Foldable electronic device comprising rotators

Abstract

This foldable electronic device comprises: a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part; and a hinge assembly for providing an unfolding movement and a folding movement. The hinge assembly includes: a bracket; a first rotator rotatably coupled to the bracket; and a second rotator coupled to the first rotator, coupled to the second housing part, and rotatably coupled to the bracket by means of the first rotator. The second rotator rotates with respect to the bracket according to the folding movement. The first rotator starts rotation with respect to the bracket in conjunction with the second rotator on the basis of the rotation angle of the second rotator reaching a threshold angle according to the folding movement.

Description

Foldable electronic devices containing rotators

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device including rotators.

[0002] An electronic device may include housing parts that are rotatably connected and a flexible display. Depending on the rotation of the housing parts, a portion of the flexible display may bend. The electronic device may include a hinge assembly that rotatably connects the housing parts. The hinge assembly may provide a folded state, an unfolded state, and an intermediate state of the electronic device.

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

[0004] A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a hinge assembly configured to provide an unfolding movement and a folding movement by rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part. The hinge assembly may include a bracket, a first rotator rotatably coupled to the bracket and separated from the second housing part, and a second rotator coupled to the first rotator, coupled to the second housing part, and rotatably coupled to the bracket via the first rotator. The second rotator may be configured to rotate with respect to the bracket according to the folding movement. The first rotator may be configured to initiate rotation about the bracket in conjunction with the second rotator based on a rotation angle of the second rotator reaching a critical angle according to the folding operation.

[0005] A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a hinge assembly configured to provide an unfolding movement for changing a folded state of the foldable electronic device into an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device and a folding movement for changing an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device into a folded state of the foldable electronic device by rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part. The hinge assembly may include a bracket, a first rotator rotatably coupled to the bracket and separated from the second housing part, a second rotator coupled to the first rotator, coupled to the second housing part, and rotatably coupled to the bracket via the first rotator, and a coupling bracket coupled to the second housing part and the second rotator and separated from the first rotator. The second rotator may be configured to rotate with respect to the bracket in accordance with the folding operation. The first rotator may be configured to initiate rotation with respect to the bracket in conjunction with the second rotator based on a rotation angle of the second rotator reaching a critical angle in accordance with the folding operation.

[0006] A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device may include a first housing part, a second housing part, a third housing part, a first hinge housing part disposed between the first housing part and the second housing part and having a first width, and a second hinge housing part disposed between the second housing part and the third housing part and having a second width different from the first width. The foldable electronic device may include a first hinge assembly that is at least partially accommodated in the first hinge housing part and rotatably connected to the first housing part and the second housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a second hinge assembly that is at least partially accommodated in the second hinge housing part and rotatably connected to the second housing part and the third housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display that includes a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area, each accommodated in the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part. The first hinge assembly may include a first bracket, a first rotation member rotatably coupled to the first bracket, and a second rotation member rotatably coupled to the first bracket via the first rotation member and coupled to the first housing part. The second rotation member may be configured such that rotation of the first rotation member is limited while the second rotation member is rotated within a first rotation range. The first rotation member may be configured such that rotation occurs together with the second rotation member while the second rotation member is rotated within a second rotation range exceeding the first rotation range. The second hinge assembly may include a second bracket, and a third rotation member rotatably coupled to the second bracket and coupled to the second housing part.The third rotation member may be configured to be rotatable when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded.

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

[0008] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2c is an exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the first rotator and the second rotator.

[0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first rotator.

[0015] Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of a first rotator and a second rotator coupled to each other.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line AA' of FIG. 6 in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line AA' of FIG. 6 when the rotation angle of the second rotator according to the folding operation is a critical angle.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line AA' of FIG. 6 when the rotation angle of the second rotator exceeds the critical angle.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line AA' of FIG. 6 in a folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates a hinge assembly in a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a hinge assembly in a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0022] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the first rotator and the second rotator.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line BB' of FIG. 6 in a folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line BB' of FIG. 6 when the rotation angle of the second rotator according to the unfolding operation is a critical angle.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line BB' of FIG. 6 when the rotation angle of the second rotator exceeds the critical angle.

[0026] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line BB' of FIG. 6 in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0027] Figure 20a illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device.

[0028] Figure 20b illustrates an example of a second state of the electronic device.

[0029] Figure 20c illustrates an example of a third state of the electronic device.

[0030] Figure 21a is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed.

[0031] Figure 21b is a rear view of the electronic device with the back cover and display removed.

[0032] Figure 22 is a plan view of a hinge assembly including a spiral structure.

[0033] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly including a spiral structure.

[0034] Figures 24 and 25 illustrate a portion of a hinge assembly including three rotators.

[0035] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of the second rotator and the third rotator.

[0036] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the second rotator.

[0037] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the first rotator. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the third rotator.

[0038] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line CC' of FIG. 24 in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0039] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line CC' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the third rotator according to the folding operation is a critical angle.

[0040] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line DD' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the third rotator according to the folding operation is a critical angle.

[0041] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line DD' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the second rotator according to the folding operation is a critical angle.

[0042] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line EE' of FIG. 24 in a folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0043] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line EE' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the third rotator according to the unfolding operation is a critical angle.

[0044] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line DD' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the third rotator according to the unfolding operation is a critical angle.

[0045] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line DD' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the second rotator according to the unfolding operation is a critical angle.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0048] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0049] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0050] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0051] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0052] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0053] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0054] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0055] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0056] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0057] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0058] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0059] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0060] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0061] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0062] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0063] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0064] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0065] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0066] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0067] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0068] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0069] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2C is an exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0070] The electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 may include a foldable electronic device (200). Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a foldable housing (201), a flexible display (230), one or more cameras (240), and a hinge assembly (250).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) may define the exterior surface of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the foldable housing (201) may be a physical exterior surface of the foldable electronic device (200) that is exposed to the outside and may accommodate components arranged inside the foldable electronic device (200). At least some of the components for implementing the function of the foldable electronic device (200) may be arranged inside the foldable housing (201). According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) may include a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may include a first surface (211), a second surface (212) opposite the first surface (211), and a first side surface (213) (side exterior surface) that at least partially surrounds an edge of the first surface (211) and an edge of the second surface (212). For example, the first surface (211) may be referred to as a front surface of the first housing part (210), and the second surface (212) may be referred to as a rear surface of the first housing part (210). The first side surface (213) may be connected to a periphery of the first surface (211) and an edge of the second surface (212). The first surface (211), the second surface (212), and the first side surface (213) may form an interior space of the first housing part (210). For example, at least one component may be placed within a space surrounded by the first surface (211), the second surface (212), and the first side surface (213).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the second housing part (220) may include a third face (221), a fourth face (222) opposite the third face (221), and a second side (223) that at least partially surrounds an edge of the third face (221) and an edge of the fourth face (222). For example, the third face (221) may be referred to as a front side of the second housing part (220), and the fourth face (222) may be referred to as a back side of the second housing part (220). The second side (223) may be connected to an edge of the third face (221) and an edge of the fourth face (222). The third face (221), the fourth face (222), and the second side (223) may form an interior space of the second housing part (220). For example, at least one component may be placed within a space surrounded by the third side (221), the fourth side (222), and the second side (223).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be configured to display visual information. For example, the flexible display (230) may include a display area comprising a plurality of pixels. For example, the display area may be referred to as an active area that displays visual information.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a first portion (231), a second portion (232), and a third portion (233) disposed between the first portion (231) and the second portion (232). The foldable electronic device (200) may further include a cover display (235) that is distinct from the flexible display (230). The cover display (235) may be referred to as a sub-display.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first portion (231) may be supported by the first housing part (210). The second portion (232) may be supported by the second housing part (220). The first portion (231) and the second portion (232) may be substantially flat, independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (200). The third portion (233) may be configured to bend based on the rotation of the first housing part (210) or the second housing part (220). For example, in the unfolded state in which the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) are unfolded, the third portion (233) may be substantially flat. In the folded state or intermediate state in which the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) are folded, the third portion (233) may be at least partially bent. The flexible display (230) may be a flexible display including a bendable third portion (233).

[0077] According to one embodiment, one or more cameras (240) may be configured to acquire an image or video based on receiving light from a subject outside the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the one or more cameras (240) may include first cameras (241), second cameras (242), and / or third cameras (243). For example, the first cameras (241) may be disposed within the first housing part (210). For example, the first housing part (210) may include at least one opening (241a) that overlaps the first cameras (241) when the foldable electronic device (200) is viewed from above. The first cameras (241) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the foldable electronic device (200) through the at least one opening (241a). The first cameras (241) may face the rear side of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the second camera (242) may be disposed within the second housing part (220). The second housing part (220) may include at least one opening (242a) that overlaps the second camera (242) when the foldable electronic device (200) is viewed from above. The second camera (242) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the foldable electronic device (200) through the at least one opening (242a).

[0079] In one embodiment, the third camera (243) may be positioned within the first housing part (210). For example, the first part (231) of the flexible display (230) may include at least one opening that overlaps the third camera (243) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. The third camera (243) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the flexible display (230) through the at least one opening.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be positioned below (e.g., in the -z direction) the flexible display (230) or the cover display (235). For example, the second camera (242) and / or the third camera (243) may include an under-display camera (UDC) and / or a punch-hole camera.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be rotatably coupled. For example, the second housing part (220) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing part (210) via a hinge assembly (250).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) can rotatably connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The hinge assembly (250) can be disposed between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) of the foldable electronic device (200) so that the foldable electronic device (200) can be folded. The hinge assembly (250) can change the foldable electronic device (200) from an unfolded state to a folded state. The hinge assembly (250) can change the foldable electronic device (200) from a folded state to an unfolded state. For example, the hinge assembly (250) can maintain the foldable electronic device (200) in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the unfolded state may be referred to as a state in which the first direction in which the first part (231) faces and the second direction in which the second part (232) faces are substantially the same. The folded state may be referred to as a state in which the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction. When the foldable electronic device (200) is in the folded state, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be covered or overlapped.

[0084] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state and an intermediate state, the first direction and the second direction may be different from each other. For example, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first direction and the second direction may be opposite to each other. For example, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first direction may form an angle with respect to the second direction.

[0085] For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one conductive portion (214a, 224a) and at least one non-conductive portion (214b, 224b) included within the first side (213) and / or the third side (223). For example, the at least one conductive portion (214a, 224a) may be separated from other conductive portions within the first side (213) and / or the third side (223) by being in contact with the at least one non-conductive portion (214b, 224b). In one embodiment, the at least one conductive portion (214a, 224a) may operate as an antenna radiator to be used for communication with an external electronic device.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 2C, the hinge assembly (250) may include a hinge cover (251), a first hinge plate (252), a second hinge plate (253), and a plurality of hinge modules (254). The hinge cover (251) may at least partially surround components of the hinge assembly (250) and form an outer surface of the hinge assembly (250). The hinge cover (251) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (200) through a space between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state. When the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) and may not be exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (200). The hinge cover (251) may be referred to as a hinge housing part.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are operatively coupled to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively, thereby rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the first hinge plate (252) may be coupled to the first support portion (215) of the first housing part (210), and the second hinge plate (253) may be coupled to the second support portion (227) of the second housing part (220). As the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are operatively coupled to the first support part (215) and the second support part (227), respectively, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the plurality of hinge modules (254) can rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253). For example, the plurality of hinge modules (254) can include gears that are interlocked with each other and can rotate. The first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) can rotate based on the rotational motion of the gears of the plurality of hinge modules (254).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may include a first support part (215) and a rear cover (216). The first support part (215) may be disposed inside the first housing part (210) and may support at least one component disposed inside the first housing part (210). The rear cover (216) may at least partially form the second surface (212) of the first housing part (210). For example, the second housing part (220) may include a second support part (227). The second support part (227) may be disposed inside the second housing part (220) and may support at least one component disposed inside the second housing part (220). For example, the cover display (235) may be disposed below (e.g., in the -z direction) the second support part (227). In one embodiment, a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 2A) may define a front side of a foldable electronic device (200), and a rear cover (216) opposite the flexible display may define a rear side of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0090] A foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include, in addition to the one or more cameras (240) described above, a plurality of electronic components for implementing various functions. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first printed circuit board (261), a second printed circuit board (262), a flexible printed circuit board (263), and / or a battery (189). The electronic components described above are merely exemplary and are not limited thereto.

[0091] For example, the first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262) may each provide electrical connections between components within the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the first printed circuit board (261) may be disposed within the first housing part (210), and the second printed circuit board (262) may be disposed within the second housing part (220). The first printed circuit board (261) may provide electrical connections between electronic components disposed within the first housing part (210). The second printed circuit board (262) may provide electrical connections between electronic components disposed within the second housing part (220). The flexible printed circuit board (263) may electrically connect the first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262). For example, a flexible printed circuit board (263) may extend from a first printed circuit board (261) across the hinge assembly (250) to a second printed circuit board (262). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (263) may at least partially overlap the hinge assembly (250).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the battery (189) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the foldable electronic device (200), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery and / or a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a plurality of antennas (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, or ANT4) to be used for communication with an external electronic device. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a main antenna (ANT1), a sub antenna (ANT2), an ultra-wide band (UWB) antenna (ANT3), and / or an antenna for short-range wireless communication (ANT4). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the main antenna (ANT1) may include one or more conductive portions forming at least a portion of the first housing part (210) or the second housing part (220). For example, the main antenna (ANT1) may include a plurality of conductive portions forming an edge portion of the first housing part (210). For example, the main antenna (ANT1) may further include conductive portions forming an upper edge or a side edge of the first housing part (210). The main antenna (ANT1) may be configured to transmit and / or receive signals of various frequency bands, each of the plurality of conductive portions or a combination of the plurality of conductive portions.

[0094] Hereinafter, one or more components to be described with reference to the drawings may be implemented together with the components of the foldable electronic device (200) described with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as the aforementioned components, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. In the present disclosure, terms indicating positions such as above and below may be used to describe relative positions between components, and do not define an absolute positional relationship. For example, if the foldable electronic device (200) illustrated in the drawings is turned over, above and below may be exchanged with each other.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) may be configured to provide an unfolding movement and a folding movement of the foldable electronic device (200). Within the present disclosure, the folding movement may be referred to as an operation of the foldable housing (201) to change the state of the foldable electronic device (200) from an unfolded state (e.g., the state illustrated in FIG. 2A) to a folded state (e.g., the state illustrated in FIG. 2B), wherein the second housing part (220) rotates in a first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) with respect to the first housing part (210). Within the present disclosure, an unfolding operation may be referred to as an operation of a foldable housing (201) that changes the state of a foldable electronic device (200) from a folded state to an unfolded state, wherein the second housing part (220) rotates in a second rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) with respect to the first housing part (210).

[0096] Within the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, the folding and unfolding operations are described based on the rotational operation of the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210). For example, when a user holds the first housing part (210) by hand and rotates the second housing part (220), the state of the foldable electronic device (200) may be changed as the second housing part (220) rotates with respect to the first housing part (210). However, the folding and unfolding operations are not defined solely by the rotation of the second housing part (220), but are defined by a change in the relative positional relationship between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the rotation of the first housing part (210) and the rotation of the second housing part (220) can be linked by the gears of the hinge assembly (250) described below (e.g., the first gear (g1), the second gear (g2), the third gear (g3), and the fourth gear (g4) of FIG. 3).

[0097] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) may include components for rotatably connecting a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) and a second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be rotatably connected to each other through the hinge assembly (250). When an external force is applied to the first housing part (210) and / or the second housing part (220), components of the hinge assembly (250) may operate in response to the external force. The external force may be referred to as a torque provided from a user to the first housing part (210) and / or the second housing part (220) to change the state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) may include a bracket (310) and rotators rotatably coupled to the bracket (310). The rotators may include a first rotator (320) and a second rotator (330) for rotating the second housing part (220), a third rotator (340) for rotating the first housing part (210), and a fourth rotator (350). The bracket (310) may be referred to as a rotation bracket or a rotator bracket. The rotators may be part of each hinge module of the hinge modules (254) of FIG. 2C.

[0100] In one embodiment, the first rotator (320) may correspond to the fourth rotator (350), and the second rotator (330) may correspond to the third rotator (340). For example, the structure of the first rotator (320) may be substantially identical to the structure of the fourth rotator (350), and the structure of the second rotator (330) may be substantially identical to the structure of the third rotator (340). Within the present disclosure, descriptions of the first rotator (320) may be substantially identically applied to the fourth rotator (350), and descriptions of the second rotator (330) may be substantially identically applied to the third rotator (340).

[0101] In one embodiment, the first rotator (320) may be rotatably coupled to the bracket (310). The first rotator (320) being rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) may be referred to as the first rotator (320) being directly coupled to the bracket (310) and being rotatable with respect to the bracket (310). For example, the bracket (310) may include a first rail portion (311), and a portion of the first rotator (320) may be inserted into the first rail portion. For example, the first rotator (320) may include a second rail portion (324) that is inserted into the first rail portion (311) and is slidable along the first rail portion (311). The first rotator (320) can be rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) through a second rail portion (324) inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the second rotator (330) may be coupled to the first rotator (320). The second rotator (330) may be rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320). The fact that the second rotator (330) is rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320) may be referred to as the second rotator (330) being not directly coupled to the bracket (310), but indirectly coupled to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320) coupled to the bracket (310).

[0103] In one embodiment, the second rotator (330) may be coupled to the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge assembly (250) may include a first coupling bracket (361) coupled to the second housing part (220). The second rotator (330) may be coupled to the first coupling bracket (361) coupled to the second housing part (220). By coupling the second rotator (330) to the first coupling bracket (361) directly coupled to the second housing part (220), the second rotator (330) may be coupled to the second housing part (220). For example, a first coupling member (362) (e.g., a pin) may be inserted into the second rotator (330) and the first coupling bracket (361) to couple the second rotator (330) to the first coupling bracket (361). When the second housing part (220) rotates, the first coupling bracket (361) coupled to the second housing part (220) may rotate together with the second housing part (220). As the first coupling bracket (361) rotates, the second rotator (330) coupled to the first coupling bracket (361) may rotate together with the first coupling bracket (361). When an external force is applied to the second housing part (220), the second housing part (220) can be rotated with respect to the first housing part (210), and the first coupling bracket (361) and the second rotator (330) can be rotated according to the rotation of the second housing part (220).

[0104] In one embodiment, the first rotator (320) can be separated from the second housing part (220). The separation of the first rotator (320) from the second housing part (220) can be referred to as the first rotator (320) not being coupled to the first coupling bracket (361) that is directly coupled to the second housing part (220). Unlike the second rotator (330) that is coupled to the first coupling bracket (361), the first rotator (320) may not be coupled to the first coupling bracket (361). As the first rotator (320) is separated from the second housing part (220), the first rotator (320) can be configured to rotate by the rotation of the second rotator (330) rather than directly by the rotation of the second housing part (220). As the second housing part (220) rotates, the second rotator (330) coupled to the second housing part (220) through the first coupling bracket (361) rotates, and as the second rotator (330) rotates, the first rotator (320) can rotate.

[0105] In one embodiment, since the second rotator (330) is rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320), the second rotator (330) may be configured to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320) depending on the folding operation or the unfolding operation. In one embodiment, when the second rotator (330) begins to rotate depending on the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the first rotator (320) may be configured not to rotate directly with respect to the bracket (310), but to begin rotating with respect to the bracket (310) in conjunction with the second rotator (330) based on the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) reaching a critical angle.

[0106] For example, when the foldable electronic device (200) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, an external force causing rotation may be applied to the second housing part (220). In response to the external force, the first coupling bracket (361) coupled to the second housing part (220) and the second rotator (330) coupled to the first coupling bracket (361) may rotate. Even if the rotation of the second rotator (330) begins, the first rotator (320) may not rotate until the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches a first threshold angle (e.g., about 20 degrees). The first rotator (320) may be configured to maintain a position before the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches the first threshold angle. When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches the first threshold angle, the first rotator (320) may be configured to start rotating together with the second rotator (330). The first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) may rotate together until the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state. Since the first rotator (320) may rotate together with the second rotator (330) above the first threshold angle, the total rotation angle of the first rotator (320) according to the folding operation may be smaller than the total rotation angle of the second rotator (330). For example, when the total rotation angle of the second rotator (330) is about 100 degrees during a folding operation, the total rotation angle of the first rotator (320) may be referred to as an angle (e.g., about 80 degrees) excluding the first critical angle from the total rotation angle of the second rotator (330).

[0107] In the case of an integrated rotator, as the rotator rotates, a portion of the rotator connected to the bracket (310) may also begin to rotate. As one rotator connects between a foldable housing (e.g., the first housing part (210) or the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A) and the bracket (310), the rotation angle of the portion of the rotator coupled to the foldable housing (e.g., the first housing part (210) or the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A) and the rotation angle of the portion of the rotator connected to the bracket (310) (e.g., the rail portion) may be substantially the same. When the thickness of the foldable electronic device (200) is thin, the thickness of the rotator may also be formed thin. When the thickness of the rotator is formed thin, the length of a portion (e.g., a rail portion) of the rotator inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) in the folded state may be relatively reduced. As the length is reduced, it is difficult for the rotator to be stably coupled to the bracket (310), and thus the rigidity of the foldable electronic device (200) in the folded state may be weakened. For example, the rail portion of the rotator may easily detach from the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310).

[0108] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (200) may be configured such that a first rotator (320) is formed as a separate part from a second rotator (330), and a rotation angle of the first rotator (320) is limited. As described above, during a folding operation, since the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) is smaller than the rotation angle of the second rotator (330), the length of the second rail portion (324) of the first rotator (320) inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) may relatively increase in the folded state. As the length increases, the first rotator (320) may be stably coupled to the bracket (310) in the folded state, and thus the rigidity of the foldable electronic device (200) may be improved.

[0109] According to one embodiment, since the rotation of the first housing part (210) and the rotation of the second housing part (220) are interlocked with each other, each component of the components for the rotation of the second housing part (220) can correspond to a corresponding component of the components for the rotation of the first housing part (210).

[0110] For example, the first coupling bracket (361) can be coupled to a first arm (363) including a first gear (g1). The first gear (g1) can be engaged with a second gear (g2). The second gear (g2) can be engaged with a third gear (g3). The third gear (g3) can be coupled to a second arm (366) including a fourth gear (g4). When the second housing part (220) rotates, the first coupling bracket (361) coupled to the second housing part (220) can rotate together with the second housing part (220). As the first coupling bracket (361) rotates, the first arm (363) coupled to the first coupling bracket (361) can rotate together with the first coupling bracket (361). According to the rotation of the first arm (363), the first gear (g1) can rotate. The rotation of the first gear (g1) can cause the rotation of the second gear (g2) and the rotation of the third gear (g3). According to the rotation of the third gear (g3), the second arm (366) including the fourth gear (g4) meshed with the third gear (g3) can rotate. The second arm (366) can be coupled to a second coupling bracket (364) coupled to the first housing part (210). The second coupling bracket (364) can be coupled to a third rotator (340) via a second coupling member (365). The third rotator (340) can be coupled to a fourth rotator (350) rotatably coupled to the bracket (310). According to the rotation of the second arm (366), the second coupling bracket (364) and the third rotator (340) can rotate. When the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) reaches a first critical angle (e.g., about 20 degrees), the fourth rotator (350) coupled to the third rotator (340) can rotate together with the third rotator (340). The second gear (g2) and the third gear (g3) can be configured to transmit rotational force between the first gear (g1) and the second gear (g2).The second gear (g2) and the third gear (g3) may be referred to as idle gears in terms of transmitting rotational force. The hinge assembly (250) may include a first support plate (367) and a second support plate (368) for supporting a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 2C).

[0111] The hinge assembly (250) may include shafts for the gears. For example, the hinge assembly (250) may include a first shaft (371) coupled to a first gear (g1), a second shaft (372) coupled to a second gear (g2), a third shaft (373) coupled to a third gear (g3), and a fourth shaft (374) coupled to a fourth gear (g4). The shafts may fix the rotational axes of the respective gears, and each of the gears may rotate about the rotational axes. The hinge assembly (250) may include a shaft bracket (375) for fixing the shafts.

[0112] The hinge assembly (250) may include a cam mechanism (376) and elastic members (377). The cam mechanism (376) may include cam detents (CAM detents) that include interlocking ridges. When a folding or unfolding operation is performed, the interlocking cam detents may move along the ridges, thereby causing compression of the elastic members (377). The compression of the elastic members (377) may generate a frictional force between the cam detents. The frictional force may act as a force (e.g., torque) that resists rotation, thereby providing an intermediate state of the foldable electronic device (200). The intermediate state may be referred to as a free stop or flex mode, which is a state between a folded state and an unfolded state. The frictional force may provide tactile feedback to a user during a folding or unfolding operation.

[0113] Below, the detailed structure of the rotators is described.

[0114] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 4, the first rotator (320) and the fourth rotator (350) can be directly coupled to the bracket (310). The first rotator (320) and the fourth rotator (350) can be rotatably coupled to the bracket (310). The second rotator (330) and the third rotator (340) can be rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320) and the fourth rotator (350), respectively. For example, the second rotator (330) can be coupled to the first rotator (320) and rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320). For example, the third rotator (340) can be coupled to the fourth rotator (350) and rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the fourth rotator (350).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the second rotator (330) may be coupled to a second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A). For example, the second rotator (330) may be coupled to a first coupling bracket (361) that is coupled to the second housing part (220). Since the second rotator (330) is coupled to the second housing part (220) via the first coupling bracket (361), it may be configured to rotate together with the second housing part (220). When the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) reaches a first threshold angle, the second rotator (330) may be configured to cause the rotation of the first rotator (320). The first rotator (320) may be configured to initiate rotation about the bracket (310) together with the second rotator (330) based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the first critical angle.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the third rotator (340) may be coupled to the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A). For example, the third rotator (340) may be coupled to a second coupling bracket (364) that is coupled to the first housing part (210). Since the third rotator (340) is coupled to the first housing part (210) via the second coupling bracket (364), it may be configured to rotate together with the first housing part (210). When the rotational angle of the third rotator (340) reaches a first threshold angle, the third rotator (340) may be configured to cause the rotation of the fourth rotator (350). The fourth rotator (350) may be configured to initiate rotation about the bracket (310) together with the third rotator (340) based on the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) reaching the first critical angle.

[0118] According to one embodiment, when a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state via the hinge assembly (250), a difference between the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) and the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) and a difference between the rotation angle of the fourth rotator (350) and the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) may be caused. The overall rotation angle of the first rotator (320) may be smaller than the overall rotation angle of the second rotator (330), and the overall rotation angle of the fourth rotator (350) may be smaller than the overall rotation angle of the third rotator (340). Since the first rotator (320) and the fourth rotator (350) are directly coupled to the bracket (310), when the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) and the rotation angle of the fourth rotator (350) are relatively small, the length of the first rotator (320) and the length of the fourth rotator (350) coupled to the bracket (310) can relatively increase in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). As the length increases, the first rotator (320) and the fourth rotator (350) can be firmly coupled to the bracket (310) in the folded state, so the rigidity of the foldable electronic device (200) can be improved. The second rotator (330) and the third rotator (340) may not cause rotation of the first rotator (320) and rotation of the fourth rotator (350) until they have rotated by the first threshold angle. The second rotator (330) and the third rotator (340) may have a structure for causing rotation of the first rotator (320) and rotation of the fourth rotator (350) when they have rotated by the first threshold angle, respectively.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the difference in rotational angles caused during the folding operation may be substantially the same during the unfolding operation. If the difference in rotational angles caused during the folding operation is not caused during the unfolding operation, stable folding and unfolding operations may not be possible.

[0120] Hereinafter, a structure for causing a difference in rotation angles during folding and unfolding operations is described. In the following description, descriptions are given of the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330), and the descriptions can be substantially equally applied to the fourth rotator (350) and the third rotator (340).

[0121] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the first rotator and the second rotator. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the first rotator.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 5, the first rotator (320) may include a body portion (321), a protruding portion (322), a wing portion (323), a second rail portion (324), and a third rail portion (325). The second rotator (330) may include a first groove portion (331), a second groove portion (332), a through hole (333), a stopper portion (334), and a fourth rail portion (335).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) may be coupled to each other. When the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) are coupled to each other, the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) may be disposed on the first groove portion (331) of the second rotator (330). The first groove portion (331) may be formed by recessing a portion of the front surface of the second rotator (330) to correspond to the shape of the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320). The front surface of the second rotator (330) may be referred to as the surface of the second rotator (330) that faces the first rotator (320) (e.g., faces in the +z direction). The body portion (321) may have a cross-section of an approximately semicircular shape, and the first groove portion (331) may have a cross-section of an arc shape corresponding to the semicircular shape. The radius of curvature of the semicircle, which is the cross-sectional shape of the body portion (321) (e.g., the radius of curvature (601) of FIG. 6), may correspond to the radius of curvature of the arc, which is the cross-sectional shape of the first groove portion (331). The radius of curvature of the semicircle may be referred to as the radius of curvature of the body portion (321), and the radius of curvature of the arc may be referred to as the radius of curvature of the first groove portion (331).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the second groove portion (332) may be formed by a portion of the first groove portion (331) being sunken in. The curvature radius of the second groove portion (332) (e.g., the second curvature radius (502)) may correspond to the curvature radius of the first groove portion (331). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the curvature radius of the second groove portion (332) may be smaller than or equal to the curvature radius of the first groove portion (331). For example, the second groove portion (332) may extend from a portion of one edge (331a) (e.g., the first edge) of the first groove portion (331) that extends linearly to a portion of another edge (331b) (e.g., the second edge) of the first groove portion (331) that is opposite to the one edge. Since the second groove portion (332) is formed by a portion of the first groove portion (331) being sunken, the thickness of the first groove portion (331) may be thicker than the thickness of the second groove portion (332). The radius of curvature described above may be referred to as the length of an arc or the perimeter. For example, the perimeter or the length of an arc of the second groove portion (332) may correspond to the perimeter or the length of an arc of the first groove portion (331).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may protrude from the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320). For example, the protruding portion (322) may protrude from the rear surface of the body portion (321) toward the second rotator (330) (e.g., in the -z direction). The rear surface may be referred to as a surface of the body portion (321) facing the -z direction of FIG. 5. When the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) is disposed within the first groove portion (331) of the second rotator (330), the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may be disposed within the second groove portion (332) of the second rotator (330). The protruding portion (322) may have a cross-section that is roughly arc-shaped.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the wing portion (323) of the first rotator (320) may be connected to an end of the body portion (321). For example, the wing portion (323) may include a first wing portion (323a) connected to one end of the body portion (321), and a second wing portion (323b) connected to the other end of the body portion (321) opposite the one end of the body portion (321). The descriptions of the wing portion (323) may be substantially equally applicable to both the first wing portion (323a) and the second wing portion (323b).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the second rail portion (324) and the third rail portion (325) may be disposed on the wing portion (323). For example, the third rail portion (325) may be formed on one side of the wing portion (323) facing the body portion (321). The second rail portion (324) may be formed on the other side of the wing portion (323) opposite to the one side of the wing portion (323). The second rail portion (324) may be configured to be inserted into a first rail portion (e.g., the first rail portion (311) of FIG. 3) of a bracket (e.g., the bracket (310) of FIG. 3) and slide along the first rail portion (311). When the body part (321) of the first rotator (320) is positioned within the first groove part (331) of the second rotator (330), the fourth rail part (335) of the second rotator (330) can be positioned on the front surface (325a) of the third rail part (325) of the first rotator (320). The front surface (325a) of the third rail part (325) can be referred to as a surface of the third rail part (325) facing the +z direction of FIG. 5. When the body part (321) of the first rotator (320) is positioned within the first groove part (331) of the second rotator (330), the wing part (323) of the first rotator (320) can be positioned on the outside of the first groove part (331).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) may include a stopper (510) (e.g., a first stopper). The stopper (510) may be inserted into a through hole (333) disposed within a second groove portion (332). When the stopper (510) is inserted into the through hole (333), a portion of the stopper (510) may protrude onto the second groove portion (332) of the second rotator (330).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the through hole (333) may be formed within the second groove portion (332). For example, the through hole (333) may be formed by penetrating a portion of the second groove portion (332) of the second rotator (330). The through hole (333) may be located at the center of the second groove portion (332).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the stopper (510) may include a neck portion (511) and a flange portion (512). The neck portion (511) is a portion of the stopper (510) that is inserted into the through hole (333), and when the stopper (510) is fully inserted into the through hole (333), a portion of the neck portion (511) may protrude onto the second groove portion (332). To allow a portion of the neck portion (511) to protrude onto the second groove portion (332), the length of the neck portion (511) may be greater than the thickness of the second groove portion (332). The neck portion (511) may have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the through hole (333). Since the diameter of the neck portion (511) corresponds to the diameter of the through hole (333), the stopper (510) can be tightly fitted into the through hole (333). The flange portion (512) can contact the outer surface of the second rotator (330) to support the neck portion (511) inserted into the through hole (333). The flange portion (512) can support the neck portion (511) by having a diameter larger than the diameter of the neck portion (511). The material forming the stopper (510) can be different from the material forming the second rotator (330), for example. The stopper (510) can be formed of a non-metallic material. At least a portion of the stopper (510) can include an elastic material.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) may be shorter than the second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332). The first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) may be referred to as a developed length of the protruding portion (322) when the protruding portion (322) having an arc-shaped cross-section is spread flat. The second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332) may be referred to as a developed length of the second groove portion (332) when the second groove portion (332) having an arc-shaped cross-section is spread flat. Since the first radius of curvature (501) is shorter than the second radius of curvature (502), the second groove portion (332) may not be entirely occupied by the protruding portion (322). For example, if the protruding portion (322) is positioned within the second groove portion (332), a portion of the second groove portion (332) may be occupied by the protruding portion (322), and the remaining portion of the second groove portion (332) may not be occupied by the protruding portion (322).

[0132] Referring to FIG. 6, the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) may have a cross-section that is approximately semicircular in shape. The radius of curvature (601) of the body portion (321) having a semicircular shape may be referred to as the unfolding length of the body portion (321) extending from one edge (321a) (e.g., the first edge) of the body portion (321) to the other edge (321b) (e.g., the second edge) of the body portion (321). As described above, the radius of curvature of the body portion (321) may correspond to the radius of curvature of the first groove portion (331), and the radius of curvature of the first groove portion (331) may correspond to the second radius of curvature of the second groove portion (332) (e.g., the second radius of curvature (502) of FIG. 5), so that as a result, the radius of curvature (601) of the body portion (321) may be substantially equal to the second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the protruding portion (322) can extend from one edge (321a) of the body portion (321) to a point between the one edge (321a) and the other edge (321b) of the body portion (321). Since the protruding portion (322) does not extend from one edge (321a) to the other edge (321b), but rather from one edge (321a) to the point, the first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) can be shorter than the radius of curvature (601) of the body portion (321). Since the first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) is formed to be shorter than the radius of curvature (601) of the body portion (321), which is substantially the same as the second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332), the first rotator (320) can be configured to start rotating based on the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the first critical angle. The operation of the first rotator (320) starting to rotate together with the first rotator (320) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12.

[0134] Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of a first rotator and a second rotator coupled to each other.

[0135] Fig. 7 is a perspective view from above of a first rotator (320) and a second rotator (330) coupled to each other. Referring to Fig. 7, the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) can be coupled to each other. When the first rotator (320) is coupled to the second rotator (330), the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) can be positioned within the first groove portion (331) of the second rotator (330), and the wing portion (323) of the first rotator (320) can be positioned outside the first groove portion (331). For example, the first wing portion (323a) may be positioned on one side of the first groove portion (331), and the second wing portion (323b) may be positioned on the other side of the first groove portion (331). The fourth rail portion (335) of the second rotator (330) may be positioned on the front side (e.g., the front side (325a) of FIG. 5) of the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). The first rotator (320) may be rotatably coupled to a bracket (e.g., the bracket (310) of FIG. 3). For example, the second rail portion (324) of the first rotator (320) may be inserted into the first rail portion (e.g., the first rail portion (311) of FIG. 3) of the bracket (310). The first rotator (320) can be rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the second rail portion (324).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may be positioned within the second groove portion (332) of the second rotator (330). As described above, since the first radius of curvature of the protruding portion (322) (e.g., the first radius of curvature (501) of FIG. 5) is shorter than the second radius of curvature of the second groove portion (332) (e.g., the second radius of curvature (502) of FIG. 5), the protruding portion (322) may not occupy the entire second groove portion (332) but may occupy only a portion of the second groove portion (332).

[0137] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) coupled to each other, viewed from below. Referring to Fig. 8, the stopper (510) can be inserted into the through hole (e.g., the through hole (333) of Fig. 5) of the second rotator (330). Since the flange portion (512) of the stopper (510) has a diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole (333), the flange portion (512) of the stopper (510) can contact the outer surface of the second rotator (330) without being inserted into the through hole (333). The flange portion (512) in contact with the second rotator (330) can support the neck portion (e.g., the neck portion (511) of FIG. 5) of the stopper (510) inserted into the through hole (333).

[0138] According to one embodiment, when a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (250) of FIG. 3) provides a folding operation that changes a state of a foldable electronic device (e.g., foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) from an unfolded state to a folded state, the second rotator (330) may start to rotate before the first rotator (320). According to the folding operation, the first rotator (320) may maintain its position without rotating until the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches a first threshold angle. According to the folding operation, when the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches the first threshold angle, the first rotator (320) may be configured to start to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) together with the second rotator (330) by the stopper (510). For example, the first rotator (320) may maintain a position without rotating while the second rotator (330) rotates within a first rotation range. The first rotator (320) may be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (330) while the second rotator (330) rotates within a second rotation range exceeding the first rotation range. The first rotation range may be referred to as a rotation angle of the second rotator (330) between 0 degrees and a first threshold angle. When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) is 0 degrees, the foldable electronic device (200) may be in an unfolded state. The second rotation range may be referred to as a rotation angle of the second rotator (330) between the first critical angle and the maximum rotation angle corresponding to the position of the second rotator (330) corresponding to the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200).For example, if the first critical angle is about 20 degrees and the foldable electronic device (200) is provided in a folded state when the second rotator (330) rotates by about 100 degrees, the first rotation range may be referred to as a rotation angle of the second rotator (330) of 0 degrees to about 20 degrees or less, and the second rotation range may be referred to as a rotation angle of the second rotator (330) of about 20 degrees to about 100 degrees or less.

[0139] Hereinafter, the behavior of the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation will be described. The descriptions of the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) described below with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 can be substantially equally applied to the fourth rotator (e.g., the fourth rotator (350) of FIG. 3) and the third rotator (e.g., the third rotator (340) of FIG. 3).

[0140] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line AA' of FIG. 6 in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 9, a stopper (510) inserted into a through hole (e.g., a through hole (333) of FIG. 5) located at the center of the second groove portion (332) may protrude onto the second groove portion (332) of the second rotator (330). For example, the neck portion (511) may pass through the through hole (333) and partially protrude onto the second groove portion (332). As described above, since the first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) is shorter than the second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332), the protruding portion (322) may partially occupy the second groove portion (332). For example, the arc length of the protruding portion (332) may be shorter than the arc length of the second groove portion (332). For example, the thickness of the protruding portion (332) may be smaller than the depth of the second groove portion (332).

[0142] According to one embodiment, in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A), a stopper (510) inserted into a through hole (333) and protruding onto a second groove portion (332) may be spaced apart from a protruding portion (322) of a first rotator (320). For example, a neck portion (511) of the stopper (510) protruding onto the second groove portion (332) may be spaced apart from the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). A gap may be formed between the neck portion (511) of the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0143] When an external force (e.g., torque) that causes a folding motion to change the state of the foldable electronic device (200) from an unfolded state to a folded state is provided to the foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing (201) of FIG. 2A), the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) and / or the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A) may be configured to rotate. For convenience of explanation, the folding motion is described as the rotation of the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210). When the external force is provided to the second housing part (220), the second housing part (220) may be configured to rotate counterclockwise in response to the external force. According to the rotation of the second housing part (220), the second rotator (330) coupled to the second housing part (220) via the first coupling bracket (e.g., the first coupling bracket (361) of FIG. 3) may be configured to rotate counterclockwise. The angle by which the second rotator (330) rotates due to the external force provided in the unfolded state may be referred to as the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation.

[0144] According to one embodiment, when the second rotator (330) begins to rotate counterclockwise, the first rotator (320) may maintain its position without rotating. Since the first rotator (320) is not coupled to the second housing part (220) and is separated from the second housing part (220), it may not rotate even if the second housing part (220) rotates. The first rotator (320) may maintain its position, and as the second rotator (330) rotates counterclockwise, the relative positional relationship between the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) may change. In the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 9, when the second rotator (330) rotates counterclockwise, the position of the stopper (510) may change in a direction closer to the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). As the second rotator (330) rotates counterclockwise, the gap between the neck portion (511) of the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may be reduced. As the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation increases, the stopper (510) may come closer to the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320), and the gap may be reduced.

[0145] According to one embodiment, before the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation reaches the first critical angle, the stopper (510) may be spaced from the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) without coming into contact with the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). The stopper (510) may come into contact with the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the first critical angle according to the folding operation. The rotation angle of the second rotator (330) before the stopper (510) comes into contact with the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may be referred to as the first rotation range.

[0146] The above descriptions may be substantially equally applied to the third rotator (340) and the fourth rotator (350). For example, another stopper (901) inserted into the third rotator (340) may be spaced apart from the fourth rotator (350) without coming into contact with the fourth rotator (350) in the unfolded state. The other stopper (901) (e.g., the second stopper) may come into contact with the protruding portion (351) of the fourth rotator (350) based on the rotational angle of the third rotator (340) reaching the first critical angle according to the folding operation.

[0147] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line AA' of FIG. 6 when the rotation angle of the second rotator according to the folding operation is a critical angle.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 10, when the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation reaches the first critical angle, the stopper (510) can come into contact with the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). As the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation increases, the stopper (510) comes closer to the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320), and when the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches the first critical angle, the stopper (510) can come into contact with the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding action reaches the first critical angle, physical interference between the stopper (510) and the first rotator (320) may begin.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the difference between the second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332) and the first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) may correspond to a first critical angle. As the difference between the second radius of curvature (502) and the first radius of curvature (501) increases, the gap between the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may increase in the unfolded state. As the gap increases, the first critical angle for the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) to come into contact may increase. As the difference between the second radius of curvature (502) and the first radius of curvature (501) decreases, the gap between the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may decrease in the unfolded state. As the gap decreases, the first critical angle for the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) to come into contact may decrease. Since the first critical angle may correspond to the difference between the rotational angle of the first rotator (320) and the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation, the first radius of curvature (501) and the second radius of curvature (502) may be adjusted to determine the first critical angle based on the structure of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A). For example, depending on the structure of the foldable electronic device (200), such as the thickness of the foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing (201) of FIG. 2A), the structure of the hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (250) of FIG. 3), the thickness of the first rotator (320), and the thickness of the second rotator (330), the first critical angle can be determined, and the first radius of curvature (501) and the second radius of curvature (502) can be designed to correspond to the determined first critical angle.

[0150] According to various embodiments, the gap between the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may correspond to the first critical angle. In other words, the first critical angle may vary depending on the gap between the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). Since the gap between the stopper (510) and the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may correspond to the first critical angle, the first critical angle may be determined by adjusting the gap. For example, the position and / or size of the through hole (333), and / or the position and / or size of the stopper (510) (e.g., the position at which the stopper (510) (e.g., the neck portion (511)) is inserted into the through hole (333) and / or the position at which it protrudes into the second groove portion (332)) can be adjusted to form a desired first critical angle.

[0151] According to one embodiment, based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching a first threshold angle according to the folding operation, the first rotator (320) may be configured to start rotation with respect to the bracket (310) together with the second rotator (330). As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation is the first threshold angle, the stopper (510) may contact the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) increases beyond the first threshold angle, the stopper (510) contacting the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) may cause rotation of the second rotator (330). The stopper (510) can push up the first rotator (320) by moving in a state of contact with the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). The first rotator (320) can rotate together with the second rotator (330) by being pushed up by the stopper (510).

[0152] The above descriptions may be substantially equally applied to the third rotator (340) and the fourth rotator (350). For example, when the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) according to the folding operation reaches the first threshold angle, the other stopper (901) may come into contact with the protruding portion (351) of the fourth rotator (350). In one embodiment, based on the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) reaching the first threshold angle according to the folding operation, the fourth rotator (350) may be configured to start rotation about the bracket (310) together with the third rotator (340). When the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) increases beyond the first critical angle, another stopper (901) in contact with the protruding portion (351) of the fourth rotator (350) can cause the third rotator (340) to rotate. The other stopper (901) can push up the fourth rotator (350) by moving to a state in which it is in contact with the protruding portion (351) of the fourth rotator (350). The fourth rotator (350) can rotate together with the third rotator (340) by being pushed up by the other stopper (901).

[0153] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line AA' of FIG. 6 when the rotation angle of the second rotator exceeds a critical angle. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line AA' of FIG. 6 in a folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 11, as the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation exceeds the first threshold angle, the first rotator (320) may be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (330). As the second rotator (330) rotates, the position of the stopper (510) inserted into the through hole (333) of the second rotator (330) may change. As the position of the stopper (510) changes, the first rotator (320) including the protruding portion (322) that contacts the neck portion (511) of the stopper (510) may be configured to rotate. While the second rotator (330) rotates beyond the first critical angle, the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) can maintain contact with the stopper (510).

[0155] For example, when the first critical angle is about 20 degrees with respect to the unfolded state, the first rotator (320) can maintain its position without rotating while the second rotator (330) rotates within a first rotation range of 0 degrees to about 20 degrees from the unfolded state. When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation reaches about 20 degrees, the stopper (510) can contact the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) exceeds about 20 degrees, the stopper (510) can push up the first rotator (320), and the first rotator (320) can be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (330).

[0156] Referring to FIG. 12, when the folding operation is completed, a foldable electronic device (200) in a folded state may be provided. The first rotator (320) pushed up by the stopper (510) may be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (330). The first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) may be configured to provide the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0157] The above descriptions can be substantially equally applied to the third rotator (340) and the fourth rotator (350). For example, based on the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) exceeding the first threshold angle, the fourth rotator (350) can rotate together with the third rotator (340). While the third rotator (340) rotates beyond the first threshold angle, the protruding portion (351) of the fourth rotator (350) can maintain contact with the other stopper (901).

[0158] FIG. 13 illustrates a hinge assembly in a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates a hinge assembly in a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 13, while the state of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the total rotation angle of the first rotator (e.g., the first rotator (320) of FIG. 3) may be smaller than the rotation angle of the second rotator (e.g., the second rotator (330) of FIG. 3).

[0160] In one embodiment, before the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches the first threshold angle, since the first rotator (320) does not rotate, the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) according to the folding operation may be smaller than the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation. The rotation angle of the first rotator (320) may be smaller than the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) by the first threshold angle. For example, when the first threshold angle is about 20 degrees and the total rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation is about 100 degrees, the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) according to the folding operation may be about 80 degrees. Since the second rotator (330) is not directly coupled to the bracket (310) but is indirectly coupled through the first rotator (320), the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) coupled to the bracket (310) may be different from the rotation angle of the second rotator (330). Since the first rotator (320) rotates about 80 degrees according to the folding operation, the length (1301) of the second rail portion (324) of the first rotator (320) inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) may be relatively long in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). In FIG. 13, the length (1301) of the second rail portion (324) inserted into the first rail portion (311) may be about 0.7 mm. The above-described figures are merely exemplary figures for describing the embodiments, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above figures.

[0161] Fig. 14 illustrates a hinge assembly (1401) according to a comparative example including an integrated rotator (1402). The integrated rotator (1402) may be referred to as a form in which a first rotator (e.g., the first rotator (320) of Fig. 3) and a second rotator (e.g., the second rotator (330) of Fig. 3) are formed integrally. The integrated rotator (1402) may be rotatably coupled to a bracket (310). Since the integrated rotator (1402) is directly inserted into and rotates the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310), the rotation angle of the integrated rotator (1402) according to the folding operation may be approximately 100 degrees. Since the integrated rotator (1402) rotates approximately 100 degrees according to the folding action, the length of the integrated rotator (1402) inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) may be relatively short within the folded state of the foldable electronic device. In FIG. 14, the length (1404) of the second rail portion (1403) of the integrated rotator (1402) inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) may be approximately 0.4 mm. Since the length (1404) of the second rail portion (1403) of the integrated rotator (1402) inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) is relatively short, the integrated rotator (1402) may be difficult to be firmly coupled to the bracket (310) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device. For example, the integrated rotator (1402) may easily detach from the bracket (310) due to an external force applied in the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0162] Referring again to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) may improve the rigidity of the foldable electronic device (200) because the length (1301) of the second rail portion (324) of the first rotator (320) inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) is relatively long in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, since the first plate may be firmly coupled to the bracket (310), it may be difficult for the first rotator (320) to detach from the bracket (310).

[0163] The table below shows the results of a drop test for a foldable electronic device (200) according to an embodiment including the hinge assembly (250) of FIG. 13 and a foldable electronic device according to a comparative example including the hinge assembly (1401) of FIG. 14. The drop test was performed on the devices in a folded state.

[0164] Foldable electronic device according to comparative example Foldable electronic device according to embodiment Strain of rotator 0.4060.120 Strain of bracket 0.2420.065

[0165] In the above table, the strain of the rotator represents the rate at which the rotator is deformed during a drop test, and the strain of the bracket represents the rate at which the bracket (310) is deformed during a drop test. A higher strain indicates a lower strength against a dropping impact. Referring to the above table, the foldable electronic device according to one embodiment may have a lower strain than the foldable electronic device according to a comparative example, and therefore, the foldable electronic device according to one embodiment may have relatively high rigidity.

[0166] As described above, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), in order to increase the length (1301) by which the second rail portion (324) of the first rotator (320) is inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310), the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) according to the folding operation may be smaller than the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the folding operation. When the foldable electronic device (200) is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the difference in the rotation angles may be provided equally during the unfolding operation so that the hinge assembly (250) is restored from the state illustrated in FIG. 12 to the state illustrated in FIG. 9. Hereinafter, the behaviors of the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation will be described. The descriptions of the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) described below with reference to FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 can be substantially equally applied to the fourth rotator (e.g., the fourth rotator (350) of FIG. 3) and the third rotator (e.g., the third rotator (340) of FIG. 3).

[0167] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the first rotator and the second rotator.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 15, the first rotator (320) may include a wing portion (323) connected to an end of the body portion (321). The wing portion (323) may include a first wing portion (323a) connected to one end of the body portion (321), and a second wing portion (323b) connected to the other end of the body portion (321) opposite to the one end of the body portion (321).

[0169] In one embodiment, the first rotator (320) may include a third rail portion (325). For example, each of the first wing portion (323a) and the second wing portion (323b) may include a third rail portion (325). The third rail portion (325) may protrude toward the body portion (321). For example, the third rail portion (325) may protrude toward the body portion (321) from one side of the wing portion (323) facing the body portion (321).

[0170] In one embodiment, the third radius of curvature (1501) of the third rail portion (325) may be shorter than the fourth radius of curvature (1502) of the wing portion (323). For example, the third rail portion (325) may not be formed along the entire edge of the wing portion (323), but may be formed along a portion of the edge of the wing portion (323). The difference (1503) between the third radius of curvature (1501) of the third rail portion (325) and the fourth radius of curvature (1502) of the wing portion (323) may allow the seating portion (326) to be formed. If the third rail portion (325) is formed along the entire edge of the wing portion (323), the seating portion (326) may not be formed because the third radius of curvature (1501) and the fourth radius of curvature (1502) are substantially the same. The settling portion (326) can be formed on one side of the wing portion (323) facing the body portion (321), where the third rail portion (325) is not formed.

[0171] In one embodiment, the second rotator (330) may include a fourth rail portion (335). The fourth rail portion (335) may be defined by an end of the first groove portion (331) facing the wing portion (323). For example, the fourth rail portion (335) may be defined by one end of the first groove portion (331) facing the first wing portion (323a) and the other end of the first groove portion (331) facing the second wing portion (323b). Since the first groove portion (331) has an arc-shaped cross-section corresponding to the shape of the body portion (321), the shape of the fourth rail portion (335) defined by the end of the first groove portion (331) may correspond to the arc-shaped cross-section. When the body part (321) of the first rotator (320) is placed on the first groove part (331) of the second rotator (330), the fourth rail part (335) can be placed on the front side (325a) of the third rail part (325). The fourth rail part (335) can be positioned between the body part (321) and the third rail part (325).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the second rotator (330) may include a stopper portion (334) (e.g., a first stopper portion). When the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) is disposed on the first groove portion (331) of the second rotator (330), the fourth rail portion (335) of the second rotator (330) may be disposed on the front surface (325a) of the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320), and the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) may be positioned within the mounting portion (326) of the first rotator (320). The first thickness (1503) of the stopper portion (334) may be thinner than the second thickness (1504) of the mounting portion (326). Since the first thickness (1503) of the stopper portion (334) is thinner than the second thickness (1504) of the settling portion (326), the stopper portion (334) positioned within the settling portion (326) can move within the settling portion (326).

[0173] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line BB' of FIG. 6 in a folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 16, in a folded state of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2B), a stopper portion (334) of a second rotator (330) positioned within a mounting portion (326) of a first rotator (320) may be spaced apart from a third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). In a folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) may not be in contact with the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). As described above, since the first thickness of the stopper portion (334) (e.g., the first thickness (1503) of FIG. 15) is thinner than the second thickness of the mounting portion (326) (e.g., the second thickness (1504) of FIG. 15), even if the stopper portion (334) is positioned within the mounting portion (326), the stopper portion (334) may not be in contact with the third rail portion (325). A gap may be formed between the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) and the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330), which are spaced apart from each other.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the second rotator (330) may be configured to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) in accordance with the unfolding operation. When an external force (e.g., torque) that causes an unfolding operation to change the state of the foldable electronic device (200) from a folded state to an unfolded state is provided to the foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing (201) of FIG. 2B), the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2B) and / or the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2B) may be configured to rotate. For convenience of explanation, the unfolding operation is described as the rotation of the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210). When the external force is provided to the second housing part (220), the second housing part (220) may be configured to rotate in a clockwise direction in response to the external force. According to the rotation of the second housing part (220), the second rotator (330) coupled to the second housing part (220) via the first coupling bracket (e.g., the first coupling bracket (361) of FIG. 3) may be configured to rotate clockwise. The angle at which the second rotator (330) rotates due to the external force provided in the folded state may be referred to as the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation.

[0176] In one embodiment, the first rotator (320) may be configured to initiate rotation with respect to the bracket (310) together with the second rotator (330) based on a rotational angle of the second rotator (330) reaching a second threshold angle according to an unfolding operation. When the second rotator (330) begins to rotate clockwise, the first rotator (320) may maintain its position without rotating. Since the first rotator (320) is not coupled to the second housing part (220) and is separated from the second housing part (220), it may not rotate even if the second housing part (220) rotates. The first rotator (320) maintains its position, and as the second rotator (330) rotates clockwise, the relative position between the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) can change. In the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 16, when the second rotator (330) rotates clockwise, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) can move in a direction closer to the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). As the second rotator (330) rotates clockwise, the gap between the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) and the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) can be reduced. As the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) increases due to the unfolding operation, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) can come closer to the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320), and the gap can be reduced.

[0177] According to one embodiment, before the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation reaches the second critical angle, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) may be spaced apart from the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) without contacting the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). The stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) may contact the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the second critical angle according to the unfolding operation.

[0178] The above descriptions may be substantially equally applied to the third rotator (340) and the fourth rotator (350). For example, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), another stopper portion (341) (e.g., the second stopper portion) of the third rotator (340) positioned within the mounting portion (326) of the fourth rotator (350) may be spaced apart from the rail portion (352) of the fourth rotator (350). When an external force is applied to the first housing part (210), the first housing part (210) may be configured to rotate counterclockwise in response to the external force. In accordance with the rotation of the first housing part (210), the third rotator (340) coupled to the first housing part (210) via the second coupling bracket (e.g., the second coupling bracket (364) of FIG. 3) may be configured to rotate counterclockwise. The fourth rotator (350) may be configured to start rotating with respect to the bracket (310) together with the third rotator (340) based on the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) reaching the second critical angle according to the unfolding operation. When the third rotator (340) starts to rotate counterclockwise, the fourth rotator (350) may maintain its position without rotating. Since the fourth rotator (350) is not coupled to the first housing part (210) and is separated from the first housing part (210), it may not rotate even if the first housing part (210) rotates. When the third rotator (340) rotates counterclockwise, the other stopper part (341) of the third rotator (340) may move in a direction closer to the rail part (352) of the fourth rotator (350). As the third rotator (340) rotates clockwise, the gap between the other stopper part (341) of the third rotator (340) and the rail part (352) of the fourth rotator (350) may be reduced.As the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) increases due to the unfolding operation, the other stopper part (341) of the third rotator (340) can come closer to the rail part (352) of the fourth rotator (350), and the gap can be reduced.

[0179] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line BB' of FIG. 6 when the rotation angle of the second rotator according to the unfolding operation is a critical angle.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 17, when the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation reaches the second critical angle, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) can come into contact with the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). As the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) increases, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) approaches the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320), and when the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches the second critical angle, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) can come into contact with the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation reaches the second critical angle, physical interference between the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) may begin.

[0181] According to one embodiment, a difference between a second thickness of the mounting portion (326) (e.g., the second thickness (1504) of FIG. 15) and a first thickness of the stopper portion (334) (e.g., the first thickness (1503) of FIG. 15) may correspond to a second critical angle. As the difference between the second thickness (1504) and the first thickness (1503) increases, a gap between the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) and the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) may increase in the unfolded state. As the gap increases, a second critical angle for the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) and the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) to come into contact may increase. As the difference between the second thickness (1504) and the first thickness (1503) decreases, the gap between the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) and the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) may decrease in the folded state. As the gap decreases, the second critical angle for the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) and the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) to come into contact may decrease. Since the second critical angle corresponds to the difference between the rotational angle of the first rotator (320) and the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation, the first thickness (1503) and the second thickness (1504) may be adjusted to determine the second critical angle according to the structure of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0182] According to one embodiment, based on the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the second critical angle according to the unfolding operation, the first rotator (320) may be configured to start rotating with respect to the bracket (310) together with the second rotator (330). As illustrated in FIG. 17, when the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation is the second critical angle, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) may contact the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) increases beyond the second critical angle, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) in contact with the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) can cause the second rotator (330) to rotate. The stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) can push down the first rotator (320) by moving to a state in which it is in contact with the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). The first rotator (320) can rotate together with the second rotator (330) by being pushed down by the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330).

[0183] The above descriptions can be applied substantially equally to the third rotator (340) and the fourth rotator (350). For example, when the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) according to the unfolding operation reaches the second critical angle, the other stopper portion (341) of the third rotator (340) can come into contact with the rail portion (352) of the fourth rotator (350). As the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) increases, the other stopper part (341) of the third rotator (340) approaches the rail part (352) of the fourth rotator (350), and when the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) reaches the second critical angle, the other stopper part (341) of the third rotator (340) may come into contact with the rail part (352) of the fourth rotator (350). According to one embodiment, based on the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) reaching the second critical angle according to the unfolding operation, the fourth rotator (350) may be configured to start rotation about the bracket (310) together with the third rotator (340).

[0184] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line BB' of FIG. 6 when the rotation angle of the second rotator exceeds a critical angle. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line BB' of FIG. 6 in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 18, as the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation exceeds the second threshold angle, the first rotator (320) may be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (330). As the second rotator (330) rotates, the position of the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) may change. As the position of the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) changes, the first rotator (320) including the third rail portion (325) in contact with the stopper portion (334) may be configured to rotate. While the first rotator (320) rotates beyond the second critical angle, the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320) can maintain contact with the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330).

[0186] For example, when the second critical angle is about 20 degrees based on the folded state, the first rotator (320) can maintain its position without rotating while the second rotator (330) rotates within a third rotation range of 0 degrees to about 20 degrees from the folded state. The third rotation range can be referred to as about 100 degrees to about 80 degrees based on the unfolded state. When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) according to the unfolding operation reaches about 20 degrees, the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330) can contact the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) exceeds about 20 degrees, the stopper portion (334) can push down the first rotator (320), and the first rotator (320) can be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (330).

[0187] Referring to FIG. 19, when the unfolding operation is completed, a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2B) may be provided. The first rotator (320), which is pushed down by the stopper portion (334) of the second rotator (330), may be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (330). The first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) may be configured to provide an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200). The unfolded state illustrated in FIG. 19 may correspond to the unfolded state illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the second critical angle may correspond to the first critical angle. For example, when the first critical angle is about 20 degrees with respect to the unfolded state, the second critical angle may be about 20 degrees with respect to the folded state. When the state of the foldable electronic device (200) is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, when the total rotation angle of the second rotator (330) is 100 degrees, the second critical angle may be referred to as about 80 degrees (100 degrees - 20 degrees) with respect to the unfolded state. Since the second critical angle corresponds to the first critical angle, the total rotation angle of the first rotator (320) may be constant at about 80 degrees during the folding operation and the unfolding operation. Since the total rotation angle of the first rotator (320) according to the unfolding operation corresponds to the total rotation angle of the first rotator (320) according to the folding operation, the first rotator (320) can rotate within a certain angular range (e.g., about 80 degrees) between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0189] In the above description, the second critical angle has been described as corresponding to the first critical angle, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to one embodiment, the first critical angle may be different from the second critical angle. For example, the first critical angle may be larger than the second critical angle. If a certain or greater length of engagement (e.g., length (1301) of FIG. 13) is secured in the folded state by the first critical angle, the second critical angle corresponding to the unfolding operation may be designed to be smaller than the first critical angle corresponding to the folding operation. For example, the second critical angle may be designed to be about 100 degrees (e.g., in the folded state, there is no gap between the third rail portion (325) and the stopper portion (334). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment, the first critical angle may be smaller than the second critical angle.

[0190] As described above, depending on the unfolding operation, the stopper portion (334) may contact the third rail portion (325) of the first rotator (320). According to one embodiment, in order to reduce damage to the first rotator (320) due to contact between the first rotator (320) and the third rail portion (325), at least a portion of the third rail portion (325) or at least a portion of the stopper portion (334) may be formed of an elastic material, or an elastic member may be disposed between the third rail portion (325) and the stopper portion (334). By forming at least a portion of the third rail portion (325) or at least a portion of the stopper portion (334) of an elastic material, or by disposing an elastic member between the third rail portion (325) and the stopper portion (334), damage to the stopper portion (334) may be reduced during the unfolding operation.

[0191] The above descriptions can be applied substantially equally to the third rotator (340) and the fourth rotator (350).

[0192] For example, when the rotation angle of the third rotator (340) according to the unfolding operation exceeds the second threshold angle, the fourth rotator (350) may be configured to rotate together with the third rotator (340). While the fourth rotator (350) rotates beyond the second threshold angle, the rail portion (352) of the fourth rotator (350) may maintain contact with the other stopper portion (341) of the third rotator (340). The third rotator (340) and the fourth rotator (350) may be configured to provide an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0193] In the above-described embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) has been described as including a stopper (510) provided as a separate piece for rotation of the first rotator (320) during the folding operation, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the hinge assembly (250) may increase the length of the first rotator (320) inserted into the bracket (310) through a structure for limiting the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) during the folding operation and the unfolding operation.

[0194] According to one embodiment, when the second rotator (330) rotates according to the folding operation, the first rotator (320) may include an overlapping portion that contacts the second rotator (330) at a rotation angle of the second rotator (330) greater than or equal to a first threshold angle. For example, the overlapping portion of the first rotator (320) may not contact the second rotator (330) when the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) is less than the first threshold angle. As the second rotator (330) continues to rotate, when the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches the first threshold angle, the overlapping portion of the first rotator (320) may contact the second rotator (330). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) exceeds the first critical angle, the first rotator (320) can be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (330) due to the frictional force between the overlapping portions of the second rotator (330) and the first rotator (320).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) may further include an additional rotator in addition to the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330). For example, the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) described above may be referred to as a double rotator, and when a rotator is added, the first rotator (320), the second rotator (330), and the added rotator may be referred to as a triple rotator.

[0196] Although the aforementioned foldable electronic device (200) is illustrated as including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may further include a third housing part.

[0197] Fig. 20a illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device. Fig. 20b illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device. Fig. 20c illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device.

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C, a foldable electronic device (2000) may include a housing structure (2001), a flexible display (2040), a first hinge structure (2050), a second hinge structure (2060), and a display (2070). The first housing structure (2001) may include a first housing part (2010), a second housing part (2020), and a third housing part (2030).

[0199] The first housing part (2010) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (2020) by a first hinge structure (2050). The second housing part (2020) and the first housing part (2010) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (2050). While the first housing part (2010) is rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (2050), the second housing part (2020) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (2050). For example, when the second housing part (2020) and the first housing part (2010) are rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (2050), the angular displacement of the second housing part (2020) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the first housing part (2010). The first hinge structure (2050) may be referred to as a first hinge assembly. The second hinge structure may be referred to as a second hinge assembly.

[0200] The third housing part (2030) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (2020) by a second hinge structure (2060). The second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) can rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (2060). While the second housing part (2020) rotates with respect to the second hinge structure (2060), the third housing part (2030) can rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (2060). For example, when the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (2060), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (2020) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the third housing part (2030).

[0201] The first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060) can provide (or enable) a first state (2000a) of the foldable electronic device (2000) (or a first state (2000a) of the housing structure (2001)). The first state (2000a) of the foldable electronic device (2000) (or the first state (2000a) of the housing structure (2001)) can be described as an unfolded state (or an unfolded state) of the foldable electronic device (2000) (or the housing structure (2001)). Within the first state (2000a), the front surface of the first housing part (2010), the front surface of the second housing part (2020), and the front surface of the third housing part (2030) can define the front surface of the foldable electronic device (2000). Within the first state (2000a), the front surface of the first housing part (2010), the front surface of the second housing part (2020), and the front surface of the third housing part (2030) can face the same direction. Within the first state (2000a), the foldable electronic device (2000) can provide a large display area of ​​the flexible display (2040) to the user.

[0202] The first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060) can provide a second state (2000b) of the foldable electronic device (2000). The second state (2000b) of the foldable electronic device (2000) can be described as a state in which the foldable electronic device (2000) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folding state or a half folding state). For example, within the second state (2000b), the front surface of the second housing part (2020) and the front surface of the third housing part (2030) may face the same direction, and the front surface of the first housing part (2010) and the front surface of the second housing part (2020) may face opposite directions. For example, within the second state (2000b), the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020) can be folded, and the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) can be unfolded. Within the second state (2000b), the foldable electronic device (2000) can provide visual information through a portion of the flexible display (2040) (e.g., the third display area (2040c)).

[0203] The foldable electronic device (2000) can change from the first state (2000a) to the third state (2000c) through the second state (2000b). The foldable electronic device (2000) can change from the first state (2000a), which is an unfolded state, to the second state (2000b), which is a partially unfolded state. For example, the foldable electronic device (2000) can change from the first state (2000a), in which the first housing part (2010), the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030) face the same direction, to the second state (2000b), in which the front side of the first housing part (2010) faces the front side of the second housing part (2020). The foldable electronic device (2000) can change from a second state (2000b), which is a partially unfolded state, to a third state (2000c), which is a folded state. For example, when changing from the second state (2000b) to the third state (2000c), the folded first housing part (2010) and second housing part (2020) can be placed on the third housing part (2030).

[0204] The first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060) can provide a third state (2000c) of the foldable electronic device (2000) (or a third state (2000c) of the housing structure (2001)). The third state (2000c) of the foldable electronic device (2000) (or the third state (2000c) of the housing structure (2001)) can be described as a folded state (or a folding state or a multi-folding state) of the foldable electronic device (2000) (or the housing structure (2001)). Within the third state (2000c), the front surface of the first housing part (2010) and the front surface of the second housing part (2020) can face opposite directions, and the front surface of the second housing part (2020) and the front surface of the third housing part (2030) can face opposite directions. Within the third state (2000c), the front of the first housing part (2010) and the front of the third housing part (2030) may face the same direction. For example, within the third state (2000c), the front of the second housing part (2020) may face the front of the first housing part (2010), and the front of the third housing part (2030) may face the back of the first housing part (2010). Within the third state (2000c), the back of the second housing part (2020) may be exposed to the outside. The display (2070) may be disposed on the back of the second housing part (2020). Within the third state (2000c), the back of the third housing part (2030) may be exposed to the outside. The camera (2075) may be disposed on the back of the third housing part (2030). Within the third state (2000c), the foldable electronic device (2000) can be folded to improve portability and provide visual information through a display (2070) disposed on the rear of the second housing part (2020).

[0205] The foldable electronic device (2000) may further include a key button (2039). The key button (2039) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on a side surface of the third housing part (2030) and may partially protrude outside the foldable electronic device (2000). The key button (2039) may provide a physical input to a processing circuit inside the foldable electronic device (2000) by pressure transmitted from the outside. The key button (2039) may not be included in the foldable electronic device (2000) and may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key displayed on the flexible display (2040) or the display (2070).

[0206] The key button (2039) may be positioned on the side of the third housing part (2030) so as to be exposed to the outside in the third state (2000c). As the key button (2039) is positioned on the side of the third housing part (2030), it may be positioned in the direction that the side of the third housing part (2030) faces. Even if the display (2070) in the third state (2000c) is changed to the first state (2000a) by a user looking at it, the position of the key button (2039) positioned on the side of the third housing part (2030) may not move. For example, referring to FIG. 20a, in the first state (2000a), when the flexible display (2040) is viewed from above, the key button (2039) may be positioned on the right side. Referring to FIG. 20c, in the third state (2000c), when the display (2070) is viewed from above, the key button (2039) may be positioned on the right side.

[0207] A flexible display (2040) can at least partially define an exterior appearance of a foldable electronic device (2000). The flexible display (2040) can be partially disposed within a housing structure (2001). The flexible display (2040) can define a front surface of the foldable electronic device (2000). The flexible display (2040) can include a first unbendable portion (2041), a second unbendable portion (2042), a third unbendable portion (2043), a first bendable portion (2044), and a second bendable portion (2045). The first unbendable portion (2041) of the flexible display (2040) can be disposed on a front surface of the first housing part (2010). The second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040) may be disposed on the front side of the second housing part (2020). The third unbendable portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040) may be disposed on the front side of the third housing part (2030). The first bendable portion (2044) of the flexible display (2040) may be disposed between the first unbendable portion (2041) and the third unbendable portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040). For example, the first bendable portion (2044) of the flexible display (2040) may be disposed on a first hinge structure (2050) connecting the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020). The second bendable portion (2045) of the flexible display (2040) may be disposed between the second unbendable portion (2042) and the third unbendable portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040). For example, the second bendable portion (2045) of the flexible display (2040) may be disposed on a second hinge structure (2060) connecting the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030).

[0208] The first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060) may be oriented such that the first unbendable portion (2041) of the flexible display (2040), the second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040), and the third unbendable portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040) may face substantially the same direction. In the first state (2000a), the first bendable portion (2044) and the second bendable portion (2045) may be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane as the first unbendable portion (2041), the second unbendable portion (2042), and the third unbendable portion (2043).

[0209] The first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060) can provide a second state (2000b) of the foldable electronic device (2000). Within the second state (2000b), the first unbendable portion (2041) of the flexible display (2040) can face the second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040), and the third unbendable portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040) can face the same direction as the second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040). For example, the second unbendable portion (2042) and the third unbendable portion (2043) can be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane.

[0210] In the second state (2000b), the first bendable portion (2044) of the flexible display (2040) is bent by the first hinge structure (2050), so that the first bendable portion (2044) of the flexible display (2040) can be folded so that the first unbendable portion (2041) of the flexible display (2040) and the second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040) face different directions.

[0211] In the second state (2000b), the second bendable portion (2045) of the flexible display (2040) is maintained in an unfolded state by the second hinge structure (2060), so that the second bendable portion (2045) of the flexible display (2040) can unfold so that the second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040) and the third unbendable portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040) face the same direction.

[0212] The first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060) can provide a third state (2000c) of the foldable electronic device (2000). In the third state (2000c), the second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040) can face the first unbendable portion (2041) of the flexible display (2040), and the third unbendable portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040) can face the back of the first housing part (2010).

[0213] In the third state (2000c), the first bendable portion (2044) of the flexible display (2040) is bent by the first hinge structure (2050), so that the first bendable portion (2044) of the flexible display (2040) can be folded so that the first unbendable portion (2041) of the flexible display (2040) and the second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040) face different directions.

[0214] In the third state (2000c), the second bendable portion (2045) of the flexible display (2040) is bent by the second hinge structure (2060), so that the second bendable portion (2045) of the flexible display (2040) can be folded such that the second unbendable portion (2042) of the flexible display (2040) and the third unbendable portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040) face different directions. The second bendable portion (2045) may further include a first deformable portion (2045a), a second deformable portion (2045b), and a flat portion (2045c). The first deformable portion (2045a) may be disposed between the planar portion (2045c) and the second unbendable portion (2042), and the second deformable portion (2045b) may be disposed between the planar portion (2045c) and the third unbendable portion (2043). The planar portion (2045c) may be disposed between the first deformable portion (2045a) and the second deformable portion (2045b). The planar portion (2045c) may be supported by a support plate (e.g., the support plate (2164) of FIG. 21a) that is distinct from the hinge plates of the second hinge structure (2060) (e.g., the third hinge plate (2162) and the fourth hinge plate (2163) of FIG. 21a). Regardless of the state of the foldable electronic device (2000), the planar portion (2045c) may remain flat. The first deformable portion (2045a) and the second deformable portion (2045b) can be unfolded in the first state (2000a) and the second state (2000b), and in the third state (2000c), the first deformable portion (2045a) and the second deformable portion (2045b) can be bent such that the second unbendable portion (2042) and the third unbendable portion (2043) face different directions. Within the third state (2000c), the first housing part (2010) can be positioned between the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030).Within the third state (2000c), the second bendable portion (2045) of the flexible display (2040) disposed on the second hinge structure (2060) can be partially directed toward the side surface (2010c) of the first housing part (2010).

[0215] The display area of ​​the flexible display (2040) may include a first display area (2040a), a second display area (2040b), and a third display area (2040c). The display area represents an area that can provide visual information from the flexible display (2040). For example, the first display area (2040a) may include the first unbendable portion (2041) and a portion of the first bendable portion (2044) of FIG. 20A. For example, the second display area (2040b) may include the second unbendable portion (2042) of FIG. 20A, another portion of the first bendable portion (2044), and a portion of the second bendable portion (2045). For example, the third display area (2040c) may include another portion of the third unbendable portion (2043) and the second bendable portion (2045) of FIG. 20a.

[0216] Within the first state (2000a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (2040) can be seen from the front of the housing structure (2001). For example, within the first state (2000a), the first display area (2040a), the second display area (2040b), and the third display area (2040c) of the flexible display (2040) can be visually exposed. The foldable electronic device (2000) can provide a user with a large display area including the first display area (2040a), the second display area (2040b), and the third display area (2040c).

[0217] Within the second state (2000b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (2040) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (2030). For example, the third display area (2040c) may be visually exposed, and the first display area (2040a) and the second display area (2040b) may not be visually exposed.

[0218] Within the third state (2000c), the display area of ​​the flexible display (2040) may not be visible. For example, within the third state (2000c), the first display area (2040a), the second display area (2040b), and the third display area (2040c) of the flexible display (2040) may not be visually exposed.

[0219] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (2040) is used to display a screen within a first state (2000a) of the foldable electronic device (2000), the first display area (2040a), the second display area (2040b), and the third display area (2040c) of the flexible display (2040) may be activated. As a non-limiting example, within a third state (2000c), the first display area (2040a), the second display area (2040b), and the third display area (2040c) of the flexible display (2040) may be deactivated. As a non-limiting example, in a second state (2000b) of the foldable electronic device (2000), when the flexible display (2040) is used to display a screen, the third display area (2040c) may be activated, and the first display area (2040a) and the second display area (2040b) of the flexible display (2040) may be deactivated.

[0220] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (2040) is used to display a screen within a first state (2000a) of the foldable electronic device (2000), the first display area (2040a), the second display area (2040b), and the third display area (2040c) of the flexible display (2040) can display visual information. As a non-limiting example, within the third state (2000c), the first display area (2040a), the second display area (2040b), and the third display area (2040c) of the flexible display (2040) can provide a black image. As a non-limiting example, in a second state (2000b) of a foldable electronic device (2000), when the flexible display (2040) is used to display a screen, the third display area (2040c) may provide visual information, and the first display area (2040a) and the second display area (2040b) of the flexible display (2040) may provide black images.

[0221] Figure 21a is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed. Figure 21b is a rear view of the electronic device with the back cover and display removed.

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B , the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first hinge structure (2050) and a second hinge structure (2060). A first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (2050) may be narrower than a second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (2060). A difference between the first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (2050) and the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (2060) may be equal to or greater than a thickness of the first housing part (2010). For example, the second hinge structure (2060) may have a second width (w2) that is wider than the first width (w1) such that the first housing part (2010) is positioned between the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) according to the third state (2000c). The first hinge structure (2050) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in terms of having a narrower width than the second hinge structure (2060). The second hinge structure (2060) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in terms of having a wider width than the first hinge structure (2050).

[0223] A first hinge structure (2050) may include a first set of gears (2151), a first hinge plate (2152), and a second hinge plate (2153). The first hinge plate (2152) may be coupled to a first support portion (2011) of a first housing part (2010). The second hinge plate (2153) may be coupled to a second support portion (2021) of a second housing part (2020). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (2151) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (2152) and the second hinge plate (2153). For example, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (2151) can rotate the second hinge plate (2153) (or the second housing part (2020)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (2152) (or the first housing part (2010)). After the first hinge plate (2152) (or the first housing part (2010)) is rotated, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (2151) can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (2152) (or the first housing part (2010)). The second hinge plate (2153) (or the second housing part (2020)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (2152) according to the rotation of the gears included in the first set of gears (2151). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (2151) can include a first gear (g11), a second gear (g12), a third gear (g13), and a fourth gear (g14). The first gear (g11) can be arranged adjacent to the first hinge plate (2152), and the fourth gear (g14) can be arranged adjacent to the second hinge plate (2153). The second gear (g12) and the third gear (g13) can be arranged between the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14).The first gear (g11), the second gear (g12), the third gear (g13), and the fourth gear (g14) can be sequentially meshed. According to the rotation of the first gear (g11) in the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise), the second gear (g12) meshed with the first gear (g11) can be rotated in the second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the second gear (g2) in the second rotation direction, the third gear (g13) meshed with the second gear (g12) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the third gear (g13) in the first rotation direction, the fourth gear (g14) can be rotated in the second rotation direction. As the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14) rotate in different directions, the first housing part (2010) connected to the first hinge plate (2152) and the second housing part (2020) connected to the second hinge plate (2153) can be folded or unfolded.

[0224] The second hinge structure (2060) may include a second set of gears (2161), a third hinge plate (2162), a fourth hinge plate (2163), and a support plate (2164). The third hinge plate (2162) may be coupled to a second support portion (2021) of the second housing part (2020). The fourth hinge plate (2163) may be coupled to a third support portion (2031) of the third housing part (2030). The gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (2161) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (2162) and the fourth hinge plate (2163). For example, the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (2161) can rotate the fourth hinge plate (2163) (or the third housing part (2030)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (2162) (or the second housing part (2020)). After the third hinge plate (2162) (or the second housing part (2020)) is rotated, the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (2161) can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the third hinge plate (2162) (or the second housing part (2020)). The fourth hinge plate (2163) (or the third housing part (2030)) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (2162) according to the rotation of the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (2161).

[0225] The gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (2161) may include a first gear (g21), a second gear (g22), a third gear (g23), a fourth gear (g24), a fifth gear (g25), and a sixth gear (g26). The first gear (g21) may be arranged adjacent to the third hinge plate (2162), and the sixth gear (g26) may be arranged adjacent to the fourth hinge plate (2163). The second gear (g22), the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24), and the fifth gear (g25) may be arranged between the first gear (g21) and the sixth gear (g26). The first gear (g21), the second gear (g22), the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24), the fifth gear (g25), and the sixth gear (g26) can be sequentially meshed. According to the rotation of the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g21), the second gear (g22) meshed with the first gear (g21) can be rotated in a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the second rotation direction of the second gear (g22), the third gear (g23) meshed with the second gear (g22) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the first rotation direction of the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24) can be rotated in the second rotation direction. According to the rotation of the fourth gear (g24) in the second rotation direction, the fifth gear (g25) meshed with the fourth gear (g24) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the fifth gear (g25) in the first rotation direction, the sixth gear (g26) meshed with the fifth gear (g25) can be rotated in the second rotation direction. As the first gear (g21) and the sixth gear (g26) rotate in different directions, the second housing part (2020) connected to the third hinge plate (2162) and the third housing part (2030) connected to the fourth hinge plate (2163) can be folded or unfolded.

[0226] The first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060) may further include a spiral structure. The spiral structure may include a spiral groove formed on each hinge plate or a rotating member connected to the hinge plate, and a moving member sliding along the spiral groove. The hinge plates connected to the hinge structure may be configured to rotate at substantially the same angular displacement through the spiral structure.

[0227] The foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first printed circuit board (2171), a second printed circuit board (2172), and a third printed circuit board (2173).

[0228] A first printed circuit board (2171) may be placed on a first support portion (2011) of a first housing part (2010). Hardware components within the first housing part (2010) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (2171). A second printed circuit board (2172) may be placed on a second support portion (2021) of a second housing part (2020). A third printed circuit board (2173) may be placed on a third support portion (2031) of a third housing part (2030). Hardware components within the third housing part (2030) may be placed on the third printed circuit board (2173).

[0229] The hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (2171) can support or operate independently of the hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (2172) and / or the hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (2173).

[0230] The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (2172) may support or operate independently of the hardware components arranged on the first printed circuit board (2171) or the third printed circuit board (2173). The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (2172) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0231] Hardware components arranged on the third printed circuit board (2173) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit (e.g., an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP)), a memory including one or more storage media, a communication circuit, and a rear camera (2075). The rear camera (2075) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the third housing part (2030).

[0232] The foldable electronic device (2000) may further include a sub-printed circuit board (2175) and flexible printed circuit boards (2180, 2190). The sub-printed circuit board (2175) may be disposed on at least some of the first housing part (2010), the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030). The flexible printed circuit boards (2180, 2190) may include a first flexible printed circuit board (2180) and a second flexible printed circuit board (2190). The first flexible printed circuit board (2180) may electrically connect the printed circuit boards disposed on each of the housing parts (2010, 2020, 2030). The second flexible printed circuit board (2190) can connect the printed circuit board within the housing part in which the sub printed circuit board (2175) is placed and the sub printed circuit board (2175).

[0233] Components within the foldable electronic device (2000) may be connected to at least one processor within a third printed circuit board (2173) via flexible printed circuit boards (2180, 2190). For example, a signal received from an antenna disposed in the third housing part (2030) may be transmitted to the third printed circuit board (2173) on which at least one processor (e.g., an AP or CP) is disposed via a signal path (a) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (2180). A driving circuit for a flexible display (2040) disposed within the first housing part (2010) may be connected to the third printed circuit board (2173) on which at least one processor (e.g., an AP) is disposed via a signal path (b) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (2175) and the first flexible printed circuit board (2180). A driving circuit for a display (2070) connected to a sub-printed circuit board (2175) disposed on a second housing part (2020) may be electrically connected to a third printed circuit board (2173) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is disposed via a signal path (c) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (2175) and the first flexible printed circuit board (2180) and the second flexible printed circuit board (2190).

[0234] The foldable electronic device (2000) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support portions (2011, 2021, 2031) included in the housing parts (2010, 2020, 130). The support portions (2011, 2021, 2031) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0235] The arrangement of hardware components is exemplary, and differently from the above, the rear camera (2075) and the second printed circuit board (2172) may be arranged in the third housing part (2030), and the third printed circuit board (2173) may be arranged in the second housing part (2020).

[0236] Although the first housing part (2010) and the third housing part (2030) are shown as rotating in opposite directions with respect to the second housing part (2020), this is not limited thereto. For example, during the transition from the first state (2000a) to the third state (2000c), the first housing part (2010) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (2020). As the first housing part (2010) and the third housing part (2030) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (2040) within the second state may be visually exposed.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (2000) may have a structure in which the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020) are folded so that the first display area (e.g., the first display area (2040a)) and the second display area (e.g., the second display area (2040b)) face each other, and the opposite side of the side on which the first display area is arranged and the third display area (e.g., the third display area (2040c)) are folded so that they face each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (2000) may have a structure in which the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020) are folded so that the first display area and the second display area face each other (e.g., in-folding), and the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) are folded so that the opposite side of the side on which the second display area is arranged and the opposite side of the side on which the third display area is arranged face each other (e.g., out-folding). According to one embodiment, a hinge housing may not be provided between the two housing parts that can be folded in an out-folding manner (e.g., the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030)).

[0238] According to one embodiment, a multi-rotator structure including a first rotator (or first rotating member) (320) and a second rotator (or second rotating member) (330) may be applied to a hinge structure having a narrower width among the first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060). According to one embodiment, the width of the first hinge structure (2050) of the foldable electronic device (2000) may be narrower than the width of the second hinge structure (2060). For example, a single rotator, rather than a multi-rotator, may be applied to the second hinge structure (2060). For example, the width (or length) of the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) in the combined state in the first hinge structure (2050) may be substantially the same as the width (or length) of a single rotator in the second hinge structure (2060). However, this is not limited thereto. For example, the width (or length) of a single rotator included in the second hinge structure (2060) may be larger. According to one embodiment, the multi-rotator structure may be applied to both the first hinge structure (2050) and the second hinge structure (2060). According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure (2050) may be applied with a triple rotator including an additional rotator structure having a structure corresponding to the first rotator (e.g., the first rotator (320) of FIG. 5), and the second hinge structure (2060) may be applied with a double rotator including the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330).

[0239] According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure (2050) to which the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) are applied may be a dumbbell type (e.g., when the first display area (2040a) and the second display area (2040b) are folded to face each other, the distance between the two display areas increases as they go toward the first bendable portion (2044), and the second hinge structure (2060) to which the single rotator is applied may be a U type (e.g., when the second display area (2040b) and the third display area (2040c) are folded to face each other, the distance between the two display areas is substantially constant).

[0240] In one embodiment, a flex mode that allows the two housings to be maintained at a specific angle between a fully unfolded state and a fully folded state may be supported in the first hinge structure (2050). For example, the flex mode may not be supported in the second hinge structure (2060). A cam structure may be applied to the first hinge structure (2050). For example, the flex mode may not be supported in a section where the first rotator (320) is limited in rotation and the second rotator (330) rotates first, and the flex mode may be supported in some sections among sections where the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) rotate together. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0241] According to the present disclosure, a hinge assembly (250) including a first rotator (320) and a second rotator (330) may be configured with a structure in which a portion thereof is modified in accordance with the purposes and effects exemplified in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the first rotator (320) may be provided as a part of a hinge bracket. In one embodiment, the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) may be provided with a structure in which the first rotator (320) slides out from the second rotator (330) during a folding operation, thereby maintaining an area coupled to the hinge bracket above a certain level.

[0242] Fig. 22 is a plan view of a hinge assembly including a spiral structure. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly including a spiral structure.

[0243] The structure illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 may be applied to at least one of the first hinge structure (2050) or the second hinge structure (2060). In one embodiment, at least one of the first hinge structure (2050) or the second hinge structure (2060) may include a spiral structure (2202). As described above, the spiral structure (2202) may be configured to slide along a spiral groove. As the spiral structure (2202) slides, the spiral structure (2202) may contact the cam structures (2203, 2204). The cam structures (2203, 2204) may be configured to press the elastic members (2201).

[0244] In one embodiment, the spiral structure (2202) can be coupled with a first arm (2205) and a second arm (2206). As the first arm (2205) rotates, the spiral structure (2202) slides, and as the spiral structure (2202) slides, the second arm (2206) can rotate. The spiral structure (2202) can link the rotation of the first arm (2205) and the second arm (2206).

[0245] Figures 24 and 25 illustrate a portion of a hinge assembly including three rotators.

[0246] As described above, the hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (250) of FIG. 3) may include two rotators (e.g., the first rotator (320) and the second rotator (330) of FIG. 3) for rotation of the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) and two rotators (e.g., the third rotator (340) and the fourth rotator (350) of FIG. 3) for rotation of the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A). However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As described below, three rotators may be combined to provide rotation of the foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing (201) of FIG. 2A). The critical angles described below may be different from the critical angles described above.

[0247] Hereinafter, three rotators corresponding to either the first housing part or the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part) are described. The hinge assembly may include three other rotators corresponding to the other of the first housing part or the second housing part (e.g., the first housing part). Each of the three other rotators may correspond to a corresponding rotator of the three rotators described below.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 24, a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (250) of FIG. 3) according to one embodiment may include a first rotator (2410), a second rotator (2420), and a third rotator (2430). For example, the first rotator (2410) may be rotatably coupled to a bracket (e.g., bracket (310) of FIG. 3). For example, the second rotator (2420) may be rotatably coupled to the first rotator (2410). For example, the third rotator (2430) may be rotatably coupled to the second rotator (2420). The third rotator (2430) may be rotatably coupled indirectly to the first rotator (2410) via the second rotator (2420). Although not shown in FIG. 24, the third rotator (2430) may be coupled to the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2a).

[0249] Referring to FIG. 25, when the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A) is rotated according to the folding operation, the third rotator (2430) may be rotated relative to the second rotator (2420). Depending on the folding operation, the second rotator (2420) may be configured to start rotating with respect to the first rotator (2410) together with the third rotator (2430) based on the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaching the first critical angle. For example, during the folding operation, the second rotator (2420) may not rotate until the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the first critical angle. When the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the first critical angle, the second The rotator (2420) can begin to rotate together with the third rotator (2430). The second rotator (2420) can rotate relative to the first rotator (2410).

[0250] In one embodiment, the first rotator (2410) may be configured to initiate rotation with respect to the bracket (e.g., bracket (310) of FIG. 3) based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaching a second threshold angle during the folding operation. For example, during the folding operation, the first rotator (2410) may not rotate until the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the second threshold angle. Once the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the second threshold angle, the first rotator (2410) may begin to rotate with the second rotator (2420). The first rotator (2410) may rotate with respect to the bracket.

[0251] According to one embodiment, when a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, a rotation angle of the first rotator (2410), a rotation angle of the second rotator (2420), and a rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) may be different from each other. Since the third rotator (2430) rotates together with the second housing part during a folding operation, the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) may be greater than the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) and the rotation angle of the first rotator (2410). Since the first rotator (2410) does not rotate until the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the second critical angle, the rotation angle of the first rotator (2410) may be smaller than the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420).

[0252] In one embodiment, when the second housing part is rotated according to the unfolding operation, the third rotator (2430) may be rotated relative to the second rotator (2420). In accordance with the unfolding operation, the second rotator (2420) may be configured to start rotating with respect to the first rotator (2410) together with the third rotator (2430) based on the rotational angle of the third rotator (2430) reaching the third threshold angle. For example, during the unfolding operation, the second rotator (2420) may not rotate until the rotational angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the third threshold angle. When the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the third critical angle, the second rotator (2420) may start to rotate together with the third rotator (2430).

[0253] In one embodiment, the first rotator (2410) may be configured to initiate rotation with respect to the bracket together with the second rotator (2420) based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaching the fourth threshold angle during the unfolding operation. For example, during the unfolding operation, the first rotator (2410) may not rotate until the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the fourth threshold angle. Once the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the fourth threshold angle, the first rotator (2410) may begin to rotate together with the second rotator (2420).

[0254] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the rotation angle of the first rotator (2410), the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420), and the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) may be different from each other. During the unfolding operation, since the third rotator (2430) rotates together with the second housing part, the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) may be greater than the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) and the rotation angle of the first rotator (2410). Since the first rotator (2410) does not rotate until the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the fourth threshold angle, the rotation angle of the first rotator (2410) may be less than the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420).

[0255] Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the second and third rotators. Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the second rotator. Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the first rotator. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the third rotator.

[0256] Referring to FIG. 26, the second rotator (2420) may be placed on the mounting portion (2431) of the third rotator (2430). When the second rotator (2420) is placed on the mounting portion (2431) of the third rotator (2430), the wing portions (2421) of the second rotator (2420) may be positioned outside the mounting portion (2431) of the third rotator (2430). A rail portion (2422) coupled to the first rotator (e.g., the first rotator (2410) of FIG. 28) may be formed on the outer surface of the wing portions (2421).

[0257] According to one embodiment, the mounting portion (2431) of the third rotator (2430) may include a first groove portion (2432) into which the first protruding portion (2423) of the second rotator (2420) is inserted. For example, the shape of the first protruding portion (2423) may correspond to the shape of the first groove portion (2432). The first groove portion (2432) may have a first radius of curvature (2610).

[0258] Referring to FIG. 27, the first protruding portion (2423) of the second rotator (2420) may have a second radius of curvature (2710). According to one embodiment, the first radius of curvature (e.g., the first radius of curvature (2610) of FIG. 26) of the first groove portion (e.g., the first groove portion (2432) of FIG. 26) of the third rotator (e.g., the third rotator (2430) of FIG. 26) may be larger than the second radius of curvature (2710) of the first protruding portion (2423). Since the first radius of curvature (2610) is larger than the second radius of curvature (2710), when the second rotator (2420) is placed on the mounting portion (e.g., the mounting portion (2431) of FIG. 26) of the third rotator (2430), a gap may be formed between the first groove portion (2432) and the first protruding portion (2423). Due to the gap between the first groove portion (2432) and the first protruding portion (2423), the second rotator (2420) may be configured to rotate together with the third rotator (2430) when the rotational angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the first critical angle according to the folding operation. Until the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) according to the folding action reaches the first critical angle, the second rotator (2420) can maintain its position without rotating.

[0259] Referring to FIG. 26, the second rotator (2420) may include a second groove portion (2424). The second groove portion (2424) may be positioned between the wing portions (2421). The second groove portion (2424) may be a portion where a second protruding portion (e.g., the second protruding portion (2411) of FIG. 28) of the first rotator (e.g., the first rotator (2410) of FIG. 28) is disposed. The second groove portion (2424) may have a third radius of curvature (2620).

[0260] Referring to FIG. 28, the first rotator (2410) may include a second protruding portion (2411) disposed within a second groove portion (e.g., the second groove portion (2424) of FIG. 26) of a second rotator (e.g., the second rotator (2420) of FIG. 26). The second protruding portion (2411) may have a fourth radius of curvature (2810). In one embodiment, the third radius of curvature (e.g., the third radius of curvature (2620) of FIG. 26) of the second groove portion (2424) may be greater than the fourth radius of curvature (2810) of the second protruding portion (2411). Since the third radius of curvature (2620) is larger than the fourth radius of curvature (2810), when the second protruding portion (2411) of the first rotator (2410) is placed within the second groove portion (e.g., the second groove portion (2424) of FIG. 26) of the second rotator (2420), a gap may be formed between the second groove portion (2424) and the second protruding portion (2411). By the gap between the second groove portion (2424) and the second protruding portion (2411), the first rotator (2410) may be configured to rotate together with the second rotator (2420) when the rotational angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the second critical angle according to the folding operation. The first rotator (2410) can maintain its position without rotating until the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the folding operation reaches the second critical angle.

[0261] Referring to FIG. 27, the second rotator (2420) may include a first stopper portion (2425). The first stopper portion (2425) may be formed on a surface where the wing portions (2421) face each other. For example, the first stopper portion (2425) may be formed by at least partially recessing the surface. The first stopper portion (2425) may be a portion that comes into contact with a third rotator (e.g., the third rotator (2430) of FIG. 26) during an unfolding operation, and may be a portion that comes into contact with the third rotator (2430) based on a rotational angle of the third rotator (2430) reaching a third critical angle. Referring to FIG. 29, the third rotator (2430) may include a second stopper portion (2433). The second stopper portion (2433) can come into contact with the first stopper portion (2425) of the second rotator (2420) when the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the third critical angle according to the unfolding operation. The second rotator (2420) can rotate together with the third rotator (2430) based on the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaching the third critical angle according to the unfolding operation. The second rotator (2420) can maintain its position without rotating until the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) according to the unfolding operation reaches the third critical angle.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 27, the second rotator (2420) may include a third stopper portion (2426). The third stopper portion (2426) may be formed on a surface of the wing portions (2421) opposite to the surface on which the first stopper portion (2425) is formed. For example, the third stopper portion (2426) may be formed by partially protruding the surface. The third stopper portion (2426) of the second rotator (2420) may be a portion that comes into contact with the first rotator (2410) during an unfolding operation, and may be a portion that comes into contact with the first rotator (2410) when the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the unfolding operation reaches a fourth critical angle. Referring to FIG. 28, the first rotator (2410) may include a fourth stopper portion (2412). The fourth stopper portion (2412) may contact a third stopper portion (e.g., the third stopper portion (2426) of FIG. 27) of the second rotator (2420) when the rotation angle of the second rotator (e.g., the second rotator (2420) of FIG. 27) reaches a fourth threshold angle during an unfolding operation. The first rotator (2410) may maintain a position without rotating until the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the unfolding operation reaches the fourth threshold angle.

[0263] Below, the behavior of the first rotator (2410), the second rotator (2420), and the third rotator (2430) according to the folding operation is described.

[0264] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line CC' of FIG. 24 in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 30, in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A), a first protruding portion (2423) of a second rotator (2420) may be positioned within a first groove portion (2432) of a third rotator (2430). As described above, since a first radius of curvature (2610) of the first groove portion (2432) is larger than a second radius of curvature (2710) of the first protruding portion (2423), a gap (3010) may be formed between an end of the first groove portion (2432) and the first protruding portion (2423).

[0266] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, an external force may be applied to the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part of FIG. 2A). The external force may initiate rotation of the third rotator (2430) coupled to the second housing part. For example, the third rotator (2430) may rotate counterclockwise. When the third rotator (2430) begins to rotate counterclockwise, the second rotator (2420) and the first rotator (2410) may not rotate but maintain their positions. The second rotator (2420) may maintain its position, and as the third rotator (2430) rotates counterclockwise, the relative positional relationship between the second rotator (2420) and the third rotator (2430) may change. When the third rotator (2430) rotates counterclockwise, the end of the first groove portion (2432) may come closer to the first protruding portion (2423) of the second rotator (2420). As the third rotator (2430) rotates counterclockwise, the gap (3010) between the end of the first groove portion (2432) and the first protruding portion (2423) may be reduced. As the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) according to the folding operation increases, the gap (3010) may be reduced.

[0267] According to one embodiment, before the rotational angle of the third rotator (2430) according to the folding operation reaches the first critical angle, the first protruding portion (2423) of the second rotator (2420) may not contact the end of the first groove portion (2432) of the third rotator (2430) but may be spaced apart from the end of the first groove portion (2432). Based on the rotational angle of the third rotator (2430) reaching the first critical angle, the first protruding portion (2423) of the second rotator (2420) may contact the end of the first groove portion (2432) of the third rotator (2430).

[0268] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line CC' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the third rotator according to the folding operation is a critical angle.

[0269] Referring to FIG. 31, when the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) according to the folding operation reaches the first critical angle, the first protruding portion (2423) of the second rotator (2420) can come into contact with the end of the first groove portion (2432) of the third rotator (2430). As the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) increases due to the folding operation, the first protruding portion (2423) of the second rotator (2420) approaches the end of the first groove portion (2432) of the third rotator (2430), and when the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the first critical angle, the first protruding portion (2423) of the second rotator (2420) may come into contact with the end of the first groove portion (2432) of the third rotator (2430). When the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) due to the folding operation reaches the first critical angle, physical interference between the third rotator (2430) and the second rotator (2420) may begin. As the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) increases, the end of the first groove portion (2432) pushes up the first protruding portion (2423), thereby causing rotation of the second rotator (2420).

[0270] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line DD' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the third rotator according to the folding operation is a critical angle.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 32, even if the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the first critical angle, interference between the first rotator (2410) and the second rotator (2420) may not begin. The second protruding portion (2411) of the first rotator (2410) may be positioned within the second groove portion (2424) of the second rotator (2420). As described above, since the third radius of curvature (2620) of the second groove portion (2424) is larger than the fourth radius of curvature (2810) of the second protruding portion (2411), a gap may be formed between the end of the second groove portion (2424) and the second protruding portion (2411).

[0272] According to one embodiment, during a folding operation, when the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) is a first threshold angle, the rotation of the second rotator (2420) may begin. For example, the second rotator (2420) may rotate counterclockwise together with the third rotator (2430). When the second rotator (2420) begins to rotate counterclockwise, the first rotator (2410) may not rotate but may maintain its position. As the first rotator (2410) maintains its position and the second rotator (2420) rotates counterclockwise, the relative positional relationship between the first rotator (2410) and the second rotator (2420) may change. When the second rotator (2420) rotates counterclockwise together with the first rotator (2410), the end of the second groove portion (2424) may come closer to the second protruding portion (2411) of the first rotator (2410). As the second rotator (2420) rotates counterclockwise, the gap between the end of the second groove portion (2424) and the first protruding portion (2423) may be reduced. As the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the folding operation increases, the gap may be reduced.

[0273] According to one embodiment, before the rotational angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the folding operation reaches the second critical angle, the second protruding portion (2411) of the first rotator (2410) may not contact the end of the second groove portion (2424) of the second rotator (2420) but may be spaced apart from the end of the second groove portion (2424). Based on the rotational angle of the second rotator (2420) reaching the second critical angle, the second protruding portion (2411) of the first rotator (2410) may contact the end of the second groove portion (2424) of the second rotator (2420).

[0274] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line DD' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the second rotator according to the folding operation is a critical angle.

[0275] Referring to FIG. 33, when the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the folding operation reaches the second critical angle, the second protruding portion (2411) of the first rotator (2410) can come into contact with the end of the second groove portion (2424) of the second rotator (2420). As the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) increases due to the folding operation, the second protruding portion (2411) of the first rotator (2410) approaches the end of the second groove portion (2424) of the second rotator (2420), and when the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the second critical angle, the second protruding portion (2411) of the first rotator (2410) may come into contact with the end of the second groove portion (2424) of the second rotator (2420). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) due to the folding operation reaches the second critical angle, physical interference between the second rotator (2420) and the first rotator (2410) may begin. As the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) increases, the end of the second groove portion (2424) pushes up the second protruding portion (2411), thereby causing rotation of the first rotator (2410).

[0276] As described above, depending on the folding operation, the rotation angle of the first rotator (2410), the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420), and the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) may be different. Since the first rotator (2410), which is rotatably connected to the bracket (e.g., the bracket (310) of FIG. 3), begins to rotate after the rotation of the second rotator (2420) and the rotation of the third rotator (2430), the rotation angle of the first rotator (2410) may be relatively small. When the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the length of the first rotator (2410) that is caught on the bracket may be relatively long because the rotation angle of the first rotator (2410) is relatively small. In one embodiment, the durability of the hinge assembly can be improved, and the rotators can be stably coupled to the brackets within the folded state.

[0277] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line EE' of FIG. 24 in a folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 34, in a folded state of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A), a first stopper portion (2425) of a second rotator (2420) may be spaced apart from a second stopper portion (2433) of a third rotator (2430). In a folded state of the foldable electronic device, a gap may be formed between the first stopper portion (2425) of the second rotator (2420) and the second stopper portion (2433) of the third rotator (2430).

[0279] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, an external force may be applied to the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part of FIG. 2A). The external force may initiate rotation of the third rotator (2430) coupled to the second housing part. For example, the third rotator (2430) may rotate clockwise. When the third rotator (2430) begins to rotate clockwise, the second rotator (2420) and the first rotator (2410) may not rotate and may maintain their positions. The second rotator (2420) may maintain its position, and as the third rotator (2430) rotates clockwise, the relative positional relationship between the second rotator (2420) and the third rotator (2430) may change. When the third rotator (2430) rotates clockwise, the second stopper portion (2433) may come closer to the first stopper portion (2425). As the third rotator (2430) rotates clockwise, the gap between the second stopper portion (2433) and the first stopper portion (2425) may decrease. As the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) according to the unfolding operation increases, the gap may decrease.

[0280] According to one embodiment, before the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) according to the unfolding operation reaches the third critical angle, the first stopper portion (2425) of the second rotator (2420) may not contact the first stopper portion (2425) of the third rotator (2430) and may be spaced apart from the first stopper portion (2425). Based on the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaching the third critical angle, the first stopper portion (2425) of the second rotator (2420) may contact the second stopper portion (2433) of the third rotator (2430).

[0281] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line EE' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the third rotator according to the unfolding operation is a critical angle.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 35, when the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) according to the unfolding operation reaches the third critical angle, the first stopper portion (2425) of the second rotator (2420) can come into contact with the second stopper portion (2433) of the third rotator (2430). As the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) increases due to the unfolding operation, the first stopper portion (2425) of the second rotator (2420) approaches the second stopper portion (2433) of the third rotator (2430), and when the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) reaches the third critical angle, the first stopper portion (2425) of the second rotator (2420) may come into contact with the second stopper portion (2433) of the third rotator (2430). When the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) due to the unfolding operation reaches the third critical angle, physical interference between the third rotator (2430) and the second rotator (2420) may begin. As the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) increases, the second stopper part (2433) pushes down the first stopper part (2425), thereby causing rotation of the second rotator (2420).

[0283] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line DD' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the third rotator according to the unfolding operation is a critical angle.

[0284] Referring to FIG. 36, even if the rotation angle of the third rotator (e.g., the third rotator (2430) of FIG. 26) reaches the third critical angle, interference between the first rotator (2410) and the second rotator (2420) may not begin. The fourth stopper portion (2412) of the first rotator (2410) may be spaced apart from the third stopper portion (2426) of the second rotator (2420). A gap may be formed between the third stopper portion (2426) and the fourth stopper portion (2412).

[0285] In one embodiment, during an unfolding operation, when the rotation angle of the third rotator (2430) is a third threshold angle, the rotation of the second rotator (2420) may begin. For example, the second rotator (2420) may rotate clockwise together with the third rotator (2430). When the second rotator (2420) begins to rotate clockwise, the first rotator (2410) may not rotate but may maintain its position. As the first rotator (2410) maintains its position and the second rotator (2420) rotates clockwise, the relative positional relationship between the first rotator (2410) and the second rotator (2420) may change. When the second rotator (2420) rotates clockwise together with the first rotator (2410), the third stopper portion (2426) may come closer to the fourth stopper portion (2412). As the second rotator (2420) rotates clockwise, the gap between the third stopper portion (2426) and the fourth stopper portion (2412) may decrease. As the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the unfolding operation increases, the gap may decrease.

[0286] According to one embodiment, before the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the unfolding operation reaches the fourth critical angle, the fourth stopper portion (2412) of the first rotator (2410) may not contact the third stopper portion (2426) of the second rotator (2420) and may be spaced apart from the third stopper portion (2426). Based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaching the fourth critical angle, the fourth stopper portion (2412) of the first rotator (2410) may contact the third stopper portion (2426) of the second rotator (2420).

[0287] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line DD' of FIG. 24 when the rotation angle of the second rotator according to the unfolding operation is a critical angle.

[0288] Referring to FIG. 37, when the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) according to the unfolding operation reaches the fourth critical angle, the fourth stopper portion (2412) of the first rotator (2410) can come into contact with the third stopper portion (2426) of the second rotator (2420). As the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) increases due to the unfolding operation, the fourth stopper portion (2412) of the first rotator (2410) approaches the third stopper portion (2426) of the second rotator (2420), and when the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) reaches the second critical angle, the fourth stopper portion (2412) of the first rotator (2410) may come into contact with the third stopper portion (2426) of the second rotator (2420). When the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) due to the unfolding operation reaches the fourth critical angle, physical interference between the second rotator (2420) and the first rotator (2410) may begin. As the rotation angle of the second rotator (2420) increases, the third stopper part (2426) pushes down the fourth stopper part (2412), thereby causing the rotation of the first rotator (2410).

[0289] According to various embodiments, the hinge assembly of the foldable electronic device includes multiple (e.g., double or dual) rotators instead of a single-piece rotator. Since the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) is smaller than the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) during the folding operation, the length of the second rail portion (324) of the first rotator (320) inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) may relatively increase in the folded state. As the length increases, the first rotator (320) may be stably coupled to the bracket (310) in the folded state, thereby improving the rigidity of the foldable electronic device (200). In other words, as the folding operation progresses, the second rotator (330) begins to rotate earlier than the first rotator (320). Accordingly, the rotation angle of the first rotator (320) coupled to the bracket (310) is reduced, which helps to maintain a sufficient contact area between the first rotator (310) and the bracket (310) necessary for the first rotator (320) and the bracket (310) to be stably coupled.

[0290] The technical problems and / or technical advantages to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0291] A foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) is provided. The foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) includes a foldable housing (201) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220). The foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) includes a hinge assembly (250) configured to provide an unfolding movement and a folding movement by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The hinge assembly (250) includes a bracket (310), a first rotator (320) rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) and separated from the second housing part (220), and a second rotator (330) coupled to the first rotator (320), coupled to the second housing part (220), and rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320). The second rotator (330) is configured to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) in accordance with the folding operation. The first rotator (320) is configured to initiate rotation with respect to the bracket (310) in conjunction with the second rotator (330) based on a rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching a critical angle in accordance with the folding operation.

[0292] According to various embodiments, the bracket (310) may include a first rail portion (311) for guiding the rotation of the first rotator (320). The first rotator (320) may include a second rail portion (324) that is inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) and configured to slide along the first rail portion (311).

[0293] According to various embodiments, the second rotator (330) may include a first groove portion (331) in which the first rotator (320) is disposed, a second groove portion (332) formed by sinking a portion of the first groove portion (331), and / or a through hole (333) disposed within the second groove portion (332). The first rotator (320) may include a body portion (321) disposed within the first groove portion (331), and / or a protruding portion (322) protruding from the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) and disposed within the second groove portion (332). The hinge assembly (250) may include a stopper (510) that is inserted into the through hole (333) and protrudes onto the second groove portion (332) of the second rotator (330). The first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) may be shorter than the second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332).

[0294] According to various embodiments, the stopper (510) protruding on the second groove portion (332) may be spaced apart from the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000). The stopper (510) may come into contact with the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) based on the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the critical angle according to the folding operation.

[0295] According to various embodiments, the difference between the second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332) and the first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) may correspond to the critical angle.

[0296] According to various embodiments, the stopper (510) may include a neck portion (511) inserted into the through hole (333), protruding on the second groove portion (332), having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the through hole (333), and a flange portion (512) that contacts the outer surface of the second rotator (330) to support the neck portion (511) inserted into the through hole (333), and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the neck portion (511).

[0297] According to various embodiments, the second rotator (330) may be configured to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) in accordance with the unfolding operation. The first rotator (320) may be configured to initiate rotation with respect to the bracket (310) together with the second rotator (330) based on a rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching a different critical angle in accordance with the unfolding operation. According to various embodiments, the second rotator (330) may include a stopper portion (334) that is spaced apart from the first rotator (320) in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) and contacts the first rotator (320) based on the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the other critical angle according to the unfolding operation.

[0298] According to various embodiments, the first rotator (320) may include a body portion (321), a wing portion (323) connected to an end of the body portion (321) and positioned outside the first groove portion (331), and a rail portion (e.g., a third rail portion (325)) protruding from one side of the wing portion (323) toward the body portion (321) and having a third radius of curvature (1501) shorter than a fourth radius of curvature (1502) of the wing portion (323), and / or a seating portion (326) formed by a difference between the third radius of curvature (1501) of the third rail portion (325) and the fourth radius of curvature (1502) of the wing portion (323), and on which the stopper portion (334) is positioned. The second rotator (330) may include another rail portion (e.g., a fourth rail portion (335)) defined by a first groove portion (331) in which the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) is disposed, and / or an end of the first groove portion (331) facing the wing portion (323) of the first rotator (320), and disposed on the front surface of the third rail portion (325). The first thickness (1503) of the stopper portion (334) may be thinner than the second thickness (1504) of the seating portion (326).

[0299] According to various embodiments, the difference between the second thickness (1504) of the mounting portion (326) and the first thickness (1503) of the stopper portion (334) may correspond to the different critical angles.

[0300] According to various embodiments, the other critical angle may correspond to the critical angle.

[0301] According to various embodiments, the first rotator (320) may be configured to maintain a position before the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaches the threshold angle.

[0302] According to various embodiments, the hinge assembly (250) may include a third rotator (340) rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) and spaced apart from the first housing part (210), and a fourth rotator (350) coupled to the third rotator (340), coupled to the first housing part (210), and rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the third rotator (340). The fourth rotator (350) may be configured to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) in accordance with the folding operation. The third rotator (340) may be configured to start rotation about the bracket (310) together with the fourth rotator (350) based on the rotation angle of the fourth rotator (350) reaching the critical angle according to the folding operation.

[0303] According to various embodiments, the hinge assembly (250) may further include a coupling bracket (361) coupled to the second housing part (220) and the second rotator (330). The second rotator (330) may be configured to rotate together with the second housing part (220) via the coupling bracket (310).

[0304] A foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) is provided. The foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a foldable housing (201) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220). The above foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a hinge assembly (250) configured to provide an unfolding movement that changes a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) into an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), and a folding movement that changes an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) into a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000). The hinge assembly (250) may include a bracket (310), a first rotator (320) rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) and separated from the second housing part (220), a second rotator (330) coupled to the first rotator (320), coupled to the second housing part (220), and rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the first rotator (320), and a coupling bracket (310) coupled to the second housing part (220) and the second rotator (330), and separated from the first rotator (320). The second rotator (330) may be configured to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) according to the folding operation. The first rotator (320) may be configured to initiate rotation with respect to the bracket (310) in conjunction with the second rotator (330) based on a rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching a critical angle according to the folding operation.

[0305] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may further include a flexible display (230) disposed on the foldable housing (201). The flexible display (230) may include a first part (231) supported by the first housing part (210), a second part (232) supported by the second housing part (220), and a third part (233) disposed between the first part (231) of the flexible display (230) and the second part (232) of the flexible display (230), and configured to be bent based on rotation of the first housing part (210) or the second housing part (220).

[0306] According to various embodiments, the bracket (310) may include a first rail portion (311) for guiding the rotation of the first rotator (320). The first rotator (320) may include a second rail portion (324) that is inserted into the first rail portion (311) of the bracket (310) and configured to slide along the first rail portion (311).

[0307] According to various embodiments, the second rotator (330) may include a first groove portion (331) in which the first rotator (320) is disposed, a second groove portion (332) formed by recessing a portion of the first groove portion (331), and a through hole (333) disposed within the second groove portion (332). The first rotator (320) may include a body portion (321) disposed within the first groove portion (331), and a protruding portion (322) protruding from the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) and disposed within the second groove portion (332). The hinge assembly (250) may include a stopper (510) that is inserted into the through hole (333) and protrudes onto the second groove portion (332) of the second rotator (330). The first radius of curvature (501) of the protruding portion (322) may be shorter than the second radius of curvature (502) of the second groove portion (332).

[0308] According to various embodiments, the stopper (510) protruding on the second groove portion (332) may be spaced apart from the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000). The stopper (510) may be configured to come into contact with the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) based on the rotational angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the critical angle according to the folding operation.

[0309] The electronic device (101, 2000) may include a foldable housing (e.g., housing structure (2001) of FIG. 20A) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (2010) of FIG. 20A), a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (2020) of FIG. 20A), a third housing part (e.g., third housing part (2030) of FIG. 20A), a first hinge housing part disposed between the first housing part and the second housing part and having a first width, and a second hinge housing part disposed between the second housing part and the third housing part and having a second width different from the first width. The electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a first hinge assembly (e.g., the first hinge structure (2050) of FIG. 20A) that is at least partially accommodated in the first hinge housing part and rotatably connected to the first housing part and the second housing part. The electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a second hinge assembly (e.g., the second hinge structure (2060) of FIG. 20A) that is at least partially accommodated in the second hinge housing part and rotatably connected to the second housing part and the third housing part. The electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (2040) of FIG. 20a) including a first display area (e.g., the first unbendable part (2041) of FIG. 20a), a second display area (e.g., the second unbendable part (2042) of FIG. 20a), and a third display area (e.g., the third unbendable part (2043) of FIG. 20a) accommodated in the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, respectively.The first hinge assembly includes a first bracket (e.g., bracket (310) of FIG. 4), a first rotational member (e.g., first rotator (320) of FIG. 5) rotatably coupled to the first bracket, and a second rotational member (e.g., second rotator (330) of FIG. 5) rotatably coupled to the first bracket via the first rotational member and coupled to the first housing part, wherein the first rotational member may be configured to be limited from rotating while the second rotational member rotates in a first rotational range (e.g., about 0 degrees to about 20 degrees), and to rotate together with the second rotational member while the second rotational member rotates in a second rotational range exceeding the first rotational range. The second hinge assembly includes a second bracket, and a third rotation member rotatably coupled to the second bracket and coupled to the second housing part, wherein the third rotation member can be set to be rotatable when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded.

[0310] According to various embodiments, the first hinge assembly may further include a fourth rotational member (e.g., the fourth rotator (350) of FIG. 4) rotatably coupled to the first bracket, and a fifth rotational member (e.g., the third rotator (340) of FIG. 4) rotatably coupled to the first bracket via the fourth rotational member and coupled to the second housing part, whereby the fifth rotational member is coupled to the second rotational member via a gear structure (e.g., the first gear (g1), the second gear (g2), the third gear (g3), and the fourth gear (g4) of FIG. 3), such that the fourth rotational member is set to be limited from rotating while the second rotational member rotates within the first rotational range, and to rotate together with the fifth rotational member while the second rotational member rotates within the second rotational range.

[0311] According to various embodiments, the first rotating member may include a first surface (e.g., the rear surface of the body portion (321) of FIG. 5) having a convex shape in a direction toward the second rotating member, and the second rotating member may include a second surface (e.g., the first groove portion (331) of FIG. 5) having a concave shape corresponding to the convex shape and facing at least a portion of the first surface. The first rotating member may include a catch area (e.g., the protruding portion (322) of FIG. 5) protruding from the first surface toward the second surface.

[0312] According to various embodiments, the first hinge assembly may further include a catch member (e.g., a stopper (510) of FIG. 5) protruding from the second surface of the second rotation member by being coupled to pass through a hole formed in the second rotation member (e.g., a through hole (333) of FIG. 5).

[0313] According to various embodiments, the engaging region may be set to be spaced apart from the engaging member while the second rotating member is rotated in the first rotation range from the unfolded state of the first and second housing parts, and to be engaged with the engaging member while the second rotating member is rotated in the second rotation range, thereby causing the first and second rotating members to rotate together.

[0314] According to various embodiments, the second surface of the second rotating member includes a groove area (e.g., the second groove portion (332) of FIG. 5), and the hole is formed in the groove area so that the engaging member protrudes from the groove area, and at least a portion of the engaging area of ​​the first rotating member can be accommodated within the groove area.

[0315] According to various embodiments, the first rotation member may include a first contact portion (e.g., a seating portion (326) of FIG. 15) extending from a longitudinal distal end of the first rotation member and formed to be bent inwardly of the first rotation member and cover a portion of the second rotation member, and the second rotation member may include a second contact portion (e.g., a stopper portion (334) of FIG. 15) formed to face the first contact portion and face a direction opposite to the second face. The first contact portion may be set to be spaced apart from the second contact portion while the second rotation member is rotated in a third rotation range from the folded state of the first and second housing parts, and to contact the second contact portion while the second rotation member is rotated in a fourth rotation range exceeding the third rotation range, thereby causing the first and second rotation members to rotate together.

[0316] According to various embodiments, the first bracket and the first rotation member may be coupled through a first rotation rail structure (e.g., the first rail portion (311) and the second rail portion (324) of FIG. 4), and the first rotation member and the second rotation member may be coupled through a second rotation rail structure (e.g., the third rail portion (325) and the fourth rail portion (335) of FIG. 5) having substantially the same rotation radius as the first rotation rail structure.

[0317] According to various embodiments, the first hinge assembly may further include a cam structure (e.g., cam structure (376) of FIG. 3) including a first cam nose (e.g., one of the cam stops of FIG. 3) and a second cam nose (e.g., another of the cam stops of FIG. 3) protruding in an opposite direction from each other.

[0318] According to various embodiments, the second rotation range may include a section in which the first cam nose and the second cam nose are positioned to face each other.

[0319] According to various embodiments, the width of the third rotating member may be set to be substantially the same as the width of the first and second rotating members when combined.

[0320] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0321] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0322] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0323] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0324] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120)) of a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0325] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory (130) of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0326] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device (200), A foldable housing (201) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220); and A hinge assembly (250) configured to provide an unfolding movement and a folding movement by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), the hinge assembly (250), Bracket (310), A first rotator (320) rotatably coupled to the above bracket (310) and separated from the second housing part (220), and A second rotator (330) coupled to the first rotator (320), coupled to the second housing part (220), and rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) through the first rotator (320), The above second rotator (330) is It is configured to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) according to the above folding motion, The above first rotator (320) is Based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching a critical angle according to the above folding operation, the bracket (310) is configured to start rotation together with the second rotator (330). Foldable electronic device (200).

2. In paragraph 1, The above second rotator (330) is The first groove portion (331) where the first rotator (320) is placed, A second groove portion (332) formed by sinking a portion of the first groove portion (331), and It includes a through hole (333) arranged within the second groove portion (332), The above first rotator (320) is A body part (321) placed within the first groove part (331), and It includes a protruding portion (322) protruding from the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) and positioned within the second groove portion (332), The above hinge assembly (250) is A stopper (510) is inserted into the through hole (333) and protrudes on the second groove portion (332) of the second rotator (330), The first radius of curvature of the above protruding portion (322) is Shorter than the second radius of curvature of the second groove portion (332), Foldable electronic device (200).

3. In paragraph 2, The stopper (510) protruding on the second groove portion (332) is In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), spaced apart from the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320), Based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching the critical angle according to the folding operation, the protruding portion (322) of the first rotator (320) comes into contact with the Foldable electronic device (200).

4. In paragraph 2, The difference between the second radius of curvature of the second groove portion (332) and the first radius of curvature of the protruding portion (322) is Corresponding to the above critical angle, Foldable electronic device (200).

5. In paragraph 2, The above stopper (510) is A neck portion (511) inserted into the through hole (333), protruding on the second groove portion (332), and having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the through hole (333), and In order to support the neck portion (511) inserted into the through hole (333), a flange portion (512) that contacts the outer surface of the second rotator (330) and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the neck portion (511) is included. Foldable electronic device (200).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The second rotator (330) is configured to rotate with respect to the bracket (310) according to the unfolding operation, The above first rotator (320) is Based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) reaching a different critical angle according to the unfolding operation, the bracket (310) is configured to start rotation together with the second rotator (330). Foldable electronic device (200).

7. In paragraph 6, The above second rotator (330) is In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), a stopper portion (334) that is spaced apart from the first rotator (320) and contacts the first rotator (320) based on the rotation angle of the second rotator (330) that reaches the other critical angle according to the unfolding operation, Foldable electronic device (200).

8. In paragraph 7, The above first rotator (320) is Body part (321), A wing portion (323) connected to the end of the body portion (321) and positioned on the outside of the first groove portion (331) of the second rotator (330), and A rail portion (324) protruding from one side of the wing portion (323) toward the body portion (321) and having a third radius of curvature shorter than the fourth radius of curvature of the wing portion (323), and It includes a seating portion (326) formed by the difference between the third radius of curvature of the rail portion (324) and the fourth radius of curvature of the wing portion (323), and where the stopper portion (334) is positioned. The above second rotator (330) is The first groove portion (331) in which the body portion (321) of the first rotator (320) is placed, and It is defined by the end of the first groove portion (331) facing the wing portion (323) of the first rotator (320), and includes another rail portion (335) arranged on the front surface of the rail portion (324), The first thickness of the above stopper portion (334) is Thinner than the second thickness of the above-mentioned settling portion (326), Foldable electronic device (200).

9. In paragraph 8, The difference between the second thickness of the above-mentioned settling portion (326) and the first thickness of the above-mentioned stopper portion (334) is Corresponding to the other critical angles above, Foldable electronic device (200).

10. In paragraph 6, The other critical angles are, Corresponding to the above critical angle, Foldable electronic device (200).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above first rotator (320) is The second rotator (330) is configured to maintain its position before the rotation angle according to the folding operation reaches the critical angle. Foldable electronic device (200).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above hinge assembly (250) is It includes a coupling bracket (361) coupled to the second housing part (220) and the second rotator (330), The above second rotator (330) is It is configured to rotate together with the second housing part (220) through the above coupling bracket (361). Foldable electronic device (200).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above bracket (310) is It includes a rail part (311) for guiding the rotation of the first rotator (320), A part of the above first rotator (320) is Inserted into the rail portion (311) of the above bracket (310), Foldable electronic device (200).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above hinge assembly (250) is A third rotator (#40) rotatably coupled to the above bracket (310) and separated from the first housing part (210), and A fourth rotator (350) coupled to the third rotator (340), coupled to the first housing part (210), and rotatably coupled to the bracket (310) via the third rotator (340), Foldable electronic device (200).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, Further comprising a flexible display (230) including a first part (231), a second part (232), and a third part (233) positioned between the first part (231) and the second part (232), The third part (233) of the above flexible display (230) is Within the folded state of the above foldable electronic device (200), it is bent, and within the unfolded state of the above foldable electronic device (200), it is flat. The first direction of the first part (231) of the flexible display (230) is When the above foldable electronic device (200) is in the unfolded state, it corresponds to the second direction of the second part (232) of the flexible display (230), The above first direction is, When the above foldable electronic device (200) is in the folded state, opposite to the second direction, Foldable electronic device (200).

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