Foldable electronic device comprising flexible printed circuit board

Abstract

Disclosed in the present document is an electronic device comprising: a first housing and a second housing; a plurality of hinge devices for rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to a folding axis; a flexible printed circuit board extending from the first housing to the second housing across the folding axis; and a guide member for guiding the movement of the flexible printed circuit board while rotating in response to the movements of the first housing and the second housing.

Description

Foldable electronic devices including flexible printed circuit boards

[0001] One embodiment of the present document relates to an electronic device including a flexible printed circuit board.

[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, can offer a variety of functions, including calling functions, based on various applications. During the process of providing these functions, the portable electronic device can display a screen corresponding to each function. Users may desire a wider screen to utilize the various functions described above. However, enlarging the display device for screen display in typical portable electronic devices increases the overall size, which can reduce portability. Accordingly, foldable portable electronic devices are being developed to increase the screen size while maintaining portability. In foldable electronic devices, flexible printed circuit boards can be used, whose shape and position can flexibly change in response to unfolding and / or folding movements.

[0003] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable electronic device (or a portable electronic device, a portable communication device, or a portable electronic device having a communication function) may include: a flexible display; a first housing and a second housing; a plurality of hinge devices rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to a folding axis; a flexible printed circuit board extending from the first housing across the folding axis to the second housing; and a guide member arranged between the plurality of hinge devices to be connected to at least one of the plurality of hinge devices, the guide member configured to guide movement of the flexible printed circuit board while rotating in response to movement of the first housing and the second housing. According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable electronic device (or a portable electronic device, a portable communication device, or a portable electronic device having a communication function) may include: a flexible display; a first housing and a second housing; a plurality of hinge devices rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to a folding axis; A flexible printed circuit board extending from the first housing across the folding axis to the second housing; and a guide member arranged between the plurality of hinge devices to be connected to at least one of the plurality of hinge devices, the guide member being configured to guide movement of the flexible printed circuit board during relative rotation of the first housing and the second housing.

[0004] A foldable electronic device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention may include: a flexible display; a first housing and a second housing; a plurality of hinge devices rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to a folding axis; a hinge housing having at least one side wall parallel to the folding axis and on which at least one of the plurality of hinge devices is mounted; a guide member disposed adjacent to the side wall and rotating in response to movement of the first housing and the second housing; and a flexible printed circuit board extending from the first housing to the second housing while crossing a space between the guide member and the side wall.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0006] FIG. 2a is a drawing showing an example of the front side of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2b is a drawing showing an example of the back side of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 4a is a perspective view showing an FPCB according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view showing an unfolded state of an electronic device including the FPCB taken along line “A-A’” in FIG. 4a.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device including a guide member according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a guide member, a hinge device, and a center bar included in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the guide member, hinge device, and center bar illustrated in Figure 6.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a connecting member of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a guide member of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the coupling relationship of a connecting member and a guide member according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the unfolded and folded states of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge device included in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which a hinge device and a guide member included in an electronic device according to one embodiment are separated.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the behavior of a hinge device of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the behavior of a guide bracket of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a joining member and a guide member are separated according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining the unfolded and folded states of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIGS. 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, and 19e are drawings showing an assembly (or, bonding) process of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention described below provides an electronic device including a flexible display, a side member that provides an internal space for accommodating the flexible display, a flexible substrate including a bending portion that is electrically connected to the flexible display and bends toward the side member, and a conductive member disposed between the side member and the flexible substrate.

[0026] Other intended purposes according to various embodiments of the present invention will be mentioned as needed in the process of describing each embodiment.

[0027] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include at least one guide member that physically guides the shape and / or movement of a flexible printed circuit board while rotating in response to a hinge action of at least one hinge device.

[0028] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include at least one guide member that physically guides a flexible printed circuit board to move along the guide member during a folding operation (e.g., a folding operation or an unfolding operation) of the electronic device.

[0029] An electronic device according to one embodiment may be coupled to at least one hinge device and may restrict the movement of a flexible printed circuit board within a specified range by using a guide member that rotates around a rotational axis of a shaft included in the hinge device (e.g., a first shaft (1241) and a second shaft (1242) of FIG. 12, a first shaft (1641) and a second shaft (1642) of FIG. 18) or a rotational axis parallel to the shaft.

[0030] An electronic device according to one embodiment can prevent or reduce abnormal behavior of a flexible printed circuit board due to biasing to one side through a guide member during a folding operation of the electronic device.

[0031] An electronic device according to one embodiment can prevent or reduce cracking in at least one bending portion included in a flexible printed circuit board by including a guide member.

[0032] An electronic device according to one embodiment can secure durability by including a guide member to prevent or reduce damage to a flexible printed circuit board due to friction and / or interference with surrounding components.

[0033] In addition, various purposes and effects provided by electronic devices according to various embodiments may be mentioned according to the embodiments of the detailed description.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (100) may be one of various forms of electronic devices, such as a notebook (190), smartphones (191) having various form factors (e.g., a bar-type smartphone (191-1), a foldable-type smartphone (191-2), or a sliderable (or rollable) type smartphone (191-3)), a tablet (192), a cellular phone (not shown), a wearable-type device (193), and other similar computing devices (not shown). The components, their relationships, and their functions illustrated in FIG. 1 are exemplary only and do not limit the implementations described or claimed in this document. The electronic device (100) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user device, a multi-function device, a portable device, or a server.

[0036] The electronic device (100) may include components including at least one processor (110) (hereinafter referred to as processor (110)), at least one memory (120) (hereinafter referred to as memory (120)), at least one display (140) (hereinafter referred to as display (140)), at least one image sensor (150) (hereinafter referred to as image sensor (150)), at least one communication circuit (160) (hereinafter referred to as communication circuit (160)), and / or at least one sensor (170) (hereinafter referred to as sensor (170)). The above components are merely exemplary. For example, the electronic device (100) may include other components (e.g., power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), audio processing circuitry, an antenna, a rechargeable battery, or an input / output interface). For example, some components may be omitted from the electronic device (100). For example, some components may be integrated into one component.

[0037] The processor (110) may be implemented as one or more IC (integrated circuit (or circuitry)) chips and may perform various data processing. The processor (110) may include at least one electrical circuit and may individually or collectively perform distributed processing of instructions (or programs, data, etc.) stored in the memory (120). The processor (110) may include a processor assembly including one or more processing circuits. The processor (110) may include any processing circuit operative to control the performance and operations of one or more components (e.g., the memory (120), the display (140), the image sensor (150), the communication circuit (160), and / or the sensor (170)) of the electronic device (100). For example, the processor (110) (e.g., the application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or a chipset). For example, the processor (110) may be implemented with multiple cores (or at least one core circuit), multiple chips, or multiple chipsets. For example, the processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits. For example, the processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits configured to individually and / or collectively perform various functions of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the processor (110) may be included in a first chip of the electronic device (100), and at least another portion of the processor (110) may be included in a second chip of the electronic device (100) that is different from the first chip of the electronic device (100).

[0038] For example, the processor (110) may include a central processing unit (CPU) (111), a graphics processing unit (GPU) (112), a neural processing unit (NPU) (113), an image signal processor (ISP) (114), a display controller (115), a memory controller (116), a storage controller (117), a communication processor (CP) (118), and / or a sensor interface (119). These components of the processor (110) are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (110) may further include other components.

[0039] For example, the processor (110) may further include other components. For example, some components of the processor (110) may be omitted from the processor (110). For example, some components of the processor (110) may be included as separate components of the electronic device (100) outside the processor (110). For example, some components of the processor (110) (e.g., the memory controller (116)) may be included within other components (e.g., at least a portion of the memory (120), an interface (e.g., available for connection to at least one component of the electronic device (100)), a display (140) and / or an image sensor (150)).

[0040] The processor (110) may cause other components of the electronic device (100) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in the memory (120). The CPU (111) (or central processing circuit) may be configured to control components of the processor (110) based on the execution of instructions stored in the memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121) and / or non-volatile memory (122)). The GPU (112) (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (113) (or neural processing circuit, or artificial intelligence (AI) chip) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). The ISP (114) (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through the image sensor (150) into a format suitable for a component within the electronic device (100) or a component of the processor (110). The display controller (115) (or display control circuit, or display processing unit (DPU)) may be configured to process an image acquired from the CPU (111), the GPU (112), the ISP (114), or the memory (120) (e.g., the volatile memory (121)) into a format suitable for the display (140). The memory controller (116) (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory (121) and writing data to the volatile memory (121). The storage controller (117) (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the nonvolatile memory (122) and writing data to the nonvolatile memory (122).The CP (118) (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data acquired from a component of the processor (110) into a format suitable for transmission to another electronic device via the communication circuit (160), or to process data acquired from another electronic device via the communication circuit (160) into a format suitable for processing by the component of the processor (110). For example, the communication circuit (160) may include one or more communication circuits. The sensor interface (119) (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data about the state of the electronic device (100) and / or the state of the surroundings of the electronic device (100), acquired via the sensor (170), into a format suitable for the component of the processor (110).

[0041] The memory (120) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices). For example, the memory (120) may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory (e.g., non-volatile memory (122)) such as a hard drive, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), semi-permanent memory (e.g., volatile memory (121)) such as random access memory (RAM), any other suitable type of storage (or storage assembly), or any combination thereof. The memory (120) may include cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (100). As a non-limiting example, the cache memory may be included within the processor (110). The memory (120) may be fixedly embedded within the electronic device (100) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a subscriber identity module (SIM) card and / or a secure digital (SD) card) that may be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (100).

[0042] For example, the memory (120) may store one or more software applications, such as an operating system (or system) software application, a firmware software application, a driver software application, a plug-in (e.g., add-in, add-on, and / or applet) software application, and / or any other suitable software applications. For example, the one or more software applications may include instructions executable by the processor (110). For example, the memory (120) may store instructions callable by an application programming interface (API). For example, the memory (120) may store instructions within a library.

[0043] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the front of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the rear of the electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) (e.g., a first housing structure) including a first side member (213) (e.g., a side bezel) and a second housing (220) (e.g., a second housing structure) including a second side member (223) (e.g., a side bezel) that are foldably coupled to each other with respect to a folding axis (F) through at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge structure). For example, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be configured as a foldable housing (e.g., a housing structure). For example, the electronic device (200) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) arranged to be supported by a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). For example, the first housing (210) may include a first side (211) and a second side (212) facing in an opposite direction (e.g., a -z-axis direction) of the first side (211). For example, the second housing (220) may include a third side (221) and a fourth side (222) facing in an opposite direction (e.g., a -z-axis direction) of the third side (221). For example, the first housing (210) may include a first rear cover (214) coupled with a first side member (213). For example, the second housing (220) may include a second rear cover (224) coupled with a second side member (223). For example, when the electronic device (200) is in a fully unfolded first state (e.g., an unfolded state or an unfolded state), the first side (211) and the third side (221) may be operated so that they face substantially the same direction (e.g., a z-axis direction). For example, when the electronic device (200) is in a fully folded second state (e.g., a folded state or a folded state), the first side (211) and the third side (221) may face each other or face opposite directions.For example, the electronic device (200) may be operated to maintain a third state (e.g., an intermediate state) between the first state and the second state.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a receiver (201), at least one sensor module (204) (e.g., an ambient light sensor), and / or at least one first camera module (205) (e.g., a UDC, under display camera) disposed on a first side (211) of the first housing (210). For example, the electronic device (200) may include at least one key (206) disposed on a first side member (213). For example, the electronic device (200) may include a second display (231) (e.g., a sub-display), at least one second camera module (208), and / or a flash (209) disposed on a second side (212) of the first housing (210) (e.g., a first rear cover (214)). For example, the second display (231) may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (214). For example, the electronic device (200) may include a speaker (202), a microphone (203), or a connector port (207) arranged on the second side member (223). At least some of the aforementioned components may be arranged in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display) may include a first region (230a) (e.g., a first planar portion) corresponding to at least a portion of the first surface (211), a second region (230b) (e.g., a second planar portion) corresponding to at least a portion of the third surface (221), and a third region (230c) (e.g., a folding portion) connecting the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) and allowing the electronic device (200) to be deformed in a second state (e.g., a folded state) and / or a third state (e.g., an intermediate state). For example, the third region (230c) may be positioned at a position at least partially overlapping at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) when the first display (230) is viewed from above (e.g., in the z-axis direction). For example, the first display (230) may be arranged so that it is not visible from the outside in the second state by having the first side (211) and the third side (221) face each other (e.g., inward-fold type). For example, the first display (230) may be arranged so that it is visible from the outside in the second state by having the first side (211) and the third side (221) face each other in opposite directions (e.g., outward-fold type).

[0047] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of FIGS. 2A and 2B including a hinge device according to one embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (200) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) may include at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) disposed between a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) forming a part of an exterior of the electronic device (200). The at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) may connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) at a lower portion (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the display (230). The at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) may rotatably couple the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) may include a first hinge device (240) and a second hinge device (240-1) spaced apart from the first hinge device (240) in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) parallel to the folding axis (or center bar (270)). The plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may be arranged between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) so as not to be visible from the outside through the hinge housing (250). At least a portion of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may be accommodated within an interior space (251) of the hinge housing (250).

[0049] According to one embodiment, at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) may be provided in multiple numbers. At least some of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may have similar structures and shapes to each other. In FIG. 3, a structure in which two hinge devices (240, 240-1) of similar or identical shapes are arranged in a hinge housing (250) is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and hinge devices of other shapes may be mounted in the hinge housing (250). Some of the at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) may perform a hinge operation while being connected through a guide member (330).

[0050] An electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may include at least one center bar (270) (or, a center support, a center cover, a center plate) disposed between a plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1). The center bar (270) may be formed to cross a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (260) between the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1). The center bar (270) may be disposed between a third area of ​​the display (230) (e.g., the second area (230c) of FIG. 2B) and the FPCB (260). The center bar (270) may support at least a portion of the third area of ​​the display (230) that is not supported by at least one of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state.

[0051] An electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may include at least one wing plate (380) that supports a rear surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z-axis) of a display (230) between at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) and the display (230). The wing plate (380) is arranged to be combined with at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) and cover at least a portion of a surface of the at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) in the z-axis direction when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state. The wing plate (380) is provided in a form separate from the housings (210, 220). Accordingly, a gap may be formed between the wing plate (380) and the housings (210, 220). A plurality of wing plates (380) may be provided and arranged on both sides with the center bar (270) therebetween. For example, the first wing plate (381) may be positioned in the +y-axis direction with respect to the center bar (270), and the second wing plate (382) may be positioned in the -y-axis direction with respect to the center bar (270). When the wing plates (380) are coupled to the hinge devices (240, 240-1), they may be positioned at the same height as the center bar (270) or on the same xy-plane with respect to the z-axis. The wing plates (380) may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise according to the hinge operation of at least one hinge device (240, 240-1). For example, while the first wing plate (381) rotates counterclockwise, the second wing plate (382) may rotate clockwise, and while the first wing plate (381) rotates clockwise, the second wing plate (382) may rotate counterclockwise.

[0052] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (280) disposed in a first housing (210) and / or a second housing (220). The printed circuit board (280) may have components for implementing various functions of the foldable electronic device (200) separately disposed. According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board (280) may include a first printed circuit board (or main PCB) (281) or a second printed circuit board (or sub PCB) (282). According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (281) may be disposed in a space formed by the first housing (210), and the second printed circuit board (282) may be disposed in a space formed by the second housing (220).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include an FPCB (260) that connects a first printed circuit board (281) and a second printed circuit board (282) to each other. For example, the FPCB (260) may have one end electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (281) and the other end electrically connected to the second printed circuit board (282). At least a portion of the FPCB (260) may be disposed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the hinge housing (250). According to one embodiment, the FPCB (260) may be provided to have flexibility. For example, the FPCB (260) may be operated to fold in accordance with the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (200) and may be operated to unfold in accordance with the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, at least one FPCB (260) may be provided. For example, the FPCB (260) may further include a sub-FPCB (not shown), although not shown.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a guide member (330) (or guide bracket, guide fixing member) arranged parallel to the center bar (270) and crossing the FPCB (260). The guide member (330) may be coupled to each of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) between the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1). The guide member (330) may include a first guide member (310) and / or a second guide member (320). The first guide member (310) may be formed symmetrically with the second guide member (320) with respect to the center bar (270) corresponding to the folding axis (F). The first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) may be arranged on both sides with the center bar (270) therebetween. For example, the first guide member (310) may be positioned in the +y-axis direction with respect to the center bar (270), and the second guide member (320) may be positioned in the -y-axis direction with respect to the center bar (270). The first guide member (310) may be positioned between the center bar (270) and the first wing plate (381), and the second guide member (320) may be positioned between the center bar (270) and the first wing plate (381).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the guide member (330) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise according to the hinge operation of at least one hinge device (240, 240-1). While the first guide member (310) rotates counterclockwise, the second guide member (320) can rotate clockwise, and while the first guide member (310) rotates clockwise, the second guide member (320) can rotate counterclockwise. The first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) can be configured to guide the movement of the FPCB (260) while rotating. The guide member (330) can guide the shape (or form) of the FPCB (260) when the FPCB (260) unfolds or folds according to the unfolding or folding operation of the foldable electronic device (200). The guide member (330) can prevent the FPCB (260) from being formed abnormally (e.g., being formed to one side or being formed asymmetrically) while rotating according to the unfolding or folding motion of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0056] FIG. 4a is a perspective view showing an FPCB according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view showing an unfolded state of an electronic device including the FPCB taken along line “A-A’” in FIG. 4a.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4a, and 4b, the FPCB (260) may include a plurality of connectors (451, 452). For example, the FPCB (260) may include at least one first connector (451) formed at one end of the FPCB (260) (e.g., the end facing the +y-axis) and at least one second connector (452) formed at the other end of the FPCB (260) (e.g., the end facing the -y-axis). The at least one first connector (451) may electrically connect the FPCB (260) and the first printed circuit board (281), and the at least one second connector (452) may electrically connect the FPCB (260) and the second printed circuit board (282).

[0058] At least a portion of the FPCB (260) according to one embodiment may be formed into a curved shape to avoid interference with the hinge housing (250) and surrounding structures. At least a portion of the FPCB (260) may be formed into a predetermined curved shape by bending it in a single-piece state before the assembly process of the electronic device (200) using a pre-bending jig. For example, the FPCB (260) may include a plurality of bending portions (461, 462, 463, 464) in an area corresponding to the hinge device (240, 240-1), so that the FPCB (260) may have an extra length to accommodate a change in length according to the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (200). An FPCB (260) including a plurality of bending portions (461, 462, 463, 464) may have a restoring force to accommodate a change in length due to a folding operation of a foldable electronic device (200).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the FPCB (260) may include a flexible region (or variable region, flexible region, bending region) (460) accommodated within the hinge housing (250). The flexible region (460) may be provided to be movable within the hinge housing (250) when the foldable electronic device (200) is folded or unfolded. The shape of the flexible region (460) may be changed within the hinge housing (250) in response to the behavior of the hinge device (240, 240-1).

[0060] In one embodiment, the FPCB (260) may be folded or unfolded according to an unfolding or folding operation of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be folded at least in a portion in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be unfolded at least in a portion in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be a region that forms a plurality of bending portions (461, 462, 463, 464) as the foldable electronic device (200) is converted into a folded state or an unfolded state. For example, the flexible region (460) may include a first bending portion (461) and a third bending portion (463) arranged on one side (e.g., a side facing the +y-axis) with respect to the central portion (465), and a second bending portion (462) and a fourth bending portion (464) arranged on the other side (e.g., a side facing the -y-axis) with respect to the central portion (465). The first bending portion (461) may be arranged between one side of the central portion (465) and the first connector (451) and may be bent to correspond to a folding angle of the electronic device. The second bending portion (462) may be disposed between the other side of the central portion (465) and the second connector (452) and may be bent to correspond to the folding angle of the electronic device. The second bending portion (462) may be formed symmetrically with respect to the first bending portion (461) with respect to the central portion (465) (or the z-axis). The third bending portion (463) may be disposed between the first bending portion (461) and the central portion (465) and may be bent in the opposite direction to the first bending portion (461). The fourth bending portion (464) may be disposed between the second bending portion (462) and the central portion (465) and may be bent in the opposite direction to the second bending portion (462). The fourth bending portion (464) may be formed symmetrically with respect to the third bending portion (463) with respect to the central portion (465) (or the z-axis).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the position and / or curvature of at least one of the first bending portion (461), the second bending portion (462), the third bending portion (463), and the fourth bending portion (464), and the length of the central portion (465) may vary depending on the change in the folding angle of the foldable electronic device (200). The position and / or shape (e.g., curvature) of at least one of the first bending portion (461), the second bending portion (462), the third bending portion (463), and the fourth bending portion (464), and the position and / or shape (e.g., length) of the central portion (465) may be different in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200) and a folded state of the electronic device (200).

[0063] According to one embodiment, when the folding operation of the electronic device is repeated, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) is temporarily formed to be biased to one side, so that the curvature of the bending portions (461, 462, 463, 464) is reduced, and the bending stress of the bending portions (461, 462, 463, 464) with the reduced curvature is increased, which may cause damage to the FPCB (260). The guide member (330) may be arranged adjacent to the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) to prevent damage to the FPCB (260).

[0064] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device including a guide member according to one embodiment.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4a, 4b, and 5, an electronic device (200) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2a and 2b) may perform a folding or unfolding operation in the width direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) of a housing (210, 220) with respect to a folding axis (F). The electronic device according to an embodiment may include a guide member (330) coupled to each of at least one hinge device (240, 240-1). The guide member (330) may include a first guide member (310) and / or a second guide member (320) that are spaced apart from each other. The first guide member (310) may be positioned on one side with respect to the center bar (270), and the second guide member (320) may be positioned on the other side with respect to the center bar (270). At least a portion of each of the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) may be disposed in the inner space of the hinge housing (250) together with at least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260). The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be disposed between each of the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) and the hinge housing (250).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the guide member (330) can physically guide the movement of the FPCB (260) while rotating during the folding operation of the electronic device (200). The electronic device (200) according to one embodiment can prevent or reduce an abnormal movement in which the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) is tilted to one side during the folding operation of the electronic device (200) by the guide member (330). Since the FPCB (260) operates normally by the guide member (330), damage to the FPCB (260) that may be caused by friction and / or interference between the FPCB (260) and surrounding devices (or parts) can be prevented or reduced, thereby ensuring durability.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a guide member, a hinge device, and a center bar included in an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the guide member, the hinge device, and the center bar illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a center bar (270) positioned to face a portion of a display (230). The center bar (270) may at least partially overlap a third portion of the display (230) (e.g., the third portion (230c) of FIG. 2A). At least a portion of the center bar (270) may be positioned between the first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the center bar (270) can move in the +z-axis and / or -z-axis direction during the folding and unfolding operation of the electronic device (200). The center bar (270) can move in a direction (e.g., in the +z-axis direction) so as to contact or come closer to the third area of ​​the display (230) so as to maintain the third area of ​​the display (230) in a plane (or flat) when the electronic device (300) is unfolded. The center bar (270) can move in a direction (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) so as not to contact the third area when the electronic device (200) is folded.

[0070] The center bar (270) may include a bar portion (730) and at least one holder portion (710, 720).

[0071] The bar portion (730) may be positioned between the first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1). The bar portion (730) may be positioned between the third area of ​​the display (230) and the FPCB (260).

[0072] At least one holder portion (710, 720) may protrude in both directions (in the -y-axis and +y-axis directions) with the bar portion (730) as the center. The at least one holder portion (710, 720) may include a first holder portion (710) and a second holder portion (720) that are spaced apart from each other between the first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1).

[0073] The first holder portion (710) may include a first mounting hole (711) into which a part of the first connecting member (810) of the first hinge device (240) is inserted and / or mounted, and a second mounting hole (712) into which a part of the second connecting member (820) of the first hinge device (240) is inserted and / or mounted. The second holder portion (720) may include a third mounting hole (721) into which a part of the first connecting member (810) of the second hinge device (240-1) is inserted and / or mounted, and a fourth mounting hole (722) into which the second connecting member (820) of the second hinge device (240-1) is inserted and / or mounted.

[0074] The first hinge device (240) and / or the second hinge device (240-1) may include a first connecting member (810) and a second connecting member (820) extending in a direction parallel to the bar portion (730) of the center bar (270). In one embodiment, a portion of the first connecting member (810) and / or the second connecting member (820) of the first hinge device (240) may protrude toward the second hinge device (240-1), and a portion of the first connecting member (810) and / or the second connecting member (820) of the second hinge device (240-1) may protrude toward the first hinge device (240). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first connecting member (810) may protrude toward the first guide member (310) in a direction parallel to a portion of the first guide member (310). At least a portion of the second connecting member (820) may protrude toward the second guide member (320) in a direction parallel to a portion of the second guide member (320). In one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the first connecting member (810) and the second connecting member (820) may be at least a portion of a center bar guide of a hinge device (240, 240-1) that rotates to implement linear movement (or vertical movement) of the center bar.

[0075] The guide member (330) may include a first guide member (310) and a second guide member (320) disposed between the first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1). The first guide member (310) may be coupled with the first connecting member (810) of the first hinge device (240) passing through the first mounting hole (711). The first guide member (310) may be coupled with the first connecting member (810) of the second hinge device (240-1) passing through the third mounting hole (721). The second guide member (320) may be coupled with the second connecting member (820) of the first hinge device (240) passing through the second mounting hole (712). The second guide member (320) can be combined with the second connecting member (820) of the second hinge device (240-1) passing through the fourth mounting hole (722).

[0076] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a connecting member of an electronic device according to one embodiment. In Figure 8 <801> is a perspective view showing a first connecting member (810) according to one embodiment; <802> is a drawing of a first connecting member (810) according to one embodiment viewed from the x-axis direction, <803> is a drawing of a first connecting member (810) according to one embodiment viewed from the z-axis direction, <804> is a perspective view showing a second connecting member (820) according to one embodiment; <805> is a drawing of a second connecting member (820) according to one embodiment viewed from the x-axis direction, <806> is a drawing of a second connecting member (820) according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the z-axis direction.

[0077] In Fig. 8, the first connecting member (810) may be described as the center, and the description thereof may be applied to the description of the second connecting member (820) having the same configuration as all or part of the first connecting member (810). For example, the description of the first connecting base (811), the first connecting opening (812), the first connecting guide pin (814) (or the first guide pin (814)), and the first connecting rib (816) included in the first connecting member (810) may be applied to the description of the second connecting base (821), the second connecting opening (822), the second connecting guide pin (824) (or the second guide pin (824)), and the second connecting rib (826) included in the second connecting member (820).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 8, the first connecting member (810) may include a first connecting base (811) including a first connecting opening (812). The first connecting opening (812) may be formed in the form of a hole penetrating a portion of the first connecting base (811) in the thickness direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first connecting base (811). The first connecting base (811) may be formed to surround the first connecting opening (812). According to one embodiment, a first shaft (e.g., the first shaft (1241) of FIG. 12) of a hinge device (240, 240-1) may be inserted into the first connecting opening (812), and a second shaft (e.g., the second shaft (1242) of FIG. 12) of a hinge device (240, 240-1) may be inserted into the second connecting opening (822) of the second connecting member (820).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the first connecting member (810) may include a first connecting guide pin (814) that protrudes from a portion of the first connecting base (811) in the thickness direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first connecting base (811) (or, in the depth direction of the first connecting opening (812)). The first connecting guide pin (814) may include a first protruding surface (813) that contacts the first connecting base (811) and a second protruding surface (815) that is bent from the first protruding surface (813). The first protruding surface (813) may be disposed between the first connecting base (811) and the second protruding surface (815). The second protruding surface (815) may be formed to face the protruding direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first connecting guide pin (814). For example, the protruding length (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the first connection guide pin (814) may be formed to be greater than the depth of the first connection opening (812).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first connecting member (810) may include a first connecting rib (816) extending from a first connecting guide pin (814). The first connecting rib (816) may be arranged adjacent to (or in contact with) a second protruding surface (815). The first connecting rib (816) may be formed to protrude from the first protruding surface (813) of the first connecting guide pin (814). The protruding direction of the first connecting rib (816) and the protruding direction of the first connecting guide pin (814) may be different. For example, the protruding direction of the first connecting rib (816) may be perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first connecting guide pin (814).

[0081] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a guide member of an electronic device according to one embodiment. In Figure 9 <901> is a perspective view showing a first guide member (310) according to one embodiment; <902> is a perspective view showing a second guide member (320) according to one embodiment.

[0082] In Fig. 9, the first guide member (310) may be described as the center, and the description thereof may be applied to the description of the second guide member (320) which has the same configuration as all or part of the first guide member (310). For example, the description of the first guide bar (313), the first extension portion (311), the first pin opening (315), and the first rib opening (316) included in the first guide member (310) may be applied to the description of the second guide bar (323), the second extension portion (321), the second pin opening (325), and the second rib opening (326) included in the second guide member (320).

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 9, according to one embodiment, the first guide member (310) may include a first guide bar (313) disposed between a plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1). The first guide bar (313) may be formed to be long in the x-axis direction. The first guide member (310) may include a first extension portion (311) extending perpendicularly to the first guide bar (313) from at least one side of the first guide bar (313). For example, the first extension portion (311) may extend from both sides of the first guide bar (313).

[0084] According to one embodiment, a first pin opening (315) and a first rib opening (316) may be formed in the first extension portion (311). At least one of the first pin opening (315) and the first rib opening (316) may be formed in a groove shape. The first pin opening (315) may be formed in a groove shape having a depth parallel to the longitudinal direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first guide bar (313). The first rib opening (316) may be formed in a shape that is opened in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first pin opening (315) (or the longitudinal direction of the first guide bar (313)). The first rib opening (316) may be formed to be connected to the first pin opening (315).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the first pin opening (315) of the first extension portion (311) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first connection guide pin (814) of the first connection member (810) of the first hinge device (240). According to one embodiment, the first rib opening (316) of the first extension portion (311) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first connection rib (816) of the first connection member (810) of the first hinge device (240).

[0086] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first rib opening (316) and the first pin opening (315) formed in the first extension portion (311) extending from one side of the first guide bar (313) may be formed to be open toward the first connecting member (810) of the first hinge device (240). At least one of the first rib opening (316) and the first pin opening (315) formed in the first extension portion (311) extending from the other side of the first guide bar (313) may be formed to be open toward the first connecting member (810) of the second hinge device (240-1).

[0087] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the coupling relationship of a connecting member and a guide member according to one embodiment.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, according to one embodiment, when assembling the electronic device (200), the first connecting member (810) may be coupled with the first guide member (310), and the second connecting member (820) may be coupled with the second guide member (320).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first guide member (310) can be coupled to the first connection member (810) in a fitting manner, thereby preventing incorrect assembly of the first guide member (310). The first connection rib (816) of the first connection member (810) can be fitted into the first rib opening (316) of the first guide member (310). The first connection rib (816) of the first connection member (810) is inserted into the first rib opening (316) of the first guide member (310), and at least a portion of the first connection guide pin (814) of the first connection member (810) can be inserted into the first pin opening (315) of the first guide member (310).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the second guide member (320) can be coupled to the second connecting member (820) in a fitting manner, thereby preventing misassembly of the second guide member (320). The second connecting rib (826) of the second connecting member (820) can be fitted into the second rib opening (326) of the second guide member (320). The second connecting rib (826) of the second connecting member (820) is inserted into the second rib opening (326) of the second guide member (320), and at least a portion of the second connecting guide pin (824) of the second connecting member (820) can be inserted into the second pin opening (325) of the second guide member (320).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the first guide member (310) may be coupled to the first connecting member (810) via an adhesive (not shown), and the second guide member (320) may be coupled to the second connecting member (820) via an adhesive (not shown). The guide members (310, 320) may be attached to the connecting members (810, 820) via an adhesive, thereby eliminating a shaking phenomenon due to assembly tolerance or clearance, thereby ensuring high reliability.

[0092] Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining the unfolded and folded states of an electronic device according to one embodiment. In Fig. 11, <1101> is a drawing showing the unfolded state of an electronic device, <1102> is a drawing showing the folding state of an electronic device.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 11, according to one embodiment, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move along the guide member (330) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded or folded. The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can be disposed between the guide member (330) and the hinge housing (250). A portion of the FPCB (260) can be disposed between each of the first side wall (255) and the second side wall (256) that are parallel to the center bar (270) (or folding axis) among the plurality of side walls of the hinge housing (250) and the guide member (330). A part of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be disposed between the first side wall (255) and the first guide member (310), and another part of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be disposed between the second side wall (256) and the second guide member (320).

[0094] The first guide member (310) may face a part of the first flexible surface (261) of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) in a first direction (e.g., +y-axis direction). The first guide member (310) facing a part of the first flexible surface (261) may limit the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) from moving abruptly in a second direction (e.g., -y-axis direction) opposite to the first direction. The first guide member (310) may prevent or reduce the FPCB (260) from moving in the second direction (e.g., -y-axis direction) during a folding operation of the electronic device (200). The second guide member (320) may face another part of the first flexible surface (261) of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) in a second direction (e.g., -y-axis direction). The second guide member (320) facing another part of the first flexible surface (261) may limit the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) from moving abruptly in the first direction (e.g., +y-axis direction) which is opposite to the second direction. The second guide member (320) may prevent or reduce the FPCB (260) from moving in the first direction (e.g., +y-axis direction) during a folding operation of the electronic device (200).

[0095] When the electronic device (200) according to the embodiment is unfolded, the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) may rotate in response to the rotation of the first connecting member (810) and the second connecting member (820) included in the hinge device (240, 240-1). For example, the first guide member (310) may rotate clockwise in response to the first connecting member (810) rotating clockwise. The second guide member (320) may rotate counterclockwise in response to the second connecting member (820) rotating counterclockwise. According to the unfolding operation of the electronic device (200), the first guide bar (313) of the first guide member (310) and the second guide bar (323) of the second guide member (320) may rotate from the upper side toward the lower side. When the electronic device is unfolded, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move along the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320). The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move in a downward direction (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) toward the hinge housing (250) in a region between each of the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) and the hinge housing (250). A portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) that has moved downward can be folded.

[0096] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), at least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be arranged closer to the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250) than the center bar (270). In the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), at least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be arranged to contact or be adjacent to the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250). In the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), a portion of the first flexible surface (261) (e.g., the surface facing the +z-axis) of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be arranged to contact or be adjacent to the first guide bar (313) and the second guide bar (323). In the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), a portion of the second flexible surface (261) (e.g., the surface facing the +z axis) of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250).

[0097] In an embodiment, when the electronic device is folded, the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) may rotate in response to the rotation of the first connecting member (810) and the second connecting member (820) included in the hinge device (240, 240-1). For example, the first guide member (310) may rotate counterclockwise in response to the first connecting member (810) rotating counterclockwise. The second guide member (320) may rotate clockwise in response to the second connecting member (820) rotating clockwise. Depending on the folding operation of the electronic device, the first guide bar (313) of the first guide member (310) and the second guide bar (323) of the second guide member (320) may rotate from the bottom to the top. When the electronic device is folded, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move along the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320). According to one embodiment, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move upward (e.g., in the +z-axis direction) toward the center bar (270) in the region between each of the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) and the hinge housing (250). A portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) that has moved upward can be unfolded. According to one embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device, at least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can be arranged closer to the center bar (270) than to the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250). In the folded state of the electronic device (200), a portion of the first flexible surface (261) (e.g., a surface facing the +z-axis) of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be arranged in contact with or adjacent to the first guide bar (313) and the second guide bar (323). In the folded state of the electronic device (200), a portion of the second flexible surface (261) (e.g., a surface facing the +z-axis) of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250).

[0098] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded and / or folded state of the electronic device, the first connecting member (810) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the second connecting member (820) with respect to the center bar (270), and the first guide member (310) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the second guide member (320) with respect to the center bar (270).

[0099] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded and / or folded state of the electronic device, the movement of the FPCB (260) in the left-right direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction) can be limited within a specified range by the guide member (330). The electronic device according to one embodiment can prevent abnormal behavior of the FPCB (260), thereby preventing cracks and damage to the FPCB (260).

[0100] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge device included in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 12, at least one of the plurality of hinge devices (240-1) according to one embodiment comprises a fixed bracket (1230) (or a center bracket), a first rotation member (1210) (or a first rotation structure, a first rotation body), a second rotation member (1220) (or a second rotation structure, a second rotation body), a first link member (1310) (or a first slide link, a first rotation support structure, a first arm link member), a second link member (1320) (or a second slide link, a second rotation support structure, a first rotation link member), a third link member (1330) (or a third slide link, a third rotation support structure, a second arm link member), a fourth link member (1340) (or a fourth slide link, a fourth rotation support structure, a second rotation link member), a first arm member (1410) (or a first arm structure, a first arm), a second arm member (1420) (or The second arm structure, the second arm), the first support member (1510) (or, the first support, the first gap support structure), the second support member (1520) (or, the second support, the second gap support structure) may be included.

[0102] At least one of the components included in the first hinge device (240) described above may be omitted. For example, the first rotation member (1210) and the second rotation member (1220) may be directly coupled to the housings (210, 220), and the arm members (1410, 1420) may be coupled to the rotation members (1210, 1220) and rotate in response to the rotation of the rotation members (1210, 1220).

[0103] The first hinge device (240) may include a first shaft (1241) (or a first gear shaft), a second shaft (1242) (or a second gear shaft), a cam member (1360) (or a cam structure), a first main gear (1431), a second main gear (1432), at least one idle gear (1433, 1434), a gear bracket (or a gear fixing member) (1260), a shaft bracket (1270) (or a shaft fixing member), a first elastic member (1281), a second elastic member (1282), a first coupling member (1291), and a second coupling member (1292). The gear structures described below (e.g., the first main gear (1431), the second main gear (1432), at least one idle gear (1433, 1434)) and the gear bracket (1260) may also be omitted in response to removal of the linkage function.

[0104] The fixed bracket (1230) may include a first rail (1231) (or a first fixed rail) and a second rail (1232) (or a second fixed rail). One side of the fixed bracket (1230) (e.g., a side wall facing the +x-axis direction) may be formed with grooves in which one edge (e.g., a -x-axis edge) of the first shaft (1241) and the second shaft (1242) may be mounted, and grooves in which at least one idle gear (1433, 1434) may be mounted.

[0105] The fixed bracket (1230) may be at least partially secured and fixed to one side of the hinge housing (250). The fixed bracket (1230) may include a structure (e.g., the first rail (1231) and the second rail (1232)) to which a part of the first rotation member (1210) (e.g., the first rail structure (1211)) and a part of the second rotation member (1220) (e.g., the third rail structure (1221)) may be rotatably fastened.

[0106] The first rail (1231) of the fixed bracket (1230) forms a virtual axis that can rotate in place while the first rail structure (1211) of the first rotation member (1210) rotates. The first rail (1231) may be formed in a structure corresponding to the first rail structure (1211). For example, the first rail (1231) may include two arc-shaped or crescent-shaped rails. It can perform a rotational movement or a curved sliding movement with respect to a portion of the other side of the first rotation member (1210). The second rail (1232) forms a virtual axis that can rotate in place while the third rail structure (1221) of the second rotation member (1220) rotates. It can perform a rotational movement or a curved sliding movement with respect to a portion of the other side of the second rotation member (1220).

[0107] The fixed bracket (1230) may be formed of a material having a certain rigidity (e.g., a metal material or a reinforced plastic having a certain rigidity) so as to support the movement of the first rotation member (1210) and the second rotation member (1220) during the hinge operation process (an operation in which the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) changes from 0 degrees to 180 degrees or is mounted at a specific angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees). In the above description, the fixed bracket (1230) is exemplified as a structure fixed to the hinge housing (250), but one shape of the hinge housing (250) may also be provided in the shape of the fixed bracket (1230).

[0108] The first rotation member (1210) may include a first rotation body (1213), a first rail structure (1211) (or the first rotation rail structure) arranged in the x-axis direction of the first rotation body (1213), and a second rail structure (1212) (or the second rotation rail structure) arranged in the -x-axis direction of the first rotation body (1213). Alternatively, the first rotation member (1210) may include a portion (e.g., the first rail structure (1211)) that is connected to one side of a fixed bracket (1230) (e.g., the first rail (1231)) and then is connected to enable a hinge movement, and a portion (e.g., the second rail structure (1212)) that is connected to one side of a second link member (1320) (e.g., the fourth rail (1321)).

[0109] The first rail structure (1211) of the first rotational member (1210) coupled to the fixed bracket (1230) can rotate in place (e.g., rotate counterclockwise or clockwise) while the second link member (1320) coupled to the first housing (210) performs a hinge operation (or rotates counterclockwise or clockwise). The second rail structure (1212) coupled to the second link member (1320) can rotate (or slide) within the second link member (1320) (e.g., the fourth rail (1321)) while moving in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise while the electronic device (200) is folded from an unfolded state or clockwise while the electronic device (200) is unfolded from a folded state).

[0110] The first rotating body (1213) may include a structure (e.g., at least one hole extending vertically) that can be coupled with the first wing plate (381). A portion of the first wing plate (381) among the wing plates (381, 382) may be fixed to the first rotating member (1210).

[0111] The second rotation member (1220) may include a second rotation body (1223), a third rail structure (1221) (or the third rotation rail structure) arranged in the x-axis direction of the second rotation body (1223), and a fourth rail structure (1222) (or the fourth rotation rail structure) arranged in the x-axis direction of the second rotation body (1223). Alternatively, the second rotation member (1220) may include a portion (e.g., the third rail structure (1221)) that is coupled to the other side of the fixed bracket (1230) (e.g., the second rail (1232)) so as to enable hinge movement, and a portion (e.g., the fourth rotation rail structure (1222)) that is coupled to one side (e.g., the sixth rail (1341)) of the fourth link member (1340). The second rotation member (1220) can rotate (or slide) within the fourth link member (1340) (e.g., the sixth rail (1341)) while the fourth link member (1340) coupled to the second housing (220) performs a hinge operation (clockwise or counterclockwise rotation operation) and the third rail structure (1221) coupled to the fixed bracket (1230) rotates in place, and the fourth rotation rail structure (1222) coupled to the fourth link member (1340) moves in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise while the electronic device (200) is folded from an unfolded state or clockwise while the electronic device (200) is unfolded from a folded state). The second rotation body (1223) can include a structure (e.g., at least one hole extending vertically) that can be coupled with the second wing plate (382). A part of the second wing plate (382) among the wing plates (381, 382) can be fixed to the second rotating member (1220).

[0112] The second rotation member (1220) can move in the opposite direction to the first rotation member (1210). For example, while the first rail structure (1211) of the first rotation member (1210) rotates in place in a counterclockwise direction, the third rail structure (1221) of the second rotation member (1220) can rotate in place in a clockwise direction.

[0113] While the second rail structure (1212) of the first rotation member (1210) rotates counterclockwise, the second rail structure (1212) can slide counterclockwise within the fourth rail (1321) of the second link member (1320) (or, the second link rail, the first rotation rail) (since the sliding motion is relative, the fourth rail (1321) of the second link member (1320) slides clockwise with respect to the second rail structure (1212). While the second rail structure (1212) rotates and slides, the fourth rotation rail structure (1222) of the second rotation member (1220) can rotate counterclockwise and slide counterclockwise within the sixth rail (1341) of the fourth link member (1340) (since the sliding motion is relative, the sixth rail (1341) of the fourth link member (1340) slides clockwise with respect to the fourth rotation rail structure (1222).

[0114] The first link member (1310) can fix the first arm member (1410) to the first housing (210) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the first arm member (1410). The first link member (1310) includes a structure in which a portion of the first arm member (1410) is seated. A third rail (1311) (or, first arm rail, first link rail) can be formed on the first link member (1310). The third rail (1311) can be respectively fastened to a fifth rail structure (1411) (or, first arm rail structure) of the first arm member (1410). The fifth rail structure (1411) of the first arm member (1410) is seated on the third rail (1311) to guide the rotational or sliding motion of the fifth rail structure (1411).

[0115] The second link member (1320) can fix the first rotation member (1210) to the first housing (210) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the first rotation member (1210). The second link member (1320) includes a structure in which a portion of the first rotation member (1210) is seated. A fourth rail (1321) can be formed on the second link member (1320). The fourth rail (1321) can be respectively fastened to the second rail structure (1212) of the first rotation member (1210). The second rail structure (1212) of the first rotation member (1210) is seated on the fourth rail (1321) to guide the rotational or sliding motion of the second rail structure (1212).

[0116] The third link member (1330) can fix the second arm member (1420) to the second housing (220) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the second arm member (1420). The third link member (1330) can fix the second arm member (1420) to the second housing (220) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the second arm member (1420). The third link member (1330) includes a structure in which a portion of the second arm member (1420) is seated. A fifth rail (1331) (or third link rail, second arm rail) can be formed on the third link member (1330). The fifth rail (1331) can be respectively fastened to the sixth rail structure (1421) (or second arm rail structure) of the second arm member (1420). The sixth rail structure (1421) of the second arm member (1420) is mounted on the fifth rail (1331) to guide the rotation or sliding motion of the sixth rail structure (1421).

[0117] The fourth link member (1340) can fix the second rotation member (1220) to the second housing (220) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the second rotation member (1220). The fourth link member (1340) includes a structure in which a portion of the second rotation member (1220) is seated. The fourth link member (1340) can be formed with a sixth rail (1341) (or fourth link rail, second rotation rail) that is fastened to the fourth rail structure (1222) of the second rotation member (1220).

[0118] The first arm member (1410) includes a structure (e.g., a fifth rail structure (1411) or a first arm rail structure) that is coupled to a first link member (1310) coupled to the first housing (210). The fifth rail structure (1411) can perform a sliding motion in a counterclockwise direction and a clockwise direction within a third rail (1311) formed in the first link member (1310). The first arm member (1410) can include a first shaft mounting portion (1412) that can be coupled to a first shaft (1241). A first main gear (1431) can be arranged on one side of the first shaft mounting portion (1412). A hole that penetrates in the +x-axis or -x-axis direction can be formed within the first shaft mounting portion (1412) so that the first shaft (1241) can be mounted thereon. The first shaft mounting portion (1412) may include a first cam structure (1414) that engages with the cam member (1360). The first cam structure (1414) may be arranged on a side wall in the +x-axis direction of the first shaft mounting portion (1412). The first arm member (1410) may rotate counterclockwise and clockwise with respect to the real axis by the first shaft (1241).

[0119] The second arm member (1420) may include a structure (e.g., a sixth rail structure (1421)) that is coupled to a third link member (1330) coupled to the second housing (220). The sixth rail structure (1421) may perform a sliding motion in a counterclockwise direction and a clockwise direction within a fifth rail (1331) formed in the third link member (1330). The second arm member (1420) may include a second shaft mounting portion (1422) that may be coupled to a second shaft (1242). A second main gear (1432) may be arranged on one side of the second shaft mounting portion (1422). A hole that penetrates in the +x-axis or -x-axis direction may be formed within the second shaft mounting portion (1422) so that the second shaft (1242) may be mounted thereon. The second shaft mounting portion (1422) may include a second cam structure (1424) that engages with the cam member (1360). The second cam structure (1424) may be arranged on a side wall in the +x-axis direction of the second shaft mounting portion (1422). The second arm member (1420) may rotate clockwise and counterclockwise with respect to the real axis by the second shaft (1242).

[0120] The cam member (1360) may include a first cam (1361) that engages with a first cam structure (1414) of a first arm member (1410), and a second cam (1362) that engages with a second cam structure (1424) of a second arm member (1420). A through hole through which a first shaft (1241) may pass may be formed at the center of the first cam (1361), and a through hole through which a second shaft (1242) may pass may be formed at the center of the second cam (1362). A first elastic member (1281) and a second elastic member (1282) may be arranged between the cam member (1360) and the shaft bracket (1270) to provide an elastic force that pushes the cam member (1360) toward the first cam structure (1414) and the second cam structure (1424).

[0121] The shaft bracket (1270) may include a fixing structure (273) (e.g., a through hole in the z-axis direction) that can fix the first hinge device (240) to the hinge housing (250). In addition, the shaft bracket (1270) may include shaft mounting holes (1271, 1272) into which a first shaft (1241) and a second shaft (1242) arranged in the y-axis direction can be inserted. The sizes of the shaft mounting holes (1271, 1272) of the shaft bracket (1270) may be formed larger than the first shaft (1241) and the second shaft (1242). The first shaft (1241) may be inserted and mounted into the first shaft mounting hole (1271), and the second shaft (1242) may be inserted and mounted into the second shaft mounting hole (1272).

[0122] A gear bracket (1260) may be positioned between the cam member (1360) and at least one idle gear (1433, 1434). The gear bracket (1260) may include, for example, holes through which the first shaft (1241) and the second shaft (1242) pass and are mounted, and mounting holes through which one side of at least one idle gear (1433, 1434) is mounted.

[0123] The first main gear (1431) may be arranged in a gear pattern on one side of the first shaft mounting portion (1412) of the first arm member (1410). The first main gear (1431) may be gear-coupled with the first idle gear (1433). The second main gear (1432) may be arranged in a gear pattern on one side of the second shaft mounting portion (1422) of the second arm member (1420). The second main gear (1432) may be gear-coupled with the second idle gear (1434). The first idle gear (1433) and the second idle gear (1434) may be gear-coupled. The first main gear (1431), the first idle gear (1433), the second idle gear (1434), and the second main gear (1432) described above are gear-connected to each other, thereby linking the first arm member (1410) and the second arm member (1420).

[0124] The plurality of coupling members (1291, 1292) may include a first coupling member (1291) and a second coupling member (1292). The first coupling member (1291) may fix one side of a first shaft (1241) that is protruded in the -y-axis direction through a first shaft mounting hole (1271). The second coupling member (1292) may fix one side of a second shaft (1242) that is protruded in the -y-axis direction through a second shaft mounting hole (1272). At least one of the coupling members (291, 292) described above may include, for example, a shape of an E-ring.

[0125] A plurality of connecting members (810, 820) (or, center bar guide, lift member) may be arranged between each of the plurality of connecting members (1291, 1292) and the shaft bracket (1270). The plurality of connecting members (810, 820) may include a first connecting member (810) in the form of a washer ring and a second connecting member (820) in the form of a washer ring. The first connecting member (810) may have a first connecting guide pin (814) protruding in the x-axis direction. The first connecting guide pin (814) is used as a guide member when assembling the center bar (270) and the first hinge device (240), and may be used as a guide member when assembling the first guide member (310) and the first hinge device (240). The second connecting member (820) may have a second connecting guide pin (824) that protrudes in the same direction as the first connecting guide pin (814). The second connecting guide pin (824) is used as a guide member when assembling the center bar (270) and the hinge device (240, 240-1), and may be used as a guide member when assembling the second guide member (320) and the hinge device (240, 240-1).

[0126] The plurality of connecting members (1291, 1292) may include a first connecting member (1291) that can prevent the detachment of the first connecting member (810) and a second connecting member (1292) that can prevent the detachment of the second connecting member (820). The first connecting member (1291) may fix one side of the first shaft (1241) that is protruded in the -y-axis direction through the first shaft mounting hole (1271). The second connecting member (1292) may fix one side of the second shaft (1242) that is protruded in the -y-axis direction through the second shaft mounting hole (1272). At least one of the connecting members (291, 292) described above may include, for example, a shape of an E-ring.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the plurality of connecting members (810, 820) and the plurality of joining members (1291, 1292) may be formed as an integral part. The first connecting member (810) formed as an integral part with the first joining member (1291) may include a first connecting guide pin (814) that is formed to be joined with the center bar (270) and the first guide member (310). The first connecting member (810) formed as an integral part with the first joining member (1291) may be joined with the first shaft (1241) and rotate in response to the rotation of the first shaft (1241).

[0128] The second connecting member (820) formed integrally with the second connecting member (1292) may include a second connecting guide pin (824) to be coupled with the center bar (270) and the second guide member (320). The second connecting member (820) formed integrally with the second connecting member (1292) may be coupled with the second shaft (1242) and rotate in response to the rotation of the second shaft (1242).

[0129] The plurality of support members may include a first support member (1510) and a second support member (1520).

[0130] The first support member (1510) may be positioned between one surface of the first housing (210) (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis) and the other surface of the fifth rail structure (1411) (e.g., the surface facing the -z-axis) so as to contact the other surface of the fifth rail structure (1411). The first support member (1510) may be formed to apply a force in a first direction to the other surface of the fifth rail structure (1411). For example, at least a portion of the first support member (1510) may be elastically pressed by contacting the fifth rail structure (1411), and may maintain contact with the fifth rail structure (1411) using the elastic force (repulsive force).

[0131] The second support member (1520) may be positioned between one surface of the second housing (220) and the other surface of the sixth rail structure (1421) to contact the other surface of the sixth rail structure (1421). The second support member (1520) may be formed to apply a force in a third direction to the other surface of the sixth rail structure (1421). For example, at least a portion of the second support member (1520) may be elastically pressed by contacting the sixth rail structure (1421), and the second support member (1520) may maintain contact with the sixth rail structure (1421) by using the elastic force (repulsive force).

[0132] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which a hinge device and a guide member included in an electronic device according to one embodiment are separated.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 13, according to one embodiment, when assembling the foldable electronic device (200), the first shaft (1241) may be arranged to pass through the first connection opening (812) of the first connection member (810) and the first coupling member (1291). The first connection member (810) and the first coupling member (1291) may fix one side of the first shaft (1241).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the first connecting member (810) that secures one side of the first shaft (1241) may include a first connecting guide pin (814) and / or a first connecting rib (816) that protrude toward the first holder portion (710) of the center bar (270). The first connecting guide pin (814) and the first connecting rib (816) of the first connecting member (810) may be inserted into the first mounting hole (711) of the first holder portion (710) of the center bar (270) and thereby be mounted on the first holder portion (710). At least one of the first connecting guide pin (814) and the first connecting rib (816) of the first connecting member (810) may protrude toward the first guide member (310) through the first mounting hole (711) of the first holder portion (710). The first connecting guide pin (814) of the first connecting member (810) can protrude a specified length (d) beyond the first holder portion (710) of the center bar (270). The first connecting member (810) can be coupled to the first guide member (310) by being inserted into the first pin opening (315) of the first guide member (310) of the first connecting member (810) and the first connecting rib (816) being inserted into the first rib opening (316) of the first guide member (310).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the first connecting member (810) is assembled to the first shaft (1241) and rotates along the rotational axis of the first shaft (1241), and the first guide member (310) can be coupled to the first connecting member (810) to rotate together with the first shaft (1241) along the rotational axis of the first shaft (1241). The first guide member (310) can rotate together with the first connecting member (810) along the rotational axis of the first connecting guide pin (814) of the first connecting member (810).

[0136] According to one embodiment, when assembling the foldable electronic device, the second shaft (1242) may be arranged to pass through the second connection opening (822) of the second connection member (820) and the second coupling member (1292). The second connection member (820) and the second coupling member (1292) may secure one side of the second shaft (1242).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the second connecting member (820) that secures one side of the second shaft (1242) may include a second connecting guide pin (824) and / or a second connecting rib (826) that protrude toward the first holder portion (710) of the center bar (270). The second connecting guide pin (824) and the second connecting rib (826) of the second connecting member (820) may be inserted into the second mounting hole (712) of the first holder portion (710) of the center bar (270) and thereby be mounted on the first holder portion (710). At least one of the second connecting guide pin (824) and the second connecting rib (826) of the second connecting member (820) may protrude toward the second guide member (320) through the second mounting hole (712) of the first holder portion (710). The second connection guide pin (824) of the second connection member (820) can protrude a specified length (d) beyond the first holder portion (710) of the center bar (270). The second connection guide pin (824) of the second connection member (820) is inserted into the second pin opening (325) of the second guide member (320), and the second connection rib (826) is inserted into the second rib opening (326) of the second guide member (320), whereby the second connection member (820) can be coupled with the second guide member (320).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the second connecting member (820) can be assembled to the second shaft (1242) and rotate along the rotational axis of the second shaft (1242). The second guide member (320) can be coupled to the second connecting member (820) to rotate together with the second shaft (1242) along the rotational axis of the second shaft (1242). The second guide member (320) can rotate together with the second connecting member (820) along the rotational axis of the second connecting guide pin (824) of the second connecting member (820).

[0139] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the behavior of a hinge device of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 14, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can be switched in a state by a user's manipulation or an external force (EF). The user's external force (EF) can be transmitted to the first rotation member (1210), the second rotation member (1220), the first arm member (1410), and the second arm member (1420) through the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first rotation member (1210), the second rotation member (1220), the first arm member (1410), and the second arm member (1420) can rotate by the transmitted external force. The gear assembly (1431, 1432, 1433, 1434), the first shaft (1241) and the second shaft (1242) can rotate in conjunction with the rotating first rotating member (1210), the second rotating member (1220), the first arm member (1410) and the second arm member (1420). As the first connecting member (810) coupled to the rotating first shaft (1241) and the second connecting member (820) coupled to the second shaft (1242) rotate, the center bar (270) can move linearly.

[0141] According to one embodiment, when an external force from a user is applied to the electronic device in an unfolded state, a folding operation (or a folding operation) of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be initiated. The external force (EF) from the user may be transmitted to the first rotation member (1210), the second rotation member (1220), the first arm member (1410), and the second arm member (1420) through the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). By the transmitted external force, the first rotation member (1210) and the first arm member (1410) may rotate clockwise, and the second rotation member (1220) and the second arm member (1420) may rotate counterclockwise. Part of the gear assembly (1431, 1432, 1433, 1434) and the first shaft (1241) can rotate clockwise in conjunction with the first rotating member (1210) and the first arm member (1410) that rotate clockwise. Part of the remaining gear assembly (1431, 1432, 1433, 1434) and the second shaft (1242) can rotate counterclockwise in conjunction with the second rotating member (1220) and the second arm member (1420) that rotate counterclockwise. As the first connecting member (810) coupled to the first shaft (1241) that rotates clockwise rotates clockwise, and the second connecting member (820) coupled to the second shaft (1242) that rotates counterclockwise rotates counterclockwise, the center bar (270) can descend toward the FPCB (260). At the same time, a part of the first guide member (310) coupled to the first connecting member (810) that rotates clockwise can rotate clockwise while coming into contact with the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260), and a part of the second guide member (320) coupled to the second connecting member (820) that rotates counterclockwise can rotate counterclockwise while coming into contact with the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260).When the electronic device is folded, the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) can guide the movement of the FPCB (260).

[0142] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the behavior of a guide bracket of an electronic device according to one embodiment. In Fig. 15 <1501> is a drawing showing the unfolded state of an electronic device, <1502> is a drawing showing the operation of a guide member when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state. <1503> is a drawing showing the folding state of an electronic device.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 15, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the center bar (270) may be raised upward (e.g., toward the +z-axis or toward the display (240)) so as to be spaced apart from the hinge housing (250) by a specified distance. The connection guide pins (814, 824) of the connection members (810, 820) coupled to the raised center bar (270) may move upward. The guide bars (313, 323) of the guide members (310, 320) coupled to the connection guide pins (814, 824) may move downward. The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may move downward along the guide bars (313, 323). At least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be positioned to contact or be adjacent to the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250).

[0144] An electronic device can be switched from an intermediate state or an unfolded state to a folded state by a user's manipulation or an external force (EF). The connecting member (810, 820) and the guide member (310, 320) can rotate in response to the shaft (1241, 1242) rotating by the user's manipulation or the external force (EF). By the rotation of the connecting member (810, 820), the center bar (270) can be lowered downward (e.g., toward the side facing the -z-axis or toward the hinge housing (250)).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the first connecting member (810) and the first guide member (310) can rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) in response to the rotation of the first shaft (1241), and the second connecting member (820) and the second guide member (320) can rotate in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction in response to the rotation of the second shaft (1242). The first connecting guide pin (814) of the first connecting member (810) can rotate in the first rotational direction with respect to the first shaft (1241). The first connecting guide pin (814) can move from the upper side to the lower side along the first rotational direction. The first guide bar (313) of the first guide member (310) can rotate in the first rotational direction with respect to the first connecting guide pin (814). The first guide bar (313) can move from the bottom to the top along the first rotation direction. The second connection guide pin (824) of the second connection member (820) can rotate in the second rotation direction with respect to the second shaft (1242). The second connection guide pin (824) can move from the top to the bottom along the second rotation direction. The second guide bar (323) of the second guide member (320) can rotate in the second rotation direction with respect to the second connection guide pin (824). The second guide bar (323) can move from the bottom to the top along the second rotation direction. The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move upward along the first guide bar (313) and the second guide bar (323) that move upward. In the folded state of the electronic device, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can be spaced apart from the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250) by a specified distance. In the folded state of the electronic device, at least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can be arranged closer to the center bar (270) than the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250).

[0146] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device, the first connection guide pin (814) and the second connection guide pin (824) may be positioned above the first guide bar (313) and the second guide bar (323). In the folded state of the electronic device, the first guide bar (313) and the second guide bar (323) may be positioned above the first connection guide pin (814) and the second connection guide pin (824).

[0147] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a portion of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 16, an electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) may include a plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) connecting a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) at a lower portion (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of a display (230). For example, the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may include a first hinge device (240) and a second hinge device (240-1) spaced apart from the first hinge device (240) along a direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) parallel to a folding axis (or, center bar (1670)). A plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may be arranged between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) so as not to be visible from the outside through a hinge housing (250) (e.g., a hinge cover). At least a portion of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may be accommodated within an internal space (251) of the hinge housing (250).

[0149] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may include a first rotation member (1610) coupled to the first housing (210), a second rotation member (1620) coupled to the second housing (220), a first arm member (1710) that rotates in response to the rotation of the first rotation member (1610), a second arm member (1720) that rotates in response to the rotation of the second rotation member (1620), a first shaft (1641) that is arranged along the rotational axis of the first arm member (1710), a second shaft (1642) that is arranged along the rotational axis of the second arm member (1720), and a gear assembly (1630) that allows the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to rotate symmetrically with respect to each other.

[0150] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may include a plurality of coupling members (1810) that secure one side of the shaft (1641, 1642). The plurality of coupling members (1810, 1820) may include a first coupling member (1810) that secures one side of the first shaft (1641) of each of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) and a second coupling member (1820) that secures one side of the second shaft (1642) of each of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1). For example, at least one of the plurality of coupling members (1810, 1820) may include a shape of an E-ring.

[0151] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a center bar (1670) arranged to face a portion of a display (230). The center bar (1670) may at least partially overlap a third portion of the display (e.g., the third portion (230c) of FIG. 2A). At least a portion of the center bar (1670) may be arranged between the first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1). The center bar (1670) may support a third portion of the display (230) that is not supported by at least one of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) when the electronic device is in an unfolded state. In each of the unfolded state (open), the folded state (closed), and the intermediate state of the electronic device, the center bar (1670) may be fixed at the same position without changing its position. The center bar (1670) may be secured to the hinge housing (250) via a fastening member (e.g., a screw). The center bar (1670) may be the center of the electronic device in each of the open, closed, and intermediate states of the electronic device.

[0152] An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a guide member (330) disposed between a plurality of hinge devices. The guide member (330) may guide the shape (or form) of the FPCB (260) when the FPCB (260) is unfolded or folded according to the unfolding or folding operation of the foldable electronic device (200). The guide member (330) may prevent the FPCB (260) from being formed abnormally (e.g., being formed to one side or being formed asymmetrically) while rotating according to the unfolding or folding operation of the foldable electronic device (200). As an example, the guide member (330) may include a first guide member (310) and / or a second guide member (320). The first guide member (310) may be disposed symmetrically with the second guide member (320) with the center bar (1670) therebetween. The first guide member (310) can guide the shape of the FPCB (260) by rotating in response to the rotation of the first shaft (1641). The second guide member (320) can guide the shape of the FPCB (260) by rotating in response to the rotation of the second shaft (1642). Each of the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) can be arranged in contact with or adjacent to one side of the FPCB facing the display. Each of the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) can control or limit the movement range of the FPCB (260) within a specified range.

[0153] According to one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may have similar structures and shapes to each other. For example, the second hinge device (240-1) may be substantially symmetrical with the first hinge device (240) or may have a substantially identical configuration.

[0154] In Fig. 16, a structure in which two hinge devices (240, 240-1) of similar or identical shapes are arranged in a hinge housing (250) is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and hinge devices of other shapes may be mounted in the hinge housing (250). Some of the at least one hinge device (240, 240-1) may perform a hinge operation while being connected through a guide member (330).

[0155] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a coupling member and a guide member are separated according to one embodiment. In Fig. 17, the description may be centered on the first coupling member (1810), and the description thereof may be applied to the description of the second coupling member having the same configuration as all or part of the first coupling member (1810). For example, the description of the first coupling base (1811), the first coupling opening (1812), the first coupling guide pin (1814) (or the third guide pin (1814)), and the first coupling rib (1816) included in the first coupling member (1810) may be applied to the description of the second coupling base (1821), the second coupling opening (1822), the second coupling guide pin (1824) (or the fourth guide pin (1824)), and the second coupling rib (1826) included in the second coupling member (1820). The configuration of the guide members (310, 320) of FIGS. 16 and 17 is the same as all or part of the configuration of the guide members (310, 320) of FIGS. 3 to 15, so the description of the guide members (310, 320) of FIGS. 3 to 15 can be applied to the description of the guide members (310, 320) of FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, according to one embodiment, when assembling an electronic device, a first coupling member (1810) may be coupled with a first guide member (310), and a second coupling member (1820) may be coupled with a second guide member (320).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the first coupling member (1810) may include a first coupling base (1811) including a first coupling opening (1812). The first coupling opening (1812) may be formed in the form of a hole in which a portion of a side surface of the first coupling base (1811) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the first coupling base (1811) is opened while penetrating a portion of the first coupling base (1811) in the thickness direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first coupling base (1811). According to one embodiment, a first shaft (1641) of a hinge device (1240, 1240-1) may be inserted into the first coupling opening (1812), and a second shaft (1642) of a hinge device (240, 240-1) may be inserted into the second coupling opening (1822) of the second coupling member (1820).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the first coupling member (1810) may include a first coupling guide pin (1814) that protrudes from a portion of the first coupling base (1811) in the thickness direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first coupling base (1811) (or, in the depth direction of the first coupling opening (1812)). As an example, the protruding length (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the first coupling guide pin (1814) may be formed to be greater than the depth of the first coupling opening (1812).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first coupling member (1810) may include a first coupling rib (1816) protruding from a first coupling guide pin (1814). The protruding direction of the first coupling rib (1816) and the protruding direction of the first coupling guide pin (1814) may be different. For example, the protruding direction of the first coupling rib (1816) may be perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first coupling guide pin (1814).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the first guide member (310) can be coupled to the first coupling member (1810) in a fitting manner, thereby preventing misassembly of the first guide member (310). The first coupling rib (1816) of the first coupling member (1810) can be fitted into the first rib opening (316) of the first guide member (310). The first coupling rib (1816) of the first coupling member (1810) is inserted into the first rib opening (316) of the first guide member (310), and at least a portion of the first coupling guide pin (1814) of the first coupling member (1810) can be inserted into the first pin opening (315) of the first guide member (310).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the second guide member (320) can be coupled to the second coupling member (1820) in a fitting manner, thereby preventing misassembly of the second guide member (320). The second coupling rib (1826) of the second coupling member (1820) can be fitted into the second rib opening (326) of the second guide member (320). The second coupling rib (1826) of the second coupling member (1820) is inserted into the second rib opening (326) of the second guide member (320), and at least a portion of the second coupling guide pin (1824) of the second coupling member (1820) can be inserted into the second pin opening (325) of the second guide member (320).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the first guide member (310) may be coupled to the first connecting member (1810) via an adhesive (not shown), and the second guide member (320) may be coupled to the second connecting member (1820) via an adhesive (not shown). The guide members (310, 320) may be attached to the connecting members (810, 820) via an adhesive, thereby eliminating a shaking phenomenon due to assembly tolerance or clearance, thereby ensuring high reliability.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the first coupling member (1810) into which the first shaft (1641) is inserted can rotate with respect to the first shaft (1641) in response to the rotation of the first shaft (1641). The first guide bar (313) of the first guide member (310) into which the first coupling guide pin (1814) of the first coupling member (1810) is inserted can rotate with respect to the first coupling guide pin (1814) in response to the rotation of the first coupling guide pin (1814).

[0164] Fig. 18 is a drawing for explaining the unfolded and folded states of an electronic device according to one embodiment. In Fig. 18, <1801> is a drawing showing the unfolded state of an electronic device, <1802> is a drawing showing the folding state of an electronic device.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 18, according to one embodiment, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be disposed between the guide member (330) and the hinge housing (250). The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) may move along the guide bar (313, 323) of the guide member (330) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded or folded. The first guide member (310) may limit the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) from moving abruptly in a first direction (e.g., in the -y-axis direction). The first guide member (310) may prevent or reduce the FPCB from moving in the first direction (e.g., in the -y-axis direction) when the electronic device is folded. The second guide member (320) can limit the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) from moving rapidly in the second direction (e.g., the +y-axis direction). The second guide member (320) can prevent or reduce the FPCB (260) from moving in the second direction (e.g., the +y-axis direction) during a folding operation of the electronic device.

[0166] In a folding operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment, the coupling member (1810, 1820) and the guide member (310, 320) can rotate in response to the rotation of the shaft (1641, 1642) of the hinge device (240, 240-1). The center bar (1670) can be fixed to the hinge housing (250) regardless of the rotation of the shaft (1641, 1642) and the coupling member (1810, 1820). The position of the center bar (1670) can be fixed regardless of a change in the folded or unfolded state of the electronic device (100).

[0167] According to one embodiment, while the electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first coupling member (1810) and the first guide member (310) can rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) in response to the rotation of the first shaft (1641). The first guide bar (313) of the first guide member (310) can move upward (e.g., toward the +z-axis) in a direction closer to the second guide bar (323) along the first rotational direction. The second coupling member (1820) and the second guide member (320) can rotate in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction in response to the rotation of the second shaft (1642). The second guide bar (323) of the second guide member (320) can move upward in a direction closer to the first guide bar (313) along the second rotational direction. The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move along the first guide bar (313) and the second guide bar (323) that are brought closer. The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move upward toward the center bar (1670) in the region between each of the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) and the hinge housing (250). In the folded state of the electronic device, at least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can be arranged closer to the center bar (270) than to the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250).

[0168] According to one embodiment, while the electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first coupling member (1810) and the first guide member (310) can rotate in a second rotational direction in response to the rotation of the first shaft (1641). The first guide bar (313) of the first guide member (310) can move downward in a direction away from the second guide bar (323) along the second rotational direction. The second coupling member (1820) and the second guide member (320) can rotate in the first rotational direction in response to the rotation of the second shaft (1642). The second guide bar (323) of the second guide member (320) can move downward in a direction away from the first guide bar (313) along the first rotational direction. The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move along the moved first guide bar (313) and second guide bar (323). The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move downward toward the hinge housing (250) in the region between each of the first guide member (310) and the second guide member (320) and the hinge housing (250). In the unfolded state of the electronic device, at least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can be arranged closer to the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250) than the center bar (270). In the unfolded state of the electronic device, at least a portion of the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can be arranged to contact or be adjacent to the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250).

[0169] According to one embodiment, while the electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first coupling guide pin (1814) of the first coupling member (1810) can rotate clockwise about the first shaft (1641) in response to the rotation of the first shaft (1641). The first coupling guide pin (1814) of the first coupling member (1810) can move from the upper side (or one side) to the lower side (or the other side) in the clockwise direction. The first guide bar (313) of the first guide member (310) can rotate clockwise about the first coupling guide pin (1814). The first guide bar (313) can move from the lower side to the upper side in the clockwise direction. The second coupling guide pin (1824) of the second coupling member (1820) can rotate counterclockwise about the second shaft (1642). The second coupling guide pin (1824) can move from the top to the bottom in a counterclockwise direction. The second guide bar (323) of the second guide member (320) can rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second connection guide pin (824). The second guide bar (323) can move from the bottom to the top in a counterclockwise direction. The flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can move upward along the first guide bar (313) that moves upward and the second guide bar (323) that moves upward. In the folded state of the electronic device, the flexible region (460) of the FPCB (260) can be spaced apart from the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250) by a specified distance. In the folded state of the electronic device, at least a portion of the ductile region (460) of the FPCB (260) may be positioned closer to the center bar (1670) than the bottom surface (252) of the hinge housing (250).

[0170] FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, and 19E are drawings showing an assembly (or, combining) process of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The assembly (or, combining) process of the electronic device in FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, and 19E will be described using an assembly process applied to a plurality of hinge devices illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 15 as an example.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 19A, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) and guide members (310, 320). A first connecting member (810) of each of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may include a first connecting guide pin (814) coupled with a first guide member (310). A second connecting member (820) of each of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) may include a second connecting guide pin (824) coupled with a second guide member (320). The guide members (310, 320) may be arranged between the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1). A first guide member (310) may be arranged between a first connecting member (810) of a first hinge device (240) (e.g., a first connecting guide pin (814)) and a first connecting member (810) of a second hinge device (240-1) (e.g., a first connecting guide pin (814)). A second guide member (320) may be arranged between a second connecting member (820) of a first hinge device (240) (e.g., a second connecting guide pin (824)) and a second connecting member (820) of a second hinge device (240-1) (e.g., a second connecting guide pin (824)).

[0172] Referring to FIG. 19b, at least one hinge device among the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) and the center bar (270) can be combined. According to one embodiment, the first connection guide pin (814) of the first connection member (810) of the first hinge device (240) can be inserted into the first mounting hole (711) of the center bar (270). The second connection guide pin (824) of the second connection member (820) of the first hinge device (240) can be inserted into the second mounting hole (712) of the center bar (270). The first connection guide pin (814) of the first connection member (810) of the second hinge device (240-1) can be inserted into the third mounting hole (721) of the center bar (270). The second connection guide pin (824) of the second connection member (820) of the second hinge device (240-1) can be inserted into the fourth mounting hole (722) of the center bar (270).

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 19b and 19c, a plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) can be combined into one assembly via a first guide member (310) and a second guide member (320). At least one first connecting member (810) of each of the first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1) can be coupled to the center bar (270) and the first guide member (310). At least one second connecting member (820) of each of the first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1) can be coupled to the center bar (270) and the second guide member (320).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the first connection guide pin (814) of the first connection member (810) of the first hinge device (240) can be inserted into the first pin opening of the first guide member (310) through the first mounting hole (711) of the center bar (270). The second connection guide pin (824) of the second connection member (820) of the first hinge device (240) can be inserted into the second pin opening of the second guide member (320) through the second mounting hole (712) of the center bar (270). The first connection guide pin (814) of the first connection member (810) of the second hinge device (240-1) can be inserted into the first pin opening of the first guide member (310) through the third mounting hole (721) of the center bar (270). The second connecting guide pin (824) of the second connecting member (820) of the second hinge device (240-1) can be inserted into the second pin opening of the second guide member (320) through the fourth mounting hole (722) of the center bar (270).

[0175] Referring to FIG. 19d, a plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) combined into one assembly can be fixed to a fixing holder (1910). The fixing holder (1910) can be coupled with the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) to transport the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) to the next assembly process.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 19E, the first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1) can be moved through the fixing holder (1910) and placed into the hinge housing (250). The first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1) can be fastened to the hinge housing, the first housing (210), and the second housing (220) through a fastening member (e.g., a screw). The first hinge device (240) and the second hinge device (240-1) can be accommodated in the internal space (251) within the hinge housing (250). The first hinge device (240) and / or the second hinge device (240-1) can rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0177] Meanwhile, the electronic device described above is not limited to the embodiments described in each drawing, and the electronic devices described in each drawing may be applied in combination with each other. For example, a plurality of hinge devices including the center bars (270) of FIGS. 3 to 15 and a plurality of hinge devices including the center bars (1670) of FIGS. 16 to 18 may be applied in combination with each other. In addition, the positions, numbers, and shapes of the guide members, center bars, and shafts described in each drawing are not limited to the above-described examples and may be variously changed.

[0178] Meanwhile, the rotatable guide member (330) of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present document may be applied to a foldable electronic device that operates in an inward-folding manner and / or an outward-folding manner in a range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees. The rotatable guide member (330) of the electronic device according to one embodiment may also be applied to a multi-foldable electronic device that operates in a multi-folding manner in which a plurality of housings (e.g., three or more housings) are configured to alternately fold in opposite directions with respect to each other. For example, the rotatable guide member (330) of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present document may be applied to a multi-foldable electronic device in which in-folding and in-folding are combined, in-folding and out-folding are combined, or / and out-folding and out-folding are combined.

[0179] In one embodiment, the rotatable guide member (330) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also be applied to a variable type electronic device configured to facilitate selective expansion of a display area. For example, the rotatable guide member (330) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be applied to each folding portion of an electronic device, and thus may be applied in various modified forms to an electronic device including a folding portion.

[0180] As described above, an electronic device according to at least one embodiment among various embodiments may include: a flexible display; a first housing and a second housing; a plurality of hinge devices rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to a folding axis; a flexible printed circuit board extending from the first housing across the folding axis to the second housing; and a guide member arranged between the plurality of hinge devices to be connected to at least one of the plurality of hinge devices and configured to guide movement of the flexible printed circuit board while rotating in response to movement of the first housing and the second housing.

[0181] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of hinge devices may include at least one shaft that rotates as the electronic device changes between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the guide member can rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the folding axis in response to rotation of the shaft.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the display may further include a center bar disposed between the plurality of hinge devices and supporting a portion of the display.

[0184] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of hinge devices may include a connecting member coupled to the center bar and the guide member and rotatable about the shaft.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the connecting member may include a connecting opening into which the shaft is inserted; and a guide pin protruding toward the center bar.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the center bar may include a holder portion having a mounting hole in which the guide pin is mounted.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the guide pin may be inserted into the mounting hole so as to protrude further toward the guide member than the holder portion.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the guide member may include a guide bar arranged to cross the flexible printed circuit board and in contact with the flexible printed circuit board; and a pin opening engaged with the guide pin, and may include an extension portion extending from both sides of the guide bar to face the holder portion.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the guide pin can be inserted into the pin opening via the mounting hole.

[0190] In one embodiment, the guide bar can rotate relative to the guide pin in response to rotation of the shaft.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the connecting member may further include a rib protruding from the guide pin in a direction different from the protruding direction of the guide pin.

[0192] The above guide member is disposed in the extended portion and may further include a rib opening into which the rib is inserted.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the center bar can move linearly and the guide member can move rotationally in response to the rotation of the connecting member.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the display may further include a center bar disposed between the plurality of hinge devices and supporting a portion of the display.

[0195] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of hinge devices may include a coupling member that is coupled to the guide member and rotates about the shaft.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the guide member may include a guide bar arranged to cross the flexible printed circuit board and in contact with the flexible printed circuit board; and a pin opening, and may include an extension portion extending from both sides of the guide bar to face the joining member.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the coupling member may include a coupling opening into which the shaft is inserted; and a guide pin inserted into the pin opening.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the joining member may further include a rib protruding from the guide pin in a direction different from the protruding direction of the guide pin.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the guide member is disposed in the extended portion and may further include a rib opening into which the rib is inserted.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the guide member can rotate in response to the rotation of the coupling member while the center bar is fixed.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the shaft may include a first shaft that rotates as the electronic device changes into a folded state or an unfolded state; and a second shaft that rotates in an opposite direction to the first shaft as the electronic device changes into a folded state or an unfolded state.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the guide member may include a first guide member that rotates in response to rotation of the first shaft; and a second guide member that rotates in an opposite direction to the first guide member in response to rotation of the second shaft.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a hinge housing in which at least one of the plurality of hinge devices is mounted.

[0204] According to one embodiment, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board may be disposed between the guide member and the hinge housing.

[0205] An electronic device according to at least one embodiment among various embodiments may include: a flexible display; a first housing and a second housing; a plurality of hinge devices rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to a folding axis; a hinge housing having at least one side wall parallel to the folding axis and on which at least one of the plurality of hinge devices is mounted; a guide member disposed adjacent to the side wall and rotating in response to movement of the first housing and the second housing; and a flexible printed circuit board extending from the first housing to the second housing while crossing a space between the guide member and the side wall.

[0206] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of hinge devices may include at least one shaft that rotates as the electronic device changes between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the guide member can rotate about a rotational axis parallel to the shaft in response to rotation of the shaft.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a center bar disposed between the plurality of hinge devices and supporting a portion of the flexible display.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the guide member may include a first guide member arranged on one side relative to the center bar; and a second guide member arranged on the other side relative to the center bar.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the center bar can move linearly and the guide member can move rotationally in response to the rotation of the shaft.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the guide member can rotate in response to rotation of the shaft while the center bar is fixed.

[0212] An electronic device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing and a second housing; a plurality of hinge devices rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis; a flexible printed circuit board extending from the first housing across the folding axis to the second housing; and a guide member configured to guide movement of the flexible printed circuit board while rotating in response to movement of the first housing and the second housing.

[0213] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. The singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," "A, B, or C," or "at least one of A, B, and / or C" can include all possible combinations of the items listed together. Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second," may modify the corresponding components regardless of order or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the corresponding components. When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(functionally or communicatively) connected” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), the component may be directly connected to the other component, or may be connected via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0214] In this document, "adapted to or configured to" may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," "capable of," or "designed to," for example, hardware-wise or software-wise. In some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or adapted) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or AP) that can perform those operations by executing one or more programs stored in a memory device (e.g., a memory).

[0215] The term "module" as used in this document includes a unit composed of 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 thereof that performs one or more functions. A "module" may be implemented mechanically or electronically, and may include, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or programmable logic device, known or to be developed in the future, that performs certain operations.

[0216] At least a part of a device (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be implemented as instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory) in the form of a program module. When the instructions are executed by a processor (e.g., a processor), the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic medium (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical recording medium (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD, a magneto-optical medium (e.g., a floptical disk), an internal memory, etc. The instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter.

[0217] Each component (e.g., a module or a program module) according to various embodiments may be composed of one or more entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., a module or a program module) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the respective components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, program modules, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In foldable electronic devices, Flexible display (230); First housing (210) and second housing (220); A plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) that rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing based on the folding axis; A flexible printed circuit board (260) extending from the first housing across the folding axis to the second housing; An electronic device comprising a guide member (330) arranged to be connected to at least one of the plurality of hinge devices between the plurality of hinge devices and configured to guide the movement of the flexible printed circuit board (260) while rotating in response to the movement of the first housing and the second housing.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one of the above plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) The electronic device comprises at least one shaft (1241, 1242) that rotates as the electronic device changes between a folded state and an unfolded state, The above guide member (330) is An electronic device that rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the folding axis in response to the rotation of the above shaft (1241, 1242).

3. In paragraph 2, It is further provided with a center bar (270) that is positioned between the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) and supports a portion of the display. At least one of the above plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) An electronic device comprising a connecting member (810, 820) coupled to the center bar (270) and the guide member (330) and rotating about the shaft (1241, 1242).

4. In paragraph 3, The above connecting member (810, 820) a connecting opening (812, 822) into which the above shaft (1241, 1242) is inserted; and It includes a guide pin (814, 824) protruding toward the center bar (270). The above center bar (270) It includes a holder part (710) having a mounting hole (711, 712) in which the above guide pin (814, 824) is mounted, An electronic device in which the above guide pin (814, 824) is inserted into the mounting hole (711, 712) so as to protrude further toward the guide member (330) than the holder portion (710).

5. In paragraph 4, The above guide member (330) A guide bar (313, 323) arranged to cross the flexible printed circuit board (260) and in contact with the flexible printed circuit board (260); and It includes a pin opening (315, 325) that is coupled with the above guide pin (814, 824), and includes an extension portion (311, 321) that extends from both sides of the guide bar (313, 323) to face the holder portion (710), An electronic device in which the above guide pin (814, 824) is inserted into the pin opening via the above mounting hole (711, 712).

6. In paragraph 5, The above guide bar (313, 323) is an electronic device that rotates based on the guide pin (814, 824) in response to the rotation of the shaft.

7. In paragraph 5, The above connecting member (810, 820) It further includes a rib (816, 826) protruding from the guide pin (814, 824) in a direction different from the protruding direction of the guide pin (814, 824). The above guide member (330) An electronic device further comprising a rib opening (316, 326) disposed in the above extension portion (311, 321) and into which the rib (816, 826) is inserted.

8. In any one of paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, An electronic device in which the center bar (270) moves linearly and the guide member (330) moves rotationally in response to the rotation of the connecting member (810, 820).

9. In paragraph 2, It is further provided with a center bar (1670) that is positioned between the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) and supports a portion of the display. At least one of the above plurality of hinge devices An electronic device comprising a coupling member (1810, 1820) coupled to the above guide member (330) and rotating relative to the shaft.

10. In paragraph 9, The above guide member (330) A guide bar (313, 323) arranged to cross the flexible printed circuit board (260) and in contact with the flexible printed circuit board (260); and An electronic device comprising a pin opening (315, 325) and an extension portion (311, 321) extending from both sides of the guide bar (313, 323) to face the coupling member (1810, 1820).

11. In paragraph 10, The above connecting member (1810, 1820) a coupling opening (1812) into which the shaft is inserted; and An electronic device comprising a guide pin (1814, 1824) inserted into the above pin opening (315, 325).

12. In paragraph 11, The above connecting member (1810, 1820) It further includes a rib (1816, 1826) protruding from the guide pin in a direction different from the protruding direction of the guide pin (1814, 1824). The above guide member (330) An electronic device further comprising a rib opening (316, 326) disposed in the above extension portion (311, 321) and into which the rib (1816, 1826) is inserted.

13. In any one of paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12, An electronic device in which the guide member (330) rotates in response to the rotation of the connecting member (1810, 1820) while the center bar (1670) is fixed.

14. In paragraph 2, The above shaft, A first shaft (1241) that rotates as the electronic device changes between a folded state and an unfolded state; The electronic device includes a second shaft (1242) that rotates in the opposite direction to the first shaft as the electronic device changes into a folded or unfolded state, The above guide member (330) is A first guide member (310) that rotates in response to the rotation of the first shaft (1241); and An electronic device including a second guide member (320) that rotates in the opposite direction to the first guide member (310) in response to the rotation of the second shaft (1242).

15. In paragraph 1, It further includes a hinge housing (250) on which at least one of the plurality of hinge devices (240, 240-1) is mounted, An electronic device in which a portion of the above flexible printed circuit board (260) is disposed between the guide member (330) and the hinge housing (250).

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