not limited to, a single hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4) and a single center bar structure (303), and according to one embodiment (e.g., see FIGS. 16A-16D), the electronic device (101) may include multiple hinge assemblies and center bar structures (303).

[0091] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) or hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (280) of FIG. 4) may further include a support member (320) connected to the housing (201) to assist in the rotation of the electronic device (101). For example, the support member (320) may be configured to support the flexible display (340). In one embodiment, the support member (320) may include a first support structure (321) connected to the first housing (210) and a second support structure (322) connected to the second housing (220). For example, the support member (320) may be bonded or coupled to the rear surface (e.g., the -Z direction surface) of the flexible display (340). For example, the first support structure (321) may be arranged to face the first display area (341), and the second support structure (322) may be arranged to face the second display area (342). According to one embodiment, the first support structure (321) and the second support structure (322) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the center bar structure (303) therebetween.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (350) may include a bending area (351), a first portion (352) disposed on one side of the bending area (351), and a second portion (353) disposed on the other side of the bending area (351). For example, the bending area (351) may refer to an area that is bent or unfolded and variable according to rotation of a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 4) relative to a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 4) of the flexible circuit board (350). According to one embodiment, the first portion (352) of the flexible circuit board (350) may be electrically connected to a first circuit board (e.g., the first circuit board (262) of FIG. 4) disposed within a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 4), and the second portion (353) may be electrically connected to a second circuit board (e.g., the second circuit board (264) of FIG. 4) disposed within a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 4). According to one embodiment, the bending region (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) may include a first bending region (351a) supported by a center bar structure (303), a second bending region (351b) and a third bending region (351c) disposed on both sides of the first bending region (351a), and a second bending region (351c) disposed on both sides of the second bending region (351a). It may include a fourth bending region (351d) extending between the region (351b) and the second portion (352) and a fifth bending region (351e) extending between the third bending region (351c) and the third portion (353). For example, the second bending region (351b) and the third bending region (351c) may be bent in a different direction, for example, in the opposite direction, from the direction in which the first bending region (351a) is bent when the electronic device (101) is unfolded, as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0093] For example, a first portion (352) of a flexible circuit board (350) may be disposed within a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 4) and may be coupled or fixed to the first housing (210) or to a structure and / or electrical material within the first housing (210). For example, a second portion (353) of a flexible circuit board (350) may be disposed within a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 4) and may be coupled or fixed to the second housing (220) or to a structure and / or electrical material within the second housing (220).

[0094] In one embodiment, the center bar structure (303) may be configured to support a bending region (351) (e.g., a first bending region (351a)) of the flexible circuit board (350) and maintain the flexible circuit board (350) in a position (e.g., a designed position) in space. In one embodiment, the center bar structure (303) may be disposed between the flexible display (340) and the hinge cover (330). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the center bar structure (303) may be disposed between the first support structure (321) and the second support structure (322). In the present disclosure, shaping a flexible circuit board (350) may mean supporting or fixing at least a portion of the flexible circuit board (350) so that the center of the flexible circuit board (350) is maintained at a designed position without being affected by repetitive folding operations of a foldable (or multi-foldable) type electronic device (101).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the center bar structure (303) may include a support member (360) configured to support a bending region (351) (e.g., a first bending region (351a)) of a flexible circuit board (350) and a cover member (370). The support member (360) may be disposed to face the cover member (370) with at least a portion of the bending region (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending region (351a)) therebetween. According to one embodiment, the cover member (370) may be disposed between the support member (360) and the flexible display (340). In one embodiment, the support member (360) may be closer to the hinge cover (330) than the cover member (370), and the cover member (370) may be closer to the flexible display (340) than the support member (360). In one embodiment, the support member (360) and the cover member (370) may be arranged such that their centers are aligned with the centers of the hinge cover (330) and / or the flexible display (340) in the thickness direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the support member (360) and the cover member (370) may contact one side and the opposite side of the first bending area (351a), respectively, or in other words, may support the first bending area (351a) in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the support member (360) and the cover member (370) may serve to shape the flexible circuit board (350) within the electronic device (101) so that the flexible circuit board (350) is positioned to cross the electronic device (101) in the left-right direction (e.g., X-axis direction) (e.g., see FIG. 4) and does not deviate or shift to the left (e.g., -X direction) or right (e.g., +X direction) out of the designed position.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 8, according to one embodiment, the support member (360) may include a first mounting portion (361) disposed in a portion of a bending area (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., a first bending area (351a)). According to one embodiment, the first mounting portion (361) may be formed to include a curved surface, either entirely or partially. According to one embodiment, the cover member (370) may include a second mounting portion (371) that contacts the first bending area (351a) of the flexible circuit board (350). The second mounting portion (371) may be disposed to face the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360) with the first bending area (351a) interposed therebetween. According to one embodiment, the second mounting portion (371) may be formed to include a curved surface, either entirely or partially.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360) may include a convex surface toward the direction in which the flexible display (340) or the cover member (370) is arranged or toward the bending region (351). The curved surface of the first mounting portion (361) may protrude in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and extend in the longitudinal direction of the center bar structure (303) (or the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101)) (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the second mounting portion (371) of the cover member (370) may include a concave surface facing the direction in which the support member (360) is arranged or toward the bending region (351). The curved surface of the second mounting portion (371) may be recessed in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the center bar structure (303) (or the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101)) (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0099] In one embodiment, the curvature of the convex surface of the first seating portion (361) may be the same as or similar to the curvature of the concave surface of the second seating portion (371). For example, at least a portion of the shape of the first seating portion (361) may be shaped to correspond to or interlock with the shape of the second seating portion (371). In one embodiment, the curvature of the curved surface of the first seating portion (361) may be different from the curvature of the curved surface of the second seating portion (371), and in one embodiment, the curvature of the concave surface of the second seating portion (371) may be less than the curvature of the convex surface of the first seating portion (361). However, the curvature of the first mounting portion (361) and the second mounting portion (371) is not limited and may be changed depending on factors such as the thickness or arrangement of the flexible circuit board (350). As an example, the curvature of the first mounting portion (361) may be smaller than the curvature of the second mounting portion (371).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5B, according to one embodiment, the center bar structure (303) may further include a buffer member (390). The buffer member (390) may be disposed on a surface of the support member (360) and / or the cover member (370) that contacts a portion of the bending area (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending area (351a)). According to one embodiment, the buffer member (390) may include a first buffer member (391) and / or a second buffer member (392). According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (391) may be disposed between the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360) and at least a portion of the bending area (351) (e.g., the first bending area (351a)). In one embodiment, the second buffer member (392) can be disposed between the cover member (370) and at least a portion of the bending area (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending area (351a)). For example, the buffer member (390) can be formed to absorb at least a portion of the stress transmitted to the bending area (351) (e.g., the first bending area (351a)) through the support member (360) and / or the cover member (370), and can prevent or reduce damage to the bending area (351) (e.g., the first bending area (351a)). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (391) can have a stiffness lower than the stiffness of the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360). According to one embodiment, the second buffer member (392) may have a hardness lower than the hardness of the cover member (370), and preferably may have a hardness lower than the hardness of the second mounting portion (371). Referring to FIG. 5b, according to one embodiment, the thickness (t1) of the banding region (351) (e.g., the first banding region (351a)) may be greater than the thickness (t2) of the first buffer member (391) and the thickness (t3) of the second buffer member (392).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 7B, according to one embodiment, the support member (360) may include a first region (360a) and a second region (360b) forming a first mounting portion (361). According to one embodiment, the second region (360b) may have a step with respect to the first region (360a), and the first mounting portion (361) may have a concave recess shape toward the hinge cover (330). According to one embodiment, the step structure between the first region (360a) and the second region (360b) may provide a space in which a flexible circuit board (350) may be placed or mounted in the first mounting portion (361). For example, in a state where a flexible circuit board (350) is assembled to a first mounting portion (361), at least a portion of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending region (351a)) may be placed between the second regions (360b).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 7b, according to one embodiment, the width (d2) of the cover member (370) may be greater than the width (d1) of the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360), based on the width measured in a first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 7a) intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending region (351a)).

[0103] In one embodiment, the center bar structure (303) may further include a fixing member (380) for fixing the cover member (370) to the support member (360). According to one embodiment, the fixing member (380) may include a first fixing member (381) and a second fixing member (382) positioned at opposite ends of the cover member (370).

[0104] In one embodiment, the cover member (370) may include a first opening (377) and a second opening (378) formed at opposite ends of the cover member (370), respectively. A first fixing member (381) may pass through the first opening (377), and a second fixing member (382) may pass through the second opening (378). For example, the first fixing member (381) and the second fixing member (382) may be respectively fixed to opposite ends of the support member (360) with the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360) interposed therebetween. For example, the first banding region (351a) may be arranged to pass between the first fixing member (381) and the second fixing member (382).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the support member (360) may include a first fastening hole (367) formed at a position corresponding to (or overlapping) the first opening (377) and for accommodating a first fixing member (381), and a second fastening hole (368) formed at a position corresponding to (or overlapping) the second opening (378) and for accommodating a second fixing member (382). According to one embodiment, the first fastening hole (367) and the second fastening hole (368) may be recessed or may be omitted. For example, the first fastening member (381) may be arranged from the first fastening hole (367) to the first opening (377), and the second fastening member (382) may be arranged from the second fastening hole (368) to the second opening (378). For example, the first fastening member (381) and the second fastening member (382) may or may not include screw threads on their outer peripheral surfaces.

[0106] In the present disclosure, the number and shape of the fixing members (380) are not limited, and for example, the fixing members (380) may be composed of a single part or three or more parts. In the present disclosure, the means for connecting the cover member (370) to the support member (360) is not limited, and depending on the embodiment, the fixing members (380) may be omitted, and as an example, the support member (360) and the cover member (370) may further include a fastening structure formed to be interlocked with each other, and may be directly coupled to each other by the fastening structure, or may be coupled to each other by an additional or alternative fastening means (e.g., double-sided tape, bond, or welding) regardless of the presence or absence of the fixing members (380).

[0107] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge cover, a flexible circuit board, and a center bar structure before being assembled together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a support member having a center bar structure is arranged on a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cover member having a center bar structure is assembled to the flexible circuit board and the support member of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12a is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a flexible circuit board and a center bar structure are assembled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12b is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 12a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] FIGS. 9 to 11 may illustrate a process in which the support member (360), the cover member (370), and the fixing member (380) of the center bar structure (303) described above with reference to FIGS. 5A to 8 are assembled to the flexible circuit board (350). FIGS. 12A and 12B may illustrate a state in which a part of the bending area (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending area (351a) of FIG. 5A) is arranged on the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360) in a state in which the center bar structure (303) described above with reference to FIGS. 5A to 8 is assembled, and a part of the flexible circuit board (350) and a part of the cover member (370) are omitted.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , according to one embodiment, the support member (360) of the center bar structure (303) may be disposed between a portion of a bending area (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending area (351a) of FIG. 5A ) and the hinge cover (330). For example, the support member (360) may be disposed such that the first mounting portion (361) faces the rear surface (e.g., the -Z direction surface) of the bending area (351) (e.g., the first bending area (351a) of FIG. 5A ) or the surface facing the hinge cover (330). For example, if the support member (360) includes fastening holes (e.g., a first fastening hole (367) and a second fastening hole (368)), the banding region (351) (e.g., the first banding region (351a) of FIG. 5A) may be positioned between the fastening holes (e.g., the first fastening hole (367) and the second fastening hole (368)).

[0110] FIG. 11 illustrates, according to one embodiment, a cover member (370) disposed on a support member (360) with a flexible circuit board (350) interposed therebetween, and the fixing member (380) may be shown before being assembled to the support member (360) and the cover member (370). The cover member (370) may be disposed such that a second fixing portion (e.g., the second fixing portion (371) of FIGS. 5A and 8) comes into contact with a portion of a bending area (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending area (351a) of FIG. 5A). In a state where the cover member (370) is assembled to the support member (360), the openings of the cover member (370) (e.g., the first opening (377) and the second opening (378)) may correspond to, overlap, or face each other between the fastening holes of the support member (360) (e.g., the first fastening hole (367) and the second fastening hole (368)).

[0111] FIGS. 12A and 12B may illustrate, according to one embodiment, a state in which the fixing member (380) of FIG. 11 is assembled to the support member (360) and the cover member (370). FIGS. 12A and 12B may illustrate, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 8, a state in which the center bar structure (303) described above is assembled, and a part of the bending area (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) (e.g., the first bending area (351a) of FIG. 5A) is disposed on the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360). For example, FIGS. 12A and 12B may illustrate a state in which at least a part of the bending area (351) of the flexible circuit board (350) and a part of the cover member (370) are omitted.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, according to one embodiment, the first bending region (351a) of the flexible circuit board (350) may be arranged in a bent state in contact with the curved surface (see FIGS. 5A and 8) of the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360). For example, the length of the second bending region (351b) and the third bending region (351c) of the flexible circuit board (350) may include a margin when the electronic device (101) (see FIG. 3) is folded compared to when the electronic device (101) (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) is unfolded. FIGS. 9 to 12B may illustrate configurations of an electronic device (101) including a flexible circuit board (350) and a center bar structure (303) in an unfolded environment (see FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0113] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge cover, a center bar structure, and a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge cover, a center bar structure, and a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15a is a perspective view illustrating a hinge cover, a center bar structure, and a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15b is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge cover, a center bar structure, and a flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, 15a, and 15b, according to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (350) may include a first flexible circuit board (350-1) and a second flexible circuit board (350-2) that are spaced apart from each other. According to one embodiment, the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2) of the embodiments of FIGS. 13, 14, 15a, and 15b may be separate flexible circuit boards that are separated from each other. According to one embodiment, the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2) may be a portion in which the bending area (351) of a single flexible circuit board (350) is formed into two branches, and in this case, for example, the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2) may be connected to each other or formed integrally with a portion (e.g., the second portion (353-1, 353-2)) other than the bending areas (351-1, 351-2). According to one embodiment (see FIGS. 13, 14 and 15a), the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2) may be connected to a single center bar structure (303). According to one embodiment (see FIG. 15b), the first flexible circuit The substrate (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2) may be connected to a single center bar structure (303) or may be connected to separate center bar structures (303), respectively. The first bending region (351-1) of the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second bending region (351-1) of the second flexible circuit board (350-2) are connected to a support member (360) and a cover member (370).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, a first flexible circuit board (350-1) and a second flexible circuit board (350-2) may be disposed on a first mounting portion (e.g., the first mounting portion (361) of FIG. 12A) of a single support member (360). According to one embodiment, a cover member (370) may be disposed on the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 14, according to one embodiment, the first mounting portion (e.g., the first mounting portion (361) of FIG. 12A) of the support member (360) may include a first-first mounting portion on which a first flexible circuit board (350-1) is disposed, and a first-second mounting portion spaced apart from the first-first mounting portion and on which a second flexible circuit board (350-2) is disposed. According to one embodiment, the cover member (370) may be disposed on the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2). According to one embodiment, the cover member (370) may be disposed on the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2). In one embodiment, the cover member (370) may further include additional opening(s) formed between the area where the first flexible circuit board (350-1) is disposed and the area where the second flexible circuit board (350-2) is disposed. In one embodiment, the center bar structure (303) may further include an additional fixing member (or third fixing member) (383) configured to pass through the additional opening(s) and fix the cover member (370) to the support member (360). In one embodiment, the third fixing member (383) may be disposed between the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 15A, according to one embodiment, the cover member (370) may include a first cover member (370-1) disposed on a first flexible circuit board (350-1) and a second cover member (370-2) disposed on a second flexible circuit board (350b). Referring to FIG. 15A, as an example, the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2) may be disposed on a first mounting portion (361) of a single support member (360). As an example, the first mounting portion (361) of the support member (360) may include a first-first mounting portion on which the first flexible circuit board (350-1) is disposed and a first-second mounting portion spaced apart from the first-first mounting portion and on which the second flexible circuit board (350-2) is disposed. According to one embodiment, the fixing member (380) may further include a third fixing member (383) and a fourth fixing member (384) disposed between the first flexible circuit board (350-1) and the second flexible circuit board (350-2).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 15B, according to one embodiment, the center bar structure (303) may include a first center bar structure (303-1) and a second center bar structure (303-2) separated from the first center bar structure (303-2). The first center bar structure (303-1) and the second center bar structure (303-2) may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the hinge cover (330). For example, the first center bar structure (303-1) may include a first support member (360-1), a first cover member (370-1), a first fixing member (381), and a third fixing member (383) configured to support a portion of the first flexible circuit board (350-1). For example, the first center bar structure (303-1) may include a second support member (360-2), a second cover member (370-2), a second fixing member (382), and a fourth fixing member (384) configured to support a portion of the second flexible circuit board (350-2).

[0119] The center bar structure (303) of the embodiment(s) described above with reference to FIGS. 5a to 15b can also be applied to an electronic device (101) (e.g., a multi-foldable electronic device) that folds around a plurality (e.g., two) of rotational axes that are parallel to each other, such as the electronic device (101) of the embodiment described below with reference to FIGS. 16a to 16d. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) of the embodiment described below with reference to FIGS. 16a to 16d can include a plurality of center bar structures (303) corresponding to the first hinge (470) and the second hinge (480), and the description described above with reference to FIGS. 5a to 15ab can be applied identically or similarly to the plurality of center bar structures (303).

[0120] FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16B is a rear perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16A may be a view of one side (e.g., a front) of an electronic device (101) in an unfolded state (e.g., a first state) viewed obliquely, and FIG. 16B may be a view of the other side (e.g., a rear) of the electronic device (101) in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed obliquely. Some or all of the components of FIGS. 16A and 16B may be the same as the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B , according to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may include a housing (401). The electronic device (101) may include a first display (402). The housing (401) may form a space in which the first display (402) is arranged. The first display (402) may be a flexible display arranged on the front side of the housing (401). At least a portion of the first display (402) may be folded or unfolded. Here, the front side may be configured to face the +z direction when the electronic device (101) is unfolded in FIG. 16A . For example, the first side may be a side that the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) face each other when the second housing (420) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state (rotates from the +x direction to the -x direction). Here, the folded state may include a fully folded state and a slightly open state (e.g., a state opened less than a specified angle at which the first display (402), which is the main display, is not activated). According to one embodiment, the housing (401) may include a first housing (410) having a first side (e.g., a front side) and a second side (e.g., a back side), and a second housing (420) that is rotatably connected to the first housing (410) and has a third side (e.g., a front side) and a fourth side (e.g., a back side). According to one embodiment, the housing (401) of the electronic device (101) may be configured in a multi-foldable form that further includes a third housing (430) that is rotatably connected to the first housing (410) and has a fifth side (e.g., a front side) and a sixth side (e.g., a back side). Without being limited thereto, the housing (401) of the electronic device (101) may be configured in a multi-foldable form that includes four or more housings.

[0122] The first housing (410) may be disposed between the second housing (420) and the third housing (430). The second housing (420) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing (410). The third housing (430) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing (410). The first display (402) may include a first display area (402a) configured to have a size similar to or identical to that of the front surface (e.g., the first side) of the first housing (410), a second display area (402b) configured to have a size similar to or identical to that of the front surface (e.g., the third side) of the second housing (420), and a third display area (402c) configured to have a size similar to or identical to that of the front surface (e.g., the fifth side) of the third housing (430).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a support (440, 450, 460). The support (440, 450, 460) may be disposed between the housing (401) and the first display (402). The support (440, 450, 460) may be coupled to the housing (401) and may support the first display (402). The support (440, 450, 460) may be disposed to surround an edge of the first display (402). The support (440, 450, 460) may extend along a perimeter of the housing (401). The supports (440, 450, 460) may include a first support (440) disposed in the first housing (410), a second support (450) disposed in the second housing (420), and a third support (460) disposed in the third housing (430). The supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a “body”. The supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a “frame”. The supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a “sealing member”. The supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a “peripheral part”. The supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a "circumferential part". The supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a "peripheral structure". The supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a "circumferential structure".

[0124] In one embodiment, the support (440, 450, 460) may include a first support (440). The first support (440) may be disposed between the first housing (410) and the first display (402). The first support (440) may be disposed along an edge of the first housing (410). The first support (440) may include a first-first support (441) and a first-second support (442). At least a portion of the first display (402) may be disposed between the first-first support (441) and the first-second support (442). The first-first support (441) may be disposed at one end of the first housing (410), and the first-second support (442) may be disposed at the other end of the first housing (410). Each of the supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a “support.” The supports (440, 450, 460) may include a non-conductive member. The supports (440, 450, 460) may be referred to as a “deco” or a “finishing member” or a “non-conductive member.”

[0125] In one embodiment, the support (440, 450, 460) may include a second support (450). The second support (450) may be disposed between the second housing (420) and the first display (402). The second support (450) may be disposed along an edge of the second housing (420). The second support (450) may include a second-first support (451), a second-second support (452), and a second-third support (453). At least a portion of the first display (402) may be disposed between the second-second support (452) and the second-third support (453). The second-first support (451) may connect the second-second support (452) and the second-third support (453). The second-first support (451) may extend along an edge of the second housing (420) (e.g., the second-second side portion (422) or the third side of FIG. 16b). The second-first support (451) may be positioned between the second-second side portion (422) of the second housing (420) and the first display (402). The second-first support (451) may be referred to as a “support frame” or a “first support frame.” Each of the second-second support (452) and the second-third support (453) may be referred to as a “second support frame.”

[0126] In one embodiment, the supports (440, 450, 460) may include a third support (460). The third support (460) may be disposed between the third housing (430) and the first display (402). The third support (460) may be disposed along an edge of the third housing (430). The third support (460) may include a third-first support (461), a third-second support (462), and a third-third support (463). At least a portion of the first display (402) may be disposed between the third-second support (462) and the third-third support (463). The third-first support (461) may connect the third-second support (462) and the third-third support (463). The third-first support (461) may extend along an edge of the third housing (430) (e.g., the third-second side portion (432) of FIG. 3). The third-first support (461) may be positioned between the third-second side portion (432) of the third housing (430) and the first display (402). The third-first support (461) may be referred to as a “support frame” or a “first support frame.” Each of the third-second support (462) and the third-third support (463) may be referred to as a “second support frame.”

[0127] According to one embodiment, the first housing (410) may include a first-first side portion (411) and a first-second side portion (412). The first-first side portion (411) and the first-second side portion (412) may each form opposite sides of the first housing (410). The second housing (420) may be coupled with the first-first side portion (411). The third housing (430) may be coupled with the first-second side portion (412). The first-first side portion (411) may be referred to as a “first coupling portion.” The first-second side portion (412) may be referred to as a “second coupling portion.” The first-first side portion (411) may be referred to as a “first portion.” The first-second side portion (412) may be referred to as a “second portion.”

[0128] According to one embodiment, the second housing (420) may include a second-first side portion (421) and a second-second side portion (e.g., a third side) (422). The second-first side portion (421) and the second-second side portion (422) may each form opposite sides of the second housing (420). The second-first side portion (421) may be coupled to the first housing (410). The second-second side portion (422) may form a side of the housing (401). The second-second side portion (422) may be referred to as an “edge.” The second-first side portion (421) may be referred to as a “third side portion.” The second-second side portion (422) may be referred to as a “fourth side portion.”

[0129] According to one embodiment, the third housing (430) may include a third-first side portion (431) and a third-second side portion (432). The third-first side portion (431) and the third-second side portion (432) may each form opposite sides of the third housing (430). The third-first side portion (431) may be coupled to the first housing (410). The third-second side portion (432) may form a side of the housing (401). The third-second side portion (432) may be referred to as an “edge.” The third-first side portion (431) may be referred to as a “fifth side portion.” The third-second side portion (432) may be referred to as a “sixth side portion.”

[0130] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first hinge (470) and a second hinge (480). The first hinge (470) may be disposed between the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). The first hinge (470) may be disposed between the first-first side portion (411) and the second-first side portion (421). The first hinge (470) may rotatably connect the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). The second hinge (480) may be disposed between the first housing (410) and the third housing (430). The second hinge (480) may be disposed between the first-second side portion (412) and the third-first side portion (431). The second hinge (480) can rotatably connect the first housing (410) and the third housing (430). The first hinge (470) may be referred to as a “first hinge member.” The second hinge (480) may be referred to as a “second hinge member.”

[0131] Fig. 16c is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment. Fig. 16d is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment. The components of Figs. 16c and 16d may be some or all identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, 16a, and 16b.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 16c, the second housing (420) of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can be rotated with respect to the first housing (410). The first hinge (470) can provide a center of rotation to the second housing (420). Referring to FIG. 16d, the first hinge (470) can connect the first-first side portion (411) and the second-first side portion (421). The third housing (430) can be rotated with respect to the first housing (410). The second hinge (480) can provide a center of rotation to the third housing (430). The second hinge (480) can connect the first-second side portion (412) and the third-first side portion (431).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 16D, according to one embodiment, in the electronic device (101), in a folded state, each of the first housing (410), the second housing (420), and the third housing (430) may be stacked on top of each other in one direction (e.g., the thickness direction or the Z-axis direction). For example, when the third housing (430) is rotated and folded with respect to the first housing (410), the third housing (430) may be disposed on the upper side of the first housing (410), and when the second housing (420) is rotated and folded with respect to the first housing (410), the second housing (420) may be disposed on the upper side of the third housing (430). For example, in a folded state, the third housing (430) may be disposed between the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second display (403) disposed on a back surface of the second housing (420). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an input / output interface disposed on a back surface of the third housing (430). Here, the back surface (e.g., the second surface of the first housing, the fourth surface of the second housing, and the sixth surface of the third housing) may be configured to face the -Z direction when the electronic device (101) is unfolded, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B . The back surface may be configured to face the opposite direction to the front surface (e.g., the first surface of the first housing, the third surface of the second housing, and the fifth surface of the third housing).

[0134] Referring to FIG. 16D, a housing (401) of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (410) and a second housing (420). The electronic device (101) may include a hinge (470) configured between the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). The second housing (420) may be folded or unfolded by rotating around the hinge (470) (e.g., around the Y axis). The electronic device (101) may include a first display (402) disposed on the front surface (e.g., the first surface) of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420), and a second display (403) disposed on the back surface (e.g., the second surface) of the second housing (420). The first display (402) may include a first display area (402a) configured on the front side (e.g., first side) of the first housing (410) and a second display area (402b) configured on the front side (e.g., first side) of the second housing (420).

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 16A to 16C, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a first display (402), a second display (403), a memory (130), and at least one processor (120). In addition, the electronic device (101) may further include other components illustrated in FIG. 1. According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) of the electronic device (101) is operatively connected to the first display (402), the second display (403), and the memory (130), and may control a screen displayed on at least a portion of the first display (402) and / or the second display (403) when the first display (402) and / or the second display (403) are changed to a folded state or an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) according to one embodiment is not limited to being folded in the direction illustrated in FIGS. 16A to 16D (e.g., around the Y axis), and may be configured to be folded in another direction (e.g., around the X axis).

[0136] When the housing (401) of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment is configured to include a first housing (410) and a second housing (420), the second housing (420) can be changed into a folded state by rotating based on the first hinge (470). When the housing (401) of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment is configured in a multi-foldable form including a first housing (410), a second housing (420), and a third housing (430), as illustrated in FIG. 16D, the third housing (430) can be changed into a folded state (e.g., a first folded state) by rotating based on the second hinge (480), and the second housing (420) can be changed into a folded state (e.g., a second folded state) by rotating based on the first hinge (470).

[0137] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) may control the first display (402) to display a first screen on the first display (402) when the second housing (420) receives a first user input in a folded state and identifies that the second housing (420) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state. Here, the first screen may be displayed on the first display (402) by maintaining the screen displayed on the second display (403) in the folded state, and may include execution screens of at least two or more applications including a first application. The first user input may be an input of a first button (e.g., a power button) disposed on a third side (e.g., a second-second side portion (422)) of the second housing (420). According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) may control the first display (402) to display a second screen on the first display (402) based on identifying that the first housing (410) has changed from a folded state to an unfolded state without a first user input while the second housing (420) is in a folded state. Here, the second screen may be a designated screen different from the screen displayed on the second display, and may include an execution screen of a first application aligned with the first display (402).

[0138] According to one embodiment, when at least one processor (120) determines that the second housing (420) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state and receives a touch input when the second housing (420) is in an unfolded state, the processor may control the second display (403) to maintain the first screen displayed on one area of ​​the first display (402) in the unfolded state and display it on the second display (403). According to one embodiment, when at least one processor (120) determines that the second housing (420) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state without a touch input when the second housing (420) is in an unfolded state, the processor may turn off the second display (403).

[0139] A typical foldable electronic device may include a flexible circuit board arranged to span a hinge assembly connecting two housings. When the foldable device is folded, the flexible circuit board bends and unfolds at a bending region adjacent to the hinge assembly. This repeated folding can cause damage, such as cracks, during use. To reduce damage to the flexible circuit board and extend its lifespan, the length of the flexible circuit board must be appropriately secured and properly positioned within the electronic device without tilting (maintaining the center position of the flexible circuit board). For example, if the length of the flexible circuit board is insufficient, the flexible circuit board may be pulled by structures attached to the housing when the electronic device is folded, which may cause tensile cracks in the flexible circuit board. For example, if the length of the flexible circuit board is excessive, the bending area of ​​the flexible circuit board may be bent excessively when the electronic device is unfolded (the amount of deformation in the bending area may increase), which increases the risk of cracks occurring in the flexible circuit board. For example, if the folding motion of the electronic device is abnormal due to a factor such as an external force, the shape of the flexible circuit board may also deviate from the designed position. In this case, for example, if the housing is tilted to one side of the two sides, stress may be concentrated on the tilted side, which is likely to cause damage, and if such damage accumulates, the lifespan of the flexible circuit board may be shortened.

[0140] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to solve at least the problems and / or disadvantages described above, and to provide at least the advantages described below. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a foldable electronic device, a center bar structure may be provided that is arranged around a hinge assembly and configured to support a bending region of a flexible circuit board. The center bar structure may include a structure in which a support member and a cover member are arranged on each side of the bending region of the flexible circuit board. The support member and the cover member may include curved surfaces on the surfaces that come into contact with the flexible circuit board, thereby reducing deformation and stress when the flexible circuit board is bent and unfolded according to a folding operation of the electronic device. The center bar structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure does not need to be attached to a housing of the electronic device, so that the design freedom of the length of the flexible circuit board can be improved, and the length of the flexible circuit board can be set to a length that can minimize the occurrence of cracks. According to the center bar structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the crack occurrence rate of a flexible circuit board can be reduced and its lifespan can be extended.

[0141] However, the challenges addressed by this disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned challenges, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The benefits achieved by this disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned benefits, and various benefits may be provided, directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0142] The center bar structure of the present disclosure described above and the electronic device including the center bar structure are not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (101) may be provided. The electronic device may include a housing (201) including a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a hinge cover (230; 330), a flexible display (240, 341, 342) disposed in the housing, a hinge assembly (280) in which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected, the hinge assembly including a first support structure (321) connected to the first housing and a second support structure (322) connected to the second housing, a center bar structure (303) at least partially disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure and spaced apart from the hinge cover, and a flexible circuit board (266; 350) disposed within the housing. The center bar structure may include a support member (360) having a first seating portion recessed toward the hinge cover and a cover member (370) arranged to cover at least a portion of the support member. The flexible circuit board may include a first portion (352) arranged within the first housing, a second portion (353) arranged within the second housing, and a bending region (351) extending between the first portion and the second portion. At least a portion of the bending region may be arranged between the first seating portion and the cover member.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first mounting portion may include a convex surface facing the banding region.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the cover member may include a second mounting portion (371) facing the first mounting portion with at least a portion of the banding area interposed therebetween. The second mounting portion may include a concave surface facing the banding area.

[0146] In one embodiment, the curvature of the concave surface may be similar to, equal to, or smaller than the curvature of the convex surface.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the width (d2) of the cover member may be greater than the width (d1) of the first mounting portion of the support member, based on the width measured in a first direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flexible circuit board.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the cover member may include a first opening (377) and a second opening (378) at each end thereof, the first opening (377) and the second opening (378) being arranged in a first direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flexible circuit board. The center bar structure may include fixing members (380) configured to fix the cover member to the support member, the first fixing member (381) and the second fixing member (382) passing through the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the first fixing member and the second fixing member may be fixed to opposite ends of the support member, respectively, with the first fixing portion of the support member interposed therebetween.

[0150] According to one embodiment, a portion (351a) of the banding area may be arranged to pass between the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the center bar structure may further include a buffer member (390). The buffer member may further include at least one of a first buffer member (391) disposed between the first seating portion of the support member and at least a portion of the bending region and having a hardness lower than a stiffness of the first seating portion, or a second buffer member (392) disposed between the cover member and at least a portion of the bending region and having a hardness lower than a hardness of the cover member.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the thickness (t2; t3) of the buffer member may be smaller than the thickness (t1) of the banding region, based on the thickness measured in the direction of the curvature radius of the banding region.

[0153] In one embodiment, the support member and the cover member may be composed of different materials.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the surface hardness of the support member may be greater than the surface hardness of the cover member.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board may include a first flexible circuit board (350-1; 350-1) and a second flexible circuit board (350-2; 350-2).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the cover member may further include a first cover member (370-1) disposed on the first flexible circuit board and a second cover member (370-2) disposed on the second flexible circuit board.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the cover member may further include an additional opening formed between an area where the first flexible circuit board is disposed and an area where the second flexible circuit board is disposed.

[0158] The above center bar structure may further include a fixing member configured to fix the cover member to the support member through the additional opening.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first mounting portion may further include a first-first mounting portion on which the first flexible circuit board is disposed, and a first-second mounting portion spaced apart from the first-first mounting portion and on which the second flexible circuit board is disposed.

[0160] In one embodiment, the center bar structure may include a first center bar structure configured to support a portion of the first flexible circuit board and a second center bar structure configured to support a portion of the second flexible circuit board, separated from the first center bar structure.

[0161] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (101) may be provided. The electronic device may include a housing (201) including a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a hinge cover (230; 330), a flexible display (240, 341, 342) disposed in the housing, a hinge assembly (280) in which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected, the hinge assembly including a first support structure (321) connected to the first housing and a second support structure (322) connected to the second housing, a center bar structure (303) at least partially disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure and spaced apart from the hinge cover, and a flexible circuit board (266; 350) disposed within the housing. The center bar structure may include a support member (360) and a cover member (370). The flexible circuit board may include a first portion (352) disposed within the first housing, a second portion (353) disposed within the second housing, and a bending region (351) extending between the first portion and the second portion. At least a portion of the bending region may be disposed between the support member and the cover member.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the support member includes a first mounting portion configured to be disposed on a portion of the bending area, and the first mounting portion may include a convex surface facing the bending area. The cover member includes a second mounting portion (371) facing the first mounting portion with at least a portion of the bending area interposed therebetween, and the second mounting portion may include a concave surface facing the bending area.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the cover member may include a first opening (377) and a second opening (378) at each end thereof, the first opening (377) and the second opening (378) being arranged in a first direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flexible circuit board. The center bar structure may include fixing members (380) configured to fix the cover member to the support member, the first fixing member (381) and the second fixing member (382) passing through the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

[0164] While this disclosure has been described by way of example and example, it should be understood that the specific embodiment is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the overall scope of this disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0165] Electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0166] It should be understood that the embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to a specific embodiment, but include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the item, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0167] The term "module" used in one embodiment of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0168] An embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0169] According to one embodiment, a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0170] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to one embodiment, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), A housing (201) including a first housing (210), a second housing (220) and a hinge cover (230; 330); A flexible display (240, 341, 342) arranged in the above housing; A hinge assembly (280) in which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected, the hinge assembly including a first support structure (321) connected to the first housing and a second support structure (322) connected to the second housing; A center bar structure (303) disposed at least partially between the first support structure and the second support structure and spaced apart from the hinge cover, the center bar structure including a support member (360) including a first seating portion recessed toward the hinge cover and a cover member (370) disposed to cover at least a portion of the support member; and An electronic device comprising a flexible circuit board (270; 350) disposed within the housing, the flexible circuit board comprising a first portion (352) disposed within the first housing, a second portion (353) disposed within the second housing, and a bending area (351) extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein at least a portion of the bending area is disposed between the first mounting portion and the cover member.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device, wherein the first mounting portion includes a convex surface facing the banding region.

3. In paragraph 2, The above cover member includes a second mounting portion (371) facing the first mounting portion with at least a portion of the banding area interposed therebetween, An electronic device wherein the second mounting portion includes a concave surface facing the banding region.

4. In paragraph 3, An electronic device wherein the curvature of the concave surface is similar to, equal to, or smaller than the curvature of the convex surface.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An electronic device wherein the width (d2) of the cover member is greater than the width (d1) of the first mounting portion of the support member, and the width of the cover member and the width of the first mounting portion are measured in a first direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flexible circuit board.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The cover member includes a first opening (377) arranged at a first end of the cover member and a second opening (378) arranged at a second end of the cover member, An electronic device in which the center bar structure comprises fixing members (380) configured to fix the cover member to the support member, the first fixing member (381) and the second fixing member (382) passing through the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

7. In paragraph 6, An electronic device wherein the first fixing member and the second fixing member are respectively fixed to opposite ends of the support member with the first fixing portion of the support member interposed therebetween.

8. In paragraph 6 or 7, An electronic device in which a portion (351a) of the above banding area is arranged to pass between the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above center bar structure further includes a buffer member (390), An electronic device, wherein the buffer member further comprises at least one of a first buffer member (391) disposed between the first mounting portion of the support member and at least a portion of the banding area and having a hardness lower than the stiffness of the first mounting portion; or a second buffer member (392) disposed between the cover member and at least a portion of the banding area and having a hardness lower than the hardness of the cover member.

10. In paragraph 9, The thickness (t2; t3) of the above buffer member is smaller than the thickness (t1) of the above banding region, An electronic device wherein the thickness of the above-mentioned buffer member and the thickness of the above-mentioned banding region are measured based on the thickness measured in the direction of the radius of curvature of the above-mentioned banding region.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above flexible circuit board is an electronic device including a first flexible circuit board (350-1; 350-1) and a second flexible circuit board (350-2; 350-2).

12. In paragraph 11, An electronic device, wherein the cover member further includes a first cover member (370-1) disposed on the first flexible circuit board and a second cover member (370-2) disposed on the second flexible circuit board.

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, The cover member further includes an additional opening formed between an area where the first flexible circuit board is arranged and an area where the second flexible circuit board is arranged, An electronic device wherein the center bar structure further comprises a fixing member configured to pass through the additional opening and fix the cover member to the support member.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, An electronic device, wherein the first mounting portion further includes a first mounting portion having the first flexible circuit board arranged thereon and a first-second mounting portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion and having the second flexible circuit board arranged thereon.

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, An electronic device, wherein the center bar structure comprises a first center bar structure configured to support a portion of the first flexible circuit board and a second center bar structure configured to support a portion of the second flexible circuit board, the second center bar structure being separated from the first center bar structure.

Images