Foldable electronic device including hinge plate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein comprises: a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing; a flexible display spanning the first housing and the second housing; a hinge module coupling the first housing and the second housing so as to be rotatable about a folding axis; a hinge plate assembly disposed between the hinge module and the flexible display and including a first hinge plate located closer to the first housing and a second hinge plate located closer to the second housing; a hinge cover arranged to surround the hinge module; and a flexible circuit board which extends across the first housing and the second housing, and at least a portion of which is disposed in a space between the hinge plate assembly and the hinge cover. The first hinge plate includes: a plate-shaped first body portion; and a first reinforcing portion which includes a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first body portion and is formed by bending a portion of the first hinge plate. The first reinforcing portion is supported by at least one of a structure, disposed inside the first housing and near the first reinforcing portion, the hinge module, or the hinge cover, and may be configured to alleviate deformation of the first hinge plate caused by external pressure.

Description

Foldable electronic device comprising a hinge plate

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a foldable electronic device including a hinge plate, for example, a foldable electronic device capable of improving the durability of a display by improving the structure of a hinge plate supporting a display.

[0002] Thanks to remarkable advancements in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the proliferation and use of various electronic devices is rapidly increasing. Recent electronic devices are being developed to enable communication.

[0003] Electronic devices can refer to devices that perform specific functions based on their embedded programs, such as home appliances, electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, audio / video devices, desktop / laptop computers, and car navigation systems. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as audio or video.

[0004] As the integration of electronic devices increases and ultra-high-speed, high-capacity wireless communications become more widespread, a single electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, can now incorporate a variety of functions. For example, in addition to communication functions, entertainment functions like gaming, multimedia functions like music and video playback, communication and security functions like mobile banking, or even calendar management and electronic wallet functions are being integrated into a single electronic device. These electronic devices are also becoming smaller for convenient portability.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device comprises: a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing; a flexible display arranged across the first housing and the second housing; a hinge module rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis; a hinge plate assembly arranged between the hinge module and the flexible display, the hinge plate assembly including a first hinge plate positioned on the first housing side and a second hinge plate positioned on the second housing side; a hinge cover arranged to surround the hinge module; And a flexible circuit board disposed across the first housing and the second housing, at least a portion of which is disposed in a space between the hinge plate assembly and the hinge cover, wherein the first hinge plate includes a plate-shaped first body portion and a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first body portion, and a first reinforcing portion formed by bending a portion of the first hinge plate, wherein the first reinforcing portion can be configured to be supported by at least one of a structure inside the first housing disposed near the first reinforcing portion, the hinge module, or the hinge cover to alleviate deformation of the first hinge plate due to external pressure.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing; a flexible display disposed across the first housing and the second housing; a hinge module rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis; and a first hinge plate disposed between the hinge module and the flexible display, the first hinge plate disposed on the first housing side and the second hinge plate disposed on the second housing side, wherein the first hinge plate includes a plate-shaped first body portion and a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first body portion, the first reinforcing portion formed by bending a portion of the first hinge plate, and the first reinforcing portion may include a first vertical side reinforcing portion disposed on an edge of the first hinge plate that is perpendicular to the folding axis, and a first horizontal side reinforcing portion disposed on at least a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate that is parallel to the folding axis.

[0007] The above-described aspects or other aspects, configurations and / or advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be further clarified by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view, a side view, and a rear view of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view, a side view, and a rear view of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0012] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of a configuration of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 simultaneously represents a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 5 and a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Figure 5.

[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a configuration of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line C-C' of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of a configuration of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line D-D' of FIG. 13.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a portion of a configuration of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of Fig. 15.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an unfolded state of a multi-foldable electronic device (900) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 20 is a side view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from one direction.

[0028] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Throughout the attached drawings, similar reference numbers may be assigned to similar parts, components and / or structures.

[0031] In foldable electronic devices including flexible displays, reducing and / or preventing wrinkles in the display is considered an important task. In order to solve the above task, the design of a hinge structure for implementing a "folding motion (folding motion) and / or unfolding motion (unfolding motion)" (hereinafter, abbreviated as "folding motion") of the foldable electronic device may be important. As the hinge structure, a U-shaped (or wedge-shaped) hinge structure in which components included in the hinge assembly are spread out in a U shape and face each other when folded, and a water drop-shaped (or dumbbell-shaped) hinge structure in which components included in the hinge assembly form a negative angle (e.g., -5 degrees) when folded have been disclosed.

[0032] These foldable electronic devices include a hinge plate (or wing plate) that covers the hinge structure. The hinge plate covers the hinge structure to protect it, while also supporting the flexible display in the folding area and flattening the folding area. Foldable electronic devices must be designed to be thin, which minimizes the space between the hinge structure and the flexible display. Therefore, conventional hinge plates are very thin, with a thickness of approximately 0.2 to 0.3 mm.

[0033] However, the hinge structure of conventional foldable electronic devices is very complex and densely designed, which limits the provision of a structure that reinforces the structural rigidity of the hinge plate. As a result, when external pressure or external impact is applied to the folding area (e.g., when compression or impact occurs in the area around the P-CAP or dust cover, or when the user presses the folding area while attaching or covering the protective cover), the hinge plate is easily deformed, and the flexible display supported by the hinge plate is also easily deformed, resulting in damage to the flexible display. For example, in conventional foldable electronic devices, when external pressure or external impact is applied to the folding area, multiple cracks may occur in the flexible display, causing leakage current to occur, resulting in bit loss, or when the vacuum state of the thin film encapsulation may be broken, causing pixels to oxidize and parts of the screen to blacken. Furthermore, as these problems continue to repeat, they may develop into problems such as delamination or blackening of the display panel.

[0034] In addition, in conventional foldable electronic devices, a gap is formed between the hinge plates fixed to the two housings, so that the flexible display is not effectively supported in the gap area, and thus, when external pressure or external impact is applied to the gap area, there is a problem in that the flexible display is easily damaged.

[0035] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure is to improve the deformation problem of the hinge plate due to external impact or external pressure, and thereby improve the problem of the flexible display being damaged due to external impact or external pressure.

[0036] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure is to minimize the gap between hinge plates through the shape design of the hinge plates, thereby enabling the flexible display to be effectively supported by the hinge plates, thereby improving the problem of the flexible display being damaged by external impact or external pressure.

[0037] The problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0038] The foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the problem of deformation of the hinge plate due to external impact or external pressure, thereby improving the problem of the flexible display being damaged due to external impact or external pressure.

[0039] The foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the problem of the flexible display being damaged by external impact or external pressure by minimizing the gap between the hinge plates through the shape design of the hinge plates, thereby enabling the flexible display to be effectively supported by the hinge plates.

[0040] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0041] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, may provide an understanding of various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, including the subject matter of the claims. 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 in this disclosure may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0042] 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 disclosure's scope.

[0043] 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.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In 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 some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, 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)).

[0046] 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 operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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. According to 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] The 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. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The power management module (188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0060] 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.

[0061] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0062] 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.

[0063] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, 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).

[0064] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0065] 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)).

[0066] 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 another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing 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.

[0067] Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in 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.

[0068] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include 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 indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0069] The term "module" used in various 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 integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0070] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands 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 command called. The one or more commands 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.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0072] According to various embodiments, 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 various embodiments, 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 various embodiments, 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.

[0073] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view, a side view, and a rear view of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a front view, a side view, and a rear view of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a flexible or foldable display (230) (hereinafter, abbreviated as “the first display (230)”) disposed in the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1), and a hinge cover (260).

[0075] According to one embodiment, a surface on which the first display (230) is disposed may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device (101). The front surface of the electronic device (101) may be formed by a front plate (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers) having at least a portion that is substantially transparent. In addition, a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the electronic device (101). The rear surface of the electronic device (101) may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate (hereinafter referred to as a “rear cover”). The rear cover may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device (101). The side surface may be formed by a side bezel structure (or “side member”) that is coupled to the front plate and the rear cover and includes a metal and / or a polymer. In some embodiments, the rear cover and side bezel structures may be formed integrally and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a first display (230), an audio module (241, 243, 245), a sensor module (255), a camera device (251, 253), a key input device (211, 212, 213), and a connector hole (214). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., a key input device (211, 212, 213)) or additionally include another component (e.g., a light-emitting element).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may be a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface (e.g., a flexible display). According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a folding area (231c), a first area (231a) disposed on one side (e.g., the upper side of the folding area (231c) illustrated in FIG. 2) with respect to the folding area (231c), and a second area (231b) disposed on the other side (e.g., the lower side of the folding area (231c) illustrated in FIG. 2). However, the division of the areas of the first display (230) illustrated in FIG. 2 is exemplary, and the first 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 areas of the first display (230) may be divided by the folding area (231c) or the folding axis (A), but in one embodiment, the areas of the first display (230) may also be divided by another folding area (231c) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis perpendicular to the folding axis (A)).

[0078] According to one embodiment, a microphone hole (241) may have a microphone placed inside to acquire external sound, and in some embodiments, multiple microphones may be placed to detect the direction of the sound.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the speaker holes (243, 245) may include an external speaker hole (243) and a call receiver hole (245). In some embodiments, the speaker holes (243, 245) and the microphone hole (241) may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without the speaker hole (243, 245) (e.g., a piezo speaker). The positions and numbers of the microphone hole (241) and the speaker holes (243, 245) may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first camera device (251) disposed on a first surface (210a) of a first housing (210) of the electronic device (101), and a second camera device (253) disposed on a second surface (210b). In addition, the electronic device (101) may further include a flash (not shown). The camera devices (251, 253) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (not shown) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (255) may generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the electronic device (101) may additionally or alternatively include another sensor module (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) in addition to the sensor module (255) provided on the second surface (210b) of the first housing (210). The electronic device (101) may include, as a sensor module, at least one of a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an HRM sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor, for example.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the key input devices (211, 212, 213) may be disposed on a side of the foldable housing (e.g., the hinge cover (260), the first housing (210), and / or the second housing (220)). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices (211, 212, 213), and the key input devices that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the first display (230). In some embodiments, the key input devices may be configured such that key input is implemented by a sensor module (e.g., a gesture sensor).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the connector hole (214) may be configured to accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data to and from an external electronic device, or, additionally or alternatively, a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from an external electronic device.

[0084] According to one embodiment, a foldable housing may be implemented by combining a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first back cover (240, back cover), a second back cover (250, back cover) and / or a hinge module (e.g., a hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4 described below). The foldable housing of the electronic device (101) is not limited to the shape and combination illustrated in FIG. 2, and may be implemented by combining and / or combining other shapes or parts. For example, in one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the first back cover (240) may be formed integrally, and the second housing (220) and the second back cover (250) may be formed integrally. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure disclosed in the present disclosure, the term 'housing' may mean a combination and / or combined configuration of various other parts that are not mentioned. For example, the first area (231a) of the first display (230) may be described as forming one side of the first housing (210), and in one embodiment, the first area (231a) of the first display (230) may be described as being arranged or attached to one side of the first housing (210).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4 described below) and may include a first side (210a) facing a first direction and a second side (210b) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing (220) is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4 described below) and includes a third side (220a) facing a third direction and a fourth side (220b) facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and may rotate or pivot with respect to the first housing (210) about the hinge structure (or folding axis (A)).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged on both sides (or upper / lower sides) with respect to the folding axis (A). The angle or distance at which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) intersect each other may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (101) is an unfolded state, a folded state, or a partially unfolded (or partially folded) intermediate state.

[0087] 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 first display (230). At least a portion formed of the metallic material may serve as a ground plane or a radiating conductor of the electronic device (101), and when served as a ground plane, may be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit boards (216, 226) of FIG. 4).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) is disposed on one side (e.g., the upper side in FIG. 2) of the folding axis (A) on the rear of the electronic device (101) and may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, the periphery of which may be wrapped by the first housing (210) (and / or the side bezel structure). Similarly, the second rear cover (250) is disposed on the other side (e.g., the lower side in FIG. 2) of the folding axis (A) on the rear of the electronic device (101) and may have its periphery wrapped by the second housing (220) (and / or the side bezel structure).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A). However, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) of various shapes. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first housing (210), and the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second housing (220).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240), the second rear cover (250), the first housing (210), and the second housing (220) may form a space in which various components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the printed circuit boards (216, 226) or the batteries (215, 225) of FIG. 4) may be placed. According to 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 second display (239) may be visually exposed through the first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear cover (240). In various embodiments, the components or sensors may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera, and / or a flash. In addition, although not shown separately in the drawing, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear cover (250).

[0091] According to one embodiment, a front camera device (251) exposed on the front side of the electronic device (101) through one or more openings or a rear camera device (253) exposed through the first rear cover (240) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. A flash (not shown) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. 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).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (210, 220, 260) may include a hinge cover (260), a first housing (210), and a second housing (220). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be rotated with respect to the hinge structure (270). When the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be rotated with respect to the hinge structure (270) to bring them closer to each other. When the electronic device (101) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state, a portion of the first housing (210) and a portion of the second housing (220) may be rotated with respect to the hinge cover (260) to move them away from each other. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the folding direction of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) may include a direction in which the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) rotates with respect to the hinge structure (270) when the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state. The unfolding direction of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) may include a direction in which the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) rotates with respect to the hinge structure (270) when the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can be configured to have a folded state (e.g., a first state) of the first display or an unfolded state (e.g., a second state) of the first display. For example, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can rotate about the folding axis (A) between a folded state in which the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) of the first display (230) face each other, and a state in which the first display (230) is unfolded by a specified angle from the folded state (e.g., the unfolded state of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0094] According to one embodiment, as the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) rotate about the folding axis (A), the electronic device (101) may include a folded state and an unfolded state. The folded state may be a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) face each other, and an angle formed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be less than a predetermined angle (e.g., 10 degrees). The unfolded state may be a state in which the electronic device (101) is fully unfolded or partially unfolded, and an angle formed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be greater than or equal to the predetermined angle.

[0095] Fig. 2 illustrates an unfolded state of the electronic device (101) in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) form an angle of approximately 180°. Fig. 3 illustrates a folded state of the electronic device (101) in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned parallel to each other and facing each other. In the folded state, the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) of the first display (230) can be positioned to face each other, and the folding region (231c) can be bent.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the folding of the electronic device (101) can be implemented in two ways: 'in-folding', in which the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) are folded to face each other, and 'out-folding', in which the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) are folded to face opposite directions. For example, in a folded state in the in-folding manner, the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) can be substantially concealed, and in a fully unfolded state, the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) can be arranged to face substantially the same direction. For example, in the folded state in the out-folding manner, the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) may be arranged facing in opposite directions and exposed to the outside, and in the fully unfolded state, the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) may be arranged facing in substantially the same direction.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a display panel (not shown) and a window member (not shown), at least a portion of which may be formed to be flexible. Although not separately illustrated, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the first display (230) or the display panel includes various layers, such as a light-emitting layer, a substrate(s) encapsulating the light-emitting layer, an electrode or wiring layer, and / or an adhesive layer(s) bonding adjacent different layers. When the first display (230) (e.g., the folding area (231c)) is deformed into a flat shape and a curved shape, a relative displacement may occur between the layers forming the first display (230). The relative displacement due to the deformation of the first display (230) may increase as the point is further from the folding axis (A) and / or as the thickness of the first display (230) increases.

[0098] In one embodiment, the window member, for example, a thin film plate, may function as a protective film for protecting the display panel. As a protective film, the thin film plate may be made of a material that protects the display panel from external impact, is scratch-resistant, and reduces wrinkles in the folding area (231c) even during repeated folding and unfolding operations of the housings (210, 220). For example, the material of the thin film plate may include a transparent polyimide film (CPI) or an ultra-thin glass (UTG).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a protective member (206)(s) or a decorative cover (218, 228)(s) disposed on at least a portion of an edge of the first display (230) on the front surface (e.g., the first side (210a) or the third side (220a)). As an example, the protective member (206) and the decorative cover (218, 228) may be connected to each other to surround an edge of the first display (230). The protective member (206) or the decorative cover (218, 228) may prevent at least a portion of an edge of the first display (230) from contacting a mechanical structure (e.g., the first housing (210) or the second housing (220)). The protective member (206) or the decorative cover (218, 228) may be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the decorative covers (218, 228) and the protective member (206) may be connected to each other. As an example, the decorative covers (218, 228) and the protective member (206) may be formed integrally. The decorative covers (218, 228) may extend along the folding axis (A). The decorative covers (218, 228) may include a first decorative cover (218) disposed between a portion of an edge of a first area (231a) of the first display (230) and an inner wall of the first housing (210). The decorative covers (218, 228) may include a second decorative cover (228) disposed between a portion of an edge of a second area (231b) of the first display (230) and an inner wall of the second housing (220). As an example, the first decorative cover (218) and the second decorative cover (228) can extend substantially parallel along the folding axis (A).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the speaker hole (245) may be formed in a decorative cover (218) or protective member (206) interposed between the edge of the first area (231a) of the first display (230) and the inner wall of the first housing (210). As an example, the speaker hole (245) may be formed in the first decorative cover (218).

[0102] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first display (230) may be visually exposed through a significant portion of the front surface of the electronic device (101). In some embodiments, the shape of the first display (230) may be formed to be substantially identical to the outer shape of the front surface of the electronic device (101).

[0104] In FIG. 4, 'Y' may mean a longitudinal direction in a second state (e.g., an unfolded state) of the electronic device (101). In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, '+Y' may mean an upward direction (or rotation, folding) of the electronic device (101) with respect to the folding axis (A) of the electronic device (101), and '-Y' may mean a downward direction (or rotation, folding) of the electronic device (101) with respect to the folding axis (A) of the electronic device (101).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing of the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first side (210a) and a second side (210b) facing in an opposite direction to the first side (210a), and the second housing (220) may include a third side (220a) and a fourth side (220b) facing in an opposite direction to the third side (220a). The electronic device (101) or the foldable housing (210, 220, 260) may additionally or alternatively include a bracket assembly (217, 227). The bracket assembly (217, 227) may include a first bracket assembly (217) disposed in a first housing (210) and a second bracket assembly (227) disposed in a second housing (220). At least a portion of the bracket assembly (217, 227), for example, at least a portion of the first bracket assembly (217) and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly (227), may serve as a plate for supporting the hinge structure (270).

[0106] According to one embodiment, various electrical components may be arranged on the printed circuit board (216, 226). For example, the printed circuit board (216, 226) may be equipped with a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1), and / or an interface (e.g., interface (177) of FIG. 1). The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device (101) to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card / MMC connector, or an audio connector.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the printed circuit boards (216, 226) may include a first printed circuit board (216) disposed on the side of the first bracket assembly (217) and a second printed circuit board (226) disposed on the side of the second bracket assembly (227). The first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226) may be disposed inside a space formed by the foldable housing (210, 220, 260), the bracket assembly (217, 227), the first rear cover (240) and / or the second rear cover (250). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (101) may be separately disposed on the first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226). For example, a processor may be disposed on the first printed circuit board (216), and an audio interface may be disposed on the second printed circuit board (226).

[0108] In one embodiment, a battery (215, 225) for powering the electronic device (101) may be disposed adjacent to the printed circuit board (216, 226). At least a portion of the battery (215, 225) may be disposed, for example, substantially coplanar with the printed circuit board (216, 226). In one embodiment, a first battery (215) may be disposed adjacent to the first printed circuit board (216), and a second battery (225) may be disposed adjacent to the second printed circuit board (226). The battery (215, 225) may be a device for powering at least one component of the electronic device (101), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery (215, 225) may be integrally placed inside the foldable housing (210, 220, 260), or may be detachably placed in the foldable housing (210, 220, 260).

[0109] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (270) provides a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 2) and may be configured to rotatably connect or couple the foldable housing (210, 220, 260) and / or the bracket assembly (217, 227). The hinge structure (270) may include a first hinge structure (271) disposed on the first printed circuit board (216) side and a second hinge structure (272) disposed on the second printed circuit board (226) side. The hinge structure (270) may be disposed between the first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226). In one embodiment, the hinge structure (270) may be substantially integrally formed with at least a portion of the first bracket assembly (217) and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly (227).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (270) may include a center bar (273). The center bar (273) may be positioned between the first hinge structure (271) and the second hinge structure (272). The center bar (273) may be connected to the first hinge structure (271) and the second hinge structure (272). The center bar (273) may be raised or lowered during a process in which the electronic device (101) changes between an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2) and a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3). The center bar (273) may support the first display (230) (e.g., may provide structural support for the first display).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first hinge plate (291) and a second hinge plate (292). The first hinge plate (291) and the second hinge plate (292) may be disposed on a hinge structure (270). The first hinge plate (291) and the second hinge plate (292) may be disposed between the first display (230) and the hinge structure (270). The first hinge plate (291) may be disposed on the first housing (210) side. The second hinge plate (292) may be disposed on the second housing (220) side. The first hinge plate (292) and the second hinge plate (292) may support the first display (230). The first hinge plate (291) and the second hinge plate (292) may be a component of a 'hinge plate assembly'. For example, the hinge plate assembly may include the first hinge plate (291) and the second hinge plate (292).

[0112] According to one embodiment, a 'housing structure' may refer to a foldable housing (210, 220, 260) and at least one component disposed inside the foldable housing (210, 220, 260) assembled and / or coupled. The housing structure may include a first housing structure and a second housing structure. For example, an assembled configuration including at least one of a first housing (210), a first bracket assembly (217) disposed inside the first housing (210), a first printed circuit board (216), and a first battery (215) may be referred to as a 'first housing structure'. In another example, an assembled configuration including at least one of a second housing (220), a second bracket assembly (227) disposed inside the second housing (220), a second printed circuit board (226), and a second battery (225) may be referred to as a 'second housing structure'. However, it should be noted that the 'first housing structure and second housing structure' here are not limited to the addition of the above-described components, and may additionally include or omit various other components.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the flexible connecting member (280) may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The flexible connecting member (280) may connect various electrical components arranged on the first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226). To this end, the flexible connecting member (280) may be arranged to cross the 'first housing structure' and the 'second housing structure'. According to one embodiment, the flexible connecting member (280) may be arranged to cross at least a portion of the hinge structure (270). According to one embodiment, the flexible connecting member (280) may be configured to connect the first printed circuit board (216) and the second printed circuit board (226) across the hinge structure (270) along a direction parallel to the y-axis of FIG. 4, for example. For example, the flexible connecting member (280) may include a central portion (281) disposed on one side (e.g., the upper portion) of the hinge cover (260). For example, the flexible connecting member (280) may include a first curved portion (282) disposed on one side (e.g., the upper portion) of the hinge cover (260) and the first bracket assembly (217). For example, the flexible connecting member (280) may include a second curved portion (283) disposed on one side (e.g., the upper portion) of the hinge cover (260) and the second bracket assembly (227). The first curved portion (282) and the second curved portion (283) may have a shape that is convexly curved in one side (e.g., the upper portion) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2). For example, the flexible connecting member (280) may include a first extension portion (284) that is connected to the first bend portion (282), penetrates the first housing (210) (e.g., the first bracket assembly (217)), and extends from the other side (e.g., the lower side) of the first housing (210) (e.g., the first bracket assembly (217)).For example, the flexible connecting member (280) may include a second extension portion (285) that is connected to the second bend portion (283), penetrates the second housing (220) (e.g., the second bracket assembly (227)), and extends from the other side (e.g., the lower side) of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second bracket assembly (227)). A space (hereinafter, referred to as a “wiring space”) surrounded by at least a portion of the first hinge structure (271), at least a portion of the second hinge structure (272), and at least a portion of the hinge cover (260) may be formed adjacent to the first hinge structure (271) and the second hinge structure (272). According to one embodiment, at least a portion (281, 282, 283) of the flexible connecting member (280) may be disposed within the wiring space.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first holder assembly (286) and a second holder assembly (287). The first holder assembly (286) and the second holder assembly (287) may be disposed on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the flexible connecting member (280). The first holder assembly (286) may be fixed to the first housing (210) (e.g., the first bracket assembly (217)), and the second holder assembly (287) may be fixed to the second housing (220) (e.g., the second bracket assembly (227)). The first holder assembly (286) and the second holder assembly (287) may fix the flexible connecting member (280) to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), respectively.

[0115] In one embodiment, the hinge cover (260) may be configured to accommodate or enclose at least a portion of the hinge structure (270) or the wiring space. In some embodiments, the hinge cover (260) may form a wiring space together with the hinge structure (270) and protect a component (e.g., at least a portion (283) of the flexible connecting member (280)) disposed within the wiring space from external impact. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (260) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In the in-folding type electronic device (101), the hinge cover (260) may be at least partially concealed by the foldable housing (210, 220, 260). For example, in the folded state, the hinge cover (260) may be visually exposed to the external space between the rear surface of the first housing (210) (e.g., the first rear cover (240)) and the rear surface of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second rear cover (250)), and in the unfolded state, it may be substantially accommodated within the interior of the first housing (210) or the second housing (220) and visually concealed.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (219, 229) (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1) may be disposed between the rear cover (240, 250) and the battery (215, 225). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (219, 229) may include a first antenna module (219) disposed on the first housing (210) side and a second antenna module (229) disposed on the second housing (220) side. The antenna module (219, 229) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna, thereby enabling short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmitting and receiving power required for charging. In one embodiment, the antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the side bezel structure and / or the bracket assembly of the foldable housing (210, 220, 260).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the rear cover (240, 250) may include a first rear cover (240) and a second rear cover (250). The rear cover (240, 250) may be combined with the foldable housing (210, 220, 260) to protect the above-described components (e.g., a printed circuit board (216, 226), a battery (215, 225), a flexible connecting member (280), or an antenna module (219, 229)) disposed within the foldable housing (210, 220, 260). As described above, the rear cover (240, 250) may be formed substantially integrally with the foldable housing (210, 220, 260).

[0118] In one embodiment, the protective member (206) and / or the decorative cover (218, 228) can protect at least a portion of an edge of the first display (230). The protective member (206) can be positioned between an edge of a first area (231a, see FIG. 2) of the first display (230) and an inner wall of the first housing (210) and / or between an edge of a second area (231b, see FIG. 2) of the first display (230) and an inner wall of the second housing (220) to prevent the edge of the first display (230) from directly contacting the inner walls of the housings (210, 220).

[0119] Although the present disclosure describes an electronic device of a type that folds (e.g., folds up and down) based on a horizontally extending folding axis (F) (e.g., a 'flip' type foldable electronic device), the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the contents of the present disclosure described below can be applied identically and / or similarly to various types of foldable electronic devices. For example, the contents of the present disclosure described below can be applied identically and / or similarly to an electronic device of a type that folds (e.g., folds left and right) based on a vertically extending folding axis (e.g., a 'fold' type foldable electronic device) or an electronic device of a type that includes a plurality of folding axes (e.g., a multi-foldable electronic device). For example, if the folding axis of each type of foldable electronic device corresponds to the 'folding axis' described below, the specific contents described in the present disclosure below can be applied identically and / or similarly to each type of foldable electronic device.

[0120] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 simultaneously illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 5 and a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 5 of a portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] Specifically, FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the first hinge plate (350) and the second hinge plate (360) regions when the foldable electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) region of the first hinge plate (350) and the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) region of the second hinge plate (360) simultaneously. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the back surfaces of the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) region of the first hinge plate (350) and the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) region of the second hinge plate (360). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first hinge plate (350) and second hinge plate (360) areas when the foldable electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2). FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the first distal reinforcement portion (3522) area of ​​the first hinge plate (350).

[0122] The detailed configuration of a foldable electronic device (301) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is not described below, may be the same as the detailed configuration of an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0123] Hereinafter, a foldable electronic device (301) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (310), a flexible display (320), a hinge module (330), a hinge cover (332), a flexible circuit board (340), a first hinge plate (350), and a second hinge plate (360), but some of these may be excluded and implemented, and additional configurations are not excluded.

[0124] Hereinafter, the 'first lateral direction' may refer to a direction parallel to the folding axis (F), which is the +X direction, which is the right direction based on FIG. 5. The 'second lateral direction' may refer to a direction opposite to the first lateral direction (+X direction), which is the -X direction, which is the left direction based on FIG. 5. The 'third lateral direction' may refer to a lateral direction intersecting the first lateral direction (+X direction) and / or the second lateral direction (-X direction), which is the +Y1 direction, which is the direction toward the folding axis (F) based on the first hinge plate (350) in FIG. 5. The 'fourth lateral direction' may refer to a direction opposite to the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction), which is the -Y1 direction, which is the direction away from the folding axis (F) based on the first hinge plate (350) in FIG. 5. 'The fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction) is a lateral direction intersecting the first lateral direction (+X direction) and / or the second lateral direction (-X direction), and may refer to the +Y2 direction, which is a direction toward the folding axis (F) with respect to the second hinge plate (360) in FIG. 5. When the foldable electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction) and the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction) may be the same as each other. The 'sixth lateral direction' may refer to a direction opposite to the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction), and may refer to the -Y2 direction, which is a direction away from the folding axis (F) with respect to the second hinge plate (360) in FIG. 5. When the foldable electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction) and the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction) may be the same as each other.

[0125] Hereinafter, the 'first thickness direction' may refer to the direction toward the flexible display (320) among the thickness directions of the first housing (311), and may refer to the +Z1 direction based on FIG. 5. The 'second thickness direction' may refer to the direction opposite to the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction), and may refer to the -Z1 direction based on FIG. 8. The 'third thickness direction' may refer to the direction toward the flexible display (320) among the thickness directions of the second housing (312), and may refer to the +Z2 direction based on FIG. 5. The first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) may refer to the same direction when the foldable electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), and may refer to directions facing each other when the foldable electronic device (301) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3). The 'fourth thickness direction' may mean the direction opposite to the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction), i.e., the -Z2 direction with reference to FIG. 8. The second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) and the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) may mean the same direction when the foldable electronic device (301) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), and may mean directions moving away from each other when the foldable electronic device (301) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3).

[0126] Hereinafter, the specific structure not described in relation to the second housing (312) area can be understood as a symmetrical structure of the specific structure described in relation to the first housing (311) area with respect to the folding axis (F).

[0127] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (301) may include a foldable housing (310). The foldable housing (310) may include a first housing (311) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2 to 4) and a second housing (312) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2 to 4) that are rotatably coupled by a hinge module (330).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the first housing (311) may be positioned on one side of the folding axis (F) (e.g., on the fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction) side) with respect to the folding axis (F). The first housing (311) may be connected to a hinge module (330). The first housing (311) may be referred to as a 'housing'.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the first housing (311) may include a first support member (3111) (e.g., the first bracket assembly (217) of FIG. 4). For example, the first support member (3111) may be understood as being a part of the first housing (311). For example, the first support member (3111) may be understood as being a configuration provided separately from the first housing (311), and being disposed within the first housing (311) and coupled to the first housing (311). The first support member (3111) may be configured to support the flexible display (320) and the hinge module (330). For example, the flexible display (320) and / or the hinge module (330) may be mounted on the first support member (3111). The first support member (3111) may be referred to as a 'support member'.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the second housing (312) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing (311). The second housing (312) may be disposed on the other side (e.g., the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction) side) of the folding axis (F) with respect to the folding axis (F). The second housing (312) may be connected to a hinge module (330). The second housing (312) may be rotated with respect to the first housing (311) with respect to the folding axis (F), and accordingly, the foldable electronic device (301) may be converted from an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2) to a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3). The second housing (312) may be referred to as a 'housing'.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the second housing (312) may include a second support member (3121) (e.g., the second bracket assembly (227) of FIG. 4). For example, the second support member (3121) may be understood as being a part of the second housing (312). For example, the second support member (3121) may be understood as being a configuration provided separately from the second housing (312), and being disposed within the second housing (312) and coupled to the second housing (312). The second support member (3121) may be configured to support the flexible display (320) and the hinge module (330). For example, the flexible display (320) and / or the hinge module (330) may be mounted on the second support member (3121). The second support member (3121) may be referred to as a 'support member'.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (301) may include a flexible display (320) (e.g., the first display (230) of FIGS. 2 to 4). The flexible display (320) may be disposed on the first housing (311), the second housing (312), the first hinge plate (350), and / or the second hinge plate (360). The flexible display (320) may be disposed across the first housing (311) and the second housing (312). For example, the flexible display (320) may be disposed on a surface of the first housing (311) facing a first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and a surface of the second housing (312) facing a third thickness direction (+Z2 direction). For example, the flexible display (320) may be placed on a first support member (3111) forming a part of a first housing (311) (e.g., the first bracket assembly (217) of FIG. 4) and a second support member (3121) forming a part of a second housing (312) (e.g., the second bracket assembly (227) of FIG. 4).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (320) may be supported by the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360). For example, the folding area (e.g., the folding area (231c) of FIG. 2) of the flexible display (320) and an adjacent portion thereof may be arranged on a surface facing the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) of the first hinge plate (350) and the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) of the second hinge plate (360), and may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the first hinge plate (350) and in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the second hinge plate (360).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (301) may include a hinge module (330) (e.g., the hinge structure (270) of FIG. 4). The hinge module (330) may be connected to a first housing (311) and a second housing (312). The hinge module (330) may rotatably couple the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) about a folding axis (F).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (301) may include a hinge cover (332) (e.g., the hinge cover (260) of FIGS. 3 and 4). The hinge cover (332) may be disposed between the first housing (311) and the second housing (312). The hinge cover (332) may be disposed between the first housing (311) and the hinge module (330). The hinge cover (332) may be disposed between the second housing (312) and the hinge module (330). The hinge cover (332) may be disposed on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first hinge plate (350). The hinge cover (332) may be disposed on the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second hinge plate (360). At least a portion of the hinge cover (332) may be disposed on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) and / or the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the hinge module (330). The hinge cover (332) may be disposed to surround the hinge module (330). For example, the hinge cover (332) may cover at least a portion of the hinge module (330).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (301) may include a flexible circuit board (340) (e.g., the flexible connecting member (280) of FIG. 4 ). The flexible circuit board (340) may be disposed in the first housing (311) and the second housing (312). For example, the flexible circuit board (340) may be disposed across the first housing (311) and the second housing (312).

[0137] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, at least a portion of the flexible circuit board (340) may be disposed in a space between the hinge plate assembly (HPA) and the hinge cover (332). For example, at least a portion of the flexible circuit board (340) may be disposed between the first housing (311) and the first hinge plate (350). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible circuit board (340) may be disposed between the second housing (312) and the second hinge plate (360). For example, the flexible circuit board (340) may be disposed on the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) side of the first support member (3111) and the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) side of the second support member (3121) in an area overlapping the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360). For example, in an area that does not overlap with the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360), it may be arranged on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) of the first support member (3111) and the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) of the second support member (3121). The flexible circuit board (340) may extend through the first support member (3111) and the second support member (3121).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (340) may be at least partially covered by the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360). For example, a portion of the flexible circuit board (340) may be covered in a first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the first hinge plate (350). For example, a portion of the flexible circuit board (340) may be covered in a third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the second hinge plate (360).

[0139] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the portion of the flexible circuit board (340) covered by the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360) may be disposed in the central region of the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) with respect to the direction in which the folding axis (F) extends (e.g., the first lateral direction (+X direction) and / or the second lateral direction (-X direction)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the portion of the flexible circuit board (340) covered by the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360) may also be disposed at a position that is biased toward one side of the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) with respect to the direction in which the folding axis (F) extends.

[0140] In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (301) may include a first holder assembly (346). The first holder assembly (346) may be disposed between the first housing (311) and the first hinge plate (350). The first holder assembly (346) may be fixed to the first housing (311). The first holder assembly (346) may fix the flexible circuit board (340) to the first housing (311) (e.g., the first support member (3111)). In one embodiment, the first holder assembly (346) may be a component of the first housing (311). For example, the first housing (311) may include the first holder assembly (346).

[0141] In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (301) may include a second holder assembly (347). The second holder assembly (347) may be disposed between the second housing (312) and the second hinge plate (360). The second holder assembly (347) may be fixed to the second housing (312). The second holder assembly (347) may fix the flexible circuit board (340) to the second housing (312) (e.g., the second support member (3121)). In one embodiment, the second holder assembly (347) may be a component of the second housing (312). For example, the second housing (312) may include the second holder assembly (347).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (301) may include a hinge plate assembly (HPA). The hinge plate assembly (HPA) may be disposed between the hinge module (330) and the flexible display (320). The hinge plate assembly (HPA) may cover the hinge module (330) in a first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or a third thickness direction (+Z2 direction). The hinge plate assembly (HPA) may support the flexible display (320) in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the hinge plate assembly (HPA) may include a first hinge plate (350) (e.g., the first hinge plate (291) of FIG. 4). The first hinge plate (350) may be disposed on the side of the first housing (311). The first hinge plate (350) may be disposed at a position adjacent to the folding axis (F). The first hinge plate (350) may be disposed between the first housing (311) and the flexible display (320). For example, the first hinge plate (350) may be disposed on the side of the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) of the first housing (311). The first hinge plate (350) may be fixed to a surface of the first housing (311) facing the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction). For example, the first hinge plate (350) may be fixed to the hinge module (330) and / or the first support member (3111). The first hinge plate (350) may cover at least a portion of the hinge module (330). The first hinge plate (350) may be referred to as a 'hinge plate'.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (350) can support the flexible display (320). For example, the first hinge plate (350) can support the flexible display (320) in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction). For example, the first hinge plate (350) can support a folding area (e.g., the folding area (231c) of FIG. 2) of the flexible display (320) and / or an area adjacent thereto.

[0145] According to one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the first hinge plate (350) may include a first body portion (351). The first body portion (351) may have a plate shape. The first body portion (351) may be a portion that directly contacts the flexible display (320). The first body portion (351) may have a flat plate shape, and may include a portion that is bent or folded in some portions, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The first body portion (351) may be referred to as a 'body portion.'

[0146] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (350) may include a first reinforcing portion (352). The first reinforcing portion (352) may be disposed on at least a portion of the first body portion (351). The first reinforcing portion (352) may be formed by bending a portion of the first hinge plate (350). The first reinforcing portion (352) may include a portion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the first body portion (351) (e.g., in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction)). The above protruding portion is a part of the single-fold structure (HS) illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 (e.g., a single-folded and extended part (HS1) of the single-fold structure (HS), a part of the folded structure (BS) illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 (e.g., a cut and extended part (BS1) of the folded structure (BS), a part of the first composite structure (CS1) illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., a first part (CS1-1), a second part (CS1-2) and / or a third part (CS1-3) of the first composite structure (CS1), a part of the second composite structure (CS2) illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., a first part (CS2-1), a second part (CS2-2) and / or a third part (CS2-3) of the second composite structure (CS2), a part of the third composite structure (CS3) illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., a first part (CS3-1) and / or a second part (CS3-2) of the third composite structure (CS3) It may mean at least one of the portion (CS3-2)) or a portion of the U-shaped structure (US) illustrated in FIG. 14 (e.g., the first portion (US1) and / or the second portion (US2) of the U-shaped structure (US).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing member (352) may be provided separately from the first body part (351) and may be fixed to the first body part (351). For example, the first reinforcing member (352) may be provided in a plate shape extending in a direction parallel to the first body part (351) and may be fixed to overlap the first body part (351). For example, the first reinforcing member (351) may be provided in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the first body part (351) (e.g., in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction)) and may be fixed to the first body part (351). According to one embodiment, the thickness of the portion of the first hinge plate (350) where the first reinforcing member (352) is arranged may be greater than the thickness of the portion of the first hinge plate (350) where the first reinforcing member (352) is not arranged. The first reinforcement part (352) may be referred to as a ‘reinforcement part’.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing member (352) can reinforce the structural rigidity of the first hinge plate (350) to alleviate deformation of the first body part (351) due to external pressure applied to the first body part (351). Specifically, a void may be formed between the first hinge plate (350) and the hinge module (330), the flexible circuit board (340), and / or the first support member (3111) disposed on the lower side of the first hinge plate (350) (e.g., on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first hinge plate (350). When external pressure or external impact is applied to the first hinge plate (350), the first hinge plate (350) may be bent or pressed, resulting in deformation of the first hinge plate (350). Deformation of the first hinge plate (350) may cause deformation of the flexible display (320) supported by the first hinge plate (350). If the deformation of the flexible display (320) becomes severe, cracks may occur in the flexible display (320) or leakage current may occur, which may cause bit dropping or breakage of the vacuum state of the thin film encapsulation. According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing member (352) structurally reinforces the first hinge plate (350) so that bending deformation of the first hinge plate (350) may be alleviated, reduced, or prevented, and further, breakage of the flexible display (320) due to bending deformation of the first hinge plate (350) may be prevented, alleviated, or reduced.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing member (352) may be configured to be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) in response to an external pressure acting on the first hinge plate (350) by at least one of the internal structure of the first housing (311), the hinge module (330), or the hinge cover (332) disposed near the first reinforcing member (352), thereby alleviating deformation of the first hinge plate (350) due to the external pressure. That is, at least one of the internal structure of the first housing, the hinge module, or the hinge cover may support the first reinforcing member. The first reinforcing member may be in contact with at least one of these components. When an external pressure is applied to the first hinge plate, the first reinforcing member may be supported under the external pressure by contacting at least one of these components. For example, the first reinforcing member (352) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by at least one of the first support member (3111), the first holder assembly (346), the hinge module (330), or the hinge cover (332) of the first housing (311). For example, the internal structure of the first housing (311) described above may be at least one of the first support member (3111) configured to support the flexible display (320) and the hinge module (330) located on the first housing (311) side, or the first holder assembly (346) configured to fix the flexible circuit board (340) to the first support member (3111). Depending on the position where the first reinforcing member (352) is formed, the element supporting the first reinforcing member (352) may be different. As the first reinforcing member (352) is supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction), the first hinge plate (350) can be prevented from being bent in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) by external pressure applied to the first hinge plate (350).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing member (352) may be formed on at least a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate (350). For example, the first reinforcing member (352) may be disposed on an edge of the first body part (351) facing the first lateral direction (+X direction), an edge facing the second lateral direction (-X direction), and / or an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) (e.g., a fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first reinforcing member (352) may additionally or alternatively be disposed on a central region of the first body part (351) and / or an edge facing the folding axis (F) (e.g., an edge facing the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction)).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcement portion (352) may include a first perpendicular side reinforcement portion (3521). The first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521) may be disposed on at least one of the opposite edges of the first hinge plate (350). For example, the first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521) may be disposed on an edge of the first hinge plate (350) that is perpendicular to the folding axis (F). For example, the first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521) may be disposed on each of the edges of the first body portion (351) facing the first lateral direction (+X direction) and the second lateral direction (-X direction). The first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521) may structurally reinforce the opposite lateral edges of the first hinge plate (350). The first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521) may be referred to as a 'vertical side reinforcement portion'.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by another member disposed on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first vertical side reinforcement (3521). For example, the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the hinge module (330) and / or the hinge cover (332). Referring to FIG. 6, a portion of the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) may be disposed on the hinge cover (332), and another portion of the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) may be disposed on the hinge module (330). When external pressure is applied to the portion where the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) is arranged, the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the hinge module (330) and / or the hinge cover (332). According to one embodiment, when the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) is arranged on the first housing (311), the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the first housing (311). Through this, bending deformation of the first hinge plate (350) due to external pressure can be prevented in the portion where the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) is arranged.

[0153] In one embodiment, the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) may include a single-joint structure (HS). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first vertical side reinforcement (3521) may include at least one of a folded structure (BS), a first composite structure illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., the first composite structure CS1 of FIG. 10), a second composite structure illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., the second composite structure CS2 of FIG. 11), or a third composite structure illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., the third composite structure CS3 of FIG. 12). The first vertical side reinforcement (3521) includes a structure for enhancing the strength of the vertical side reinforcement and providing greater structural support for the first hinge plate.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first vertical side reinforcement member (3521) may be arranged adjacent to the folding axis (F). For example, the first vertical side reinforcement member (3521) may extend from an end (e.g., an end facing the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction)) of each of the edges of the first body part (351) facing the first lateral direction (+X direction) and the second lateral direction (-X direction) toward the folding axis (F) in a direction away from the folding axis (F) (e.g., an end facing the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction)). For example, the first vertical side reinforcement member (3521) may be understood to be arranged in the lower left and lower right regions of the first body part (351) with reference to FIG. 5. Through this, the structural rigidity of the portion adjacent to the folding axis (F) of the end areas on both sides of the first hinge plate (350), which is highly susceptible to deformation due to external impact and / or external pressure, can be reinforced.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcement portion (352) may include a first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3522; 3523). The first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3522; 3523) may be disposed on at least a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate (350) that is parallel to the folding axis (F). For example, the first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3522) may be disposed on at least a portion of an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (350) (e.g., in the fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction)), and the first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3523) may be disposed on at least a portion of an edge facing the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (350) (e.g., in the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction)).

[0156] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first horizontal side reinforcement (3522; 3523) may be supported by at least one of the hinge module (330), the first holder assembly (346), and the first support member (3111) of the first housing (311). For example, the first horizontal side reinforcement (3522) disposed at an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (350) (e.g., in the fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction)) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the first holder assembly (346) and / or the first support member (3111). For example, a first horizontal side reinforcement (3522) disposed on an edge (e.g., an edge facing the third side direction (+Y1 direction)) toward the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (350) can be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the hinge module (330).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3522; 3523) may include a first distal reinforcement portion (3522) and a first proximal reinforcement portion (3523). For example, the first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3522) disposed at an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (350) (e.g., in the fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction)) may be referred to as a first distal reinforcement portion (3522). For example, the first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3523) disposed at an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (350) (e.g., in the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction)) may be referred to as a first proximal reinforcement portion (3523).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the first distal reinforcement portion (3522) may be positioned on an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the first body portion (351) (e.g., in the fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction)). The first distal reinforcement portion (3522) may structurally reinforce an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (350). The first distal reinforcement portion (3522) may be referred to as a 'distal reinforcement portion.'

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first distal reinforcement portion (3522) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by another member disposed on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first distal reinforcement portion (3522). For example, the first distal reinforcement portion (3522) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the first holder assembly (346). Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first distal reinforcement portion (3522) may be disposed on the first holder assembly (346) and supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the first holder assembly (346). According to one embodiment, when the first distal reinforcement part (3522) is disposed on the first housing (311), the hinge module (330), and / or the hinge cover (332), the first distal reinforcement part (3522) can be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the first housing (311), the hinge module (330), and / or the hinge cover (332). Through this, bending deformation of the first hinge plate (350) due to external pressure can be prevented at the portion where the first distal reinforcement part (3522) is disposed.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first distal reinforcement member (3522) may include a folded structure (BS). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first distal reinforcement member (3522) may include at least one of a single-joint structure (HS), a first composite structure illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., the first composite structure CS1 of FIG. 10 ), a second composite structure illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., the second composite structure CS2 of FIG. 11 ), or a third composite structure illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., the third composite structure CS3 of FIG. 12 ).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcement portion (352) may include a first proximal reinforcement portion (3523). The first proximal reinforcement portion (3523) may be positioned at an edge of the first body portion (351) facing the folding axis (F) (e.g., an edge facing the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction) of the first body portion (351). The first proximal reinforcement portion (3523) may structurally reinforce an edge of the first hinge plate (350) facing the folding axis (F) (e.g., an edge facing the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction)). The first proximal reinforcement portion (3523) may be referred to as a 'proximal reinforcement portion.'

[0162] According to one embodiment, the first proximal reinforcement part (3523) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by another member disposed on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first proximal reinforcement part (3523). For example, the first proximal reinforcement part (3523) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the hinge module (330). Through this, bending deformation of the first hinge plate (350) due to external pressure may be prevented at the portion where the first proximal reinforcement part (3523) is disposed. That is, the first proximal reinforcement part (3523) may prevent or reduce bending deformation of the first hinge plate when external pressure is applied to the portion where the first proximal reinforcement part is disposed.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first proximal reinforcement member (3523) may include a single-joint structure (HS). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first proximal reinforcement member (3523) may include at least one of a folded structure (BS), a first composite structure illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., the first composite structure CS1 of FIG. 10 ), a second composite structure illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., the second composite structure CS2 of FIG. 11 ), or a third composite structure illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., the third composite structure CS3 of FIG. 12 ).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the first proximal reinforcement member (3523) may be non-overlapping in the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board (340) and the first housing (311) (e.g., in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction)). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the first proximal reinforcement member (3523) may be positioned in an area where the flexible circuit board (340) does not pass. When the foldable electronic device (301) is deformed into a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3), the edge of the flexible circuit board (340) facing the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (350) can come into contact with the flexible circuit board (340), so that the first proximal reinforcement member (3523) is positioned at a non-overlapping position in the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board (340) and the first housing (311) (e.g., the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction)), thereby preventing the flexible circuit board (340) from being damaged by the first proximal reinforcement member (3523).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the hinge plate assembly (HPA) may include a second hinge plate (360) (e.g., the second hinge plate (292) of FIG. 4). The second hinge plate (360) may be disposed on the second housing (312) side. The second hinge plate (360) may be disposed at a position adjacent to the folding axis (F). The second hinge plate (360) may be disposed between the second housing (312) and the flexible display (320). For example, the second hinge plate (360) may be disposed on the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) side of the second housing (312). The second hinge plate (360) may be fixed to a surface of the second housing (312) facing the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction). For example, the second hinge plate (360) may be secured to the hinge module (330) and / or the second support member (3121). The second hinge plate (360) may cover at least a portion of the hinge module (330). The second hinge plate (360) may be referred to as a 'hinge plate'.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the second hinge plate (360) can support the flexible display (320). For example, the second hinge plate (360) can support the flexible display (320) in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction). For example, the second hinge plate (360) can support a folding area (e.g., the folding area (231c) of FIG. 2) of the flexible display (320) and / or an area adjacent thereto.

[0167] According to one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the second hinge plate (360) may include a second body portion (361). The second body portion (361) may have a plate shape. The second body portion (361) may be a portion that directly contacts the flexible display (320). The second body portion (361) may have a flat plate shape, and may include a portion that is bent or folded in some portions, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The second body portion (361) may be referred to as a 'body portion'.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the second hinge plate (360) may include a second reinforcing portion (362). The second reinforcing portion (362) may be disposed on at least a portion of the second body portion (361). The second reinforcing portion (362) may be formed by bending a portion of the second hinge plate (360) in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction). The second reinforcing portion (362) may include a portion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second body portion (361) (e.g., in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction)). According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing portion (362) may be provided separately from the second body portion (361) and fixed to the second body portion (361). For example, the second reinforcing portion (362) may be provided in a plate shape extending in a direction parallel to the second body portion (361) and may be fixed to overlap the second body portion (361). For example, the second reinforcing portion (362) may be provided in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the second body portion (361) (e.g., the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) and / or the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction)) and may be fixed to the second body portion (361). According to one embodiment, the thickness of the portion of the second hinge plate (360) where the second reinforcing portion (362) is arranged may be greater than the thickness of the portion of the second hinge plate (360) where the second reinforcing portion (362) is not arranged. The second reinforcing portion (362) may be referred to as a 'reinforcing portion'.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing member (362) can reinforce the structural rigidity of the second hinge plate (360) to alleviate deformation of the second body part (361) due to external pressure applied to the second body part (361). Specifically, a void may be formed between the second hinge plate (360) and the hinge module (330), the flexible circuit board (340), and / or the second support member (3121) disposed on the lower side of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., on the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second hinge plate (360). When external pressure or external impact is applied to the second hinge plate (360), the second hinge plate (360) may be bent or pressed, resulting in deformation of the second hinge plate (360). Deformation of the second hinge plate (360) may cause deformation of the flexible display (320) supported by the second hinge plate (360). If the deformation of the flexible display (320) becomes severe, cracks may occur in the flexible display (320) or leakage current may occur, which may cause bit dropping or breakage of the vacuum state of the thin film encapsulation. According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing member (362) may structurally reinforce the second hinge plate (360) to reduce bending deformation of the second hinge plate (360) and prevent breakage of the flexible display (320) due to bending deformation of the second hinge plate (360).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing member (362) may be configured to be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) in response to an external pressure acting on the second hinge plate (360) by at least one of the internal structure of the second housing (312), the hinge module (330), or the hinge cover (332) disposed near the second reinforcing member (362), thereby alleviating deformation of the second hinge plate (360) due to the external pressure. For example, the second reinforcing member (362) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by at least one of the second support member (3121) of the second housing (312), the second holder assembly (347), the hinge module (330), or the hinge cover (332) of the second housing (312). For example, the internal structure of the second housing (312) described above may be at least one of a second support member (3121) configured to support a flexible display (320) and a hinge module (330) located on the second housing (312) side, or a second holder assembly (347) configured to fix a flexible circuit board (340) to the second support member (3121). Depending on the position where the second reinforcing member (362) is formed, the element supporting the second reinforcing member (362) may be different. Since the second reinforcing member (362) is supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction), the second hinge plate (360) can be prevented from being bent in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) by external pressure applied to the second hinge plate (360).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing portion (362) may be formed on at least a portion of an edge of the second hinge plate (360). For example, the second reinforcing portion (362) may be disposed on an edge of the second body portion (361) facing the second lateral direction (-X direction), an edge facing the first lateral direction (+X direction), and / or an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) (e.g., a sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second reinforcing portion (362) may additionally or alternatively be disposed on a central region of the second body portion (361) and / or an edge facing the folding axis (F) (e.g., an edge facing the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction)).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcement portion (362) may include a second vertical side reinforcement portion (3621). The first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521) may be disposed on at least one of the opposite edges of the second hinge plate (360). For example, the second vertical side reinforcement portion (3621) may be disposed on an edge of the second hinge plate (360) that is perpendicular to the folding axis (F). For example, the second vertical side reinforcement portion (3621) may be disposed on each of the edges of the second body portion (361) facing the first lateral direction (+X direction) and the second lateral direction (-X direction). The second vertical side reinforcement portion (3621) may structurally reinforce the opposite edges of the second hinge plate (360). The second vertical side reinforcement portion (3621) may be referred to as a 'vertical side reinforcement portion'.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by another member disposed on the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second vertical side reinforcement (3621). For example, the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the hinge module (330) and / or the hinge cover (332). Referring to FIG. 6, a portion of the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) may be disposed on the hinge cover (332), and another portion of the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) may be disposed on the hinge module (330). When external pressure is applied to the portion where the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) is arranged, the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the hinge module (330) and / or the hinge cover (332). According to one embodiment, when the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) is arranged on the second housing (312), the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the second housing (312). Through this, bending deformation of the second hinge plate (360) due to external pressure can be prevented in the portion where the second vertical side reinforcement (3621) is arranged.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the second vertical side reinforcement member (3621) may include a single-joint structure (HS). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second reinforcement member (362) may include at least one of a folded structure (BS), a first composite structure illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., the first composite structure CS1 of FIG. 10), a second composite structure illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., the second composite structure CS2 of FIG. 11), or a third composite structure illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., the third composite structure CS3 of FIG. 12).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the second vertical side reinforcement member (3621) may be arranged adjacent to the folding axis (F). For example, the second vertical side reinforcement member (3621) may extend from an end (e.g., an end facing the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction)) of each of the edges of the second body part (361) facing the first lateral direction (+X direction) and the second lateral direction (-X direction) toward the folding axis (F) in a direction away from the folding axis (F) (e.g., an end facing the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)). For example, the second vertical side reinforcement member (3621) may be understood to be arranged in the upper left and upper right regions of the second body part (361) with reference to FIG. 5. Through this, the structural rigidity of the portion adjacent to the folding axis (F) of the end areas on both sides of the second hinge plate (360) that is highly susceptible to deformation due to external impact and / or external pressure can be reinforced.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcement portion (362) may include a second horizontal side reinforcement portion (3622; 3623). The second horizontal side reinforcement portion (3622; 3623) may be disposed on at least a portion of an edge of the second hinge plate (360) that is parallel to the folding axis (F). For example, the second horizontal side reinforcement portion (3622) may be disposed on at least a portion of an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., in the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)), and the second horizontal side reinforcement portion (3623) may be disposed on at least a portion of an edge facing the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., in the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction)).

[0177] According to one embodiment, a portion of the second horizontal side reinforcement (3622; 3623) may be supported by at least one of the hinge module (330), the second holder assembly (347), and the second support member (3121) of the second housing (312). For example, the second horizontal side reinforcement (3622) disposed at an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., in the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the second holder assembly (347) and / or the second support member (3121). For example, a second horizontal side reinforcement (3622) disposed on an edge facing the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., an edge facing the fifth side direction (+Y2 direction)) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the hinge module (330).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the second horizontal side reinforcement portion (3622; 3623) may include a second distal reinforcement portion (3622) and a second proximal reinforcement portion (3623). For example, the second horizontal side reinforcement portion (3622) disposed at an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., in the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)) may be referred to as a second distal reinforcement portion (3622). For example, the second horizontal side reinforcement portion (3623) disposed at an edge facing toward the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., in the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction)) may be referred to as a second proximal reinforcement portion (3623).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the second distal reinforcement portion (3622) may be positioned on an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the second body portion (361) (e.g., in the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)). The second distal reinforcement portion (3622) may structurally reinforce an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360). The second distal reinforcement portion (3622) may be referred to as a 'distal reinforcement portion.'

[0180] According to one embodiment, the second distal reinforcement member (3622) may be supported in a third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by another member disposed on the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second distal reinforcement member (3622). For example, the second distal reinforcement member (3622) may be supported in a third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the second holder assembly (347). Referring to FIG. 8, the second distal reinforcement member (3622) may be disposed on the second holder assembly (347) and supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the second holder assembly (347). According to one embodiment, when the second distal reinforcement (3622) is disposed on the second housing (312), the hinge module (330), and / or the hinge cover (332), the second distal reinforcement (3622) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the second housing (312), the hinge module (330), and / or the hinge cover (332). Through this, bending deformation of the second hinge plate (360) due to external pressure may be prevented, reduced, or minimized at the portion where the second distal reinforcement (3622) is disposed.

[0181] In one embodiment, the second distal reinforcement (3622) may include a folded structure (BS). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second distal reinforcement (3622) may include at least one of a single-joint structure (HS), a first composite structure illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., the first composite structure CS1 of FIG. 10 ), a second composite structure illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., the second composite structure CS2 of FIG. 11 ), or a third composite structure illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., the third composite structure CS3 of FIG. 12 ).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcement portion (362) may include a second proximal reinforcement portion (3623). The second proximal reinforcement portion (3623) may be positioned at an edge facing the folding axis (F) of the second body portion (361) (e.g., an edge facing the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction) of the second body portion (361). The second proximal reinforcement portion (3623) may structurally reinforce an edge facing the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., an edge facing the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction)). The second proximal reinforcement portion (3623) may be referred to as a 'proximal reinforcement portion.'

[0183] According to one embodiment, the second proximal reinforcement part (3623) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by another member disposed on the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second proximal reinforcement part (3623). For example, the second proximal reinforcement part (3623) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the hinge module (330). Through this, bending deformation of the second hinge plate (360) due to external pressure may be prevented at the portion where the second proximal reinforcement part (3623) is disposed.

[0184] In one embodiment, the second proximal reinforcement member (3623) may include a single-joint structure (HS). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second proximal reinforcement member (3623) may include at least one of a bending structure (BS), a first composite structure illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., the first composite structure CS1 of FIG. 10 ), a second composite structure illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., the second composite structure CS2 of FIG. 11 ), or a third composite structure illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., the third composite structure CS3 of FIG. 12 ).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the second proximal reinforcement member (3623) may be non-overlapping in the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board (340) and the second housing (312) (e.g., in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) and / or in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction)). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the second proximal reinforcement member (3623) may be positioned in an area where the flexible circuit board (340) does not pass. When the foldable electronic device (301) is deformed into a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3), the edge of the flexible circuit board (340) facing the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (360) can come into contact with the flexible circuit board (340), so that the second proximal reinforcement member (3623) is positioned at a non-overlapping position in the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board (340) and the second housing (312) (e.g., the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) and / or the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction)), thereby preventing the flexible circuit board (340) from being damaged by the second proximal reinforcement member (3623).

[0186] According to one embodiment, a distance (d1) between a region facing the first lateral direction (+X direction) of the first hinge plate (350) and a region facing the first lateral direction (+X direction) of the second hinge plate (360) may be smaller than a distance (d3) between a central region of the first hinge plate (350) and a central region of the second hinge plate (360). According to one embodiment, a distance (d2) between a region facing the second lateral direction (-X direction) of the first hinge plate (350) and a region facing the second lateral direction (-X direction) of the second hinge plate (360) may be smaller than a distance (d3) between a central region of the first hinge plate (350) and a central region of the second hinge plate (360). For example, with reference to FIG. 5, the distance (d1, d2) between the first hinge plate (350) and the second hinge plate (360) in an area (e.g., a non-overlapping area) where the first hinge plate (350) and the second hinge plate (360) and the center bar (331) of the hinge module (330) do not overlap in the lateral direction (e.g., the third lateral direction to the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)) may be smaller than the distance (d3) between the first hinge plate (350) and the second hinge plate (360) in an area where the first hinge plate (350) and the second hinge plate (360) and the center bar (331) of the hinge module (330) overlap in the lateral direction (e.g., the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction) to the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)). For example, among the first hinge plate (350) and the second hinge plate (360), a portion (e.g., a non-overlapping portion) that does not overlap the center bar (331) in a lateral direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., a third lateral direction (+Y1 direction), a fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction), a fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction), and / or a sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)) may protrude toward the folding axis (F) with respect to the center bar (331).Through this, the area of ​​the hinge plate (350, 360) on which the flexible display (320) can be supported can be secured to the maximum extent in the areas on both sides of the first hinge plate (350) and the second hinge plate (360) where an empty space is formed between the flexible display (320) and the hinge module (330), so that the problem of damage to the flexible display (320) that occurs due to the hinge plate (350, 360) not being provided in the areas on both sides of the hinge plate (350, 360) can be reduced.

[0187] According to one embodiment, an edge of the first hinge plate (350) facing the first side direction (+X direction) and an edge of the second hinge plate (360) facing the first side direction (+X direction) may be adjacent to each other. According to one embodiment, an edge of the first hinge plate (350) facing the second side direction (-X direction) and an edge of the second hinge plate (360) facing the second side direction (-X direction) may be adjacent to each other. Through this, since an edge portion of the folding area (e.g., the folding area (231c) of FIG. 2) of the flexible display (320), which is one of the areas with the highest risk of damage, can be supported by the hinge plates (350, 360), the problem of the flexible display (320) being damaged can be reduced.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the first vertical side reinforcement part (3521) and the second vertical side reinforcement part (3621) can be adjacent to each other. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the first vertical side reinforcement part (3521) is disposed adjacent to the folding axis (F) at each of the edges of the first body part (351) facing the first side direction (+X direction) and the second side direction (-X direction), and the edges of the first hinge plate (350) facing the first side direction (+X direction) and the second side direction (-X direction) and the edges of the second hinge plate (360) facing the first side direction (+X direction) and the second side direction (-X direction) are respectively adjacent to each other, thereby allowing the first vertical side reinforcement part (3521) and the second reinforcement part (362) to be adjacent to each other. Through this, the structural rigidity of the portion adjacent to the folding axis (F) among the edges on both sides of the hinge plate (350, 360) where bending deformation is most likely to occur due to external pressure and / or external impact can be reinforced, and the problem of the flexible display (320) being damaged in that area can be reduced.

[0189] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first reinforcement portion (352) and / or at least a portion of the second reinforcement portion (362) may include a hemming structure (HS). For example, the first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521) and / or the second vertical side reinforcement portion (3621) may include a hemming structure (HS). For example, the first proximal reinforcement portion (3523) and / or the second proximal reinforcement portion (3623) may include a hemming structure (HS). For example, referring to FIG. 6, the hemming structure (HS) may be formed by hemming a portion of an edge of the first body portion (351) and / or the second body portion (361) toward the hinge module (330).

[0190] According to an exemplary embodiment, since the single-fold structure (HS) is composed of two plates (wherein the plates fold on themselves to form two layers), the structural rigidity of the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360) is reinforced in the portion where the single-fold structure (HS) is formed, so that deformation of the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360) due to external pressure and / or external impact can be reduced. Accordingly, damage to the flexible display (320) supported by the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360) can be prevented.

[0191] In one embodiment, the single-fold structure (HS) may include a portion (HS1) that is single-folded and extends inwardly from a portion of the edge of the first body portion (351). For example, the single-fold structure (HS) may include a portion (HS1) that is single-folded and extends inwardly in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) from a portion of the edge of the first body portion (351). In one embodiment, the single-fold structure (HS) may include a portion (HS1) that is single-folded and extends inwardly from a portion of the edge of the second body portion (361). For example, the single-fold structure (HS) may include a portion (HS1) that is single-folded and extends inwardly from a portion of the edge of the second body portion (361) in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction). For example, the above-mentioned portion (HS1) may overlap at least a portion of the first body portion (351) in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction). For example, the above-mentioned portion (HS1) may be understood to be the first reinforcing portion (352) and / or the second reinforcing portion (362).

[0192] According to an experimental example that determined whether the flexible display (320) was damaged depending on the magnitude of the external impact when an external impact was artificially applied to both edges of the folding area (e.g., the folding area (231c) of FIG. 2), when the single-fold structure (HS) was not applied to the vertical side reinforcement parts (3521, 3621), damage to the flexible display (320) was confirmed when an external impact of 4.5 kgf was applied. On the other hand, when the single-fold structure (HS) was applied to the vertical side reinforcement parts (3521, 3621), damage to the flexible display (320) was confirmed when an external impact of 7.0 kgf was applied. In this way, it can be confirmed that the durability of the flexible display (320) is improved when the single-fold structure (HS) is applied to the edges of the vertical side reinforcement parts (3521, 3621). Advantageously, the single-layer structure can improve the durability and strength of the flexible display, thereby reducing damage to the display when external pressure is applied.

[0193] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (352) and / or at least a portion of the second reinforcing portion (362) may include a bending structure (BS). For example, the first distal reinforcing portion (3522) and / or the second distal reinforcing portion (3622) may include a bending structure (BS). For example, the bending structure (BS) may be formed by bending a portion of an edge of the first body portion (351) and / or a portion of an edge of the second body portion (361) toward the hinge module (330). Since the bending structure (BS) includes a plate extending in the thickness direction of the first housing (311) (e.g., the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction)) and / or the thickness direction of the second housing (312) (e.g., the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) and / or the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction)), it may include a portion having a thicker thickness than the first body portion (351) and / or the second body portion (361). Through this, the structural rigidity of the first hinge plate (350) and / or the second hinge plate (360) may be reinforced in the portion where the bending structure (BS) is formed. The bending structure (BS) may be referred to as an 'L-bending structure'.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the folded structure (BS) may include a portion (BS1) that is bent from a portion of the edge of the first body portion (351) and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion (351). For example, the folded structure (BS) may include a portion (BS1) that is bent in a second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) from a portion of the edge of the first body portion (351) and extends in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction). According to one embodiment, the folded structure (BS) may include a portion (BS1) that is bent from a portion of the edge of the second body portion (361) and extends in one direction perpendicular to the second body portion (361). For example, the folded structure (BS) may include a portion (BS1) that is bent in a fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) from a portion of the edge of the second body portion (361) and extends in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction). For example, the above-mentioned portion (BS1) may be understood as being a first reinforcement portion (352) and / or a second reinforcement portion (362).

[0195] Unlike the above, depending on the structure of the first support member (3111) and / or the hinge module (330) disposed on the lower portion of the first hinge plate (350) (e.g., on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first hinge plate (350)) and the structure of the space formed on the lower portion of the first hinge plate (350) (e.g., on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first hinge plate (350)), the first reinforcing portion (352) may be formed in various structures. In addition, depending on the structure of the second support member (3121) and / or the hinge module (330) disposed on the lower portion of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., on the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second hinge plate (360)) and the structure of the space formed on the lower portion of the second hinge plate (360) (e.g., on the fourth thickness direction (-Y1 direction) side of the second hinge plate (360)), the second reinforcing portion (362) may be formed in various structures. For example, the first vertical side reinforcing portion (3521) and / or the second vertical side reinforcing portion (3621) may include a folded structure (BS), and the first distal reinforcing portion (3522) and / or the second distal reinforcing portion (3622) may include a short-fold structure (HS). For example, the first reinforcement portion (352) (e.g., the first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521), the first distal reinforcement portion (3522), and the first proximal reinforcement portion (3523)) and / or the second reinforcement portion (362) (e.g., the second vertical side reinforcement portion (3621), the second distal reinforcement portion (3622), and the second proximal reinforcement portion (3623)) may include a short-sleeved structure (HS). For example, the first reinforcement portion (352) (e.g., the first vertical side reinforcement portion (3521), the first distal reinforcement portion (3522), and the first proximal reinforcement portion (3523)) and / or the second reinforcement portion (362) (e.g., the second vertical side reinforcement portion (3621), the second distal reinforcement portion (3622), and the second proximal reinforcement portion (3623)) may include a folded structure (BS).

[0196] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate various examples of the first reinforcing member (352) illustrated in FIG. 5, and simultaneously represent a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 5 and a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 5.

[0198] The first reinforcing member (352) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9 may additionally and / or alternatively include at least a portion of the structure of the first reinforcing member (452) illustrated in FIG. 10, at least a portion of the structure of the first reinforcing member (552) illustrated in FIG. 11, and / or at least a portion of the structure of the first reinforcing member (652) illustrated in FIG. 12. The second reinforcing member (362) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9 may additionally and / or alternatively include at least a portion of the structure of the second reinforcing member (462) illustrated in FIG. 10, at least a portion of the structure of the second reinforcing member (562) illustrated in FIG. 11, and / or at least a portion of the structure of the second reinforcing member (662) illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0199] The detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (401, 501, 601) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is not described below, may be the same as or similar to the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and / or the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (301) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0200] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 10, at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (452) and / or at least a portion of the second reinforcing portion (462) may include a first composite structure (CS1). The first composite structure (CS1) may be formed by folding two layers of plates formed by folding a portion of an edge of the first body portion (451) and / or a portion of an edge of the second body portion (461) toward the hinge module (430) toward the hinge module (430). For example, the first composite structure (CS1) may be a structure in which two layers of plates are folded in a second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) or a fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction). The first composite structure (CS1) is a structure in which a single-fold structure (e.g., the single-fold structure (HS) of FIGS. 6 and 7) and a folded structure (e.g., the folded structure (BS) of FIGS. 8 and 9) described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9 are combined, and through the multiple-folded structure of the first composite structure (CS1), the structural rigidity of the portion where the first composite structure (CS1) is arranged in the first hinge plate (450) and / or the second hinge plate (460) can be further reinforced.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the first composite structure (CS1) may include a first portion (CS1-1) that is bent at a portion of an edge of the first body portion (451) and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion (451), a second portion (CS1-2) that is folded inwardly from an end of the first portion (CS1-1) and extends in another direction opposite to the one direction, and a third portion (CS1-3) that is bent inwardly from an end of the second portion (CS1-2) and extends inwardly. For example, the first composite structure (CS1) may include a first portion (CS1-1) that is bent in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) at a portion of the edge of the first body portion (451) and extends in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction), a second portion (CS1-2) that is folded inwardly at an end of the first portion (CS1-1) and extends in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction), and a third portion (CS1-3) that is bent inwardly at an end of the second portion (CS1-2) and extends inwardly. According to one embodiment, the first composite structure (CS1) may include a first portion (CS1-1) that is bent at a portion of an edge of the second body portion (461) and extends in one direction perpendicular to the second body portion (461), a second portion (CS1-2) that is folded inwardly from an end of the first portion (CS1-1) and extends in another direction opposite to the one direction, and a third portion (CS1-3) that is bent inwardly from an end of the second portion (CS1-2) and extends inwardly. For example, the first composite structure (CS1) may include a first portion (CS1-1) that is bent in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) at a portion of the edge of the second body portion (461) and extends in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction), a second portion (CS1-2) that is folded inwardly at an end of the first portion (CS1-1) and extends in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction), and a third portion (CS1-3) that is bent inwardly at an end of the second portion (CS1-2) and extends inwardly.

[0202] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first vertical side reinforcement (4521), the first distal reinforcement (e.g., the first distal reinforcement (3522) of FIG. 8), the first proximal reinforcement (e.g., the first proximal reinforcement (3523) of FIG. 8), the second vertical side reinforcement (4621), the second distal reinforcement (e.g., the second distal reinforcement (3622) of FIG. 8), or the second proximal reinforcement (e.g., the second proximal reinforcement (3623) of FIG. 8)) can include the first composite structure (CS1). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the first vertical side reinforcement (4521) and / or the second vertical side reinforcement (4621) can include the first composite structure (CS1).

[0203] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (552) and / or the second reinforcing portion (562) may include a second composite structure (CS2). The second composite structure (CS2) may include a U-shaped structure in which a portion of an edge of the first body portion (551) and / or a portion of an edge of the second body portion (561) is bent in a U-shape toward the hinge module (530), and a folded structure in which an end of the U-shaped structure is bent and extended outward. Through the multiple folded structure of the second composite structure (CS2), the structural rigidity of the portion of the first hinge plate (550) where the second composite structure (CS2) is arranged may be further reinforced.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the second composite structure (CS2) may include a first portion (CS2-1) that is bent at a portion of an edge of the first body portion (551) and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion (551), a second portion (CS2-2) that is folded outwardly from an end of the first portion (CS1-2) and extends in another direction opposite to the one direction, and a third portion (CS2-3) that is bent outwardly from an end of the second portion (CS2-2) and extends outward. For example, the second composite structure (CS2) may include a first portion (CS2-1) that is bent in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) at a portion of the edge of the first body portion (551) and extends in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction), a second portion (CS2-2) that is folded outward from an end of the first portion (CS2-1) and extends in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction), and a third portion (CS2-3) that is bent outward from an end of the second portion (CS2-2) and extends outward. According to one embodiment, the second composite structure (CS2) may include a first portion (CS2-1) that is bent at a portion of an edge of the second body portion (561) and extends in one direction perpendicular to the second body portion (561), a second portion (CS2-2) that is folded outward from an end of the first portion (CS1-2) and extends in another direction opposite to the one direction, and a third portion (CS2-3) that is bent outward from an end of the second portion (CS2-2) and extends outward. For example, the second composite structure (CS2) may include a first portion (CS2-1) that is bent in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) from a portion of the edge of the second body portion (561) and extends in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction), a second portion (CS2-2) that is folded outward from an end of the first portion (CS2-1) and extends in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction), and a third portion (CS2-3) that is bent outward from an end of the second portion (CS2-2) and extends outward.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the third portion (CS2-3) may be supported by the hinge cover (532). For example, the third portion (CS2-3) may be mounted on an end of a portion of the hinge cover (532) facing in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction), and may be supported by the hinge cover (532) in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction). In this way, since the structural rigidity is improved by securing sufficient thickness through the first part (CS2-1) and the second part (CS2-2) of the second composite structure (CS2), and the third part (CS2-3) can be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the hinge cover (532), bending deformation of the part where the second composite structure (CS2) is arranged in the first hinge plate (550) and / or the second hinge plate (560) can be effectively prevented.

[0206] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first vertical side reinforcement (5521), the first distal reinforcement (e.g., the first distal reinforcement (3522) of FIG. 8), the first proximal reinforcement (e.g., the first proximal reinforcement (3523) of FIG. 8), the second vertical side reinforcement (5621), the second distal reinforcement (e.g., the second distal reinforcement (3622) of FIG. 8), or the second proximal reinforcement (e.g., the second proximal reinforcement (3623) of FIG. 8)) can include a second composite structure (CS2). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the first vertical side reinforcement (5521) and / or the second vertical side reinforcement (5621) can include the second composite structure (CS2).

[0207] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (652) and / or at least a portion of the second reinforcing portion (462) may include a third composite structure (CS3). The third composite structure (CS3) may include a first single-fold structure formed by folding a portion of an edge of the first body portion (651) and / or a portion of an edge of the second body portion (661) toward the hinge module (630), and a second single-fold structure formed by folding an end of the first single-fold structure once more toward the hinge module (630). The third composite structure (CS3) is a structure that repeats the single-fold structure described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 (e.g., the single-fold structure (HS) of FIGS. 6 and 7), and through the multiple-folding structure of the third composite structure (CS3), the structural rigidity of the portion where the third composite structure (CS3) is placed in the first hinge plate (650) can be further reinforced.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the third composite structure (CS3) may include a first portion (CS3-1) that is folded inwardly from a portion of an edge of the first body portion (651) and extends outwardly, and a second portion (CS3-2) that is folded inwardly from an end of the first portion (CS3-1). For example, the third composite structure (CS3) may include a first portion (CS3-1) that is folded inwardly in a second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) from a portion of an edge of the first body portion (651) and extends outwardly, and a second portion (CS3-2) that is folded inwardly in a second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) from an end of the first portion (CS3-1) and extends outwardly. According to one embodiment, the third composite structure (CS3) may include a first portion (CS3-1) that is folded inwardly and extends from a portion of an edge of the second body portion (661), and a second portion (CS3-2) that is folded inwardly and extends from an end of the first portion (CS3-1). For example, the third composite structure (CS3) may include a first portion (CS3-1) that is folded inwardly and extends from a portion of an edge of the second body portion (661) in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction), and a second portion (CS3-2) that is folded inwardly and extends from an end of the first portion (CS3-1) in the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction).

[0209] Without being limited thereto, the second portion (CS3-2) may be folded in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) from the end of the first portion (CS3-1) and may extend outward. For example, the second portion (CS3-2) may be understood to be disposed between the first body portion (651) and the first portion (CS3-1). For example, the third composite structure (CS3) may be understood to be formed by folding a portion of the edge of the first body portion (651) and / or a portion of the edge of the second body portion (661) inward twice.

[0210] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first vertical side reinforcement (6521), the first distal reinforcement (e.g., the first distal reinforcement (3522) of FIG. 8), the first proximal reinforcement (e.g., the first proximal reinforcement (3523) of FIG. 8), the second vertical side reinforcement (6621), the second distal reinforcement (e.g., the second distal reinforcement (3622) of FIG. 8), or the second proximal reinforcement (e.g., the second proximal reinforcement (3623) of FIG. 8)) can include a third composite structure (CS3). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the first vertical side reinforcement (6521) and / or the second vertical side reinforcement (6621) can include the third composite structure (CS3).

[0211] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of a configuration of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a configuration of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line D-D' of FIG. 13.

[0212] Specifically, FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating the first hinge plate (750) and the second hinge plate (760) areas when the foldable electronic device (701) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2). FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible display (720), the first hinge plate (750), and the second hinge plate (760).

[0213] The first reinforcing part (352) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, the first reinforcing part (452) illustrated in FIG. 10, the first reinforcing part (552) illustrated in FIG. 11, and / or the first reinforcing part (652) illustrated in FIG. 12 may additionally and / or alternatively include at least a portion of the structure of the first reinforcing part (752) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The second reinforcing part (362) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, the second reinforcing part (462) illustrated in FIG. 10, the second reinforcing part (562) illustrated in FIG. 11, and / or the second reinforcing part (662) illustrated in FIG. 12 may additionally and / or alternatively include at least a portion of the structure of the second reinforcing part (762) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0214] The detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (701) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is not described below, may be the same as or similar to the detailed configuration of the electronic device (101) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (301) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (401) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIG. 10, the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (501) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIG. 11, and / or the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (601) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0215] In one embodiment, the first reinforcement portion (752) may include a first central reinforcement portion (7523). The first central reinforcement portion (7523) may be positioned across at least a portion of the first body portion (751). The first central reinforcement portion (7523) may reinforce the structural rigidity of a middle region of the first hinge plate (750). The middle region may be a region that is not located at an edge of the hinge plate. The middle region may be a region located substantially in the center.

[0216] The first central reinforcement (7523) may include a U-shaped structure (US). The U-shaped structure (US) may be formed by bending a portion of the first body portion (751) toward the hinge module (730) into a U shape. The U-shaped structure (US) may include a first portion (US1) that is formed by bending a portion of the first body portion (751) and extending in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion (751), and a second portion (US2) that is folded at an end of the first portion (US1) and extends in the other direction opposite to the one direction. For example, a U-shaped structure (US) may include a first portion (US1) in which a part of the first body portion (751) is bent in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) and extends in the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction), and a second portion (US2) in which an end of the first portion (US1) is folded and extends in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction). The second portion (US2) may be connected to another part of the first body portion (751).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the first central reinforcement (7523) may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). For example, the first central reinforcement (7523) may extend in a first lateral direction (+X direction) and / or a second lateral direction (-X direction). The first central reinforcement (7523) may be positioned at a position that does not interfere with the hinge module (730). Not limited thereto, if the first central reinforcement (7523) and the hinge module (730) do not interfere, the first central reinforcement (7523) may extend in a direction that is not parallel to the folding axis (F). For example, the first central reinforcement (7523) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., a third lateral direction (+Y1 direction) and / or a fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction)).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the first central reinforcement portion (7523) may extend to an end facing the first side direction (+X direction) of the first hinge plate (750) and / or an end facing the second side direction (-X direction). Through this, the structural rigidity of the two side end regions of the first hinge plate (750) may be reinforced by the first central reinforcement portion (7523).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the first central reinforcement (7523) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by another member disposed on the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first central reinforcement (7523). For example, the first central reinforcement (7523) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the hinge module (730). According to one embodiment, when the first central reinforcement (7523) is disposed on the first housing (711) and / or the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover (332) of FIG. 8), the first central reinforcement (7523) may be supported in the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) by the first housing (711) and / or the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover (332) of FIG. 8). Through this, bending deformation of the first hinge plate (750) due to external pressure can be prevented in the portion where the first central reinforcement (7523) is placed.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the first central reinforcement portion (7523) may be non-overlapping in the thickness direction (e.g., the first thickness direction (+Z1 direction) and / or the second thickness direction (-Z1 direction)) of the flexible circuit board (740) and the first housing (711). Specifically, when the foldable electronic device (701) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the flexible circuit board (740) may be in contact with or adjacent to the first hinge plate (750) (see FIG. 8), and even when the foldable electronic device (701) is converted to a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3), the flexible circuit board (740) may be in contact with the first hinge plate (750). In one embodiment, the first central reinforcement member (7523) is positioned at a non-overlapping position with the flexible circuit board (740), thereby preventing the flexible circuit board (740) from being interfered with by the first central reinforcement member (7523) or from being damaged by the first central reinforcement member (7523).

[0221] In one embodiment, the second reinforcement portion (762) may include a second central reinforcement portion (7623). The second central reinforcement portion (7623) may be positioned in a middle region of the second body portion (761). The second central reinforcement portion (7623) may reinforce the structural rigidity of the middle region of the second hinge plate (760).

[0222] In one embodiment, the second central reinforcement (7623) may be supported in a third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by another member disposed on the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second central reinforcement (7623). For example, the second central reinforcement (7623) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the hinge module (730). In one embodiment, when the second central reinforcement (7623) is disposed on the second housing (712) and / or the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover (332) of FIG. 8), the second central reinforcement (7623) may be supported in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) by the second housing (712) and / or the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover (332) of FIG. 8). Through this, bending deformation of the second hinge plate (760) due to external pressure can be prevented in the portion where the second central reinforcement (7623) is placed.

[0223] The second central reinforcement (7623) may include a U-shaped structure (US). The U-shaped structure (US) may be formed by bending a portion of the second body portion (761) toward the hinge module (730) into a U shape. The U-shaped structure (US) may include a first portion (US1) that is formed by bending a portion of the second body portion (761) and extending in one direction perpendicular to the second body portion (761), and a second portion (US2) that is folded at an end of the first portion (US1) and extends in the other direction opposite to the one direction. For example, a U-shaped structure (US) may include a first portion (US1) that is formed by bending a portion of a second body portion (761) in a fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) and extending in a fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction), and a second portion (US2) that is formed by folding an end of the first portion (US1) and extending in a third thickness direction (+Z2 direction). The second portion (US2) may be connected to another portion of the second body portion (761).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the second central reinforcement (7623) may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). For example, the second central reinforcement (7623) may extend in a first lateral direction (+X direction) and / or a second lateral direction (-X direction). The second central reinforcement (7623) may be positioned at a position that does not interfere with the hinge module (730). Not limited thereto, if the second central reinforcement (7623) and the hinge module (730) do not interfere, the second central reinforcement (7623) may extend in a direction that is not parallel to the folding axis (F). For example, the second central reinforcement (7623) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction) and / or in the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)).

[0225] According to one embodiment, the second central reinforcement portion (7623) may extend to an end portion facing the first side direction (+X direction) of the second hinge plate (760) and / or an end portion facing the second side direction (-X direction). Through this, the structural rigidity of the two end regions of the second hinge plate (760) may be reinforced by the second central reinforcement portion (7623).

[0226] According to one embodiment, the second central reinforcement portion (7623) may be positioned at a non-overlapping position in the thickness direction (e.g., the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) and / or the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction)) of the flexible circuit board (740) and the second housing (712). Specifically, when the foldable electronic device (701) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the flexible circuit board (740) may be in contact with or adjacent to the second hinge plate (760) (see FIG. 8), and even when the foldable electronic device (701) is converted to a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3), the flexible circuit board (740) may be in contact with the second hinge plate (760). In one embodiment, the second central reinforcement (7623) is positioned at a non-overlapping position with the flexible circuit board (740), thereby preventing the flexible circuit board (740) from being interfered with by the second central reinforcement (7623) or from being damaged by the second central reinforcement (7623).

[0227] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a portion of a configuration of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of FIG. 15.

[0228] Specifically, FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating the first hinge plate (850) and second hinge plate (860) areas when the foldable electronic device (801) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2).

[0229] The first reinforcing part (352) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, the first reinforcing part (452) illustrated in FIG. 10, the first reinforcing part (552) illustrated in FIG. 11, the first reinforcing part (652) illustrated in FIG. 12, and / or the first reinforcing part (752) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 may additionally and / or alternatively include at least a portion of the structure of the first reinforcing part (852) illustrated in FIG. 15. The second reinforcing part (362) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, the second reinforcing part (462) illustrated in FIG. 10, the second reinforcing part (562) illustrated in FIG. 11, the second reinforcing part (662) illustrated in FIG. 12, and / or the second reinforcing part (762) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 may additionally and / or alternatively include at least a portion of the structure of the second reinforcing part (862) illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0230] The detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (801) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is not described below, may be the same as or similar to the detailed configuration of the electronic device (101) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (301) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (401) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIG. 10, the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (501) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIG. 11, the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (601) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIG. 12, and / or the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic device (701) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (850) may include a first body portion (851). The first body portion (851) may be plate-shaped. The first body portion (851) may be flat-shaped, and may include a portion that is bent or folded (see FIG. 8).

[0232] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (850) may include a first reinforcing portion (852). The first reinforcing portion (852) may overlap at least a portion of the first body portion (851) in a first thickness direction (+X direction) and / or a second thickness direction (-X direction). A portion of the first hinge plate (850) where the first reinforcing portion (852) is disposed may have a thicker thickness than a portion where the first reinforcing portion (852) is not disposed. Through the first reinforcing portion (852), the structural rigidity of the first hinge plate (850) may be reinforced.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing member (852) has a plate shape and can be fixed to the second thickness direction (-X direction) side of the first body member (851). For example, the first reinforcing member (852) can be provided separately from the first body member (851) and fixed to the first body member (851).

[0234] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing portion (852) may be formed integrally with the first body portion (851). For example, the first reinforcing portion (852) may be formed by bending a portion of the first body portion (851). For example, the first reinforcing portion (852) may include a short-fold structure (e.g., the short-fold structure (HS) of FIGS. 6 and 7) in which a portion of the edge of the first body portion (851) is short-folded and extends inward. For example, the first reinforcement part (852) disposed in the first reinforcement area (A1) may be formed by folding (e.g., by a short-folding machine) the first body part (851) at an edge facing the first side direction (+X direction) and / or the second side direction (-X direction) of the first body part (851), or may be formed by folding (e.g., by a short-folding machine) the first body part (851) at an edge facing the folding axis (F) of the first body part (851) (e.g., an edge facing the third side direction (+Y1 direction)). Alternatively, for example, the first hinge plate (850) may be injection-molded and / or cast, during its manufacturing step, such that the thickness of the area where the first reinforcement part (852) is disposed (e.g., the first reinforcement area (A1) and / or the second reinforcement area (A2)) is thicker than the thickness of the area where the first reinforcement part (852) is not disposed.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcing member (852) may be positioned at a location that does not interfere with the hinge module (830). For example, referring to FIG. 16, a portion of the hinge module (830) may be adjacent to a lower portion of the first hinge plate (850) (e.g., a second thickness direction (-Z1 direction) side of the first hinge plate (850). The first reinforcing member (852) may be positioned at an area where the hinge module (830) is not adjacent to the first hinge plate (850). Advantageously, the first reinforcing member may reduce the possibility of damage that may occur in response to external pressure without impeding the movement of the hinge module.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (850) may include a first reinforcement region (A1). The first reinforcement region (A1) may be an area adjacent to an edge facing the folding axis (F) in an area facing the first lateral direction (+X direction) of the first hinge plate (850) and an area facing the second lateral direction (-X direction) of the first hinge plate (850). The first reinforcement region (A1) may be an area reinforced by a separate first reinforcement region (852) in a portion where the first reinforcement part (852) disposed in the second reinforcement region (A2) is not extended by the hinge module (830). The first reinforcement region (A1), which may be vulnerable to bending deformation due to external pressure and / or external impact, including a portion protruding from the first body part (851) toward the folding axis (F), may be reinforced by the first reinforcement part (852).

[0237] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (850) may include a second reinforcement region (A2). The second reinforcement region (A2) may be arranged in a central region among regions adjacent to an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (850) (e.g., a fourth lateral direction (-Y1 direction)) and an edge facing toward the folding axis (F) of the first hinge plate (850) (e.g., an edge facing toward the third lateral direction (+Y1 direction) of the first hinge plate (850). The second reinforcement region (A2) is an region reinforced by the first reinforcement member (852), and is not limited to the region described above, and may refer to a part of the region described above, and may also include additional regions.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the first reinforcement area (A1) and the second reinforcement area (A2) may have different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the first reinforcement part (852) disposed in the first reinforcement area (A1) may be about 0.1 mm, and the thickness of the first reinforcement part (852) disposed in the second reinforcement area (A2) may be about 0.2 mm. This difference in thickness between the first reinforcement area (A1) and the second reinforcement area (A2) may be to avoid interference with a structure disposed below the first hinge plate (850) (e.g., a hinge module (830)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the thickness of the first reinforcement area (A1) may be greater than the thickness of the second reinforcement area (A2), or the thicknesses of the two areas may be the same.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the second hinge plate (860) may include a second body portion (861). The second body portion (861) may be plate-shaped. The second body portion (861) may be flat-shaped, and may include a portion that is bent or folded (see FIG. 8).

[0240] According to one embodiment, the second hinge plate (860) may include a second reinforcing portion (862). The second reinforcing portion (862) may overlap at least a portion of the second body portion (861) in the third thickness direction (+Z2 direction) and / or the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction). A portion of the second hinge plate (860) where the second reinforcing portion (862) is disposed may have a thicker thickness than a portion where the second reinforcing portion (862) is not disposed. Through the second reinforcing portion (862), the structural rigidity of the second hinge plate (860) may be reinforced.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing member (862) has a plate shape and can be fixed to the fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second body member (861). For example, the second reinforcing member (862) can be provided separately from the second body member (861) and fixed to the second body member (861).

[0242] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcing portion (862) may be formed integrally with the second body portion (861). For example, the second reinforcing portion (862) may be formed by bending a portion of the second body portion (861). For example, the second reinforcing portion (862) may include a short-fold structure (e.g., the short-fold structure (HS) of FIGS. 6 and 7) in which a portion of the edge of the second body portion (861) is short-folded and extends inward. For example, the second reinforcement part (862) disposed in the third reinforcement area (A3) may be formed by folding (e.g., by a short-folding machine) the second body part (861) at an edge facing the first side direction (+X direction) and / or the second side direction (-X direction) of the second body part (861), or may be formed by folding (e.g., by a short-folding machine) the second body part (861) at an edge facing the folding axis (F) of the second body part (861) (e.g., an edge facing the fifth side direction (+Y2 direction)). Alternatively, for example, the second hinge plate (860) may be injection-molded and / or cast, during its manufacturing step, such that the thickness of the area where the second reinforcement part (862) is disposed (e.g., the third reinforcement area (A3) and / or the fourth reinforcement area (A4)) is thicker than the thickness of the area where the second reinforcement part (862) is not disposed.

[0243] According to one embodiment, the second reinforcement member (862) may be positioned at a location that does not interfere with the hinge module (830). For example, referring to FIG. 16, a portion of the hinge module (830) may be adjacent to a lower portion of the second hinge plate (860) (e.g., a fourth thickness direction (-Z2 direction) side of the second hinge plate (860). The second reinforcement member (862) may be positioned at an area where the hinge module (830) is not adjacent to the second hinge plate (860). Advantageously, the second reinforcement member improves the integrity of the device without interfering with the function of the hinge module.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the second hinge plate (860) may include a third reinforcement region (A3). The third reinforcement region (A3) may be an area adjacent to an edge facing the folding axis (F) in an area facing the first lateral direction (+X direction) of the second hinge plate (860) and an area facing the second lateral direction (-X direction) of the second hinge plate (860). The third reinforcement region (A3) may be an area reinforced by a separate second reinforcement region (862) in a portion where the second reinforcement portion (862) disposed in the fourth reinforcement region (A4) is not extended by the hinge module (830). The third reinforcement region (A3), which may be vulnerable to bending deformation due to external pressure and / or external impact, including a portion protruding from the second body portion (861) toward the folding axis (F), may be reinforced by the second reinforcement portion (862).

[0245] According to one embodiment, the second hinge plate (860) may include a fourth reinforcement region (A4). The fourth reinforcement region (A4) may be arranged in a central region among regions adjacent to an edge facing away from the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (860) (e.g., in the sixth lateral direction (-Y2 direction)) and an edge facing toward the folding axis (F) of the second hinge plate (860) (e.g., in the fifth lateral direction (+Y2 direction) of the second hinge plate (860). The fourth reinforcement region (A4) is an region reinforced by the second reinforcement member (862), and is not limited to the region described above, and may refer to a part of the region described above, and may also include additional regions.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the third reinforcement area (A3) and the fourth reinforcement area (A4) may have different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the second reinforcement part (862) disposed in the third reinforcement area (A3) may be about 0.1 mm, and the thickness of the second reinforcement part (862) disposed in the fourth reinforcement area (A4) may be about 0.2 mm. This difference in thickness between the third reinforcement area (A3) and the fourth reinforcement area (A4) may be to avoid interference with a structure disposed below the second hinge plate (860) (e.g., a hinge module (830)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the thickness of the third reinforcement area (A3) may be greater than the thickness of the fourth reinforcement area (A4), or the thicknesses of the two areas may be the same.

[0247] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device (900) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an unfolded state of a multi-foldable electronic device (900) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0248] FIG. 17 may be a drawing of one side (e.g., front) of a foldable electronic device (900) viewed obliquely, and FIG. 18 may be a drawing of the other side (e.g., rear) of the foldable electronic device (900) viewed obliquely.

[0249] The detailed configuration of a foldable electronic device (900) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is not described below, may be the same as the detailed configuration of the electronic device (101) described with reference to FIG. 1 and / or the detailed configuration of the foldable electronic devices (301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801) described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 16.

[0250] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (900) may include a foldable housing (901). The foldable electronic device (900) may include a flexible display (902). The foldable housing (901) may define a space in which the flexible display (902) is placed. At least a portion of the flexible display (902) may be foldable or unfoldable.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (901) may include a first housing (910). The foldable housing (901) may include a second housing (920). The foldable housing (901) may include a third housing (930). The first housing (910) may be disposed between the second housing (920) and the third housing (930). The second housing (920) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing (910). The third housing (930) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing (910). The flexible display (902) may include a first display area (902a) corresponding to the first housing (910), a second display area (902b) corresponding to the second housing (920), and a third display area (902c) corresponding to the third housing (930).

[0252] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a support member (940, 950, 960). The support member (940, 950, 960) may be disposed between the foldable housing (901) and the flexible display (902). The support member (940, 950, 960) may be coupled to the foldable housing (901) and may support the flexible display (902). The support member (940, 950, 960) may be disposed to surround an edge of the flexible display (902). The support member (940, 950, 960) may extend along the perimeter of the foldable housing (901). The support members (940, 950, 960) may include a first support member (940) disposed in the first housing (910), a second support member (950) disposed in the second housing (920), and a third support member (960) disposed in the third housing (930). The support members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as a “body”. The support members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as a “frame”. The support members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as a “sealing member”. The support members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as a “peripheral part”. The support members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as a "circumferential part". The support members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as a "peripheral structure". The support members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as a "circumferential structure". The support members (940, 950, 960) may reduce friction between the housing (910, 920, 930) and the flexible display (902). The support members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as a "buffering member".

[0253] In one embodiment, the support member (940, 950, 960) may include a second support member (950). The second support member (950) may be disposed between the second housing (920) and the flexible display (902). The second support member (950) may be disposed along an edge of the second housing (920). The second support member (950) may include a second-first support member (951), a second-second support member (952), and a second-third support member (953). At least a portion of the flexible display (902) may be disposed between the second-second support member (952) and the second-third support member (953). The second-first support member (951) may connect the second-second support member (952) and the second-third support member (953). The second-first support member (951) may extend along an edge of the second housing (920) (e.g., an edge (922) of FIG. 18). The second-first support member (951) may be positioned between the edge (922) of the second housing (920) and the flexible display (902). The second-first support member (951) may be referred to as a “support frame” or a “first support frame.” Each of the second-second support member (952) and the second-third support member (953) may be referred to as a “second support frame.”

[0254] In one embodiment, the support member (940, 950, 960) may include a first support member (940). The first support member (940) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the flexible display (902). The first support member (940) may be disposed along an edge of the first housing (910). The first support member (940) may include a first-first support member (941) and a first-second support member (942). At least a portion of the flexible display (902) may be disposed between the first-first support member (941) and the first-second support member (942). The first-first support member (941) may be disposed at one end of the first housing (910), and the first-second support member (942) may be disposed at the other end of the first housing (910). The supporting members (940, 950, 960) may be referred to as “deco” or “finishing members” or “non-conductive members”.

[0255] In one embodiment, the support members (940, 950, 960) may include a third support member (960). The third support member (960) may be disposed between the third housing (930) and the flexible display (902). The third support member (960) may be disposed along an edge of the third housing (930). The third support member (960) may include a third-first support member (961), a third-second support member (962), and a third-third support member (963). At least a portion of the flexible display (902) may be disposed between the third-second support member (962) and the third-third support member (963). The third-first support member (961) may connect the third-second support member (962) and the third-third support member (963). The third-first support member (961) may extend along an edge of the third housing (930) (e.g., an edge (932) of FIG. 18). The third-first support member (961) may be positioned between the edge (932) of the third housing (930) and the flexible display (902). The third-first support member (961) may be referred to as a “support frame” or a “first support frame.” Each of the third-second support member (962) and the third-third support member (963) may be referred to as a “second support frame.”

[0256] According to one embodiment, the first housing (910) may include a first-first side portion (911) and a first-second side portion (912). The first-first side portion (911) and the first-second side portion (912) may each form opposite sides of the first housing (910). The second housing (920) may be coupled with the first-first side portion (911). The third housing (930) may be coupled with the first-second side portion (912). The first-first side portion (911) may be referred to as a “first coupling portion.” The first-second side portion (912) may be referred to as a “second coupling portion.” The first-first side portion (911) may be referred to as a “first portion.” The first-second side portion (912) may be referred to as a “second portion.”

[0257] According to one embodiment, the second housing (920) may include a second-first side portion (921) and a second-second side portion (922). The second-first side portion (921) and the second-second side portion (922) may each form opposite sides of the second housing (920). The second-first side portion (921) may be coupled to the first housing (910). The second-second side portion (922) may form a side of the foldable housing (901). The second-second side portion (922) may be referred to as an “edge.” The second-first side portion (921) may be referred to as a “third side portion.” The second-second side portion (922) may be referred to as a “fourth side portion.”

[0258] According to one embodiment, the third housing (930) may include a third-first side portion (931) and a third-second side portion (932). The third-first side portion (931) and the third-second side portion (932) may each form opposite sides of the third housing (930). The third-first side portion (931) may be coupled to the first housing (910). The third-second side portion (932) may form a side of the foldable housing (901). The third-second side portion (932) may be referred to as an “edge.” The third-first side portion (931) may be referred to as a “fifth side portion.” The third-second side portion (932) may be referred to as a “sixth side portion.”

[0259] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a first hinge (970) and a second hinge (980). The first hinge (970) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The first hinge (970) may be disposed between the first-first side portion (911) and the second-first side portion (921). The first hinge (970) may rotatably connect the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The second hinge (980) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the third housing (930). The second hinge (980) may be disposed between the first-second side portion (912) and the third-first side portion (931). The second hinge (980) can rotatably connect the first housing (910) and the third housing (930).

[0260] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device (900) in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a side view of the foldable electronic device (900) viewed from one direction (e.g., -Y direction) toward another direction (e.g., +Y direction).

[0261] In one embodiment, the second housing (920) can be rotated relative to the first housing (910). The first hinge (970) can provide a center of rotation to the second housing (920). The first hinge (970) can connect the first-first side portion (911) and the second-first side portion (921). The third housing (930) can be rotated relative to the first housing (910). The second hinge (980) can provide a center of rotation to the third housing (930). The second hinge (980) can connect the first-second side portion (912) and the third-first side portion (931).

[0262] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (900) is folded, each of the first, second, and third housings (910, 920, 930) may be arranged in one direction (e.g., +Y direction). For example, the third housing (930) may be arranged on the upper side of the first housing (910), and the second housing (920) may be arranged on the upper side of the third housing (930). For example, the third housing (930) may be arranged between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920).

[0263] According to one embodiment, in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (900), the first housing (910), the second housing (920), and the third housing (930) may be aligned with each other. For example, in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (900), the first housing (910), the third housing (930), and the second housing (920) may be aligned in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction) in the order described.

[0264] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a first hinge cover (973). The first hinge cover (973) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The first hinge cover (973) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the first hinge (970). The first hinge cover (973) may be disposed between the second housing (920) and the first hinge (970). The first hinge cover (973) may be disposed to surround the first hinge (970). For example, the first hinge cover (973) may cover at least a portion of the first hinge (970). The first hinge cover (973) may be referred to as a 'hinge cover.' The first hinge cover (973) may be identical and / or similar to the hinge covers (332; 432; 532; 632) described with reference to FIGS. 6, 8, 10, and 12.

[0265] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a second hinge cover (983). The second hinge cover (983) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the third housing (930). The second hinge cover (983) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the second hinge (980). The second hinge cover (983) may be disposed between the third housing (930) and the second hinge (980). The second hinge cover (983) may be disposed to surround the second hinge (980). For example, the second hinge cover (983) may cover at least a portion of the second hinge (980). The second hinge cover (983) may be referred to as a 'hinge cover'. The second hinge cover (983) may be identical and / or similar to the hinge covers (332; 432; 532; 632) described with reference to FIGS. 6, 8, 10, and 12.

[0266] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device (900) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0267] In one embodiment, the first housing (910) may include a first housing body (916). The first housing (910) may include a first cover (917). The first housing body (916) and the first cover (917) may be coupled. At least a portion of a display (e.g., display (902) of FIG. 5) may be mounted on the first housing body (916).

[0268] In one embodiment, the second housing (920) may include a second housing body (926). The second housing (920) may include a second cover (927). The second housing body (926) and the second cover (927) may be coupled. At least a portion of a display (e.g., display (902) of FIG. 17) may be mounted on the second housing body (926).

[0269] In one embodiment, the third housing (930) may include a third housing body (936). The third housing (930) may include a third cover (937). The third housing body (936) and the third cover (937) may be coupled. At least a portion of a display (e.g., display (902) of FIG. 17) may be mounted on the third housing body (936).

[0270] According to one embodiment, the first hinge (970) can rotatably connect the first housing body (916) and the second housing body (926). The second hinge (980) can rotatably connect the first housing body (916) and the third housing body (936).

[0271] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a battery (903). The battery (903) may supply power to electrical components of the foldable electronic device (900). The battery (903) may be disposed between a housing body (916, 926, 936) and a cover (917, 927, 937). The foldable electronic device (900) may include a circuit board (904). The circuit board (904) may be electrically connected to electrical components of the foldable electronic device (900). The circuit board (904) may be disposed between the housing body (916, 926, 936) and the cover (917, 927, 937). The foldable electronic device (900) may include a camera assembly (905). The camera assembly (905) may be positioned between the housing body (916, 926, 936) and the cover (917, 927, 937). The foldable electronic device (900) may include a flexible circuit board (909). The flexible circuit board (909) may be connected to the circuit board (904).

[0272] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a holder assembly (909a). The holder assembly (909a) may be disposed on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the flexible printed circuit board (909). The holder assembly (909a) may be secured to each of the housings (910, 920, 930). The holder assembly (909a) may secure the flexible printed circuit board (909) to each of the housings (910, 920, 930). The holder assembly (909a) may be disposed below the first-first hinge plate (e.g., the first-first hinge plate (971) of FIG. 22), the first-second hinge plate (e.g., the first-second hinge plate (972) of FIG. 22), the second-first hinge plate (e.g., the second-first hinge plate (981) of FIG. 22) and / or the second-second hinge plate (e.g., the second-second hinge plate (982) of FIG. 22)) to support the hinge plate assembly (e.g., the first hinge plate assembly (HPA1) and / or the second hinge plate assembly (HPA2) of FIG. 22). The holder assembly (909a) may be the same as and / or similar to the first holder assembly (346) and / or the second holder assembly (347) described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0273] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device (900) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0274] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (900) may include a display (902) and a housing (910, 920, 930). The display (902) may be mounted in the housing (910, 920, 930). At least a portion of the display (902) may be deformably disposed in the housing (910, 920, 930). The housings (910, 920, 930) may include a first housing (910), a second housing (920), and a third housing (930). The first housing (910) and the second housing (920) may be rotatably coupled. The first housing (910) and the third housing (930) may be rotatably coupled. The second housing (920) may be named the “third housing” and the third housing (930) may be named the “second housing”.

[0275] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a first hinge (970) and a second hinge (300). The first hinge (970) may rotatably connect the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The second hinge (300) may rotatably connect the first housing (910) and the third housing (930). Referring to FIG. 19, in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (900), the third housing (930) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The first hinge (970) may have a wider width than the second hinge (300). Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the width of the first hinge (970) in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction) may be greater than the width of the second hinge (300) in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction). The first hinge (970) may be referred to as a “wide hinge.” The second hinge (300) may be referred to as a “narrow hinge.” Each of the first hinge (970) and the second hinge (300) may be referred to as a “hinge.” Each of the first hinge (970) and the second hinge (300) may be referred to as a “hinge assembly.”

[0276] According to one embodiment, the structure of the hinge plate assembly (HPA) described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 and / or the structure of the first hinge plate (350; 450; 550; 650; 750; 850) and the second hinge plate (360; 460; 560; 660; 760; 860) described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 16 (hereinafter, “hinge plate structure”) may be formed in a plurality of areas in a foldable electronic device (900) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, in a foldable electronic device (900), a folding operation is performed based on two folding axes (F1, F2), and a first hinge (970) and a second hinge (980) are provided at each portion where each folding operation is performed, and a hinge plate structure may be formed on each of the first hinge (970) and the second hinge (980).

[0277] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a first hinge plate assembly (HPA1). The first hinge plate assembly (HPA1) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The first hinge plate assembly (HPA1) may be disposed in the first folding axis (F1) region. The first hinge plate assembly (HPA1) may be referred to as a 'hinge plate assembly'. The specific structure of the first hinge plate assembly (HPA1) may be the same as and / or similar to the specific structure of the hinge plate assembly (HPA) described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0278] According to one embodiment, the width (e.g., the length in the +X direction and / or the -X direction) of the first hinge plate assembly (HPA1) may be greater than the width (e.g., the length in the +X direction and / or the -X direction) of the second hinge plate assembly (HPA2). This may be because the width of the first hinge (970) in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction) is greater than the width of the second hinge (980) in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction) in FIG. 20.

[0279] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate assembly (HPA1) may include a first-first hinge plate (971). The first-first hinge plate (971) may be disposed on the side of the first housing (910). The first-first hinge plate (971) may be disposed adjacent to the first folding axis (F1). The first-first hinge plate (971) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the flexible display (902). The first-first hinge plate (971) may support the flexible display (902). The specific structure of the first hinge plate (971) may be the same as and / or similar to the structure of the first hinge plate (350; 450; 550; 650; 750; 850) described with respect to FIGS. 5 to 16, except that the element referred to as the folding axis (F) with respect to FIGS. 5 to 16 is referred to as the 'first folding axis (F1)'.

[0280] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate assembly (HPA1) may include a first-second hinge plate (972). The first-second hinge plate (972) may be disposed on the second housing (920) side. The first-second hinge plate (972) may be disposed adjacent to the first folding axis (F1). The first-second hinge plate (972) may be disposed adjacent to the first folding axis (F1). The first-second hinge plate (972) may be disposed between the second housing (920) and the flexible display (902). The first-second hinge plate (972) may support the flexible display (902). The specific structure of the first-second hinge plate (972) may be the same as and / or similar to the structure of the second hinge plate (360; 460; 560; 660; 760; 860) described in relation to FIGS. 5 to 16, except that the element referred to as the folding axis (F) in relation to FIGS. 5 to 16 is referred to as the 'first folding axis (F1)'.

[0281] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900) may include a second hinge plate assembly (HPA2). The second hinge plate assembly (HPA2) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the third housing (930). The second hinge plate assembly (HPA2) may be disposed in the second folding axis (F2) region. The second hinge plate assembly (HPA2) may be referred to as a 'hinge plate assembly'. The specific structure of the second hinge plate assembly (HPA2) may be the same as and / or similar to the specific structure of the hinge plate assembly (HPA) described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0282] According to one embodiment, the second hinge plate assembly (HPA2) may include a second-first hinge plate (981). The second-first hinge plate (981) may be disposed on the side of the first housing (910). The second-first hinge plate (981) may be disposed adjacent to the second folding axis (F2). The second-first hinge plate (981) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the flexible display (902). The second-first hinge plate (981) may support the flexible display (902). The specific structure of the 2-1 hinge plate (981) may be the same as and / or similar to the structure of the 1st hinge plate (350; 450; 550; 650; 750; 850) described in relation to FIGS. 5 to 16, except that the element referred to as the folding axis (F) in relation to FIGS. 5 to 16 is referred to as the 'second folding axis (F2)'.

[0283] In one embodiment, the second hinge plate assembly (HPA2) may include a second-second hinge plate (982). The second-second hinge plate (982) may be disposed on the third housing (930) side. The second-second hinge plate (982) may be disposed adjacent to the second folding axis (F2). The second-second hinge plate (982) may be disposed adjacent to the second folding axis (F2). The second-second hinge plate (982) may be disposed between the third housing (930) and the flexible display (902). The second-second hinge plate (982) may support the flexible display (902). The specific structure of the second hinge plate (982) may be the same as and / or similar to the structure of the second hinge plate (360; 460; 560; 660; 760; 860) described with respect to FIGS. 5 to 16, except that the element referred to as the folding axis (F) with respect to FIGS. 5 to 16 is referred to as the 'second folding axis (F2)'.

[0284] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a foldable housing (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) including a first housing (311; 411; 511; 611; 711) and a second housing (312; 412; 512; 612; 712).

[0285] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a flexible display (320; 420; 520; 620; 720) arranged across the first housing and the second housing.

[0286] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hinge module (330; 430; 530; 630; 730) connected to the first housing and the second housing and rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis (F).

[0287] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hinge plate assembly (HPA) disposed between the hinge module and the flexible display, the hinge plate assembly including a first hinge plate (350; 450; 550; 650; 750) positioned on the first housing side and a second hinge plate (360; 460; 560; 660; 760) positioned on the second housing side.

[0288] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hinge cover (332; 432; 532; 632) arranged to surround the hinge module.

[0289] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a flexible circuit board (340; 740) disposed across the first housing and the second housing, at least a portion of which is disposed in a space between the hinge plate assembly and the hinge cover.

[0290] The first hinge plate of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first body portion (351; 451; 551; 651; 751) having a plate shape, and a first reinforcing portion (352; 452; 552; 652; 752) formed by bending a portion of the first hinge plate and including a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first body portion.

[0291] The first reinforcing portion of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be supported by at least one of a structure inside the first housing, the hinge module, or the hinge cover disposed near the first reinforcing portion in response to an external pressure acting on the first hinge plate, thereby alleviating deformation of the first hinge plate.

[0292] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing portion (352; 452; 552; 652) of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) may be formed on at least a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate.

[0293] The first housing of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first support member (3111) configured to support the flexible display and the hinge module.

[0294] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first holder assembly (346) disposed between the flexible circuit board and the first hinge plate and configured to secure the flexible circuit board to the first support member.

[0295] The first reinforcing portion of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be supported by at least one of the first support member, the first holder assembly, the hinge module, or the hinge cover.

[0296] The first reinforcement portion (352; 452; 552; 652) of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first perpendicular side reinforcement portion (3521; 4521; 5521; 6521) disposed at an edge of the first hinge plate that is perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0297] The first vertical side reinforcement portion of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be supported by the hinge cover.

[0298] The first reinforcement portion of the foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3522; 3523) disposed on at least a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate that is parallel to the folding axis.

[0299] A structure inside a first housing of a foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a first support member (3111) configured to support the flexible display and the hinge module located on the first housing side, or a first holder assembly (346) configured to secure the flexible circuit board to the first support member.

[0300] At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (352) of the foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hemming structure (HS), and the hemming structure may include a portion (HS1) that is hemmed at a portion of an edge of the first body portion (351) and extends inward toward the center of the first body portion.

[0301] At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (352) of the foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a folded structure (BS), and the folded structure may include a portion (BS1) that is folded at a portion of an edge of the first body portion (351) and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion.

[0302] At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (452) of the foldable electronic device (401) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first composite structure (CS1) disposed at an edge of the first body portion (451).

[0303] The first composite structure of the foldable electronic device (401) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first portion (CS1-1) that is bent at a portion of an edge of the first body portion and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion, a second portion (CS1-2) that is folded inwardly from an end of the first portion and extends in another direction opposite to the one direction, and a third portion (CS1-3) that is bent inwardly from an end of the second portion and extends inwardly toward the center of the first body portion.

[0304] At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (552) of the foldable electronic device (501) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second composite structure (CS2) disposed at an edge of the first body portion (551).

[0305] The second composite structure of the foldable electronic device (501) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first portion (CS2-1) that is bent at a portion of an edge of the first body portion and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion, a second portion (CS2-2) that is folded outward from an end of the first portion and extends in another direction opposite to the one direction, and a third portion (CS2-3) that is bent outward from an end of the second portion and extends outward in a direction away from the center of the first body portion.

[0306] At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (652) of the foldable electronic device (601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a third composite structure (CS3) disposed at an edge of the first body portion (651).

[0307] The third composite structure of the foldable electronic device (401) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first portion (CS3-1) that is folded at a portion of an edge of the first body portion and extends inward toward the center of the first body portion, and a second portion (CS3-2) that is folded at an end of the first portion and extends outward in a direction away from the center of the first body portion.

[0308] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a distance (d1) between a region of the first hinge plate facing a first lateral side parallel to the folding axis and a region of the second hinge plate facing the first lateral side and a distance (d2) between a region of the first hinge plate facing a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side and a region of the second hinge plate facing the second lateral side may be smaller than a distance (d3) between a central region of the first hinge plate and a central region of the second hinge plate.

[0309] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an edge of the first hinge plate facing the first side and an edge of the second hinge plate facing the first side may be adjacent to each other.

[0310] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an edge of the first hinge plate facing the second side and an edge of the second hinge plate facing the second side may be adjacent to each other.

[0311] The second hinge plate (360; 460; 560; 660) of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plate-shaped second body portion (361; 461; 561; 661), and a second reinforcing portion (362; 462; 562; 662) formed by bending a portion of the second hinge plate, the second body portion including a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the second body portion.

[0312] The first reinforcing portion (352; 452; 552; 652) of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first vertical side reinforcing portion (3521; 4521; 5521; 6521) disposed at an edge of the first hinge plate that is perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0313] The second reinforcing portion (362; 462; 562; 662) of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second vertical side reinforcing portion (3621; 4621; 5621; 6621) disposed at an edge of the second hinge plate that is perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0314] The first vertical side reinforcement portion and the second vertical side reinforcement portion of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be adjacent to each other.

[0315] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a foldable housing (310; 410; 510; 610) including a first housing (311; 411; 511; 611) and a second housing (312; 412; 512; 612).

[0316] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a flexible display (320; 420; 520; 620; 720) arranged across the first housing and the second housing.

[0317] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hinge module (330; 430; 530; 630) connected to the first housing and the second housing and rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis (F).

[0318] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hinge plate assembly (HPA) disposed between the hinge module and the flexible display, the hinge plate assembly including a first hinge plate (350; 450; 550; 650) disposed on the first housing side and a second hinge plate (360; 460; 560; 660) disposed on the second housing side.

[0319] The first hinge plate of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first body portion (351; 451; 551; 651) having a plate shape, and a first reinforcing portion (352; 452; 552; 652) formed by bending a portion of the first hinge plate and including a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first body portion.

[0320] The first reinforcement part of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first vertical side reinforcement part (3521; 4521; 5521; 6521) arranged on an edge of the first hinge plate that is perpendicular to the folding axis, and a first horizontal side reinforcement part (3522) arranged on at least a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate that is parallel to the folding axis.

[0321] A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a hinge cover (332; 432; 532; 632) arranged to cover at least a portion of the hinge module.

[0322] The first vertical side reinforcement portion of the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be supported by the hinge cover.

[0323] The first housing of the foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first support member (3111) that supports the flexible display and the hinge module.

[0324] A foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a flexible circuit board (340) disposed across the first housing and the second housing, at least a portion of which is disposed in a space between the hinge plate assembly and the hinge cover.

[0325] A foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first holder assembly (346) disposed between the flexible circuit board and the first hinge plate and permanently fixing the flexible circuit board to the first support member.

[0326] The first reinforcement part of the foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first horizontal side reinforcement part (3522) arranged on at least a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate that is parallel to the folding axis.

[0327] A portion of the first horizontal side reinforcement portion of the foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be supported by at least one of the first holder assembly or the first support member.

[0328] At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (352) of the foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hemmed structure (HS) including a portion (HS1) that is hemmed at a portion of an edge of the first body portion (351) and extends inward toward the center of the first body portion.

[0329] At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (352) of the foldable electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a folded structure (BS) including a portion (BS1) that is folded at a portion of an edge of the first body portion (351) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first body portion.

[0330] Although the detailed description of the present disclosure has described specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0331] While this disclosure has been described by way of example and example, it should be understood that the example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detailed construction may be made without departing from the overall scope of this disclosure, including the appended claims.

[0332] It should be understood that all embodiments and their technical features described above can be combined with each other in any combination, as long as there is no conflict between the two embodiments or features. That is, all combinations of two or more embodiments described above are contemplated and encompassed by the present disclosure. One or more features of any embodiment can be incorporated into another embodiment, providing a corresponding advantage or advantages.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701), A foldable housing (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) comprising a first housing (311; 411; 511; 611; 711) and a second housing (312; 412; 512; 612; 712); A flexible display (320; 420; 520; 620; 720) arranged across the first housing and the second housing; A hinge module (330; 430; 530; 630; 730) connected to the first housing and the second housing and rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis (F); A hinge plate assembly (HPA) disposed between the hinge module and the flexible display, comprising a first hinge plate (350; 450; 550; 650; 750) positioned on the first housing side and a second hinge plate (360; 460; 560; 660; 760) positioned on the second housing side; A hinge cover (332; 432; 532; 632) arranged to surround the above hinge module; and A flexible circuit board (340; 740) disposed across the first housing and the second housing, at least a portion of which is disposed in the space between the hinge plate assembly and the hinge cover, The first hinge plate includes a first body part (351; 451; 551; 651; 751) in the shape of a plate, and a first reinforcing part (352; 452; 552; 652; 752) formed by bending a part of the first hinge plate and including a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first body part. A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) wherein the first reinforcing portion is configured to alleviate deformation of the first hinge plate by being supported by at least one of a structure inside the first housing, the hinge module, or the hinge cover disposed near the first reinforcing portion in response to external pressure acting on the first hinge plate.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first reinforcing member (352; 452; 552; 652) is formed on at least a portion of the edge of the first hinge plate, the foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601).

3. In paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) comprising a structure inside the first housing, the structure including at least one of a first support member (3111) configured to support the flexible display and the hinge module located on the side of the first housing, or a first holder assembly (346) configured to secure the flexible circuit board to the first support member.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) including a first perpendicular side reinforcement portion (3521; 4521; 5521; 6521) that is positioned at an edge of the first hinge plate that is perpendicular to the folding axis, wherein the first reinforcement portion (3522; 4521; 5521; 6521) is a first reinforcing portion (3521; 4521; 5521; 6521).

5. In paragraph 4, The first vertical side reinforcement member is a foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) supported by the hinge cover.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A foldable electronic device (301) comprising a first horizontal side reinforcement portion (3522; 3523) disposed on at least a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate that is parallel to the folding axis.

7. In paragraph 6, The first housing includes a first support member (3111) configured to support the flexible display and the hinge module, The foldable electronic device further includes a first holder assembly (346) disposed between the flexible circuit board and the first hinge plate and configured to permanently secure the flexible circuit board to the first support member. A foldable electronic device (301) in which a portion of the first horizontal side reinforcement is supported by at least one of the first holder assembly or the first support member.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A foldable electronic device (301) in which at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (352) includes a hemming structure (HS), and the hemming structure includes a portion (HS1) that is hemmed at a portion of an edge of the first body portion (351) and extends inward toward the center of the first body portion.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A foldable electronic device (301) in which at least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (352) includes a folded structure (BS), and the folded structure includes a portion (BS1) that is folded at a portion of an edge of the first body portion (351) and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (452) includes a first composite structure (CS1) arranged at the edge of the first body portion (451), A foldable electronic device (401) comprising: a first portion (CS1-1) that is bent at a portion of an edge of the first body portion and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion; a second portion (CS1-2) that is folded inwardly from an end of the first portion and extends in another direction opposite to the one direction; and a third portion (CS1-3) that is bent inwardly from an end of the second portion and extends inwardly toward the center of the first body portion.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (552) includes a second composite structure (CS2) arranged at the edge of the first body portion (551), The second composite structure is a foldable electronic device (501) including a first portion (CS2-1) that is bent at a portion of an edge of the first body portion and extends in one direction perpendicular to the first body portion, a second portion (CS2-2) that is folded outward from an end of the first portion and extends in another direction opposite to the one direction, and a third portion (CS2-3) that is bent outward from an end of the second portion and extends outward in a direction away from the center of the first body portion.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, At least a portion of the first reinforcing portion (652) includes a third composite structure (CS3) arranged at the edge of the first body portion (651), The third composite structure is a foldable electronic device (601) including a first portion (CS3-1) that is folded at a portion of an edge of the first body portion and extends inward toward the center of the first body portion, and a second portion (CS3-2) that is folded at an end of the first portion and extends outward in a direction away from the center of the first body portion.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701), wherein a distance (d1) between a region of the first hinge plate facing a first lateral side parallel to the folding axis and a region of the second hinge plate facing the first lateral side and a distance (d2) between a region of the first hinge plate facing a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side and a region of the second hinge plate facing the second lateral side are smaller than a distance (d3) between a central region of the first hinge plate and a central region of the second hinge plate.

14. In paragraph 13, The edge of the first hinge plate facing the first side and the edge of the second hinge plate facing the first side are adjacent to each other, A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601; 701) wherein the edge of the first hinge plate facing the second side and the edge of the second hinge plate facing the second side are adjacent to each other.

15. In paragraph 13 or 14, The second hinge plate (360; 460; 560; 660) includes a plate-shaped second body part (361; 461; 561; 661) and a second reinforcing part (362; 462; 562; 662) formed by bending a portion of the second hinge plate and including a portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the second body part. The first reinforcing member (352; 452; 552; 652) includes a first vertical side reinforcing member (3521; 4521; 5521; 6521) arranged on an edge of the first hinge plate that is perpendicular to the folding axis, The second reinforcing portion (362; 462; 562; 662) includes a second vertical side reinforcing portion (3621; 4621; 5621; 6621) arranged on an edge of the second hinge plate that is perpendicular to the folding axis. A foldable electronic device (301; 401; 501; 601) wherein the first vertical side reinforcement portion and the second vertical side reinforcement portion are adjacent to each other.

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