Electronic device including display support structure

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device may comprise a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge assembly. In an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include: a hinge bracket; a first rotating member including a first rotating body configured to rotate about the at least one folding axis; a first hinge plate having one portion disposed in the first housing and another portion fixed, between the flexible display and the first rotating member, to the first rotating body; a first accommodating groove provided in the first hinge plate in a region overlapping the rotating body; and a first protective member having one portion disposed inside the first accommodating groove and another portion disposed in the first rotating body outside the first hinge plate. Various other embodiments may also be possible.

Description

Electronic device including a display support structure

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electronic devices, for example, electronic devices including a display support structure.

[0002] Electronic devices can refer to devices that perform specific functions based on the programs installed on them, such as home appliances, electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, audio / video devices, desktop / laptop computers, or car navigation systems. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as audio or video. As the integration of electronic devices increases and ultra-high-speed, high-capacity wireless communication becomes more widespread, a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, can be equipped with various functions. For example, in addition to communication functions, entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music / video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, or functions such as schedule management and electronic wallets are being integrated into a single electronic device.

[0003] As the use of personal or portable communication devices, such as smartphones, becomes more widespread, user demand for portability and ease of use is increasing. For example, a touchscreen display can serve as an output device, such as a screen that outputs visual information, while also providing a virtual keypad that replaces mechanical input devices (e.g., button-type input devices). This allows portable communication devices or electronic devices to be miniaturized while still offering the same or improved usability (e.g., a larger screen). On the other hand, the commercialization of flexible displays, such as those that can be folded or rolled, is expected to further enhance the portability and usability of electronic devices. Electronic devices including flexible displays can be carried in a folded or rolled state with multiple different structures (e.g., housings) and can provide a large screen when unfolded, thereby enhancing portability and usability.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing configured to form an exterior of the electronic device, the housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge assembly configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing and provide at least one folding axis, and a flexible display including a first display area disposed on one surface of the first housing, a second display area disposed on one surface of the second housing, and a folding area connecting the first display area and the second display area and disposed on at least a portion of the hinge assembly, the flexible display configured to output a screen. In one embodiment, the folding area may be configured to be deformed into a curved shape or a flat shape according to rotation of the first housing or the second housing. In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may include a hinge bracket, a first rotation member including a first rotation body rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and configured to rotate about the at least one folding axis, a first hinge plate having a portion disposed in the first housing and another portion fixed to the first rotation body between the flexible display and the first rotation member, a first receiving groove provided in the first hinge plate in an area overlapping the first rotation body, and a first protective member including a first portion disposed within the first receiving groove, and a second portion extending from one side of the first portion and disposed on the first rotation body outside the first hinge plate.

[0006] According to one embodiment, on the first hinge plate, the first protective member may be configured to suppress deformation of the folding area of ​​the flexible display due to an external force.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the first part of the first protective member is directly attached to the first hinge plate, and the second part of the first protective member includes a cover film arranged to face the first rotating body, so that it can be arranged in a state in which it is not attached to the first rotating body but is in contact with it.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a portion of the surface of the first protective member may be arranged to face the flexible display and may be arranged to form a continuous plane with the surface of the first rotating body or the surface of the hinge plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a first seating groove provided at a first depth on a surface of the first rotating body, and a second seating groove provided at a second depth less than the first depth on the surface of the first rotating body and positioned in contact with the first seating groove. In one embodiment, a portion of the hinge plate and the first portion of the first protective member may be at least partially positioned in the first seating groove. In one embodiment, the second portion of the first protective member may be at least partially positioned in the second seating groove.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first protective member may include at least one of a sponge material, a synthetic resin material, or a metal material.

[0011] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a hinge cover disposed between the first housing and the second housing and configured to be at least partially exposed to the external space as the first housing or the second housing rotates. In one embodiment, the hinge bracket may be disposed on the hinge cover.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first protective member may be disposed between the folding area and the hinge cover.

[0013] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may include a second rotation member including a second rotation body rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and configured to rotate about the at least one folding axis, a second hinge plate having a portion disposed in the second housing and another portion fixed to the second rotation body between the flexible display and the second rotation member, a second receiving groove provided in the second hinge plate in an area overlapping the second rotation body, and a second protection member having a portion disposed within the second receiving groove and another portion disposed on the second rotation body on an outer side of the second hinge plate. In one embodiment, when the folding area is a flat plate shape, the second protection member may be disposed side by side with the first protection member and configured to suppress deformation of the folding area of ​​the flexible display due to an external force on the second hinge plate.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the electronic device and / or the hinge assembly may further include a third protective member having a portion disposed facing the first protective member and another portion disposed facing the hinge plate, wherein the third protective member may be disposed at least partially between the hinge plate and the flexible display.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing configured to form an exterior of the electronic device, the housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge assembly configured to rotatably couple the first housing and the second housing and provide at least one folding axis, and a flexible display including a first display area disposed on one surface of the first housing, a second display area disposed on one surface of the second housing, and a folding area connected to the first display area and the second display area and disposed on at least a portion of the hinge assembly, the flexible display configured to output a screen. In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may include a hinge bracket, a rotating member including a rotating body rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and configured to rotate about at least one folding axis, and a support body extending from the rotating body, a hinge plate having a portion disposed in the first housing or the second housing and another portion fixed to the rotating member between the flexible display and the rotating member, a protection member including a receiving groove provided in the hinge plate in an area overlapping the rotating body, a first portion disposed in the hinge plate within the receiving groove, and a second portion extending from one side of the first portion and disposed in the rotating body on an outer side of the hinge plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the protective member may be configured to accumulate elastic force while deforming in response to an external force.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first part of the protective member may be directly attached to the hinge plate, and the second part of the protective member may be arranged in a contactable state without being attached to the rotating body.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the second portion of the protective member may include a cover film positioned facing the rotating body.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a portion of the surface of the protective member may be arranged to face the flexible display and may be arranged to form a continuous plane with the surface of the rotating body or the surface of the hinge plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a first seating groove provided at a first depth in a surface of the rotating body, and a second seating groove provided at a second depth less than the first depth in a surface of the rotating body and positioned in contact with the first seating groove. In one embodiment, a portion of the hinge plate and the first portion of the protective member may be at least partially positioned in the first seating groove. In one embodiment, the second portion of the protective member may be at least partially positioned in the second seating groove.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the protective member may include at least one of a sponge material, a synthetic resin material, or a metal material.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first portion of the protective member may be disposed between the folding area and the hinge plate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a hinge cover disposed between the first housing and the second housing and configured to be at least partially exposed to the external space as the first housing or the second housing rotates. In one embodiment, the hinge bracket may be disposed on the hinge cover.

[0024] In one embodiment, the protective member may be disposed between the folding area and the hinge cover.

[0025] The above-described aspects or other aspects, configurations and / or advantages of one embodiment of the present disclosure may be further clarified by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which housings are combined in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing how hinge plates are arranged in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the arrangement of hinge assembly(s) and electronic components within an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure arranged on a housing(s).

[0035] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an enlarged portion of 'E1' of FIG. 9 in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a third protective member of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure arranged on a housing(s).

[0037] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in isolation, and is a drawing showing a cut along line A-A' of FIG. 10.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in isolation, and is a drawing showing a cut along line B-B' of FIG. 10.

[0039] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the arrangement of a protective member of an electronic device or hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a protective member of an electronic device or hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged, and is a drawing showing a state cut along line A-A' of FIG. 10.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a protective member of an electronic device or hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a protective member of an electronic device or hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged, and is a drawing showing a state cut along line B-B' of FIG. 10.

[0043] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a protective member of an electronic device or hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a protective member of an electronic device or hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Throughout the attached drawings, similar reference numbers may be assigned to similar parts, components and / or structures.

[0046] Electronic devices that include flexible displays that can be transformed between two different parts of a housing that are folded facing each other and unfolded parallel to one side of each other have been commercialized. For example, a user can carry the electronic device with the different parts of the flexible display arranged to overlap each other, and when outputting the screen, the flexible display can unfold to provide a large screen. The folding or unfolding motion of the electronic device (or the housing) can be implemented, for example, by changing the relative alignment of multiple parts while moving with respect to each other. The components that implement the folding (or unfolding) motion of the electronic device (or the housing) can support a portion of the flexible display. For example, the region of the flexible display that transforms between a flat shape and a curved shape (hereinafter referred to as the "folding region") can be supported by the components that implement the folding (or unfolding) motion of the electronic device (or the housing). Components that implement the folding (or unfolding) motion may have acceptable manufacturing or assembly tolerances. These manufacturing or assembly tolerances may result in a height difference between the two components on the surfaces supporting the folding area. This height difference between the surfaces supporting the folding area may degrade the user's perceived sensory quality or reliability of the product, and may even cause damage to the flexible display during repeated deformation.

[0047] One embodiment of the present disclosure is intended to at least resolve the above-described problems and / or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described below, and can provide an electronic device including a support structure that stably supports a flexible display even if there is a manufacturing tolerance and / or an assembly tolerance.

[0048] One embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device including a support structure that suppresses (or alleviates) damage to a flexible display during repeated deformation operations.

[0049] One embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device that may provide a user with improved emotional quality and / or improved reliability of a product.

[0050] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0051] The following description of the accompanying drawings may provide an understanding of various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, including the claims and their equivalents. While the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the following description include numerous specific details to aid understanding, they are to be considered as one example of various exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the various implementations described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0052] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their reference meanings and can be used to clearly and consistently describe one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various implementations of the disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes, not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents.

[0053] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural meanings. Thus, for example, "a component surface" could be understood to include one or more of the surfaces of the component.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1 , in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may have at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)) omitted, or one or more other components added. In one embodiment, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0055] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor), or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0056] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0057] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0058] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0059] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0060] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0061] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0062] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0063] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0064] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0065] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0066] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0067] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0068] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0069] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0070] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0071] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0072] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In one embodiment, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0073] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0074] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0075] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0076] Electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0077] The embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it is understood that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0078] The term "module" used in embodiments of the present disclosure may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrally formed component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0079] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0080] According to one embodiment, a method according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0081] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to one embodiment, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0082] In the detailed description below, the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and / or the thickness direction of the electronic device may be mentioned, and the longitudinal direction may be defined as the 'Y-axis direction', the width direction as the 'X-axis direction', and / or the thickness direction as the 'Z-axis direction'. In one embodiment, with respect to the direction that a component is oriented, 'negative / positive (- / +)' may be mentioned together with the rectangular coordinate system illustrated in the drawings. For example, the front of the electronic device and / or the housing may be defined as the 'side facing the +Z direction', and the back side may be defined as the 'side facing the -Z direction'. In one embodiment, the side of the electronic device and / or the housing may include a region facing the +X direction, a region facing the +Y direction, a region facing the -X direction, and / or a region facing the -Y direction. In one embodiment, the 'X-axis direction' may mean both the '-X direction' and the '+X direction'. It should be noted that this is based on the rectangular coordinate system illustrated in the drawings for the sake of brevity of description, and that the description of these directions or components does not limit the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. For example, depending on the design specifications of the electronic device or the user's usage habits, the orthogonal coordinate system may be defined differently from that in the present disclosure.

[0083] In the embodiments described below, the first housing and the second housing are rotatably coupled to each other so that they can rotate relative to each other between a first position in which they are folded to face each other and a second position in which they are unfolded parallel to one side of each other. When referring to the embodiments of the electronic device in the embodiments described below, descriptions referring to a Cartesian coordinate system may be generally described based on the unfolded state. It may be understood that the folding axis(es) in the electronic device of the embodiments described below are substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the embodiments of the present disclosure may be understood to include an electronic device having a structure in which the folding axis(es) are parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0084] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (201), a hinge cover (240) covering a foldable portion of the housing (201), and a display (230) disposed within a space formed by the housing (201). According to one embodiment, a surface on which a screen output from the display (230) is exposed may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a first front surface (210a) and a second front surface (220a)). A surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a back surface of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a first back surface (210b) and a second back surface (220b)). In one embodiment, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a first side surface (210c) and a second side surface (220c)). The side of the electronic device (101) may be at least one side of the first housing (210) or the second housing (220). The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be referred to as a foldable electronic device, a portable electronic device, or a portable foldable electronic device. According to one embodiment, the housing (201) may be referred to as a foldable housing. The display (230) may be referred to as a “flexible display.”

[0086] According to one embodiment, the housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220) rotatable with respect to the first housing (210), a first rear cover (280), and a second rear cover (290). The housing (201) of the electronic device (101) is not limited to the shape and combination shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the first rear cover (280) may be formed integrally, and the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (290) may be formed integrally.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge assembly (202) of FIG. 4) and may include a first front surface (210a) facing a first direction and a first rear surface (210b) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing (220) is connected to the hinge assembly (202) and includes a second front surface (220a) facing a third direction and a second rear surface (220b) facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and may rotate about the hinge assembly (202) with respect to the first housing (210). Accordingly, the electronic device (101) may be variable between a folded state and an unfolded state. The folding or unfolding motion of the electronic device (101) can be understood as the rotation of the first housing (210) with respect to the hinge structure or the rotation of the second housing (220) with respect to the hinge structure. In the folded state of the electronic device (101), the first front side (210a) can face the second front side (220a), and in the unfolded state, the third direction can be the same as (or parallel to) the first direction. In the following, unless otherwise stated, the directions are described based on the unfolded state of the electronic device (101).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (A)(s) as the center, and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A)(s). As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) additionally includes a sensor area (224) in which sensors (e.g., a front camera) are arranged, but may have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the first housing (210) in other areas.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the folding axes (A) may be a plurality of parallel folding axes (e.g., two). In the present disclosure, the folding axes (A) are provided along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101), but the direction of the folding axes (A) is not limited thereto. For example (not shown), an embodiment may be implemented in which the electronic device (101) includes folding axes extending along the width direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a structure into which a digital pen (not shown) can be attached. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a magnetic body configured to attach the digital pen to a side of the first housing (210) or a side of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a structure into which a digital pen can be inserted. For example, a hole (not shown) into which a digital pen can be inserted may be formed in a side of the first housing (210) or a side of the second housing (220) of the electronic device (101).

[0091] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity of a size selected to support the display (230). At least a portion formed of the metallic material may provide a ground plane of the electronic device (101) and may be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., the board portion (260) of FIG. 4).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the sensor area (224) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one edge or one corner of the second housing (220). However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area (224) are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area (224) may be provided in another corner of the second housing (220) or any area between the upper and lower corners or in the first housing (210). In one embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device (101) may be exposed to the front of the electronic device (101) through the sensor area (224) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (224). In one embodiment, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor(s) may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (280) is disposed on one side of the folding axis (A)(s) at the rear of the electronic device (101) and may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, the periphery of which may be wrapped by another structure of the first housing (210). Similarly, the second rear cover (290) is disposed on the other side of the folding axis (A)(s) at the rear of the electronic device (101) and the periphery of which may be wrapped by another structure of the second housing (220).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (280) and / or the second rear cover (290) may have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis (A). However, the first rear cover (280) and the second rear cover (290) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include the first rear cover (280) and the second rear cover (290) of different shapes that are not symmetrical.

[0095] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (280), the second rear cover (290), the first housing (210), and the second housing (220) may provide spaces in which various components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) may be placed. In one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device (101). For example, at least a portion of the sub-display (234) may be visually exposed through at least a portion of the first rear cover (280). In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through at least a portion of the second rear cover (290). In various embodiments, the sensors may include a proximity sensor and / or a camera module (206) (e.g., a rear camera).

[0096] According to one embodiment, a front camera exposed to the front of the electronic device (101) through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (224) or a camera module (206) exposed through at least a portion of the second rear cover (290) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (101).

[0097] In one embodiment, the hinge cover (240) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to cover internal components (e.g., the hinge assembly (202) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the hinge cover (240) may be covered by portions of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on the state of the electronic device (101) (flat state or folded state). In one embodiment, the hinge cover (240) and / or the hinge assembly (202) may be understood as being a part of the housing (201). In one embodiment, the hinge cover (240) may be understood as being a part of the hinge assembly (202).

[0098] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (240) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may not be exposed. As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover (240) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). As another example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover (240) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than that in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (240) may include a curved surface.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the display (230) may be positioned on a space formed (or defined) by the housing (201). For example, the display (230) may be seated on a recess provided by the housing (201) and may form a majority of the front surface of the electronic device (101). Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device (101) may include the display (230), a portion of the first housing (210) adjacent to the display (230) and a portion of the second housing (220). The back surface of the electronic device (101) may include a first back cover (280), a portion of the first housing (210) adjacent to the first back cover (280), a second back cover (290), and a portion of the second housing (220) adjacent to the second back cover (290).

[0100] In one embodiment, the display (230) may include a plurality of spaced display areas. For example, the display (230) may include a first display area (231) disposed on a first housing (210), a second display area (232) disposed on a second housing (220), and a folding area (233). In one embodiment, the first display area (231) and the second display area (232) may rotate about the folding axis (A). In one embodiment, the folding area (233) may be understood as being disposed to overlap the folding axis (A), the hinge structure, and / or the hinge cover (240) when viewed in the front view of FIG. 2 .

[0101] According to one embodiment, the display (230) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display (230) may be a foldable or flexible display. According to one embodiment, the display (230) may include a folding area (233), a first display area (231) arranged on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding area (233) illustrated in FIG. 2) with respect to the folding area (233), and a second display area (232) arranged on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding area (233) illustrated in FIG. 2). However, the division of the areas of the display (230) is exemplary, and the display (230) may be divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the display (230) may be divided into regions by a folding region (233) or folding axis (A)(s) extending parallel to the Y-axis, but in other embodiments, the display (230) may be divided into regions based on other folding regions (e.g., a folding region parallel to the X-axis) or other folding axes (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the X-axis). According to one embodiment, the display (230) may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer (not shown) configured to detect a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first display area (231) and the second display area (232) may have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the folding area (233). According to one embodiment (not shown), the second display area (232), unlike the first display area (231), may include a cut notch depending on the presence of the sensor area (224), but may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the first display area (231) in other areas. For example, the first display area (231) and the second display area (232) may include a portion having a symmetrical shape with respect to each other and a portion having an asymmetrical shape with respect to each other.

[0103] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and each area of ​​the display (230) according to the state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., flat state or unfolded state and folded state) will be described.

[0104] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a flat state (e.g., FIG. 2), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged to face the same direction at a substantially 180-degree angle. The surface of the first display area (231) of the display (230) and the surface of the second display area (232) may form a 180-degree angle with each other and face the same direction (e.g., toward the front of the electronic device). The folding area (233) may form the same plane as the first display area (231) and the second display area (232).

[0105] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first display area (231) of the display (230) and the surface of the second display area (232) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between about 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and may face each other. When the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the folding area (233) may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

[0106] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an intermediate state (not shown), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. The surface of the first display area (231) of the display (230) and the surface of the second display area (232) may form an angle that is greater than the angle in the folded state and less than the angle in the unfolded state. The folding area (233) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a certain curvature, and the curvature at this time may be less than that in the folded state.

[0107] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which housings are combined in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which hinge plates are arranged in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the arrangement of hinge assemblies and electronic components within an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, an electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a housing (201), a display (230), a hinge assembly (202), a battery (250), and a substrate (260). For example, the housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (280), and a second rear cover (290). In one embodiment, the housing (201) may be understood to include a hinge cover (240). In one embodiment, as will be described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, the hinge cover (240) may be described as being part of the hinge assembly (202). The configuration of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the hinge cover (240), the first rear cover (280), and the second rear cover (290) of FIG. 4 may be all or part of the same as the configuration of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the hinge cover (240), the first rear cover (280), and the second rear cover (290) of FIG. 2 and / or FIG. 3.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be assembled to each other so as to be coupled to both sides of the hinge assembly (202). For example, the hinge assembly (202) may be disposed in a hinge area between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to rotatably couple the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). Here, the 'hinge area' may refer to a space in which the hinge assembly (202) is disposed, an area at least partially surrounded by the hinge cover (240), and / or a space between the folding area (233) of the display (230) and the hinge cover (240). In one embodiment, the hinge area may be understood as a space substantially disposed corresponding to the folding area (233). For example, when viewed in the unfolded state of FIG. 2, it can be understood that the hinge region is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the folding region (233) in the Z-axis direction.

[0110] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the hinge assembly (202) may include at least one hinge module (229) and a plurality of hinge plates (227). In the illustrated embodiment, three hinge modules (229) are sequentially arranged along the direction of the folding axis (A)(s), and a flexible printed circuit board (266) may be arranged to cross the folding axis (A)(s) through an area between two hinge modules (229). In one embodiment, depending on the size of the electronic device (200) to be manufactured, some of the three hinge modules (229) may be omitted or additional hinge modules may be arranged.

[0111] Although not shown, the hinge module (229) may include a hinge portion that provides the folding axes (A) and an interlocking portion (not shown) that interlocks the relative movement of the housings (210, 220). For example, the housings (210, 220) may be coupled to the hinge module (229) and may rotate with respect to the hinge module (229) or the hinge cover (240). The interlocking portion may include, for example, a first gear that rotates on the hinge cover (240) as the first housing (210) rotates, and a second gear that rotates on the hinge cover (240) as the second housing (220) rotates. In one embodiment, when the first gear and the second gear are engaged, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be configured to rotate in opposite directions with respect to each other. For example, when the first housing (210) rotates clockwise on the hinge cover (240), the hinge assembly (202) (e.g., the linkage of the hinge module (229)) can rotate the second housing (220) counterclockwise on the hinge cover (240). In one embodiment, a plurality of gears (e.g., one or two pairs) may be further arranged between the first gear and the second gear, thereby linking the rotations of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The number of gears included in the hinge module (229) (e.g., the linkage) can be appropriately selected according to the design specifications of the electronic device, such as the size or shape of the arrangement space.

[0112] In one embodiment, the hinge plates (227)(s) can be rotatably coupled to either of the housings (210, 220). In the unfolded state of FIG. 2, the hinge plates (227) can be aligned to form a continuous plane to support a portion of the display (230) (e.g., the folding area (233) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 4). In the folded state of FIG. 3, the hinge plates (227) can be arranged at an angle to one another, thereby implementing a space that accommodates the folding area (233) transformed into a curved shape.

[0113] According to one embodiment, when the hinge plates (227) provide a space for accommodating the folding area (233) while being inclined with respect to each other, the folding area (233) can maintain a curved shape within a specified curvature in the folded state. For example, in the folded state of FIG. 3, the folding area (233) can be protected from damage due to excessive folding by having a radius of curvature of a specified size, and the surfaces of the first display area (231) and the second display area (232) can be arranged to form a substantially 0-degree angle. Here, the phrase “arranged to form a 0-degree angle” may refer to a state in which the surface of the first display area (231) and the surface of the second display area (232) are arranged to be substantially parallel (or facing each other), while the gap between the surface of the first display area (231) and the surface of the second display area (232) is smaller than the radius of curvature of the folding area (233).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first support area (212) (e.g., a first support member) capable of supporting a component of the electronic device (200) (e.g., a first circuit board (262) and / or a first battery (252)) and a first side wall (211) surrounding at least a portion of the first support area (212). The first side wall (211) may include a first side surface of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the first side surface (210c) of FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second support area (222) capable of supporting a component of the electronic device (200) (e.g., a second circuit board (264) and / or a second battery (254)) and a second side wall (221) surrounding at least a portion of the second support area (222). The second side wall (221) may include a second side of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the second side (220c) of FIG. 2).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first side wall (211) or the second side wall (221) may be understood as a frame shape that at least partially surrounds the space between the front and the back of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the first housing (210) or the second housing (220)). In one embodiment, the support regions (212, 222) may be a structure extending from one of the side walls (211, 221). For example, for convenience of explanation, the support regions (212, 222) and the side walls (211, 221) are described separately, but the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the support regions (212 or 222) and the side walls (211 or 221) may be implemented as a single body. In one embodiment, the support areas (212 or 222) and the side walls (211 or 221) may be implemented by combining an insulating material and an electrically conductive material, in which case the housings (210, 220) may be implemented as an integral part of the support areas (212 or 222) and the side walls (211 or 221) through an insert injection process and / or a computer numerical control machining process. As will be seen through the embodiments described below, when including an electrically conductive material, portions of the support areas (212, 222) and the side walls (211, 221) may function as antenna(s) or radiating conductor(s).

[0116] In one embodiment, as mentioned above, at least a portion of one of the housings (210, 220) in the electronic device (200) may function as an antenna. In one embodiment, the portion of the electronic device (200) that functions as an antenna may be implemented on a side surface of at least one of the housings (210, 220). In one embodiment, the portion of the electronic device (200) that functions as an antenna may be positioned adjacent to a side surface of at least one of the housings (210, 220) and / or oriented in a direction intersecting the Z-axis. For example, the portion of the electronic device (200) that functions as an antenna may be implemented by a portion of the housings (210, 220), or may be manufactured as a separate component from the housings (210, 220) and may be positioned adjacent to an edge of the housings (210, 220). In one embodiment, the phrase 'the portion functioning as an antenna of the electronic device (200) is implemented by a portion of the housings (210, 220)' may be understood to include, for example, an example in which the portion functioning as an antenna is arranged to form a side surface of at least one of the housings (210, 220).

[0117] In one embodiment, although not shown, the first housing (210) may include a first waterproof member disposed in the first support area (212), and / or the second housing (220) may include a second waterproof member disposed in the second support area (222). The first waterproof member and / or the second waterproof member may be disposed in a gap between the display (230) and the support area (212, 222)(s) to prevent moisture or foreign substances from entering the interior of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the display (230) may include a first display area (231), a second display area (232), and / or a folding area (233). The configuration of the first display area (231), the second display area (232), and the folding area (233) of FIG. 3 may be all or part of the same as the configuration of the first display area (231), the second display area (232), and the folding area (233) of FIG. 2.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include a sub-display (234). In one embodiment, the sub-display (234) may display a screen in a different direction from the display areas (231, 232). For example, the sub-display (234) may output a screen in a direction opposite to the first display area (231). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (234) may be disposed on the first rear cover (280).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a camera assembly (204) comprising a plurality of cameras (e.g., the camera module (206) of FIG. 2 or 3). Although not shown, the electronic device (200) may further include a camera that captures a subject by penetrating a portion of the display (230) (e.g., the first display area (231) or the second display area (232)) or a camera that captures a subject by penetrating a portion of the sub-display (234). As will be described below, the camera assembly (204) may include a plurality of cameras having different angles of view. For example, a camera having an angle of view of approximately 100 degrees or more, a camera having an angle of view of approximately 65 to 85 degrees, and / or a camera having an angle of view of approximately 15 to 40 degrees may be included in the camera assembly (204). In one embodiment, the camera assembly may include an additional camera having a field of view different from the range of fields of view described above (e.g., approximately 40 to 60 degrees).

[0121] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) and / or the second rear cover (290) may include a cover plate (299) arranged correspondingly to the camera assembly (204). The cover plate (299) may, for example, provide an optical path (e.g., a through hole) corresponding to the camera assembly (204) while allowing the optical path to be harmonized with the exterior of the electronic device (200). To provide aesthetic appeal to the exterior of the electronic device (200) or to realize a harmonious appearance, the cover plate (299) may include a metal material. For example, the cover plate (299) may be made of a metal material or may be finished (e.g., printed, deposited, coated, or plated) with a metal material. In one embodiment, the cover plate (299) may be understood as a part of the second rear cover (290), with a portion (e.g., an edge) disposed inside the second rear cover (290) and another portion exposed to the exterior.

[0122] In one embodiment, the battery (250) may include a first battery (252) disposed within the first housing (210) and a second battery (254) disposed within the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first battery (252) may be connected to the first circuit board (262), and the second battery (254) may be connected to the second circuit board (264). In one embodiment, the battery (250) may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the battery (250) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0123] In one embodiment, the substrate (260) may include a first circuit board (262) disposed within a first housing (210) and a second circuit board (264) disposed within a second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first circuit board (262) and the second circuit board (264) may be electrically connected by at least one flexible printed circuit board (266). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board (266) may be disposed across a hinge region or a hinge structure (e.g., hinge assembly (202)). In one embodiment, the first circuit board (262) and the second circuit board (264) may be disposed within a space formed by the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the first rear cover (280), and the second rear cover (290). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (200) can be placed on the first circuit board (262) and the second circuit board (264).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include speakers (208a, 208b). According to one embodiment, the speakers (208a, 208b) may convert electrical signals into sound. According to one embodiment, the speakers (208a, 208b) may be disposed within a space formed by the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the first rear cover (280), and the second rear cover (290). According to one embodiment, the speakers (208a, 208b) may include an upper speaker (208a) positioned at the top (+Y direction) of the electronic device (200) and a lower speaker (208b) positioned at the bottom (-Y direction) of the electronic device (100). In the present disclosure, the speakers (208a, 208b) are illustrated as being positioned within one housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 4), but this is an optional structure. For example, the speakers (208a, 208b) may be located within at least one of the first housing (210) or the second housing (220). The configuration of the speakers (208a, 208b) of FIG. 4 may be all or part of the same as the configuration of the sound output module (155) of FIG. 1.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a rear member (270) (or rear case). According to one embodiment, the rear member (270) may be disposed within the housing (201) (e.g., the second housing (220)). According to one embodiment, the rear member (270) may accommodate at least one antenna (275). In one embodiment, the rear member (270) may function as a structure for disposing the antenna (275) and may function as a structure for supporting or protecting one of the circuit boards (262, 264). For example, a portion of the rear member (270) indicated by reference numeral '279' may support a portion of the circuit board (262, 264).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include an antenna (275). The antennas (275a, 275b) may include, for example, an ultra wide band (UWB) antenna (275a), a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna (275b). The antenna (275) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0127] In one embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a portion or a combination of the housing (201). For example, the antenna (275) may include a communication antenna (275c) that is at least partially exposed to the exterior of the electronic device (200) and forms at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (200). The communication antenna (275c) may be used for communication with an external electronic device (e.g., Wi-Fi). For example, the communication antenna (275c) may be positioned on the upper portion (271a) or the lower portion (271b) of the rear member (270). In addition, the electronic device (200) may further include additional antennas positioned adjacent to portions of the side walls (211, 221) or electronic components such as the camera assembly (204).

[0128] In the detailed description below, the housing may be described as including a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are rotatably coupled by a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge assembly (202)). However, it should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document. For example, the electronic device according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure may include three or more housings, and "a pair of housings (e.g., the first housing (210) and the second housing (220))" in the embodiments disclosed below may refer to "two housings that are rotatably coupled to each other among the three or more housings." In one embodiment, either the first housing (210) or the second housing (220) described above may include all of the configurations of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, in which case either the first housing (210) or the second housing (220) itself may be understood as an embodiment of the electronic device. For example, it is noted that the electronic device according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is not limited by the number of housing(s) or the coupling structure implemented between the plurality of housings.

[0129] In the embodiments described below, components that overlap with each other or can be easily understood through previous embodiments may be assigned the same reference numbers or may be omitted, and their detailed descriptions may be omitted. Even if reference numbers are assigned in the drawings but are not mentioned in the detailed description referring to the drawings, those skilled in the art will be able to easily understand the corresponding configurations through the overall detailed description of the present disclosure.

[0130] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure arranged on a housing(s). FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion 'E1' of FIG. 9 in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a third protective member of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure arranged on a housing(s).

[0131] The electronic device (300) of FIG. 8 may be, for example, identical in configuration to all or part of the electronic devices (101, 200) of FIGS. 1 to 4. Accordingly, the configuration of the electronic device (300) of FIG. 8 may be partially replaced by the configuration of the electronic devices (101, 200) of FIGS. 1 to 4 or may be selectively combined with the configuration of the electronic devices (101, 200) of FIGS. 1 to 4. The hinge assembly (302) of the embodiment described below may be, for example, identical in configuration to all or part of the hinge assembly (202) of FIG. 4, and may include a plurality of rotating members (323), a plurality of hinge plates (325), and / or a plurality of protective members (329, 339) corresponding to the first housing (310) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 4) and the second housing (320) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 4). It can be understood that the plurality of rotating members (323), the plurality of hinge plates (325), and / or the plurality of protective members (329, 339) are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to each other on the housing (301), and if necessary, the plurality of rotating members (323), the plurality of hinge plates (325), and / or the plurality of protective members (329) can be distinguished by an ordinal number such as 'first' or 'second' with reference to FIG. 10. For example, the plurality of rotating members may be referred to simply as 'rotating members', and the rotating member corresponding to the first housing among the plurality of rotating members (323) may be referred to as a 'first rotating member (323-1)'.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11 , the electronic device (300) may include a housing (301) configured to form an exterior of the electronic device (300), a flexible display (330) configured to output a screen, and / or a hinge assembly (302) configured to provide at least one folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 4 ). The housing (301) may include, for example, a first housing (310) and a second housing (320), and the hinge assembly (302) may be configured to rotatably couple the first housing (310) and the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the flexible display (330) may be arranged from the first housing (310) across the hinge assembly (302) to the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the housing (301) can be deformed (or displaced) between the unfolded state of FIG. 2 and the folded state of FIG. 3 by rotating the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) about the hinge assembly (302) or the folding axis (A)(s) of FIG. 4.

[0133] According to one embodiment, depending on the deformation of the housing (301), the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)) can be deformed into a flat shape or a curved shape. For example, when in the unfolded state of FIG. 2, the folding area (333) can be substantially flat and can be aligned to form a continuous plane with the first display area (331) and / or the second display area (332). In one embodiment, in the deformation operation of the folded state of FIG. 3 or the folded state of FIG. 3, the first display area (331) and the second display area (332) can be moved or displaced to an inclined state with respect to each other while the folding area (333) is deformed into a curved shape. When the folded state of FIG. 3 is reached, the first display area (331) and the second display area (332) can be aligned to be inclined at an angle of approximately 10 degrees or less with respect to each other or to be substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the first display area (331) and the second display area (332) can be deformed into a curved shape, similar to the folding area (333), but can be supported by the support areas (212, 222) to maintain a substantially flat shape.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) and / or the hinge assembly (302) can stably support the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)) in an unfolded state by including protective members (329, 339)(s). For example, the electronic device (300) and / or the hinge assembly (302) can include first protective members (329-1)(s) and second protective members (329-2)(s) disposed on a portion of the hinge assembly (302), and / or third protective members (339)(s) disposed corresponding to at least a portion (substantially the entire area) of the hinge assembly (302). The protective members (329, 339)(s) can, for example, guide or support deformation of the folding area (333), and can suppress deformation of the flexible display (330) due to external force in the unfolded state. For example, the first protective members (329-1)(s) and the second protective members (329-2)(s) can be understood as being arranged between the folding area (333) and the hinge cover (340). Here, the 'external force' can refer to a force applied to the folding area (333) or the flexible display (330) by, for example, a user's contact (e.g., a touch input). In the illustrated embodiment, the third protective member (339)(s) may be understood to be positioned between the hinge plate (325) and the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)) in a sheet shape corresponding to the shape of the hinge assembly (302) when viewed from the front. However, it should be noted that the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the third protective member (339)(s) may be provided in a size or shape corresponding to the entire area of ​​the flexible display (330).

[0135] According to one embodiment, when the folding area (333) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the folding area (333) has a flat shape), the first protective member (329-1)(s) and the second protective member (329-2)(s) may be arranged parallel to one side of each other. In one embodiment, when the folding area (333) is in a folded state, the first protective member (329-1)(s) and the second protective member (329-2)(s) may be aligned to face each other with at least a portion of the folding area (333) therebetween. In one embodiment, in order to stably support the folding area (333) in the unfolded state, the gap between the first protective member (329-1)(s) and the second protective member (329-2)(s) may be appropriately selected. For example, the smaller the gap between the first protective member (329-1)(s) and the second protective member (329-2)(s) in the unfolded state, the more stably the support structure of the folding area (333) can be implemented.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the first protective member (329-1)(s) and / or the second protective member (329-2)(s) may include a sponge material, a synthetic resin material (e.g., polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), or a metal material. In one embodiment, the density, hardness, or elastic modulus of the first protective member (329-1)(s) and / or the second protective member (329-2)(s) may be a metal material having a lower density, hardness, or elastic modulus than that of the rotating member (323) and / or the hinge plate (325). For example, on the hinge assembly (302), the first protective member (329-1)(s) and / or the second protective member (329-2)(s) may be positioned in direct contact with the third protective member (339)(s) and / or the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)). In one embodiment, by being in direct contact with the third protective member (339)(s) and / or the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)), the first protective member (329-1)(s) and / or the second protective member (329-2)(s) may accumulate elastic force while being at least partially compressed or contracted.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (302) may include a hinge cover (340), a rotation member (323)(s), and / or a hinge plate (325)(s). In one embodiment, it may be understood that the first protection member (329-1)(s) and / or the second protection member (329-2)(s) are included in the hinge assembly (302). The configuration of this hinge assembly (302) will be examined in more detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. Referring to FIG. 8, the hinge cover (340) may be accommodated in a space implemented by a combination of the first housing (310) and the second housing (320), and may be partially exposed to the external space in the folded state of FIG. 3. For example, the hinge cover (340) may be understood to be a part of the housing (301).

[0138] In one embodiment, the rotational members (323)(s) are rotatably disposed on the hinge cover (340) and can be coupled to either the first housing (310) or the second housing (320) by the hinge plate (325)(s). The hinge plate (325)(s) can be substantially fixed to the rotational members (323)(s), and a portion thereof can be disposed in either the first housing (310) or the second housing (320). For example, the hinge plate (325)(s) can function as a structure that connects (or couples) the rotational members (323)(s) to either the first housing (310) or the second housing (320). In one embodiment, as mentioned through the embodiment of FIG. 4, when in a folded state, the hinge plates (325) may be arranged at an angle with respect to each other, thereby providing a space for accommodating a folding area (333) deformed into a curved shape.

[0139] In one embodiment, the configuration of the support areas (212, 222)(s) and the side walls (211, 221)(s) of the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320) may be substantially the same as the embodiment of FIG. 4. In one embodiment, when in an unfolded state, the hinge plates (325)(s) may be arranged substantially in the same plane as the support areas (212, 222)(s), thereby supporting the flexible display (330) in a flat shape together with the support areas (212, 222)(s). In one embodiment, when in a folded state, the hinge plates (325)(s) may be arranged at an angle with respect to each other and / or with respect to the support areas (212, 222)(s). In one embodiment, when in the folded state, the hinge plates (325)(s) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to each other, such that the first support area (212) and the first hinge plate (325-1) are aligned to form a continuous plane, and the second support area (222) and the second hinge plate (325-2) are aligned to form a continuous plane. In one embodiment, when the first support area (212) and the first hinge plate (325-1) (or the second support area (222) and the second hinge plate (325-2)) are aligned to form a continuous plane even in the folded state, the hinge plates (325)(s) may be understood to be fixed to either the first housing (310) or the second housing (320).

[0140] Hereinafter, the hinge assembly (302) will be examined in more detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17. In describing the embodiment(s) described below, reference numerals in the drawings may be assigned the same or omitted for components that can be easily understood through the preceding embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may also be omitted. Components omitted from FIGS. 12 to 17 and / or the detailed descriptions referencing them may refer to the preceding embodiment.

[0141] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line A-A' of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line B-B' of FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a protective member of an electronic device or hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in an arrangement.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the hinge assembly (302) may include a hinge bracket (321), a rotation member (323)(s), a hinge plate (325)(s), and / or a protection member (329)(s). In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (302) provides at least one folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 4), such that the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are connected (or coupled) to each other by the hinge assembly (302) and can rotate about the at least one folding axis (A). In one embodiment, a plurality of rotation members (323) may be rotatably coupled to a single hinge bracket (321). In one embodiment, the plurality of rotation members (323) may rotate about different axes of rotation on the hinge bracket (321).

[0143] In one embodiment, when the plurality of rotational members (323) rotate about the hinge bracket (321) about different axes of rotation, the hinge assembly (302) may be understood to provide a plurality of folding axes (A). In one embodiment, the plurality of folding axes (A) may be substantially parallel to one another. In one embodiment, when one of the plurality of rotational members (323) is connected to the first housing (310) by one of the hinge plates (325), another of the plurality of rotational members (323) may be connected to the second housing (320) by another of the hinge plates (325). For example, the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may rotate about the hinge bracket (321) (or the hinge cover (340)) about different folding axes (A).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket (321) may be disposed on the hinge cover (340). For example, the hinge bracket (321) may be disposed or fixed on the inner surface of the hinge cover (340). In one embodiment, a plurality of hinge brackets (321) may be disposed at a specified interval along the Y-axis direction. In one embodiment, the hinge bracket (321) may include a guide rail (321c). The guide rail (321c) may be, for example, an arc trajectory having a radius of a specified size centered on at least one folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail (321c) may have a shape that protrudes along the Y-axis direction into the inner space of the hinge bracket (321), and may be understood to extend along an arc trajectory in the XZ plane.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the rotation member (323) may include a rotation body (323a) that is rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket (321) and configured to rotate about at least one folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 4). The rotation member (323) may provide at least one guide groove (323c) on a surface facing the Y-axis direction, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide grooves (323c) may be understood as being provided on the rotation body (323a) on a surface facing the +Y direction and a surface facing the -Y direction, respectively. In one embodiment, the rotation member (323) (or the rotation body (323a)) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (321) in a state where the guide grooves (323c) accommodate the guide rails (321c). For example, the guide groove (323c) may be understood as having a sunken shape on one side of the rotating body (323a) along the Y-axis direction and extending along an arc trajectory in the XZ plane.

[0146] In one embodiment, the radius of the trajectory of the guide groove (323c) may be substantially the same as the radius of the trajectory of the guide rail (321c). For example, the rotating member (323) (or the rotating body (323a)) may rotate on the hinge bracket (321) while being guided by the guide groove (323c) and the guide rail (321c). In one embodiment, the radial center of the trajectory of the guide groove (323c) (or the radial center of the trajectory of the guide rail (321c)) may be understood to be substantially located on at least one folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, when a plurality of rotating members (323) are coupled to one hinge bracket (321), the hinge bracket (321) may provide at least two pairs of guide rails (321c). In one embodiment, when the hinge assembly (302) is structured to provide a plurality of folding axes (A), it can be understood that the radial center of one pair of the two pairs of guide rails (321c) is disposed on the first folding axis, and the radial center of the other pair of the two pairs of guide rails (321c) is disposed on the second folding axis.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the rotating member (323) may further include a support body (323b) extending from the rotating body (323a). The support body (323b) may, for example, function as a structure that more firmly connects the hinge plate (325) and the rotating member (323). In one embodiment, when the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are spread out substantially at an angle of 180 degrees, the support body (323b) may interfere with the hinge bracket (321), thereby suppressing the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) from being spread out at an angle exceeding 180 degrees. In one embodiment, when the hinge plates (325)(s) are structured to be inclinedly aligned with respect to each other (or with respect to the support areas (212, 222)(s)) in the folded state of FIG. 3, the support body (323b) may be rotatably coupled to either the first housing (310) or the second housing (320). For example, a guide structure similar to the guide rail (321c) and the guide groove (323c) may be provided between the support body (323b) and the first housing (310) (or the second housing (320)).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the rotating member (323) may further include a first seating groove (323d) and / or a second seating groove (323e). Referring further to FIG. 15, the first seating groove (323d) may be formed, for example, at a first depth (d1) on the surface of the rotating body (323a) to accommodate a portion of the hinge plate (325) (e.g., the seating portion (325b)), and a portion of the protective member (329) (e.g., the first portion (329a) of FIG. 16) may be at least partially disposed in the first seating groove (323d). In one embodiment, the second seating groove (323e) may be formed at a second depth (d2) on the surface of the rotating body (323a) and may be disposed to substantially contact the first seating groove (323d). In one embodiment, the second depth (d2) may be smaller than the first depth (d1). For example, the first settling groove (323d) may be understood as being more recessed from the bottom of the second settling groove (323e).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the hinge plate (325) may extend in the Y-axis direction and may have a shape corresponding to a portion of the folding area (333) in the X-axis direction. In one embodiment, by including a pair of hinge plates (325), the hinge assembly (302) may support substantially the entire area of ​​the folding area (333). For example, half of the folding area (333) may be supported by a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (325-1) of FIG. 10) disposed on the first housing (310), and the remaining half of the folding area (333) may be supported by a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (325-2) of FIG. 10) disposed on the second housing (320).

[0150] In one embodiment, the hinge plate (325) may be substantially disposed or fixed to the rotating member (323) on the supporting body (323b), and a portion (e.g., the seating portion (325b)) may be disposed on the rotating body (323a) (e.g., the first seating groove (323d)). In one embodiment, the seating portion (325b) may be disposed or fixed to the rotating body (323a), so that the hinge plate (325) is disposed or fixed to the rotating member (323), and the supporting body (323b) may be understood to support a portion of the hinge plate (325). In one embodiment, the seating portion (325b) may have a smaller thickness than the remaining portion of the hinge plate (325). In one embodiment, the support body (323b) of the rotating member (323) provides a surface lower than the rotating body (323a), and when the lower surface of the hinge plate (325) is arranged to face the support body (323b), the upper surface of the hinge plate (325) can be arranged on a plane substantially the same as the surface of the rotating body (323a) (e.g., a plane indicated as 'P1' in FIG. 15).

[0151] According to one embodiment, when the hinge plate (325) is disposed on the rotation member (323) and / or the support body (323b), the seating portion (325b) may be substantially disposed in the first seating groove (323d). For example, the height difference between the support body (323b) and the rotation member (323a), and / or the first seating groove (323d) may function as a structure that guides the assembly of the hinge plate (325) and the rotation member (323) (or implements a firmly connected state). In one embodiment, the depth difference between the first seating groove (323d) and the second seating groove (323e) may be substantially equal to the thickness of the seating portion (325b).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the upper surface of the hinge plate (325) and / or the surface of the rotation body (323a) aligned on the same plane as the upper surface thereof may be arranged to face, for example, the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)). For example, the upper surface of the hinge plate (325) and / or the surface of the rotation body (323a) aligned on the same plane as the upper surface thereof may serve as a surface supporting the folding area (330). As mentioned above, when a manufacturing tolerance or an assembly tolerance exists, a step or a height difference may occur between the upper surface of the hinge plate (325) and the surface of the rotation body (323a) in the area supporting the folding area (333). Such a step or height difference may form a curvature in the surface of the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)), thereby, for example, lowering the emotional quality perceived by the user or causing damage to the folding area (333). According to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure, the electronic device (300) and / or the hinge assembly (302) may include a protective member (329) and / or a receiving groove (325a), thereby suppressing the deterioration of the emotional quality or damage to the folding area (333) due to the step or height difference.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the receiving groove (325a) may be formed in a shape that is recessed to a specified depth in the surface of the hinge plate (325) and may be at least partially located in the seating portion (325b). For example, the receiving groove (325a) may be provided in the hinge plate (325) in an area that at least partially overlaps the rotating body (323a) and / or the first seating groove (323d). In one embodiment, when the thickness of the seating portion (325b) is provided to correspond to the depth difference between the first seating groove (323d) and the second seating groove (323e), the depth of the receiving groove (325a) may be provided to correspond to the depth of the second seating groove (323e). For example, when the hinge plate (325) is coupled with the rotating member (323), the bottom surface of the receiving groove (325a) and the bottom surface of the second settling groove (323e) can be aligned on substantially the same plane.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the receiving groove (325a) and / or the second securing groove (323e) are provided on a part of a surface (e.g., a plane indicated as 'P1' in FIG. 15) that supports the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)), so that even if there is a height difference at the boundary between the hinge plate (325) and the rotating body (323a), a deviation in the force that supports the folding area (333) can be suppressed. For example, even if there is a manufacturing tolerance (or assembly tolerance) between the receiving portion (325b) and the rotating body (323a), the area where the receiving groove (325a) and / or the second securing groove (323e) is provided may be lower than the remaining surface of the hinge plate (325) and / or the remaining surface of the rotating body (323a). Accordingly, even if there is a manufacturing tolerance (or assembly tolerance) between the mounting portion (325b) and the rotating body (323a), the flexible display (330) in the unfolded state (e.g., the folding area (333)) can maintain a flat shape, and damage to the flexible display (330) that may occur from repeated deformation can be suppressed while securing the emotional quality perceived by the user.

[0155] According to one embodiment, in a structure where the hinge plate (325) (e.g., the seating portion (325b)) and the rotating body (323a) do not substantially support the folding area (333) in an area where the receiving groove (325a) and / or the second seating groove (323e) are provided, partial deformation may occur when an external force is applied to the folding area (333). For example, when a user's touch input is performed in an area where the receiving groove (325a) and / or the second seating groove (323e) is provided, the folding area (333) may be deformed, causing a feeling of anxiety or discomfort to the user. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective member (329) (e.g., the first protective member (329-1) and / or the second protective member (329-2) of FIG. 10) is provided on the receiving groove (325a) and / or the second mounting groove (323e) to suppress deformation of the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)) even when an external force is applied. For example, the hinge assembly (302) can suppress deterioration of the emotional quality or deterioration of reliability due to local deformation of the folding area (333) by including the protective member (329).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the protective member (329) may support the flexible display (330) (e.g., folding area (333)) in an area where the receiving groove (325a) and / or the second mounting groove (323e) are disposed, by having a portion (e.g., a first portion (329a) of FIG. 16) disposed on the receiving groove (325a) and another portion (e.g., a second portion (329b) of FIG. 16) disposed on the rotating member (323) (e.g., the rotating body (323a)). In one embodiment, the second portion (329b) of the protective member (329) may extend from one side of the first portion (329a) of the protective member (329) and be disposed on the rotating body (323a) (e.g., the second mounting groove (323e)) on the outside of the hinge plate (325). Here, the phrase 'the protective member (329) supports the folding area (333)' may refer to suppressing deformation of the flexible display (330) due to user contact in the unfolded state of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the phrase 'the protective member (329) supports the folding area (333)' may refer to providing an area that supports a portion of the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333)) when the hinge plate (325) and the rotating body (323a) are combined to provide an area, the protective member (329) is provided as a portion of this support area. In one embodiment, in a plane (e.g., a plane indicated as 'P1' in FIG. 15) in which a hinge plate (325) and a rotating body (323a) are combined, it can be understood that the protective member (329) is arranged to cross the boundary between the hinge plate (325) and the rotating body (323a).

[0157] In one embodiment, a portion of the surface of the protective member (329) on the hinge assembly (302) may be arranged to form a continuous plane (or a continuous curved surface) with the surface of the rotating body (323a) or the surface of the hinge plate (325). In one embodiment, the protective member (329) may be understood as a structure that maintains the flexible display (330) in a specified shape (e.g., a flat plate) in combination with the rotating body (323a) or the hinge plate (325). For example, a portion of the surface of the protective member (329) may be arranged to face the flexible display (330) together with the surface of the rotating body (323a) or the surface of the hinge plate (325). In one embodiment, the phrase "a portion of the surface of the protective member (329) is arranged to form a continuous plane (or a continuous curved surface) with the surface of the rotating body (323a) or the surface of the hinge plate (325)" may refer to the arrangement or shape of the protective member (329) when the flexible display (330) (or the third protective member (339) of FIG. 8) is assembled on the first housing (310), the second housing (320), and / or the hinge assembly (302). In one embodiment, the phrase "a portion of the surface of the protective member (329) is arranged to form a continuous plane with the surface of the rotating body (323a) or the surface of the hinge plate (325)" may refer to the arrangement or shape of the protective member (329) when the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are spread out to form a substantially 180 degree angle with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the portion of the surface of the hinge plate (325) that forms a continuous plane with the surface of the protective member (329) may refer to, for example, a surface of a portion where no receiving groove (325a) is provided. In one embodiment, the portion of the surface of the rotating member (323) (e.g., rotating body (323a)) that forms a continuous plane with the surface of the protective member (329) may refer to, for example, a surface of a portion where no first mounting groove (323d) and / or second mounting groove (323e) is provided.

[0158] In one embodiment, as mentioned above, the protective member (329) may have a lower density, hardness, or elastic modulus than the rotating member (323) and / or the hinge plate (325). For example, the protective member (329) may include a sponge material, a synthetic resin material such as PC or PET, and / or a metal material. In one embodiment, when the protective member (329) is disposed on the hinge plate (325) and / or the rotating body (323a) (e.g., when the third protective member (339) and / or the flexible display (330) is not disposed), the protective member (329) may protrude from the surface of the hinge plate (325) and / or the surface of the rotating body (323a). In one embodiment, when the third protective member (339) and / or the flexible display (330) is placed on the hinge assembly (302), the protective member (329) accumulates elastic force as it is compressed (or contracted), and at least a portion of the surface of the protective member (329) can be aligned on the same plane as the surface of the hinge plate (325) and / or the surface of the rotating body (323a). The placement of the protective member (329) or the support structure provided by the protective member (329) will be further described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0159] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a protective member of an electronic device or a hinge assembly is arranged according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a drawing showing a state cut along line A-A' of FIG. 10. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a protective member of an electronic device or a hinge assembly is arranged according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a protective member of an electronic device or a hinge assembly is arranged according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a drawing showing a state cut along line B-B' of FIG. 10.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, a part of the hinge plate (325) (e.g., the seating portion (325b)) may be positioned in the first seating groove (323d), and a first part (329a) of the protective member (329) may be positioned in the hinge plate (325) (e.g., the receiving groove (325a) of FIG. 14) and a second part (329b) of the protective member (329) may be positioned in the second seating groove (323e). In one embodiment, the thickness of the seating portion (325b) of the hinge plate (325) may correspond to the difference between the first depth (d1) and the second depth (d2), and the thickness of the protective member (329) may correspond to the depth of the receiving groove (325a) and / or the depth of the second seating groove (323e). For example, when disposed on the hinge plate (325) and / or the rotating member (323) (e.g., the rotating body (323a)), at least a portion of the surface of the protective member (329) may be aligned with a plane indicated as 'P1' together with a portion of the surface of the rotating body (323a) (or a portion of the surface of the hinge plate (325)). However, the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and it may be understood that when the third protective member (339) and / or the flexible display (330) is disposed on the hinge assembly (302), as the protective member (329) is compressed, a portion of the surface of the protective member (329) may be aligned with the plane indicated as 'P1'. In one embodiment, when the protective member (329) has a smaller elastic modulus than the hinge plate (325) and / or the rotating member (323) (e.g., the rotating body (323a)), even if there is a manufacturing tolerance (or assembly tolerance) in the thickness of the mounting portion (325b) and the depth (d1, d2) of the first mounting groove (323d) (or the second mounting groove (323e)), the surface supporting the flexible display (330) (e.g., the folding area (333) of FIG. 10) on the hinge assembly (302) can be implemented as a substantially flat surface.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the protective member (329) may include a body (429a) made of a sponge material, a synthetic resin material, and / or a metal material, and may further include an adhesive layer (429b) provided on one surface and / or a cover film (429c) provided on a portion of the adhesive layer (429b). In one embodiment, the protective member (329) (e.g., the body (429a)) may be attached to a hinge plate (325) (e.g., a mounting portion (325b)) and / or a rotating body (323a) (e.g., a second mounting groove (323d)) by the adhesive layer (429b). In one embodiment, when the hinge plate (325) and the rotating body (323a) are made of different materials, there may be a difference in the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer (429b) to the hinge plate (325) and the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer (429b) to the rotating body (323a). When there is a difference in the adhesive strength, the protective member (329) may be separated or reattached from either the hinge plate (325) or the rotating body (323a). The separation / reattachment phenomenon of the adhesive layer (429b) may generate noise during use of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101, 200, 300) of FIGS. 1 to 4 or FIG. 8) or during an operation in which the housing (201, 301) is deformed.

[0162] In one embodiment, the cover film (429c) may be provided on the second portion (329b). In one embodiment, the cover film (429c) may be understood to be a part of the second portion (329b). For example, the protective member (329) may be directly attached to the hinge plate (325) (e.g., the mounting portion (325b)) in the first portion (329a), and the second portion (329b) (or a part of the adhesive layer (429b)) may be positioned to face the rotating body (323a) (e.g., the bottom of the second mounting groove (323d)) with the cover film (429c) therebetween. The cover film (429c) may be arranged so as to block the adhesive layer (429c) (or the protective member (329)) from being attached to the rotating body (323a) in the second portion (329b), but so as to be in contact with the rotating body (323a). For example, in the first portion (329a), the protective member (329) may be directly attached to the hinge plate (325), and in the second portion (329b), the protective member (329) may be arranged so as to be in contact with the rotating body (323a) without being attached to it. Accordingly, even if there is a deviation in adhesive force due to a difference in materials between the hinge plate (325) and the rotating body (323c), the protective member (329) may not be directly attached to the rotating body (323a), so that noise generation may be suppressed. In one embodiment, when a structure is implemented in which the adhesive layer (429b) is provided in the first part (329a) and not provided in the second part (329b), the cover film (429c) may be omitted.

[0163] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a state in which a protective member of an electronic device or a hinge assembly is arranged according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a state in which a protective member of an electronic device or a hinge assembly is arranged according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 18, the electronic device (300) and / or the hinge assembly (302) may further include a fourth protective member (529) disposed between the hinge plate (525) (e.g., the hinge plate (325) of FIGS. 12 to 14) and the rotating member (323) (e.g., the rotating member (323) or the rotating body (323a) of FIGS. 12 to 14). In one embodiment, when the fourth protective member (529) is disposed, the aforementioned protective members (e.g., the first protective member (329-1) and / or the second protective member (329-2) of FIG. 10) may be omitted. The fourth protective member (529) may include, for example, at least one of a sponge material, a synthetic resin material, or a metal material, and may have a lower elastic modulus than the hinge plate (525) and / or the rotating member (323). In one embodiment, when the third protective member (339) and / or the flexible display (330) of FIG. 8 is placed on the hinge assembly (302), the fourth protective member (529) is compressed, and the surface of the hinge plate (525) and the surface of the rotation member (323) can be aligned to form a substantially continuous plane (e.g., the plane indicated as 'P1' in FIG. 15).

[0165] Referring to FIG. 19, the electronic device (300) and / or the hinge assembly (302) may further include a fifth protective member (529a) aligned substantially in the same plane as the hinge plate (525). In one embodiment, the fifth protective member (529a) may be disposed on the rotating body (323a) in combination with the fourth protective member (529) or at least one of the protective members (329-1, 329-2) of FIG. 10. The fifth protective member (529a) may, for example, be disposed within a first mounting groove (e.g., the first mounting groove (323d) of FIG. 14) together with the hinge plate (525) on the rotating member (323).

[0166] As described above, the electronic device according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (101, 200, 300) of FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8) includes a protective member (e.g., the protective member (329, 339) of FIG. 8 or 14) disposed in an area supporting a flexible display (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1, the display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or the flexible display (330) of FIG. 8), thereby stably supporting the flexible display even when there are manufacturing tolerances and / or assembly tolerances. In one embodiment, the protective member(s) may implement a flat surface supporting the flexible display even when there are steps at the boundaries of mechanical parts, thereby suppressing (or alleviating) damage to the flexible display during repeated deformation operations, and providing the user with improved emotional quality and / or improved reliability for the product.

[0167] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description of the above-described embodiment(s).

[0168] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101, 200, 300) of FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8) comprises a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210, 310) of FIG. 4 or 8), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220, 320) of FIG. 4 or 8), and a hinge assembly (e.g., a hinge assembly (202, 302) of FIG. 4 or 8) configured to rotatably couple the first housing and the second housing and provide at least one folding axis (e.g., a folding axis (A) of FIG. 4), the housing configured to form an exterior of the electronic device (e.g., a housing (201, 301) of FIG. 4 or 8), and a first display area (e.g., a first display area of ​​FIG. 2, 4 or 8) disposed on one surface of the first housing. A flexible display (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1, a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or a flexible display (330) of FIG. 8) configured to output a screen may include a second display area (e.g., a second display area (232, 332) of FIG. 2, FIG. 4, or FIG. 8) disposed on one surface of the second housing, a folding area (e.g., a folding area (233, 333) of FIG. 2, FIG. 4, or FIG. 8) connecting the first display area and the second display area and disposed on at least a portion of the hinge assembly. In one embodiment, the folding area may be configured to be transformed into a curved shape or a flat shape according to rotation of the first housing or the second housing.In one embodiment, the hinge assembly comprises a first rotation member (e.g., the first rotation member (323-1) of FIG. 10 or the rotation member (323) of FIGS. 12 to 14) including a hinge bracket (e.g., the hinge bracket (321) of FIG. 12 or FIG. 13), a first rotation body (e.g., the rotation body (323a) of FIGS. 12 to 14) rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and configured to rotate about the at least one folding axis), a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (325-1) of FIG. 10 or the hinge plate (325) of FIGS. 12 to 14) fixed to the first rotation body, a portion of which is disposed in the first housing and another portion (e.g., the mounting portion (325b) of FIGS. 12 to 14) between the flexible display and the first rotation member), the first rotation member A first protective member (e.g., a second protective member (329-2) of FIG. 10 or a protective member (329) of FIGS. 12 to 16) may be included, which includes a first receiving groove (e.g., a receiving groove (325a) of FIGS. 12 to 14) provided in the first hinge plate in an area overlapping the body, a first part (e.g., a first part (329a) of FIG. 15 or 16) disposed within the first receiving groove, and a second part (e.g., a second part (329b) of FIG. 15 or 16) extended from one side of the first part and disposed on the first rotation body on the outside of the first hinge plate.

[0169] According to one embodiment, on the first hinge plate, the first protective member may be configured to suppress deformation of the folding area of ​​the flexible display due to an external force.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the first part of the first protective member is directly attached to the first hinge plate, and the second part of the first protective member includes a cover film (e.g., cover film (429c) of FIG. 16) arranged to face the first rotating body, so that the second part can be arranged in a state of being in contact with the first rotating body without being attached to the first rotating body.

[0171] According to one embodiment, a portion of the surface of the first protective member may be arranged to face the flexible display and form a continuous plane (e.g., a plane indicated as 'P1' in FIG. 15) with the surface of the first rotating body or the surface of the hinge plate.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a first seating groove (e.g., the first seating groove (323d) of FIG. 14 or 15) provided at a first depth (e.g., the first depth (d1) of FIG. 15) on a surface of the first rotating body and disposed in contact with the first seating groove, and a second seating groove (e.g., the second seating groove (323e) of FIG. 14 or 15) provided at a second depth (e.g., the second depth (d2) of FIG. 15) less than the first depth on the surface of the first rotating body and disposed in contact with the first seating groove. In one embodiment, a portion of the hinge plate and the first portion of the first protective member may be at least partially disposed in the first seating groove. In one embodiment, the second portion of the first protective member may be at least partially disposed in the second seating groove.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the first protective member may include at least one of a sponge material, a synthetic resin material, or a metal material.

[0174] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover (240, 340) of FIGS. 3, 4, and / or 8) disposed between the first housing and the second housing. In one embodiment, the hinge bracket may be disposed on the hinge cover.

[0175] In one embodiment, the hinge cover may be configured to be at least partially exposed to the external space as the first housing or the second housing rotates.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the first protective member may be disposed between the folding area and the hinge cover.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly comprises a second rotation member (e.g., the first rotation member (323-1) of FIG. 10 or the rotation member (323) of FIGS. 12 to 14) including a second rotation body (e.g., the rotation body (323a) of FIGS. 12 to 14) rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and configured to rotate about the at least one folding axis, a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (325-2) of FIG. 10 or the hinge plate (325) of FIGS. 12 to 14) having a portion disposed in the second housing and another portion fixed to the second rotation body between the flexible display and the second rotation member, a second receiving groove (e.g., the receiving groove (325a) of FIGS. 12 to 14) provided in the second hinge plate in an area overlapping the second rotation body, and a portion disposed within the second receiving groove. Another portion may include a second protective member (e.g., the second protective member (329-2) of FIG. 10 or the protective member (329) of FIGS. 12 to 16) disposed on the second rotation body on the outer side of the second hinge plate. In one embodiment, when the folding area is a flat plate shape, the second protective member may be disposed side by side with the first protective member and configured to suppress deformation of the folding area of ​​the flexible display due to an external force on the second hinge plate.

[0178] In one embodiment, the electronic device and / or the hinge assembly may further include a third protective member (e.g., the third protective member (339) of FIG. 10) having a portion disposed facing the first protective member and another portion disposed facing the hinge plate. In one embodiment, the third protective member may be disposed at least partially between the hinge plate and the flexible display.

[0179] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101, 200, 300) of FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8) comprises a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210, 310) of FIG. 4 or 8), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220, 320) of FIG. 4 or 8), and a hinge assembly (e.g., a hinge assembly (202, 302) of FIG. 4 or 8) configured to rotatably couple the first housing and the second housing and provide at least one folding axis (e.g., a folding axis (A) of FIG. 4), the housing configured to form an exterior of the electronic device (e.g., a first housing (210, 310) of FIG. 4 or 8), and a first display area (e.g., a first display area (101, 200, 300) of FIG. 2, 4 or 8) disposed on one surface of the first housing. A flexible display (e.g., a display area (231, 331)), a second display area (e.g., a second display area (232, 332) of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 or FIG. 8) disposed on one side of the second housing, and a folding area (e.g., a folding area (233, 333) of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 or FIG. 8) connecting the first display area and the second display area and disposed on at least a portion of the hinge assembly, may be included, and configured to output a screen (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1, a display (230) of FIGS. 2 and 4, or a flexible display (330) of FIG. 8).In one embodiment, the hinge assembly comprises a hinge bracket (e.g., a hinge bracket (321) of FIG. 12 or FIG. 13), a rotating body (e.g., a rotating body (323a) of FIGS. 12 to 14) rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and configured to rotate about at least one folding axis, and a supporting body (e.g., a supporting body (323b) of FIGS. 12 to 14) extending from the rotating body, a rotating member (e.g., a rotating member (323) of FIGS. 12 to 14), a hinge plate (e.g., a hinge plate (325) of FIGS. 12 to 14) fixed to the rotating member, a portion of which is disposed in the first housing or the second housing and another portion (e.g., a mounting portion (325b) of FIGS. 12 to 14)) between the flexible display and the rotating member, and the hinge in an area overlapping the rotating body. It may include a protective member (e.g., a protective member (329) of FIGS. 12 to 16) including a receiving groove provided in the plate (e.g., a receiving groove (325a) of FIGS. 12 to 14), a first part (e.g., a first part (329a) of FIG. 15 or 16) disposed on the hinge plate within the receiving groove, and a second part (e.g., a second part (329b) of FIG. 15 or 16) extending from one side of the first part and disposed on the rotating body on the outside of the hinge plate.

[0180] In one embodiment, the protective member may be configured to accumulate elastic force while deforming in response to an external force.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the first part of the protective member may be directly attached to the hinge plate, and the second part of the protective member may be arranged in a contactable state without being attached to the rotating body.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the second portion of the protective member may include a cover film (e.g., cover film (429c) of FIG. 16) positioned to face the rotating body.

[0183] According to one embodiment, a portion of the surface of the protective member may be arranged to direct the flexible display and form a continuous plane (e.g., a plane indicated as 'P1' in FIG. 15) with the surface of the rotating body or the surface of the hinge plate.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a first seating groove (e.g., the first seating groove (323d) of FIG. 14 or 15) provided at a first depth (e.g., the first depth (d1) of FIG. 15) in a surface of the rotating body, and a second seating groove (e.g., the second seating groove (323e) of FIG. 14 or 15) provided at a second depth (e.g., the second depth (d2) of FIG. 15) less than the first depth in the surface of the rotating body and positioned in contact with the first seating groove. In one embodiment, a portion of the hinge plate and the first portion of the protective member may be at least partially disposed in the first seating groove. In one embodiment, the second portion of the protective member may be at least partially disposed in the second seating groove.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the protective member may include at least one of a sponge material, a synthetic resin material, or a metal material.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the first portion of the protective member may be disposed between the folding area and the hinge plate.

[0187] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly may further include a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover (240, 340) of FIGS. 3, 4, and / or 8) disposed between the first housing and the second housing. In one embodiment, the hinge bracket may be disposed on the hinge cover.

[0188] In one embodiment, the hinge cover may be configured to be at least partially exposed to the external space as the first housing or the second housing rotates.

[0189] In one embodiment, the protective member may be disposed between the folding area and the hinge cover.

[0190] In light of the foregoing, embodiments of the present disclosure provide many improvements, such as improved surface quality and screen durability, in electronic devices including flexible displays that are deformable between a folded state where two different portions of the housing face each other and an unfolded state where two different portions of the housing are parallel to each other.

[0191] While the present disclosure has been described by way of example with respect to one embodiment, it should be understood that the embodiment is illustrative and not limiting of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detailed configuration may be made without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the protective member of the above-described embodiment may be made of rubber or silicone in addition to sponge material, synthetic resin material, and / or metal material. In this case, the protective member may be attached or coupled to the hinge plate simultaneously with molding using a method such as insert injection. In one embodiment, the fourth protective member (529) and / or the fifth protective member (529a) of FIG. 19 may be provided on the hinge plate by insert injection.

Claims

1. In electronic devices (101; 200; 300), A housing (201; 301) configured to form an exterior of the electronic device, comprising a first housing (210; 310), a second housing (220; 320), and a hinge assembly (202; 302) configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing and provide at least one folding axis (A); and A flexible display (160; 230; 330) comprising a first display area (231; 331) arranged on one side of the first housing, a second display area (232; 332) arranged on one side of the second housing, and a folding area (233; 333) arranged on at least a part of the hinge assembly and connecting the first display area and the second display area, and configured to output a screen, The above folding area is configured to be transformed into a curved shape or a flat shape according to the rotation of the first housing or the second housing, The above hinge assembly, Hinge bracket (321); A first rotation member (323, 323-1) including a first rotation body (323a) rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and configured to rotate around at least one folding axis; A first hinge plate (325, 325-1) having a part disposed in the first housing and another part fixed to the first rotating body between the flexible display and the first rotating member; A first receiving groove (325a) provided in the first hinge plate in an area overlapping the first rotating body; and An electronic device comprising a first protective member (329, 329-1) including a first part (329a) disposed within the first receiving groove, and a second part (329b) extending from one side of the first part and disposed on the first rotating body on the outside of the first hinge plate.

2. An electronic device in which, in the first paragraph, the first protective member is configured to suppress deformation of the folding area of ​​the flexible display due to an external force on the first hinge plate.

3. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first part of the first protective member is directly attached to the first hinge plate, and the second part of the first protective member includes a cover film (429c) arranged to face the first rotating body, thereby being arranged in a state in which it is not attached to the first rotating body but is in contact with it.

4. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion of the surface of the first protective member is arranged to face the flexible display and is arranged to form a continuous plane with the surface of the first rotating body or the surface of the hinge plate.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The hinge assembly further includes a first mounting groove (323d) provided with a first depth (d1) on the surface of the first rotating body, and a second mounting groove (323e) provided with a second depth (d2) smaller than the first depth on the surface of the first rotating body and arranged in contact with the first mounting groove. A portion of the hinge plate and the first portion of the first protective member are at least partially disposed in the first mounting groove, An electronic device wherein the second portion of the first protective member is at least partially disposed in the second mounting groove.

6. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first protective member comprises at least one of a sponge material, a synthetic resin material, or a metal material.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The hinge assembly further includes a hinge cover (240; 340) disposed between the first housing and the second housing and configured to be at least partially exposed to the external space as the first housing or the second housing rotates. An electronic device wherein the above hinge bracket is disposed on the above hinge cover.

8. In the 7th paragraph, the first protective member is an electronic device disposed between the folding area and the hinge cover.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, the hinge assembly, A second rotating member (323, 323-2) including a second rotating body rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and configured to rotate about at least one folding axis; A second hinge plate (325. 325-2) having a part disposed in the second housing and another part fixed to the second rotating body between the flexible display and the second rotating member; A second receiving groove (325a) provided in the second hinge plate in an area overlapping the second rotating body; and A second protective member (329, 329-2) having a part disposed within the second receiving groove and another part disposed on the second rotating body on the outside of the second hinge plate, An electronic device in which, when the folding area is in a flat shape, the second protective member is arranged side by side with the first protective member and is configured to suppress deformation of the folding area of ​​the flexible display due to an external force on the second hinge plate.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, It further includes a third protective member (339) in which a part is arranged to face the first protective member and another part is arranged to face the hinge plate, An electronic device wherein the third protective member is at least partially disposed between the hinge plate and the flexible display.

11. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first rotating member further includes a support body (323b) extending from the first rotating body.

12. In the 11th paragraph, the protective member is an electronic device configured to accumulate elastic force while being deformed in response to an external force.

13. An electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the first part of the protective member is directly attached to the hinge plate, and the second part of the protective member is not attached to the rotating body but is arranged in a contactable state.

14. An electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first part of the protective member is disposed between the folding area and the hinge plate.

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