Electronic device including hinge module

Abstract

This electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing; a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing and configured to be bendable with respect to a folding axis; a first lower layer disposed below the flexible display at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing; a second lower layer disposed below the flexible display at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing and disposed to have a first gap with the first lower layer in a direction parallel to the folding axis; and a hinge module including a support, a first rotating member having one end rotatably coupled to the support and the other end connected to the first housing and at least partially supporting the first lower layer, and a second rotating member having one end rotatably coupled to the support and the other end connected to the second housing and at least partially supporting the second lower layer, wherein the first rotating member may include a first recess in which an area overlapping at least a first edge of the first lower layer is lower than a first upper surface of the first rotating member when the flexible display is viewed from above.

Description

Electronic device including a hinge module

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

[0002] As the functional gap between manufacturers significantly narrows, electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer to meet consumer purchasing demands. These devices are also being improved to increase their rigidity, enhance their design, and differentiate their functional elements. These electronic devices are moving beyond their standard rectangular form factor and evolving into diverse shapes. For example, electronic devices may have a deformable structure that allows for portability while also enabling the use of large-screen displays. Electronic devices with deformable structures may include foldable electronic devices that include bendable, flexible displays. These foldable electronic devices may require improved support structures (e.g., superior durability) to reduce damage to the flexible display due to external impact.

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

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

[0005] The flexible display may be arranged to be supported by a first housing, a second housing, and at least one hinge module, and may generally include a folding region in which an area corresponding to at least one hinge module is configured to be bendable. The foldable electronic device may include lower layers (e.g., digitizers and / or reinforcing plates) arranged under the flexible display to perform various functions. For example, the lower layers may have a specific gap and be arranged to correspond to each housing to improve the bendability of the flexible display in the folding region. Accordingly, the back surface of the flexible display may include a step formed by the lower layers, and when an impact is applied to the step portion, stress may be concentrated, which may cause damage to the flexible display.

[0006] In order to reduce the breakage of such flexible displays, increasing the thickness of a buffering member (e.g., cushion) placed between the flexible display and the hinge plate may hinder the slimming of electronic devices.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device including a hinge module having a structure capable of reducing the possibility of damage to a flexible display due to external impact.

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

[0009] Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a hinge module that may assist in slimming the device.

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

[0011] According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display configured to be supported by the first housing and the second housing and configured to be bendable with respect to a folding axis, a first lower layer disposed under the flexible display at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing, a second lower layer disposed under the flexible display at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing and arranged to have a first gap with the first lower layer in a direction parallel to the folding axis, and a support, a first rotation member having one end rotatably coupled to the support member and the other end connected to the first housing and supporting the first lower layer at least partially, and a second rotation member having one end rotatably coupled to the support member and the other end connected to the second housing and supporting the second lower layer at least partially, wherein the first rotation member is configured to rotate the flexible display. When viewed from above, the first rotation member may include a first recess, wherein at least an area overlapping with a first edge of the first lower layer is lower than a first upper surface of the first rotation member, and the second rotation member may include a second recess, wherein when the flexible display is viewed from above, at least an area overlapping with a second edge of the second lower layer is lower than a second upper surface of the second rotation member.

[0012] An electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a recess formed lower than an upper surface of the rotation member so as to overlap an edge of the lower layer in a rotation member of a hinge module that supports a lower layer disposed on a rear surface of a flexible display. This recess structure may help reduce breakage and improve durability of the flexible display by dispersing stress by inducing the rear surface of the wide flexible display to make linear contact with the upper surface of the rotation member rather than the edge by accommodating the edge of the lower layer in the recess when an external impact is applied to the flexible display. In addition, this recess structure may help reduce the thickness of the electronic device by suppressing an increase in the thickness of the buffer member.

[0013] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0014] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0015] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0016] FIG. 1A is a front view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1b is a drawing illustrating the rear side of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2A is a drawing illustrating one side of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hinge module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a hinge module in an unfolded state, as seen along line 5-5 of FIG. 5a, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hinge module in a folded state, as seen along line 5-5 of FIG. 5a, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6A is a drawing of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6b is an enlarged view of area 6b of FIG. 6a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 6c is a drawing illustrating the arrangement structure of hinge plates and a first buffer member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7b is a diagram showing deformation of a flexible display due to external impact according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8A is a partial configuration diagram of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a hinge assembly taken along line 8b-8b of FIG. 8a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9A is a partial configuration diagram of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a hinge assembly taken along line 9b-9b of FIG. 9a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a portion of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 10b is a block diagram of a portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 10C-10C of FIG. 10B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0038] FIG. 1A is a drawing illustrating a front side of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a drawing illustrating a rear side of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating one side of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the other side of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B (also referred to as FIGS. 1A to 2B), the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) (e.g., a first housing portion or a first housing structure) and a second housing (220) (e.g., a second housing portion or a second housing structure) that are rotatably coupled to each other about a folding axis (F) via at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules 320, 320-1, 320-2 of FIG. 3) (e.g., a hinge, a hinge device, a hinge structure, a hinge unit, or a hinge assembly). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be configured as a housing (e.g., a foldable housing) of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) that is arranged to be accommodated or supported by the first housing and the second housing. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second display (300) (e.g., a sub-display) that is arranged through the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a hinge housing (310) (e.g., a hinge cover) that is arranged so as to be at least partially invisible from the outside through the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) when in an unfolded state, and that covers at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules 320, 320-1, 320-2 of FIG. 3) so as to be invisible from the outside when in a folded state or while being folded. In this document, the surface on which the first display (230) is placed may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (200), and the surface opposite the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the electronic device (200). In addition, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (200).

[0041] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (F), have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (F), and can be folded to match each other. In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be different depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) may be rotatably connected to at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include, in an unfolded state, a first surface (211) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a second surface (212) facing in an opposite direction to the first surface (211), and / or a first side member (213) surrounding at least a portion of a first space (2101) between the first surface (211) and the second surface (212).

[0043] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may be rotatably connected to at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include, in an unfolded state, a third surface (221) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a fourth surface (222) facing in an opposite direction of the third surface (221), and / or a second side member (223) surrounding at least a portion of a second space (2201) between the third surface (221) and the fourth surface (222).

[0044] According to various embodiments, the first side (211) may be at least partially facing the third side (221) so as to face substantially the same direction as the third side (221) in the unfolded state and so as to face the third side (221) in the folded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may also include a recess (201) formed to accommodate the first display (230) through a structural combination of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the first display (230). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first protective frame (213a) (e.g., a first protective cover or a first decorative member) that is coupled to the first side member (213) and overlaps with the edge of the first display (230) when the first display (230) is viewed from above, thereby covering the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the first protective frame (213a) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second protective frame (223a) (e.g., a second protective cover or a second decorative member) that is coupled to the second side member (223) when the first display (230) is viewed from above and overlaps the edge of the first display (230), thereby covering the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the second protective frame (223a) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In some embodiments, the first protective frame (213a) and the second protective frame (223a) may be omitted.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the hinge housing (310) (e.g., hinge cover) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may be disposed to cover a portion of at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may be covered by portions of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. For example, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be disposed to be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and substantially not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be at least partially visible from the outside outside of the electronic device (200) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the area of ​​the hinge housing (310) exposed to the outside may be less than when the hinge housing (310) is in a completely folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may include an outer surface having a curved surface, a flat surface, or various shapes.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (230, 300), an input device (215) (e.g., an audio input device), an audio output device (227, 228), a sensor module (217a, 217b, 226), a camera module (216a, 216b, 225), a key input device (219), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (229) disposed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may additionally include at least one other component. In some embodiments, at least one of the above-described components may be omitted.

[0047] According to various embodiments, at least one display (230, 300) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display) that is arranged to be supported by a third side (221) of a second housing (220) from a first side (211) of a first housing (210), and a second display (300) that is arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through a fourth side (222) in an internal space of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the second display (300) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second side (212) in the first space (2101) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may be primarily used in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and the second display (300) may be primarily used in a folded state of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can control the first display (230) and / or the second display (300) to be usable based on the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) when in an intermediate state.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the first display (230) may be disposed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings (210, 220). For example, the first display (230) may be disposed in a recess (201) formed by the pair of housings (210, 220), and may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200) when unfolded. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a flexible display in which at least a portion of the display may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a first region (230a) corresponding to the first housing (210) and a second region (230b) corresponding to the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a folding area (230c) (e.g., a third area) that includes a portion of the first area (230a) and a portion of the second area (230b) with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area (230c) may include an area that at least partially corresponds to at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the division of the regions of the first display (230) is merely an exemplary division by a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3), and the first display (230) can be displayed as a seamless, full screen substantially through a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) may have an overall symmetrical shape or a partially asymmetrical shape with respect to the folding region (230c) and / or the folding axis (F).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (240) disposed on a second side (212) of the first housing (210) and a second rear cover (250) disposed on a fourth side (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed by an opaque plate, such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. In one embodiment, the second rear cover (250) may be formed by a substantially transparent plate, such as, for example, glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display (300) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover (250) in the second space (2201) of the second housing (220).

[0050] According to various embodiments, the input device (215) may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device (215) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may include speakers. In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may include a call receiver (227) arranged through the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and an external speaker (228) arranged through at least a portion of the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the input device (215), the audio output device (227, 228), and the connector (229) are disposed in spaces of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) and can be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) can be used in common for the input device (215) and the audio output device (227, 228). In some embodiments, the audio output device (227, 228) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0051] According to various embodiments, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include a first camera module (216a) arranged to capture a subject through a first side (211) of the first housing (210), a second camera module (216b) arranged to be exposed through a second side (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third camera module (225) arranged to capture a subject through a fourth side (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the second camera module (261b) may also be arranged to capture a subject through a third side (221) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flash (218) arranged near the second camera module (216b). In one embodiment, the flash (218) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle and a telephoto lens) and image sensors, which may be arranged together to capture a subject through either side of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0052] According to various embodiments, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. In one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may include a first sensor module (217a) arranged to detect an external environment through a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second sensor module (217b) arranged to detect an external environment through a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (226) arranged to detect an external environment through a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the sensor module (217a, 217b, 226) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor).

[0053] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one sensor module not shown, for example, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In some embodiments, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member (213) of the first housing (210) and / or the second side member (223) of the second housing (220).

[0054] According to various embodiments, the key input device (219) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the key input device (219) may also be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (219), and the key input devices (219) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on at least one display (230, 300). In one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display (230, 300).

[0055] According to various embodiments, the connector port (229) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the connector port (229) may also perform a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals.

[0056] According to various embodiments, some of the camera modules (216a, 225), some of the sensor modules (217a, 226) and / or the indicator may be arranged to be visually exposed through at least one display (230, 300). For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225), at least one sensor module (217a, 226) and / or the indicator may be arranged in an interior space of at least one housing (210, 220), below an active area (display area) of at least one display (230, 300), and may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated up to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (410) of FIG. 4) and / or a second rear cover (250)). In one embodiment, the area where at least one display (230, 300) and at least one camera module (216a, 225) face each other may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of the area displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., a field of view area) of at least one camera module (216a, 225) through which light passes to be imaged by an image sensor to create an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​at least one display (230, 300) may include an area where the pixel density is lower than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace an opening. For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225) may include an under-display camera (UDC) or an under-panel camera (UPC). In one embodiment, some camera modules (216a, 225) or sensor modules (217a, 226) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display.For example, the area facing the camera module (216a, 225) and / or sensor module (217a, 226) positioned under the display (230, 300) (e.g., display panel) may have an under display camera (UDC) structure, so that a perforated opening may not be necessary.

[0057] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 1A and 1B), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first region (230a), the second region (230b), and the folding region (230c) of the first display (230) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane and face the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210) may be rotated at an angle of about 360 degrees with respect to the second housing (220) so that the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) face each other and may be folded in the opposite direction (out folding method).

[0058] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 2A and 2B), the first side (211) of the first housing (210) and the third side (221) of the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may be arranged to face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of 0 degrees to about 10 degrees) with respect to each other through the folding region (230c). In one embodiment, the folding region (230c) may be deformed into a curved shape having at least a certain curvature. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may form an angle that is greater than the folded state and less than the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folding region (230c) may be less than the folded state and greater than the unfolded state. In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle that can stop at a specified folding angle between the folded state and the unfolded state through at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3) (free stop function). In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be pressurized to maintain a state (free stop) or to continuously operate in an unfolding or folding direction based on a specified inflection angle through at least one hinge module (e.g., hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-2) of FIG. 3).

[0059] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3) that rotatably connects the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) with respect to each other, and a flexible display (230) (e.g., the first display (230) of FIG. 1A) that is supported by or at least partially accommodated in the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first side member (213) that is visibly exposed from the outside of the electronic device (200) and forms at least a portion of a side surface, and a first extension member (2131) that extends from the first side member (213) into an internal space of the first housing (210) (e.g., the first space (2101) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second side member (223) that is visibly exposed from the outside of the electronic device (200) and forms at least a portion of a side surface, and a second extension member (2231) that extends from the second side member (223) into an internal space of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be positioned to be supported by at least a portion of the first extension member (2131) and the second extension member (2231).

[0061] According to various embodiments, at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3) may rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) along the direction of the folding axis (F) (e.g., the ±y-axis direction), and may include a first hinge module (320) disposed at a generally one end (e.g., the bottom) of the electronic device (200), a second hinge module (320-1) disposed at a generally other end (e.g., the bottom) of the electronic device (200), and a third hinge module (320-2) disposed between the first hinge module (320) and the second hinge module (320-1). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include one hinge module, two hinge modules disposed at a specified interval, or four or more hinge modules disposed at a specified interval. In one embodiment, each of the hinge modules (320, 320-1, 320-3) may have substantially the same configuration.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first hinge plate (510) corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing (210) on one side of the folding axis (F) and disposed under the flexible display (230), and a second hinge plate (520) corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing (220) on the other side of the folding axis (F) and disposed under the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may be coupled to at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may be coupled to at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be formed of a metal material. In some embodiments, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be formed at least partially of a non-metallic material to reduce the weight of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or polycarbonate (PC) having strength for supporting the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-3) and the first and second hinge plates (510, 520) coupled thereto may be configured as a hinge assembly (HA).

[0063] According to various embodiments, a first buffer member (515, 525) may be disposed between the first hinge plate (510) and the flexible display (230) and / or between the second hinge plate (520) and the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (515, 525) may be formed of an elastic material (e.g., foam, rubber, or urethane) having a specified thickness to buffer an external impact (e.g., ball drop) applied in the direction of the hinge assembly (HA) (e.g., -z-axis direction) from the upper surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first buffer member (515, 525) may be replaced with a tape member (T) (e.g., an adhesive member) to reinforce adhesion between the flexible display (230) and the hinge plates (510, 520).

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

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

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, a flexible display (230) (e.g., the first display of FIG. 1A) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (POL (polarizer)) (420) (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), and a support plate (450). In some embodiments, the polymer layer (440) and / or the support plate (450) may be omitted. In one embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 1A) may include lower layers disposed under the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the lower layers may be disposed in a manner that they are attached to the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the lower layers may include a first lower layer disposed under the support plate (450) at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing (210) and a second lower layer disposed under the support plate (450) at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first lower layer may include a first reinforcing plate (461) and / or a first digitizer (471) disposed at least partially under the support plate (450). In one embodiment, when the first reinforcing plate (461) and the first digitizer (471) are disposed together, the first digitizer (471) may be disposed under the support plate (450) and the first reinforcing plate (461). The second lower layer may include a second reinforcing plate (462) and / or a second digitizer (472) that are at least partially disposed under the support plate (450). In one embodiment, when the second reinforcing plate (462) and the second digitizer (472) are disposed together, the second digitizer (472) may be disposed between the support plate (450) and the second reinforcing plate (462).In some embodiments, the first digitizer (471) and the second digitizer (472) may be arranged as a single digitizer (470) formed integrally, in which case, an area corresponding to the folding area of ​​the flexible display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) may be configured to be bendable. In some embodiments, the digitizer (470) may be arranged between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450). For example, when the flexible display (230) is a POL-less display, the polarizing layer may be omitted, and a transparent reinforcing layer (e.g., a buffer layer) may be further arranged in that position. In some embodiments, the reinforcing plates (461, 462) and / or the digitizer (470) may be omitted.

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

[0068] According to various embodiments, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), and the support plate (450) may be arranged to span at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., the first surface (211) of FIG. 1A) of a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1A) and a third surface (e.g., the third surface (221) of FIG. 1A) of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), and the digitizers (471, 472) may be attached to each other via an adhesive (P1, P2, P3) (or glue). For example, the adhesives (P1, P2, P3) may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape. In one embodiment, reinforcing plates (461, 462), which may be replaced or added instead of the digitizers, provide rigidity for the flexible display (230) and may be used as a ground to prevent or reduce malfunction of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plates (461, 462) may be formed of a metal material. In one embodiment, the reinforcing plates (461, 462) may be formed of SUS or Al.

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

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

[0071] According to various embodiments, the support plate (450) can provide area-specific rigidity and bending characteristics for the flexible display (230). For example, the support plate (450) can be formed of a non-metallic thin-plate material, such as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)) having rigid characteristics for supporting the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may include a first planar portion (451) corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1A), a second planar portion (452) corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1A), and a flexible portion (453) (flexible portion or bending portion) connecting the first planar portion (451) and the second planar portion (452). In one embodiment, the flexible portion (453) may be formed to have a pattern (4531) for improving bendability. In one embodiment, the pattern (4531) may include a plurality of openings formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the support plate at a specified interval and / or a plurality of recesses formed to be flatter than the outer surface without penetrating. In one embodiment, the flexible portion (453) may have a bending characteristic determined by at least one of the size, shape, or arrangement density of at least some of the openings among the plurality of openings formed of the pattern (4531). In some embodiments, the support plate (450) may be formed of a metal material such as SUS (steel use stainless) (e.g., STS (stainless steel)), Cu, Al, or a metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). In this case, the support plate (450) may have a plurality of openings formed throughout the entire area so that a detection operation of a digitizer (470) arranged below is induced.In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may help reinforce the rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 1A), shield ambient noise, and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components.

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

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

[0074] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hinge module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hinge module in an unfolded state taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 5A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hinge module in a folded state taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 5A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c (also referred to as FIGS. 5a to 5c), a hinge module (320) (e.g., the first hinge module (320), the second hinge module (320-1) and / or the third hinge module (320-2) of FIG. 3) is fixed to a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (310) of FIG. 2a) through a fastening member such as a screw, a support (321) (e.g., a rotator bracket, a support bracket or a bracket), a first shaft (HS1) rotatably coupled to the support (321) with respect to a first rotation axis (X1), a second shaft (HS2) rotatably coupled to the support (321) with respect to a second rotation axis (X2) spaced apart from the first rotation axis (X1), and a first rotation axis (X3) rotatably coupled to the support (321) with respect to a third rotation axis (X3). It may include a member (322) (e.g., a first rotator), a second rotation member (323) (e.g., a second rotator) rotatably coupled to a support (321) with respect to a fourth rotation axis (X4), a first fixed body (326) rotatably coupled to the first rotation member (322) with respect to a fifth rotation axis (X5), a second fixed body (327) rotatably coupled to the second rotation member (323) with respect to a sixth rotation axis (X6), a first arm member (324) (e.g., a first hinge arm) coupled to a first shaft (HS1) so as to be rotatable at one end about the first rotation axis (X1), and a second arm member (325) (e.g., a second hinge arm) coupled to a second shaft (HS2) so as to be rotatable at one end about the second rotation axis (X2). In one embodiment, the first fixing member (326) may be fixed to the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the second fixing member (327) may be fixed to the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the hinge module (320) may include a first link (331) fixed to the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and movably guiding the other end of the first arm member (324), and a second link (332) fixed to the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) and movably guiding the other end of the second arm member (325).In one embodiment, the first link (331) may be fixed to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3), and the second link (332) may be fixed to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the first link (331) may be formed integrally with the first fixing body (326). In some embodiments, the second link (332) may be formed integrally with the second fixing body (327).

[0076] According to various embodiments, the hinge module (320) may include a first cam structure (328) coupled with a cam structure formed at one end of the arm members (324, 325) and a second cam structure (329) coupled with a cam structure formed at the other end of the arm members (324, 325). In one embodiment, the hinge module (320) may include a first torque generating structure that generates torque by pressing the first cam structure (328) in the direction of the arm members (324, 325) (e.g., in the y-axis direction) through a first elastic member (CS1) (e.g., a first spring) arranged in a manner that a first shaft (HS1) passes through it and a second elastic member (CS2) (e.g., a second spring) arranged in a manner that a second shaft (HS2) passes through it.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the hinge module (320) may include a second torque generating structure that generates torque by pressing the second cam structure (329) in the direction of the arm members (324, 325) (e.g., -y-axis direction) through a third elastic member (CS3) (e.g., third spring) arranged in a manner in which the first shaft (HS1) passes through it and a fourth elastic member (CS4) (e.g., fourth spring) arranged in a manner in which the second shaft (HS2) passes through it. In one embodiment, the hinge module (320) may provide a pressing force in a rotational direction to cause the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) to transition from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state, through the first torque generating structure and the second torque generating structure, or may provide a free-stop function to cause the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3) to stop in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the first rotation member (322) may be coupled to the support (321) in such a manner that a curved guide rib (3211) formed on the support (321) is rotatably guided along a curved guide slit (322c) formed at a corresponding position of the first rotation member (322). In one embodiment, the second rotation member (323) may also be coupled to the support (321) in substantially the same manner. In one embodiment, the first fixed member (326) and the second fixed member (327) may also be coupled to the first rotation member (322) and the second rotation member (323) in a similar manner, respectively. In one embodiment, the first arm member (324) and the second arm member (325) may also be coupled to the first link (331) and the second link (332), respectively, in a similar manner.

[0079] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (200) of FIG. 3) may include a first hinge plate (e.g., a first hinge plate (510) of FIG. 3) arranged to have a length along a folding axis (F) direction between a hinge module (320) and a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (230) of FIG. 3) and a second hinge plate (e.g., a second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 3) arranged spaced apart from the first hinge plate (510). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first hinge plate (510) and at least a portion of the second hinge plate (520) may be arranged to support lower layers (e.g., a first digitizer (471) and a second digitizer (472) of FIG. 4) arranged on a back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the hinge module (320) may be exposed from the hinge plates (510, 520) and arranged to directly support the lower layers (471, 472). For example, at least a portion of the first rotation member (322) and the second rotation member (323) may not have a laminated structure with the hinge plates (510, 520), but may be arranged side by side, for example, in the x-axis direction and / or the y-axis direction (e.g., arranged to have the same plane as the hinge plates (510, 520) to support the lower layers (471, 472), thereby helping to reduce the overall thickness of the electronic device (200).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the first upper surface (322a) of the first rotation member (322) may be arranged to support at least a portion of the first edge (e.g., the first edge (E1) of FIG. 6B) of the first lower layer (471). In this case, when an external impact is applied to the flexible display (230), stress may be concentrated around the first edge (E1) due to the step between the back surface of the flexible display (230) and the first lower layer (471), thereby increasing the possibility of damage to the flexible display (230).

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotation member (322) may include a first recess (3221) formed lower than the first upper surface (322a) in an area overlapping at least the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer (471) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the first recess (3221) may reduce the possibility of damage to the flexible display (230) by inducing the first edge (E1) to be received in the first recess (3221) and the back surface of the flexible display (230) to come into line contact with the upper surface (322a) of the first rotation member (322) when the flexible display (230) is deformed by an external impact. This is because the stress that may be concentrated around the first edge (E1) of the step is distributed to the peripheral rear surface of the flexible display (230) that is in relatively wide contact with the upper surface of the first rotation member through the first recess (3221) that accommodates the first edge (E1). In one embodiment, the second rotation member (323) also includes a second recess (3231) that is formed lower than the second upper surface (323a) in an area that overlaps at least the second edge (e.g., the second edge (E2) of FIG. 6b) of the second lower layer (472) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, thereby providing substantially the same effect (e.g., stress distribution effect).

[0082] FIG. 6A is a drawing of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of area 6B of FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the hinge assembly (HA) may include at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) arranged at a specific interval along the folding axis (F) direction (e.g., y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (HA) may include a first hinge plate (510) arranged to support at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2) and a second hinge plate (520) arranged spaced apart from the first hinge plate (510).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (510) may be arranged on the back surface of the flexible display (230) to support a portion of the first lower layer (471) that is disposed generally at a position corresponding to the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3). According to one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may be arranged (e.g., attached) on the back surface of the flexible display (230) to support a portion of the second lower layer (472) that is disposed generally at a position corresponding to the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first lower layer (471) and the second lower layer (472) may be arranged to have a first gap (g1) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

[0085] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be arranged to have a second gap (g2) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the x-axis direction). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first rotation member (322) and at least a portion of the second rotation member (323) among the components of the hinge module (320) may be exposed through the second gap (g2) so as not to overlap with the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520), respectively, when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. Accordingly, the exposed portion of the first rotation member (322) and the exposed portion of the second rotation member (323) form the same plane as the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520), thereby enabling the back surfaces of the first lower layer (471) and the second lower layer (472) to be flatly supported.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the first lower layer (471) may be arranged such that, when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, a first edge (E1) positioned in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the y-axis direction) overlaps with a portion of the first rotational member (322) exposed through the second gap (g2). In one embodiment, the second lower layer (472) may be arranged such that, when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, at least a second edge (E2) positioned in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the y-axis direction) overlaps with a portion of the second rotational member (323) exposed through the second gap (g2). In one embodiment, the first gap (g1) between the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer (471) and the second edge (E2) of the second lower layer (472) may not be equal in each region along the longitudinal direction (e.g., y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second gap (g2) between the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may not be equal in each region along the longitudinal direction (e.g., y-axis direction). In one embodiment, in the first section (S1) where at least a portion of the first rotation member (322) is exposed through the second gap (g2), the first gap (g1) may be set to be equal to or smaller than the second gap (g2). In one embodiment, in the second section (S2) where at least a portion of the second rotating member (323) is exposed through the second gap (g2), the first gap (g1) may be set to be equal to or smaller than the second gap (g2).

[0087] According to various embodiments, the first rotation member (322) may include a first recess (3221) formed lower than the first upper surface (322a) in an area overlapping at least the first edge (E1) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, a portion of the first recess (3221) may be positioned at a position overlapping the first gap (g1) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the remaining portion of the first recess (3221) may be positioned at a position not overlapping the first gap (g1) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the first recess (3221) may be positioned at a position overlapping the second gap (g2) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the first recess (3221) may be formed in the first section (S1). In one embodiment, the first recess (3221) may be formed to a depth that is equal to or greater than the step provided by the back surface of the flexible display (230) and the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer (471). For example, the first recess (3221) may be formed to a depth that induces a line contact between the back surface of the flexible display (230) and the first upper surface (322a) of the first rotation member (322) before the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer (471) contacts the surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the first recess (3221) when the flexible display (230) is deformed by an external impact.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the second rotation member (323) may include a second recess (3231) formed lower than the second upper surface (323a) in an area overlapping at least the second edge (E2) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, a portion of the second recess (3231) may be positioned at a position overlapping the first gap (g1) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the remaining portion of the second recess (3231) may be positioned at a position not overlapping the first gap (g1) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the second recess (3231) may be positioned at a position overlapping the second gap (g2) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the second recess (3231) may be formed in the second section (S2). In one embodiment, the second recess (3231) may be formed to a depth that is equal to or greater than the step provided by the second edge (E2) of the second lower layer (472) and the back surface of the flexible display (230). For example, the second recess (3231) may be formed to a depth that induces a line contact between the back surface of the flexible display (230) and the second upper surface (323a) of the second rotation member (323) before the second edge (E2) of the second lower layer (472) contacts the surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the second recess (3231) when the flexible display (230) is deformed by an external impact.

[0089] According to various embodiments, the hinge assembly (HA) provides a space between the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) and the hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (310) of FIG. 2A) in an area that does not correspond to at least one hinge module (320, 320-1, 320-2), so that an external shock applied to the flexible display (230) can be absorbed or dispersed through the elasticity of the first and second hinge plates (510, 520) that can flow through the space.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (510) may generally include a first opening (OP1) arranged in the first section (S1). In one embodiment, the first rotation member (322) may be arranged to directly support the back surface of the first lower layer (471) or the back surface of the flexible display (230) by exposing at least a portion of the first upper surface (322a) adjacent to the first recess (3221) through the first opening (OP1). For example, the area exposed through the first opening (OP1) of the first rotation member (322) and the surface of the first hinge plate (510) form the same plane, thereby inducing easy support of the flexible display (230), and at least partially avoiding the laminated structure of the first hinge plate (510) and the first rotation member (322), thereby helping to slim down the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 3). In addition, a part of the first upper surface (322a) exposed through the first opening (OP1) and the second gap (g2) induces the extension of the guide slit (e.g., the guide slit (322c) of FIG. 5b), thereby providing improved operational reliability by expanding the amount of engagement with the guide rib (e.g., the guide rib (3211) of FIG. 5b) of the support (e.g., the support (321) of FIG. 5b).

[0091] According to various embodiments, the second hinge plate (520) may generally include a second opening (OP2) arranged in the second section (S2). In one embodiment, the second rotation member (323) may be arranged to directly support the back surface of the second lower layer (472) or the back surface of the flexible display by exposing at least a portion of the second upper surface (323a) adjacent to the second recess (3231) through the second opening (OP2). For example, the area of ​​the second rotation member (323) exposed through the second opening (OP2) and the surface of the second hinge plate (520) may form the same plane, thereby inducing easy support of the flexible display (230).

[0092] According to various embodiments, the first hinge plate (510) may further include at least one third opening (OP3) configured to directly press the first lower layer (471) or the back surface of the flexible display (230) by exposing at least a portion of the first arm member (324) of the hinge module (320). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may further include at least one fourth opening (OP4) configured to directly press the second lower layer (472) or the back surface of the flexible display (230) by exposing at least a portion of the second arm member (325) of the hinge module (320). For example, the area of ​​the first arm member (324) exposed through the third opening (OP3) and the surface of the first hinge plate (510) may form the same plane, thereby inducing easy support of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the area exposed through the fourth opening (OP4) of the second arm member (325) and the surface of the second hinge plate (520) form the same plane, thereby inducing easy support of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the exposure structure in which the first arm member (324) is exposed through the third opening (OP3) of the first hinge plate (510) and the exposure structure in which the second arm member (325) is exposed through the fourth opening (OP4) of the second hinge plate (520) can help slim down the electronic device (200) by avoiding overlapping arrangement between the hinge plates (510, 520) and the arm members (324, 325).

[0093] FIG. 6c is a drawing illustrating the arrangement structure of hinge plates and a first buffer member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 6C, the hinge assembly (HA) may include a first buffer member (515, 525) (e.g., a first cushion) disposed between the first hinge plate (510) and the first lower layer (471) and between the second hinge plate (520) and the second lower layer (472). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (515, 525) may be used to buffer and / or disperse an external impact applied to the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first buffer member (515, 525) may be replaced with or added to a tape member (T) (e.g., a double-sided tape) to strengthen the adhesion between the first and second hinge plates (510, 520) and the first and second lower layers (471, 472). In one embodiment, the first buffer member (515, 525) may be formed to a size that does not overlap the first recess (3221) and the second recess (3231) at least in the first section (S1) and the second section (S2) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In some embodiments, the first buffer member (515, 525) may be positioned to substantially overlap the first lower layer (471) and the second lower layer (472) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above in sections other than the first section (S1) and the second section (S2).

[0095] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating deformation of a flexible display due to an external impact according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a hinge assembly (HA) rotatably connecting the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and a flexible display (230) arranged to be supported by the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the hinge assembly (HA). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (420) sequentially arranged under the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), and a support plate (450). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first lower layer (471) disposed below the support plate (450) at a position generally corresponding to the first housing (210) and a second lower layer (472) disposed below the support plate (450) at a position generally corresponding to the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first lower layer (471) and the second lower layer (472) may be disposed in a manner such that they are attached to the back surface of the support plate (450) so as to be spaced apart from each other with a first gap (g1). In one embodiment, the first lower layer (471) and the second lower layer (472) may include a digitizer (470) and a first digitizer (471) and a second digitizer (472) that are spaced apart from each other. In one embodiment, the first lower layer (471) and the second lower layer (472) may include reinforcing plates (e.g., reinforcing plates (461, 462) of FIG. 4).

[0097] According to various embodiments, the hinge assembly (HA) may include a hinge housing (310), a hinge module (320) secured to the hinge housing, a first hinge plate (510) disposed at least partially between the hinge module (320) and a first lower layer (471) on top of the hinge module (320), and a second hinge plate (520) disposed at least partially between the hinge module (320) and a second lower layer (472). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first buffer member (515, 525) disposed between the first hinge plate (510) and the first lower layer (471) and between the second hinge plate (520) and the second lower layer (472). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first lower layer (471) and at least a portion of the second lower layer (472) may be arranged to be supported by the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520), respectively. For example, when the electronic device (200) transitions to an unfolded state via the hinge module (320), the first hinge plate (510) may be configured to support the flexible display (230) in a manner that contacts at least a portion of the first lower layer (471), and the second hinge plate (520) may be configured to support the flexible display (230) in a manner that contacts at least a portion of the second lower layer (472). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) transitions to a folded state through the hinge module (320), at least a portion of the first hinge plate (510) may be configured to support at least a portion of the flexible display (230) in such a manner that at least a portion of the first hinge plate (510) is spaced apart from the first lower layer (471) and at least a portion of the second hinge plate (520) is spaced apart from the second lower layer (472).

[0098] According to various embodiments, in the first section (S1) where at least a portion of the first rotation member (322) is exposed through the second gap (g2), the first gap (g1) may be set to be equal to or smaller than the second gap (g2). In one embodiment, in the second section (S2) where at least a portion of the second rotation member (323) is exposed through the second gap (g2), the first gap (g1) may be set to be equal to or smaller than the second gap (g2).

[0099] According to various embodiments, the first rotation member (322) may include a first recess (3221) formed lower than the first upper surface (322a) of the first rotation member (322) in an area overlapping at least the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer (471) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, a part of the first recess (3221) may be positioned so as to overlap the first gap (g1) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, and the remaining part may be positioned so as not to overlap the first gap (g1). In one embodiment, the first recess (3221) may be positioned so as to overlap the second gap (g2) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the first recess (3221) may be formed to a depth equal to or greater than the step provided by the back surface of the flexible display (230) and the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer (471). In some embodiments, the step may be provided by a height difference formed from the back surface of the flexible display (230) to the first lower layer (471) and the first buffer member (515). For example, the first recess (3221) may be formed at a depth such that when the flexible display (230) is deformed by an external impact, before the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer (471) comes into contact with the surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the first recess (3221), the back surface of the flexible display (230) (e.g., the back surface of the flexible display corresponding to the first gap) makes line contact with the first upper surface (322a) of the first rotation member (322). Accordingly, the first recess (3221) can reduce the possibility of damage to the flexible display (230) by inducing the first edge (E1) to be received in the first recess (3221) and the relatively wide back surface of the flexible display (230) to come into line contact with the upper surface (322a) of the first rotation member (322) when the flexible display (230) is deformed by an external impact.

[0100] According to various embodiments, the first rotation member (322) may include a receiving groove (322b) formed lower than the first upper surface (322a) in at least a portion of the first section (e.g., the first section (S1) of FIG. 6b) in which the first recess (3221) is arranged. In one embodiment, the receiving groove (322b) may be formed to a depth capable of receiving a portion of the first hinge plate (510). In one embodiment, the depth of the receiving groove (322b) may be formed to a depth that does not protrude beyond the first upper surface (322a) after the portion of the first hinge plate (510) is received in the first receiving groove (322b), or may be formed to a depth that is coincident with the first upper surface (322a). By having a receiving structure in which at least a portion of the first hinge plate (510) is received in the receiving groove (322b) of the first rotation member (322), the stacked structure of the first hinge plate (510) and the first rotation member (510) is avoided at least in the first section (S1), thereby helping to reduce the thickness of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the second rotation member (the second rotation member (323) of FIG. 6b) may also have a receiving groove that can receive at least a portion of the second hinge plate (520) in a substantially similar manner in the second section (e.g., the second section (S2) of FIG. 6b) in which the second recess (e.g., the second recess (3231) of FIG. 6b) is disposed.

[0101] FIG. 8A is a partial schematic diagram of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line 8b-8b of FIG. 8A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] In describing the hinge assembly (HA) of FIGS. 8a and 8b, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the hinge assembly (HA) of FIG. 7a, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the hinge assembly (HA) may include a hinge module (320), a first hinge plate (510) disposed at least partially between the hinge module (320) and a first lower layer (471) on top of the hinge module (320), and a second hinge plate (520) disposed at least partially between the hinge module (320) and a second lower layer (472). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first buffer member (515) disposed between the first hinge plate (510) and the first lower layer (471). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first lower layer (471) may be disposed to be supported by the first hinge plate (510).

[0104] According to various embodiments, the first rotation member (322) may include a first recess (3222) formed lower than the first upper surface (322a) of the first rotation member (322) at least in an area overlapping the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer (471) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the first recess (3222) may be formed in a manner extending to the first receiving groove (322b). In this case, a relatively wide gap (g3) between the first buffer member (515) and the first recess (3222) may be secured, which may be advantageous for effective dispersion of external impact. In one embodiment, the recess formed in the second rotation member (323) may also be formed in substantially the same manner as the first recess (3222).

[0105] FIG. 9A is a partial schematic diagram of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line 9b-9b of FIG. 9A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] In describing the hinge assembly (HA) of FIGS. 9a and 9b, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the hinge assembly (HA) of FIGS. 8a and 8b, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, in the configuration of FIG. 8B, the hinge assembly (HA) may include a second cushion (516) (e.g., a second cushion) arranged to fill the gap (g3) between the first cushion (515) and the first recess (3222). In one embodiment, the second cushion (516) may extend so as to be arranged between the first hinge plate (510) and the first cushion (515). In this case, the depth of the first receiving groove (322b) may be formed deeper by the thickness of the second cushion (516). In some embodiments, the thickness of the first hinge plate (510) may be formed thinner by the thickness of the second cushion (516) while maintaining the thickness of the first receiving groove (322b) (e.g., a thinning process). For example, by dispersing the stress concentrated at the boundary step between the first lower layer (471) and the back surface of the flexible display (230) when subjected to an external impact through the additional arrangement of the second buffer member (516) (e.g., the laminated structure of the first buffer member (515) and the second buffer member (516)), the overall screen durability of the flexible display (230) can be improved. In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (HA) may include a buffer member (526) disposed on the second rotation member (323) in substantially the same manner as the second buffer member (516) disposed on the first rotation member (322).

[0108] FIG. 10A is a partial perspective view of a hinge assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10B is a partial schematic diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10C is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 10C-10C of FIG. 10B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C (also referred to as FIGS. 10A to 10C), the hinge assembly (HA) may include a hinge module (320-1), a first hinge plate (510) disposed at least partially between the hinge module (320-1) and a first lower layer (471) on top of the hinge module (320-1), and a second hinge plate (520) disposed at least partially between the hinge module (320) and a second lower layer (472). In one embodiment, the first lower layer (471) may include a first corner (C1) formed by a third edge (E3) extending from one end of the first edge (E1) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the second lower layer (472) may include a second corner (C2) formed by a fourth edge (E4) extending from one end of the second edge (E2) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the -x-axis direction).

[0110] According to various embodiments, when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, the flexible display (230) may include a third buffer member (517) (e.g., a cushion member or a tape member) disposed between the first hinge plate (510) and the first lower layer (471) at a position overlapping at least a portion of the first corner (C1) and / or the third edge (E3). In one embodiment, when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, the flexible display (230) may include a fourth buffer member (527) disposed between the second hinge plate (520) and the second lower layer (472) at a position overlapping at least a portion of the second corner (C2) and / or the fourth edge (E4). For example, in the folding area of ​​the flexible display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 2A), the upper end (e.g., the upper edge) may be vulnerable to external impact, so the impact applied to the flexible display (230) can be effectively dispersed through the third buffer member (517) and the fourth buffer member (527).

[0111] According to various embodiments, the third buffer member (517) may be arranged in a manner such that it is seated in the first seating groove (511) formed lower than the outer surface of the first hinge plate (510). In one embodiment, the first seating groove (511) may be formed to a depth such that the third buffer member (517) is arranged to coincide with the outer surface of the first hinge plate (510), or at least not so high. In one embodiment, the fourth buffer member (527) may be arranged in a manner such that it is seated in the second seating groove (521) formed lower than the outer surface of the second hinge plate (520). In one embodiment, the second seating groove (521) may be formed to a depth such that the fourth buffer member (527) is arranged to coincide with the outer surface of the second hinge plate (520), or at least not so high. Although not shown, in the folding area of ​​the flexible display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 2A), the lower end (e.g., the lower edge) may also be applied with buffer members (e.g., the third buffer member (517) and the fourth buffer member (527)) in substantially the same manner.

[0112] According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 7a), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 7a), a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (230) of FIG. 7a) that is arranged to receive support from the first housing and the second housing and is configured to be bendable with respect to a folding axis (e.g., a folding axis (F) of FIG. 6a), a first lower layer (e.g., a first lower layer (471) of FIG. 7a) arranged under the flexible display at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing, and a first gap (e.g., a first gap (g1) of FIG. 7a) arranged under the flexible display at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing and having a direction parallel to the folding axis with the first lower layer. A second lower layer (e.g., the second lower layer (472) of FIG. 7a) and at least one hinge module (e.g., the hinge module (320) of FIG. 7a) that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other and includes a hinge may be included.The hinge module includes a support (e.g., the support (321) of FIG. 7a), a first rotation member (e.g., the first rotation member (322) of FIG. 7a) rotatably coupled to the support at one end and connected to the first housing at the other end, which supports the first lower layer at least partially and includes a rotation body, and a second rotation member (e.g., the second rotation member (323) of FIG. 5a) rotatably coupled to the support at one end and connected to the second housing at the other end, which supports the second lower layer at least partially and includes a rotation body, and the first rotation member has a first recess (e.g., the first recess (3221) of FIG. 7a) which, when the flexible display is viewed from above, has an area overlapping at least a first edge of the first lower layer lower than a first upper surface (e.g., the first upper surface (322a) of FIG. 7a) of the first rotation member. Including, the second rotation member may include a second recess (e.g., the second recess (3231) of FIG. 5A) in which, when the flexible display is viewed from above, at least an area overlapping the second edge of the second lower layer is lower than a second upper surface of the second rotation member (e.g., the second rotation member (323) of FIG. 5A).

[0113] According to various embodiments, a portion of the first recess and / or a portion of the second recess may be positioned to overlap the first gap when the flexible display is viewed from above.

[0114] According to various embodiments, the remaining portion of the first recess and / or the remaining portion of the second recess may be positioned at a position that does not overlap the first gap when the flexible display is viewed from above.

[0115] According to various embodiments, the first recess may have a depth equal to or greater than a step between the back surface of the flexible display and the first lower layer.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the second recess may have a depth equal to or greater than a step between the back surface of the flexible display and the second lower layer.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the first recess may be formed to a depth such that the back surface of the flexible display induces line contact with the upper surface of the first rotation member before the first edge of the first lower layer contacts the surface of the first recess, based on deformation of the flexible display.

[0118] According to various embodiments, the second recess may have a depth such that the back surface of the flexible display induces line contact with the first upper surface of the first rotation member before the second edge of the second lower layer contacts the surface of the second recess, based on deformation of the flexible display.

[0119] According to various embodiments, the device includes a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (510) of FIG. 7A) disposed between the first lower layer and the first rotation member, and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 7A) disposed between the second lower layer and the second rotation member, wherein the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may be disposed to have a second gap (e.g., the second gap (g2) of FIG. 7A) in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0120] According to various embodiments, in a first section corresponding to the first recess along the folding axis (e.g., the first section (S1) of FIG. 7a) and / or a second section corresponding to the second recess (e.g., the second section (S2) of FIG. 7a), the first gap may be set to be at least equal to or smaller than the second gap.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the first rotation member may be arranged such that at least a portion of the first upper surface including the first recess faces the back surface of the flexible display through the second gap.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the first rotation member may be arranged so that at least a portion of the surface of the first hinge plate and the surface of the first rotation member exposed through the second gap are aligned.

[0123] According to various embodiments, a first buffer member (e.g., the first buffer member (515) of FIG. 7a) may be disposed between the first hinge plate and the first lower layer and includes a flexible material.

[0124] According to various embodiments, a portion of the first buffer member may be disposed between the first rotating member and the first lower layer, in an area where the first rotating member is exposed through the second gap.

[0125] According to various embodiments, a second buffer member (e.g., the second buffer member (516) of FIG. 7A) may be disposed between the first buffer member and the first hinge plate at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first rotating member, and including a flexible material.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the first lower layer may include a first corner (e.g., the first corner (C1) of FIG. 10b) formed through a third edge (e.g., the third edge (E3) of FIG. 10b) extending from one end of the first edge in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and a third buffer member (e.g., the third buffer member (517) of FIG. 10b) disposed between the first hinge plate and the first lower layer at a position overlapping at least a portion of the first corner and / or the third edge when the flexible display is viewed from above, and including a flexible material.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the third buffer member may be seated in a first seating groove (e.g., the first seating groove (511) of FIG. 10b) lower than the outer surface of the first hinge plate so as to be aligned with the outer surface of the first hinge plate.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the second lower layer may include a second corner (e.g., the second corner (C2) of FIG. 10b) formed through a fourth edge (e.g., the fourth edge (E4) of FIG. 10b) extending from one end of the second edge in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and a fourth buffer member (e.g., the fourth buffer member (527) of FIG. 10b) disposed between the second hinge plate and the second lower layer at a position overlapping at least a portion of the second corner and / or the fourth edge when the flexible display is viewed from above, and including a flexible material.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the fourth buffer member may be seated in a second seating groove (e.g., the second seating groove (521) of FIG. 10b) lower than the outer surface of the second hinge plate so as to be aligned with the outer surface of the second hinge plate.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the first lower layer and / or the second lower layer may include a digitizer and / or a reinforcing plate (e.g., the first reinforcing plate (461) and the second reinforcing plate (462) of FIG. 4).

[0131] According to various embodiments, the flexible display may include a window layer (e.g., the window layer (410) of FIG. 4), a display panel (e.g., the display panel (430) of FIG. 4) disposed under the window layer, and a support plate (e.g., the support plate (450) of FIG. 4) disposed under the display panel and configured to provide foldable flexibility to the flexible display based on the folding axis.

[0132] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples presented to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, 1st housing (210); Second housing (220); A flexible display (230) arranged to receive support from the first housing and the second housing and configured to be bendable based on a folding axis (F); Below the flexible display, a first lower layer (471) arranged at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing; Below the flexible display, a second lower layer (472) is arranged at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing and is arranged to have a first gap (g1) with the first lower layer in a direction parallel to the folding axis; and At least one hinge module (320) configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other, The above hinge module, Support (321); A first rotation member (322) having one end rotatably coupled to the support and the other end connected to the first housing and at least partially supporting the first lower layer; and A second rotation member (323) is rotatably coupled to the support at one end and connected to the second housing at the other end, and at least partially supports the second lower layer. The first rotation member includes a first recess (3221) whose area overlapping at least the first edge (E1) of the first lower layer is lower than the first upper surface (322a) of the first rotation member when the flexible display is viewed from above. An electronic device in which the second rotation member includes a second recess (3231) in which, when the flexible display is viewed from above, an area overlapping at least the second edge (E2) of the second lower layer is lower than the second upper surface (323a) of the second rotation member.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which a portion of the first recess and / or a portion of the second recess is positioned to overlap the first gap when the flexible display is viewed from above.

3. In paragraph 2, An electronic device in which the remaining part of the first recess and / or the remaining part of the second recess is positioned so as not to overlap the first gap when the flexible display is viewed from above.

4. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the first recess has a depth equal to or greater than a step between the back surface of the flexible display and the first lower layer.

5. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the second recess has a depth equal to or greater than a step between the back surface of the flexible display and the second lower layer.

6. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the first recess has a depth such that the back surface of the flexible display makes line contact with the first upper surface of the first rotating member before the first edge of the first lower layer comes into contact with the surface of the first recess, based on deformation of the flexible display.

7. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the second recess has a depth such that the back surface of the flexible display makes line contact with the upper surface of the first rotating member before the second edge of the second lower layer comes into contact with the surface of the second recess based on deformation of the flexible display.

8. In paragraph 1, A first hinge plate (510) arranged between the first lower layer and the first rotation member; and It includes a second hinge plate (520) arranged between the second lower layer and the second rotation member, An electronic device in which the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate are arranged to have a second gap (g2) in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

9. In paragraph 8, An electronic device in which the first gap is set to be at least equal to or smaller than the second gap in the first section (S1) corresponding to the first recess and / or the second section (S2) corresponding to the second recess along the folding axis.

10. In paragraph 8, An electronic device in which the first rotation member is arranged so that at least a portion of the first upper surface including the first recess faces the back surface of the flexible display through the second gap.

11. In paragraph 10, An electronic device in which the first rotation member is arranged so that at least a portion of the surface of the first hinge plate and the surface of the first rotation member exposed through the second gap are aligned.

12. In paragraph 10, An electronic device including a first buffer member (515) disposed between the first hinge plate and the first lower layer.

13. In paragraph 12, An electronic device in which a portion of the first buffer member is disposed between the first rotation member and the first lower layer in an area where the first rotation member is exposed through the second gap.

14. In paragraph 10, An electronic device comprising a second buffer member (516) disposed between the first buffer member and the first hinge plate at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first rotating member.

15. In paragraph 7, The first lower layer includes a first corner (C1) formed through a third edge (E3) extending from one end of the first edge in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, An electronic device comprising a third buffer member (517) disposed between the first hinge plate and the first lower layer, at a position overlapping at least a portion of the first corner and / or the third edge when the flexible display is viewed from above.

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